127 Roc Beast Companion (2/2)

”Hmm… That complicates things.” Jack scratched his head, determined to find a fast solution. ”So, what if it was only Maynard, Rydel, and I?”

”That won't work wither. Other than Zariff, who do you think caused the most carnage during the last major battles among association members?”

Jack frowned and looked to see a proud smile on Maynard's face. ”So, you're saying that only me and Rydel have any chance of entering and exiting the Zuran Empire within our week-long timeframe?”

Zariff nodded and explained, ”Jack, you're lucky we got our hands on Tridon's roc--”

”You mean my roc!” Rydel didn't hesitate to remind everyone that he was the roc's new owner and partner.

”Right,” sighed Zariff. ”Either way, you're lucky Jack. It's almost like fate is always on your side.”

”Well, I hope it is.” Jack looked toward the heavens as he commented.

”What part of the Zuran Empire are ya heading for? Ya think the both of ya can handle it?” asked Maynard.

Jack pulled out the rough map he had received a long time ago from Jezelle. He scanned it until he nodded and pointed at a specific point on the map. ”There, that's where we'll find the life spring.”

”Hmm, that's just outside of Ponlinne so you'll have to be careful,” explained Zariff, making sure Jack realized that he may need to stay hidden near the town. ”There shouldn't be anyone much stronger than Rydel in that town, it's about the size of Baltwood. Keep a sharp eye and focus on staying out of trouble. The less attention you draw the better. Just keep the roc away from the city.”

”Thanks, Mom. Do you want a hug goodbye too?” laughed Tridon, replacing Zariff's worry with anger.

”Thanks, I'll remember that,” said Jack.

”Also, ya have to be extra careful, Jack. No one there will know Rydel, but ya are famous so the word might have spread already,” added Maynard.

Jack smiled wide. ”Don't worry about that, Zarris already helped me with that.”

”Zarris? How'd he so that?” asked Zariff, always curious to learn more about the mysterious merchant.

”Check this out.” Before Jack could finish speaking, he covered his face with his hand and his appearance suddenly changed. The young, proud demeanor he always had become a slouched, stern posture of a middle-aged man. ”What do you think?”

”How…” They were all baffled by Jack's disguise. Thanks to Jack already owning the Privacy Screen soul-piercing, Jack's middle age appearance was unquestionable. He seemed like a mysterious traveler the wasn't worth looking into.

As Jack lowered his hand, his appearance returned to normal and a mask was in his hand. ”It's an ancient item called a Joker's Mask. Back then these were cheap, so it makes sense that they're not impossible to find. With this, I should be fine so long as Bowzer stays inside my cloak.”

”Well, it seems like you'll be able to stay hidden. Be careful, alright. Even if you find the life spring and bring back some water for Slivia, what's the use if you die on the way?”

”I'll keep that in mind,” joked Jack. ”So, Rydel, are you ready?”

”Now that I've got Ayden, I'm ready.” Rydel smiled while he gently stroked the roc's feathers.

”Ayden? You've already named her?” Tridon shook his head, sad to see that the great bird would never really be his.

”Of course, hop on Jack! And open the gate!”

Rydel's shout reached them just in time. The moment Jack landed on the adolescent Roc's back, its wings flapped as it took off through the air. Tridon barely managed to open the cage in time, watching the bird vanish in seconds as it passed the steel door and flew into the clouds.

”Ya think they'll make it in time?” asked Maynard, glancing at the branch chief.

Zariff shrugged his shoulders. ”Without that roc, it would've been impossible. Now I don't know, I'm guessing it's a fifty-fifty chance.”

”You know who's stationed in Ponlinne, don't you Zariff?” Tridon's comment caught the adventurers' attention. The beastmaster smiled and continued, ”If they can weasel their way into the life spring under Commander Pire's nose, I'll laugh to death.”

”Commander Pire…”

Both Maynard and Zariff sighed as they thought about the war veteran they had once faced. It really wasn't going to be an easy trip after all.