113. Gambit (II)

Some of the trees around the cave could be chopped down. Others were too huge. It would take several days to cut down just a single ancient tree. And even if they managed it somehow, it would just alarm the sleeping scorpion dragon when the giant tree trunk came crashing down.

For Zachary’s plan, speed was critical. His only choice was to leave the large trees standing but they could still denude the branches and foliage. Hopefully, this was enough to draw in the giant seagulls.

This task was given to Heather’s green mantis Toby, Jean-Pierre’s red mantis which had no name, and Shuhua’s monkey Peony equipped with mantis claws. These powerful adept rank summons went straight to work, chopping and slicing furiously.

Below these hardworking lumberjacks, a small army of treants that included Zachary’s Elmont, Heather’s Roger, and Shuhua’s Magnolia cleared out the branches chopped down by those above while also pulling away the underbrush, leaving bare earth behind. Their auras naturally blended into the surrounding forest and wouldn’t awaken the scorpion dragon underground.

While all of this was going on, Zachary continued to command Doro to retrieve stones of earth quintessence. That was what they were here for to begin with. As long as the scorpion dragon remained at the adept rank, he could still earn a profit.

Lastly, Carlos, who had the least number of useful summons, was given the task of getting food, fetching water, and sentry duty.

Like this, the group worked frantically through the day. From dawn until dusk, there was no respite. They only stopped when it became too dark to see anything and too dangerous.

After a quick dinner, Zachary divided the spoils from Doro. Conveniently, Jean-Pierre refused to take a share, for whatever reason, leaving the distribution the same as before. Taking two-fifths of the total, Zachary now had four chunks of quintessence with one being a leftover from yesterday.

“Hey,” Zachary called to Jean-Pierre who was staring into the darkness toward the distant cave.

His shadowless cloud owl was still standing guard over there, keeping a close eye on the sleeping scorpion dragon.

“Hey,” Jean-Pierre replied.

“How does it look?”

“Not bad, your plan is coming along, just a little slowly.”

Zachary frowned, “What about the scorpion dragon? Is it close to a breakthrough?”

Jean-Pierre shook his head, “It was already close. It just got closer today. But I estimate that we still have another day. Do you think we’ll be able to finish preparations tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? I don’t know. We cleared out a small area around the cave today but I don't think it's enough.”

“We should give it a try anyway, at the end of the day tomorrow. See if we can draw them in.” Jean-Pierre looked at him earnestly, “We cannot wait for the scorpion to break through. It will be too late and everything will be for naught. I am not saving your ass this time around.”

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Zachary scoffed but he seriously considered Jean-Pierre’s words, “Alright, let me know. If there is no other choice, we’ll give it the plan a try tomorrow.”

With that, he left Jean-Pierre and headed to his camping spot. Along the way, he passed by Carlos and Shuhua who were discussing something quietly. They nodded to him but quickly turned away to continue their conversation. When he passed by Heather, she got up and came to him.

“Come here,” She said, tugging at his arm.

He acquiesced and they strolled a short distance away to a secluded corner.

“What’s up?” He asked.

She didn’t immediately reply but studied him. She finally smiled and patted his arm comfortingly.

“Zach…” She began, “Do you have to go back?”

“What?”

“To the Old World.” She clarified, “I think out of all of us, you have the best chance. If this plan works, then I believe you’ll be able to make it.”

“Maybe, nothing is certain.” He replied.

She paused again, letting the cool night breeze sweep between them, “What if you just stayed here, in the New World? You could create a new life for yourself. And you won’t have to rush and take unnecessary risks. Roan Oak Village will gladly welcome you.”

Zachary wasn’t sure what she was saying. But he had an inkling. He didn’t want to flat-out refuse her. It was certainly one possibility and the likely one if he wasn’t able to win a pardon. He was glad to know that she would accept him.

“Heather…” He said with a smile, “When we met on the prison ship, I didn’t think we would end up like this. Remember when you called me a dangerous person with a pretty face? What happened to that?”

Heather looked up at him with a grin, “You’re still a dangerous person with a pretty face. You’re just on my side. I would hate to be one of your enemies.”

Zachary snorted and shook his head, “Heather, you already know why I have to go back.”

“I know. But you don’t have to.” She insisted, “This is the New World, where anything is possible, where you can leave the past behind. We don’t even have to stay in this jungle. We can head north, south, or even east toward the mountains.”

He understood what she was offering. He didn’t realize when they had gotten so close or when she had started thinking like that about him. Was it after he saved her life? Was it after she saw him in action and how he captured Voodoo? Or was it the many quiet conversations they’ve had during this long mission?

They had only known each other for a few short weeks. But it felt like he had known her for far longer than that. She was reliable and earnest. She dealt with matters fairly. She was clever and could keep up with his strange ideas.

Zachary, with a sudden burst of confidence, wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a soft hug. He heard her sigh and then felt her lean into him. Both of them seemed intent on casting their weariness away as they held each other, finding solace in this close contact between two souls, even if it was only for that moment.

If he had never met Yaoyao, he would have taken her up on her offer. If there had never been a person named Minah in his life, maybe he could have fallen for someone like Heather Glenn-Bower. But those things had happened. He couldn’t change his past or his heart. So, he had to go back… by all means possible.

“I’m sorry,” He muttered when they finally separated.

Heather’s expression flashed with disappointment before it was replaced with embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed and she avoided his gaze.

“Jerk.” She said, “Whatever, you’re too young for me anyway.”

He laughed softly, “Hey, that’s not fair. You’re the one that…”

She gave him a playful shove, “Don’t you dare.”

“Haha, alright, alright. I should get going. I think Doro can break through tonight with these quintessences.”

She nodded, “I’m looking forward to it. Remember not to make too much noise.”

“Got it.”

The two of them separated. Heather returned to her gang. Zachary settled in at his chosen spot for a long night of soul cultivation.