The Broken Ones -Epilogue

Epilogue

The following weeks the rain kept pouring down the mountains, washing away the blood. It was as if the island was mourning the victims of the battle. Funerals were held, tears were shed and brushed away. Ard decided to cremate his brother’s body as was the tradition of their homeland. He spread the ashes over the green island but saved some if he one day would return home.
The killed spring guardians were buried on the south side of the mountain and the killed monsters got buried on the north side to remind everyone who visited the spring of the battle for its protection.
The moment Jack lost all control the monsters were released by his spell. The surviving spring guards had rushed to the spring to gather water and then run back to the monsters and forced them to drink the water. They were all cured, physically, but the memory of all the things they’d done were still there. The islanders took them all in to help them. Touched by their kindness many of the cured monsters decided to stay and repay their debt. But some of them decided to follow the new chairman of the Academy.
Ard’s powers, although still in its cradle, made him the most powerful broken alive. The council members who’d followed Jack to the island immediately recognised Ard as their new leader. Ard had of course already seen the difference he could do in the world and accepted the position. Jagger decided to follow Ard back to the Academy.
Jack was already forgotten. In the chaos after the battle Sassa had escaped with him before no one ever thought of looking for them. But Ana said it didn’t matter, Jack was no longer a threat and if he tried to rise again Ard would know.

Soi sat at the threshold of the kitchen door leading out in the garden and rested against the wall. The rain had stopped for a moment and the sun pushed through the heavy clouds to shine on the small garden and Soi’s face. Siri came and stood right behind him.
-You’ve got a letter from Ard and Jagger, she said.
-Read it for me, are you kind.
Siri broke the golden seal of the Academy and unfolded the letter carefully.
-“ Soi, I think you will be glad to hear that I have re-coloured the Academy, or at least the residences.”, Siri read.
Soi smiled with his eyes closed, enjoying the sun.
-“And I think you will be even more happy when I tell you that my parents have sent me a letter.”
Soi sat up straight.
-Read that again, Siri.
-“…my parents have sent me a letter. The rings Haz sold to buy the ship returned to our parents. If only we had sold our rings sooner…”
Siri looked up from the letter and met her brothers eyes, her eyes were tearing. Soi stood up and put his arm around her shoulder.
-“ I’ve seen images of a wedding, I hope you won’t forget to invite me and Jagger.”, Siri continued.
-Wait, what? Soi said. –Who’s wedding?
Siri tilted her head and watched her brother closely.
-It’s not mine! Soi defended himself.
-No, it’s mine. I knew Nibbles was planning something, I just didn’t know what. So much for the surprise, Siri sighed. –I better not read anymore in case he reveals something else.
Siri walked back into the kitchen.
-Like what?! Soi called after her, then begun to read through the letter thoroughly.
A sharp sunbeam hit Soi’s eyes and he looked up from the letter. It was a sun reflection from Ana’s ring that swung around her neck as she came down the mountain with a raincloud right behind her. When the first drops of rain hit her she began to run towards the house. Her smile turned brighter than the sun. She joined Soi in the doorway, safe away from the rain. She was drenched.
-Does it always rain around here? She asked, trying to sound irritated but her bright smile revealed her.
Siri came back with a dry towel.
-I thought you liked the rain? Isn’t that why you’re smiling? Siri teased her and gave her the towel.
-Oh no, I hate rain, Ana said still smiling radiantly.
-Then why are you smiling? Siri asked, confused by her smile.
Ana’s smile only grew wider and her grey eyes sparkled. Soi knew why she was happy. She could run free no longer restricted by her leg.
-Not because of my little brother, right? Siri teased.
Soi was stunned, he didn’t know what to say. Ana’s smile turned shyer and she refused to meet his eyes.
-Eh, it seems like Ard has found my black mare, or rather she waited at the front gate of the Academy when they returned, Soi rambled on to break the awkward mood. -What do you say, should we return to the mainland, Ana?
Ana’s bright smile returned.
-As long as we get away from the rain.

The End

To NOT to be continued...

By J.L.Frick

The Broken Ones

The Broken Ones

The whole story, from the first chapter to the last with some extra material like maps and playlists.

Chapter 1- Ana

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 2- Monsters

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 3- Dreams

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 4- Confessions

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Map

Chapter 5- Mountains

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 6- Guidance

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 7- Climb every mountain

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 8- Returning

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 9- Crossing the plains

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Part 4

Chapter 10- Eyes and fingers

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 11- The Academy City

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Extra material

Chapter 12- The council meeting

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 13- The escape

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 14- Beroal

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- Playlist á la the Broken Ones

Chapter 15- The ball

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 16- Family

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 17- Spring Island

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3

Chapter 18- Consequences

Part 1- Part 2- Part 3- The fight-mood-playlist

Epilogue

Epilogue


Hope you've enjoyed my story! If you have any question or criticism please leave a comment.


//J.L.Frick

The Broken Ones

Chapter 18:3 -Consequences

Jack's vengeance followed soon thereafter.
-Get him! The chairman snarled and the monsters attacked Ard.
And Haz stepped in to protect his little brother as always. Before Soi turned away from the scene he saw Haz fall to his knees. He heard Ard’s heartbroken cry.
In front of Soi stood Jack with his back turned. Soi clenched his teeth, reached for his sword and took a step forward. Jack sensed his attack. Slowly he turned around, his face was composed and alarmingly calm. With only a wave of his hand Jack sent Soi flying backwards to the edge of the spring.
-Finish him off, Jack ordered Sam and another monster and turned away from Soi.
Soi tried to rise but his knee hurt and his head was spinning. Some feet away lay his sword, out of reach. The first monster closed in on Soi walking in a half circle like a predator observing his prey, watching him with red eyes. Soi tried to back away, into the water. Sam followed the first monster, showing off his pointy teeth in a happy grin. Unlike the other monster he still stood on his feet while the others moved with four legs and a hunchback looking like large scraggy black panthers with almost human faces. Except from his eyes and teeth, Sam could easily be mistaken for a human, if it wasn’t for aura of evil and disaster oozing around him. Sam looked at Soi as if he was going to rip him to pieces. The other monster watched him with a drooling mouth. Even if he had his sword, Soi wouldn’t be able to get away uninjured. His body began to shiver in fear. Suddenly Soi heard sounds from the water and he glanced terrified over his shoulder, expecting another monster.
From the spring rose a long person with long blond hair dripping with water. A female with piercing grey eyes. She stepped out of the water and approached the first monster with nothing to defend herself with. The monster snarled and prepared to attack. As the monster took off from the ground the woman threw water in the monster’s eyes. While the monster shook off the water the woman got a hold of Soi’s sword and before the monster could attack she pierced it. In her next swing the monster fell to the ground whimpering as it died. She then turned to Sam, who paralysed had watched the whole thing. He staggered backwards away from her. But the woman didn’t even look at him. She had her eyes set on the chairman.
In the middle of the battlefield Jack sent his monsters in different directions with just a wave of a finger. It wasn’t a small fight like at the Black Eye but a war. Soi saw bodies of both spring guardians and monsters lie on the ground. The stench of blood filled in the air.The monsters fulfilling their task gathered around the victims they’d killed and feasted on the dead bodies. Soi threw up when he saw what the monsters were doing. He hoped his sisters and mother were safe. They had to be.
The blond haired woman began her walk up to the chairman with confident steps. Soi watched with worried eyes. Surely this woman couldn’t accomplish what he had failed to do. Jack turned around and Soi awaited the blow the woman would take but instead the chairman lowered his arms. His eyes widened with fear.
-Mother, Jack whispered.
The woman calmly raised the sword, ready to strike.
-No, she said with a low voice.
The sword cut through the chairman and he kneeled down.
Suddenly all motion ceased, the monsters stopped moving and stood completely still.
-Get them water, quickly! Someone called out, Soi thought it was his mother and sighed relieved, and all spring guardians rushed to the spring and filled buckets and bottles with water. But Soi remained still, he looked at the chairman and the woman. The woman still held the sword in her hands. Slowly she turned it while still pierced in Jack’s body.
-Don’t you recognise your own little sister? The woman spoke and Jack’s eyes begun to tear.
-Ana? He stuttered while blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. –My Ana?
Jack lifted his arm and put a bloody hand on her cheek.
-Except, I’m not your Ana anymore. I’m no longer a broken, brother. And soon you won’t be either.
Ana turned around and looked at Soi where he lay at the edge of the shore. She looked at him with cold grey eyes. It really was Ana.
-Soi, bring me the water, she ordered him.
As she uttered the words Sassa came out of nowhere and threw herself at Ana but before she got to her, Sam stood in the way and the two crashed into each other. Sam overpowered her and pushed her to the ground.
-Quickly, Sam snarled at Soi.
Soi got unsteady up on his feet, filled the cup with spring water and limped quickly to Ana’s side. She took the cup from him, poured the water into Jack’s wound and slowly pulled the sword out.
-No, no, no, no, what are you doing? Let me die! Jack cried. –I’m nothing if I’m not a broken.
-Exactly. You won’t be you anymore. Like Nibbles won’t be Nibbles, Mack won’t be Mack. And I won’t be me, Ana spoke through clenched teeth.
Slowly Jack’s wounds healed and the scars on his face faded away. Jack touched his face where his jacks had been with an appalled expression. He fainted.
Suddenly there was a screech and Soi and Ana turned their heads to where Sassa and Sam were wrestling. Sam had a dagger thrust in his chest. His own silver dagger. Sassa was sitting on top of him, pushing the dagger deeper into his body. Ana run towards Sam and Sassa. She pushed Sassa off him. Sassa rolled down laughing.
-Now we’re even, she said to Ana with a smile.
-What do you mean? Ana yelled at her.
-Your man’s dying and mine is dead. Even. Sassa shrugged her shoulders and laughed again.
Ana held back her anger and clenched her teeth but her tears begun to roll.
-Jack isn’t dead, she said, trying to hold back her tears.
Sassa sat up, confused.
-But…
-I gave him the water… I saved him, despite everything he’s done! Ana spit out.
Sassa looked at the place where Jack lie on the ground beside Soi. Then she stood up, nodded to Ana and walked away. Ana turned to Sam.
-It’s going to be alright. They’re getting water, she said to Sam.
-I don’t want the water, Sam coughed.
-You’ll thank me later.
-I don’t want it. Not after everything that’s happened.
-What do you mean?
-I want you. But you can’t forgive me. I know that now.
-Stupid boy, what are you talking about? Then why did you save me?
-Because I love you.
Then he stopped breathing.

