Chapter 14:3 -Beroal
The mountains grew higher and higher around the two travelling. The grey shade of these mountains weren’t the same as of the mountains parting the forest and the plain. This grey was warmer and the mountains’ peeks didn’t remind Soi of the pointy teeth of a monster but rather like pillars holding up the blue sky.
Soi and Nibbles were now only a few hours away from Beroal and they were no longer surrounded by the sun burnt plain but by mountains. To keep his mind away from the very question on what to do when they actually reached the city Soi tried to imagine how Beroal looked like. But after the brief visit to the Academy he couldn’t see anything else but white houses and buildings. He gave up the imagination part and asked his company for real details.
-What’s Beroal like?
Nibbles smirked.
-It’s not white it that’s what you’re wondering.
Soi smirked back, the images of white buildings towering over him remained vivid in his memory.
-Beroal is nothing like any other city you’ve been to either, Nibbles continued. -Those cities tend to be dull and grey and ordinary. No, Beroal is like these flowers.
Nibbles gestured towards the ground and Soi looked down at his feet. The ground was covered with colourful flowers in all sorts of colour. The flowers had short stems and weren’t higher than a pinky. Soi wouldn’t have noticed them if Nibbles hadn’t pointed them out but now he could see that the whole valley was full of them. There were no other plants, no trees or bushes only pretty flowers in all colours of the rainbow.
-This is our sign that we aren’t far from Beroal. In the middle of all these grey mountains Beroal lies in a field of flowers. And just like the colourful flowers embracing the city, Beroal is a city full of colours and with so many colours there is no chance anyone can be unhappy, gloomy or evil. I don’t know if it was the colour or the kind and happy people who draw me to Beroal.
-You have a house there? Soi asked surprised, he couldn’t imagine Nibbles settling down anywhere but constantly moved from city to town to villages. Like Ana.
-It’s a flat and in comparison with Ana’s mansion it will look tiny but I hope you will enjoy all the same, Nibbles shrugged his shoulders and smiled as usual.
As the dusk closed in on the day so did Nibbles and Soi towards the walls of Beroal. When watching the walls Soi got his first hint of how the city really looked like. Nibbles description hadn’t washed away the white mansions in Soi’s mind but the pink walls now facing him made his mind go blank. Beroal was like a dream on pink clouds, embraced by the tiny rainbow flowers. Covered by their capes they walked into the colourful city and were embraced by its warm light and cheerful song which floated through the streets from every pub and bar Soi and Nibbles passed on their way to Nibbles flat.
Their way there went in circles, taken through different shortcuts and sneaking through hidden passages to shake off anyone who tailed them. At last they arrived at a small square surrounded by a handful of colourful painted shops and in the middle lay a well. Nibbles walked towards a sweet shop painted in a deep cassis purple and walked up a stair which led to the second floor of the sweet shop. Soi stopped when he saw the decorated windows of the sweet shop. In the window there were dozens of different kinds of sweets and in all forms and shapes imaginable. Pots full of caramels, chocolates in all shades of brown was laid out on a golden plate and on a green bit of velvet small flowers in every colour stood as if they grew there, except they weren’t real flowers but sweets. If they hadn’t been sprinkled with some sort of glitter Soi would have thought they were real flowers, exactly like the ones growing on the field around the city. Without noticing Soi stood there with a gaping mouth and wondered how they would taste.
Nibbles turned around and smiled at Soi’s expression.
-Do you like it? He asked with a spark in his eye.
-…yes, it’s …amazing, Soi finally answered.
-It’s mine.
Soi furrowed his eyebrows and looked clearly at Nibbles who had his usual grin on his face. As Nebelius didn’t give him any other explanation Soi turned his head back to the sweet shop and noticed its name: “Mr Silver’s Sweets” It really was Nibbles’ shop.
-Why? How? For how long?
Yet again Soi’s head was filled with questions. Fortunately Nibbles only smiled instead of trying to kill him, like another person Soi knew would do.
-It’s fun, how your forehead folds itself. You look a bit like Ana, Nibbles teased. -I’ll tell you more once we’re safe in my flat.
He waved for Soi to follow him and they took the few steps to the second floor. It really wasn’t a large flat but it oozed with Nibbles present. Every furniture had velvet covers and the windows were draped by velvet as well and all in colours such as red, purple, crimson, amaranth, deep blue or dark green. Against one of the dark red walls there was a cabinet where hats of different models were put on display.
Nibbles reached down and picked up something from the floor.
-Looks like I’ve got letters. Two, actually, and with the same handwriting. Funny, he said as he turned the two letters around.
-So open them, Soi said a bit curious.
Neatly Nebelius Silver unfolded one of the letters addressed to him.
-Ah, the ball, right, I almost forgot.
Nibbles hit his forehead lightly in his usual air of drama before he opened the second one. And then his face went completely blank and Soi’s curiosity changed into anxiety.
-What does it say? Soi asked carefully.
Nibbles pursed his lips and furrowed his eyebrows.
-It’s them. They want the flute back.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 14:2 -Beroal
-Although my side hasn’t always been fun and I haven’t always been alone, Nibbles voice had turned chilly and he hung with his head.
Soi studied Nebelius warily as the sun begun to set. Their campfire was burning steadily and the plain was quiet. Nibbles had kept an even mood since they left the Academy, ready for a fight with a wide smile plastered on his face. Soi knew it was to keep their spirits up as their situation was anything but bright. Nibbles sudden change of mood from sunny bright to gloomy dark was unexpected although Soi himself had a hard time thinking positive. They were closing on the mountains but so far they hadn’t a clue to how to save Ana.
-You know, you were right about me. I am untrustworthy, Nibbles continued and Soi straighten his back.
-What do you mean? Soi asked carefully glancing around for his sword.
-I didn’t want to be trusted, I didn’t want people to rely on me instead of themselves. Before I became a broken I had a family. It consisted of my drunken dad and my mum, me and my five little sisters.
-You have sisters? Just like…
-Just like you, yes. But my family was poor, we relied on the money others gave us, we were beggars. Dad drunk up most of it. Mum couldn’t work, she was too weak, so when I was eighteen I took a work on a cargo ship. The money I earned I sent back home. For five years I was out on the sea and when I came home our house was empty. I was told that my mum had died a year after I left and the rest of the family had moved to a smaller house.
The fire crackled and Soi realised the dark had surrounded them yet again. He had been drawn into Nibbles story that he’d forgotten about the monsters roaming the plains and the rest of the world.
-What happened next?
-I located the new house and found my dad drunk as ever and two of my youngest sisters. The other three were working my dad said. I was offered a meal and while I was being served by my sisters I realised they were scared of me. As I couldn’t understand why it made me sad and confused. After the meal my sisters led me to a room where I could sleep for the night. One of my sisters finally had the courage to talk to me which gladden me. She asked about the sea, if it was beautiful. I told her about its beauty but when I asked her what had happened while I was away she didn’t want to talk, she pursed her lips and looked at me with sad eyes. Late that night I was woken by the sound of an argument.
Nibbles voice dropped deeply by the last sentence and Soi feared the story would end badly. But he kept listening, he had always wanted to know how Nibbles become Nibbles.
-In the kitchen I found my dad and three girls wearing heavy make-up and ragged clothes. I had seen such ladies before and was surprised to see them in our house. I stayed in the shadows to learn more of the situation. My dad blames the girls for swindling away his money, the money they had earned by selling themselves. When the oldest girl argued against him he hit her and she fell to the floor and glared back up at him. I wanted to interfere but one of my youngest sisters took my arm and held me back. I looked confused back at her and she signed to me to keep quiet. The girl on the floor rose unsteadily, her cheek swollen and red. And then she said spiteful: “Why would we try to trick our own father?” I’m not completely sure what happened next but I know I hit dad, Nibbles voice turned bitter, not once or twice but several times. He deserved it, he had sold my sisters like common trash to strangers just so he could get his precious money to buy alcohol. I didn’t give him a chance to explain his actions, he didn’t deserve that either and what could he have said to explain why he was selling my sisters, his daughters!
Nebelius was yelling now, no more held back anger and Soi could very well understand his fury. Not much could upset Soi but if his sisters were treated wrongly he would go mad.
Nibbles sighed and took a long breath before he continued.
-I was thrown into jail and later in trial where I was convicted for the death of my father. The judge said I hadn’t seen the whole picture, that my father had done what had to be done to make sure the family survived and therefore my sentence was to lose one of my eyes. I did not see that way; my dad had always been a drunk. He was too lazy to sober up and get a real work. When I was released a year later, without my eye, I went back to my sisters’ house but they had left and this time no one knew where to. Without any family left and only one eye I become Nebelius Silver and I didn’t want anybody to rely on me ever again. The world of the broken ones suited me, but the Academy was too strict and I wanted to have fun after all the misery I’d been through so instead of working for the Academy I made my own living.
-Why are you telling me all of this? Does anybody else know?
-No, you’re the only one. I thought that since Ana has confided in you she finds you trustworthy, and I want at least one person to know my story.
-It wasn’t as much confiding as blurting everything out, Soi muttered and Nibbles smiled again.
-Anyhow, I’m telling you this because I want to change. When I became Nibbles trust was a word I erased from my vocabulary. Then I met someone who said that trust and loyalty were all that mattered. For the first time since my becoming Nebelius I wanted someone to trust me, I wanted her to trust me. The funny thing is that she never did.
Nibbles smile was finally completely restored to its usual brightness but it had different glow to it, it felt almost pink. This was the first time Nibbles had given Soi reason to think he actually had someone he liked.
-What happened to her? Soi asked with his usual curiosity.
-She was looking for someone and left to search in another city.
Nibbles stirred a little in the fire.
-As we are talking about trust, you know Ana has never trusted anyone like she trusts you, Nibbles picked up with light yet serious tone.
-How do you know? Soi snorted.
-Because I’ve seen her with Sam for years and can now conclude that she trusted him to an extent, she was sure never to make any mistakes around him. With you, on the other hand, she messes up completely. She’s even blurted her life story to you although you’re only a guard, not even a broken.
-So?
-So… Nibbles begun but changed his mind and stared at Soi. –You really are slow sometimes, Soi.
-Oh, come on, Nibbles, just tell me. Soi replied gruffly.
-No, you have to ask yourself, why would Ana sacrifice her own life and freedom for yours?
Soi gave it some thought.
-Because… she’s a caring person, he answered reluctantly as he couldn’t think of another reason.
-Yes Soi, Ana is a very nice and caring person. She almost killed you while caring for you after you got wounded by that dreamer. She’s also a broken, the most caring people in the world who only cares for other brokens.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
-Although my side hasn’t always been fun and I haven’t always been alone, Nibbles voice had turned chilly and he hung with his head.
