The Understated Dragon Lord novel Chapter 835

Torches

"Since you’re so stubborn, Jax, and don’t believe in ghosts, you can bring up the rear. If a ghost attacks you and you wet your pants, don’t come crying to me for help!" Daniel warned.

“Cry for help from you? Ha!”

Jax let out a scornful laugh, full of derision.

"I’m a veteran member of the police force. I’ve faced all kinds of situations. Do you really think I’d wet my pants or cry like a baby? And as a law enforcement officer, why would I ever ask a troublemaker like you for help? Are you kidding me?"

"Fine, then, Jax can cover the rear, and I’ll take the lead. But we need torches to enter the cave, and they should burn as brightly as possible!" Daniel said, looking at Nathan.

"Nathan, go get some tree branches. They need to be the right thickness. Too thin, and they won’t burn long; too thick, and they’ll be hard to ignite."

"Why should I go? Who are you to order me around? You don’t pay my salary; why should I listen to you?" Nathan protested, resistant to Daniel’s command.

"True, I don’t pay your salary, and I have no authority over you," Daniel conceded before turning to Perry.

"Perry, would you mind gathering some branches? After all, we’re here to catch the bandits and help your daughter. You should contribute, shouldn’t you?"

"Yes, Daniel!" Nathan, though brimming with dissatisfaction, complied with the order.

Seeing Jax lounging around, Daniel turned his attention to him and barked a command.

“Jax! Why are you loafing around? Can’t you see Nathan could use some help? Get over there and lend a hand.”

"Hey, you troublemaker, who do you think you are? Why should I listen to you? We’re just entering a cave. I have a high-powered flashlight, so we don’t need torches! What century are you living in? Even decades ago, people had flashlights. You must be stuck a hundred years in the past!"

"Jax, do you even know where we are? This is a cave on Golden Light Hill. Your high-powered flashlight will be useless here! Once inside, your flashlight won’t work. We’ll need torches. Only the blazing fire of torches will light our way ahead."