The Broken Ones

Chapter 4:3 -Confessions

The company travelled throughout the day without any trouble. Though Soi wondered if the others knew about what had happened that night, if Ana had told them that it was Sam who had wounded him. Sam- who was supposed to be dead.
Soi himself hadn’t given it much thought. How could he be alive and why did he attack him? Wasn’t Ana and Sam friends, even if Ana herself had said otherwise her behaviour so far proved the opposite, they were close friends. Just as Nebelius had said.
Then why had he threatened Ana? She had been on the verge of tears when Soi had found her. And even in this strange world raising a dagger to attack is not the proper way to greet a friend. Soi was dumbfounded by everything that had happened in the last couple of weeks, it was more drama than he had ever lived through before on his home island. He tried to ask Ana about what had happened but the timing was never right, she seemed to avoid him.
In the afternoon they arrived to a lake with clear water. It was small and the setting sun reflected its warming light on the lake’s surface. It looked like a golden coin.
-When we reach the other side of this lake we’ll set up camp for tonight, Ana instructed the rest and walked off before the other got to complain.
Nibbles sighed deeply and stretched his stiff back. He hadn’t once left the back of his roan stallion, not even during the lunch break. He had persisted on staying mounted and had seemed anxious to get moving, unlike the other days when the breaks were the essential part of the day. Even his horse acted up, he kept stepping nervously and several times had the stallion rush away as if something had bitten its rear end. But now as Nibble yawned, the stallion relaxed as well. Nebelius turned his tired eye to Soi who led his mare. He looked at him for several minutes and Soi got a bit nervous.
-You seem a lot better than I would have expected, Nibbles said at last.
-I heal fast.
-Yes, extremely.
It was as if Nibbles eye bore a hole into Soi, who desperately tried to think out a way to escape the pressure.
-Considering that it was Ana who treated you, it’s a miracle that you survived.
Nibbles slowly smiled broadly.
-What do you mean? Soi wrinkled his eyebrows.
An arm was flung around his neck. Soi turned his eyes to the left and met Sassa’s cheeky eyes.
-She’s not, what ya call, caring, she said with a low tempting voice and looked deep into Soi’s black eyes. –But you sure look otherwise.
-Oh, he is the most caring guard of Ana’s I’ve ever met, Nibbles chipped in, not really helping Soi in the upcoming situation.
Sassa’s arm pulled Soi closer to her and her hand begun to stroke him a bit freely. He was caged.
-You don’t say, Sassa said seductively. –Tell me more.
-Well, as I connect things it looks like Ana tried to escape him in Sofara but Soi persistently hang on to her, which of course saved her life when she was attacked by a monster and Soi cut its stomach.
-You killed a monster? Sassa seemed actually surprised.
-It’s not certain that it died… Soi tried to get through but was interrupted by Nibbles who practically hung out of his saddle to be a part of the conversation.
-Oh yes, he killed it! And saved Ana, can you believe it? It’s not like she needs to be protected, really.
-Then what was she doing at the time, if she had to be saved?
-She was sleeping!
-No! You’re kidding me! She couldn’t be! Not Ana. Sassa was very thrilled by the mere thought of Ana sleeping, her face was one big sassy smile. -Oh, this Sam-business is more serious than I could have imagined. Oh, happy day!
She clapped her hands and made a little jump, like a five year-old.
-What happened next? What happened next? Tell me, tell me!
-Oh, we met up in that little village and the same night Soi was harassed by a dreamer so Ana gave him…, Nibbles voice declined dramatically and were barely a whisper. -Her ring.
Sassa gave a screech and covered her mouth with both hands.
-You mean, Sam’s ring, she whispered back equally dramatic, her eyes glowing in excitement.
-Yes, the exact one.
-Oh my, my, my. And she said that there was nothing between them, isn’t she a good liar.
Soi was left out of the conversation, completely forgotten and was equally happy to be so. It didn’t seem to be more than gossip in his ears. Apparently Ana was a big sensation among the brokens.