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

The fight-mood-playlist

Okey, so we're closing in to the end of this long journey, and this autumn I've taken a lot of breaks from writing. Sorry to say it but it's the truth. As it's the end of the story I've listened to another kind of music to get a fighting-mood to prepare for the upcoming fight (no it's not a spoiler, we all know there has to be some sort of fight to fix this mess, unfortunately).
Actually there isn't one list but rather two, or maybe three different lists from where I've picked songs to fit this fighting-mood-playlist.
First off. I've three songs from a playlist I call Same,same as the songs have the same feel to them. Ruby with Kaiser Chiefs, I love this song, somehow it feels desperate and frustrated which is exactly how Soi feels. Joker and the Thief with Wolfmother. A great song from the start to the end. Fighting spirit! Resistance and rebellion, that's how I would describe it. To the wolves with Anberlin. Don't know what to say. I choose this song not so much because of its lyrics but rather the music.
Second list. KPOP. Two songs in an unusual language, namely korean. Keep your head down with TVXQ and Neverland with U-KISS. As I have said before I listen more to the music than to the lyrics, which is why these two songs are great as I don't understand a thing of what they're singing. It's the attitude in the music that I'm searching for when I write and these two songs have a lot of attitude. You can find them on youtube.
And lastly, another three songs. My heart still beats with Maria Mena, the song is... curious, angry and cunning. Seven devils with Florence + the Machine, very mysterious. Out of it with Fallulah, "everything I have I could loose within this fight, somebody got to tell me that I'm gonna be alright", it fits with chapter 18-Consequences.

A more diverse playlist isn't easy to find. I think I've covered most of the world, UK, Denmark, Norway, South Korea, Australia and USA .Hope you'll enjoy it.

//J.L.Frick

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 18:1 -Consequences

When the breakfast ended the kitchen table was neatly put in order for the following meeting were all of the spring guardians gathered. Ard and Jagger sneaked out to the garden while Haz remained in the kitchen, sharpening his sword. Sanoi and Soi also remained in the kitchen and watched Haz’ silent work. Even if the sun was rising at a steady speed the world looked dark to Soi. What could they possibly do to stop Jack? Even without his small army of monsters and brokens, Jack was still a broken no matter how weak and they could do nothing to prevent him from using magic. Soi thought the controlled monsters were the worst part of the whole thing with their glowing red eyes. They had nothing left to lose. But Jack also had Ana under his spell and she was capable of anything. There was no way that they, the non-broken ones, could ever beat him. Soi sighed. Even if there wasn’t much hope, or rather none, he had to look hopeful and confident. He was after all the Spring Savior and he was the one who was going to lead all of them to a rather certain death. He sighed once more before he brushed away his gloomy thoughts and straightened his back.
-We should practice, Sanoi said all of a sudden. –It’s been ages since the two of us practiced, little brother. Must see if you gotten any better.
She smiled cheeky.
-I don’t know, Sanoi, Soi begun to protest.
-Oh, come on little brother, don’t be such a bore, we need some diversion from all of this or we’ll go crazy. Are you on, blond boy? Sanoi asked Haz.
Haz turned his head slowly and simply looked at Sanoi as if she was crazy.
-You could just say no, you know, Sanoi muttered and turned back to Soi. –Come on!
-Just for awhile then, before the meeting starts, Soi gave in.
A few minutes later the two stood in the garden, both in their spring guardian clothes. Sanoi in clean, dark blue attire with shining buttons and a blue scabbard at the waist. Soi on the other hand, only had the cape left from his guardian clothes, it had bleached over the years since he first got it and he had sewn it many times over. The same went for the scabbard which had been his father to begin with so it was even more worn out.
-I can’t believe you’re a spring guardian. Is this how you take care of your things? I remember you as a neat person, little brother. Sanoi looked down on Soi.
-Try living in the same clothes for seven years, big sister.
-Oh, homesick, little brother? You could’ve just thrown it away.
They began to circle around with the tip of the swords nudging the other ones.
-Is that dad’s old sword?
-Yes, the only thing in perfect shape I may warn you.
-Oh, really, we’ll see about that, Sanoi teased and attacked.
Though it had been awhile since he practiced and he was still weak after the starvation, Soi easily evaded the attack and struck back at her side. He hit her with the flat side of the sword so she wouldn’t be hurt but it would still leave a bruise.
-Good brother, you’re better than you used to be.
-It’s only the beginning, Soi answered with a smile.
For awhile the siblings kept up with the play and both of them earned some bruises but then Siri caught them.
-Are you two out of your minds?! You can’t practice now! The meeting is about to begin and you, Siri yelled and pointed at Soi, -You should definitely not practice! Give me that sword!
Siri stretched out her hand to take away his sword but Soi backed away.
-I hear you, sister. Me and Sanoi is done anyway, you don’t need to take it, Soi said and held the sword behind his back, safe from Siri’s fingers.
-Well, get inside and get changed. You can’t look like a beggar when you meet with the guardians.
Soi sneaked inside before Siri could nag more. She attacked Sanoi instead.
-What were you thinking? He’s not in any state to be practicing now.
-It was the last chance I had, Sanoi answered and shrugged her shoulders.
-What do you mean? Siri asked.
Soi didn’t stay to hear the answer but run up to his room. He knew very well what Sanoi meant but he didn’t want to believe it. He swallowed and tried to control his emotions. Then he saw the white cape lying on his bed. His mother must have put it there while he was outside. First he was terrified, like struck by lightning he couldn’t move. A fierce battle evolved inside of him. Fear, guilt and a sense of duty fought in his mind making his whole body shiver and sweat. His knees were about to give in when he silently decided to take on the roll he once had fled from. He walked up to the white cape and carefully let his fingertips touch the cloth. In silence he put on the cape. It fit perfectly.

When he walked down the stairs again the kitchen was once again full of people, but this time they were all spring guardians dressed in blue like the spring they protected. They bowed when Soi descended down the stairs in the Savior’s white cape.
-Rise, he said with a firm voice. –Let the meeting begin.
They all settled in the small kitchen and Sanoi began to speak.
-The day has come when our duty as Spring Guardians is more than just keeping the peace and health of the islands people. It is now our daily practice is tested. We know what to do. The whole island knows what to do. We will protect the spring until the day we die. That’s the oath each of us has taken. We were all born spring guardians and it’s time for us to take on our roll, to stand straight and be brave. Our enemy…
-Could you please stop with your fancy words, sister, Siri intervened. –That’s not how you talk and we all know what is facing us already. What we need to talk about is how we’re going to stop Jack and his monsters.
Sanoi glared at Siri.
-I was coming to that, sister dearest, she spoke through her teeth.
-The only way to beat him is to surprise him, Soi said and suddenly all eyes turned to him. –I’m just saying…
-Well thank you for your opinion but isn’t that obvious, Sanoi said calmly.
-That’s it, their mother erupted and stood up. -None of you are, clearly, fit to lead this meeting. Sit down.
Sanoi and Siri sat down again with glum faces.
-Soi, you know our enemy best. Please, speak your mind.
Soi stood up and once again all eyes lay on him. It felt similar to stand in front of the Academy’s council only he knew all of their faces. They were his friends and family, whom he had all betrayed. Soi took a deep breath.
-They are called the broken ones, they possess magic powers and their leader is Jack. Most of the brokens don’t perceive us normal people as people. You could say they think of us as we think of animals.
-Then they are in for a big surprise when we fight back, Sanoi said with a wide smile and the other guards smiled too.
-The other brokens are only following Jack because they are scared, and the monsters, they’re controlled by him. He is the problem! Soi said upset.
-Then it’s him we should concentrate on, Siri supported her brother. -Soi is right. The chairman is our problem, if we only could get to him the others will fall as well.
-If what you say is true then the chairman doesn’t perceive normal people as threats, their mother pointed out.
-Surely he most expect some resistance? One of the guards asked.
-He does, he has an army of monsters. Siri explained.
-Monsters? It’s the second time you mention them. What are they, large dogs? Sanoi mocked her sister.
-Humans. Controlled by Jack, Soi said quietly. –They are a kind of brokens too only they’re more destructive but also more easily manipulated.
-So they don’t know what they are doing? How can we fight against that? Sanoi’s smile faded.
-We don’t. He’s prepared for a fight but doesn’t perceive us as a threat. That’s our advantage, their mother spoke again. -If we don’t fight he won’t either. All we have to do is get close enough to kill him.
-How do we do that? Soi asked. He couldn’t see the light his mother told him existed.
-Distract his attention. And if we can reduce the number of men in his army it would be a good thing too.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 17:3 -Spring Island