Soi studied Nebelius warily as the sun begun to set. Their campfire was burning steadily and the plain was quiet. Nibbles had kept an even mood since they left the Academy, ready for a fight with a wide smile plastered on his face. Soi knew it was to keep their spirits up as their situation was anything but bright. Nibbles sudden change of mood from sunny bright to gloomy dark was unexpected although Soi himself had a hard time thinking positive. They were closing on the mountains but so far they hadn’t a clue to how to save Ana.
-You know, you were right about me. I am untrustworthy, Nibbles continued and Soi straighten his back.
-What do you mean? Soi asked carefully glancing around for his sword.
-I didn’t want to be trusted, I didn’t want people to rely on me instead of themselves. Before I became a broken I had a family. It consisted of my drunken dad and my mum, me and my five little sisters.
-You have sisters? Just like…
-Just like you, yes. But my family was poor, we relied on the money others gave us, we were beggars. Dad drunk up most of it. Mum couldn’t work, she was too weak, so when I was eighteen I took a work on a cargo ship. The money I earned I sent back home. For five years I was out on the sea and when I came home our house was empty. I was told that my mum had died a year after I left and the rest of the family had moved to a smaller house.
The fire crackled and Soi realised the dark had surrounded them yet again. He had been drawn into Nibbles story that he’d forgotten about the monsters roaming the plains and the rest of the world.
-What happened next?
-I located the new house and found my dad drunk as ever and two of my youngest sisters. The other three were working my dad said. I was offered a meal and while I was being served by my sisters I realised they were scared of me. As I couldn’t understand why it made me sad and confused. After the meal my sisters led me to a room where I could sleep for the night. One of my sisters finally had the courage to talk to me which gladden me. She asked about the sea, if it was beautiful. I told her about its beauty but when I asked her what had happened while I was away she didn’t want to talk, she pursed her lips and looked at me with sad eyes. Late that night I was woken by the sound of an argument.
Nibbles voice dropped deeply by the last sentence and Soi feared the story would end badly. But he kept listening, he had always wanted to know how Nibbles become Nibbles.
-In the kitchen I found my dad and three girls wearing heavy make-up and ragged clothes. I had seen such ladies before and was surprised to see them in our house. I stayed in the shadows to learn more of the situation. My dad blames the girls for swindling away his money, the money they had earned by selling themselves. When the oldest girl argued against him he hit her and she fell to the floor and glared back up at him. I wanted to interfere but one of my youngest sisters took my arm and held me back. I looked confused back at her and she signed to me to keep quiet. The girl on the floor rose unsteadily, her cheek swollen and red. And then she said spiteful: “Why would we try to trick our own father?” I’m not completely sure what happened next but I know I hit dad, Nibbles voice turned bitter, not once or twice but several times. He deserved it, he had sold my sisters like common trash to strangers just so he could get his precious money to buy alcohol. I didn’t give him a chance to explain his actions, he didn’t deserve that either and what could he have said to explain why he was selling my sisters, his daughters!
Nebelius was yelling now, no more held back anger and Soi could very well understand his fury. Not much could upset Soi but if his sisters were treated wrongly he would go mad.
Nibbles sighed and took a long breath before he continued.
-I was thrown into jail and later in trial where I was convicted for the death of my father. The judge said I hadn’t seen the whole picture, that my father had done what had to be done to make sure the family survived and therefore my sentence was to lose one of my eyes. I did not see that way; my dad had always been a drunk. He was too lazy to sober up and get a real work. When I was released a year later, without my eye, I went back to my sisters’ house but they had left and this time no one knew where to. Without any family left and only one eye I become Nebelius Silver and I didn’t want anybody to rely on me ever again. The world of the broken ones suited me, but the Academy was too strict and I wanted to have fun after all the misery I’d been through so instead of working for the Academy I made my own living.
-Why are you telling me all of this? Does anybody else know?
-No, you’re the only one. I thought that since Ana has confided in you she finds you trustworthy, and I want at least one person to know my story.
-It wasn’t as much confiding as blurting everything out, Soi muttered and Nibbles smiled again.
-Anyhow, I’m telling you this because I want to change. When I became Nibbles trust was a word I erased from my vocabulary. Then I met someone who said that trust and loyalty were all that mattered. For the first time since my becoming Nebelius I wanted someone to trust me, I wanted her to trust me. The funny thing is that she never did.
Nibbles smile was finally completely restored to its usual brightness but it had different glow to it, it felt almost pink. This was the first time Nibbles had given Soi reason to think he actually had someone he liked.
-What happened to her? Soi asked with his usual curiosity.
-She was looking for someone and left to search in another city.
Nibbles stirred a little in the fire.
-As we are talking about trust, you know Ana has never trusted anyone like she trusts you, Nibbles picked up with light yet serious tone.
-How do you know? Soi snorted.
-Because I’ve seen her with Sam for years and can now conclude that she trusted him to an extent, she was sure never to make any mistakes around him. With you, on the other hand, she messes up completely. She’s even blurted her life story to you although you’re only a guard, not even a broken.
-So?
-So… Nibbles begun but changed his mind and stared at Soi. –You really are slow sometimes, Soi.
-Oh, come on, Nibbles, just tell me. Soi replied gruffly.
-No, you have to ask yourself, why would Ana sacrifice her own life and freedom for yours?
Soi gave it some thought.
-Because… she’s a caring person, he answered reluctantly as he couldn’t think of another reason.
-Yes Soi, Ana is a very nice and caring person. She almost killed you while caring for you after you got wounded by that dreamer. She’s also a broken, the most caring people in the world who only cares for other brokens.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Playlist á la the Broken Ones
When I write I listen to music, often music that enhance the mood I'm in. For instance, when writing about Haz and Ard's history or when Ard got cut across his face and his brother still comfort him with a brave face I listened to Florence + The Machine's album Between Two Lungs and Adele's 21. I created a playlist I call FloAd and it repeated itself many times over. Sometimes I listened to one and other song from Celtic Circle playlist as well, to those tunes I've written many sad stories.
Mostly I listen to the music and not the lyrics as I'm so concentrated on my own words flowing through my fingers. But many of the songs from Between Two Lungs I've snapped a line here and there which affected my writing, the emotion put behind the words of the truly amzing singer Florence. Two, no three songs I would like to emphasie because they have touched my writing with emotions and these are Blinding, Drumming Song and finally Howl (for obvious reasons).
From the 21 album by Adele, another talented british singer just like Florence though in completely different genre, I would say I'll be waiting, Set fire to the rain and One and Only were the most influential songs in my writing.
Mostly I listen to the music and not the lyrics as I'm so concentrated on my own words flowing through my fingers. But many of the songs from Between Two Lungs I've snapped a line here and there which affected my writing, the emotion put behind the words of the truly amzing singer Florence. Two, no three songs I would like to emphasie because they have touched my writing with emotions and these are Blinding, Drumming Song and finally Howl (for obvious reasons).
From the 21 album by Adele, another talented british singer just like Florence though in completely different genre, I would say I'll be waiting, Set fire to the rain and One and Only were the most influential songs in my writing.
At last I think I should mention some of the songs from the celtic circle albums as well. To the extent of my knowledge there are three albumso there are a lot of songs to choose from, excluding the album where they have mixed all three albums together. A song I keep coming back to is Fumbling towards ecstasy by Sarah McLachlan.
"All the fear has left me now, I'm not frigthen anymore,
it's my heart that pounds beneath my flesh,
it's my mouth that push out this breath.
And if I shed a tear I won't cage it, I won't fear love.
And if I feel enraged I won't deny it, I won't fear love."
It's heart wrenching and sad yet encouraging. I can remember listening to this when... whenever there is a heartwrenching moment in any of my stories. Next song is March of the settlers by Corún, this one is only music a.k.a. perfect for writing. It's also a growing song it starts soft but you can feel it move and well it's makes the writing moving as well (it's supposed to be ambiguous). At last we have 12 O'clock by Vangelis. When I first heard it I was mesmerised, it was beautiful and breathtaking and I still feel the same now. You could either hear it as deeply sad or if you like to think positive, which everyone should once in a while, you can hear it as solemn. Imagine stepping into a great white hall and everyone is bowing and you walk up an isle to a throne which is yours- that kind of solemn.
And with that I would like to thank everybody who has read my story about the Broken Ones. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story, we're closing in on the end of the long travel across a country which name I still haven't figured out yet.
//J.L.Frick
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 14:1 -Beroal
-Why would she do that? Soi looked Nibbles in the eye, still floating above ground in Ana’s garden Soi felt as he was trapped in a spider web of confusion and lots of unanswered questions.
-I was going to tell you, Nibbles smiled back to him. -Keep in mind that Ana did not want you to know this. To quote her “the less he knows the better”. Now, I don’t agree with her which is why I’m telling you this. There are two reasons to why Ana didn’t want you to escort her to Beroal. First off, the council meeting, their great interest in you. Don’t you find this odd?
-Yes… but isn’t that because Ana has never had a guard before, so to speak of.
-But wasn’t it the revelation of your name that created the greatest reaction?
-I suppose so.
Soi had considered the whole meeting a bit bizarre and brushed it off as strange broken behaviour.
-Yes, brokens don’t act or think like you non-brokens. But keep in mind that we don’t particular care about people like you. Now, why would the council even look at you, even if you are Ana’s guard, you’re still just a guard? Is there anything that makes you special, Soi?
Nibbles gave Soi a meaningful glance and waited patiently for Soi to get it.
-I’m the Spring Saviour, Soi said and realisation daunted him.
-Exactly. You can, with your water, heal injured people, for instance brokens. That gift could be used for good to heal people on the brink of death or… it could be used bad. A competitive broken could eliminate potential broken rival in their struggle for power.
Soi remembered his and Ana’s short conversation after their journey down the mountains.
-What if it healed me?
-Not one drop, Ana.
-You don’t know that, it might take away my powers, and I really need them now.
-Now, where did the council send Ana? Nibbles’ voice interrupted Soi’s train of thoughts.
-To Beroal, Soi answered.
-And who did they want her to bring with her?
-Me.
-And who is waiting for Ana in Beroal.
-Jack.
-Precisely. Reason number two. Jack, the Academy’s new chairman, a very competitive man who loves power. It is also a man Ana truly detest and loath. A man even I detest and loath, Nibbles threw out his arms dramatically and smiled to Soi.
-She fears him, Ana fears Jack, Soi stated and thought back on her strong reaction to the mentioning of Jack’s name.
-Yes, she does, based on her instincts. Nibbles stopped smiling. -Jack’s a dangerous man and is not to be trusted. If the council knows about the Spring Saviour you can be sure Jack knows as well. How he knows is a mystery.
-Then why did Ana go to Beroal if she fears Jack?
-Ana had to go, she’s under order. Jack’s tried to befriend her for years, she is after all the most powerful broken living and Jack loves power. She’ll be in his grip.
