Chapter 12:2 -The council meeting
The Academy buildings were four floors high and felt like white mountains looming over them as the coach drove passed and into the Academy area. Still the Academy buildings were nothing in comparison to the Academy council which lay in the middle, encircled by the Academy buildings. What distinguished the council was its dome and its clock tower but instead of a clock there was an enclosed crystal which reflected the sun light to the Academy courtyard.
-That’s what created the flash light each sunset, Ana explained to Soi. –It guides brokens to the Academy.
-As a sort of pier, Soi mumbled while gazing up towards the crystal.
In the Academy area more people were moving around than in the rest of the city, all dressed in white of course.
-This is because, as a new broken, you’ll live close to the Academy. The Academy provide everything for you the first years before you have to decide whether to stay and work for the Academy or move elsewhere.
The carriage arrived at the council entrance where more people dressed in white awaited their arrival, all lined up neatly in two rows.
-What’s with the welcome committee, Ana sighed before she plunged out of the coach with a surly expression on her face.
Soi smiled and followed.
The welcome committee bowed deeply the second Ana stepped out of the carriage and a man took a step forward.
-Miss Ana, how kind of you to return to the Academy, we have all missed your presence here.
The middle-aged man with a round belly and greasy hair falsely smiled at Ana before he obediently bowed and moved out of her way with a toothless disgusting grin, following Ana’s every step.
Soi took protectively a step closer towards Ana and whispered quietly:
-Who’s that?
-The toothless fool? Guilly, the Academy’s guide. Not really necessary for him to be here with all these new brokens, it’s not like this is my first time at the council.
As the two reached the end of the two rows of bowing heads the new brokens lifted their heads and stared after Ana followed by an immediately murmur of excited voices. They all talked about Ana.
Ana and Soi entered the Academy council and walked into a huge hall. Another man, this one younger and with burns covering what was visible of his arms from the white garment he was wearing, met up with the two.
-Ana, he said coldly.
-Ciron, she acknowledged with an equally icy tone.
-How’s your leg?
Ana gave him a glare.
-Aching, as usual. And your burns?
-Still aching, but it’ll get better.
-I bet it will.
The two glared coldly at each other.
-Who’s he? Broken? Ciron nodded in Soi’s direction without taking his eyes from Ana.
-My guard.
-Oh, so you keep such now? Instead of killing them.
-Believe me, I’ve tried to off this one as well, but he keeps at me like a leech.
-Sucking your heart away, Ciron said with a low voice and grinned spiteful. –It looks a bit like Sam, not the same eyes though. But the same height, hair colour, type of body. Heard he’s a monster now, Sam.
Ana gritted her teeth.
-How come you didn’t notice that earlier? Weren’t you two close? And with your clear sightedness, shouldn’t that have been simple to see through? Or has the pain from your leg dulled your brain?
Ana gave him another glare before she walked away, keeping a straight line so it was almost impossible to see that she limped. Ciron snorted loudly behind them.
-Oh, and Ana, let me know when you’re playing with fire next time, I’ll join you, he called after them.
-What did he mean playing with fire? Soi whispered.
-He’s referring to last year’s visit when I set fire to this hall after a meeting with the council. They did a great work restoring it though, it looks exactly the same.
Ana lifted her head to look at the white ceiling.
-You mean, this hall!? You set fire to this hall! Why would you do that? Soi tried to keep his voice leveled but it wasn’t easy when he’d heard something outrageous that was true. This wasn’t like Nibbles little extraordinary lies.
-I didn’t agree with their decision to send Sam to Beroal for an important mission, it was too risky for him to handle.
-So you set fire to a whole hall?!
-I’ll admit I was a bit out of line, but I was frustrated.
-I guess Nibbles doesn’t know about this accident otherwise he’d call you hypocrite when you ranted about that curtain.
-What happens at the Academy stays at the Academy, it’s the only good thing about this white prison.
She slowly turned to face him with a grave expression.
-And you are not going to tell him about it either. You’re my guard, remember? You’ve sworn loyalty to me, and no one else, she threatened.
-I’ve only sworn loyalty to the mayor of Sofara, actually, Soi said with an excusing smile.
Ana snorted scornfully.
-We’ll adjust that when we’ve returned to the mansion.
Not until I’ve told Nibbles all about it, Soi thought but asked:
-Why does Ciron dislike you?
-Try the word hate instead. I saved him from a burning house.
-So…
-I couldn’t save his family. I suppose he’d rather wished I left him to die with his family instead of surviving and living alone.
It was a cold, white hall with windows reaching up to the dome. Thirteen men and women were seated in front of a long table. All dressed in white and with cold piercing eyes, all directed on Ana who met them steadily with her own grim grey glare. But none in the council did even worthy Soi a glance. He was invisible.
-Miss Ana. Please take a seat, a white haired man with scars covering the left side of his face addressed Ana.
The man was seated in the middle of the line of the quiet stone faced brokens. They reminded Soi of marionettes.
A chair was brought forward to Ana, but she remained standing.
-Thank you, sir Harel, but I intend to keep this a short meeting so there is no point to sit down.
Ana was being rude and the white haired man, Harel, gave her another piercing look before he clasped his hands and gave a short nod.
-As you please. Who is this you have with you? A new broken?
All the cold eyes were immediately shifted to gaze at Soi, now that he had been acknowledge as a possible broken.
-It’s my guard.
The eyes switched back to Ana. It reminded Soi how Nibbles had treated him on their first meeting. Soi was only of any interest if he was a broken. He didn’t know if to feel hurt or relieved. Then he noticed that some eyes of the council member still watched him with curiosity from the corner of their eyes. Why would they be curious about him? Ana glanced at him with an expression he couldn’t read, was it nervousness? Harel had kept his piercing eyes on him all this time.
-So, the rumours were true, he said at last with unnerving smile.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 12:1 -The council meeting
It took some time before Ana and Soi left the mansion as they had to change into clothes according to the Academy dress code, meaning completely in white. Ana wasn’t happy about it, not only did she have to dress in white but it had to be a dress and she had only one white dress. The one she had been given when she first arrived to the Academy for an unknown number of years ago, at that time when she really had been a child. She hadn’t been bothered to buy a new one since as dresses weren’t her main concern in the world and she hadn’t grown much since her first years on the Academy. But now that dress made her look like a little doll and she hated it since she knew how old she really should look like.
-I always thought you looked good in white, Nibbles contributed with a teasing grin.
-I look like a child! Ana complained.
-As I said.
Ana gave him an angry stare accompanied by a well aimed stamp with her white high heels on his foot before she turned around and completely ignored him. She still hadn’t let go of breakfast fight.
Soi also felt uneasy in his white clothes. He had never worn white, not completely in white anyway. The colour seemed to crawl all over his skin like thousands of spiders climbing over his body. He shuddered. White was the colour of the innocent. Soi felt far from being innocent. If he had remained on Spring Island he would have been dressed in white so everyone would recognise him as the Spring Saviour. Maybe he had avoided white clothes because of that particular reason? He wasn’t fit to wear the clothes of the Saviour. But white really was dumb colour to wear for someone working as a guard and had to fight and be thrown to the ground from time to time.
He climbed into the coach and sat down on its white leather seats. Ana had forgotten she was angry with Nibbles and stood by the carriage holding his hand tightly, nervously glancing towards the coach.
-Nebelius, I wished you could come with me, she pleaded with him.
-Oh, but dear girl, you have Soi with you at least.
-Why can’t he come? Soi asked.
-I wasn’t invited.
-You need an invitation? But then, how come I…
-You’re just a guard, hardly worth noticing. That’s how low your status is among brokens. Mostly because we, in truth, don’t need guards. So you can tag along without anyone questioning your presence. But it’s of outmost importance that you keep your mouth shut during the whole meeting. You have no right to meddle with matters concerning only brokens.
Soi didn’t know how to respond. He nodded silently and helped Ana up in the carriage. The party immediately set off. Ana seated herself opposite Soi.
-He managed to shut you up, didn’t he, she said with a little smile.
The carriage drove through the many streets with white mansions towering around them, all white ghost houses. Everything was white, white, white and frightfully quiet and abandon. Ana’s dark house seemed more like haven than a dungeon in comparison to how the mansions now leaned in closer, almost suffocating. If Soi had avoided the colour before out of shame he loathed it now. He remembered Ard’s first words to describe Ana’s hall, how he could feel the darkness smother him. Well, Soi felt the same now only it was the white light radiated from every building they passed. He longed for colour and the only colour available was the clear blue sky.
-Ana, what did you mean when you said you couldn’t count on Nibbles?
-I’ve always told you never to trust Nebelius, no matter what he says or how kindly he treats you. He only stayed with us this long because we entertain him.
-But why can't we trust him?
-Again with the questions?! For how long have you know me, Soi? Has it been more than one month and you still haven’t got it into your head that I don’t like stupid questions!
-You’re only nervous about this meeting, aren’t you?
-Just shut up for a few minutes so I can think.
Soi sunk back and let Ana think in peace. It wasn’t like he had his own million of thoughts dwelling in his mind. He sighed and watched the sky.
-Ah! Why does everything have to be white! It’s like they have to prove to themselves they are innocent. Like the sky they are, why else would there be so few brokens working and living here. You needn’t be smart to figure that out!
-Do you really think it’s wise to speak so openly? Soi asked carefully.
-Did you know that even in the empty houses there are maids cleaning the house, butlers ordering the maids around and chefs cooking food every day? It’s wasteful.
-Why would they do that?
-It the Academy’s way of showing off their power and wealth. At least the people working in the empty houses profit from the Academy’s vanity, but their pay is so low to begin with so it really doesn’t make a difference in their daily life. Can you imagine how frustrating it must be to work all day for nothing?
-If you feel that way, why do you work for the Academy?
-Believe me, if I could find another way to pay for all my journeys…
-But the travel is a part of your work…
-I took this job as an excuse to get paid for travelling while doing their “missions” and continue my own work.
-Which is?
-To get the organisation, Ana gritted her teeth.
-You mean the organisation that controls the monsters? Wouldn’t that coincide with the Academy work?
-It might be the same organisation, but I’m after the sect that’s creating brokens, like me.
-You want revenge? Soi looked upset at her.
-I want to stop their filthy business. If that means I have to kill those who deformed my leg so be it.
Ana’s tone had changed from slightly irritated to furious. Soi looked away, he couldn’t look Ana in the eyes. She had changed from a limp little blonde girl that Soi could feel sympathy with to a stranger obsessed with revenge. Soi had never felt he needed to avenge anything, it was not the way of the people of Spring Island. Not even his father’s death had created a twinge of vengeance in his heart, he had only felt shame and painful sorrow. As Soi had lived on his shame and sorrow all those years away from Spring Island, Ana had nurtured and lived off her hate for those who had made her a broken and devoted her life to find them and vengeance her life. For the first time Soi could see her in a clear light and she wasn’t far off from being a monster herself. But Soi couldn’t sympathise with her, only see how much she resembled a child and he saddened by the look. What was it to him anyway, he was only a guard after all and had nothing to do with the matter.
-Why did you come? Ana’s voice had changed to tired whisper.
Soi turned back his head and met Ana’s grey eyes.
-I’m your guard…
-Nibbles told you to, am I right? She said accusingly.
Soi closed his mouth shut and gave her a grumpy stare. Ana turned her head away and watched the blue sky above them.
-I’m glad you came, though.
Before them the giant buildings of the Academy came closer by the second, white and cold.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
It took some time before Ana and Soi left the mansion as they had to change into clothes according to the Academy dress code, meaning completely in white. Ana wasn’t happy about it, not only did she have to dress in white but it had to be a dress and she had only one white dress. The one she had been given when she first arrived to the Academy for an unknown number of years ago, at that time when she really had been a child. She hadn’t been bothered to buy a new one since as dresses weren’t her main concern in the world and she hadn’t grown much since her first years on the Academy. But now that dress made her look like a little doll and she hated it since she knew how old she really should look like.
-I always thought you looked good in white, Nibbles contributed with a teasing grin.
-I look like a child! Ana complained.
-As I said.
Ana gave him an angry stare accompanied by a well aimed stamp with her white high heels on his foot before she turned around and completely ignored him. She still hadn’t let go of breakfast fight.
Soi also felt uneasy in his white clothes. He had never worn white, not completely in white anyway. The colour seemed to crawl all over his skin like thousands of spiders climbing over his body. He shuddered. White was the colour of the innocent. Soi felt far from being innocent. If he had remained on Spring Island he would have been dressed in white so everyone would recognise him as the Spring Saviour. Maybe he had avoided white clothes because of that particular reason? He wasn’t fit to wear the clothes of the Saviour. But white really was dumb colour to wear for someone working as a guard and had to fight and be thrown to the ground from time to time.
He climbed into the coach and sat down on its white leather seats. Ana had forgotten she was angry with Nibbles and stood by the carriage holding his hand tightly, nervously glancing towards the coach.
-Nebelius, I wished you could come with me, she pleaded with him.
-Oh, but dear girl, you have Soi with you at least.
-Why can’t he come? Soi asked.
-I wasn’t invited.
-You need an invitation? But then, how come I…
-You’re just a guard, hardly worth noticing. That’s how low your status is among brokens. Mostly because we, in truth, don’t need guards. So you can tag along without anyone questioning your presence. But it’s of outmost importance that you keep your mouth shut during the whole meeting. You have no right to meddle with matters concerning only brokens.
Soi didn’t know how to respond. He nodded silently and helped Ana up in the carriage. The party immediately set off. Ana seated herself opposite Soi.
-He managed to shut you up, didn’t he, she said with a little smile.
The carriage drove through the many streets with white mansions towering around them, all white ghost houses. Everything was white, white, white and frightfully quiet and abandon. Ana’s dark house seemed more like haven than a dungeon in comparison to how the mansions now leaned in closer, almost suffocating. If Soi had avoided the colour before out of shame he loathed it now. He remembered Ard’s first words to describe Ana’s hall, how he could feel the darkness smother him. Well, Soi felt the same now only it was the white light radiated from every building they passed. He longed for colour and the only colour available was the clear blue sky.
-Ana, what did you mean when you said you couldn’t count on Nibbles?
-I’ve always told you never to trust Nebelius, no matter what he says or how kindly he treats you. He only stayed with us this long because we entertain him.
-But why can't we trust him?
-Again with the questions?! For how long have you know me, Soi? Has it been more than one month and you still haven’t got it into your head that I don’t like stupid questions!
-You’re only nervous about this meeting, aren’t you?
-Just shut up for a few minutes so I can think.
Soi sunk back and let Ana think in peace. It wasn’t like he had his own million of thoughts dwelling in his mind. He sighed and watched the sky.
-Ah! Why does everything have to be white! It’s like they have to prove to themselves they are innocent. Like the sky they are, why else would there be so few brokens working and living here. You needn’t be smart to figure that out!
-Do you really think it’s wise to speak so openly? Soi asked carefully.
-Did you know that even in the empty houses there are maids cleaning the house, butlers ordering the maids around and chefs cooking food every day? It’s wasteful.
-Why would they do that?
-It the Academy’s way of showing off their power and wealth. At least the people working in the empty houses profit from the Academy’s vanity, but their pay is so low to begin with so it really doesn’t make a difference in their daily life. Can you imagine how frustrating it must be to work all day for nothing?
-If you feel that way, why do you work for the Academy?
-Believe me, if I could find another way to pay for all my journeys…
-But the travel is a part of your work…
-I took this job as an excuse to get paid for travelling while doing their “missions” and continue my own work.
-Which is?
-To get the organisation, Ana gritted her teeth.
-You mean the organisation that controls the monsters? Wouldn’t that coincide with the Academy work?
-It might be the same organisation, but I’m after the sect that’s creating brokens, like me.
-You want revenge? Soi looked upset at her.
-I want to stop their filthy business. If that means I have to kill those who deformed my leg so be it.
Ana’s tone had changed from slightly irritated to furious. Soi looked away, he couldn’t look Ana in the eyes. She had changed from a limp little blonde girl that Soi could feel sympathy with to a stranger obsessed with revenge. Soi had never felt he needed to avenge anything, it was not the way of the people of Spring Island. Not even his father’s death had created a twinge of vengeance in his heart, he had only felt shame and painful sorrow. As Soi had lived on his shame and sorrow all those years away from Spring Island, Ana had nurtured and lived off her hate for those who had made her a broken and devoted her life to find them and vengeance her life. For the first time Soi could see her in a clear light and she wasn’t far off from being a monster herself. But Soi couldn’t sympathise with her, only see how much she resembled a child and he saddened by the look. What was it to him anyway, he was only a guard after all and had nothing to do with the matter.
-Why did you come? Ana’s voice had changed to tired whisper.
Soi turned back his head and met Ana’s grey eyes.
-I’m your guard…
-Nibbles told you to, am I right? She said accusingly.
Soi closed his mouth shut and gave her a grumpy stare. Ana turned her head away and watched the blue sky above them.
-I’m glad you came, though.
Before them the giant buildings of the Academy came closer by the second, white and cold.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 11:3 -The Academy City
Soi couldn’t sleep, not after all these nights staying awake and anticipating an attack. If he closed his eyes red eyes followed him. And his head was filled with a tangle of thoughts and theories. In the early morning he decided to take a turn in the garden to clear his mind.
Ana and Sam’s garden. They really had been friends. But last time they’d met he had tried to kill her. Soi couldn’t understand what had changed. Yes, he was a monster, but so was Haz and although Soi hadn’t liked him at first, he wasn’t evil. At least not yet. Maybe Haz would change and turn on them like Sam had turned on Ana, not because he wanted to but because the magic forced him to. They had almost identical injuries. But it had taken Ana years to realise Sam was a monster, how could he have hidden it? Maybe she didn’t want to see it.
Then it was Sassa, was she a monster or not? Was Nibbles and Ana’s silence a confirmation of his sudden outburst or had they kept quiet because they didn’t know? Soi couldn’t get it straight, but he was certain Sassa was not to be trusted.
What about Mack and the villagers’ death? As Nibbles and Ana had discussed, it couldn’t be the monsters. Soi didn’t know much about monsters, even less than Ana and Nibbles, but he was sure it wasn’t them because it seemed too convenient somehow. Mack died, was killed, after their visit. Why would he have to die? Was it because he knew Ana? It couldn’t be easy to kill him, not when he could foresee what was going to happen. Could the flute be behind his death?