On the old stove stood a saucepan filled to the brim with soup. The kitchen was filled with people, not only Soi’s family and friends but people who had somehow heard of the returned Spring Saviour. They all took his hands, kissed his palms and cheeks and blessed his return. No one was cross with him for leaving just happy that he had returned. Soi’s mother offered soup and bread to those who wanted and the festive mood rose when Sanoi retrieved some bottles of liquor the girls had hid from their mother as she didn’t like her daughters drinking. Sanoi filled the glasses generously although her mother watched her with stern eyes.
-What, mom, out little brother’s home! Can’t we celebrate? Sanoi raised the bottle for support from the guests and shouted. –The Spring Saviour has returned!
All of the gathered raised their glasses and voices in exultation. Sanoi drank from the bottle and put her arm around Soi’s shoulders.
-Damn good to see you, lil bro, has been boring without you, she smiled a tad tipsy and kissed her brother’s cheek with a smack. –Here!
She offered him the bottle but then their mother swiftly intervened.
-He’s not supposed to drink, Sanoi, she said firmly. –Can’t you see the state he’s in?
-A bit thin but that’s because he’s lived without your food for some time, Sanoi smiled cheekily.
Their mother hid a smile before she narrowed her eyes and confiscated the bottle.
-Oh, mom, Sanoi whined but pulled out another bottle as soon as her mother looked away.
She winked to Soi and started to refill the guests glasses.
It seemed like the night would never end. People drank, eat, danced and laughed. But as the sun slowly begun to rise over the mountain peek people went home. Left was Soi, his mother and sisters, Haz, Ard and Jagger. They sat around the kitchen table and suddenly the festive atmosphere was gone. A seriousness lowered over the kitchen.
-Mother…, Soi begun.
-We talk about it tomorrow, she said.
She rose from the table and walked out of the kitchen.
-But… we need to talk, Soi continued.
-Tomorrow, little brother. Tomorrow, Sanoi rose from her chair as well. –We need to sleep now.

Soi followed Haz and Ard up the stairs to his own room. When he stood on the last step on the top of the staircase he turned around and looked down to the kitchen. He could still remember how the steps had felt that day when he rushed down the stairs to quickly follow his father to the spring. How light his feet had been. How heavy they had felt later that same day. A single tear run down Soi’s cheek. Tonight it felt like his father had been there with them, celebrating.
Soi’s room hadn’t been big to begin with but now it was cramped with three persons.
-You know, I really like your mother, Soi. She’s been most welcoming, Ard said as he sat on Soi’s bed and waited while the other two prepared the room for sleep.
-She’s always like that, Soi said.
-But still, to accept three strangers claiming to know her son. And we don’t look anything like you do either. White and red hair, round eyes with weird colours. It must have been a shock.
-How did you end up here anyway? How did you even find Spring Island?
-Well… I saw the future, Ard put it.
-That’s it?
-Yes.
-And how did you afford a ship?
-Aren’t you thinking practical. What, do you want to compensate us? Ard teased Soi.
-I’m just curious.
-Stop that or you’ll lose your tongue some day, Haz said all of a sudden.
Soi was too surprised to answer.

When Soi walked down the stairs the same morning a few hours later his four sisters were all busy preparing for breakfast and setting the table. They rushed across the kitchen floor like they were dancing, full of energy. Soi suspected that they never went to bed. He felt tired only looking at them. His mother stood steadily in front of the stove where several pots and pan fought over the heat and simmered merrily. It smelled like home.
In the large kitchen sofa sat Jagger with her short red hair standing straight out on all sides. She rested her chin on the kitchen table and watched the sisters with envy. When she saw Soi she waved to him to sit down beside her.
-I haven’t seen a real kitchen for so long, she sighed longingly.
-I’m sure they let you help if you want to, Soi said encouraging. -You’re a good chef.
-I’ve tried already but you see that, Jagger pointed at the sisters’ hasty work. –It’s dangerous to even leave this sofa.
She sighed again and lay down her head to watch the sisters sideways.
-Is Ard up? She asked after awhile.
-Not yet.
-Maybe I should wake him? Jagger mumbled to herself. -Is Haz up?
-I suppose so, he’s not upstairs anyway.
-He’s probably in the garden then. Alright, it’s now or never!
Jagger rose from the sofa and rushed up the stairs before Soi could stop her and before anyone else saw her. After awhile she came down again smiling and with Ard following in a trail. He sat down in the sofa with a big yawn.
-Morning, Soi said.
-Morning, Ard’s voice was raspy and hoarse. –I’m the last one up?
-Yes. How are your eyes nowadays?
-Still the same, but I’m getting used to it.
Haz walked in from the garden and seated himself opposite Soi and the others.
-We’re all here? Soi’s mother asked from the stove before she brought a big saucepan of stew over to the table.
-How are we going to eat all that, mom? Sanoi complained.
-Oh, I’m sure you’ll find room somewhere in your stomach.
They were soon all gathered around the kitchen table. Small talk where held across the table while enjoying the breakfast. Soi tried to relax but a feeling of anxiety remained. He ate very little and waited impatiently for the rest to eat up. On his right Siri sat and bit on her fingernails.
-Are you also anxious? Soi asked.
-How can I not be? This involves the whole island, not just you and your friends, she hissed.
Sanoi, seated on Siri’s right, looked up at her little sister.
-There’s something else, isn’t it Siri? She asked.
-I know what it’s like, being his prisoner. If that were to happen to… I can’t just sit here and wait.
-You act as if you have someone you care about, Sanoi pointed out and Siri’s eyes widened.
-Ah, that man on the boat, he who helped us escape, Soi said.
Siri’s cheeks reddened and she looked down at the table.
-Who was it? Soi asked, he couldn’t remember the man too clearly.
But Siri didn’t answer, she kept staring at the table. The answer came elsewhere, from Soi’s left side where Ard sat.
-But that was Nibbles, didn’t you know? I saw him take the decision to save you, that’s how I knew where to pick you up with the boat.
Soi was lucky he wasn’t eating anything or it would have got caught in his throat.
-Nibbles?! Nebelius Silver? The man you care about is Nibbles?
Siri in her turn stared with red cheeks at Ard who didn’t notice it at all.
-Don’t you know how to be discreet? Jagger poked Ard with her elbow.
-What do you mean? He said confused.
-You’re turning into Nibbles, Jagger sighed.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 17:2 -Spring Island

Soi was dying, but not the way he thought he would die.
He didn’t know how many days had gone by. He had tried to keep track but after a few days without food and water it wasn’t easy to tell the days apart. He was slowly starving to death.
It was as if he’d been forgotten. No one came to see if he was alive. Instead of killing him instantly as he had feared he was now dying slowly. The first day and night was the worst, his stomach begged for food and his throat begun to dry in an endless thirst he had never known before. Then the energy left his body and his mind went completely blank. He couldn’t put two thoughts together. It was the worst way to die and he had never seen it coming. If he had known it when Sam tried to kill him, Soi would have let him.
This was so typical broken. Soi, a non-broken, meant nothing to them. When he was no longer of any importance they forgot him. They never thought of him as a threat so they didn’t need to kill him but they didn’t need to keep him alive either.
On the third night the nightmares started. But they were not the work of a dreamer, only his own craving mind. He was back at the Academy, trapped in front of the council but this time they didn’t see him. They sat at their table, all dressed in white and looked almighty. White faces looking straight forward, seeing through him. High, white walls surrounded and towered over him. At the top there was a small round window, as big as a coin, and through it the sun pushed its light.