By nightfall they had reached the other side of the lake and they set up camp. Soon a fire was sparkling and they all gathered around it, eating in silence. Or rather, Soi would have wished it was silence but Sassa and Nibbles seemed to have found each other and sat with their heads together. Tittle-tattling and laughing by turns. Sometimes they looked up and watched either Ana or Soi or both, and burst out in annoying giggles and pointed their finger in the others direction. They acted like a pair of extremely silly girls, which could have been an amusing scene as Nibbles looked nothing like a little girl with his one-eye pirate look and hat and gloves. But as Soi knew that their gossip was about him and Ana it was more tiring than funny.
The day had been long even though Soi was completely healed the mental wound hadn’t healed yet. Sassa’s poor muscular guard seemed quite at lost what to do now that Sassa wasn’t constantly touching him in inappropriate places and he looked lonely. And Ana was lost in her own thoughts, at least that was what it looked like. She didn’t react to Nibbles and Sassa’s childish sniggers and just looked out to the lake. Perhaps it was an act to avoid any unwanted questions from Soi. But they had to talk sooner or later, Soi thought. He stood up and took Ana’s hand. She looked confused up to him
-We need to talk, he said which created another wave of giggles and oohs from the two most silliest brokens in the camp.
-What are you going to talk about? Sassa called after them and Nibbles cried with laughter.
Soi dragged Ana away from the camp and closer to the lake, and she followed unwillingly. By the shore he released her hand and turned to face her. Her eyes were their usual shade of grey but didn’t have the same edge as they usually had.
-So what do you want to talk about? She asked grumpily.
-Explain to me how Sam, who you swear is dead, end up trying to kill me? Why? No, how, no why, no how?! How come he isn’t dead?!
Soi’s frustration welled up and his words cut through Ana. She lowered her head and looked down to the ground. Her answer was merely a whisper.
-He is dead.
-He clearly is not! He tried to kill me! Unless he can live through dreams in some sort of miraculous magic way.
-He is dead, just not the usual way.
-In what other way can you be dead, I wonder, up-side-down perhaps?
-Don’t be mean. He isn’t Sam anymore, that’s what I mean.
Ana’s eyes filled with tears and sat down on the ground.
-So when Sassa asked if he was dead-dead or just dead…
Soi looked closely at Ana. He folded his legs beneath him and sat down opposite Ana.
-Sam’s considered dead-dead in terms of brokens, he’s not a broken anymore.
Ana cleared her eyes and tried to be matter-of-fact.
-What happened, I mean, he must have used magic to get you into his dream so he isn’t powerless, mustn’t he?
-No he’s not powerless, but the magic he’s using now isn’t the natural kind. He’s not a natural broken anymore, Ana said and added silently. -If he ever was.
-A natural broken?
-Didn’t Nebelius explain this to you? About the broken ones?
-Magic as a compensation for different injuries.
-Exactly, but he probably left the bad side of the story, Ana said and bit her inner lip in worry.
Soi wrinkled his forehead and looked at Ana with worried eyes as well. Worried about what was to come. Ana sighed, apparently she had decided to tell the whole story.
-The good side in the magic world are the broken ones. They have obtained magic the natural way, through injuries caused by accidents- you were born blind, you tripped and broke an arm or someone smashed your leg, Ana’s smile was strained and Soi noticed it silently. –The bad side or the evil magic is obtained from injuries you have caused consciously- you took a rock and crushed your hand, you cut off a finger.
Soi looked at Ana with fear.
-You mean they hurt themselves to get to the magic?
-Yes. But this kind of magic isn’t just called evil because the people who obtained it are stupid enough to hurt themselves but because the power they obtain is destructive for both themselves and their surroundings and the magic is addictive. Once you start to cut off a finger to get to that little rush of magic, you can’t stop. Your body will, over a period of time, transform beyond human form.
-They’ll become monsters.
-Yes.
-As the ones following us.
-Yes
-How long have you know?
-I found out just before I came to Sofara. The thing is that they only become monsters when the sun goes down. During daylight they look like us… I think. Another thing is that they only attack brokens, not normal people. This is new information for me. But I have to go back to the Academy and report about this, there is something bigger behind it all. I think there is a sect trying to create brokens that they later control.
-By create, you mean…
He wasn’t sure wanted to know the truth, but he met Ana’s eyes steadily.
-I know you have seen my leg, so you know it’s not natural, I wasn’t born this way, someone made me this way. For all I know, I have limped since I was a baby.
She hit her leg in anger.
-You mean someone… Soi was sickened
-Yes, someone smashed my left leg to pieces when I was still an infant.
Tears begun to trickle down her already tear swollen cheek, but her voice was steady and unaffected.
-That’s horrible.
She blew her nose and brushed off the teardrops. She faced him with a serious face.
-Yes, but in this world of magic some are willing to break rules and bones to get their hands on the most powerful forces. Like it was with me, they take an infant and damage it some way.
-That’s disgusting, to injure small children just to possess some magic.
-It is. But it isn’t just any kind of magic, you know that the earlier the damage is created the more powerful the child will become later in life. If you could possess someone like that you could rule the world the world if you wanted to. So far, I don’t think anyone has succeeded to create a real broken. Anyway, Sam…
-Sam’s a monster, Soi realised.
-Yes, but I don’t know for how long yet.

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

The Broken Ones, map

This is a map of the world where the story of the Broken Ones is placed. All cities haven't been named yet, but that is simply because I haven't figured out what to name them yet. I'll put up another drawing when it's completely finsihed. Until then I hope you'll enjoy this one.

If there is anything you want to know about the story or the characters I am happy to answer any questions you may ask. Also, if you want to point out mistakes such as grammar, it's alright. Criticism, both good and bad, is welcome as long as it isn't outright mean.


