Jake felt silly using a flashlight, when Professor Eastman was using the Lumnos spell to light the way for them up front; he was really on edge and he just felt the need to have his weapon source and lighting source be two separate entities. He hoped the professor didn’t think he was a fool.

Having just stepped over the lichen-covered roots, which the professor pointed out, Jake came to an abrupt halt at her upswept hand. He held his breath for what seemed like an hour, his eyes combing the dark forest around them; Jake’s creative mind made monsters everywhere in the dark recesses of the trees.

“Ms. Eastman…”, he whispered, low and raspy, “…where is it?” Jake’s head turned in all directions, followed by his flashlight. “Would you like me to try to draw it out?”, he asked, wanting to be brave.