The plan and a goodbye.

You and Soo-yin sit hidden among the verdant underbrush, watching the village in the rapidly fading evening light. They were setting up a bonfire again, drums were being lined up and readied. People were already gathering in the central square and the queen was already upon her throne. The priest approached her to speak with her, you couldn't help but notice that he was walking gingerly and limping slightly. It looked like there would be another ritual that night. As far as you knew Caitlin, Natali, and Isabella were the only two foreigners they had to perform the ritual on.

You let out a long breath, gathering your courage. "Okay Soo-yin, this is it. I'm going to enter the village over there." You point to the side of the village opposite the big main building where the captives were held. "I'll show them the idol and try to convince them I'm a god or whatever."

Soo-yin shakes her head. "This is madness. And if they don't believe you?"

You look at her grimly. "It doesn't matter. It will give you a distraction. Rescue our girls Soo-yin, that is all that matters. Okay? They can't make it through the jungle alone, they'll need you. Rescue them and get out."

She is quiet. You knew how protective she was of you, this must be killing her inside. "I could cause the distraction..." She starts.

"No. It has to be me. It has to be a man. The appearance of the idol in the hands of a man, like in their prophecy, will cause far more distraction than anything else. Besides, I don't think I could get through the guards around that hut on my own." You take the idol and hand Soo-yin your satchel, knife, and pistol. "I won't need any of this."

"Edward..." You can tell she is searching for words to say. Searching for a different plan.

You grip her shoulder and look her in the eye. "Soo-yin, we both know this probably won't end well for me. Remember what you told me back in the temple? It's not if we die, it's how and when. I started a new life a year ago too. And like you it has been the best and happiest of my life. I give thanks every day for that crazy mistake that swept me into this life." Gripping the idol you swallow hard, your throat was dry and the metallic taste of fear filled your mouth. "Get them out of here Soo-yin and don't look back. You hear me? Tell them all I love them. Tell Natali I love her. Keep an eye on little Joey for me okay? Tell him about me."

Soo-yin's eyes weren't smiling now but neither were they impassive. You caught a rare glimpse of the damaged woman under the steel facade. You lean in and hug her. "And I love you too Soo-yin. I have never had a better friend."

She hugs you back. You spend some time to treasure this precious honest moment. As the two of you release your embrace the assassin disappears into the undergrowth. 'She'll do it.' You tell yourself. 'If anyone can do it it's her.'

You begin moving swiftly through the brush to the far side of the village.