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"Then, our deal is sealed. You and my son will descend to the world below the clouds. You will obtain this … paperwork you spoke of within the next day. If you do not return, I will use your entrance to my kingdom as a way to send my entire army to yours."
To his credit, Jackson merely nodded beside him, not betraying the fear that coursed through him at such a threat.
Which is why we're going to destroy that stalk. Even if it means I never return home if Jackson doesn't have more beans.
The king's response was nothing more than a laugh. A laugh that echoed around the dungeon, and Barrett couldn't help but flinch at its deep, resonant tone.
"Wait!" Jackson's voice cut through the laughter, and all eyes, including Barrett's, turned to his.
"You think you can offer me something?" The king's voice deepened.
Barrett's heart began to rush. Whatever Jackson was about to do had not been part of their plan. His hands began to sweat, and worry over what the human might try began to eat away at the confidence he had felt only seconds before.
"The journey down - it will be far more dangerous for just the two of us. Our weight will not balance well and we could fall. With two other bodies, our descent will be safer."
Lark and Thorne.
"I will lend you a giant. He will see to your safety."
"No!" Jackson's shriek sent Barrett's heart racing more. "No," he said again, calmer this time. "Without this binding agreement, the humans below will attack with vicious force. Force with weapons designed to take down animals nearly as large as a giant. Two prisoners will be fine. One's who live don't matter as there's a chance they won't return."
"There are only two other humans." The king snarled as he spoke loudly enough to shake the chains in the cell. "Fine, they may go, and if they die, they die."
With a swipe of his massive hand, the king unlocked their shackles, metal clinking against the stone floor. The cell doors both opened next, and Barrett stepped out first, tugging Jackson behind him."
"You are both freed for now. Should you live, do not think of escaping."
Thorne and Lark stepped out next, with the falcon flying to Lark's shoulder a moment later.
"Move." A guard commanded.
As they made their way out of the dark cell, their footsteps echoed against the stone walls like thunderclaps announcing their arrival. The giant king towered above them both, his laugh booming like the rumble of distant thunder as he surveyed his kingdom from on high.
He schooled his features into a mask of indifference, refusing to show any weakness before this beast who ruled with an iron fist.
Neither Barrett nor Jackson dared to speak for fear of alerting the giant to their plans, but their eyes spoke volumes. Jackson would glance at Barrett, who would give him a small, reassuring smile before turning his attention back to their captor.
Inside the throne room, banners swayed from the early morning breeze coming through the windows without glass. Intricate tapestries depicting battles won and lands conquered hung from every wall.
"Come then, show me how you arrived."
The king continued forward, his steps making it hard for Barrett to keep up. However, he noticed beside him that Jackson's steps did not seem to slide to the side.
"You walk well despite his footsteps."
Jackson gave him a small smirk. "I've stood my ground against a herd of running cows - it's fairly similar."
Barrett smiled back, wondering how such a strange man came to be so captivating.
He could not help but wonder if there might not be more between Jackson and himself as they walked side by side through the cloud-kissed skies.
He admired how Jackson navigated everything effortlessly without breaking stride or missing a beat. Even in the face of danger, Jackson held his ground. He didn't always seem as enchanting as the moment in the garden, but if he was worried about his hardships, he didn't dwell on them outwardly.
Barrett's heart raced as they stepped out of the throne room, following the giant king. He could not see Lark and Thorne, but he knew they were close by from the small screeches her hawk kept letting out as they walked.
The stalk stood tall and proud, its green stem reaching towards the sun. It remained untouched, unscathed by the passing of days. Each leaf and petal gleamed in the sunlight as if freshly polished. Despite the winds and storms that had come and gone, it stood resolute and strong, a symbol of resilience and endurance. As if frozen in time, it remained unchanged, a testament to the beauty and power of nature's cycles.
Giants truly are idiots.