Mack must have been more powerful than Ana as he was older and had lived with his injuries since a young age. Though Ana was immortal. They were probably equally strong, well not anymore. Soi wondered how a fight between them would have looked like. That huge man with his fire hair and large beard against a blonde little girl. But they would never fight each other. If Mack would fight, it would be together with Ana. Soi smiled sadly and filled his lungs with the scent of roses.
The garden was large with many winding paths to take. The birds didn’t sing yet except for one bird. It sung melancholic melodies with a soft but clear voice. Soi could hear its song coming from the tree tops but he couldn’t see the bird. It was still too dark. As he followed a path he came upon a small pond with dark calm water and on a bench facing the water Ana sat with her head resting on her bent right knee and her left leg stiffly stretched out in front of her. Soi saw from her shuddering body that she was crying. She didn’t notice him until he sat down beside her on the bench. She jerked and brushed away the tears.
-Why are you crying?
-I wasn’t.
-Ana.
She snuffled before she held up her face to the night sky and begun to talk.
-I was thinking of Mack and how Jagger must hate me.
Soi didn’t laugh at her silly thought because he had been thinking the same.
-Jagger’s smarter than that. If she thought you were responsible for his death you would be dead by now.
Ana looked surprised at him and Soi smiled back.
-You don’t believe me? Then you’ve never seen her throw a dagger.
-No, I haven’t.
-She’s vicious. When I found her in the plains the monsters were already retreating.
-That’s the one part I haven’t figured out yet. Why would the monsters go after Jagger, she’s not a broken?
-Maybe it wasn’t because of that?
-So, if they didn’t attack her because of what she is…
-Then maybe it was because of something she knows that they didn’t want us, I mean, you to know.
-You have already thought about this, haven’t you?
-Mack’s death is suspicious, the attack on Jagger just confirms it.
-Who would...?
-Wouldn’t Mack do anything you told him to, like when you told him to kill Sam if he appeared at the cottage? Mack would side with you no matter what.
-I already know I’m to blame for his death! You don’t need to point it out for me!
-Ana, you’re missing the point.
-Which is?
-Your best ally in a war has been eliminated, a cold voice informed them.
Ana and Soi looked around, but it was only Nibbles leaning against a tree.
-A war? Ana asked.
-The world is changing, there is bound to be aggression. Apparently someone is doing something they think you will object to, so they are taking out your best allies so you will be chanceless in an upcoming war.
Nebelius voice was cold as ice
-And what would they be doing, for me to start a war over? And who are they?
Finally Nibbles smiled, he shrugged.
-Escapes me. But how many knew about Mack and you?
Ana’s eyes widened.
-I never thought about that.
-Blame it on your little child head of yours.
Ana glowered at Nibbles.
-So, who knew and would have anything to gain from it?
-You, Sam and Sassa.
-And we would all gain from it? Nibbles raised an eyebrow.
Ana turned away her head, not willing to answer.
-You know I can’t count on you, she said at last.
-Of course, Nibbles answered matter of fact.
-But I don’t believe you did it.
-But you still have to suspect me, it’s only reasonably.
Nibbles didn’t seem to mind Ana’s disclamation of their friendship.
-Isn’t it more reasonably to think that it was Sam who killed Mack? I mean, it was monsters attacking Jagger afterwards, Soi put in.
-That’s what I thought as well, but why wouldn’t the monster want me to know about Mack’s death, supposing that was the reason they attacked Jagger in the first place?
-Maybe it has something to do with who the monsters are working for, Nibbles scratched his short black beard that had grown out during their travel across the plains.
-But they’re working for the organisation… Oh, you know what, this is too confusing. I’m going to eat breakfast!
Ana limped away with talking to herself, mumbling about stupid, dumb monsters and cursing Jagger for her new established need to eat breakfast. Left was Soi, alone with Nibbles who tilted his head and smiled unnervingly. He moved closer to Soi, who tried to remain calm. Not unexpectedly but still startling Nibbles took Soi’s chin and raised it up till their eyes met.
-You’ll follow her to the Academy council today, right? Nibbles had a dangerous sweet smile on his face.
-Of course, Soi answered nervously and blinked his eyes repeatedly.
Nibbles smile broadened to a more honest and less scary grin.
-You’re such a good boy, Soi! He said before he kissed him right on the mouth and disappeared on one of the many paths while blissfully whistling on a tune.
The breakfast passed without any big accidents, except for when Nibbles picked up something from Ard’s head which he shared with the rest of the breakfast company without asking for Ard’s permission.
-No, Ard, did you really kiss Jagger last night? You’re not just making this up, are you?
Jagger’s cheeks turned red as her hair and Ard’s cheeks weren’t far behind. The rest of them choke on the food and looked surprised at the two. Nibbles smiled broadly, obviously proud of creating yet another awkward moment. It didn’t last long though as Jagger gripped the nearest knife and threw it at Nibbles who ducked just in time to avoid losing his other eye.
-Vicious little girl! Ard, couldn’t you have foreseen this!?
-You had it coming, Ard answered.
-Nibbles, haven’t I told you to control yourself, Ana wrinkled her eyebrows and looked upset at the still trembling knife that was stuck in the wall behind Nibbles. It was her wall after all.
-But it wasn’t me!! Didn’t you see Jagger threw that knife at me! How could you miss that!? Nibbles was mighty upset. -Besides, wasn’t it my hands I was supposed to control?
-I have extended it to your mouth as well, as you don’t know when to keep quiet.
-What is this! Some girly conspiracy against me!?
Soi hid his smile, which proved to be wise as the word girl got Ana going. If it wasn’t monsters they were fighting they fought among themselves. Brokens seemed to look for excuses to fight on a daily basis.
In the midst of the confusion and the ongoing fight between Nibbles and the girls, three knocks hit Ana’s door. Soi went to open to avoid being drawn into the battle. On the other side of the door awaited an extraordinary sight. On the street stood a white carriage pulled by six white horses and accompanied by men dressed in white. On the doorstep stood another man dressed in white, waiting patiently for Soi to acknowledge him.
-Yes, Soi said stunned.
-The carriage to bring Miss Ana to the Academy council has arrived.
-I can see that, was Soi’s only response. He was astonished.
The man made a little cough.
-Oh, yes, I’ll go tell Ana. Soi disappeared back into the house.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Soi couldn’t sleep, not after all these nights staying awake and anticipating an attack. If he closed his eyes red eyes followed him. And his head was filled with a tangle of thoughts and theories. In the early morning he decided to take a turn in the garden to clear his mind.
Ana and Sam’s garden. They really had been friends. But last time they’d met he had tried to kill her. Soi couldn’t understand what had changed. Yes, he was a monster, but so was Haz and although Soi hadn’t liked him at first, he wasn’t evil. At least not yet. Maybe Haz would change and turn on them like Sam had turned on Ana, not because he wanted to but because the magic forced him to. They had almost identical injuries. But it had taken Ana years to realise Sam was a monster, how could he have hidden it? Maybe she didn’t want to see it.
Then it was Sassa, was she a monster or not? Was Nibbles and Ana’s silence a confirmation of his sudden outburst or had they kept quiet because they didn’t know? Soi couldn’t get it straight, but he was certain Sassa was not to be trusted.
What about Mack and the villagers’ death? As Nibbles and Ana had discussed, it couldn’t be the monsters. Soi didn’t know much about monsters, even less than Ana and Nibbles, but he was sure it wasn’t them because it seemed too convenient somehow. Mack died, was killed, after their visit. Why would he have to die? Was it because he knew Ana? It couldn’t be easy to kill him, not when he could foresee what was going to happen. Could the flute be behind his death?
Mack must have been more powerful than Ana as he was older and had lived with his injuries since a young age. Though Ana was immortal. They were probably equally strong, well not anymore. Soi wondered how a fight between them would have looked like. That huge man with his fire hair and large beard against a blonde little girl. But they would never fight each other. If Mack would fight, it would be together with Ana. Soi smiled sadly and filled his lungs with the scent of roses.
The garden was large with many winding paths to take. The birds didn’t sing yet except for one bird. It sung melancholic melodies with a soft but clear voice. Soi could hear its song coming from the tree tops but he couldn’t see the bird. It was still too dark. As he followed a path he came upon a small pond with dark calm water and on a bench facing the water Ana sat with her head resting on her bent right knee and her left leg stiffly stretched out in front of her. Soi saw from her shuddering body that she was crying. She didn’t notice him until he sat down beside her on the bench. She jerked and brushed away the tears.
-Why are you crying?
-I wasn’t.
-Ana.
She snuffled before she held up her face to the night sky and begun to talk.
-I was thinking of Mack and how Jagger must hate me.
Soi didn’t laugh at her silly thought because he had been thinking the same.
-Jagger’s smarter than that. If she thought you were responsible for his death you would be dead by now.
Ana looked surprised at him and Soi smiled back.
-You don’t believe me? Then you’ve never seen her throw a dagger.
-No, I haven’t.
-She’s vicious. When I found her in the plains the monsters were already retreating.
-That’s the one part I haven’t figured out yet. Why would the monsters go after Jagger, she’s not a broken?
-Maybe it wasn’t because of that?
-So, if they didn’t attack her because of what she is…
-Then maybe it was because of something she knows that they didn’t want us, I mean, you to know.
-You have already thought about this, haven’t you?
-Mack’s death is suspicious, the attack on Jagger just confirms it.
-Who would...?
-Wouldn’t Mack do anything you told him to, like when you told him to kill Sam if he appeared at the cottage? Mack would side with you no matter what.
-I already know I’m to blame for his death! You don’t need to point it out for me!
-Ana, you’re missing the point.
-Which is?
-Your best ally in a war has been eliminated, a cold voice informed them.
Ana and Soi looked around, but it was only Nibbles leaning against a tree.
-A war? Ana asked.
-The world is changing, there is bound to be aggression. Apparently someone is doing something they think you will object to, so they are taking out your best allies so you will be chanceless in an upcoming war.
Nebelius voice was cold as ice
-And what would they be doing, for me to start a war over? And who are they?
Finally Nibbles smiled, he shrugged.
-Escapes me. But how many knew about Mack and you?
Ana’s eyes widened.
-I never thought about that.
-Blame it on your little child head of yours.
Ana glowered at Nibbles.
-So, who knew and would have anything to gain from it?
-You, Sam and Sassa.
-And we would all gain from it? Nibbles raised an eyebrow.
Ana turned away her head, not willing to answer.
-You know I can’t count on you, she said at last.
-Of course, Nibbles answered matter of fact.
-But I don’t believe you did it.
-But you still have to suspect me, it’s only reasonably.
Nibbles didn’t seem to mind Ana’s disclamation of their friendship.
-Isn’t it more reasonably to think that it was Sam who killed Mack? I mean, it was monsters attacking Jagger afterwards, Soi put in.
-That’s what I thought as well, but why wouldn’t the monster want me to know about Mack’s death, supposing that was the reason they attacked Jagger in the first place?
-Maybe it has something to do with who the monsters are working for, Nibbles scratched his short black beard that had grown out during their travel across the plains.
-But they’re working for the organisation… Oh, you know what, this is too confusing. I’m going to eat breakfast!
Ana limped away with talking to herself, mumbling about stupid, dumb monsters and cursing Jagger for her new established need to eat breakfast. Left was Soi, alone with Nibbles who tilted his head and smiled unnervingly. He moved closer to Soi, who tried to remain calm. Not unexpectedly but still startling Nibbles took Soi’s chin and raised it up till their eyes met.
-You’ll follow her to the Academy council today, right? Nibbles had a dangerous sweet smile on his face.
-Of course, Soi answered nervously and blinked his eyes repeatedly.
Nibbles smile broadened to a more honest and less scary grin.
-You’re such a good boy, Soi! He said before he kissed him right on the mouth and disappeared on one of the many paths while blissfully whistling on a tune.
The breakfast passed without any big accidents, except for when Nibbles picked up something from Ard’s head which he shared with the rest of the breakfast company without asking for Ard’s permission.
-No, Ard, did you really kiss Jagger last night? You’re not just making this up, are you?
Jagger’s cheeks turned red as her hair and Ard’s cheeks weren’t far behind. The rest of them choke on the food and looked surprised at the two. Nibbles smiled broadly, obviously proud of creating yet another awkward moment. It didn’t last long though as Jagger gripped the nearest knife and threw it at Nibbles who ducked just in time to avoid losing his other eye.
-Vicious little girl! Ard, couldn’t you have foreseen this!?
-You had it coming, Ard answered.
-Nibbles, haven’t I told you to control yourself, Ana wrinkled her eyebrows and looked upset at the still trembling knife that was stuck in the wall behind Nibbles. It was her wall after all.
-But it wasn’t me!! Didn’t you see Jagger threw that knife at me! How could you miss that!? Nibbles was mighty upset. -Besides, wasn’t it my hands I was supposed to control?
-I have extended it to your mouth as well, as you don’t know when to keep quiet.
-What is this! Some girly conspiracy against me!?
Soi hid his smile, which proved to be wise as the word girl got Ana going. If it wasn’t monsters they were fighting they fought among themselves. Brokens seemed to look for excuses to fight on a daily basis.
In the midst of the confusion and the ongoing fight between Nibbles and the girls, three knocks hit Ana’s door. Soi went to open to avoid being drawn into the battle. On the other side of the door awaited an extraordinary sight. On the street stood a white carriage pulled by six white horses and accompanied by men dressed in white. On the doorstep stood another man dressed in white, waiting patiently for Soi to acknowledge him.
-Yes, Soi said stunned.
-The carriage to bring Miss Ana to the Academy council has arrived.
-I can see that, was Soi’s only response. He was astonished.
The man made a little cough.
-Oh, yes, I’ll go tell Ana. Soi disappeared back into the house.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 11:2 -The Academy City
The dinner that night was something extraordinary. After all those days with dry bread and meat, this was a feast taken from their wildest dreams. One of the saloons had been arranged with millions candles and now you could see that the room was blue. A long table had been laid with beautiful china, white as snow, and the set of knife, fork and spoon were in silver as well as the candlesticks and candelabras. Flowers from the garden had been put in vases and the saloon was filled with the sweet scent of roses and lilies. A fire was cracking and by the piano a woman sat and played little melodies for their entertainment.
It was not only the saloon that had been transformed for the evening, the guests had been cleaned up and dressed in new clothes. Their old dirty clothes were sent away to be cleaned and mended. Haz and Ard had been given light blue and white clothes to match their eyes and hair, and they looked dazzling. Nibbles was dressed dramatically in red and purple, and had as usual a hat tipped to one side of his head. Soi got black and dark blue clothes. They were the first to enter the dining room and sat down by the sparkling fire as the awaited the girls. Nibbles picked up his old habit of snapping forward flames out of nowhere. Haz and Soi watched Nibbles’ little play with fire and Ard sat with his eyes closed.
-How’s your gift working out for you? Nibbles asked him.
-I guess it takes time to get used to, but it feels better for each day that passes.
-Can you predict something for me? Nibbles smiled with a sparkle of mischief hidden in his eye.
Of course, Ard couldn’t see that and furrowed his eyebrows in concentration.
-You’ll set fire to the curtain, he said at last.
-What? Nibbles said in disbelief and snapped his fingers once more.
Suddenly there was a large crash and the sound of someone tumbling down the stairs. They all rose to their feet, everyone ready for a fight.
-Nibbles! For the crying sky!
Ana’s voice came from the hallway like thunder and Nibbles jerked and accidently snapped his fingers. Standing too close to the curtain it caught fire but none of them noticed it except Ard who knew it would happen.
-Told you it would happen, Ard pointed at the spreading fire and attempts to put it out were made. The fire was soon gone but the curtain was forever lost. Nibbles glanced nervously at the doorway to the hall.
-Don’t tell her it was my fault. She might not notice, he spoke quickly before he straightened up and tried to take the few steps to the hall with some confidence. The three left smiled at one another. There was no way Ana would miss that the curtain was ruined. They followed the sound of a fiery discussion out in the hallway where Ana sat on the floor in a pale green dress, wearing high heels and her blonde hair in a simple braid. Apparently she had fallen down the stairs after tripping over one of Nibbles’ rings which had been conveniently dropped on the first step. She held up the golden ring between her fingers, it was Nibbles’. But Nibbles tried to convince her that it wasn’t which made Ana more aggravated.
-Ana, I swear on the silver moon that it isn’t my ring, and you really should blame this on the stupid person who gave you high heels to wear.
-I picked them out myself!
Nibbles bit his lip.
At the top of the stairs Jagger stood with her hands clamped over her mouth, preventing her from laughing, tears trickling from her eyes. She had seen the whole tumbling and falling and had heard the whole discussion. A little laugh slipped through and all eyes were directed to her. There was a united gasp.
-I’m sorry Ana, but it looked hilarious.
-It’s alright, I’m the laughingstock of today.
Then the two girls realised the men were staring at Jagger. Her cheeks flushed. Ana’s eyebrows wrinkled together as always when there was something she didn’t get.
-What? Why are you staring like a wolf stares at a lamb?
Nibbles made his famous “you’re too young to understand”-sigh and rolled his eye.
-Why would we stare if it wasn’t for the fact that Jagger has transformed from boyish girl to the most beautiful young lady?
-So?
Nibbles rolled his eye yet again.
-Do you really want me to repeat myself from last time?
Ana snorted.
-No thanks. Can anybody help me up?
She held out her hands and Soi stepped forward to help her. When she was up she leaned in closer to his ear.
-I can see that she’s beautiful, but do you really need to stare at her? She asked, surprisingly anxious.
Soi laughed softly and Ana got more anxious.
-I’m serious.
-I know you are.
-Then why are you laughing?
She took a step away from him but her left leg wouldn’t carry her and she fell. Fortunately Soi was prepared and lifted her up in his arms.
-Dinner everyone? He said and walked into the dining room with Ana.
Haz and Nibbles followed but Ard stayed behind and waited for Jagger.
-I get the impression you’re wearing a beautiful dress, he said to her.
-Yes, I suppose so, Jagger said, still a bit embarrassed.
-Is it red?
-How did…?
-A good guess, Ard smiled and shrugged.