For a second time reality daunted Soi.
-It’s a trap, he whispered anxiously.
-It’s a sacrifice. She went to Beroal to protect you, to claim that you were killed by the monsters on her way here. If Jack believes you’re dead you are safe, which is Ana’s only wish, Nibbles voice was dead serious and saddened.
-We have to stop her. You have to let me go! I don’t care if you’re protecting me or not, we have to save her, Soi moved and tried to break free from the spell that held him in the air.
-And we’re going to. Nibbles rose from his position and at the same moment Soi fell to the ground. -I agreed to protect you as it is fun but I won’t do it in exchange for Ana’s life. Seeing her sacrifice herself isn’t fun, it’s sad, he said through gritted teeth.
By dark the two of them left Ana’s mansion concealed by the night and dark capes. Nibbles explained that to hide the truth from the Academy that Ana wasn’t even bringing Soi with her the whole group, Ana, Jagger, Haz and Ard, which had left earlier that morning had covered themselves in dark capes so their faces couldn’t be seen. He could actually be one of them. Soi smiled at Nibbles description and thought of how Ana had always preferred capes and how he now shared her opinion. What did bother Soi was that the group had taken his black mare with them so the Academy would be under the pretense that Soi actually was with them. That left Soi without a horse. He had to sit behind Nibbles on his roan stallion.
They left the Academy without being stopped, not that stopping people were the normal procedure of the Academy but Soi had felt some anxiety whether they would be stopped anyway. On the outside of the walls of the Academy City Soi could breathe normally. Surrounding him was a world full of colours, even if it only were the colour of sun burnt grass and a blue sky and the grey mountains in the distance. At least it was more colours than inside the Academy, though Soi would miss Ana’s garden. The garden had reminded him of home, of Spring Island.
-How long will it take to travel to Beroal? Soi asked Nibbles to get his mind of his family.
-It took us four or five days to cross the plains to the Academy… my estimation is that it’ll take us fifteen days and the other should be at least one day ahead of us.
-More than two weeks?! But on our journey to the Academy we were hunted by monsters, which sped of the travel. Did you include that in your estimation?
-No, since I don’t think we’ll be attacked anymore. But I promise I’ll try to keep up the speed anyway, Nibbles winked with his one eye.
Nibbles kept his promise and they travelled each day at a steady pace as long as the sun hung in the sky. By nightfall the two stopped and made a small fire to make their meal over. One night after a dire meal Nibbles hung a kettle over the fading fire to warm some tea. Soi couldn’t understand where Nibbles kept all his packing, he had never seen that kettle before and when he looked around their camp it was filled with a lot of things Soi never had seen before. Among Nibbles scattered belongings was the box with the flute.
-This is just a normal flute, isn’t it? Soi asked with his eyebrows furrowed skeptical.
-Yes, Nibbles answered amused. –Can you play?
-Some. My father taught me. He was a lot better than me though.
-Well, I can’t play it at all, Nibbles shrugged his shoulders. -It’s yours if you want it.
-I don’t know.
-It would be a nice twist of fate if you took it.
Nibbles held out the box to Soi and reluctantly Soi accepted it. He took out the flute and put it by his lips. Immediately a little melody came to him which he begun to play, it was a melody his father had taught him a long time ago. When he had followed the melody’s rhythms and tones to the end he put down the flute.
-How are we going to save Ana? He asked quietly with his eyes fixed on the flute.
-I don’t know. It’ll be hard. It’s only you and me, Nibbles answered.
Soi didn’t like the doubt wavering in Nibbles voice but he could understand it very well. The same doubt made volts inside of his heart every time the night sky fell meaning they were one day closer to Beroal than the day before. So far Nibbles prediction about the monsters had been correct which made Soi more worried for each night. The still hadn’t come up with a plan to save Ana. Nibbles had said from the start that he didn’t need to worry about Jagger, Haz and Ard. They would disappear into the city when they arrived in Beroal. Ana, on the other hand, would go straight to the Academy’s headquarters in Beroal and there she would be surrounded by loyal followers of the chairman and it would be almost impossible to get her out. For Soi, a non-broken, it would be impossible and even with Nibbles by his side the odds weren’t in their favour.
Soi sighed and tried to think of something else. He turned the flute in his hands.
-Why did you agree to transport the flute? He asked Nibbles.
-As I said, it seemed fun… Nibbles shrugged his shoulders and smiled weakly.
-Why would they let you? I mean, you and Ana are friends, why would they…
-The closer we are the greater is the betrayal. Maybe they thought I really was on their side. But I’m on my own fun side, Nibbles smiled widely.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
-Why would she do that? Soi looked Nibbles in the eye, still floating above ground in Ana’s garden Soi felt as he was trapped in a spider web of confusion and lots of unanswered questions.
-I was going to tell you, Nibbles smiled back to him. -Keep in mind that Ana did not want you to know this. To quote her “the less he knows the better”. Now, I don’t agree with her which is why I’m telling you this. There are two reasons to why Ana didn’t want you to escort her to Beroal. First off, the council meeting, their great interest in you. Don’t you find this odd?
-Yes… but isn’t that because Ana has never had a guard before, so to speak of.
-But wasn’t it the revelation of your name that created the greatest reaction?
-I suppose so.
Soi had considered the whole meeting a bit bizarre and brushed it off as strange broken behaviour.
-Yes, brokens don’t act or think like you non-brokens. But keep in mind that we don’t particular care about people like you. Now, why would the council even look at you, even if you are Ana’s guard, you’re still just a guard? Is there anything that makes you special, Soi?
Nibbles gave Soi a meaningful glance and waited patiently for Soi to get it.
-I’m the Spring Saviour, Soi said and realisation daunted him.
-Exactly. You can, with your water, heal injured people, for instance brokens. That gift could be used for good to heal people on the brink of death or… it could be used bad. A competitive broken could eliminate potential broken rival in their struggle for power.
Soi remembered his and Ana’s short conversation after their journey down the mountains.
-What if it healed me?
-Not one drop, Ana.
-You don’t know that, it might take away my powers, and I really need them now.
-Now, where did the council send Ana? Nibbles’ voice interrupted Soi’s train of thoughts.
-To Beroal, Soi answered.
-And who did they want her to bring with her?
-Me.
-And who is waiting for Ana in Beroal.
-Jack.
-Precisely. Reason number two. Jack, the Academy’s new chairman, a very competitive man who loves power. It is also a man Ana truly detest and loath. A man even I detest and loath, Nibbles threw out his arms dramatically and smiled to Soi.
-She fears him, Ana fears Jack, Soi stated and thought back on her strong reaction to the mentioning of Jack’s name.
-Yes, she does, based on her instincts. Nibbles stopped smiling. -Jack’s a dangerous man and is not to be trusted. If the council knows about the Spring Saviour you can be sure Jack knows as well. How he knows is a mystery.
-Then why did Ana go to Beroal if she fears Jack?
-Ana had to go, she’s under order. Jack’s tried to befriend her for years, she is after all the most powerful broken living and Jack loves power. She’ll be in his grip.
For a second time reality daunted Soi.
-It’s a trap, he whispered anxiously.
-It’s a sacrifice. She went to Beroal to protect you, to claim that you were killed by the monsters on her way here. If Jack believes you’re dead you are safe, which is Ana’s only wish, Nibbles voice was dead serious and saddened.
-We have to stop her. You have to let me go! I don’t care if you’re protecting me or not, we have to save her, Soi moved and tried to break free from the spell that held him in the air.
-And we’re going to. Nibbles rose from his position and at the same moment Soi fell to the ground. -I agreed to protect you as it is fun but I won’t do it in exchange for Ana’s life. Seeing her sacrifice herself isn’t fun, it’s sad, he said through gritted teeth.
By dark the two of them left Ana’s mansion concealed by the night and dark capes. Nibbles explained that to hide the truth from the Academy that Ana wasn’t even bringing Soi with her the whole group, Ana, Jagger, Haz and Ard, which had left earlier that morning had covered themselves in dark capes so their faces couldn’t be seen. He could actually be one of them. Soi smiled at Nibbles description and thought of how Ana had always preferred capes and how he now shared her opinion. What did bother Soi was that the group had taken his black mare with them so the Academy would be under the pretense that Soi actually was with them. That left Soi without a horse. He had to sit behind Nibbles on his roan stallion.
They left the Academy without being stopped, not that stopping people were the normal procedure of the Academy but Soi had felt some anxiety whether they would be stopped anyway. On the outside of the walls of the Academy City Soi could breathe normally. Surrounding him was a world full of colours, even if it only were the colour of sun burnt grass and a blue sky and the grey mountains in the distance. At least it was more colours than inside the Academy, though Soi would miss Ana’s garden. The garden had reminded him of home, of Spring Island.
-How long will it take to travel to Beroal? Soi asked Nibbles to get his mind of his family.
-It took us four or five days to cross the plains to the Academy… my estimation is that it’ll take us fifteen days and the other should be at least one day ahead of us.
-More than two weeks?! But on our journey to the Academy we were hunted by monsters, which sped of the travel. Did you include that in your estimation?
-No, since I don’t think we’ll be attacked anymore. But I promise I’ll try to keep up the speed anyway, Nibbles winked with his one eye.
Nibbles kept his promise and they travelled each day at a steady pace as long as the sun hung in the sky. By nightfall the two stopped and made a small fire to make their meal over. One night after a dire meal Nibbles hung a kettle over the fading fire to warm some tea. Soi couldn’t understand where Nibbles kept all his packing, he had never seen that kettle before and when he looked around their camp it was filled with a lot of things Soi never had seen before. Among Nibbles scattered belongings was the box with the flute.
-This is just a normal flute, isn’t it? Soi asked with his eyebrows furrowed skeptical.
-Yes, Nibbles answered amused. –Can you play?
-Some. My father taught me. He was a lot better than me though.
-Well, I can’t play it at all, Nibbles shrugged his shoulders. -It’s yours if you want it.
-I don’t know.
-It would be a nice twist of fate if you took it.
Nibbles held out the box to Soi and reluctantly Soi accepted it. He took out the flute and put it by his lips. Immediately a little melody came to him which he begun to play, it was a melody his father had taught him a long time ago. When he had followed the melody’s rhythms and tones to the end he put down the flute.
-How are we going to save Ana? He asked quietly with his eyes fixed on the flute.
-I don’t know. It’ll be hard. It’s only you and me, Nibbles answered.
Soi didn’t like the doubt wavering in Nibbles voice but he could understand it very well. The same doubt made volts inside of his heart every time the night sky fell meaning they were one day closer to Beroal than the day before. So far Nibbles prediction about the monsters had been correct which made Soi more worried for each night. The still hadn’t come up with a plan to save Ana. Nibbles had said from the start that he didn’t need to worry about Jagger, Haz and Ard. They would disappear into the city when they arrived in Beroal. Ana, on the other hand, would go straight to the Academy’s headquarters in Beroal and there she would be surrounded by loyal followers of the chairman and it would be almost impossible to get her out. For Soi, a non-broken, it would be impossible and even with Nibbles by his side the odds weren’t in their favour.