-Soi? Do you hear me?
It was a soft female voice talking to him. A pair of small hands rocked him to consciousness and he looked into a pair of dark eyes.
-Siri? Soi tried to say but his dry throat made it known and he could only cough.
-Water, give me the water, Siri demanded and reached behind her.
Cold water touched his cracked lips, it stung but he licked every drop of water.
-Brother, I can’t explain now but we have to go. We are passing the cliffs now, it’s our only chance. Can you stand?
Soi tried his best but his knees faltered.
-He needs help. We need to support him, Siri said to someone behind her and waved to the person to come and help.
The person left what must have been the doorway and moved forward with the lantern he was carrying. Soi couldn’t see his face but he knew it was a man. He and Siri pulled Soi up on his legs and while leaning on the man’s shoulders Soi was dragged out of the cupboard. Siri took the lantern and led the way. The first room was a storage containing ropes and barrels. The second room took Soi by surprise. On benches placed in rows people were sitting quiet and motionless, all of them facing forward. Even though all of them were obviously awake and alive none of them seemed to react when the group passed through. They remained seated and dead quiet as if they were sleeping with their eyes wide open.
-Prisoners? Soi whispered as they passed the benches.
The light of the lantern touched the motionless people faces but they didn’t even blink. Siri snorted.
-Sort of, she answered. –Monsters, controlled by him.
Soi looked at the persons again. Siri was right, they were all monsters, in all stages of the destruction. Their eyes were all glowing red in the poorly lit room.
The group left the room with the monsters and Soi let out a breath he didn’t know he had kept in. They walked up a floor and stopped to check the surroundings.
-Should I go further? Siri asked and looked back anxiously at the man supporting Soi.
The man waved for her to continue forward. There was too much movement for Soi’s exhausted body and at a point he fainted. When he regained consciousness the first he saw was the moon, brightly shining above the high cliffs of Spring Island. Then he heard the waves as the crashed into the cliffs. The ship was quite near.
-Do you think he can make it? A male voice asked.
-He has to, Siri answered decidedly.
Soi saw his sisters black hair flying freely in the wind. She looked better than when he saw her in Beroal. She turned to him.
-Soi, we’re gonna jump and then swim. You know how. We’ve done it since we were little ones, remember? That’s what we’re doing, it’s a child play, right?
Soi knew his sister, he knew she was nervous as she tugged her hair. She had all right to be, he hadn’t eaten for days and he could barely stand on his own. How was he going to swim? But he took his sister’s hand and held it tight in his.
Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around his body and a mouth breathed into his ear.
-If you die or not, Jack doesn’t care because he doesn’t need you anymore. But I do, I need you. And so does Ana. We can’t win this without you, Spring Saviour, a gentle male voice whispered tenderly.
The arms released him as quickly as they had pulled him into the hug.
-Now go! The man waved the off.
Siri and Soi jumped while holding hands and hit the cold surface with a splash. Soi swallowed water in surprise as the cold water woke his starving body.
-Swim! Siri shouted to him.
Tumult erupted on the deck but no measures were taken to capture them. They were dead anyway in the eyes of the broken.
Soi took a few swimming strokes but started to sink.
-Come on, little brother! You can do better than this!
He tried again and this time it was easier, his arms and legs remembered what they should do and he stayed above the surface.
-Good! Siri shouted. –Follow me! She was swimming away from the ship and towards the cliffs. Soi thought she was crazy, she was swimming towards a certain death but he followed her because he had no option than to trust his sister. But as they came closer he hesitated. The waves clashed against the cliffs fiercely.
-Siri?! He called after his sister but his voice was still weak and hoarse.
Suddenly he couldn’t see her. Maybe she had disappeared behind a wave. He watched the waves anxiously but he couldn’t see her. He panicked and swallowed more saltwater as he turned around to see her. He kept paddling with his legs but they begun to cramp and wave rolled over him making him swallow more water. He had to kick up to the surface but his legs didn’t obey him. Somehow he reached the surface and he chipped for air.
All of a sudden something dark and big moved towards him. Was he crashing in a rock? This was it. Soi closed his eyes and prepared for the worst, to die. How many times hadn’t he done that since he met Ana. He saw her long blond hair and cold grey eyes, her sarcastic smile and how she stubbornly tried to walk straight.
-There he is! A female voice yelled thrilled.
As Soi opened his eyes in surprise two pair of hands lifted him out of the water and onto a small boat. A warm blanket was put around him and he was fed warm soup from a bowl. As he looked around him he saw nothing but familiar faces. Sitting opposite him was Siri also wrapped in a big blanket, holding a bowl of soup in her hands. To her right sat the eldest sister Sanoi and to Siri’s left sat a boy Soi didn’t think he would ever see again. Ard’s smile was wide as usual.
-I think I can predict the expression on your face right now, Ard joked.
To Ard’s left Jagger sat close to the white haired boy.
-It was me who found you! She said still thrilled.
-Not really, muttered Haz who sat on Soi’s right.
Haz glared at Ard and Jagger, seemingly unhappy about the two.
To Soi’s left sat a person Soi didn’t know how much he’d missed all these years. How long had it been since he last had looked at that slightly wrinkled face and dark blue eyes. Soi’s eyes begun to tear.
-Mother, I’m so sorry, he said.
-Son, welcome home, Soi’s mother said and draw him into her arms.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 17:1 -Spring Island

-Your mother, or should I say our mother, was a whore. She never wanted any of us. She gave me this.
Jack stroke the scars crossing the right side of his face and smiled coldly.
-And when you were born she gave you to me and told me to get rid of you, to drown you in the river. But I didn’t. No, I kept you. You know why?
Ana’s hand was trembling and Soi could feel the cold blade of the dagger touch his skin.
-Do you know why, Ana? Because you are mine.
Jack bared his teeth in a smug grin and his cold grey eyes narrowed, they had same colour as Ana’s.
-Our mother gave you to me to do what I liked. It is because of me that you are what you are today. The greatest of all brokens.
Soi felt a chill down his spine, surely not…
-I… made you, Jack whispered excited like a child with a new toy.
Ana’s whole body quivered by Jack’s words.
-That limp leg of yours, I crushed it. You were my first creation, Ana.
An agonised moan slipped out of Ana but she was still standing.
-But you never showed any signs of magic so I let you go, left you in the streets to die. Someone must have picked you up, because you survived. I thought you were dead until Mack brought you to the Academy. I knew it was you with that long blond hair and grey eyes, you looked exactly like our mother and you were limping. I suppose I should thank Mack for bringing you to me. But I couldn’t reach you anymore, although you were mine so I had to create a way to get you back.
-Sam, Soi whispered.
-Precisely. Sam. He was so naïve that he actually cut off his own fingers just to see you again. I never got to fully explain what the brokens was, all I told him was that brokens are people with unrecoverable injuries. He wasn’t the first monster I’d met but he was the one that made me realise how easily manipulated they were. There he was, the best spy ever made and as a monster he was easily controlled although he never realised it because he was already in my debt for informing him of your whereabouts. Slowly you and him got under my control. But you were already too suspicious to let anyone come near you. You were already looking for me, your maker and I knew that if you would find out the truth I would lose you again so I had to direct your attention elsewhere before I could finally seize you. And that is why I made the monsters target you and also why I spread the myth of the flute. But Sam’s behaviour had already made you suspicious so I had to reveal him as a monster and then you met this man, Soi, Jack hissed the name out like a snake preparing for an attack and looked straight at Soi with his grey eyes.
-I don’t think you can imagine how this spring will change the world, not only for the brokens, he said with a low patronising voice, his head slightly tilted to the side. –Thank you.
Jack leaned back in his chair as it knocked on the cabin’s door.
-Yes?
The door opened and a sailor entered and bowed deeply.
-The ship took another route than us, sir, he reported while bowing.
-Really? Jack turned around in his chair and watched the ocean.
In the distance sails of another ship was barely visible.


He was thrown back into that small cupboard where he and Ana had been held prisoners together. He felt sick, his head was spinning and it wasn’t because of the swaying movements of the ship going up and down on the waves. He felt stuck in another nightmare but this time he couldn’t escape it by waking up. Jack was Ana’s brother… and maker. He was the person Ana had been looking for all her life and now she was trapped. He had crushed her leg when she was only a baby.
Soi felt like fainting and puking at the same time. He crawled up in a corner of the cupboard and puked until he felt empty inside. He crawled to the opposite side of the cupboard and lied down on the rough wooden floor with a heavy sigh.
What could he do? He was a prisoner, Siri was a prisoner and Ana as well, trapped in the chairman’s grip. Nibbles was a traitor. And he still didn’t know the whereabouts of his friends, did the chairman have them as well? On top of that, he had betrayed the location of Spring Island, his home. Soi felt useless, there was nothing he could do. Before he was swept away by sleep, white sails flickered through his mind. They gave him hope.
A pang of agony woke him up. He looked into a pair of crazy eyes shifting from green to red and Soi immediately tried to back away but Sam gripped the collar of his blue velvet jacket.
-Don’t think you can escape, this is a dream, Sam said smiling widely. His teeth were pointy and sharp.
-Do you want to know what is so good about dreams? They are not really true, Sam said and held up his silver dagger. –I can make you feel pain and not really hurt you.
-Why are you doing this? Soi asked, he tried to distract Sam and think of a way to escape.
-The chairman gave you to me, to do what I liked, as long as you don’t turn into a broken.
-But why? Why do you want to hurt me?
-I told you to stay away, didn’t I?
-You mean Ana? But I’m just her guard…
Sam growled.
-You came too close.
-I only protected her like I’m supposed to do.
-You are not supposed to be by her side at all! Sam roared. –That’s my side!
Soi tried to back away again, his plan wasn’t working and he still didn’t know how to escape. He couldn’t get killed, not just yet.
-But you weren’t by her side, so I had to be there instead. Why did you leave her? Soi asked recklessly.
-I had to, the chairman told me to, I was turning into a monster and Ana would leave me if she knew, so I had to leave before she found out. But I always stayed close to her, to protect her. And then you came, Sam snarled and held up the dagger.
-But… but, I don’t think Ana would have left you just because you are a monster. Ana isn’t that kind of person, is she? You should know, you know her the best of all of us.
Sam watched Soi with suspicion, his eyes kept shifting from red to green and back again.
-Wasn’t it the chairman who told you Ana would leave you? He told you to leave her, didn’t he? So it was his fault, right?
Soi didn’t think much of what poured out of his mouth and just kept asking question, it was what he was best of anyhow and if it could save his life he was willing to ask any question.
Sam sat down on the floor and looked at Soi with a dazed expression.
-I never thought of it, he said.
-Ana would never leave you, you are her best friend. Isn’t the silver daggers proof of it? She still carries it, and she never told me about it. It was always your secret, your bond. And she still has your ring, Soi kept rambling.
Sam lay down his head deeply in his hands and shook it slowly from side to side.
-She is still your friend, I haven’t taken her from you, I’m simply her guard, I mean nothing to her, I’m not even a broken.
-I hear you, Sam whispered with a low voice.
When Soi woke up again he was alone. He sat up slowly, his head still spinning around but less now. His encounter with Sam had made him more at ease but also more terrified. Jack didn’t need him anymore so there was no longer necessary to keep him alive. Soi could be dead before they reached the shores of Spring Island.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 16:3 -Family