He held out his arm for her to take, not as if he was the blind one but as he was leading her into a ballroom.
In the dining room another argument erupted as Ana discovered the burnt curtain.
-For the shining stars, Nibbles, keep your hands in control!
-But it wasn’t me, I swear!
It was when the dessert was carried in three knocks was heard from Ana’s front door and she went to open. Soi didn’t see who it was or hear what they had to say, he was caught up in Ard’s demonstration of his future telling gift and Nibbles explanation to Jagger how it couldn’t be his fault, entirely, for setting fire to the curtain. When Ana returned to the room her face was pale. Nibbles stopped talking and observed her seriously.
-Ana, who was it?
-Just some Academy man. I’m supposed to install myself at the Academy council first thing tomorrow.
-Oh, Ana’s in trouble.
-Shut up, Nibbles!
-It’s not that bad, Ana, you were supposed to go there anyway, right.
-I don’t get called on. I don’t like this.
-Stop acting like you’re fourteen and come here and listen to Ard’s fortune telling.
She sunk down beside Soi. She listened halfhearted and her grey eyes were lost in the distance. Soi took her hand which rested between them and Ana looked into his dark eyes with worry.
-What is it?
-I don’t know, I have this feeling that something’s not right.
-Oh, Ard exclaimed. –I see that woman again, she with the long braid. Her hair must be black, it’s so dark. There’s something about her eyes that seems familiar.
-Sassa? Soi thought out loud.
-No, there’s nothing strange about her eyes.
-Unless… she’s a monster.
Soi looked at Nibbles and Ana, but they kept quiet.
-No, this woman’s not a monster, Ard said. –It’s just something about her eyes.
Nibbles laughed.
-Ard, you’re just saying that to make Jagger jealous, aren’t you?
-What, no!
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
The dinner that night was something extraordinary. After all those days with dry bread and meat, this was a feast taken from their wildest dreams. One of the saloons had been arranged with millions candles and now you could see that the room was blue. A long table had been laid with beautiful china, white as snow, and the set of knife, fork and spoon were in silver as well as the candlesticks and candelabras. Flowers from the garden had been put in vases and the saloon was filled with the sweet scent of roses and lilies. A fire was cracking and by the piano a woman sat and played little melodies for their entertainment.
It was not only the saloon that had been transformed for the evening, the guests had been cleaned up and dressed in new clothes. Their old dirty clothes were sent away to be cleaned and mended. Haz and Ard had been given light blue and white clothes to match their eyes and hair, and they looked dazzling. Nibbles was dressed dramatically in red and purple, and had as usual a hat tipped to one side of his head. Soi got black and dark blue clothes. They were the first to enter the dining room and sat down by the sparkling fire as the awaited the girls. Nibbles picked up his old habit of snapping forward flames out of nowhere. Haz and Soi watched Nibbles’ little play with fire and Ard sat with his eyes closed.
-How’s your gift working out for you? Nibbles asked him.
-I guess it takes time to get used to, but it feels better for each day that passes.
-Can you predict something for me? Nibbles smiled with a sparkle of mischief hidden in his eye.
Of course, Ard couldn’t see that and furrowed his eyebrows in concentration.
-You’ll set fire to the curtain, he said at last.
-What? Nibbles said in disbelief and snapped his fingers once more.
Suddenly there was a large crash and the sound of someone tumbling down the stairs. They all rose to their feet, everyone ready for a fight.
-Nibbles! For the crying sky!
Ana’s voice came from the hallway like thunder and Nibbles jerked and accidently snapped his fingers. Standing too close to the curtain it caught fire but none of them noticed it except Ard who knew it would happen.
-Told you it would happen, Ard pointed at the spreading fire and attempts to put it out were made. The fire was soon gone but the curtain was forever lost. Nibbles glanced nervously at the doorway to the hall.
-Don’t tell her it was my fault. She might not notice, he spoke quickly before he straightened up and tried to take the few steps to the hall with some confidence. The three left smiled at one another. There was no way Ana would miss that the curtain was ruined. They followed the sound of a fiery discussion out in the hallway where Ana sat on the floor in a pale green dress, wearing high heels and her blonde hair in a simple braid. Apparently she had fallen down the stairs after tripping over one of Nibbles’ rings which had been conveniently dropped on the first step. She held up the golden ring between her fingers, it was Nibbles’. But Nibbles tried to convince her that it wasn’t which made Ana more aggravated.
-Ana, I swear on the silver moon that it isn’t my ring, and you really should blame this on the stupid person who gave you high heels to wear.
-I picked them out myself!
Nibbles bit his lip.
At the top of the stairs Jagger stood with her hands clamped over her mouth, preventing her from laughing, tears trickling from her eyes. She had seen the whole tumbling and falling and had heard the whole discussion. A little laugh slipped through and all eyes were directed to her. There was a united gasp.
-I’m sorry Ana, but it looked hilarious.
-It’s alright, I’m the laughingstock of today.
Then the two girls realised the men were staring at Jagger. Her cheeks flushed. Ana’s eyebrows wrinkled together as always when there was something she didn’t get.
-What? Why are you staring like a wolf stares at a lamb?
Nibbles made his famous “you’re too young to understand”-sigh and rolled his eye.
-Why would we stare if it wasn’t for the fact that Jagger has transformed from boyish girl to the most beautiful young lady?
-So?
Nibbles rolled his eye yet again.
-Do you really want me to repeat myself from last time?
Ana snorted.
-No thanks. Can anybody help me up?
She held out her hands and Soi stepped forward to help her. When she was up she leaned in closer to his ear.
-I can see that she’s beautiful, but do you really need to stare at her? She asked, surprisingly anxious.
Soi laughed softly and Ana got more anxious.
-I’m serious.
-I know you are.
-Then why are you laughing?
She took a step away from him but her left leg wouldn’t carry her and she fell. Fortunately Soi was prepared and lifted her up in his arms.
-Dinner everyone? He said and walked into the dining room with Ana.
Haz and Nibbles followed but Ard stayed behind and waited for Jagger.
-I get the impression you’re wearing a beautiful dress, he said to her.
-Yes, I suppose so, Jagger said, still a bit embarrassed.
-Is it red?
-How did…?
-A good guess, Ard smiled and shrugged.
He held out his arm for her to take, not as if he was the blind one but as he was leading her into a ballroom.
In the dining room another argument erupted as Ana discovered the burnt curtain.
-For the shining stars, Nibbles, keep your hands in control!
-But it wasn’t me, I swear!
It was when the dessert was carried in three knocks was heard from Ana’s front door and she went to open. Soi didn’t see who it was or hear what they had to say, he was caught up in Ard’s demonstration of his future telling gift and Nibbles explanation to Jagger how it couldn’t be his fault, entirely, for setting fire to the curtain. When Ana returned to the room her face was pale. Nibbles stopped talking and observed her seriously.
-Ana, who was it?
-Just some Academy man. I’m supposed to install myself at the Academy council first thing tomorrow.
-Oh, Ana’s in trouble.
-Shut up, Nibbles!
-It’s not that bad, Ana, you were supposed to go there anyway, right.
-I don’t get called on. I don’t like this.
-Stop acting like you’re fourteen and come here and listen to Ard’s fortune telling.
She sunk down beside Soi. She listened halfhearted and her grey eyes were lost in the distance. Soi took her hand which rested between them and Ana looked into his dark eyes with worry.
-What is it?
-I don’t know, I have this feeling that something’s not right.
-Oh, Ard exclaimed. –I see that woman again, she with the long braid. Her hair must be black, it’s so dark. There’s something about her eyes that seems familiar.
-Sassa? Soi thought out loud.
-No, there’s nothing strange about her eyes.
-Unless… she’s a monster.
Soi looked at Nibbles and Ana, but they kept quiet.
-No, this woman’s not a monster, Ard said. –It’s just something about her eyes.
Nibbles laughed.
-Ard, you’re just saying that to make Jagger jealous, aren’t you?
-What, no!
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 11:1 -The Academy City
The Academy wasn’t just a few buildings where they educated brokens as Soi had thought all this time. No it was a city. The Academy City where the Academy was the centre of it all. In the middle lay the Academy council with its tower overlooking all of the city and the surrounding plains. Around it in a circle were the Academy buildings, where the education was taught. This was the only area of the city Ana could locate herself without a map. The way to the middle was harder. The Academy City was a large and round city, in its outskirts lay the white terrace houses, there lived people who worked for the Academy but wasn’t broken.
-That’s where they keep the slaves, Nibbles said with a smirk and Soi stared perplexed at him.
Ana gave Nibble a dangerous glare and then turned to Soi.
-How can you still believe what comes out from his mouth? Ignore him, that’s what I do.
-Ana, it’s more fun believing in the outrageous, Nibbles explained and Ana gave him a long look. But Nibbles kept smiling.
Instead of getting astray among the many terraces there were three main entrances leading to the next layer of the circle. It was the mansions where the brokens lived, at least those who worked for the Academy. The houses were white, as the terraces, and looked identical to each other. Most of them appeared to be uninhabited. This was the area where Ana got lost. All streets looked the same and seemed to go around in circles and never lead anywhere. If the Academy buildings hadn’t been towering over them one would easily get lost, was Soi’s thought. Ana got lost anyway. She stopped a young woman that came out from a side door of one of the white mansions.
-Excuse me. Do you know where I live?
None of them could hold back the laughter and Ana gave them all an evil stare while she talked to the woman who looked terrified at them all. She nervously watched the sides and kept fumbling with her fingers, her eyes were wide with fear. She pointed in a direction and gave Ana some directions to follow before she set off with quick feet down the opposite direction, away from them.
They all smiled silly when Ana turned to them with a sour expression.
-Don’t you dare… she threatened and pointed her finger at Nibbles who smiled widest.
-You don’t know where you live? That’s hilarious!
They burst out laughing again and Ana gave up and started limping away. The others followed her footsteps. From time to time she pointed at one of the Academy building, all of them looking exactly the same but Ana could obvious separate them from each other as she pointed at them and named them.
-And this is the justice department, Ana pointed to another huge white building.
-The torture chambers, Nibbles whispered teasingly in Soi’s ear.
-It doesn’t seem to be a lot of people out in the streets. Is everybody home already? Ard asked.
-There aren’t many brokens living here, Ana explained.
-Why not? I mean, it seems ok. Food, education and a home.
-And you have to work for the Academy for the rest of your life, Nibbles added.
-To save people, right? Isn’t that great?
-Ana, can’t you tell him, Nibbles sighed.
-I can’t, oath of secrecy.
She held up the right hand she had pledged with.
Nibbles threw his hands in the air dramatically.
-Trade secret, right! I’ll tell you Ard, but not here, this close to the Academy, Nibbles lowered his voice to a whisper. -They’ll kill me.
-You don’t work for the Academy?
-No, thank the silver stars for that. I think Ana is the only one for the moment, now that Sam’s quit.
-Who’s Sam? Didn’t you say he’s a monster?
-Ard, Haz quieted his brother’s stream of question.
-Ana, how can you be the only one working for the Academy? Soi continued instead.
-I’m not, I’m the only one doing big missions. The others act diplomats and small stuff.
-Then what do you do?
Ana frowned and held up her right hand. Nibbles answered instead.
-She has the adventures, he said with a smile.
Ana stopped in front of a mansion, similar to all the rest in the street, it was huge and white. White was the only colour in the Academy City.
-Welcome to my house.
As if Ana had snapped her fingers people came out from side doors and took away the horses. Soi wasn’t really willing to let go of the black mare to a stranger, but finally let her go.
-Is this your home?
-It’s my house. I don’t have a home.
The outside with its many windows suggested the inside would be light but it couldn’t be more wrong.
-It feels dark, I can feel it smother me, Ard said with a shudder.
-It’s black, Haz stated.
-Dark as night, was Nibbles thought.
-As Soi’s horse, Jagger contributed with a smile.
A laughter broke out.
-No, wait, I know, it’s dark as Soi’s hair, Ard added smiling.
-Yes! And his eyes, Jagger agreed enthusiastically.
Ana snorted.
-Actually…
-It’s blue, Soi answered instead. –It’s dark blue. Can’t you see it?
The other silenced and watched around the hallway.
-I still think it looks like your eyes, Soi, Nibbles said after awhile and Jagger and Ard smiled agreeing.
-Whatever the colour of my hallway, you are welcome to enter and find yourself a room.
-How many rooms do you have?
-Around twenty, haven’t counted them yet.
-How long have you had this mansion?
-I don’t know, as I’ve said on several occasions I don’t keep track of the years.
-Let’s find out.
Jagger pulled Ard with her and they disappeared up the stairs. Ana sighed loudly.
-Aren’t you childish enough to find out how many rooms I have? She asked the remaining three people.
Nibbles smiled, tipped his hat and took the left corridor.
-I’ll take the other one, Haz said silently and disappeared to the right.
-And you? Ana raised an eyebrow expectantly.
-Do you have a stable?
-Why, Soi, would I have a stable when I detest horses? Stupid question!
-You don’t know, right? Soi smiled a little when Ana’s grey eyes widened in surprise.
She opened her mouth to contradict him but he raised his hand and waved her off.
-Doesn’t matter, I’ll find it myself.
He walked straight forward, to the door to the right of the stairs. The door led to a room equally dark as the hall and so were the following rooms he passed in his search for a way out. The rooms were all saloons and dining rooms of some sort, filled with armchair and sofas in dark blue velvet, bookshelf and tables made out of dark wood. In each room there was a fire sparkling in the grand fireplaces even though it was summer. Dark blue curtains hung in front of every window. Everything in the mansion was dark, mostly blue but also brown, grey and black.
At last Soi found a door out. When he opened it he was astonished by the sight that met him. It was a garden, full of colours and flowers and butterflies and birdsong.
-Amazing.
-It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?
Soi jumped out of fear. Ana stood right behind him.
-Did you follow me?
-Who knows what you’ll do if I don’t keep an eye on you, she said and passed him into the garden. –So, what do you think?
-Breathtaking, as you said. But it doesn’t feel like you, not like the house did. This is too much colours.
Ana looked around the garden, nodded vaguely.
-I wished for black roses, not that I care for flowers.
-You didn’t get to choose how you wanted your garden to look like?
-Oh, yes. But I didn’t care about it and so Sam said he could do it for me. He thought I needed more colours.
She waved her hand along the garden.
-I think I agree with him on that matter at least, Soi said quietly.
-Me too. We used to be in my garden those few evenings I stayed here before I went on another mission. This is the only place I feel at home.
Ana sat down on a bench and fiddled with her necklace.
-That was the necklace Sam left for you in Sofara?
Soi sat down beside her and reached for it. Ana stopped immediately and tucked it inside her clothes.
-Shall we see if we can find your stable, she said and walked away.
Soi followed.
-What did he say in that note he left you?
Ana furrowed her forehead.
-None of your business.
She tried to walk away from him and he let her, he wasn’t supposed to meddle anyway. It wasn’t his business.
They found the stable and discovered how the streets worked as well. Ana’s mansion together with nine other mansions formed a circle and inside the circle laid the stable with the horses from the surrounding mansions. The stable was empty except for Soi’s black mare, Nibbles roan stallion and Haz’s white horse.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
The Academy wasn’t just a few buildings where they educated brokens as Soi had thought all this time. No it was a city. The Academy City where the Academy was the centre of it all. In the middle lay the Academy council with its tower overlooking all of the city and the surrounding plains. Around it in a circle were the Academy buildings, where the education was taught. This was the only area of the city Ana could locate herself without a map. The way to the middle was harder. The Academy City was a large and round city, in its outskirts lay the white terrace houses, there lived people who worked for the Academy but wasn’t broken.
-That’s where they keep the slaves, Nibbles said with a smirk and Soi stared perplexed at him.
Ana gave Nibble a dangerous glare and then turned to Soi.
-How can you still believe what comes out from his mouth? Ignore him, that’s what I do.
-Ana, it’s more fun believing in the outrageous, Nibbles explained and Ana gave him a long look. But Nibbles kept smiling.
Instead of getting astray among the many terraces there were three main entrances leading to the next layer of the circle. It was the mansions where the brokens lived, at least those who worked for the Academy. The houses were white, as the terraces, and looked identical to each other. Most of them appeared to be uninhabited. This was the area where Ana got lost. All streets looked the same and seemed to go around in circles and never lead anywhere. If the Academy buildings hadn’t been towering over them one would easily get lost, was Soi’s thought. Ana got lost anyway. She stopped a young woman that came out from a side door of one of the white mansions.
-Excuse me. Do you know where I live?
None of them could hold back the laughter and Ana gave them all an evil stare while she talked to the woman who looked terrified at them all. She nervously watched the sides and kept fumbling with her fingers, her eyes were wide with fear. She pointed in a direction and gave Ana some directions to follow before she set off with quick feet down the opposite direction, away from them.
They all smiled silly when Ana turned to them with a sour expression.
-Don’t you dare… she threatened and pointed her finger at Nibbles who smiled widest.
-You don’t know where you live? That’s hilarious!
They burst out laughing again and Ana gave up and started limping away. The others followed her footsteps. From time to time she pointed at one of the Academy building, all of them looking exactly the same but Ana could obvious separate them from each other as she pointed at them and named them.
-And this is the justice department, Ana pointed to another huge white building.
-The torture chambers, Nibbles whispered teasingly in Soi’s ear.
-It doesn’t seem to be a lot of people out in the streets. Is everybody home already? Ard asked.
-There aren’t many brokens living here, Ana explained.
-Why not? I mean, it seems ok. Food, education and a home.
-And you have to work for the Academy for the rest of your life, Nibbles added.
-To save people, right? Isn’t that great?
-Ana, can’t you tell him, Nibbles sighed.
-I can’t, oath of secrecy.
She held up the right hand she had pledged with.
Nibbles threw his hands in the air dramatically.
-Trade secret, right! I’ll tell you Ard, but not here, this close to the Academy, Nibbles lowered his voice to a whisper. -They’ll kill me.
-You don’t work for the Academy?
-No, thank the silver stars for that. I think Ana is the only one for the moment, now that Sam’s quit.
-Who’s Sam? Didn’t you say he’s a monster?
-Ard, Haz quieted his brother’s stream of question.
-Ana, how can you be the only one working for the Academy? Soi continued instead.
