Chapter 8: Things Will Be Interesting

"All that information about the town is the kind of stuff I need to know, why did you say you couldn't help," asked Collin.

Before, when Ella had admitted such, the SSS had verified that it was true. But now she was spitting out facts like those novelty g**gle droids. The robots that followed people around relaying information from an antique AI system. They were totally obnoxious but also weirdly amusing.

"I meant what I said, I don't really know anything. It's just that sometimes information pops into my head. I don't know how it gets there, but it does."

"So, everything you told me is just a guess?"

"Maybe, but every time it happens, which is pretty rare, I get a strong feeling that it's accurate. It might be because of …," her voice trailed off.

The sudden hesitance raised some flags in Collin's mind. So far, Ella had been very forthright. She seemed happy just to talk to someone. So, what could she want to hide?

Collin suddenly realized he had let his guard down to soon. The SSS shouldn't make mistakes. Is there something different about Ella that would let her manipulate my equipment, he wondered. If so, there is a good chance that there are more beings on this planet with similar or at least similarly unique capabilities.

And if that was really the case, then Collin's mission was going to become a lot harder and a lot more dangerous. He had to figure out the truth. He needed to be prepared.

"Because of what?" He asked cautiously.

"Look, you remember how I said that I have lived in the village for as long as I can remember. Thing is, I have only lived in that village since I was seven. Ten years ago, the village chief found me by the side of the road. He ended up taking me in, but for some reason I don't remember anything from before then. The only hint about where I came from is this necklace."

She pulled a silver chain from under her shirt. Attached to the chain was a small pendant in the shape of a leaf that had a small brown stone nested in its center. Amber, if Collin were to guess.

"That's why I wanted to go with you. Maybe I might be able to find something out about my past."

He turned his attention back to Ella. She had lost her cheerfulness and seemed very anxious. The topic had clearly made her very uncomfortable.

Ella smiled trying to shake off the unease.

"Let's keep moving, I'd rather not camp tonight," she said.

Collin nodded.

He felt bad that he forced Ella to continue, especially after everything she had done for him already, but he had to know. Ella could have been hiding something major, something that would jeopardize the entire mission.

At least now, Collin understood why the SSS made a mistake. Ella most likely has a strong case of amnesia. The sudden knowledge is most likely something she learned in the past that managed to resurface only just now.

The journey continued mostly in silence. Ella was occupied taking in the passing landscape and Collin didn't know what to say.

He had never been very sociable and was still apprehensive about his mysterious traveling companion.

Maybe Ella was trustworthy and maybe he could let down his guard a little around her. Nevertheless, Collin couldn't afford to get careless.

Although the two stopped a few times, the rests were never very long. The distance they traveled steadily grew, which tends to happen after putting one foot in front of the other all day. As the sun began to sink in the sky, the Town of Glenn finally came in to view.

"Come on, lets hurry. We're almost there," Ella exclaimed. Her voice was joyful and lacked any hint of her former unease. It seemed as though the journey had lifted her spirits and helped her return to her usual self.

Ella grinned at Collin before giving him a slight wave and sprinting off towards the Town.

Collin sighed. This girl is just too carefree.

At least things will be interesting, he thought as he chased after her.