The morning light was starting to peek into the barracks. A thin line of gray appeared on the stone floor. Sorken's eyes were already open. He hadn't slept well at all. His mind was full of worries. Not about Tamara, no. He trusted her completely. His worries were about the trip ahead, the scary ruins, and being away from her.
His body felt stiff and sore when he sat up. Last night's big meal felt far away now like it never even happened. His mouth tasted bad, and his stomach felt tight with nerves.
Jorah groaned and stretched beside him, waking up too. Kesta was already sitting, still and quiet. His face was pale, and his eyes looked big and worried. Sorken knew Kesta was scared, and honestly, he was too.
"Morning," Jorah mumbled, his voice still sleepy. He looked at Sorken. "You look tired."
Sorken nodded a little. "Just thinking about today," he said quietly. He didn't want to say too much. He couldn't explain how much he just wanted to see Tamara, to have a heartfelt talk with her before they left on this godforsaken expedition.
Kesta stayed quiet, looking down at the floor. His hands were twisted together, tight. He looked small and lost. He remembered this feeling, all his life was spent like this. Now feeling this again, he didn't feel any better. If only things could go right for once.
The room was silent except for their breathing. It felt heavy, like something bad was about to happen.
Sorken got to his feet, legs a little shaky. He went to the small window and looked out. The sky was gray, and no sun shone through. It looked cold and empty outside. Just like he felt inside, but his inside was also warm with the thought of Tamara. He knew she was strong and smart. She would be okay. He just missed her already.
He really wanted to see Tamara before they left. Just to see her face, to hear her voice, and not be interrupted by people as they would be, on this expedition. Knowing she was there, made him feel a little stronger. He trusted her. She would find a way for them. He just had to survive until then.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. A guard stood there. His face was blank. "Time to go," the guard said, his voice flat and cold. "Get ready now."
Sorken's heart jumped. This was it. Fear went through him, cold and sharp. He closed his eyes for a second. He took a deep breath, thinking of Tamara's smile. He had to be brave. He had to be strong for Jorah and Kesta. And for Tamara. He would get through this. He had to.
Sorken and others were told nothing about this expedition apart from the fact that they were going. Not even the people they were going with. Although from his meeting with Soru and later practice sessions, it was apparent that it had something to do with Tamara and others who were chosen and would probably be going too. Well, sorken was hopeful at least.