-I’m not, I’m the only one doing big missions. The others act diplomats and small stuff.
-Then what do you do?
Ana frowned and held up her right hand. Nibbles answered instead.
-She has the adventures, he said with a smile.
Ana stopped in front of a mansion, similar to all the rest in the street, it was huge and white. White was the only colour in the Academy City.
-Welcome to my house.
As if Ana had snapped her fingers people came out from side doors and took away the horses. Soi wasn’t really willing to let go of the black mare to a stranger, but finally let her go.
-Is this your home?
-It’s my house. I don’t have a home.
The outside with its many windows suggested the inside would be light but it couldn’t be more wrong.
-It feels dark, I can feel it smother me, Ard said with a shudder.
-It’s black, Haz stated.
-Dark as night, was Nibbles thought.
-As Soi’s horse, Jagger contributed with a smile.
A laughter broke out.
-No, wait, I know, it’s dark as Soi’s hair, Ard added smiling.
-Yes! And his eyes, Jagger agreed enthusiastically.
Ana snorted.
-Actually…
-It’s blue, Soi answered instead. –It’s dark blue. Can’t you see it?
The other silenced and watched around the hallway.
-I still think it looks like your eyes, Soi, Nibbles said after awhile and Jagger and Ard smiled agreeing.
-Whatever the colour of my hallway, you are welcome to enter and find yourself a room.
-How many rooms do you have?
-Around twenty, haven’t counted them yet.
-How long have you had this mansion?
-I don’t know, as I’ve said on several occasions I don’t keep track of the years.
-Let’s find out.
Jagger pulled Ard with her and they disappeared up the stairs. Ana sighed loudly.
-Aren’t you childish enough to find out how many rooms I have? She asked the remaining three people.
Nibbles smiled, tipped his hat and took the left corridor.
-I’ll take the other one, Haz said silently and disappeared to the right.
-And you? Ana raised an eyebrow expectantly.
-Do you have a stable?
-Why, Soi, would I have a stable when I detest horses? Stupid question!
-You don’t know, right? Soi smiled a little when Ana’s grey eyes widened in surprise.
She opened her mouth to contradict him but he raised his hand and waved her off.
-Doesn’t matter, I’ll find it myself.
He walked straight forward, to the door to the right of the stairs. The door led to a room equally dark as the hall and so were the following rooms he passed in his search for a way out. The rooms were all saloons and dining rooms of some sort, filled with armchair and sofas in dark blue velvet, bookshelf and tables made out of dark wood. In each room there was a fire sparkling in the grand fireplaces even though it was summer. Dark blue curtains hung in front of every window. Everything in the mansion was dark, mostly blue but also brown, grey and black.
At last Soi found a door out. When he opened it he was astonished by the sight that met him. It was a garden, full of colours and flowers and butterflies and birdsong.
-Amazing.
-It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?
Soi jumped out of fear. Ana stood right behind him.
-Did you follow me?
-Who knows what you’ll do if I don’t keep an eye on you, she said and passed him into the garden. –So, what do you think?
-Breathtaking, as you said. But it doesn’t feel like you, not like the house did. This is too much colours.
Ana looked around the garden, nodded vaguely.
-I wished for black roses, not that I care for flowers.
-You didn’t get to choose how you wanted your garden to look like?
-Oh, yes. But I didn’t care about it and so Sam said he could do it for me. He thought I needed more colours.
She waved her hand along the garden.
-I think I agree with him on that matter at least, Soi said quietly.
-Me too. We used to be in my garden those few evenings I stayed here before I went on another mission. This is the only place I feel at home.
Ana sat down on a bench and fiddled with her necklace.
-That was the necklace Sam left for you in Sofara?
Soi sat down beside her and reached for it. Ana stopped immediately and tucked it inside her clothes.
-Shall we see if we can find your stable, she said and walked away.
Soi followed.
-What did he say in that note he left you?
Ana furrowed her forehead.
-None of your business.
She tried to walk away from him and he let her, he wasn’t supposed to meddle anyway. It wasn’t his business.
They found the stable and discovered how the streets worked as well. Ana’s mansion together with nine other mansions formed a circle and inside the circle laid the stable with the horses from the surrounding mansions. The stable was empty except for Soi’s black mare, Nibbles roan stallion and Haz’s white horse.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
The Broken Ones
Chapter 10:3 -Eyes and fingers
Soi would have sunk to his knees if he had been Haz, but Haz stood straight. Soi could feel him tremble but he didn’t waver. Only one tear fell from his blue eyes. He nodded and took the few steps that parted him from his brother.
-Ard, he said, keeping his voice steady. –Come here, I’ll help you down.
Haz hold out his arms towards Ard who blindly searched for them. Haz took Ard’s hands with a firm grip and lifted his brother down from the black horse and into his arms. Ard begun to cry the moment he felt the warmth from his brother, but no tears run down his cheeks.
-I am so sorry, brother, he sobbed.
-You are alive, that’s all that matters.
-But my eyes, the reason you sacrificed your fingers, I have let you down.
-No, Ard. You are alive, you are here with me. I couldn’t wish for more.
Soi felt a tear run down his own face, but he wasn’t the only one. Nibbles cheeks were wet on the right side and dried one the other. Jagger bit her under lip until it bled and tears trickled down and blended with the blood. Ana was the only one who wasn’t crying, though her face was pale and she gripped her staff so her knuckles turned white. She kept her eyes on the brothers with a stern face. Suddenly she shifted her gaze to Soi.
-Soi, she said serious. –Where’s your bag?
For a moment Soi couldn’t understand what she meant, then he realised and went to the dark horse and picked out the tiny dark bottle. He walked to the two brothers.
-Haz, I have something that can help, he said and Haz released Ard from his arms.
Soi took Ard’s hand.
-I need you to drink this, it will help. I don’t know how much… he ended before he started to doubt himself.
-I’ll drink it, Ard said and opened his mouth.
Soi poured first one drop into his mouth but then he emptied the whole bottle to be sure. The effect was immediate, Ard sighed with relief when the pain disappeared and the cut along his leg healed, leaving no scare. His left eye healed slowly and the gash disappeared. His right eye was still badly hurt but it stopped bleeding and bit by bit it got restored as well. His eyes got their blue colour with gold sparkles back and he looked the same as before the injury.
The others gasped around him. Only Ana and Soi remained silent, though Nibbles didn’t seem so surprised.
-And that was just water? He asked and Soi stared at him.
-How did you know?
-Nebelius, you have revealed yourself this time, Ana pointed out.
-I know, but I simply couldn’t believe it. Was it really water? You’re not some kind of broken?
-Nibbles, if he wanted you to know all of his secrets he would have told you himself. Now you have brought them into daylight without his consent. Don’t think he will tell you anything now.
-What do you mean? Soi couldn’t understand what they were talking about.
-I’m sorry Soi, but your mind has been to intriguing not to follow, Nibbles smiled weakly.
Finally Soi puzzled the pieces together, everything Nibbles knew without ever telling him about it.
-You’re a mind reader.
-And you’re a savior, the Spring Saviour.
-Nebelius, don’t make the cut deeper, Ana warned.
Soi was taken aback by Nibbles words.
-Yes, I am, he acknowledged.
-You save people. With water. That’s the only part I don’t get. Is it only water?
Shocked, Soi nodded yes. But what had he expected when he saved Ard in front of them all. Of course they would ask questions. He turned to Ard.
-Do you feel anything? Any pain? He asked with a dazed voice.
-No, nothing…
-Good.
-It’s only, I don’t see, at least not the way I did before.
Haz turned pale again, his eyes expressing distress.
-In what way do you see now? He asked carefully.
-The world’s in black and white, there’s no colours and there are… images flashing by. I can see a woman with long braided hair and strange eyes, there’s an island, a city surrounded by mountains.
-Beroal, Nibbles said with a confused voice.
-He’s not completely healed, he’s still a broken, Ana stated.
-How many fingers am I holding up? Haz held up his left hand with all his fingers still intact.
-Three, Ard answered.
-Wrong, five.
-It’s not wrong, Ard objected irritated. –You’re holding up three fingers.
Nibbles laughed.
-He’s right, Haz, you are holding up three fingers, he said with a wide smile.
The others stared at him as he was crazy, they could all see that Haz held up five fingers.
-You’re thinking of holding up three fingers next time. Ard’s seeing the future, Nibbles explained further.
Haz stared perplexed at him. Then he bowed to Nibbles. And to Ana and Soi and lastly to Jagger.
-Why are you bowing, Jagger wondered suspiciously.
-Thank you all for saving my brother.
Haz took a step forward to her, took her hand and kissed its knuckles. Jagger’s green eyes widened in surprise.
-Don’t think this change anything. I still don’t like you, she said furiously.
-Jagger, that’s only because he’s a monster, Nibbles pointed out.
-What! A what!?
During breakfast they told Jagger everything she had missed.
-Then I was right about them, they did look like humans, she said quietly, then another thought hit her. –But wait, then Sam’s a monster as well.
Ana sighed.
-Am I right? Jagger asked surprised.
-Yes, Ana admitted.
Jagger reflected on this while the group silently ate their breakfast. Ard stayed close to his brother, still not sure of his new gift and unable to see what was really happening around him. There was a somber mood hanging over the group even though they had all survived the night and was closer to the Academy than before. Soi came up with an idea that would cheer them up and he turned to Jagger.
-Aren’t you going to say I’m a monster as well, Jagger, after all you don’t like me either, Soi joked with her, knowing how she would response.
Jagger looked up perplexed, eager to contradict him and tried explain.
-But, that was… I was wrong about you. I simply didn’t like you because Ana does.
That created an unexpected and awkward silence before Nibbles laughed.
-As up-front as always, Jagger. Are you feeling better?
-Some, she answered flustered and hung with her head in embarrassment.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Soi would have sunk to his knees if he had been Haz, but Haz stood straight. Soi could feel him tremble but he didn’t waver. Only one tear fell from his blue eyes. He nodded and took the few steps that parted him from his brother.
-Ard, he said, keeping his voice steady. –Come here, I’ll help you down.
Haz hold out his arms towards Ard who blindly searched for them. Haz took Ard’s hands with a firm grip and lifted his brother down from the black horse and into his arms. Ard begun to cry the moment he felt the warmth from his brother, but no tears run down his cheeks.
-I am so sorry, brother, he sobbed.
-You are alive, that’s all that matters.
-But my eyes, the reason you sacrificed your fingers, I have let you down.
-No, Ard. You are alive, you are here with me. I couldn’t wish for more.
Soi felt a tear run down his own face, but he wasn’t the only one. Nibbles cheeks were wet on the right side and dried one the other. Jagger bit her under lip until it bled and tears trickled down and blended with the blood. Ana was the only one who wasn’t crying, though her face was pale and she gripped her staff so her knuckles turned white. She kept her eyes on the brothers with a stern face. Suddenly she shifted her gaze to Soi.
-Soi, she said serious. –Where’s your bag?
For a moment Soi couldn’t understand what she meant, then he realised and went to the dark horse and picked out the tiny dark bottle. He walked to the two brothers.
-Haz, I have something that can help, he said and Haz released Ard from his arms.
Soi took Ard’s hand.
-I need you to drink this, it will help. I don’t know how much… he ended before he started to doubt himself.
-I’ll drink it, Ard said and opened his mouth.
Soi poured first one drop into his mouth but then he emptied the whole bottle to be sure. The effect was immediate, Ard sighed with relief when the pain disappeared and the cut along his leg healed, leaving no scare. His left eye healed slowly and the gash disappeared. His right eye was still badly hurt but it stopped bleeding and bit by bit it got restored as well. His eyes got their blue colour with gold sparkles back and he looked the same as before the injury.
The others gasped around him. Only Ana and Soi remained silent, though Nibbles didn’t seem so surprised.
-And that was just water? He asked and Soi stared at him.
-How did you know?
-Nebelius, you have revealed yourself this time, Ana pointed out.
-I know, but I simply couldn’t believe it. Was it really water? You’re not some kind of broken?
-Nibbles, if he wanted you to know all of his secrets he would have told you himself. Now you have brought them into daylight without his consent. Don’t think he will tell you anything now.
-What do you mean? Soi couldn’t understand what they were talking about.
-I’m sorry Soi, but your mind has been to intriguing not to follow, Nibbles smiled weakly.
Finally Soi puzzled the pieces together, everything Nibbles knew without ever telling him about it.
-You’re a mind reader.
-And you’re a savior, the Spring Saviour.
-Nebelius, don’t make the cut deeper, Ana warned.
Soi was taken aback by Nibbles words.
-Yes, I am, he acknowledged.
-You save people. With water. That’s the only part I don’t get. Is it only water?
Shocked, Soi nodded yes. But what had he expected when he saved Ard in front of them all. Of course they would ask questions. He turned to Ard.
-Do you feel anything? Any pain? He asked with a dazed voice.
-No, nothing…
-Good.
-It’s only, I don’t see, at least not the way I did before.
Haz turned pale again, his eyes expressing distress.
-In what way do you see now? He asked carefully.
-The world’s in black and white, there’s no colours and there are… images flashing by. I can see a woman with long braided hair and strange eyes, there’s an island, a city surrounded by mountains.
-Beroal, Nibbles said with a confused voice.
-He’s not completely healed, he’s still a broken, Ana stated.
-How many fingers am I holding up? Haz held up his left hand with all his fingers still intact.
-Three, Ard answered.
-Wrong, five.
-It’s not wrong, Ard objected irritated. –You’re holding up three fingers.
Nibbles laughed.
-He’s right, Haz, you are holding up three fingers, he said with a wide smile.
The others stared at him as he was crazy, they could all see that Haz held up five fingers.
-You’re thinking of holding up three fingers next time. Ard’s seeing the future, Nibbles explained further.
Haz stared perplexed at him. Then he bowed to Nibbles. And to Ana and Soi and lastly to Jagger.
-Why are you bowing, Jagger wondered suspiciously.
-Thank you all for saving my brother.
Haz took a step forward to her, took her hand and kissed its knuckles. Jagger’s green eyes widened in surprise.
-Don’t think this change anything. I still don’t like you, she said furiously.
-Jagger, that’s only because he’s a monster, Nibbles pointed out.
-What! A what!?
During breakfast they told Jagger everything she had missed.
-Then I was right about them, they did look like humans, she said quietly, then another thought hit her. –But wait, then Sam’s a monster as well.
Ana sighed.
-Am I right? Jagger asked surprised.
-Yes, Ana admitted.
Jagger reflected on this while the group silently ate their breakfast. Ard stayed close to his brother, still not sure of his new gift and unable to see what was really happening around him. There was a somber mood hanging over the group even though they had all survived the night and was closer to the Academy than before. Soi came up with an idea that would cheer them up and he turned to Jagger.
-Aren’t you going to say I’m a monster as well, Jagger, after all you don’t like me either, Soi joked with her, knowing how she would response.
Jagger looked up perplexed, eager to contradict him and tried explain.
-But, that was… I was wrong about you. I simply didn’t like you because Ana does.
That created an unexpected and awkward silence before Nibbles laughed.
-As up-front as always, Jagger. Are you feeling better?
-Some, she answered flustered and hung with her head in embarrassment.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 10:2 - Eyes and fingers
He wasn’t scared anymore. Maybe it was because he wasn’t in the middle of it all but on the outside, sort of in control. He didn’t need to fight every second for his life but choose when to attack and when to sit and wait for the right moment to attack. The monsters lessened around the group. It was an effective method to attack from both sides even if the monsters were aware of it this time. But with sudden attacks when their focus laid elsewhere many monsters got hurt and killed, and the black mare could easily escape their claws and teeth.
Then Haz discovered that his little brother was gone and he argueed with Ana. At least that’s what it looked like for Soi as he rode on the outside. Nibbles took part of the discussion and Soi could see Haz’s upset face. He wanted to turn back to find his brother. But Ana shook her head and Nibbles agreed. Haz clenched his teeth. Soi could understand his frustration and he was the only one who could do anything about the situation, if it wasn’t for a stubborn horse. He made up his mind and pulled the rein sharply to the left away from the monsters. The mare neighed objectively, not willing to leave the fight but Soi was determined and the black mare settled and obediently followed his direction.
When he caught up with them, Jagger and Ard stood with their backs to each other facing the three monsters circling around them. The pack horse lay dead on the ground and Ard’s horse couldn’t be seen. The dawn was coming and the monsters were impatient. Jagger had her hands up in the air, ready to throw but Soi couldn’t make out what she was holding. Ard had his sword drawn and he skillfully handled it with his hands.
In an hour Soi wouldn’t have the cover of the dark anymore, his best offensive. He needed to act quickly. Carefully he slid down from mare’s back and walked silently around the monsters until he was on the other side of the circle. He gripped his sword tightly and gritted his teeth before he took a step forward and launched himself into the fight. He cut one of the monsters over the back and it turned around showing its glowing red eyes and dangerous teeth. It snarled and attacked but was dead before it reached him with its claws. Jagger had thrown one of her daggers into its throat and one where its heart should be. Jagger’s green eyes met Soi’s dark one second before he retreated into the dark. From the other side of the ring the black horse did a similar attack to Soi’s but Ard wasn’t as quick as Jagger to grip the moment. The mare got easily out of the way from the monsters claws, neighing provocative at it so when Ard followed up the attack he got an angry monster down his neck and he couldn’t escape its sharp claws. He screamed painfully when his leg got a deep cut from the knee to the ankle before Jagger’s daggers got stuck in the monsters paw and eye. It retreated with a hurt howl but Ard was already down. Jagger kneeled down beside him to eye his injuries but Ard tried to wave her away.
-They’ll attack, he coaxed.
-If they do, Soi and the black horse will intervene.
That was true but it was hard to make out the monsters in the dark. The two left had retreated into the night as himself. The wounded one whined a little, a terrifying sound. The other one was silently walking around them. Soi searched in the darkness for any movement.
-Oh, glowing skies! Jagger cried and Soi turned his attention back to them. –Soi!
-What? He called out carefully, not willing to reveal his location.
-We need to get back to the others, I’ve tied his leg but…
It she said anything else Soi didn’t get to find out before a low snarl warned him of the monster. Soi threw himself to the side and avoided the teeth that bite after him. He was quick to return the attack, swung the sword and cut its stomach. For the second time he was flushed in blood. But the monster wasn’t dead yet. It snapped it jaws after him until he delivered the final blow and cut its throat. Now there was only the wounded monster out there, probably not ready for another attack yet. Soi run to Jagger.