Soi sighed and tried to think of something else. He turned the flute in his hands.
-Why did you agree to transport the flute? He asked Nibbles.
-As I said, it seemed fun… Nibbles shrugged his shoulders and smiled weakly.
-Why would they let you? I mean, you and Ana are friends, why would they…
-The closer we are the greater is the betrayal. Maybe they thought I really was on their side. But I’m on my own fun side, Nibbles smiled widely.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Thursday, June 09, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 13:3 -The escape
When Soi got up the next morning his head ached due to too little sleep and one too many drinks. He couldn’t grip that Ana hadn’t listened to him or that she’s gone off at him. After Ana had left Soi felt unusually hurt. He tried to dull the ache with some drinks before he returned to his room and locked himself up for the night. But his thoughts wouldn’t go away, they kept spinning around in his foggy mind and it took awhile before he drifted into sleep. As he woke up he decided to find Ana and straight a few things out. He went to the garden but it was empty so he went to the dining room where the breakfast table was still set and Nibbles sat at the one end of the long table and ate some toast with marmalade.
-Morning Soi, Nibbles raised his cup with tea in a welcome gesture.
Soi nodded in response.
-Have you seen Ana? He asked.
-Yes. Nibbles took a sip from the cup.
-Where is she then?
-On her way to Beroal.
-What!? Why wasn’t I woken?
-Am I your butler or something? Besides it’s my job to keep you.
-What?
-I was even allowed to use magic if I had to…
Soi turned around and marched out into the hallway but by the front door his journey ended as he was lifted into the air. He was turned around to face Nibbles leaning against the door frame.
-…and I think I have to, Nibbles finished his sentence.
-I don’t believe you, this is some sort of trick. Where’s Ana? Did you kill her? Soi shouted at Nibbles.
-I’m honored that you actually think I could kill her. Now listen to me…
-You have the flute!
-Darling Soi, I never thought you were this stupid. The flute, whether or not it’s real, was only a distraction. A poorly one, if you ask me, but that’s partly my fault. Hm… we better take this conversation in the garden.
-What conversation, you’re keeping me captive! Soi yelled.
Nibbles grinned.
-Id let you go, it’s just that I don’t think you’ll follow me.
Nibbles walked towards the garden through all the rooms and Soi hang stuck in the air floating after Nibbles. At one time Nibbles looked at Soi over his shoulder.
-How does it feel to fly? Is it comfortable for you?
-It’s not as exalting as the first two times, Soi muttered and thought back at the time he and Jagger hung in the air up in the mountains.
-Oh, you’ve done this before.
-Against my will, yes.
-Ana?
Soi nodded.
-You know, I taught her that trick, it’s quite handy, don’t you think?
-Indeed, Soi agreed bitterly.
They entered the garden and the birdsong surrounded them. Nibbles choose the path which led to the pond.
-As I said before, the flute was a distraction and it worked poorly, partly because of me. I was supposed to reveal much earlier that it was in my possession but I didn’t feel like it. I don’t think I would have said anything at all if it wasn’t for you peeking around in my room. Ana had all right to be angry with you, you only created unnecessary distress. She was never concerned about the flute in the first place, not much at least. The only one who was distracted by the flute was you and you’re only a guard. You really should have listened to Ana.
Nibbles sat down on the bench facing the pond and crossed his legs to sit more comfortable. He let Soi continue to waver in the air.
-Now I’m going to tell you how I got a hold of the flute.
Soi looked surprised at Nibbles.
-But you swore an oath.
-So I did. But there’s a little flaw in that oath, it only applies to brokens. It’s a bit funny actually. I can’t tell neither Ana nor Ard, as they are brokens, but non-brokens or people of no importance, in other words you I can tell whatever I want to about the oath. It’s a loophole. Remember how Ana couldn’t tell Ard about her work for the Academy because of the oath?
Soi nodded and Nibbles continued.
-Well didn’t she tell all about it to you the next day?
-How did you…
-I’m a mind reader, Nibbles rolled his one eye dramatically then he smiled. -And Ana told me. She’d forgotten she was under oath and spilled out her heart to you and when she realised she wasn’t supposed to be able to tell you any of those things but still could she confided in me.
-You mean, Ana didn’t know there was a loophole?
-Nope. I, of course, knew as I am not restricted by the Academy the way she is, I’ve found out a few things over the years about the world of the brokens. Now, back to my story of how I got the flute.
-Did you get it in Sofara, from the Black Eye?
-I was not the one to pick it up in Sofara. That was Ciron.
-Ciron, Soi repeated confused. –But he works for the Academy…
-Yes, isn’t this fun, it’s so complicated and twisted. Yes, Ciron works for the Academy, but he would do anything that would work against Ana. He’s a bit like me, except I do it for fun and he does it for revenge. Anyhow I got the flute in that small village we met in.
Soi remembered their first meeting and how Nibbles abruptly had left as if someone had called on him.
-I met up with Ciron and he gave me my instructions and left. I thought, as I always do, that it would be fun to watch Ana be all confused and annoyed by the flute as I can read her mind, but she wasn’t even thinking about the flute to my great disappointment, so I forgot about it. Until they reminded me of my part of the contract.
-Who? Who reminded you?
-I don’t know who. They sent a dreamer to inform me through my dreams of what I was supposed to do and what would happen if I didn’t keep my promise.
-How could they know?
-I have my suspicions. I left the group, as you know, by the lake and went to Mack’s village to spread rumours. Then I travelled around the mountains and met up with you again. While in that small town, I decided that I didn’t want to carry around that big box when we crossed the plains so I arranged for separate transport of the flute and it arrived yesterday.
-Are you done with your little fairytale now?
-Yes.
-Where’s Ana?
-As I said, on her way to Beroal. Which reminds me, I’m not done. Now I’ll tell you about…
-I don’t want to hear more. I need to get to Ana.
-Just as this was getting exciting. I know you overheard parts of Ana’s and mine conversation yesterday, but you didn’t hear all of it. Ana told me to protect you, and in extension keeping you away from Beroal.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
When Soi got up the next morning his head ached due to too little sleep and one too many drinks. He couldn’t grip that Ana hadn’t listened to him or that she’s gone off at him. After Ana had left Soi felt unusually hurt. He tried to dull the ache with some drinks before he returned to his room and locked himself up for the night. But his thoughts wouldn’t go away, they kept spinning around in his foggy mind and it took awhile before he drifted into sleep. As he woke up he decided to find Ana and straight a few things out. He went to the garden but it was empty so he went to the dining room where the breakfast table was still set and Nibbles sat at the one end of the long table and ate some toast with marmalade.
-Morning Soi, Nibbles raised his cup with tea in a welcome gesture.
Soi nodded in response.
-Have you seen Ana? He asked.
-Yes. Nibbles took a sip from the cup.
-Where is she then?
-On her way to Beroal.
-What!? Why wasn’t I woken?
-Am I your butler or something? Besides it’s my job to keep you.
-What?
-I was even allowed to use magic if I had to…
Soi turned around and marched out into the hallway but by the front door his journey ended as he was lifted into the air. He was turned around to face Nibbles leaning against the door frame.
-…and I think I have to, Nibbles finished his sentence.
-I don’t believe you, this is some sort of trick. Where’s Ana? Did you kill her? Soi shouted at Nibbles.
-I’m honored that you actually think I could kill her. Now listen to me…
-You have the flute!
-Darling Soi, I never thought you were this stupid. The flute, whether or not it’s real, was only a distraction. A poorly one, if you ask me, but that’s partly my fault. Hm… we better take this conversation in the garden.
-What conversation, you’re keeping me captive! Soi yelled.
Nibbles grinned.
-Id let you go, it’s just that I don’t think you’ll follow me.
Nibbles walked towards the garden through all the rooms and Soi hang stuck in the air floating after Nibbles. At one time Nibbles looked at Soi over his shoulder.
-How does it feel to fly? Is it comfortable for you?
-It’s not as exalting as the first two times, Soi muttered and thought back at the time he and Jagger hung in the air up in the mountains.
-Oh, you’ve done this before.
-Against my will, yes.
-Ana?
Soi nodded.
-You know, I taught her that trick, it’s quite handy, don’t you think?
-Indeed, Soi agreed bitterly.
They entered the garden and the birdsong surrounded them. Nibbles choose the path which led to the pond.
-As I said before, the flute was a distraction and it worked poorly, partly because of me. I was supposed to reveal much earlier that it was in my possession but I didn’t feel like it. I don’t think I would have said anything at all if it wasn’t for you peeking around in my room. Ana had all right to be angry with you, you only created unnecessary distress. She was never concerned about the flute in the first place, not much at least. The only one who was distracted by the flute was you and you’re only a guard. You really should have listened to Ana.
Nibbles sat down on the bench facing the pond and crossed his legs to sit more comfortable. He let Soi continue to waver in the air.
-Now I’m going to tell you how I got a hold of the flute.
Soi looked surprised at Nibbles.
-But you swore an oath.
-So I did. But there’s a little flaw in that oath, it only applies to brokens. It’s a bit funny actually. I can’t tell neither Ana nor Ard, as they are brokens, but non-brokens or people of no importance, in other words you I can tell whatever I want to about the oath. It’s a loophole. Remember how Ana couldn’t tell Ard about her work for the Academy because of the oath?
Soi nodded and Nibbles continued.
-Well didn’t she tell all about it to you the next day?
-How did you…
-I’m a mind reader, Nibbles rolled his one eye dramatically then he smiled. -And Ana told me. She’d forgotten she was under oath and spilled out her heart to you and when she realised she wasn’t supposed to be able to tell you any of those things but still could she confided in me.
-You mean, Ana didn’t know there was a loophole?
-Nope. I, of course, knew as I am not restricted by the Academy the way she is, I’ve found out a few things over the years about the world of the brokens. Now, back to my story of how I got the flute.
-Did you get it in Sofara, from the Black Eye?
-I was not the one to pick it up in Sofara. That was Ciron.
-Ciron, Soi repeated confused. –But he works for the Academy…
-Yes, isn’t this fun, it’s so complicated and twisted. Yes, Ciron works for the Academy, but he would do anything that would work against Ana. He’s a bit like me, except I do it for fun and he does it for revenge. Anyhow I got the flute in that small village we met in.
Soi remembered their first meeting and how Nibbles abruptly had left as if someone had called on him.
-I met up with Ciron and he gave me my instructions and left. I thought, as I always do, that it would be fun to watch Ana be all confused and annoyed by the flute as I can read her mind, but she wasn’t even thinking about the flute to my great disappointment, so I forgot about it. Until they reminded me of my part of the contract.
