The Broken Ones

Chapter 18:2 -Consequences

It was a tiresome journey climbing the mountain. The spring guardians had walked for about two hours and they had to walk for another two to get to the spring. By then it would be dusk. The only thing that kept going in a high speed was that they would arrive before Jack and the brokens. Soi was walked beside Haz and behind them walked Ard and Siri. The two brothers had trouble keeping up the speed so they ended up last in the long trail of guards walking up the mountain.
-I don’t understand why anyone would need to protect a spring that’s high up in the mountains, no one is foolish enough to go up there to begin with! Ard complained and Siri laughed.
-If only, Siri agreed and smiled to Soi who looked back at the two.
Soi looked down at his house before he turned around and concentrated on climbing. He kept his eyes on the small path in front of him. All he could see was his feet and hands and green grass. From time to time Haz’s hands swung into his eyesight. It was something strange with his finger, as if something was missing even though all of his fingers were there.
-Your rings are gone, Soi said surprised.
Haz looked down at his fingers where his golden rings had been.
-It’s not gone. I sold it.
So that’s how they afforded the ship, Soi thought.
-Why did you do that? Wasn’t it the only item left from your parents?
-I don’t need it anymore.
Soi didn’t understand.
-I’m going to die, Haz said and looked straight in Soi’s eyes.
It took Soi by surprise. He stopped his feet and stared at Haz. Siri and Ard had to stop as well.
-If it’s about turning into a monster, then drinking the spring water will probably help…
-I will be killed in the upcoming battle. Ard has already seen it, Haz said with a sigh.
-Then don’t participate, Soi almost yelled.
-My death will make a difference.
Soi didn’t know how to answer that. Haz continued.
-It’s not only me who will die.
Soi’s eyes widened. Haz observed him calmly.
-How can you be so naïve. It’s a war Soi, of course people will die, on both sides, Siri said at last.
-Who else? Soi asked calmly.
-What do you mean?
-Who else has Ard seen die?
-It doesn’t matter if you know, you can’t save them, Soi, Siri said.
-Who else?!
-Ana, Ard whispered.
Soi sunk to the ground. Not Ana.
-But I don’t know how yet, she just disappears.
Somehow he managed to reach the spring but his energy was all gone. When he saw the springs dark blue surface he sunk to his knees. Sanoi stood by his side.
-The clothes will get dirty if you stay too long on the ground, she said and squat down beside him.
-What does it matter? Soi said tired.
-It matters. You’re the saviour, if you don’t look good how do you think the rest of us look?
Sanoi smiled to her little brother. Soi looked into her dark eyes and suddenly a single tear run down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away but Soi had already seen it.
-You’re also going to die, Soi said quietly and looked away.
Sanoi took his hand.
-Why are you doing this? If you know you are going to die why still go through with it? Soi said through his teeth, trying to hold back his tears.
-If it’s not me, it’s somebody else and if my life can make a difference I am willing to give it up, Sanoi answered, fixing her eyes on the ground. –Isn’t this what we been practicing for since we were born?
Soi nodded without energy.
The two remained on the ground and looked out on the pond. The dusk turned it golden red and dark. It was as if there were small grains of gold in its water. The spring had always been most beautiful in the dusk. That was why all ceremonies were held then.
-They’re coming, a guard called out and everyone took their positions.
-Will you be able to handle this little brother? Sanoi asked. She got up and offered her hand.
-Do I have a choice? If I don’t do this… it will be fatal for all of us. And besides, this is entirely my fault so I must put things right.
-You know it’s not only your choices that have brought us here. Most of the time it is the decisions of others who actually put us in this position. If your father hadn’t died or if that person he was trying to save hadn’t taken that walk then you wouldn’t have left either. I now, we all know why you had to leave Spring Island and we would have done the same, that’s why we don’t blame you for leaving. But we are even happier that you choose to return and even that wasn’t your choice. You see, none of this is really your fault, it’s just how the world works.
-When did you turn wise? Soi asked with a pale smile.
-I had to, how else would I understand why you left. Now go and make things right, little brother.
Sanoi gave Soi a warm hug before she got back to her position. Soi sighed and straightened his back. He made sure his sword was well hidden and brushed off the dirt from the white cape before he hid his face under the hood. He slowly turned his back on the spring and waited for Jack to come.

The sun disappeared into the sea and the world turned dark except for the light of the torches approaching slowly from the north side of the mountain. When Jack and his followers arrived the spring guardians were ready and stood quietly in their blues clothes along the road leading up to the spring. Jack walked first with Ana and Sam right behind him, thereafter followed the brokens and the monsters. Jack walked past the guards as if they were invisible and right up to spring where Soi stood disguised in his saviour clothes. Ana stood right beside Soi. She looked like a doll with a blank expression, a child without emotions. It both hurt and scared Soi.
Jack turned to his followers with an excited expression.
-We are finally here, ladies and gentlemen, Jack begun his speech. -The water you see before you is magic. It can cure any injury of illness. It is the brokens greatest threat.
The brokens who stood closest to the spring took a few steps backwards.
-But in our hands it can be our greatest resource, Jack continued. -We can use this water against our enemies, those who will not bend their backs for the Academy. Now I know you believe my words but I still like to demonstrate the water’s power.
Jack’s smile turned into a vicious grin.
-And who else would be a better sacrifice then our dear double spy who stand right outside the walls of the Academy mocking our beloved city. Mr Nebelius Silver.
Nibbles along with the rest of the brokens were shocked. He backed to get away in the crowds but two monsters caught him and he was dragged forward to Jack. Jack’s grin got wider as Nibbles screams got more and more desperate.
-No,no… Don’t do this. It’s a mistake! Nibbles defended himself.
-Did you think I was unaware of your betrayal? Did you really think offering a mere guard would win my trust? Did you think I wouldn’t know you helped him escape from the ship? I was waiting for you to betray me and you did. You are so obvious. No one betrays the Academy unpunished. Bring the water.
Jack held out a silver cup to Soi. Soi hadn’t expected this but he had to do it. He bent down and filled the silver cup with spring water. The monsters held Nibbles tightly and slowly bent his jaws open. Jack waved to Soi to proceed. Was he supposed to pour the water into Nibbles mouth himself? Nibbles would never forgive him for this. Soi knew better than anyone how much being a broken meant to Nibbles. If Nibbles wasn’t a broken, who would he be?
Slowly Soi poured the water into Nibbles mouth and he saw Nibbles tears run down his cheek one after one. At least it wouldn’t hurt physically, Soi thought and tried to keep track of his emotions. He hoped the sacrifice wouldn’t go to waste. The last drop of spring water landed on Nibbles lips which trembled. The monsters released him at Jack’s order and he sunk to the ground.
-Now, let’s see the effect of the water. Jack stepped forward and ripped off Nibbles’ eye patch. The surrounding brokens took a step forward to take a closer look and backed away with disgust and fear.
-And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The water! Jack gestured towards the spring.
At the same time Ard moved closer to Ana. When Jack displayed the water’s power to the brokens Ard made a decision. An unexpected decision. He pushed Ana into the water as Jack turned around.
-No! Jack roared as his precious jewel disappeared into the deep water.

To be continued...
By J.L.Frick