-What did you say, after tying his leg? He asked and sat down beside them.
Ard breathed heavily with an open mouth and shivered in the dark night. Jagger swallowed and wiped her face clear.
-His face, his eyes, she said with an unsteady voice. –I don’t know what to do.
Soi looked at Ard’s face and breathed in deeply.
-Don’t worry, we’ll fix it, he said weakly, without hope.
-Mm…
Ard didn’t say anything but whimpered, he was sweating and panting. Soi whistled and the black horse appeared from the dark. Jagger got up first and Soi and she dragged Ard up behind in front of her. He screamed excruciatingly when Soi pushed his leg over to the other side of the horse but they had to get him up. Jagger whispered to Ard to keep his mind off the pain and closed her eyes so she wouldn’t see the blood and cry. She needed to be strong for him.
They began to walk back to the others. They followed the string of dead monsters and as the dark begun to withdraw Soi saw the monsters in daylight. They were as Jagger had described them, like huge humans with crooked backs and lots of fur. But their red eyes were nothing like human eyes. They were larger and looked like the eyes of a predator. Soi could understand why they shrouded themselves from daylight. If anyone would see them they would understand that they once had been humans. People would know what happened to them if they would injure themselves on purpose. If they tried to become a broken by their own hands.
Soi tried to look after Ard’s white horse, dead or alive, but he could only see the corpses of hundreds of monsters. Eventually they reached the others. They sat on the ground waiting. Their faces were weary and tired of the long night. The horses stood with their faces to the ground panting. Nibbles was the first to see them and he darted up from his hunching position. Ana looked at him and followed his eyes and saw Soi. She took a ragged breath and turned her face away. Haz rose and run to meet them, he had been crying and his eyes were red.
-Ard! He called happy and relieved.
Soi took a step forward to stop him.
-Haz, Soi tried to catch his cold blue eyes. –He’s injured.
Haz’ face paled, his jaws tensed.
-How much? He asked, his face grave.
-There’s a deep cut along his left leg, from the knee to the ankle. Jagger stopped the bleeding.
Haz nodded somberly and his eyes dotted nervously towards Ard who kept his head down.
-And then…
Haz quickly directed his eyes back to Soi’s, his eyes full of fear. He gripped Soi’s shoulders but waited for him to continue. Soi couldn’t.
-His eyes, Jagger said with a strong voice, her back straightened. –The monster’s claw cut both of his eyes, across his face.
To be contiuned...
By J.L.Frick
He wasn’t scared anymore. Maybe it was because he wasn’t in the middle of it all but on the outside, sort of in control. He didn’t need to fight every second for his life but choose when to attack and when to sit and wait for the right moment to attack. The monsters lessened around the group. It was an effective method to attack from both sides even if the monsters were aware of it this time. But with sudden attacks when their focus laid elsewhere many monsters got hurt and killed, and the black mare could easily escape their claws and teeth.
Then Haz discovered that his little brother was gone and he argueed with Ana. At least that’s what it looked like for Soi as he rode on the outside. Nibbles took part of the discussion and Soi could see Haz’s upset face. He wanted to turn back to find his brother. But Ana shook her head and Nibbles agreed. Haz clenched his teeth. Soi could understand his frustration and he was the only one who could do anything about the situation, if it wasn’t for a stubborn horse. He made up his mind and pulled the rein sharply to the left away from the monsters. The mare neighed objectively, not willing to leave the fight but Soi was determined and the black mare settled and obediently followed his direction.
When he caught up with them, Jagger and Ard stood with their backs to each other facing the three monsters circling around them. The pack horse lay dead on the ground and Ard’s horse couldn’t be seen. The dawn was coming and the monsters were impatient. Jagger had her hands up in the air, ready to throw but Soi couldn’t make out what she was holding. Ard had his sword drawn and he skillfully handled it with his hands.
In an hour Soi wouldn’t have the cover of the dark anymore, his best offensive. He needed to act quickly. Carefully he slid down from mare’s back and walked silently around the monsters until he was on the other side of the circle. He gripped his sword tightly and gritted his teeth before he took a step forward and launched himself into the fight. He cut one of the monsters over the back and it turned around showing its glowing red eyes and dangerous teeth. It snarled and attacked but was dead before it reached him with its claws. Jagger had thrown one of her daggers into its throat and one where its heart should be. Jagger’s green eyes met Soi’s dark one second before he retreated into the dark. From the other side of the ring the black horse did a similar attack to Soi’s but Ard wasn’t as quick as Jagger to grip the moment. The mare got easily out of the way from the monsters claws, neighing provocative at it so when Ard followed up the attack he got an angry monster down his neck and he couldn’t escape its sharp claws. He screamed painfully when his leg got a deep cut from the knee to the ankle before Jagger’s daggers got stuck in the monsters paw and eye. It retreated with a hurt howl but Ard was already down. Jagger kneeled down beside him to eye his injuries but Ard tried to wave her away.
-They’ll attack, he coaxed.
-If they do, Soi and the black horse will intervene.
That was true but it was hard to make out the monsters in the dark. The two left had retreated into the night as himself. The wounded one whined a little, a terrifying sound. The other one was silently walking around them. Soi searched in the darkness for any movement.
-Oh, glowing skies! Jagger cried and Soi turned his attention back to them. –Soi!
-What? He called out carefully, not willing to reveal his location.
-We need to get back to the others, I’ve tied his leg but…
It she said anything else Soi didn’t get to find out before a low snarl warned him of the monster. Soi threw himself to the side and avoided the teeth that bite after him. He was quick to return the attack, swung the sword and cut its stomach. For the second time he was flushed in blood. But the monster wasn’t dead yet. It snapped it jaws after him until he delivered the final blow and cut its throat. Now there was only the wounded monster out there, probably not ready for another attack yet. Soi run to Jagger.
-What did you say, after tying his leg? He asked and sat down beside them.
Ard breathed heavily with an open mouth and shivered in the dark night. Jagger swallowed and wiped her face clear.
-His face, his eyes, she said with an unsteady voice. –I don’t know what to do.
Soi looked at Ard’s face and breathed in deeply.
-Don’t worry, we’ll fix it, he said weakly, without hope.
-Mm…
Ard didn’t say anything but whimpered, he was sweating and panting. Soi whistled and the black horse appeared from the dark. Jagger got up first and Soi and she dragged Ard up behind in front of her. He screamed excruciatingly when Soi pushed his leg over to the other side of the horse but they had to get him up. Jagger whispered to Ard to keep his mind off the pain and closed her eyes so she wouldn’t see the blood and cry. She needed to be strong for him.
They began to walk back to the others. They followed the string of dead monsters and as the dark begun to withdraw Soi saw the monsters in daylight. They were as Jagger had described them, like huge humans with crooked backs and lots of fur. But their red eyes were nothing like human eyes. They were larger and looked like the eyes of a predator. Soi could understand why they shrouded themselves from daylight. If anyone would see them they would understand that they once had been humans. People would know what happened to them if they would injure themselves on purpose. If they tried to become a broken by their own hands.
Soi tried to look after Ard’s white horse, dead or alive, but he could only see the corpses of hundreds of monsters. Eventually they reached the others. They sat on the ground waiting. Their faces were weary and tired of the long night. The horses stood with their faces to the ground panting. Nibbles was the first to see them and he darted up from his hunching position. Ana looked at him and followed his eyes and saw Soi. She took a ragged breath and turned her face away. Haz rose and run to meet them, he had been crying and his eyes were red.
-Ard! He called happy and relieved.
Soi took a step forward to stop him.
-Haz, Soi tried to catch his cold blue eyes. –He’s injured.
Haz’ face paled, his jaws tensed.
-How much? He asked, his face grave.
-There’s a deep cut along his left leg, from the knee to the ankle. Jagger stopped the bleeding.
Haz nodded somberly and his eyes dotted nervously towards Ard who kept his head down.
-And then…
Haz quickly directed his eyes back to Soi’s, his eyes full of fear. He gripped Soi’s shoulders but waited for him to continue. Soi couldn’t.
-His eyes, Jagger said with a strong voice, her back straightened. –The monster’s claw cut both of his eyes, across his face.
To be contiuned...
By J.L.Frick
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 10:1 -Eyes and fingers
-You didn’t know, Ana asked but she already knew the answer.
-No, I didn‘t know anything about brokens or monsters until I met you.
-You liar, Soi blurted out.
-He’s telling the truth, Soi, Nibbles said seriously.
-How could he not know! I knew the moment I saw him. Jagger knew.
-Soi, you didn’t know about brokens or monsters until recently yourself, and that was because of the simple reason you’re not from around, Ana lectured him.
-But he’s a monster! Soi yelled furiously.
-Being a monster doesn’t include a thick book on what it means, Ana yelled at Soi. –And as he doesn’t know what it means he had other reasons for cutting off his fingers. Do you think that is painless?!
-What do you mean? Ard intervened in their fight. –Brother, did you cut off your own fingers? Why?
Haz turned to his brother who had a scared and skeptical look on his face.
-Ard, I did it for you, he said with a sad voice. -Remember when we were kept captive? They wanted to send something to our parents to prove that they had us in captivity so they could get their gold.
Ard’s gold eyes filled with tears.
-I don’t understand, brother.
-They wanted to send your eyes.
Haz’s own eyes turned bright with tears and he shook his head sadly.
-I couldn’t let them, not your eyes.
-So…
-I put up a fight, killed one man and when they held me down to the ground I came up with the plan. I told them to take my fingers instead, the ones with the golden rings mother and father had given me.
-But you’re a monster, Soi spoke without thinking, his face was pale.
Haz gritted his teeth.
-They wanted revenge for the man I killed so they said they would agree to my suggestion, if I cut them myself.
Haz spit the words out.
-You escaped, Ana said.
-The moment I cut the first finger I could feel that something was different. I held on to that energy as I cut the next finger, it helped me through the pain and with the third finger I felt stronger. I got thrown back into the room where they kept me and my brother and sometime during the night we escaped.
-How?
-I don’t know, I carried Ard, he was sleeping, and the guards all died around me.
-You never told me how we escaped, Ard said.
-I couldn’t, you were too young.
-You never told me anything.
-I didn’t want to burden you.
-But was does it make him? Soi asked Ana and Nibbles. –Is he a monster?
-I’m a monster, Haz answered instead. –There is something inside of me that’s killing me.
-No! But he did it to save me, Ard yelled desperately.
-No matter his intentions, if you injure yourself, you can only get evil magic, Ana explained.
-What will happen to me?
It was the first time Soi heard Haz afraid.
-You’ll change, inside-out. Finally you’ll die.
-Can’t you do something? Ard cried.
-How long will it take? Haz asked straight to the point.
-We don’t know that much about monsters. The Academy might know more.
Soi thought about his little bottle with spring water, but he understood that he needed a lot more than a few drops to replace three missing fingers. Nibbles stared at him with a round eye before he realised Soi watched him.
-What? Soi asked.
-Oh, nothing.
He turned his head away.
When the sun begun its journey downwards Soi woke Jagger. She needed to be awake if there would be another attack. In the distance he could see the outline of buildings rise in the horizon, it had to be the Academy. There was one tower that rose above the other buildings and the same second the sun disappeared a white strong light was reflected from that tower. So it was from there he had seen the light. The light belonged to the Academy.
-This is our fifth night and we are already so close to the Academy, Ana said amazed.
-You should have got up on a horseback sooner, Nibbles gave her a peck on the cheek and avoided her beam of light.
Ana cleared her throat and begun to speak:
-Listen up everyone, this night we will be attacked. I don’t know why they would go after Jagger, but this time it’s only us left, they will come after us. This night will be tough, but we’ll come through if we stick together.
That was the end of Ana’s short speech.
-You’ll be alright? Soi asked Jagger over his shoulder.
-I’m fine, she answered and brushed away some tears trickling down her cheek.
-I can’t promise you we’ll stick to the others, Soi smiled at her.
-What do you mean?
-I can’t control this horse, she goes wherever she wants to and she really enjoys fighting.
-Good. I feel like I can kill some monsters tonight.
Jagger’s face was pale but resolute as she pulled up a dagger from her boots.
-Where…
-I have worked with knives since I was ten. Playing with them since I was five.
She smiled mischievously, threw the dagger into the air and caught it with her teeth.
-Let’s start this fight.
A howl broke the twilight silence and they were surrounded by red eyes, sharp teeth, ominous growls and snarls.
-Keep together, Soi could hear Ana call to them.
But as he had predicted the black horse pulled back so they were behind the group and the monsters and run up alongside them keeping a safe distance from the monsters teeth and claws. Jagger threw her dagger and pulled up another one, from where Soi didn’t see. He had his sworn drawn and cut where he could reach. The others were doing alright inside the horde of monsters. Ana cast her spells and killed off the monsters one by one, Nibbles threw flames from side to side and Haz made sure the path before them was open as well as he kept an eye on his brother. Ard had some troubles keeping up with the swift pace as the packhorse kept sagging behind.
-He needs to let go of the horse! Jagger yelled in Soi’s ear, trying to make herself heard over the howls and growls.
He knew she was right but how could they communicate that to Ard? Jagger threw another dagger which cut the ropes to the packhorse and Ard looked behind him to see what had happened. Not only did he discover that the packhorse was gone but that Soi and Jagger weren’t behind him as he had thought. He immediately pulled his horse to a stop.
-Stupid boy, what’s he doing! Jagger shouted. –We have to follow him.
Soi tried to get the black horses to turn back but she only shook her head, disobeying his wishes.
-At least pull up for a moment, I’ll get him myself.
-Jagger, no! You’ll get killed.
-No, I won’t.
She jumped off the black mare and run back to where Ard had disappeared. Soi could do nothing but follow the mare’s own wishes and that was to follow the monsters and the danger.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
-You didn’t know, Ana asked but she already knew the answer.
-No, I didn‘t know anything about brokens or monsters until I met you.
-You liar, Soi blurted out.
-He’s telling the truth, Soi, Nibbles said seriously.
-How could he not know! I knew the moment I saw him. Jagger knew.
-Soi, you didn’t know about brokens or monsters until recently yourself, and that was because of the simple reason you’re not from around, Ana lectured him.
-But he’s a monster! Soi yelled furiously.
-Being a monster doesn’t include a thick book on what it means, Ana yelled at Soi. –And as he doesn’t know what it means he had other reasons for cutting off his fingers. Do you think that is painless?!
-What do you mean? Ard intervened in their fight. –Brother, did you cut off your own fingers? Why?
Haz turned to his brother who had a scared and skeptical look on his face.
-Ard, I did it for you, he said with a sad voice. -Remember when we were kept captive? They wanted to send something to our parents to prove that they had us in captivity so they could get their gold.
Ard’s gold eyes filled with tears.
-I don’t understand, brother.
-They wanted to send your eyes.
Haz’s own eyes turned bright with tears and he shook his head sadly.
-I couldn’t let them, not your eyes.
-So…
-I put up a fight, killed one man and when they held me down to the ground I came up with the plan. I told them to take my fingers instead, the ones with the golden rings mother and father had given me.
-But you’re a monster, Soi spoke without thinking, his face was pale.
Haz gritted his teeth.
-They wanted revenge for the man I killed so they said they would agree to my suggestion, if I cut them myself.
Haz spit the words out.
-You escaped, Ana said.
-The moment I cut the first finger I could feel that something was different. I held on to that energy as I cut the next finger, it helped me through the pain and with the third finger I felt stronger. I got thrown back into the room where they kept me and my brother and sometime during the night we escaped.
-How?
-I don’t know, I carried Ard, he was sleeping, and the guards all died around me.
-You never told me how we escaped, Ard said.
-I couldn’t, you were too young.
-You never told me anything.
-I didn’t want to burden you.
-But was does it make him? Soi asked Ana and Nibbles. –Is he a monster?
-I’m a monster, Haz answered instead. –There is something inside of me that’s killing me.
-No! But he did it to save me, Ard yelled desperately.
-No matter his intentions, if you injure yourself, you can only get evil magic, Ana explained.
-What will happen to me?
It was the first time Soi heard Haz afraid.
-You’ll change, inside-out. Finally you’ll die.
-Can’t you do something? Ard cried.
-How long will it take? Haz asked straight to the point.
-We don’t know that much about monsters. The Academy might know more.
Soi thought about his little bottle with spring water, but he understood that he needed a lot more than a few drops to replace three missing fingers. Nibbles stared at him with a round eye before he realised Soi watched him.
-What? Soi asked.
-Oh, nothing.
He turned his head away.
When the sun begun its journey downwards Soi woke Jagger. She needed to be awake if there would be another attack. In the distance he could see the outline of buildings rise in the horizon, it had to be the Academy. There was one tower that rose above the other buildings and the same second the sun disappeared a white strong light was reflected from that tower. So it was from there he had seen the light. The light belonged to the Academy.
-This is our fifth night and we are already so close to the Academy, Ana said amazed.
-You should have got up on a horseback sooner, Nibbles gave her a peck on the cheek and avoided her beam of light.
Ana cleared her throat and begun to speak:
-Listen up everyone, this night we will be attacked. I don’t know why they would go after Jagger, but this time it’s only us left, they will come after us. This night will be tough, but we’ll come through if we stick together.
That was the end of Ana’s short speech.
-You’ll be alright? Soi asked Jagger over his shoulder.
-I’m fine, she answered and brushed away some tears trickling down her cheek.
-I can’t promise you we’ll stick to the others, Soi smiled at her.
-What do you mean?
-I can’t control this horse, she goes wherever she wants to and she really enjoys fighting.
-Good. I feel like I can kill some monsters tonight.
Jagger’s face was pale but resolute as she pulled up a dagger from her boots.
-Where…
-I have worked with knives since I was ten. Playing with them since I was five.
She smiled mischievously, threw the dagger into the air and caught it with her teeth.
-Let’s start this fight.
A howl broke the twilight silence and they were surrounded by red eyes, sharp teeth, ominous growls and snarls.
-Keep together, Soi could hear Ana call to them.