-Oh, is this your brother? Are you sure, because he claims he only has brothers and no sisters at all, Jack said sarcastically.
-Soi, Siri repeated and tried to stand up.
Jack took a step forward and pushed her down again with his foot. Soi tried to get to her but some guards held him back.
-Let me go! Soi yelled.
Jack turned around and looked Soi straight in the eye and a chill run down Soi’s back as hay-coloured eyes pierced through him.
-I’m sorry Soi, for the way she looks at the moment but that’s simply because she wouldn’t cooperate, Jack said with a velvet voice and snapped his fingers.
Sam held out a silver dagger to Jack. The dagger looked all too familiar to Soi. Jack kept his eyes on Soi and smiled.
-Did you know that when you cut this woman, Jack gripped Siri’s wrist and slowly cut her arm and Siri whined. Blood dripped down her arm.–She heals, like it was nothing.
As he spoke Siri’s wound healed and left no scar.
-Of course, Jack continued, she can still feel pain. Now, I’ve tried this a couple of times as she didn’t give me a satisfactory answer to my question of why she heals. Maybe you could tell me?
Jack put the dagger to Siri’s throat and even though her eyes filled with fear she quietly shook her head. But Soi didn’t have a choice. He coughed a little to muster up his courage.
-That’s because when Siri was little she got gravely ill and had to be drenched in the water from the spring, he answered with a clear voice.
People around them begun to mumble but was instantly hushed by Jack.
-The spring? And what’s so special about this spring? Jack asked impatiently.
-Its water can heal any wound or illness.
-Oh, now that’s more like it. And by the rumours I’ve happened to hear I know that you’re a spring guardian, Jack said mockingly, and that you always carry a little bottle containing this spring water, am I correct?
-Yes.
-Hand it over, Jack said coldly and waved with the dagger.
Soi did as he was told. Jack opened the bottle and emptied its content in a glass, only, the glass remained empty.
-Now, what’s this? Jack stared at the glass with raised eyebrows, his voice cold as ice.
-It’s empty, one of the brokens answered and Jack’s cold eyes bore a hole into him.
-It sure is, which means that this little spring guardian have walked around saving people, preventing them from becoming brokens. Most likely he has saved someone in his company as this secret has not leaked out until his sister arrived and begun searching for him. Who has he travelled with? Jack’s voice rung out hard and cold in the hall.
-Doesn’t anybody know? Jack asked with restrained anger.
-Nebelius Silver, sir.
-Idiots. Mr Silver is still a broken isn’t he? So it couldn’t very well be him, could it?
-No, sir.
-Who else have this guard been in contact with who isn’t a broken? Jack defined the question.
-Jagger, sir, Mack’s daughter.
-Better. Anyone else?
-Those two white haired brothers.
-Find them.
The door to the ballroom opened and people disappeared from the room. As the door closed again Jack turned his eyes back to Soi and his sister.
-You and I have a lot to talk about, my dear spring guardian. Make him dream!
Suddenly the world around Soi turned black. The one thing he could hear was the echo of a scream far away.

He could see her, her hair. Her long blond hair was blowing in the wind. He could hear her laughter. He was looking into her hay-coloured eyes, they were so close. He could almost touch her, then suddenly she was beyond reach. She was standing on the edge of the cliff, that green cliff where his father had once tumbled down from and died. She was waving and smiling to him, her hair floated in front of her face, hiding her smile and her sparkling eyes. Soi could feel his heart racing. Why was she standing on that cliff? Why was she waving to him? He began to run towards her. Was she saying goodbye?
Soi tried to call her, get her to stay but his voice couldn’t reach her.
She took a step back. Soi stopped in his steps. He didn’t want to see. He closed his eyes and…
Suddenly he stood at the edge. How did he get here?
He looked over the edge.
He stopped breathing.
There she lay, her fair eyes wide open and her hair coloured with blood.
He screamed but no noise came out of his throat. So he continued to scream and scream and scream.

Soi opened his eyes slowly, it was dark around him. The only sound he could hear was his own heavy breathing. He hung deeply with his head, anticipating what was to come. He didn’t know what was real anymore. There was a slight movement to his left.
-Ana? Is that you? His question hung in a weak and desperate tone.
He was surprised his voice even worked, it sounded so hoarse.
-Yes, who else, Ana’s voice answered in a bored and irritated manner.
She sounded like the Ana he knew and Soi felt relief for a moment.
-You’re alive, he sighed.
It was quiet for a while.
-Yes, why shouldn’t I be? Ana then said irritated but her voice was unstable.
-I watched you die so many times, over and over.
-Oh. So that’s why you screamed.
-Is this real, are you really alive? This isn’t a dream?
-Dreams are exactly what you’ve gone through. They’ve kept you dreaming all this time. Easier to extract information that way, Ana mumbled.
For the first time Soi noticed that the floor kept moving. As his eyesight accustomed to the darkness Soi saw that they were surrounded by wooden walls. He had a growing suspicion.
-Where are we?
-No idea. On a ship, that’s all I know. But I can guess where we’re going.
-No!
A door opened and light shimmered down through a narrow staircase. Two guards walked up to them and dragged them up the stairs towards the light. They were pushed up on deck and led across to another door, pushed down another set of stairs and into a chamber.
-Welcome, guests!
Jack sat in armchair with his legs crossed and smiled coldly at the two as they were pushed to their knees. At his right Sassa leaned on the back of the chair, sweetly resting her head with small smile and at his left, two steps behind, Sam hid in the shadows. Behind Jack was a large window showing the great view over the dark blue ocean. In the distance a green mountain hid at the horizon. Soi took a deep breath, it had been so long since he last saw those green fields. He never thought he would see them again.
-You recognise your home, Soi? Jack sneered. –Spring Island.
-Why are we here? Ana asked abruptly.
Jack snorted.
-I thought as we are about to reunite Soi with his family, I would like to share a story about another family. Chairs for the guests!
Two chairs were brought forward and Soi and Ana were roughly seated, facing the chairman.
-Good. Now leave the rest of you.
The guards left the chamber.
-Sassa and Sam too, Jack added, his voice firm.
Sassa lifted her head slowly as if she woke up from a dream.
-Are you sure, she said with her velvet voice and stroke with one finger across Jack’s scar.
Jack took her hand and kissed the palm.
-Come on then, Sam, Sassa said and swayed out of the room followed by Sam’s stiff shadow.
The door closed behind them and left the seated in silence. Suddenly Jack laughed.
-Oh, this will be fun.
Jack tapped his fingers against each other while his smiled broadened.
-Ah, Ana, don’t think about hurting me, it’s useless, you won’t even get close. But as a precaution, rise.
Ana rose from her chair, like a puppet pulled by strings.
-Now, stand behind Soi’s chair.
Ana stood close to Soi's back. He could feel her breath in his neck.
-Pull out that dagger I know you hide.
Soi could hear Ana hold her breath. At the corner of his eye he saw the dagger. It was an exact copy of Sam’s silver dagger.
-Hold it at his neck.
Soi saw Ana’s hand tremble to resist the chairman’s words.
-There we have. Now let’s start. Ana, wouldn’t you like to know who your mother is?
Ana stopped breathing and so did Soi.
-See I told you it was going to be a good story, Jack’s eyes shone coldly at the two. –Now, you might wonder why I would know about Ana’s family. Well, there is a simple answer to that question. I am Ana’s family, Ana’s mother is my mother. Ana is my little sister.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 16:2 -Family

