MAX (THE CHOSEN ONE)

Chapter 4

Okay, but we want to be with you there.When you speak with Kyle, we want to be present in the room.Jane added, "We want to help him understand and be able to say goodbye."

Jareth paused.He wasn't sure how much the boy would want to know for him to come.If she had truly grown up with the stories, he was aware that this woman knew some things.It was one thing to hear the stories, but it was quite another to actually hear them confirmed.

"First, let me meet the boy.We will not leave until he meets with you both, I promise you.

If he doesn't listen, what happens?What if he refuses to go?What if he flees?Danin asked in a slightly enraged tone.

Jareth demanded, his eyes narrowing, "He will come with me tonight in some way or another."

"What's the point of that?"Danin jumped out of his chair to ask.Although you may believe you own the boy, we have always been his closest parents.He won't be hurt by you.

Jareth made an effort to regain his composure.

That boy would never hurt me.He is essential.I will treat him as if his life were more significant than my own.

Danin moved around the small space before settling in front of the fireplace.

“Some of the story, as you call it, Jane has told me, and it doesn't sound like you can guarantee his safety,” you said.What kind of life is planned for him?He can have a future here because he has stability.You are offering a dangerous life, probably of short duration.Let him stay here for a few more years so he can make his own decision when he reaches maturity, why don't you talk to him?He will at least be secure for a few more years here.

Jareth realized that he would need to elaborate on the big picture and what was to come.

"I'm afraid that the boy is no longer safe at this point, regardless of where he is," I said.The ancient way of life is spreading, and it will soon begin to reach this location.It's coming, even if you don't know what that means or looks like.When they find out who the boy is, he will die if he stays here without being protected.Jareth said in what he hoped was a final tone, "This boy needs to be among those who can hide him, train him, and help him become who he was meant to be."I will no longer argue about this.The boy will pay attention to what I have to say, and he will go tonight with me.

Jareth was wary of using magic against people who didn't have any defenses.He was fine with people who didn't have special abilities, but he had a job to do, and he would do it with any means necessary.Jareth adjusted his hat while sitting straight in his chair.He noticed something in the room's corner.It was a glimmer.

He gave the shadow a cursory glance, pondering whether it was merely an illusion created by the light or something more sinister.The shadow appeared to get lighter when Jareth blinked.Jareth was even more eager to get the boy and leave, whether it was just a shadow or something else.

After rubbing his face, Jareth put his head on his folded folded.He looked up over his hands at the man and woman after a moment.The man had stepped in front of his wife and stood there.

"I swear I will do everything in my power to ensure that you see the boy once more," she said.I will keep you informed on his prosperity as well as could be expected.I have already pledged my life to this boy, and I will do so once more in front of you.I realize this kid means a lot to you.I don't mean to minimize what you mean to him or to him, but what will happen will have an impact on the kingdom as a whole.I must accompany the boy.

Jane put her hand on Danin's and gave him a light squeeze while he seemed like he wanted to say something.His head sagged as Danin inhaled deeply.

Danin murmured, "You better come with me to the stable, that's where Kyle will be soon."

Jareth gave a nod and got up from his chair.Although I am aware that this is challenging and appears harsh, I fear that we will all face even more challenging times in the near future.

Danin walked out the door with a half-nod.He was followed by Jareth.

A small man with pure white hair and a dark robe stood in a dim room of the Palace of Aurumist's high tower looking out the window.He had taken his covert spies to every part of Regventus. Some had already returned with plans from the forest dwellers' whispers.At this point, they were just whispers, but whispers could quickly become much more.He hoped that soon more of his shadows would return with information.He had put in too much effort and time for things to now fail.He was close to getting what he wanted most, and no one would stop him;He would guarantee it.

Slowly, the room door opened.

“Williams, Kedan will be expecting you at dinner soon.Have you got any news for him?Teryn asked as she turned her long, pale red hair.He has waited so long that he is becoming more anxious.

Williams turned to face the young woman from the window.When it arrives, I will inform the young Lord.He should show restraint.He has no idea at all what it means to wait.

"Perhaps you can explain that to him at dinner?"Teryn asked, grinning.

I have no intention of attending dinner.Williams responded, returning his attention to the window. "If Lord Kedan wishes to speak with me, he can find me here," he said.

Teryn left without speaking further.Williams was aware that he would eventually have to endure a meeting with the young lord, but his concerns right now were much greater.

By Katniss's side, Kyle walked slowly back to the stable.As they neared Harvestide and entered the chilly winter season, the late afternoon sun was beginning to set, a sign that the days were getting shorter.Katniss tightened her cloak around her and moved closer to Kyle as a wind blew around them, making them both shiver.

"In a week, we will have an examination.Since lessons are almost over, I anticipate that we will be examined extensively over the following few weeks.Do you want to set aside some time to go over everything together?”inquired Katniss.

Since neither of them had difficulty passing exams in the past, Kyle found this rather odd.She might have known that as they got closer to the end, it would get harder.

"I could possibly in a couple of days.I should have some time because as the nights get colder, fewer people are traveling, and their horses require less normal feeding and exercise.

Katniss appeared content. Soon there will be a harvest festival.Do you anticipate attending the celebration?”

I suppose, oh.Usually, food is good.

Katniss faltered, turning red, "And the decorations are nice, and the music...and dancing can be fun."“Hmm, would I what?” Kyle asked. "Would you... would you?"questioned Kyle as they stopped.

"Well, maybe we could go to Harvestide together?"Katniss asked as she looked down at the ground.After a brief pause, she grinned sheepishly at Kyle.People our age usually go with someone, so it might be fun.

As Kyle kicked a stick to the ground, he said, "Oh."I mean, I..." "Oh, it's not a big deal at all.I simply assumed that it would be simple to do because we were friends and the majority of people were going together.Katniss said, "I didn't mean...," quickly waving her hands around.

As he grabbed one of her hands to stop her, Kyle smiled at her.If you really want to go to Harvestide, Katniss, I would love to go with you.I was just going to say, "I understand if someone else asks you or if you want to ask someone else."

"I'd really like to go with you," Katniss replied with a grin.

As they continued on toward the stables, Kyle held onto her hand insistence.They didn't say anything else, but neither of them seemed to be bothered by the silence.Kyle noticed a strange energy in the air as they got closer to the stables.Something had changed.

"Katniss, maybe you should go back home.I need to finish some chores before dinner, and I know your father probably won't be home for long.

Katniss appeared hurt.Oh, I was going to say hello to Jane and Danin.Father wanted to express his appreciation to Jane for the bread she brought over the night.

Kyle really wanted Katniss to go somewhere else for some reason.There was definitely something going on at the stables, and he wanted her to be safe.

"Perhaps come by the bungalow then and see Jane first."

"Kyle, what's the problem?"inquired Katniss.

Danin emerged from the stables before Kyle could respond.He wasn't the only one with a gloomy expression on his face.The man Kyle had seen earlier astonished Kyle.He had forgotten how tall he was.His face was hard to read because his hat was so tightly on his head that it almost covered his eyes.

Greetings, Kyle.You can talk to someone here.As his attention shifted from Kyle to Jareth, Danin said, "Katniss, you probably need to go home."