But as he had predicted the black horse pulled back so they were behind the group and the monsters and run up alongside them keeping a safe distance from the monsters teeth and claws. Jagger threw her dagger and pulled up another one, from where Soi didn’t see. He had his sworn drawn and cut where he could reach. The others were doing alright inside the horde of monsters. Ana cast her spells and killed off the monsters one by one, Nibbles threw flames from side to side and Haz made sure the path before them was open as well as he kept an eye on his brother. Ard had some troubles keeping up with the swift pace as the packhorse kept sagging behind.
-He needs to let go of the horse! Jagger yelled in Soi’s ear, trying to make herself heard over the howls and growls.
He knew she was right but how could they communicate that to Ard? Jagger threw another dagger which cut the ropes to the packhorse and Ard looked behind him to see what had happened. Not only did he discover that the packhorse was gone but that Soi and Jagger weren’t behind him as he had thought. He immediately pulled his horse to a stop.
-Stupid boy, what’s he doing! Jagger shouted. –We have to follow him.
Soi tried to get the black horses to turn back but she only shook her head, disobeying his wishes.
-At least pull up for a moment, I’ll get him myself.
-Jagger, no! You’ll get killed.
-No, I won’t.
She jumped off the black mare and run back to where Ard had disappeared. Soi could do nothing but follow the mare’s own wishes and that was to follow the monsters and the danger.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 9:4 -Crossing the plains
-Jagger, it’s me Soi.
Jagger lowered her throwing arm an inch and spied into the dark.
-Soi? She asked with a skeptical voice.
Soi jumped down from the black horse and walked up to Jagger. She smiled in relief and hugged him tightly. This was not the Jagger Soi knew.
-It is you, she cried in his shoulder.
-Jagger, what happened? Why are you here? You’re supposed to be…
-The cottage is burned down to the ground. And so is the village.
Her tears wet his shoulder.
-Mack? Soi said, feeling his heart sink to the bottom.
-Dad’s dead. They all are. It was awful, Soi.
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Jagger sunk to the ground and tears run down her cheeks.
-Dad’s gone and… I didn’t get to, her voice broke, to say I love him, I just called him Mack and now he’s dead.
She sobbed and her body shivered. Soi sat down beside her and laid his arm around her.
-Jagger, I know what it feels like, I’ve also lost my father.
-I have nothing, nobody. I’m alone.
-No Jagger, you have Ana and me and Nibbles, you know that, that’s why you followed us. Come here, we need to move before the monsters get back.
-Monsters, Jagger mumbled and fainted.
Soi picked her up in his arms and watched around for any of her things. She had nothing but the clothes she wore on her body. He whistled and the black horse came before him and kneeled down. Soi put Jagger in front of him and the black horse rose and begun to move. Soi knew it would take him back to Ana and the others. It took longer to reach them than he expected, they had travelled while he had escaped to save Jagger. He rode alongside them and they wouldn’t have noticed him if he hadn’t called out.
-Ana!
-Soi. So you survived. Don’t expect me to apologies for leaving you behind, you left us first and you’re only a guard after all, she said sarcastically but her voice sounded hollow and some worry broke through.
-Ana…
-Who’s it you have with you, Ard intervened.
He was closest to Soi and could see Jagger’s contours.
-What! Ana screamed.
-The group stopped immediately.
-Ana, it’s Jagger, Soi said tired all of a sudden.
-I should have known… she begun lecturing.
-Mack’s dead.
Ana fell silent. They all fell silent, the realisation sunk in.
-He can’t be, Ana protested at last.
-The cottage is burned down. The whole village as well. They’re all dead. And she saw it, the corpses, the ruins, her whole life in ashes. I think she walked straight out in the plains without thinking, she didn’t have any food or blankets with her. She passed out after I found her. If I didn’t… if I hadn’t…
He couldn’t say it, didn’t want to think about the consequences if the black horse hadn’t shown up and led him to her. When Ana spoke again Soi could hear that she was crying. Her voice was thick.
-We need to move on, I… we need to move.
When they stopped for the night Jagger still hadn’t woken up yet. But instinctively she clung to Soi when he put her down on the bed made out of blankets. So he had no choice but to lay down beside her. She crawled up close in his arms.
Ana put her blankets far away from the group and they let her sleep all of the eight hours they decided to stay. Though Soi wondered if she got any sleep at all. He could only sleep some of them as Jagger woke him from time to time with screams from her nightmares. But his own mind kept him awake as well, he could feel salty tears run down his cheeks.
By lunchtime Jagger finally woke up. With a scream she sat up, calling for Mack.
-Dad!
Anxiously she looked around the camp until she recognised Soi and she relaxed. Ana came and sat down beside her too. She asked Jagger some questions to which Jagger either nodded or shook her head in return. During all questions she didn’t let go of Soi’s hand. She had hold onto him since they had met the last night, not releasing him from her grip one second.
They tried to get her to eat but she only ate a mouthful. This would be Ana’s opportunity to pester Jagger about the importance of breakfast but she let it slide. They all let her slide and as she clung to Soi they helped him as much as they could. Ard helped to saddle the black horse. It was as they had predicted, the saddle fit perfectly and in the daylight they discovered that the black horse was a mare, like Soi’s last horse. Nibbles packed Soi’s belongings and fasten them to the packhorse. Soi mounted the black mare first and with Nibbles and Ard’s united effort they helped Jagger up behind him. She put her arms around his body and hid her face in his back. Ana watched Jagger’s sorrow with worry but she didn’t say anything. Soi knew Jagger would be fine, she just needed time to adjust. Time to dull the pain, to dull her aching heart and soul. Just like he had needed time to forget about Spring Island.
In the corner of his eye Soi saw Nibbles watch him with a worried and strange look on his face.
-You two seen connected somehow, Nibbles said.
Soi smiled sadly. Unfortunately they were connected, in many ways.
Jagger fell asleep soon after they started the day’s travel and the rest of them could discuss what had happened. It was mostly Ana and Nebelius who discussed and the rest listened in sadness.
-It can’t be the monsters that attacked. They don’t do this sort of things, not even towards brokens.
-But, Ana, you forget that we don’t know much about them at all. It was just recent we learned what they really are, even if we have long suspected so much.
-All the same, it can’t be the monsters, they’re the dogs that carry out the simple orders. This is something different.
-You mean there is an organization behind the monsters, controlling them? Haz intervened.
-I thought they were wild animals, like wolfs, Ard said.
-They’re not, they are a kind of brokens, Nibbles explained.
-Mad, twisted and malicious brokens. Their magic has destroyed what’s human in them, Ana corrected.
-Humans? But what happened to them? Ard asked.
-They were so obsessed with getting their own power so they cut off a finger or two to get it, but the power they got possessed them instead and destroyed them.
-You mean, if you injure yourself you’ll get punished, Haz simplified.
There was something cold and distant in his voice, more than usual.
-Yes.
Ana watched him closely.
-Then I’m a monster.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
-Jagger, it’s me Soi.
Jagger lowered her throwing arm an inch and spied into the dark.
-Soi? She asked with a skeptical voice.
Soi jumped down from the black horse and walked up to Jagger. She smiled in relief and hugged him tightly. This was not the Jagger Soi knew.
-It is you, she cried in his shoulder.
-Jagger, what happened? Why are you here? You’re supposed to be…
-The cottage is burned down to the ground. And so is the village.
Her tears wet his shoulder.
-Mack? Soi said, feeling his heart sink to the bottom.
-Dad’s dead. They all are. It was awful, Soi.
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Jagger sunk to the ground and tears run down her cheeks.
-Dad’s gone and… I didn’t get to, her voice broke, to say I love him, I just called him Mack and now he’s dead.
She sobbed and her body shivered. Soi sat down beside her and laid his arm around her.
-Jagger, I know what it feels like, I’ve also lost my father.
-I have nothing, nobody. I’m alone.
-No Jagger, you have Ana and me and Nibbles, you know that, that’s why you followed us. Come here, we need to move before the monsters get back.
-Monsters, Jagger mumbled and fainted.
Soi picked her up in his arms and watched around for any of her things. She had nothing but the clothes she wore on her body. He whistled and the black horse came before him and kneeled down. Soi put Jagger in front of him and the black horse rose and begun to move. Soi knew it would take him back to Ana and the others. It took longer to reach them than he expected, they had travelled while he had escaped to save Jagger. He rode alongside them and they wouldn’t have noticed him if he hadn’t called out.
-Ana!
-Soi. So you survived. Don’t expect me to apologies for leaving you behind, you left us first and you’re only a guard after all, she said sarcastically but her voice sounded hollow and some worry broke through.
-Ana…
-Who’s it you have with you, Ard intervened.
He was closest to Soi and could see Jagger’s contours.
-What! Ana screamed.
-The group stopped immediately.
-Ana, it’s Jagger, Soi said tired all of a sudden.
-I should have known… she begun lecturing.
-Mack’s dead.
Ana fell silent. They all fell silent, the realisation sunk in.
-He can’t be, Ana protested at last.
-The cottage is burned down. The whole village as well. They’re all dead. And she saw it, the corpses, the ruins, her whole life in ashes. I think she walked straight out in the plains without thinking, she didn’t have any food or blankets with her. She passed out after I found her. If I didn’t… if I hadn’t…
He couldn’t say it, didn’t want to think about the consequences if the black horse hadn’t shown up and led him to her. When Ana spoke again Soi could hear that she was crying. Her voice was thick.
-We need to move on, I… we need to move.
When they stopped for the night Jagger still hadn’t woken up yet. But instinctively she clung to Soi when he put her down on the bed made out of blankets. So he had no choice but to lay down beside her. She crawled up close in his arms.
Ana put her blankets far away from the group and they let her sleep all of the eight hours they decided to stay. Though Soi wondered if she got any sleep at all. He could only sleep some of them as Jagger woke him from time to time with screams from her nightmares. But his own mind kept him awake as well, he could feel salty tears run down his cheeks.
By lunchtime Jagger finally woke up. With a scream she sat up, calling for Mack.
-Dad!
Anxiously she looked around the camp until she recognised Soi and she relaxed. Ana came and sat down beside her too. She asked Jagger some questions to which Jagger either nodded or shook her head in return. During all questions she didn’t let go of Soi’s hand. She had hold onto him since they had met the last night, not releasing him from her grip one second.
They tried to get her to eat but she only ate a mouthful. This would be Ana’s opportunity to pester Jagger about the importance of breakfast but she let it slide. They all let her slide and as she clung to Soi they helped him as much as they could. Ard helped to saddle the black horse. It was as they had predicted, the saddle fit perfectly and in the daylight they discovered that the black horse was a mare, like Soi’s last horse. Nibbles packed Soi’s belongings and fasten them to the packhorse. Soi mounted the black mare first and with Nibbles and Ard’s united effort they helped Jagger up behind him. She put her arms around his body and hid her face in his back. Ana watched Jagger’s sorrow with worry but she didn’t say anything. Soi knew Jagger would be fine, she just needed time to adjust. Time to dull the pain, to dull her aching heart and soul. Just like he had needed time to forget about Spring Island.
In the corner of his eye Soi saw Nibbles watch him with a worried and strange look on his face.
-You two seen connected somehow, Nibbles said.
Soi smiled sadly. Unfortunately they were connected, in many ways.
Jagger fell asleep soon after they started the day’s travel and the rest of them could discuss what had happened. It was mostly Ana and Nebelius who discussed and the rest listened in sadness.
-It can’t be the monsters that attacked. They don’t do this sort of things, not even towards brokens.
-But, Ana, you forget that we don’t know much about them at all. It was just recent we learned what they really are, even if we have long suspected so much.
-All the same, it can’t be the monsters, they’re the dogs that carry out the simple orders. This is something different.
-You mean there is an organization behind the monsters, controlling them? Haz intervened.
-I thought they were wild animals, like wolfs, Ard said.
-They’re not, they are a kind of brokens, Nibbles explained.
-Mad, twisted and malicious brokens. Their magic has destroyed what’s human in them, Ana corrected.
-Humans? But what happened to them? Ard asked.
-They were so obsessed with getting their own power so they cut off a finger or two to get it, but the power they got possessed them instead and destroyed them.
-You mean, if you injure yourself you’ll get punished, Haz simplified.
There was something cold and distant in his voice, more than usual.
-Yes.
Ana watched him closely.
-Then I’m a monster.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 9:3 -Crossing the plains
-What do you mean, you thought he was dead? Ana asked, her face glowed pale in the dark.
-He fell off when the monsters begun their attack. I had to leave him, Ard explained.
There was a moment of thick silence where Soi could almost hear Ana grit her teeth.
-You…left him.
It wasn’t a question. Soi could hear Ard swallow nervously as he had realised his mistake. Nibbles saved Ard from a certain death by changing the subject.
-But Soi, where did you get that horse? I can hardly see you, only your sword’s glistening in the dark.
-It found me. It helped me kill one of the monsters.
-It’s a horse, Soi, it couldn’t kill a bug, Ana complained.
The horse obviously didn’t agree with her because it pranced and kicked dangerously with it hooves. Soi had to grip its mane to maintain balance when it rose on its hind legs.
-I don’t think it agrees with you, Nibbles needlessly pointed out and Ana hissed.
-What do we do now? Haz asked impatiently.
-We keep moving until daylight warm our faces, Ana answered bitterly. –Expect another attack any moment.
They fell into a steady canter and the black horse followed the group, Soi couldn’t really control it. For hours they kept the same pace and when the packhorse begun to sack behind they broke off to a trot instead to keep the group gathered. They were all anxious for another attack but as time went by it didn’t seem like that would happened. The monsters had retreated for the time being, waiting for the next night to attack again.
The sun climbed up the sky at the same time as Soi begun to glide off the black horse. He must have hit a rock and passed out because the next time he opened his eyes Ana sat by him and stared intensely at him with a wrinkle between her eyebrows. He looked around her to see where the black horse was.
-How are you? Ana asked with a low voice.
-Where is the horse?
Ana’s eyebrows wrinkled together, she snorted through her nose and rose. Ard replaced her and helped Soi to sit up.
-She scared the horse away.
-Ana? Why, what?
-They didn’t like each other.
-It’s a horse, Soi tried to understand how Ana used her head.
Ard pulled the corner of his mouth up a bit.
-That’s what Ana said as well, “It’s a horse! As if it could do any good!” Anyhow, when you fell the horse stirred around you and puffed you gently to wake you up, but Ana didn’t see it like that I’m afraid. She scared it away with some of that light that she shoots out from her hands.
-Magic! What was she thinking?
-It was a beautiful horse and if I may say so, I think the saddle would fit perfectly.
Soi had forgotten the saddle, but now he knew it would be a perfect match.
-You’re right, it would fit.
Nibbles came and stood towering over them.
-As you are already on the ground, you may as well stay there. Let’s sleep everybody.
Blankets were soon laid out in a circle and covered their faces from the rising sun.
The next two nights Soi had to settle with sitting behind Ard when they travelled. He was still angry with Ana for chasing away the black horse, the only good thing that had happened for days. Soi hoped the black horse would return.
-Oh, I’m sorry for saving your life.
-It wasn’t going to kill me!
The tension was bad and it didn’t help that each time they fought Ana went directly to Haz. How could she trust him!
And if that wasn’t enough to confuse him, the monsters didn’t show up again. Or at least they didn’t attack. Every night fall the strong light, the one they had seen the first time up in the mountains, was followed by a piercing howl broke the sky, as if to warn them and Soi could feel their red eyes watching them in the dark. But they didn’t attack.
The group kept a slow but steady pace as they didn’t need to run for their lives each night. In what direction they travelled Soi didn’t know, it was Ana who led the group from Haz’ horse and Soi couldn’t tell whether she followed the stars or if she had a map in her mind that she followed. Not once during the journey so far had they used a real map but Ana probably had done this travel for at least ten years.
Soi came to like Ard more and more. He was so different from his cold brother. But on the outside it was only Ard’s eyes with gold sparkles and his warm smile that separated the two brothers.
-So where are we going? Ard asked Soi on the third night.
-I thought you knew as you tagged along.
-Oh, that was my brother’s decision, I simply followed him.
-Why am I not surprised, Soi murmured.
-What?
-Nothing. We’re going to the Academy.
-The Academy? What’s that?
-It’s a place for brokens, like Ana and Nibbles.
-And my brother.
-Hmph, yes… precisely. How old are you, Ard?
-I’m eighteen this summer.
-And your brother?
-Twenty-five.
Soi smiled.
-At least I’m older, he said to himself. –How did he get those injuries?
-You mean how he lost his fingers? Oh, ehm… I don’t really know, he hasn’t told me yet.
When the fourth night was arriving the group set camp instead of riding on. It was risky but it was Ana’s decision. And they were prepared for an attack any time. The horses remained saddled. Soi and Ard had their swords drawn, Haz and Ana sat by the fire and Nibbles played with fire. He snapped his fingers and a flame appeared hovering in the palm of his hand, he snapped again and it disappeared. It was a typical behavior developed to irritate Ana, but she ignored him and concentrated on the fire. From time to time a howling interrupted their silence and they all lifted their heads in the direction of the sound.
-Why don’t they attack? Ard asked.
-I don’t know, Ana answered.
-Maybe they’re waiting for something, was Ard’s next suggestion.
-Like what? For us to surrender? Nibbles smiled towards him.
-This is way too easy. Something’s wrong. It was as in the forest, it was too easy, Ana complained.
Apart from Sam, Soi wanted to add.
-They’re biding their time, Haz concluded.
Another howl, but this time there were several responses.
-Something’s happening, Ana said ominous and rose from the fire.
The group packed their things and put out the fire and in less than a minute they were on their horses and devoured by darkness. But no monsters came for them though the howlings continued.
-It’s not us they’re after, Haz stated.
-Then who? Ard asked.
-It could be an animal they’re hunting for food.
The black horse, was Soi’s thought.
-Perhaps it’s that black beast, Ana said with a bitter delight.
-No, Soi whispered and slipped down from Ard’s horse.
He took a step in the direction of the howling before he got stuck.
-Where do you think you’re going? Haven’t we already had this talk? Ana’s voice called after him.
-No, but listen. That isn’t a monster screaming.
The group listened closely and they heard it. It wasn’t a monster and it wasn’t a horse or any kind of animal. It was a human.