-How long do we have to wait do you think?
Soi’s nerves were twitching. Nibbles and Soi had been at the ball for a couple of hours and Jack still hadn’t made a move.
-Not long, Nibbles said with his usual twinkle in his eye.
Soi sighed, “not long” in Nibbles’ world probably meant another couple of hours at the ball. Nibbles smile grew wider.
-Actually, I don’t think we have to wait that long at all. See, Nibbles said and pointed at Jack’s direction.
Jack was walking towards the podium where Blackbird had been standing earlier.
-What is he going to do? Soi asked nervously.
-He’s going to hold the traditional speech that the chairman of the Academy always holds at the ball. And after that it’s our turn.
-You knew? Soi exclaimed but was hushed by the surrounding couples as Jack took place on the podium.
-Friends and enemies, the Broken Ones stands before a new dawn where the sun will belong to us, Jack begun his speech. -For too long have we been shattered but I can see tomorrow, a tomorrow where we will be united. Now you wonder how I can promise you all this but doubt not, because already tonight you have witnessed the power of this new dawn.
-Is he talking about Ana? Soi whispered to Nibbles.
-I suppose so.
-That’s not good.
Nibbles snorted in response.
-And there is more to come, Jack’s speech continued.
-And now he was talking about you, I would think, Nibbles whispered cheeky to Soi.
-Thank you, Soi said sourly and Nibbles nodded.
-But only united can we build our world! So tonight we raise our glasses… Jack raised his glass and waited for the rest to raise theirs, -To the Broken Ones!
-To the Broken Ones, was chanted in the whole ballroom and Soi felt a chill down his spine.
The last sound of clinking glass died out.
-Let the ball continue, Jack called out and the music begun once again.
-They’re leaving, Soi said and pointed at Jack’s little group of people who moved away from the dance floor.
-Our time has come, Nibbles mumbled darkly.
Soi and Nibbles followed Jack from a distance to a smaller room. Although there were guards posted outside the room to let everyone know that not just anyone was welcome, Nibbles was let in without a protest. This did not exactly calm Soi’s nerves.
Once again Jack was the centre of everyone’s attention.
-Is everyone here? Jack asked.
-So it seems, a silky voice answered. - Go ahead, darling.
Soi jumped a bit as the answer came from behind, he had thought they were the last one to enter. Slowly Soi turned his head and was greeted by a sassy wink from none the less than Sassa. This couldn't be good.
-As you might have understood from my speech, there is a change coming and it will be to our advantage. I would like to thank everyone who stand beside me, and especially Ana.
Soi saw Ana twitch in her passivity and he wasn’t the only one noticing. Jack’s victorious grin grew wider.
-If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be here, he said. –As a small token of my appreciation I have prepared a gift for you.
Ana’s suspicious expression turned into fear. Jack tilted his head partly and put on a fake caring face.
-You have looked so gloomy ever since you came to Beroal, even though you have been reunited with your precious Sam. So I have taken the liberty to arrange this gift for you, I hope you’ll appreciate it.
The suspension was great, Soi could feel Ana’s anxiety as her body begun to shiver. For her it would be like a living nightmare, this wasn’t happening, it was just a sick dream. Soi wondered if he should tread forward before his name got called out, to not let Jack feel the satisfaction of terrifying Ana. Soi didn’t get the chance.
-Where is he? Where is the guard, whom Ana tried to withheld from me?
Soi swallowed and beside him Nibbles took a deep breath. They looked at each other and nodded decidedly.
-Here, sir. The guard is here, Nibbles called out and pushed Soi roughly before him.
They passed through the excited and wildly mumbling crowds up to the empty space between Jack, Ana and the rest of the brokens filling the room. Ana met Soi’s eyes and sunk to her knees only to be supported by Sam. As Nibbles appeared behind Soi Ana’s eyes filled with rage.
-You?! She growled and threw herself at Nibbles but Sam held her back. –You traitor! TRAITOR! I trusted you!
Jack snorted mildly at her reaction.
-Did you really think you could keep him from me? He sneered at her. –Be quiet.
Ana silenced immediately and hung with her head deeply. Soi took a deep breath, so this was the true power of the brokens, to silence with a word.
Jack reached out his hand to Nibbles.
-Thank you for escorting my gift to lady Ana so faithfully. It’s good to know, in times as these, where once loyalty lies.
Nebelius Silver bowed deeply and kissed Jack’s hand, like a petty dog.
-Sir, I was only doing my duty to my kind.
-Of course you was, and by doing so showing great devotion.
-May the Broken Ones prosper, Nibbles concluded and bowed again, even deeper this time, before he backed away and left Soi to his own.
-Ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you our future. A simple guard of seemingly no value at all, yet you can see what his presence has done to lady Ana, the most powerful broken alive.
Soi felt like a game in the claws of a monster.
-So, guard, state your name.
Jack circled Soi.
-Soi.
-Hm. And so you are lady Ana’s late guard?
-Yes.
-The council informs me you come from Casmil, Jack said while smiling.
It wasn’t a question but Soi felt the necessity to answer.
-Yes.
-How very interesting that you would claim to come from Casmil. That’s actually where my special guest comes from too, Jack smile turned dangerous. –At least that’s where we picked her up while she was scouring the streets in the hunt for her brother.
Jack snapped his fingers and a door opened. From the corner of his eye Soi could see that Nibbles straightened his back.
-You don’t happen to know this woman, Soi from Casmil? Jack asked sneering.
Soi’s dark and slanted eyes widened with fear. He had a growing suspicion. This is what Ana must have felt like only minutes ago.
Two guards dragged a lifeless woman before Soi. She had dark hair just like him and it had been neatly braided at one point. Now those braids had almost disbanded and the hair was a mess. She was dressed in blue clothes, all too familiar to Soi. He didn’t have to see the woman’s eyes to know that they were dark and slanted like his.
-Siri, Soi whispered quietly and the woman lifted her head tiredly.
First she looked right through him but as she focused her eyes a light of recognition lit her eyes.
-Soi, she whispered hopefully. –Little brother.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 16:1 -Family

The brokens all paved way for Ana as she limped in her white dress towards Jack. Her face was pale, she looked like a child about to be punished. She stopped in front of the Academy’s new chairman and curtsied obediently and all of the brokens were astonished.
-Welcome, lady Ana. I believe this is the first time you partake in the ball.
Ana nodded stiffly in response.
-All the more joy for us, Jack smiled and the brokens all smiled automatically. –And Sam, thank you for convincing Ana to come this year, I know it can’t have been easy, we all know she’s such a headstrong girl.
Soi snorted scornfully. It was all an act and not a very good one either, to fool everyone to believe Ana had come on her own accord, that Sam wasn’t a monster at all, as the rumours all had said and that everything was as it should be. Ana and Sam, Sam and Ana, together as always.
Ana limped to Jack’s right side and Sam settled beside her. Jack smiled down to her and Soi saw Ana twitch. Was this it? Soi prepared himself. Any second Jack could call his name and Soi had to go to him. Soi felt his body stiffen in anxiety. He wished it all could be over. With nervous eyes he looked at Ana and Jack, both dressed in white. The white colour looked smug on Ana, showing off the Academy’s control over her while appearing all innocent. Ana was already Jack’s prisoner. How could Soi and Nibbles ever save her? Soi really hated the colour.
Jack raised his head with a victorious grin.
-Music! He called out and the orchestra begun to play.
The brokens all formed couples and the dance begun. Nibbles tugged Soi’s arm.
-What? Soi whispered.
-I’ll be right back, Nibbles whispered back.
Soi wrinkled his eyebrows.
-Back from where?
Nibbles sighed.
-What do you think? Is this a ball or not?
-You’re going to dance? Soi asked and regretted it at once.
-Should I repeat myself, do you think? Nibbles said with a grin and winked his eye as he disappeared into the crowds of dancing couples before Soi could stop him.
Soi found a chair, in velvet, and sat down to observe the dance. It was not like in Sofara with its merry and spontaneous spirit. Perhaps it was the presence of the chairman that inhibited the festive mood because the dance felt strict and organized and not at all as Soi had expected from the brokens. Maybe Soi’s image of brokens were subjective, he had actually only met a few of them and although all of them were far from being like normal people that didn’t mean other brokens behaved the way Nibbles and Sassa did. But Soi decided it was all because of the little act the chairman just played out. Who could have imagined that Ana, the most powerful broken would bow like a dog to the Academy’s new chairman? Even if she’d always worked for the Academy.
As the dance continued the mood did improve and the brokens got more spirited. From his position Soi could overlook Ana as she remained by Jack’s side with Sam hovering beside her patiently. He tried to stir up a conversation but Ana simply ignored him and his face looked more and more rueful. Not only did Soi find that pleasing but he found it ironic that Sam wore red clothes, as to indicate that he really was a monster.
Suddenly Sam straightened his back and put on a defensive look and even Ana straightened her back. Walking towards them was Ciron and his smile was all but pleasant. He stopped and bowed before Jack and then bowed to Ana as well. Soi could see from his posture it was all mock. Ana kept a blank face but Sam’s eyes seemed to spark of fire. Ciron held out his hand and Ana shook her head. So far Ana had declined every hand that had been offered to her. But Ciron didn’t except her rejection and grabbed Ana’s wrist and Sam immediately intervened. Soi could hear his growls from across the ballroom. Some of the brokens stopped their dance and watched the scene that now played out before them. Sam showed his pointed teeth in a mean snarl and grabbed Ciron’s wrist and was about to pull out his dagger when Jack said something Soi couldn’t hear but he could hear his sharp tone of voice and he could see Jack’s annoyed expression. His hay coloured eyebrows had wrinkled together and his light eyes were unforgiving. Sam released Ciron instantly as if had burned himself but Ciron kept his grip on Ana. Jack spoke again and Ciron nodded and took Ana out on the dance floor. Soi felt uneasy for her sake. She looked so tiny and vulnerable in the white dress as Ciron pulled her roughly out on the floor. He gripped her hand and waist and smiled maliciously towards Ana. She didn’t even smirk back to him or speak up against him. She let herself be tossed around as she was a doll without a will of her own. Soi was about to walk right up to her when Nibbles reappeared from the dance floor and gripped his wrist.
-This is not our time, he whispered.
The music stopped playing and a black haired male dressed completely in black walked up to the orchestra and the brokens all fell silent. The man smiled and bowed a little. Suddenly a beautiful song filled up the ballroom. It wasn’t a human voice but rather like a bird filling the air in the early morning with floating tones. Soi’s first thought it was the black haired man who sung but when Soi looked at him he had his mouth shut, it couldn’t be him. Soi turned around to see who it could be but all the other brokens looked in the direction of the black haired man. Soi looked confused at Nibbles.
"Who’s singing?" Soi asked but Nibbles put one finger in front of his mouth and told him to be quiet.
Soi had no choice but to wait for the performance to end. He let the song seep into him and fill his mind for a moment. He let go of all of his questions quivering in his body and his shoulders relaxed from the constant pressure. Slowly he closed his eyes and remembered home with its green mountains. When the song ended Soi felt at ease with what was awaiting him. It was his fate.
Nibbles snorted and shook his head.
-His name is Blackbird, the singer.
-Blackbird?
-You heard him sing, didn’t you? Anyway, I heard he lost his tongue when he couldn’t pay off some gambling debts. But it worked out fine for him, he’s the most famous singer on this side of the mountains.
Soi was dumbstruck by the flow of information.
-How…how does he sing if doesn’t have a tongue?
Nibbles sighed and rolled his eye.
-Let me explain. Blackbird here, as you obviously don’t get, is a broken.
-I do get that.
-Good for you.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 15:3 -The Ball