-Who? Who reminded you?
-I don’t know who. They sent a dreamer to inform me through my dreams of what I was supposed to do and what would happen if I didn’t keep my promise.
-How could they know?
-I have my suspicions. I left the group, as you know, by the lake and went to Mack’s village to spread rumours. Then I travelled around the mountains and met up with you again. While in that small town, I decided that I didn’t want to carry around that big box when we crossed the plains so I arranged for separate transport of the flute and it arrived yesterday.
-Are you done with your little fairytale now?
-Yes.
-Where’s Ana?
-As I said, on her way to Beroal. Which reminds me, I’m not done. Now I’ll tell you about…
-I don’t want to hear more. I need to get to Ana.
-Just as this was getting exciting. I know you overheard parts of Ana’s and mine conversation yesterday, but you didn’t hear all of it. Ana told me to protect you, and in extension keeping you away from Beroal.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Berättelser ur livet
Jag trodde inte det skulle hända men jag har en förmåga att få saker att hända när jag tror… äh skit samma. Så här var det. Jag såg honom vid busshållplatsen, trodde inte han skulle ta samma buss men det gjorde han. Jag satte mig innan honom, på en fyrsitsigplats. Det var mycket folk så jag tog mina saker från platsen bredvid mig. Vem som helst kunde sätta sig där. För en sekund tror jag att kanske, bara kanske kommer han sätta sig bredvid mig. Och det gör han också, i verkligheten. Såna saker händer mig, jag vill att de ska hända och ibland gör de det. Ofta händer det.
Jag borde ha sagt hej direkt när han satte sig så jag hade sluppit våndas hela resan om hur jag skulle starta ett samtal nu. Ju längre vi reste desto svårare blev det.
Det som förvånade mig var att han såg mig. I alla fall så var det så det såg ut som, den andra förklaringen var att det var något väldigt intressant på min sida av fönstret. Han måste ju ha åka den sträckan 10 gånger i veckan så det känns inte så troligt.
Mot slutet av resan började han bita i sitt busskort. Jag hade säkert kunnat starta ett samtal med ”det är nog inte så bra att du biter på busskortet, det kommer gå sönder” . Men det gjorde jag inte.
Han hade basker på sig och det var en ovanligt varm dag så jag hade även kunnat säga ”är det inte varmt med basker?”.
Jag sa ingenting.
Nu hoppas jag att ödet ger mig en andra chans.
J.L.Frick
Jag borde ha sagt hej direkt när han satte sig så jag hade sluppit våndas hela resan om hur jag skulle starta ett samtal nu. Ju längre vi reste desto svårare blev det.
Det som förvånade mig var att han såg mig. I alla fall så var det så det såg ut som, den andra förklaringen var att det var något väldigt intressant på min sida av fönstret. Han måste ju ha åka den sträckan 10 gånger i veckan så det känns inte så troligt.
Mot slutet av resan började han bita i sitt busskort. Jag hade säkert kunnat starta ett samtal med ”det är nog inte så bra att du biter på busskortet, det kommer gå sönder” . Men det gjorde jag inte.
Han hade basker på sig och det var en ovanligt varm dag så jag hade även kunnat säga ”är det inte varmt med basker?”.
Jag sa ingenting.
Nu hoppas jag att ödet ger mig en andra chans.
J.L.Frick
Monday, June 06, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 13:2 -The Escape
After much thought Soi decided to go to dinner that night, to confront Nibbles. His heart was beating fast as he stepped into the dining room. Most of them had already settled down by the once again extraordinary dinner table. It was only their second evening at the Academy but their visit had felt like an eternity. Nibbles waved to Soi to sit down beside him. Soi sat down opposite him instead.
-Oh, what grim thoughts you’re having, Nibbles said with a playful sad expression and pouting lips. –I hope it’s not all about me.
-Stop reading my mind, Soi glared at Nibbles.
Nibbles turned up his mouth to a playful grin.
-You know, I can read thoughts from a far away distance as well…
It sounded like a hidden threat to Soi. Nibbles laughed, he had heard Soi again. Soi decided to change topic.
-Where’s Ard?
Soi looked around the room for the white haired boy with blue gold-sparkled eyes. He was the only one absent and Soi missed his innocence.
-He’s sick, Haz said with a stern face.
-I wouldn’t call it sick, he’s exhausted, Jagger explained. –He’s had images flashing by all day, ever since this morning, and some of them are a lot more horrible than the others.
-Why haven’t I been told about this earlier? Ana asked with an alarmed face.
-I didn’t think it was of importance, Jagger said surprised by Ana’s tone.
-Ard’s visions tells the future, how could it not be of importance! Especially now…
-Ana, Nibbles cut her off brusquely and gave her a meaningful glance. –Not now.
Ana hold back her tongue.
-I thought Ard needed silence, otherwise everything would be too confusing for him to sort out, Haz said and watched Ana with his cold eyes.
-Is it fine for me to visit him after dinner? Ana asked Haz.
-It’s fine.
They all settled in silence and ate their meal. After awhile Soi couldn’t stand it any longer.
-What’s in that box you have in your room? He asked Nibbles, fixing his dark eyes on him.
Nibbles swallowed another spoon of soup before he looked into Soi’s eyes.
-You already know the answer, so why are you asking?
-I want to hear you say it out loud.
-It’s a flute.
Everyone stopped eating and Ana and Jagger stared bewildered at Nibbles.
-A flute? Jagger asked suspiciously. –Why do you have flute?
Nibbles smiled his usual relaxed smile.
-You know, if Ard was here he would say “oh, a flute, can you play it?”.
-Nebelius, Ana said grimly.
-I’m transporting it as a favour for a friend. Nibbles shrugged his shoulder.
-A friend named Sam, perhaps?
-Perhaps.
-Why?
-Oh, what don’t I do for fun, Nibbles smiled teasingly.
-Sam wouldn’t give you the real one, you’re not that trustworthy. Would he? Is it the real flute?
-I couldn’t tell you, even if I know or not, of course I know, I’m not a fool, but I still couldn’t tell you.
Nibbles raised his right hand.
-You’ve pledged an oath? Ana asked in disbelief.
-I actually can’t tell you that either. Let’s just say I’m just a brick in greater game but still they didn’t want it to go wrong.
-This doesn’t change any of the things we agreed upon? Ana asked.
-I think I can mix pleasure with pleasure, yes. After all it’s not hard to transport a flute. Though I don’t think he’ll trust me now.
Nibbles nodded in Soi’s direction.
-Well, he isn’t supposed to begin with so it changes very little, Ana said with a low voice and glared at Soi.
-Alright then. Nibbles shrugged his shoulder once again.
And that was it, Ana’s questioning was over and they all got back to dinner. Soi was upset that she didn’t pressure Nibbles more. How could she accept it so easy? At her own dinner table sat the man who could be the killer of Mack, the man behind the organisation and the monsters and all Ana did was to continue eating her soup! Even Jagger seemed to accept it and Haz didn’t care at all, but he didn’t know about the flute so it was understanding. The whole conversation had passed him by seemingly unnoticed and now the rest of them continued eating as if nothing had happened.
-Let it go, Soi, Nibbles said softly to him over the table and winked his eye. –Don’t over think it.
Soi simply stared back at him. But before he could reply Jagger started talking.
-Ana, how did the council meeting go? Soi said it went alright…
-Of course he would say that, he was their centre of attention, Ana said mockingly.
-What? Jagger’s red eyebrows wrinkled in surprise.
-You heard me. They hardly noticed me, rather ignored me completely.
-Really? Jagger found this amusing.
-Yes! They were oh-to-busy being interested in who Soi was, where he came from and what he ate for breakfast! Ana’s voice was full of sarcasm.
-Did you ask the council about monsters? Haz put away his fork and knife and watched Ana with his cold blue eyes.
-No, she answered with a serious face.
-Why not?
-I don’t trust them. There’s something going on at the Academy. I think it’s the better for you and your brother remain unknown to the Academy.
-I trust your decision. Haz rose from his seat, made a little bow and left the room.
-I think I’ll join him, Nibbles rose and disappeared through the door.
The silence filled the dining room for awhile. Until Jagger interrupted it.
-Did you really set fire to the council? She asked Ana, who immediately shot Soi an angry stare.
-I told you not to tell.
-You told me not to tell Nibbles, which I haven’t, Soi defended himself.
Soi and Ana glared at each other. Jagger coughed a little and rose from her chair.
-I didn’t mean for you two to fight, I’m sorry, she excused herself before she quickly departed the room.
-You just had to waltz into somebody else’s room…, Ana begun and Soi had to laugh out loud.
-Excuse me, but are you angry at me for revealing that Nibbles was in the possession of the flute?
-Who else would I be angry at, do you suppose?
-At Nibbles?!
-What for?
-For having the flute! Soi was getting really upset, why couldn’t Ana understand?
-Having the flute is Nibbles problem.
Soi was astonished, how could the flute only be Nibbles problem? Wasn’t it theirs, as it made Nibbles their enemy? Ana continued:
-It was you who found it and caused all this unnecessary distress. When we didn’t know about the flute, it wasn’t a problem for us.
-I can’t believe you! Are you serious?! Nibbles is the enemy, he could be the one who made you…
-Nebelius Silver is not the enemy! You don’t know the first thing about Nibbles! And you definitely have no clue to who made me a broken! Ana yelled, her eyes were ice cold and stern. -This isn’t your problem, you’re just a guard, so shut up and do as you’re told, don’t make up silly theories of how you think the world of the brokens work!
With those words Ana got up from her chair and limped out of the dining room with her high heels, leaving Soi alone.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
After much thought Soi decided to go to dinner that night, to confront Nibbles. His heart was beating fast as he stepped into the dining room. Most of them had already settled down by the once again extraordinary dinner table. It was only their second evening at the Academy but their visit had felt like an eternity. Nibbles waved to Soi to sit down beside him. Soi sat down opposite him instead.
-Oh, what grim thoughts you’re having, Nibbles said with a playful sad expression and pouting lips. –I hope it’s not all about me.
-Stop reading my mind, Soi glared at Nibbles.
Nibbles turned up his mouth to a playful grin.
-You know, I can read thoughts from a far away distance as well…
It sounded like a hidden threat to Soi. Nibbles laughed, he had heard Soi again. Soi decided to change topic.
-Where’s Ard?
Soi looked around the room for the white haired boy with blue gold-sparkled eyes. He was the only one absent and Soi missed his innocence.
-He’s sick, Haz said with a stern face.
-I wouldn’t call it sick, he’s exhausted, Jagger explained. –He’s had images flashing by all day, ever since this morning, and some of them are a lot more horrible than the others.
-Why haven’t I been told about this earlier? Ana asked with an alarmed face.