-Oh, stars, Ana cursed. –It must be another broken.
-We have to help…
-No, we have to take this opportunity to get away as far as possible. We’re up next when they’re done with that poor bastard.
-We can’t leave…
-The strongest survive. That’s my world Soi, don’t tell me how to live. Come on!
But he couldn’t move and it wasn’t because of any spell. It was impossible for him to do nothing when someone was dying. He had done that before and he wouldn’t do that again.
-Soi! Ana called.
Suddenly a warm breath touched his face and low familiar neigh reached his ears. It was the black horse, always ready for a fight. Soi swung himself up on its back and kicked its side and they run away from the group. Behind him he could hear Ana swear.
-For the shining moon, Soi!
But he wouldn’t listen. He and the horse flew over the sun burnt grass with the stars shining over him, towards the monsters howls and roars. He trusted the horse to lead him right. The broken was putting up a fight Soi could hear as they closed in. Wounded and hurt howls blended with curses from the broken.
-Come on then, I’ll kill you all! I’m not afraid to die!
Soi heard more hurt roars but he couldn’t see any lights from spells. The only light he could see came from a torch that was swung in wide circle around the broken. Not could this be his only weapon? Whatever the broken did to protect himself it worked because more wounded monsters moved away from the broken and Soi together with the black horse could kill them off easily. When the monsters understood that this broken wasn’t giving up and that he wasn’t alone anymore they retreated like they had a few nights ago. Soi caught a glimpse of the broken, he was young and long and had short hair, which looked almost like fire. He turned around to face Soi and Soi recognised him. It wasn’t a broken, it was Jagger swinging the torch around her. A second later a dagger cut through the air and past Soi with a small marginal.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
-What do you mean, you thought he was dead? Ana asked, her face glowed pale in the dark.
-He fell off when the monsters begun their attack. I had to leave him, Ard explained.
There was a moment of thick silence where Soi could almost hear Ana grit her teeth.
-You…left him.
It wasn’t a question. Soi could hear Ard swallow nervously as he had realised his mistake. Nibbles saved Ard from a certain death by changing the subject.
-But Soi, where did you get that horse? I can hardly see you, only your sword’s glistening in the dark.
-It found me. It helped me kill one of the monsters.
-It’s a horse, Soi, it couldn’t kill a bug, Ana complained.
The horse obviously didn’t agree with her because it pranced and kicked dangerously with it hooves. Soi had to grip its mane to maintain balance when it rose on its hind legs.
-I don’t think it agrees with you, Nibbles needlessly pointed out and Ana hissed.
-What do we do now? Haz asked impatiently.
-We keep moving until daylight warm our faces, Ana answered bitterly. –Expect another attack any moment.
They fell into a steady canter and the black horse followed the group, Soi couldn’t really control it. For hours they kept the same pace and when the packhorse begun to sack behind they broke off to a trot instead to keep the group gathered. They were all anxious for another attack but as time went by it didn’t seem like that would happened. The monsters had retreated for the time being, waiting for the next night to attack again.
The sun climbed up the sky at the same time as Soi begun to glide off the black horse. He must have hit a rock and passed out because the next time he opened his eyes Ana sat by him and stared intensely at him with a wrinkle between her eyebrows. He looked around her to see where the black horse was.
-How are you? Ana asked with a low voice.
-Where is the horse?
Ana’s eyebrows wrinkled together, she snorted through her nose and rose. Ard replaced her and helped Soi to sit up.
-She scared the horse away.
-Ana? Why, what?
-They didn’t like each other.
-It’s a horse, Soi tried to understand how Ana used her head.
Ard pulled the corner of his mouth up a bit.
-That’s what Ana said as well, “It’s a horse! As if it could do any good!” Anyhow, when you fell the horse stirred around you and puffed you gently to wake you up, but Ana didn’t see it like that I’m afraid. She scared it away with some of that light that she shoots out from her hands.
-Magic! What was she thinking?
-It was a beautiful horse and if I may say so, I think the saddle would fit perfectly.
Soi had forgotten the saddle, but now he knew it would be a perfect match.
-You’re right, it would fit.
Nibbles came and stood towering over them.
-As you are already on the ground, you may as well stay there. Let’s sleep everybody.
Blankets were soon laid out in a circle and covered their faces from the rising sun.
The next two nights Soi had to settle with sitting behind Ard when they travelled. He was still angry with Ana for chasing away the black horse, the only good thing that had happened for days. Soi hoped the black horse would return.
-Oh, I’m sorry for saving your life.
-It wasn’t going to kill me!
The tension was bad and it didn’t help that each time they fought Ana went directly to Haz. How could she trust him!
And if that wasn’t enough to confuse him, the monsters didn’t show up again. Or at least they didn’t attack. Every night fall the strong light, the one they had seen the first time up in the mountains, was followed by a piercing howl broke the sky, as if to warn them and Soi could feel their red eyes watching them in the dark. But they didn’t attack.
The group kept a slow but steady pace as they didn’t need to run for their lives each night. In what direction they travelled Soi didn’t know, it was Ana who led the group from Haz’ horse and Soi couldn’t tell whether she followed the stars or if she had a map in her mind that she followed. Not once during the journey so far had they used a real map but Ana probably had done this travel for at least ten years.
Soi came to like Ard more and more. He was so different from his cold brother. But on the outside it was only Ard’s eyes with gold sparkles and his warm smile that separated the two brothers.
-So where are we going? Ard asked Soi on the third night.
-I thought you knew as you tagged along.
-Oh, that was my brother’s decision, I simply followed him.
-Why am I not surprised, Soi murmured.
-What?
-Nothing. We’re going to the Academy.
-The Academy? What’s that?
-It’s a place for brokens, like Ana and Nibbles.
-And my brother.
-Hmph, yes… precisely. How old are you, Ard?
-I’m eighteen this summer.
-And your brother?
-Twenty-five.
Soi smiled.
-At least I’m older, he said to himself. –How did he get those injuries?
-You mean how he lost his fingers? Oh, ehm… I don’t really know, he hasn’t told me yet.
When the fourth night was arriving the group set camp instead of riding on. It was risky but it was Ana’s decision. And they were prepared for an attack any time. The horses remained saddled. Soi and Ard had their swords drawn, Haz and Ana sat by the fire and Nibbles played with fire. He snapped his fingers and a flame appeared hovering in the palm of his hand, he snapped again and it disappeared. It was a typical behavior developed to irritate Ana, but she ignored him and concentrated on the fire. From time to time a howling interrupted their silence and they all lifted their heads in the direction of the sound.
-Why don’t they attack? Ard asked.
-I don’t know, Ana answered.
-Maybe they’re waiting for something, was Ard’s next suggestion.
-Like what? For us to surrender? Nibbles smiled towards him.
-This is way too easy. Something’s wrong. It was as in the forest, it was too easy, Ana complained.
Apart from Sam, Soi wanted to add.
-They’re biding their time, Haz concluded.
Another howl, but this time there were several responses.
-Something’s happening, Ana said ominous and rose from the fire.
The group packed their things and put out the fire and in less than a minute they were on their horses and devoured by darkness. But no monsters came for them though the howlings continued.
-It’s not us they’re after, Haz stated.
-Then who? Ard asked.
-It could be an animal they’re hunting for food.
The black horse, was Soi’s thought.
-Perhaps it’s that black beast, Ana said with a bitter delight.
-No, Soi whispered and slipped down from Ard’s horse.
He took a step in the direction of the howling before he got stuck.
-Where do you think you’re going? Haven’t we already had this talk? Ana’s voice called after him.
-No, but listen. That isn’t a monster screaming.
The group listened closely and they heard it. It wasn’t a monster and it wasn’t a horse or any kind of animal. It was a human.
-Oh, stars, Ana cursed. –It must be another broken.
-We have to help…
-No, we have to take this opportunity to get away as far as possible. We’re up next when they’re done with that poor bastard.
-We can’t leave…
-The strongest survive. That’s my world Soi, don’t tell me how to live. Come on!
But he couldn’t move and it wasn’t because of any spell. It was impossible for him to do nothing when someone was dying. He had done that before and he wouldn’t do that again.
-Soi! Ana called.
Suddenly a warm breath touched his face and low familiar neigh reached his ears. It was the black horse, always ready for a fight. Soi swung himself up on its back and kicked its side and they run away from the group. Behind him he could hear Ana swear.
-For the shining moon, Soi!
But he wouldn’t listen. He and the horse flew over the sun burnt grass with the stars shining over him, towards the monsters howls and roars. He trusted the horse to lead him right. The broken was putting up a fight Soi could hear as they closed in. Wounded and hurt howls blended with curses from the broken.
-Come on then, I’ll kill you all! I’m not afraid to die!
Soi heard more hurt roars but he couldn’t see any lights from spells. The only light he could see came from a torch that was swung in wide circle around the broken. Not could this be his only weapon? Whatever the broken did to protect himself it worked because more wounded monsters moved away from the broken and Soi together with the black horse could kill them off easily. When the monsters understood that this broken wasn’t giving up and that he wasn’t alone anymore they retreated like they had a few nights ago. Soi caught a glimpse of the broken, he was young and long and had short hair, which looked almost like fire. He turned around to face Soi and Soi recognised him. It wasn’t a broken, it was Jagger swinging the torch around her. A second later a dagger cut through the air and past Soi with a small marginal.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
About The Broken Ones
Hi, everyone who's following my little project called The Broken Ones. I would appreciate a response to what I have written and put up on the blog, so I'll know if you want me to continue. If you could type a few lines to tell me what were your favorite and least favorite chapter and why?So far I've come half way through the story, and it will get even better at least that is my opinion. What do you think so far? What do you like about my story? Is it the characters or where the story takes place?
To comment, click on kommentarer located on the bottom of each text.
The bird on the picture is a blackbird.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 9:2 -Crossing the plains
So this was Ana’s plan to conquer any monster that got in her way on the plains, to use her own power together with the other two brokens in the group. Soi realised he had never thought of Ard as a broken, probably because he had never seen any injuries. But Ard could actually have a hidden injury, like Sassa. Soi hadn’t seen Sassa’s injury either, he realised. The only way to find out if Ard was a broken or not, was to ask him.
-Are you a broken?
-A what? Ard gave him a confounded look over his shoulder.
He isn’t a broken then, thought Soi and realised he had thought the same thing Nibbles had said the first time they met. I’m becoming prejudice, Soi concluded his thoughts and tried to explain to Ard what a broken was.
-Ah, you mean like my brother?
Not exactly like what Soi had in mind, as he still thought of Haz as a monster, but close enough so he nodded.
-No, I don’t have any injuries like that. But I guess sooner or later I will break an arm or so, Ard shrugged.
They didn’t get far before the sun begun to sink. Seeing the sun set was becoming nightmare scenario for Soi. The red eyes were waiting for him each time he closed his eyes.
-What do we do now? He called up to Ana and Haz, who led the group.
Ard and Soi rode alongside Nibbles.
-We continue throughout the night and sleep when the sun goes up.
-Is it really that simple?
Ana turned around to give him a sarcastic smile.
-Oh, yes I almost forgot, watch out for the monsters, they can kill you.
Soi ignored her smirk.
-Do you think Ard and I will be left alone if we travel a few meters away from you broken ones?
He obviously deserved another sarcastic grin from Ana for this question.
-Yes, Soi, do you think the monsters will distinguish brokens from non-brokens travelling together?
She turned around and then Haz sped up the tempo and they all fell into a steady canter and distanced themselves from the mountains. It didn’t take long before Soi saw red eyes everywhere he turned his head. There were plenty more monsters following them here than in the forest and they didn’t howl their arrival, they seemed to be smarter than the ones he so far had met. Soi had to confirm with Ard if they really were there, unfortunately he nodded silently. Soi stretched back to his sword that he had hung onto his back but before he could get a hold of it the monsters attacked and Ard’s horse skipped to the side to avoid the attack. Soi lost his balance and slipped off and landed with a gruff on his back on the hard earth.
-Soi! Ard called back to him.
-Don’t worry, I’ll have my sword! Soi answered and quickly stood up and finally held the sword in front of him, ready for any attack. Most of the monsters followed the rest of the group but two stayed behind.
-I’m not who you’re after but if you attack me I’ll kill you, he said confidently, more for himself than the monsters.
They circled around him, confirming his growing suspicion that these ones were smarter than the one he had killed. It wasn’t a good thought though and Soi could see his last breath waver before him. Then he saw his father dying before him, his last words forming on his lips,
You’ll have to take over as family head after me, make sure that they are fine and safe… Take care of all your sisters and your dear mother. And Soi, take over after me as the Saviour. My bracelet, it will help you and protect you.
Then Ana’s voice broke through;
-You are supposed to protect me!
Soi was not ready to die yet, he hadn’t even begun to find his way home and he had this mission to complete.
The first monster he killed with a dagger thrown to the throat, it sunk to its knees whining before it died. The other one got more cautious. Obviously they had considered him an easy prey, he wasn’t even a broken. He was simply food. Like his mare had been. That thought light a fire inside Soi and he attacked instead of waiting for an attack. Knowing he could heal himself with the water in his little dark bottle, gave him courage to be offensive. He backed the monster back and when they passed by the dead monster Soi picked up the dagger he had thrown. He kept it over his head, ready to throw, when suddenly a high pitched squeal came from nowhere and everywhere. Soi stopped for a moment, keeping his eyes on the monster. It didn’t come from a monster, unless it was dying but then they sounded more grotesque, and it didn’t come from a human. Then what was it?
From behind him came the answer running past him and attacking Soi’s monster. It was a horse, dark as the night and with long legs and mane long enough to touch the ground. Where did it come from? It was clearly ready for a fight, it pushed the monster further and further backwards. But the monster wasn’t willing to give in for a mere horse and attacked with it teeth ready to sink into the horse’s neck. Soi threw his dagger and followed up with a deep cut in the monsters stomach. It fell dead to the earth.
The horse studied Soi for a moment, probably seeing a lot more of Soi than he could see of the horse, and then it threw its head into the air and neighed reassuringly. It trusted Soi and he took a step forward to pet its neck. The horse then surprised him and kneeled down, it was bowing to Soi. He had never seen a horse do that before, not unless it got up from sleeping on the ground. He watched the horse in awe. The black horse neighed a little and threw its head repeatedly backwards towards it back and Soi presumed it meant for him to get up on his back. Carefully he climbed up ready to be thrown off any second, Soi had learnt his lesson from his mare. The horse rose, it didn’t tried to threw him off but begun to run instead. Soi didn’t know in what direction it took him but then he heard the howl and roars and soon he could see the lights from the spells Ana and the others flung around them. The horse was seeking out the fight.
As they closed in Soi prepared himself to launch into the herd of monsters. But the black horse had other plans, it kept to the last line of monsters and run beside them. Soi could easily kill them before they scented the strange smell of horse among them. With this strategy the two had soon killed off half of the monsters before they moved on to the flanks instead. The two of them was dark as the night together and wasn’t seen in the dark as they attacked the monsters on the flanks while the monsters concentrated on the brokens and horses of the group. But when the monsters realised they were under attack from two sides instead of being the attackers they started to howl for retreat and they disappeared into the night. Soi was now sure that these monsters were by far more clever than the forest monsters. They hunted in packs had strategies and could recognise an obstacle in their plan and then retreat. They were more like humans than monsters.
-Soi! Ard called to him. –I thought you were dead.
-I told you I had a sword, Soi smiled to him in the dark.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
So this was Ana’s plan to conquer any monster that got in her way on the plains, to use her own power together with the other two brokens in the group. Soi realised he had never thought of Ard as a broken, probably because he had never seen any injuries. But Ard could actually have a hidden injury, like Sassa. Soi hadn’t seen Sassa’s injury either, he realised. The only way to find out if Ard was a broken or not, was to ask him.
-Are you a broken?
-A what? Ard gave him a confounded look over his shoulder.
He isn’t a broken then, thought Soi and realised he had thought the same thing Nibbles had said the first time they met. I’m becoming prejudice, Soi concluded his thoughts and tried to explain to Ard what a broken was.
-Ah, you mean like my brother?
Not exactly like what Soi had in mind, as he still thought of Haz as a monster, but close enough so he nodded.
-No, I don’t have any injuries like that. But I guess sooner or later I will break an arm or so, Ard shrugged.
They didn’t get far before the sun begun to sink. Seeing the sun set was becoming nightmare scenario for Soi. The red eyes were waiting for him each time he closed his eyes.
-What do we do now? He called up to Ana and Haz, who led the group.
Ard and Soi rode alongside Nibbles.
-We continue throughout the night and sleep when the sun goes up.
-Is it really that simple?
Ana turned around to give him a sarcastic smile.
-Oh, yes I almost forgot, watch out for the monsters, they can kill you.
Soi ignored her smirk.
-Do you think Ard and I will be left alone if we travel a few meters away from you broken ones?
He obviously deserved another sarcastic grin from Ana for this question.
-Yes, Soi, do you think the monsters will distinguish brokens from non-brokens travelling together?
She turned around and then Haz sped up the tempo and they all fell into a steady canter and distanced themselves from the mountains. It didn’t take long before Soi saw red eyes everywhere he turned his head. There were plenty more monsters following them here than in the forest and they didn’t howl their arrival, they seemed to be smarter than the ones he so far had met. Soi had to confirm with Ard if they really were there, unfortunately he nodded silently. Soi stretched back to his sword that he had hung onto his back but before he could get a hold of it the monsters attacked and Ard’s horse skipped to the side to avoid the attack. Soi lost his balance and slipped off and landed with a gruff on his back on the hard earth.
-Soi! Ard called back to him.
-Don’t worry, I’ll have my sword! Soi answered and quickly stood up and finally held the sword in front of him, ready for any attack. Most of the monsters followed the rest of the group but two stayed behind.
-I’m not who you’re after but if you attack me I’ll kill you, he said confidently, more for himself than the monsters.
They circled around him, confirming his growing suspicion that these ones were smarter than the one he had killed. It wasn’t a good thought though and Soi could see his last breath waver before him. Then he saw his father dying before him, his last words forming on his lips,
You’ll have to take over as family head after me, make sure that they are fine and safe… Take care of all your sisters and your dear mother. And Soi, take over after me as the Saviour. My bracelet, it will help you and protect you.