-Are you ready?
-Not really. Can't we do this another day?
-You mean a day when the ball isn't held and all of the brokens aren't gathered at the one and same place?
-Exactly.
-Coward.
Soi sighed.
-I suppose I am.
Soi and Nibbles stood on the first footstep on the stair leading up to the hall where the broken’s ball was held. There was no turning back. Soi took a deep breath.
-Fine, let's get this done.
Step by step they climbed the stairs until they reached the top then Soi had to stop to take another deep breath. Nebelius Silver took the lead and Soi followed a few steps behind him, his hand rested on the blue scabbard not only to look the part as Nibbles’ guard but because he felt safer. Although there was no way he could kill anyone with a sword when among thousands of brokens, but he felt all the same safe. It was with these false feelings Soi took his last deep breath and followed mr Silver into the awaiting danger.
Soi's new clothes didn't really make him stand out but knowing he was wanted made him uncomfortable. But as they treaded into the ballroom Soi soon realised he was hardly visible, mainly because he was in a room full of brokens and because Nibbles was standing beside him, looking far more spectacular than Soi ever could.
Dressed in purple, crimson and gold and with his usual black top hat Nebelius Silver draw all the eyes to him. Had it been Soi he would have backed out the same way he entered but Nibbles simply smiled and twinkled cheeky with his one eye. Although relieved that it wasn’t Soi causing the attention he still felt that Nibbles had dressed a bit too provokingly.
“Nibbles, could it really be good to be in the eyes of everybody?”
They had practiced this in advance as Soi, a non-broken and a guard, weren’t supposed to talk to Nibbles, a broken. That, if anything ever could astonish a broken, would surprise the brokens. Soi had learned a lot more about the brokens than he ever thought he would when he first was told of their existence. Their pride was a great deal more obvious than of a non-broken. That they had even created the term non-broken to distinguish themselves was evidence of their pride. So to fit into the world of the brokens Nibbles and Soi had decided to keep the level of conversation between the two down to a minimum. If there were anything Soi needed to know he would address Nibbles by thoughts and directly ask what he wanted to know and Nibbles would whisper back the answer. At least that was the idea.
Nibbles smiled down to Soi and winked his eye.
-Nervous much, he said without moving his lips and Soi snorted.
They moved across the ballroom and Soi kept a careful watch over everyone they passed but no one seemed to notice him although Nibbles got more than his share of dazzled looks. Nibbles wasn’t the only one escorted by a guard. Soi could clearly distinguish the guards from the brokens. They weren’t as extravagance dressed as their masters. Every broken in the ballroom had really made an effort to stand out and Soi thought it similar to the windows of Nibbles’ sweet shop or perhaps the meadows surrounding the city. Of course, Nibbles had been right, Beroal was really the best place for the ball. No one in the ballroom was wearing white, it was like a silent protest against the Academy.
A broken followed by a guard passed Soi and Nibbles. Suddenly Soi met the guard’s eyes and Soi quickly looked the other way. He took a deep breath to calm himself. It couldn’t be, could it?
-What? Nibbles asked with a raised eyebrow.
-Did you see that? That man definitely had red eyes! He’s a monster, isn’t he? Soi didn’t really know what to think, his mind was completely blank.
-As we suspected, the place is full of monsters pretending to be guards or brokens.
-As “we” suspected? You never shared those suspicions with me! Soi felt the irritation of being withheld information win over the fear of being surrounded of monsters.
-Oh, didn’t I? Oh well, I probably thought you would run the other way if I told you there would be monsters at the ball. I actually thought the ball alone would make you run, Nibbles said while grinning wide.
-If anything, it was the velvet clothes that made me skeptic, Soi answered wryly.
Nibbles hardly got to laugh before they were surprised yet again. Walking towards them was Sassa. Neither Soi nor Nibbles had seen her since they camped together by the lake. Her black hair hung loose and she wore a long black dress showing all of her curves. As she came closer she put on a wide sassy smile and flung her hair to one side.
-Nibbles, Sassa nodded.
-Sassy, Nibbles nodded back. –Where’s your guard?
-He held me back so I left him… in a pool of blood. I see you have taken over Ana’s guard, did she agree to this?
-She got tired of him as well and gave him to me.
-I see. So, you have the flute with you? Sassa smiled and looked Soi in the eyes.
-Yes, of course, Nibbles answered and bowed his head a bit deeper this time.
-Well, I’m glad that’s done then, Sassa said with a bored voice and then smiled again. -So, what do you think of my dress?
She spun around to let them see her dress. It had an open back and Soi gasped in surprise. Her back had three ugly scars from her right shoulder crossing her back and ending at her left hip. Sassa turned back and watched Soi’s shock with a sassy smile.
-So sweet, you’re shocked, she said and put her head to the side. –I’ll scratch your back, if you scratch mine.
She gave Soi a peck on the cheek before she swayed away. Soi immediately turned to Nibbles.
-She knew about the flute.
-Yes, not really surprising.
-Nibbles!
-What? He said innocent and then his face turned serious. -That’s him.
Soi knew immediately who Nibbles was talking about.
At the end of the hall several brokens had gathered in a wide half circle and in the middle stood a man dressed in white and with three gaping jacks across his face, barely touching his right eye.
Jack.
For a moment Soi saw Ard’s damaged face before him and he shuddered. Had Ard already seen this in his vision? Probably. Had he seen Nibbles and Soi’s plan carried out successfully or turn into a disaster? Soi really wished Ard was with him as well as Jagger and Haz. If there would be a fight those were the people to have by your side. What could a mere guard and a twisted broken do?
-Thanks for the confidence, Nibbles breathed into Soi’s ear and Soi jumped high.
-So? Nibbles asked and nodded in Jack’s direction.
-He doesn’t seem so powerful.
Nibbles raised one eyebrow skeptically.
-I mean… his injury is similar to Ard’s but he’s not blind as far as I can see, Soi rephrased himself.
-No, you’re right, he’s not blind and his injury don’t make him powerful in comparison to…, Nibbles looked at the brokens around him to find a just comparison, …me.
Nibbles smiled and winked his eye playfully before he turned serious again.
-But look again, he’s far scarier than you first apprehend.
Soi directed his eyes to Jack again and this time he saw it. Between Jack and the rest of the brokens there was a discreet yet respectful distance and it oozed with fear. The brokens in the half circle all smiled and laughed at Jack’s jokes and replied eagerly but their eyes winked nervously among themselves.
It was something about Jack’s appearance that was terrifying. Soi observed Jack closely. From this distance Soi could not clearly see the colour of Jack’s eyes but if he had to guess they would be light. Jack had a tall body and hay coloured hair. On the whole he was fairly handsome if it weren’t for his vicious grin and the three scars covering his face. What Soi found most scary was that Jack seemed familiar. Where had he seen Jack before?
-Yes, Soi where could you possibly have met Jack before?
Soi didn’t need to answer as he was interrupted by Jack himself.
-Ah, the star of tonight, Jack reached out his arm and pointed at the ballroom entrance.
Everyone’s eyes were directed to the entrance and a mumble quickly spread across the guests.
And then Soi saw her.
Ana wore a snow white dress, around her tiny neck hung a golden necklace and holding her left arm Sam, dressed in red, walked close to her. Soi’s first thought was how old she looked even though she was the same Ana as before. He hadn’t seen her for a week at least. Although Soi wasn’t disguised Ana didn’t see him. She didn’t see anybody. She had a tired yet determined expression. Soi’s heart twitched. What difficulties had she been through? Ana walked towards Jack and her limping was worse than ever before.
-Don’t worry, she’s faking it so she won’t have to dance later on, Nibbles whispered to Soi.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 15:2 -The Ball

Soi and Nebelius Silver’s talk about Soi’s risk taking plan ended early in the morning. Outside Nibbles flat the sun had begun to rise discreetly over the colourful rooftops of Beroal and some birds were serenading the morning. Soi could barely stand on his feet and his dark eyes flickered tiredly. He followed in Nibbles footstep and hoped they would lead him to a bed.
-Here we are, Nibbles opened a door which led to a large bedroom.
Its walls were dark green, it’s curtain were green and it against the wall stood dark brown cupboards and closets. In the middle stood a wide bed in dark wood and with a green spread.
-Feel right at home, Nibbles said tiredly.
-Thank you, Soi answered and walked into the bedroom.
He sat down at the edge of the bed and slowly lowered his body and sunk into the soft bed. For minutes he simply breathed in and out. He was about to fall asleep when the bed bobbed. Soi immediately sat up and looked around confused. It was Nibbles. He had sat down on the other side of the bed and begun to undress.
-What are you doing? Soi asked upset.
-Undressing, he as an answer accompanied by a raised eyebrow and a tired smile.
-Why?
-Why not? I’m going to sleep, aren’t I?
-Here.
It wasn’t really a question but rather a confirmation.
-Yes, here, in my bedroom.
-Your bedroom? I thought it was the guestroom.
-I’m sorry Soi, that my flat ain’t as big as Ana’s mansion.
-You mean there aren’t any other bedrooms? Where am I going to sleep then?! Soi said desperately.
-Well, it is a very large bed, Nibbles pointed out.
-But… Soi looked through the doorway out to the living room and the velvet couch.
-Don’t think about the couch, it’s was not made for sleep!
Nibbles had changed into a night shirt and slipped into bed. Soi stayed nervously on the edge and looked longingly at the couch.
-I’m sure I can sleep well on a couch, after all I’ve slept several nights outdoors, he said.
-I’m sure you can, but what I meant was that you’re not allowed to sleep on my couch not because it’s uncomfortable but because you would ruin it.
-Ruin?! It’s a couch!
-It’s a special made couch on which I have spent a good deal of money! It’s your choice, the bed or the floor.
Unwillingly Soi undressed and crawled into the bed.