-I didn’t think it was of importance, Jagger said surprised by Ana’s tone.
-Ard’s visions tells the future, how could it not be of importance! Especially now…
-Ana, Nibbles cut her off brusquely and gave her a meaningful glance. –Not now.
Ana hold back her tongue.
-I thought Ard needed silence, otherwise everything would be too confusing for him to sort out, Haz said and watched Ana with his cold eyes.
-Is it fine for me to visit him after dinner? Ana asked Haz.
-It’s fine.
They all settled in silence and ate their meal. After awhile Soi couldn’t stand it any longer.
-What’s in that box you have in your room? He asked Nibbles, fixing his dark eyes on him.
Nibbles swallowed another spoon of soup before he looked into Soi’s eyes.
-You already know the answer, so why are you asking?
-I want to hear you say it out loud.
-It’s a flute.
Everyone stopped eating and Ana and Jagger stared bewildered at Nibbles.
-A flute? Jagger asked suspiciously. –Why do you have flute?
Nibbles smiled his usual relaxed smile.
-You know, if Ard was here he would say “oh, a flute, can you play it?”.
-Nebelius, Ana said grimly.
-I’m transporting it as a favour for a friend. Nibbles shrugged his shoulder.
-A friend named Sam, perhaps?
-Perhaps.
-Why?
-Oh, what don’t I do for fun, Nibbles smiled teasingly.
-Sam wouldn’t give you the real one, you’re not that trustworthy. Would he? Is it the real flute?
-I couldn’t tell you, even if I know or not, of course I know, I’m not a fool, but I still couldn’t tell you.
Nibbles raised his right hand.
-You’ve pledged an oath? Ana asked in disbelief.
-I actually can’t tell you that either. Let’s just say I’m just a brick in greater game but still they didn’t want it to go wrong.
-This doesn’t change any of the things we agreed upon? Ana asked.
-I think I can mix pleasure with pleasure, yes. After all it’s not hard to transport a flute. Though I don’t think he’ll trust me now.
Nibbles nodded in Soi’s direction.
-Well, he isn’t supposed to begin with so it changes very little, Ana said with a low voice and glared at Soi.
-Alright then. Nibbles shrugged his shoulder once again.
And that was it, Ana’s questioning was over and they all got back to dinner. Soi was upset that she didn’t pressure Nibbles more. How could she accept it so easy? At her own dinner table sat the man who could be the killer of Mack, the man behind the organisation and the monsters and all Ana did was to continue eating her soup! Even Jagger seemed to accept it and Haz didn’t care at all, but he didn’t know about the flute so it was understanding. The whole conversation had passed him by seemingly unnoticed and now the rest of them continued eating as if nothing had happened.
-Let it go, Soi, Nibbles said softly to him over the table and winked his eye. –Don’t over think it.
Soi simply stared back at him. But before he could reply Jagger started talking.
-Ana, how did the council meeting go? Soi said it went alright…
-Of course he would say that, he was their centre of attention, Ana said mockingly.
-What? Jagger’s red eyebrows wrinkled in surprise.
-You heard me. They hardly noticed me, rather ignored me completely.
-Really? Jagger found this amusing.
-Yes! They were oh-to-busy being interested in who Soi was, where he came from and what he ate for breakfast! Ana’s voice was full of sarcasm.
-Did you ask the council about monsters? Haz put away his fork and knife and watched Ana with his cold blue eyes.
-No, she answered with a serious face.
-Why not?
-I don’t trust them. There’s something going on at the Academy. I think it’s the better for you and your brother remain unknown to the Academy.
-I trust your decision. Haz rose from his seat, made a little bow and left the room.
-I think I’ll join him, Nibbles rose and disappeared through the door.
The silence filled the dining room for awhile. Until Jagger interrupted it.
-Did you really set fire to the council? She asked Ana, who immediately shot Soi an angry stare.
-I told you not to tell.
-You told me not to tell Nibbles, which I haven’t, Soi defended himself.
Soi and Ana glared at each other. Jagger coughed a little and rose from her chair.
-I didn’t mean for you two to fight, I’m sorry, she excused herself before she quickly departed the room.
-You just had to waltz into somebody else’s room…, Ana begun and Soi had to laugh out loud.
-Excuse me, but are you angry at me for revealing that Nibbles was in the possession of the flute?
-Who else would I be angry at, do you suppose?
-At Nibbles?!
-What for?
-For having the flute! Soi was getting really upset, why couldn’t Ana understand?
-Having the flute is Nibbles problem.
Soi was astonished, how could the flute only be Nibbles problem? Wasn’t it theirs, as it made Nibbles their enemy? Ana continued:
-It was you who found it and caused all this unnecessary distress. When we didn’t know about the flute, it wasn’t a problem for us.
-I can’t believe you! Are you serious?! Nibbles is the enemy, he could be the one who made you…
-Nebelius Silver is not the enemy! You don’t know the first thing about Nibbles! And you definitely have no clue to who made me a broken! Ana yelled, her eyes were ice cold and stern. -This isn’t your problem, you’re just a guard, so shut up and do as you’re told, don’t make up silly theories of how you think the world of the brokens work!
With those words Ana got up from her chair and limped out of the dining room with her high heels, leaving Soi alone.
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Friday, June 03, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 13:1 -The escape
The minute they were seated in the white carriage that had taken them to the Academy, the door was closed and it drove off, Ana stared at Soi furiously, her eyebrows were wrinkled together, her lips were pursed and her grey eyes had narrowed. She was mad.
-You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut?! She shouted at him.
-What are you angry about, I lied anyway. And why did you lie about the flute?
Sidetracking her off the topic was his only chance to stay alive.
-Because it seemed so ridicules when I was standing in front of the council. How could the flute be real? That was what I was thinking, so I figured that if I said that I’d actually seen it, they would at least investigate it further, even if it’s just a myth and a stupid rumour.
Ana sighed. Soi’s trick had worked.
-I think the flute’s real, how else could anyone have killed Mack? Soi said.
-In his sleep for instance. In his dreams it doesn’t matter if he can foresee his death, he still can’t prevent it, he’s already lost to the dreamer.
Ana put up her legs on the white leather seat leaving dirty footprints.
-Sam’s a dreamer.
Soi remembered their meetings.
-Yes, I know, Ana said sarcastic and rolled her eyes.
-I forgot about it after everything that’s happened on the plains and in the mountains. He hasn’t attacked us again.
-He’s probably busy with something else.
-Let’s say it was he who killed Mack, he’s a monster and you two have history together…
-What are you implying?! Ana stared upset at Soi.
-I’m not implying anything, simply stating facts, Soi said and let Ana examine his innocent expression before he continued. –But he seem to care a great deal about you, and if he killed Mack wouldn’t he worry about what you might think of him if you find out the truth and therefore sent the monsters to attack Jagger, the only witness?
Ana sighed, closed her eyes and sunk back against the leather seat.
-Doesn’t that seem likely? Soi pressed for an answer.
-Soi, Ana said with a tired voice, her eyes still closed.
-Yes, he said impatiently.
-As you didn’t keep your mouth shut at the meeting even though you were told specifically to do so, how about you do so now instead? I need the silence.
It wasn’t a question and Soi knew there lay a threat hidden somewhere in there. He wasn’t happy about it but what could he do. Silence was better than a mad Ana.
The coach turned a corner and up ahead lay Ana’s mansion . On the steps leading up to the house sat Jagger waiting for them. That reminded Soi of something he'd almost forgot.
-Ana, who’s Jack? He asked and Ana’s eyes flared open with the same fear they’d shown at the Academy.
She rose quickly and jumped out of the carriage before it came to a complete stop. Soi followed her as she limped up the stairs to her house. Jagger rose and she and Soi walked inside together, trailing behind Ana.
-Nibbles! Ana called with a loud voice and somewhere in the house came the sound of something fragile breaking. Then several steps approached from the second floor.
-How did the meeting go? Jagger whispered to Soi while they both watched Ana nervously clamp back and forth in the hallway.
-Not so bad, I think. Didn’t really get what happened.
-Why’s Ana upset then?
-Right now I think it’s about someone called Jack who’s the new chairman for the Academy, but she’s upset about a lot of things. Me, as usual.
-And you still say it went alright? Jagger frowned her forehead skeptically.
-Well, she didn’t set fire to the council.
Jagger’s green eyes widened.
-She’s done that before?
-From what I’ve heard today, yes, last year when she and the council had some disagreement.
-I wished I’d been there, Jagger whispered with glowing green eyes.
Nibbles finally arrived from upstairs, brushing off what looked like sheds of china from his purple vest and adjusted his hat to sit straight on his head.
-You called, madam.
-Nibbles! Ana cried and limped towards him quickly.
-Calm down, dear girl, it can’t be that bad, can it? Nibbles took Ana’s hands and squeezed them gently.
-It’s worse!
-Oh, come now, you’re overreacting. First things first, I need something to drink.
Nibbles took a step away from Ana who grabbed the back of his vest.
-Careful, it’s velvet, Nibbles chided and looked concerned over his shoulder.
-Nibbles, we need to talk! Ana squeezed the velvet cloth in her hand.
-Yes, yes, of course. Let’s hear it then. What’s so bad that you have to ruin the velvet?
-Jack’s the new chairman, Ana said desperately.
Nibbles eye widened, if in surprise or fear Soi couldn’t tell but Nibbles face turned a lot more serious.
-Let’s talk in the garden, he said and his voice had turned cold and strange.
He took Ana by the hand and led her away. Jagger turned to Soi.
-It must be a lot more serious than you thought, she said.
-Seems so.
Soi took a turn around the house, exploring every room that was open and most of them were. He had taken the stairs to the second floor and turned left walking into a corridor captured in darkness. Dark blue velvet curtains hung around every window preventing the sun with its white light from entering the mansion. There were no paintings covering the walls, they were naked. Soi peeked into the different rooms he passed by. They all looked the same; dark, no paintings and dark wooden furniture. Then he came across another one, different from the rest of them. It was Nibbles’ room.
He had put his own mark on the room, velvet and silk garments strewn over the furniture, colourful dots in an otherwise gloomy room. The curtains had been drawn apart and the window stood open letting the birdsong float into the room along with the sun. The green of the garden lit up the room pleasantly. Soi was sure this was Nibbles room when he saw the shatter of a broken vase on the floor.
Suddenly Soi could hear something that wasn’t birdsong. It was human voices. Ana and Nibbles’ voices. It wasn’t his meaning to eavesdrop but unconsciously he had crossed the room and crept up to the open window and hid behind the curtain.
-Have we an agreement then? Soi could hear Ana ask with a serious voice.
Nibbles laughed.
-It sounds like fun. I’ll do it.
Ana sighed in relief.
-Good.
-Just one thing, Nibbles added and Soi could almost hear Ana’s body stiffen.