Then Ana’s voice broke through;
-You are supposed to protect me!
Soi was not ready to die yet, he hadn’t even begun to find his way home and he had this mission to complete.
The first monster he killed with a dagger thrown to the throat, it sunk to its knees whining before it died. The other one got more cautious. Obviously they had considered him an easy prey, he wasn’t even a broken. He was simply food. Like his mare had been. That thought light a fire inside Soi and he attacked instead of waiting for an attack. Knowing he could heal himself with the water in his little dark bottle, gave him courage to be offensive. He backed the monster back and when they passed by the dead monster Soi picked up the dagger he had thrown. He kept it over his head, ready to throw, when suddenly a high pitched squeal came from nowhere and everywhere. Soi stopped for a moment, keeping his eyes on the monster. It didn’t come from a monster, unless it was dying but then they sounded more grotesque, and it didn’t come from a human. Then what was it?
From behind him came the answer running past him and attacking Soi’s monster. It was a horse, dark as the night and with long legs and mane long enough to touch the ground. Where did it come from? It was clearly ready for a fight, it pushed the monster further and further backwards. But the monster wasn’t willing to give in for a mere horse and attacked with it teeth ready to sink into the horse’s neck. Soi threw his dagger and followed up with a deep cut in the monsters stomach. It fell dead to the earth.
The horse studied Soi for a moment, probably seeing a lot more of Soi than he could see of the horse, and then it threw its head into the air and neighed reassuringly. It trusted Soi and he took a step forward to pet its neck. The horse then surprised him and kneeled down, it was bowing to Soi. He had never seen a horse do that before, not unless it got up from sleeping on the ground. He watched the horse in awe. The black horse neighed a little and threw its head repeatedly backwards towards it back and Soi presumed it meant for him to get up on his back. Carefully he climbed up ready to be thrown off any second, Soi had learnt his lesson from his mare. The horse rose, it didn’t tried to threw him off but begun to run instead. Soi didn’t know in what direction it took him but then he heard the howl and roars and soon he could see the lights from the spells Ana and the others flung around them. The horse was seeking out the fight.
As they closed in Soi prepared himself to launch into the herd of monsters. But the black horse had other plans, it kept to the last line of monsters and run beside them. Soi could easily kill them before they scented the strange smell of horse among them. With this strategy the two had soon killed off half of the monsters before they moved on to the flanks instead. The two of them was dark as the night together and wasn’t seen in the dark as they attacked the monsters on the flanks while the monsters concentrated on the brokens and horses of the group. But when the monsters realised they were under attack from two sides instead of being the attackers they started to howl for retreat and they disappeared into the night. Soi was now sure that these monsters were by far more clever than the forest monsters. They hunted in packs had strategies and could recognise an obstacle in their plan and then retreat. They were more like humans than monsters.
-Soi! Ard called to him. –I thought you were dead.
-I told you I had a sword, Soi smiled to him in the dark.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
The Broken Ones
Chapter 9:1 -Crossing the plains
The mood was considerably better at the end of the breakfast. More food had been brought in to the two brothers and while they ate they pleasantly questioned about their visit. Most of the conversation went through Ard who answered any of the questions with a bright smile and an honest expression. His eyes had the same shade of blue as Haz’s but they were a lot warmer. Jagger, who sat directly beside him, soon found out why.
-You have spots of gold in your eyes, she said.
Embarrassed, Ard tried to turn away his head but Jagger put her hands around his cheeks so she could study them closely. Ard swallowed and tried to remain unshaken by her touch and intense gaze.
-No, they’re not spots. It’s more like…
-Sparkles, Ard said under his breath.
-Yes, like sparkles.
Jagger widened her eyesight and took in all of Ard’s face. She quickly let go of his cheeks and realized they were all staring at the two.
-Jagger, what are you doing, Ana reprimanded, showing a bit of her recently acquired older age.
-I just… I wanted to see more… never mind, I should get going, Mack’s probably wondering…
She rose from her chair and run up the stairs.
-Get back? Ard asked absentminded. –Wasn’t she a part of your group?
-She guided us across the mountain. I don’t usually have to cross the mountains, I walk around them, Ana explained. –I don’t usually have a guard either.
-Oh, Haz noted and observed Soi in the corner of his eye.
-He survived, by accident, Nibbles whispered, very apparent to all of them, least of all Soi who sat closest to him.
Ana rolled her eyes.
-It wasn’t by accident, he’s simply better than the other guards.
-Maybe it’s fate, Ard said out of the blue.
He had kept his eyes on the stairs leading to the first floor and the others hadn’t exactly involved him in the conversation. All four of them, Ana, Nibbles, Soi and Haz looked doubtful at him.
-Little brother, you are obviously too young if you still believe in fate, Haz grinned malicious.
Ard didn’t hear his brother as Jagger flew down the stairs two steps at a time. It didn’t matter if she was died tired or clear awake, it was just how she walked down stairs in general.
-I’ll be going then, she said with a little wave and headed for the door, without stopping to say good bye.
-Tell Mack thanks from me, Ana called after her before the door closed behind her.
There was a moment of strange silence when nobody wanted to talk. At last Soi took the word to his mouth.
-Ana, we need to plan our journey.
-Yes, you’re right.
They both rose simultaneous from the table.
-Well, thank you for… your company, Ana bowed her head and they left for their room.
Around lunchtime Soi and Ana were out in the village to find a horse. It had become clear that their journey across the plains would go smoother and faster if they had a horse. Now they just needed to find a horse that could carry two, run long distances without stopping for rest, had a stable mind (they couldn’t have a horse that died of fear when the monsters came running after them) and, on top of that, would fit Soi’s strange saddle.
Of course, there was no horse that would match all of the points. But stranger was that it wasn’t Soi saddle that was the biggest problem. It was Ana. She didn’t like the look of the horse;
-Stupid horse, Ana said.
The colour of the horse was wrong;
-Ana, a horse can’t decide what colour its fur have, be realistic, Soi pleaded.
-Then it’s stupid.
Soi sighed.
It had too long legs, it had too short neck, it was too big, or the eyes had the wrong colour.
-Ana!
-What?
-This is crazy. We need a horse, otherwise we’ll have to walk across the plains.
-I rather walk than ride any of those, she answered with a snort and walked away.
It seemed like they didn’t have a choice but to walk the plains. They returned to their inn. Outside the inns stables, Nibbles stood brushing his roan stallion.
-So how did it go? Did you find any horse?
Ana gave him a sour look.
-You’re showing your cards, she said and Nibbles immediately straightened his back and looked serious.
-I’m sorry.
-Oh, don’t mind me, it’s you who’s going to be in trouble if he finds out.
Ana pointed back to Soi, he had an equally bitter face. Ana slipped inside the inn before Soi got to ask what she meant with that. Instead he turned to Nibbles. He was going to ask about their strange conversation but it was another question that escaped his mouth.
-How did you get your horse across the mountain? He asked with honest surprise and suspicion. Why had he managed to get his stallion across the mountain when Soi couldn’t? Had Nibbles led his stallion through the passage? But that was only possible if he had crossed it before they did, before someone had destroyed it. Was it Nibbles who had…
-I didn’t, Nibbles interrupted his line of thoughts. -I didn’t cross the mountains.
-Then how?
-I went around them, like I usually do.
-But that must have taken…
-It took me around two and a half week. I arrived the same day you arrived, he smiled.
-Why did you leave?
Nibbles stopped smiling and his face darkened.
-I can’t tell you why.
He turned his back on Soi and brushed the stallion with a brusque efficiency. There didn’t seem like any idea to ask any more questions so Soi walked away.
-She has changed, you know.
Nibbles met Soi’s eyes and Soi frowned.
-I know.
She betrayed my trust, he thought grimly and walked inside the inn.
Dinner that night was held under an awkward mood. Soi didn’t talk, Ana didn’t talk, Haz didn’t usually talk and he didn’t this night either. Ard kept glancing at the front door and all of them could guess where his thoughts were. So Nibbles was left to keep up the conversation but he didn’t know what to say for once and the dinner was eaten in silence.
The next day Soi made a trip around town alone, but he couldn’t find any horses that matched his saddle and by lunch he had given up and went back to the inn to repack his belongings, again. He had a quarrel with Ana about how much food they should bring with them. Ana, who had always crossed the plains by walking, thought they should have food for at least two thirds of the journey. Then Soi asked who would carry all that food and they were back at the topic of getting a horse. So the following day, Soi ventured out again to find a horse, but this time for packing purpose alone, and ended up with nothing again. At the dinner he spilled out his concerns to Nibbles and the rest of the company. Ana fired up, saying that this had nothing to with them and that actually this was not a matter of concern for Soi either as he was simply a guard. Their fight ended there as Soi took the few steps up the stair and repacked for the fifth time.
On their fourth morning in the little mountain village, Soi woke up early and wondered around in the outskirts of the village. The trees on this side of the mountain looked battered, not as lush and green as the large forest they have just travelled through. The sun was stronger on this side and there were no humid winds from the ocean swirling around in the air. Soi looked at the grey tops they had recently crossed and between them he could see a wreath of dark smoke find its way up in the sky. It must be coming from a large fire, was Soi’s thought before he headed back to the inn for some lunch. Ana met him in the doorway.
-We’ll leave today.
A few hours later, they were fed and ready to leave, on foot. This was not an appealing thought to Soi. He had to carry his saddle, since he wasn’t willing to sell it or remake it into anything useful and as they hadn’t found a horse to carry it he had become a packhorse.
Apparently Ana wasn’t concerned with the sinking sun and the monsters that would tip around them all night. Soi was surprised with how suddenly the monsters weren’t a problem anymore, since they had done nothing but tried to escape them all the time in the woods.
-Don’t bother about the monsters, I’ll take care of them, she explained for the fifth time as they made it down the stair and out in the yard in front of the inn.
Nibbles waited patiently on his roan stallion and Haz and Ard were mounted on two horses white as snow. Ard had another horse on tail behind him, it was also white and carried all their packing.
-Are you two ready to leave? Nibbles asked with a broad smile and winked with his left eye.
Ana threw all her packing onto the white packhorse and Ard jumped down to help her tie it down. Soi gripped around her elbow and pulled her close.
-Ana, is this wise, he whispered urgently in her ear. –Haz might be a…
She pulled her arm away from his grip and steadily met his eyes.
-You should follow my decisions, not make them, she said before she walked towards Haz.
Haz pulled her up behind him.
Soi had no choice but to tie his things to the packhorse and jump up behind Ard.
-Is that really a saddle? Ard asked and looked suspiciously at Soi’s saddle.
-Yes, but it only fits one horse.-Oh, that’s a shame, it’s really beautiful.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
The mood was considerably better at the end of the breakfast. More food had been brought in to the two brothers and while they ate they pleasantly questioned about their visit. Most of the conversation went through Ard who answered any of the questions with a bright smile and an honest expression. His eyes had the same shade of blue as Haz’s but they were a lot warmer. Jagger, who sat directly beside him, soon found out why.
-You have spots of gold in your eyes, she said.
Embarrassed, Ard tried to turn away his head but Jagger put her hands around his cheeks so she could study them closely. Ard swallowed and tried to remain unshaken by her touch and intense gaze.
-No, they’re not spots. It’s more like…
-Sparkles, Ard said under his breath.
-Yes, like sparkles.
Jagger widened her eyesight and took in all of Ard’s face. She quickly let go of his cheeks and realized they were all staring at the two.
-Jagger, what are you doing, Ana reprimanded, showing a bit of her recently acquired older age.
-I just… I wanted to see more… never mind, I should get going, Mack’s probably wondering…
She rose from her chair and run up the stairs.
-Get back? Ard asked absentminded. –Wasn’t she a part of your group?
-She guided us across the mountain. I don’t usually have to cross the mountains, I walk around them, Ana explained. –I don’t usually have a guard either.
-Oh, Haz noted and observed Soi in the corner of his eye.
-He survived, by accident, Nibbles whispered, very apparent to all of them, least of all Soi who sat closest to him.
Ana rolled her eyes.
-It wasn’t by accident, he’s simply better than the other guards.
-Maybe it’s fate, Ard said out of the blue.
He had kept his eyes on the stairs leading to the first floor and the others hadn’t exactly involved him in the conversation. All four of them, Ana, Nibbles, Soi and Haz looked doubtful at him.
-Little brother, you are obviously too young if you still believe in fate, Haz grinned malicious.
Ard didn’t hear his brother as Jagger flew down the stairs two steps at a time. It didn’t matter if she was died tired or clear awake, it was just how she walked down stairs in general.
-I’ll be going then, she said with a little wave and headed for the door, without stopping to say good bye.
-Tell Mack thanks from me, Ana called after her before the door closed behind her.
There was a moment of strange silence when nobody wanted to talk. At last Soi took the word to his mouth.
-Ana, we need to plan our journey.
-Yes, you’re right.
They both rose simultaneous from the table.
-Well, thank you for… your company, Ana bowed her head and they left for their room.
Around lunchtime Soi and Ana were out in the village to find a horse. It had become clear that their journey across the plains would go smoother and faster if they had a horse. Now they just needed to find a horse that could carry two, run long distances without stopping for rest, had a stable mind (they couldn’t have a horse that died of fear when the monsters came running after them) and, on top of that, would fit Soi’s strange saddle.
Of course, there was no horse that would match all of the points. But stranger was that it wasn’t Soi saddle that was the biggest problem. It was Ana. She didn’t like the look of the horse;
-Stupid horse, Ana said.
The colour of the horse was wrong;
-Ana, a horse can’t decide what colour its fur have, be realistic, Soi pleaded.
-Then it’s stupid.
Soi sighed.
It had too long legs, it had too short neck, it was too big, or the eyes had the wrong colour.
-Ana!
-What?
-This is crazy. We need a horse, otherwise we’ll have to walk across the plains.
-I rather walk than ride any of those, she answered with a snort and walked away.
It seemed like they didn’t have a choice but to walk the plains. They returned to their inn. Outside the inns stables, Nibbles stood brushing his roan stallion.
-So how did it go? Did you find any horse?
Ana gave him a sour look.
-You’re showing your cards, she said and Nibbles immediately straightened his back and looked serious.
-I’m sorry.
-Oh, don’t mind me, it’s you who’s going to be in trouble if he finds out.
Ana pointed back to Soi, he had an equally bitter face. Ana slipped inside the inn before Soi got to ask what she meant with that. Instead he turned to Nibbles. He was going to ask about their strange conversation but it was another question that escaped his mouth.
-How did you get your horse across the mountain? He asked with honest surprise and suspicion. Why had he managed to get his stallion across the mountain when Soi couldn’t? Had Nibbles led his stallion through the passage? But that was only possible if he had crossed it before they did, before someone had destroyed it. Was it Nibbles who had…
-I didn’t, Nibbles interrupted his line of thoughts. -I didn’t cross the mountains.
-Then how?
-I went around them, like I usually do.
-But that must have taken…
-It took me around two and a half week. I arrived the same day you arrived, he smiled.
-Why did you leave?
Nibbles stopped smiling and his face darkened.
-I can’t tell you why.
He turned his back on Soi and brushed the stallion with a brusque efficiency. There didn’t seem like any idea to ask any more questions so Soi walked away.
-She has changed, you know.
Nibbles met Soi’s eyes and Soi frowned.
-I know.
She betrayed my trust, he thought grimly and walked inside the inn.
Dinner that night was held under an awkward mood. Soi didn’t talk, Ana didn’t talk, Haz didn’t usually talk and he didn’t this night either. Ard kept glancing at the front door and all of them could guess where his thoughts were. So Nibbles was left to keep up the conversation but he didn’t know what to say for once and the dinner was eaten in silence.
The next day Soi made a trip around town alone, but he couldn’t find any horses that matched his saddle and by lunch he had given up and went back to the inn to repack his belongings, again. He had a quarrel with Ana about how much food they should bring with them. Ana, who had always crossed the plains by walking, thought they should have food for at least two thirds of the journey. Then Soi asked who would carry all that food and they were back at the topic of getting a horse. So the following day, Soi ventured out again to find a horse, but this time for packing purpose alone, and ended up with nothing again. At the dinner he spilled out his concerns to Nibbles and the rest of the company. Ana fired up, saying that this had nothing to with them and that actually this was not a matter of concern for Soi either as he was simply a guard. Their fight ended there as Soi took the few steps up the stair and repacked for the fifth time.
On their fourth morning in the little mountain village, Soi woke up early and wondered around in the outskirts of the village. The trees on this side of the mountain looked battered, not as lush and green as the large forest they have just travelled through. The sun was stronger on this side and there were no humid winds from the ocean swirling around in the air. Soi looked at the grey tops they had recently crossed and between them he could see a wreath of dark smoke find its way up in the sky. It must be coming from a large fire, was Soi’s thought before he headed back to the inn for some lunch. Ana met him in the doorway.
-We’ll leave today.
A few hours later, they were fed and ready to leave, on foot. This was not an appealing thought to Soi. He had to carry his saddle, since he wasn’t willing to sell it or remake it into anything useful and as they hadn’t found a horse to carry it he had become a packhorse.
Apparently Ana wasn’t concerned with the sinking sun and the monsters that would tip around them all night. Soi was surprised with how suddenly the monsters weren’t a problem anymore, since they had done nothing but tried to escape them all the time in the woods.
-Don’t bother about the monsters, I’ll take care of them, she explained for the fifth time as they made it down the stair and out in the yard in front of the inn.
Nibbles waited patiently on his roan stallion and Haz and Ard were mounted on two horses white as snow. Ard had another horse on tail behind him, it was also white and carried all their packing.
-Are you two ready to leave? Nibbles asked with a broad smile and winked with his left eye.
Ana threw all her packing onto the white packhorse and Ard jumped down to help her tie it down. Soi gripped around her elbow and pulled her close.
-Ana, is this wise, he whispered urgently in her ear. –Haz might be a…
She pulled her arm away from his grip and steadily met his eyes.
-You should follow my decisions, not make them, she said before she walked towards Haz.
Haz pulled her up behind him.
Soi had no choice but to tie his things to the packhorse and jump up behind Ard.
-Is that really a saddle? Ard asked and looked suspiciously at Soi’s saddle.
-Yes, but it only fits one horse.-Oh, that’s a shame, it’s really beautiful.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
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