“I found something. Look at this. It doesn’t seem like anything modern.” A member noticed some
copper items around the pond.
Winston went over and picked it up. “Looks like something between the tenth and thirteenth century.
Our guess is right on the money. The trade ships did pass this area and left a mark.”
That raised everyone’s morale. This finding alone was monumental for them, and they had more vigor
to search the ce now. The discovery came quickly, but it was wee. A whileter, another
member fished out some shards from the pond as well. This proved one thing: the fleet must’ve
stopped at these inds, and the sailors must’ve stayed near the pond.
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The team worked until dusk before they went back to their camp. Jasper took Willow back up, of
course. All the otherdies had to climb the ropes and get their hands burned a little, but Willow didn’t
have to.
Everyone came back to the camp and talked about their discovery with vigor. A big tent with glow-in-
the-dark stars stuck to the roof was set up so everyone could take a break and get into a discussion
there. They even brought out some alcohol to celebrate, though everyone. only had a little to help them
sleep. Willow saw that her favorite red wine was avable, so she asked for a ss.
“To a smooth expedition. Cheers. Winston stood up and raised his ss, then everyone did the same
and drank their concoction. Willow took a sip and looked at Jasper, who had taken a seat on the chair
outside.
She asked him to join them, but he didn’t. Everyone was rxed, but it was all the more reason for
Jasper to be on guard. He was in charge of everyone’s safety, and he was a more cautious person, to
begin with.
From time to time, Jasper would look at Willow, who was having fun with the team, and tenderness
would appear in his eyes. Every smile, every gesture, and every nce she threw his way was enough
tofort his lonely heart.
Willow didn’t watch how much she was drinking, and she downed two sses of wine. After that, she
approached Jasper and handed him a bottle of water. “Why didn’t you join us for a drink?”
“I don’t like to drink.” Jasper took the bottle, opened it up, and finished half of the water. Willow sat
beside him and requested the bottle. He handed it over, and she drank from the same ce Jasper did,
not caring that his lips had touched the bottle. Jasper looked at her, his eyes glinting, and at hint of
delight red in his heart.
“What a happy day. We discovered clues faster than we thought we would. It means we must be really
close to the thing we’re trying to find, said Willow happily.
“Congrats.” Jasper was happy for her. Willow’s eyes were filled with excitement and a misty look, no
doubt elicited by the alcohol. She rested her chin on her hand and looked at Jasper. “I’m so happy I get
to see the moon, the stars, and the sea with you. What an honor.”
She didn’t say she liked him outright, but her sentiments were proof enough that she really liked his
company. Jasper looked at her in silence.
“This is going to be a great memory for us,” said Willow. The guys at the grill came to her with a te of
grilled meat and greens. She never had this kind of food at home, for her father would not allow it. Her
eyes twinkled. “Smells nice.” She picked up a kebab and handed it to Jasper. “Dig in.”
Jasper took it and munched on it as they gazed. at the moon. Willow picked up a pork belly skewer and
gulped down two slices. She thought they were a bit too greasy. She never liked the fattier slices of
meat, but she didn’t want to waste food, so she asked, “I don’t like fatty slices of meat. Do you want
them?”
She could have tossed the skewer away, but she didn’t. Jasper looked at her and took the unfinished
food, then he dug into it. Willow thought it was sweet and she smiled at him. “You don’t seem to mind
that it’s half-eaten by me.”