-What? She asked with a hard voice and Soi could picture how her eyebrows wrinkled together.
-Please stop wearing high heels, you look ridicules.
Ana snorted.
-I thought you liked my faults. Anyway, at least he’ll see me even if I look ridicules.
-You know he can’t love a little girl.
For a moment there was no reply, only the birds singing. When Ana spoke again her voice was hardly a whisper.
-You will protect him for me? She asked with worry in her voice.
-Yes, Ana, as I said. It’ll be fun, Nibbles calmed her with a soft voice.
A maid entered Nibbles’ room with a box in her arms. When she saw the vase shatters she put away the box and kneeled down by the window to pick them up. When she noticed Soi hidden behind the curtain she skipped back scared. Soi turned his attention to the maid.
-Sorry, sir. Didn’t mean to… I didn’t see you.
-It’s alright, Soi said and started to walk out of the room.
-This came for you sir, the maid called after him and Soi turned his head back. –Where do you want me to put?
Soi looked at the box and something twitched inside of him. The box was large enough to contain a sword or a spear. Or a… Soi walked straight up to the box and opened it. On the blue velvet lay the silver flute. Suddenly it was hard to breath. Soi backed away from the box, staring at it as if it would attack him any second.
-Sir?
-This isn’t my room, Soi excused himself and run out of the room.
He run back to his own room, closed the door and pulled the dark curtains so they covered the window and left him in complete darkness. He sunk down to the floor and tried to even his breath but fear had him in its grip. Nibbles had the flute. He could have killed Mack. Was he controlling the organisation that controlled the monsters, controlling the organisation that had made Ana a broken? Was Nibbles their enemy? Had Nibbles smashed Ana’s leg?
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
The minute they were seated in the white carriage that had taken them to the Academy, the door was closed and it drove off, Ana stared at Soi furiously, her eyebrows were wrinkled together, her lips were pursed and her grey eyes had narrowed. She was mad.
-You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut?! She shouted at him.
-What are you angry about, I lied anyway. And why did you lie about the flute?
Sidetracking her off the topic was his only chance to stay alive.
-Because it seemed so ridicules when I was standing in front of the council. How could the flute be real? That was what I was thinking, so I figured that if I said that I’d actually seen it, they would at least investigate it further, even if it’s just a myth and a stupid rumour.
Ana sighed. Soi’s trick had worked.
-I think the flute’s real, how else could anyone have killed Mack? Soi said.
-In his sleep for instance. In his dreams it doesn’t matter if he can foresee his death, he still can’t prevent it, he’s already lost to the dreamer.
Ana put up her legs on the white leather seat leaving dirty footprints.
-Sam’s a dreamer.
Soi remembered their meetings.
-Yes, I know, Ana said sarcastic and rolled her eyes.
-I forgot about it after everything that’s happened on the plains and in the mountains. He hasn’t attacked us again.
-He’s probably busy with something else.
-Let’s say it was he who killed Mack, he’s a monster and you two have history together…
-What are you implying?! Ana stared upset at Soi.
-I’m not implying anything, simply stating facts, Soi said and let Ana examine his innocent expression before he continued. –But he seem to care a great deal about you, and if he killed Mack wouldn’t he worry about what you might think of him if you find out the truth and therefore sent the monsters to attack Jagger, the only witness?
Ana sighed, closed her eyes and sunk back against the leather seat.
-Doesn’t that seem likely? Soi pressed for an answer.
-Soi, Ana said with a tired voice, her eyes still closed.
-Yes, he said impatiently.
-As you didn’t keep your mouth shut at the meeting even though you were told specifically to do so, how about you do so now instead? I need the silence.
It wasn’t a question and Soi knew there lay a threat hidden somewhere in there. He wasn’t happy about it but what could he do. Silence was better than a mad Ana.
The coach turned a corner and up ahead lay Ana’s mansion . On the steps leading up to the house sat Jagger waiting for them. That reminded Soi of something he'd almost forgot.
-Ana, who’s Jack? He asked and Ana’s eyes flared open with the same fear they’d shown at the Academy.
She rose quickly and jumped out of the carriage before it came to a complete stop. Soi followed her as she limped up the stairs to her house. Jagger rose and she and Soi walked inside together, trailing behind Ana.
-Nibbles! Ana called with a loud voice and somewhere in the house came the sound of something fragile breaking. Then several steps approached from the second floor.
-How did the meeting go? Jagger whispered to Soi while they both watched Ana nervously clamp back and forth in the hallway.
-Not so bad, I think. Didn’t really get what happened.
-Why’s Ana upset then?
-Right now I think it’s about someone called Jack who’s the new chairman for the Academy, but she’s upset about a lot of things. Me, as usual.
-And you still say it went alright? Jagger frowned her forehead skeptically.
-Well, she didn’t set fire to the council.
Jagger’s green eyes widened.
-She’s done that before?
-From what I’ve heard today, yes, last year when she and the council had some disagreement.
-I wished I’d been there, Jagger whispered with glowing green eyes.
Nibbles finally arrived from upstairs, brushing off what looked like sheds of china from his purple vest and adjusted his hat to sit straight on his head.
-You called, madam.
-Nibbles! Ana cried and limped towards him quickly.
-Calm down, dear girl, it can’t be that bad, can it? Nibbles took Ana’s hands and squeezed them gently.
-It’s worse!
-Oh, come now, you’re overreacting. First things first, I need something to drink.
Nibbles took a step away from Ana who grabbed the back of his vest.
-Careful, it’s velvet, Nibbles chided and looked concerned over his shoulder.
-Nibbles, we need to talk! Ana squeezed the velvet cloth in her hand.
-Yes, yes, of course. Let’s hear it then. What’s so bad that you have to ruin the velvet?
-Jack’s the new chairman, Ana said desperately.
Nibbles eye widened, if in surprise or fear Soi couldn’t tell but Nibbles face turned a lot more serious.
-Let’s talk in the garden, he said and his voice had turned cold and strange.
He took Ana by the hand and led her away. Jagger turned to Soi.
-It must be a lot more serious than you thought, she said.
-Seems so.
Soi took a turn around the house, exploring every room that was open and most of them were. He had taken the stairs to the second floor and turned left walking into a corridor captured in darkness. Dark blue velvet curtains hung around every window preventing the sun with its white light from entering the mansion. There were no paintings covering the walls, they were naked. Soi peeked into the different rooms he passed by. They all looked the same; dark, no paintings and dark wooden furniture. Then he came across another one, different from the rest of them. It was Nibbles’ room.
He had put his own mark on the room, velvet and silk garments strewn over the furniture, colourful dots in an otherwise gloomy room. The curtains had been drawn apart and the window stood open letting the birdsong float into the room along with the sun. The green of the garden lit up the room pleasantly. Soi was sure this was Nibbles room when he saw the shatter of a broken vase on the floor.
Suddenly Soi could hear something that wasn’t birdsong. It was human voices. Ana and Nibbles’ voices. It wasn’t his meaning to eavesdrop but unconsciously he had crossed the room and crept up to the open window and hid behind the curtain.
-Have we an agreement then? Soi could hear Ana ask with a serious voice.
Nibbles laughed.
-It sounds like fun. I’ll do it.
Ana sighed in relief.
-Good.
-Just one thing, Nibbles added and Soi could almost hear Ana’s body stiffen.
-What? She asked with a hard voice and Soi could picture how her eyebrows wrinkled together.
-Please stop wearing high heels, you look ridicules.
Ana snorted.
-I thought you liked my faults. Anyway, at least he’ll see me even if I look ridicules.
-You know he can’t love a little girl.
For a moment there was no reply, only the birds singing. When Ana spoke again her voice was hardly a whisper.
-You will protect him for me? She asked with worry in her voice.
-Yes, Ana, as I said. It’ll be fun, Nibbles calmed her with a soft voice.
A maid entered Nibbles’ room with a box in her arms. When she saw the vase shatters she put away the box and kneeled down by the window to pick them up. When she noticed Soi hidden behind the curtain she skipped back scared. Soi turned his attention to the maid.
-Sorry, sir. Didn’t mean to… I didn’t see you.
-It’s alright, Soi said and started to walk out of the room.
-This came for you sir, the maid called after him and Soi turned his head back. –Where do you want me to put?
Soi looked at the box and something twitched inside of him. The box was large enough to contain a sword or a spear. Or a… Soi walked straight up to the box and opened it. On the blue velvet lay the silver flute. Suddenly it was hard to breath. Soi backed away from the box, staring at it as if it would attack him any second.
-Sir?
-This isn’t my room, Soi excused himself and run out of the room.
He run back to his own room, closed the door and pulled the dark curtains so they covered the window and left him in complete darkness. He sunk down to the floor and tried to even his breath but fear had him in its grip. Nibbles had the flute. He could have killed Mack. Was he controlling the organisation that controlled the monsters, controlling the organisation that had made Ana a broken? Was Nibbles their enemy? Had Nibbles smashed Ana’s leg?
To be continued...
By J.L.Frick
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
The Broken Ones
Chapter 12:3 -The council meeting
-So, the rumours were true, Harel said at last with unnerving smile.
-I wasn’t aware there were rumours, Ana responded.
-Oh, but you have always been the center of all rumours here at the Academy. Like last year with the fire. And now with you keeping a guard. Brokens will think the world’s a dangerous place if you, Ana- the immortal girl, keep a guard. They’ll all get one just because you have one.
-I wouldn’t recommend it.
The man gave short snort like laugh before he continued.
-Let’s move on to more important matters. What do you have to report?
-There have been other rumours spreading, other than me keeping a guard.
-Like what?
-About the flute.
The council listened intensively taking in Ana’s every word as it was the truth and wanted to know more. But Harel had a smile on his lips and it was he who controlled the council, that much was clear to Soi. It was Harel who held the word and the silence, the other council members remained silent.
-Isn’t that more like a myth than a rumour? He asked mockingly.
-I’ve seen it myself, in Sofara.
This wasn’t the truth, Ana hadn’t seen the flute only got it described to her by the pub owner of the Black Eye. But Harel and the council didn’t know that and Harel’s face had turned serious.
-And how do you know it was the flute? It could have been an ordinary flute, he disregarded Ana’s statement.
Ana opened her mouth to retort but the white haired man held up a hand.
-Of course the council will take it into consideration that the flute actually exist and look further into this matter. Anything else?
-It’s about Sam…
-He’s a monster, we know.
Ana was startled and Harel smiled a little before he continued.
-But his betrayal is of little importance. Actually, you having a guard were by far more interesting news. Why don’t you tell us a little about your guard if you have nothing else of substance to report?
It wasn’t a question, but an order followed by that unnerving smile.
-What’s to tell, he’s not that interesting, Ana tried to disobey his order with a bored yawn.
-Well, where’s he from?