Soi woke up alone. From the other side of the bedroom door he could hear sounds of a lively conversation. Carefully Soi cracked up the door and peaked out. On a small stool Nibbles was standing with his arms stretched out to the sides like a statue and swirling beneath him was a short plump woman with curly grey hair and a stern face. In her hands she held a measure tape and as she circled she measured Nibbles legs and arms and body.
-I can’t believe you’ve destroyed yet another great outfit! She scolded at him.
-It was a tough trip this year, Nibbles apologised and gave the short lady a sorrowful look.
The woman snorted and pinched him with a needle.
-Either you stop going on these “trips” or you’ll find yourself another seamstress.
-Oh, the trip will change to next year, Nibbles said with an honest voice and looked beggingly at the lady with his one eye. –No one can do garments like you, they’re like art works.
-Why should I create art after art if you’re going to toss in the mud with monsters and sleep outdoors? What a waste, the woman said and scowled at him
-Please. Do my clothes to ball, hm, Nibbles pleaded.
-I don’t know…
-I can’t go there looking like a rag. Hmm…
The lady’s fierce expression softened.
-Yes, yes I’ll do it. Everybody already knows I’m sewing your clothes anyhow, I would be destroying my own reputation if I let you go to the ball the way you look now.
Nibbles sighed in relief and smiled gently to the grey haired woman.
-Thank you so much, he said and took her wrinkled hand and kissed it gently.
-Yes, yes, the lady brushed him off. –Tell me, have you grown?
-Matured, you mean, Nibbles teased and stretched his back.
-As if that could happen, the woman snorted.
-Why shouldn’t that be possible? Nibbles pouted. –Oh, and talking about impossible, could you make an outfit for my friend as well…
-Your friend? The lady lowered her arms and stared at Nibbles. –It’s not a lady friend, is it? Cause I don’t have time to do another fancy dress, especially not if it’s going to match yours.
-No, it’s just Soi, he don’t need anything special, just new clothes.
-So I could take something from last year’s fashion? The woman looked hopeful.
-Definetely, he wouldn’t notice the difference. Soi, come on out, there’s breakfast here for you.
Of course Nibbles would know Soi had listened to their conversation, there was no way to escape him. Slowly Soi opened the door and walked into the living room. The short lady tilted her head and watched him carefully.
-He definitely needs new clothes. I suppose I should be grateful your clothes aren’t in the same state as his.
-This is my seamstress, Ms Grey, Nibbles introduced her to Soi and Soi dutifully nodded his head.
Ms Grey snorted and turned back to Nebelius to fasten more needles on his body and Soi sat down in front of a set table. It wasn’t as much breakfast as it was a table full of different treats and sweets. Apple pie and blueberry pie, bowls with caramels and fudge and chocolates and baskets with buns and cakes and white bread. And then there were marmalades and jams in jars and in the middle of the table stood a large kettle. Soi lifted its lid and hoped it was tea and was greatly disappointed to find something brownish.
-What’s this? Soi asked displeased.
-Chocolate, for drinking.
-Don’t you have tea?
-Tea? What’s wrong with chocolate?
-It’s too sweet, Soi said sourly.
-What did you expect? I own a sweet shop, Nibbles said and shrugged his shoulders.
Soi sighed and buttered some white bread with a layer of jam and took a bite.
-How did you get a sweet shop?
-I told you before about my life before I became Nebelius. When I became a broken I decided to have fun to make up for all those years of sadness. The opposite of sadness is...-Happiness, Soi filled in.-And what can make you happier than something sweet.
Soi didn’t agree but he nodded obediently.
-When I first came to Beroal I knew this was the city for me and where I wanted to start my new life. I opened a sweet shop with the money I'd earned from sea and these days I'm a wealthy shop owner.-All done, ms Grey said. -Step down, Silver. Try to take it off without moving the needles.
Nibbles stepped down and disappeared into the bedroom. The living room grew quiet, except for Soi’s chewing. Suddenly the plump grey haired woman turned around and gave Soi a piercing look. Soi stopped chewing and watched the lady nervously, anticipating an attack.
-So, what are you waiting for? Get up! Ms Grey said sternly and Soi stood up quickly.
When Nibbles came out from the bedroom again Soi was put on the small stool while short woman twirled around him and measured his body and put in needles here and there. Soi’s eyebrows were furrowed tightly together.
-Explain to me why I’m doing this? Soi said grimly.
-If we’re going to go through with your plan, at least we could do it my way, Nibbles smiled happily. -After all, we are going to a ball.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 15:1 -The Ball

-Why would they want the flute back, it's just an ordinary flute, Soi asked and shrugged his shoulders and sat down in one of Nibbles' velvet chairs.-They want me to bring it to the ball, Nibbles said and sunk down into another velvet chair opposite to Soi.
Soi looked back at Nibbles with a tired expression. He didn’t understand the seriousness in Nibbles tone. So what if they wanted the flute back?
-What is this ball, anyway? Soi asked.
-Ah, of course, you don’t know about the ball since you’re not a broken, Nibbles said as if it explained everything.
-Thank you for pointing it out, Soi said gloomy. -So what is this ball?
-It’s a ball which the Academy hosts here in Beroal and all brokens are invited. I go every year, it’s a great opportunity to meet other brokens.
-Why isn’t it held in the Academy?
-Well, in general brokens don’t return to the Academy unless they work there and where would they stay if they did? There aren’t any inns or pubs like in normal cities. And it would be a bit boring if everybody had to wear white. No, Beroal is a much better location for the ball.
-If any broken is invited then there will be Academy people there as well?
-Yes, most certainly.
-Then that’s what Ciron meant about the ball.
-Ciron? What did he say?
-He said “see you at the ball” to Ana when we were on our way back to the mansion.
-Oh, as we didn’t have enough problem, Nibbles rolled his one eye. -But it does somehow confirm my suspicions.
-About what?
-About who’s the real enemy.
Nibbles didn’t elaborate and Soi couldn’t read mind so he moved on to his next question.
-Why Ana didn’t know about the ball?
-Well, she has never attended it so she has probably forgotten that it exists. Back to the flute. As the handwriting of these two letters are the same I think…
That caught Soi’s attention.
-The same?! The handwriting is the same? And they want you to bring it to the ball… So they'll be at the ball? He asked a bit anxious.
-They are holding the ball. It’s exactly as I suspected, Nibbles said and nodded for himself.-You have to explain yourself a bit more for me to understand, I don’t read minds like you do, Soi said grumpily. –What do you mean that they are holding the ball? Isn’t it the Academy who holds it? Then is it the…
-It’s that exactly. Think about it Soi, these letters with the same handwriting although the content is so different, Ciron and the flute, the Academy council, Jack. What more do you want me to explain?
Soi stared at him.
-The monsters, he said at last.
-I don’t know…, Nibbles admitted.
Soi sighed.
-But I have a theory.
-I don’t think I want to hear it.
-Probably not, Nibbles said and rose from his chair.
-It’s so complicated, so many loose ends. I mean, how many enemies do we have? Soi exclaimed. - Ana’s organisation creating brokens of infants, the Academy and Jack who wants Ana because of her power, the monsters, and then the ones who hired you and Ciron to distract Ana with a flute.
-If you say it like that it sounds ridicules, Nibbles grunted offended.
-It feels ridicules! I just don’t get all of this to go together. And now you say that these flute-people are the same as the Academy?
-I think the ball will be the answer to all of your questions. As I said, I have my suspicions but I better keep them to myself, I’m afraid you’d run the other way if I told you. But I think you are overreacting a tad.
-What do you mean?
-All of those you just listed as our enemies are in fact Ana’s with the exception of Jack, Nibbles said with a wide smile. –And I, I have no enemies at all unless I openly side with Ana and even then no one can never be sure which side I’m really on.
-Are you trying to scare me? Soi asked suspiciously.
-Not really, Nibbles said still smiling. –Anyhow, I don’t think they…
-Which they?
-The flute-people, as you so practically named them. As I was saying, I don’t think they want me to bring the actual flute.-What then?-You.-You mean...-That they, the flute-people or if my theory is correct, the Academy and Jack, already knows that you are here, yes.-And they want you to deliver me at the ball? Soi could feel his heart rate increase, he was trapped. But then he thought of it differently. -Then they still believe that you're working for them, don't they?-Seems like it.-That's it! Soi burst out. –That’s our plan.-What? Nibbles asked barely raising his eyebrow.-We'll do what they want us to.-I always thought you were a bit slow. No, Soi, we're not going to deliver you voluntarily so they can kill or whatever it is they want to do with you. -That's exactly what we'll do!

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