-From Sofara.
-Really, Harel said in affected manner. –Somehow that seems even less likely than that the flute actually exist and that you’ve seen it.
Ana stiffened and her face turned into stone. Soi couldn’t understand why. Not that he liked Harel and the council that much either but to close up completely wouldn’t matter to them.
-Why? Ana asked forcedly.
-Miss Ana, his appearance is not the common one for a man from Sofara.
-It’s not? Ana asked serious yet dumbly.
Soi had to hold back a smile as he was thinking how Ana hated stupid questions. Harel’s smile turned down in the corners.
-His name then?
Ana’s lips were sealed but she had to answer. Soi couldn’t see the danger in the council knowing his name and he forgot Nibbles warning words about keeping absolutely quiet, but that only concerned about broken matters so what harm could it do.
-My name’s Soi, sir, Soi said with a bow.
Ana stared perplexed at him, her head shaking a little from side to side. But Harel seemed pleased and the other council member begun to whisper eagerly to each other. It was the first time they broke their silence. Soi couldn’t understand why his name could be of any interest. Yes, it wasn’t the most common name but among broken who traveled from all over the world to the Academy his name couldn’t be the strangest.
-Mr Soi, how very good of you to come forward with your name as your lady wasn’t willing to offer it. Now, if you don’t mind me asking, how long did you stay in Sofara before you met Ana?
-Eh… two years.
-And before that, where did you live?
-At sea.
-Oh, and before that? Harel had a false smile on his face.
-Casmil.
Soi hadn’t told a lie, he had stayed in Casmil some nights when he worked at sea and the ship was at harbor before departure. Soi didn’t like where the questions were going.
-You were brought up there? Harel asked skeptic.
-Yes. Soi knew this wasn’t the answer Harel was expecting when he furrowed his white eyebrows together.
-Hmm. Any sisters?
-No, sir. I have two brothers.
The questions were getting too personal. Why would Harel only ask if Soi had any sisters and not if he had any brothers? It felt like he wasn’t asking questions to get to know him better but rather to confirm an already set picture of who Soi was. Soi decided to go on Ana’s tactic with cut off answers and a stone face.
-You must be an exceptionally good fighter to survive Ana’s mission, there are not many people who survive an attack from a monster. You have survived several. Where were you trained?
-In Casmil, sir.
-You’re not some kind of broken to be this good, are you?
-No, sir, simply talented.
That set off some laughter among the council members and Harel grinned.
-I see you take after Ana.
-What do you mean, sir?
-You have the same sense of humour.
-As you were mentioning me, I have something else to report, Ana cut in.
-What about? Harel wasn’t pleased about the interruption.
-It’s about the monsters, what they really are.
-So, what are they then? Harel kept his piercing eyes on her, letting her know how little he approved of her intrusion of his game of twenty questions.
-They a sort of brokens, they have hurt themselves to…
-We already know! Harel interrupted with a loud voice which startled some of the members but Ana kept her back straight.
-Why wasn’t I told? She asked with a cold voice.
Harel and Ana’s eyes met and Harel was the first to turn his head away with a worthy face.
-Why should we tell you?
-Why shouldn’t you? Shouldn’t this information be spread across the world so people won’t turn into monster? Ana wrinkled her eyebrows together –Everybody has heard about the broken ones but no one have heard of the monsters. If they knew what the monsters really were, if we could spread this information…
-That’s not a decision for you to make, miss Ana. Leave it to the council and concentrate on the work we have assigned for you.
Ana bit her tongue back and lowered her head stiffly.
-What will you have me do?
-Go to Beroal, our new chairman wants to meet you.
Ana lifter her head cautiously.
-Our new chairman? She asked.
-Jack.
Ana’s eyes widened with fear. It was the first time Soi had seen her really scared. Her face paled, her eyes brightened as if they were close to tears and she clenched her fists.
-Why does he want to meet with me?
-You’ll find out when you go there. I suppose you’ll take your guard with you?
-Why shouldn’t I?
-Good, just making sure, Harel said before he waved her away with a disconcerting smile.
Ana turned and walked away with her head held high. As Ana and Soi left the council building Ciron met up with them again.
-I’ll take it the meeting didn’t go well. Is it sparks coming through your fingertips?
-The meeting went excellent, now if you’ll excuse me…
Ana sped up her pace, making her limp more heavily.
-See you at the ball then, Ciron left with a cold whisper.
Ana cast a bewildered look after him.
-What ball? Soi asked with a low voice.
-I don’t know, Ana answered with a worried voice.
When Ana didn’t know what was going on it was bad.
To be contiuned...
By J.L.Frick
-So, the rumours were true, Harel said at last with unnerving smile.
-I wasn’t aware there were rumours, Ana responded.
-Oh, but you have always been the center of all rumours here at the Academy. Like last year with the fire. And now with you keeping a guard. Brokens will think the world’s a dangerous place if you, Ana- the immortal girl, keep a guard. They’ll all get one just because you have one.
-I wouldn’t recommend it.
The man gave short snort like laugh before he continued.
-Let’s move on to more important matters. What do you have to report?
-There have been other rumours spreading, other than me keeping a guard.
-Like what?
-About the flute.
The council listened intensively taking in Ana’s every word as it was the truth and wanted to know more. But Harel had a smile on his lips and it was he who controlled the council, that much was clear to Soi. It was Harel who held the word and the silence, the other council members remained silent.
-Isn’t that more like a myth than a rumour? He asked mockingly.
-I’ve seen it myself, in Sofara.
This wasn’t the truth, Ana hadn’t seen the flute only got it described to her by the pub owner of the Black Eye. But Harel and the council didn’t know that and Harel’s face had turned serious.
-And how do you know it was the flute? It could have been an ordinary flute, he disregarded Ana’s statement.
Ana opened her mouth to retort but the white haired man held up a hand.
-Of course the council will take it into consideration that the flute actually exist and look further into this matter. Anything else?
-It’s about Sam…
-He’s a monster, we know.
Ana was startled and Harel smiled a little before he continued.
-But his betrayal is of little importance. Actually, you having a guard were by far more interesting news. Why don’t you tell us a little about your guard if you have nothing else of substance to report?
It wasn’t a question, but an order followed by that unnerving smile.
-What’s to tell, he’s not that interesting, Ana tried to disobey his order with a bored yawn.
-Well, where’s he from?
-From Sofara.
-Really, Harel said in affected manner. –Somehow that seems even less likely than that the flute actually exist and that you’ve seen it.
Ana stiffened and her face turned into stone. Soi couldn’t understand why. Not that he liked Harel and the council that much either but to close up completely wouldn’t matter to them.
-Why? Ana asked forcedly.
-Miss Ana, his appearance is not the common one for a man from Sofara.
-It’s not? Ana asked serious yet dumbly.
Soi had to hold back a smile as he was thinking how Ana hated stupid questions. Harel’s smile turned down in the corners.
-His name then?
Ana’s lips were sealed but she had to answer. Soi couldn’t see the danger in the council knowing his name and he forgot Nibbles warning words about keeping absolutely quiet, but that only concerned about broken matters so what harm could it do.
-My name’s Soi, sir, Soi said with a bow.
Ana stared perplexed at him, her head shaking a little from side to side. But Harel seemed pleased and the other council member begun to whisper eagerly to each other. It was the first time they broke their silence. Soi couldn’t understand why his name could be of any interest. Yes, it wasn’t the most common name but among broken who traveled from all over the world to the Academy his name couldn’t be the strangest.
-Mr Soi, how very good of you to come forward with your name as your lady wasn’t willing to offer it. Now, if you don’t mind me asking, how long did you stay in Sofara before you met Ana?
-Eh… two years.
-And before that, where did you live?
-At sea.
-Oh, and before that? Harel had a false smile on his face.
-Casmil.
Soi hadn’t told a lie, he had stayed in Casmil some nights when he worked at sea and the ship was at harbor before departure. Soi didn’t like where the questions were going.
-You were brought up there? Harel asked skeptic.
-Yes. Soi knew this wasn’t the answer Harel was expecting when he furrowed his white eyebrows together.
-Hmm. Any sisters?
-No, sir. I have two brothers.
The questions were getting too personal. Why would Harel only ask if Soi had any sisters and not if he had any brothers? It felt like he wasn’t asking questions to get to know him better but rather to confirm an already set picture of who Soi was. Soi decided to go on Ana’s tactic with cut off answers and a stone face.
-You must be an exceptionally good fighter to survive Ana’s mission, there are not many people who survive an attack from a monster. You have survived several. Where were you trained?
-In Casmil, sir.
-You’re not some kind of broken to be this good, are you?
-No, sir, simply talented.
That set off some laughter among the council members and Harel grinned.
-I see you take after Ana.
-What do you mean, sir?
-You have the same sense of humour.
-As you were mentioning me, I have something else to report, Ana cut in.
-What about? Harel wasn’t pleased about the interruption.
-It’s about the monsters, what they really are.
-So, what are they then? Harel kept his piercing eyes on her, letting her know how little he approved of her intrusion of his game of twenty questions.
-They a sort of brokens, they have hurt themselves to…
-We already know! Harel interrupted with a loud voice which startled some of the members but Ana kept her back straight.
-Why wasn’t I told? She asked with a cold voice.
Harel and Ana’s eyes met and Harel was the first to turn his head away with a worthy face.
-Why should we tell you?
-Why shouldn’t you? Shouldn’t this information be spread across the world so people won’t turn into monster? Ana wrinkled her eyebrows together –Everybody has heard about the broken ones but no one have heard of the monsters. If they knew what the monsters really were, if we could spread this information…
-That’s not a decision for you to make, miss Ana. Leave it to the council and concentrate on the work we have assigned for you.
Ana bit her tongue back and lowered her head stiffly.
-What will you have me do?
-Go to Beroal, our new chairman wants to meet you.
Ana lifter her head cautiously.
-Our new chairman? She asked.
-Jack.
Ana’s eyes widened with fear. It was the first time Soi had seen her really scared. Her face paled, her eyes brightened as if they were close to tears and she clenched her fists.
-Why does he want to meet with me?
-You’ll find out when you go there. I suppose you’ll take your guard with you?
-Why shouldn’t I?
-Good, just making sure, Harel said before he waved her away with a disconcerting smile.
Ana turned and walked away with her head held high. As Ana and Soi left the council building Ciron met up with them again.
-I’ll take it the meeting didn’t go well. Is it sparks coming through your fingertips?
-The meeting went excellent, now if you’ll excuse me…
Ana sped up her pace, making her limp more heavily.
-See you at the ball then, Ciron left with a cold whisper.
Ana cast a bewildered look after him.
-What ball? Soi asked with a low voice.
-I don’t know, Ana answered with a worried voice.
When Ana didn’t know what was going on it was bad.
To be contiuned...
By J.L.Frick
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