//J.L.Frick

The Broken Ones

Chapter 4:2 -Confessions

Soi could feel the cold metal on his skin and he looked into the crazy green eyes of his attacker. And he smiled.
-Do you think that just because this is your dream you got to decide?
Sam frowned his forehead and looked confused at Soi, which gave him enough time to get a grip around Sam’s wrist and pushed him off. Sam looked up at Soi who stood before him with a surprised expression. In Soi’s hand lay the silver dagger.
-You might be a broken or whatever, but you’re not a soldier and I care this much for magic.
Soi held up his hand and showed with the distance between his thumb and index finger.
Both Sam and Ana stared at Soi.
-Ana, come on.
He stretched out his hand to her and she slowly got up on her feet. She limped to him and took his hand.
-Let’s get back, Soi said and smiled to her.
She smiled faintly back at him, her eyes tearing and her body shivering in relief. They turned their backs on Sam.
A mistake.
With a roar he got up and attacked.
-I told you to stay away!
Soi instantly pushed Ana behind him and faced his opponent who came rushing with another dagger held over his head, ready to strike.
When he passed out he heard Sam’s voice whispering “I might not be a soldier, but I sure can throw a dagger. Did you think I’d only carry one?” and Ana’s screaming.

When he woke up he was back in the camp, looking up at the moon. Someone was holding his hand tightly and he turned his head slightly to see who it was. Ana was crouched over him, her head held up by her knee and her eyes closely shut. In the moonlight she looked like she was a small child around twelve with her long hair hanging in the way. Soi tried to sit up but a sharp pain stopped him and he groaned.
-You’re awake, Ana looked at him with strange tired eyes.
-Yes…
-How are you, how do you feel, I was afraid that you were stuck there, does it hurt anywhere, can you move your arm?
-Stuck? Where?
-You know… there.
-What do you mean stuck?
-You’ve been out for two days.
-What! I have? Why would I…
-You were injured, Ana gulped loudly. –How do you feel? I think it will heal eventually, I’ve tried to stop it from being infected, I think I succeeded but it still looks kind of bad, you’ll probably have a scar. I’m sorry it’s all my fault, I’m so sorry.
Soi pulled down his shirt to see the damage, his left arm was covered with bandage and he begun to unwrap it.
-Stop! What are you doing? Ana tried to hinder him.
-I must see how serious it is.
-You probably will get some powers from it.
Ana had a big wrinkle on her face and her eyes were sad.
-That’s not what I meant. Can you go and get my bag? he asked.
Soi got up and staggered a bit unsecure on his feet to the lit fire. The other camp members slept soundly and didn’t wake up when he accidently tipped a kettle. By the fire he saw the wound clearly. It was bad, it was infected and was feverish red and irritated. When he poked it yellow pus came flowing out from the wound. Ana returned with his bag and grimaced when she saw the injury.
-I probably didn’t take care of it very well, she said with a guilty face.
-It could have been worse.
Soi smiled at her and took the bag from her with his healthy arm. He held it upside down and emptied it of all his stuff.
-Look for a tiny dark bottle, he said to Ana.
They began to search among his belongings. Ana found a bracelet made out of skin twinned together with a small blue rock intertwined in the middle.
-Is this yours? She asked and held it up.
-Does that look like a bottle to you? Soi answered and took the bracelet away from her.
-No, sorry.
-Ah, found it.
Soi hold up the small dark bottle and bit the tap and opened it up.
-What is it? Ana asked curious.
-Wait and see, Soi answered and gulped down some of its liquid.-Watch.
He nodded in the direction of his wounded arm and Ana watched it carefully. Slowly it healed and soon there was no evidence that there even had been a cut. It left no scares or even a bruise.
-What happened? What just happened? Ana stared at the arm. –How? It’s not possible.
-It just water, Soi smiled silly at her.
-Water!?
-Yes, it’s water from… no, I can’t tell you.
-Why not?
Soi looked at Ana, she looked like a little curious child anxious to be a part of the secret.
-You’re not qualified to know.
-What?! I’m not qualified? Ana raised her voice in anger.
From his tent, Nibbles looked out with tired eyes.
-What’s going on? He yawned.
-He says I’m not qualified! Ana yelled upset and pointed her finger at Soi.
Nibbles clipped with his one eye sleepily.
-Hi Soi, nice to see that you’re up. But qualified for what? He asked indifferent.
-For…
Soi quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
-It’s not your secret to tell, he whispered urgently in her ear.
Their eyes met and Ana’s were round of surprise. But slowly she nodded and Soi released her.
-For riding alone, Ana called out to Nebelius.
-Of course you’re not, you can’t even walk in a straight line, Nibbles mumbled in return and turned around.
Soi released a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
-We should get some sleep before we start in the morning, he said with a low voice to not wake any other.
He packed down the bottle in his bag again, took the bag and returned to his bed. Before he fell asleep he could hear Ana moving around in the camp.

-Rise and shine, slowpokes!
Soi was hit by a water bottle and he sat up and rubbed the back of his head. He watched the camp with weary eyes. It was gone, everything was packed up and both horses were saddled and ready. A few meters away Nibbles sat, also rubbing his head. Soi wasn’t the only one hit by a water bottle in the early morning. Ana stood by the horses, accompanied by Sassa and her guard. Both girls were annoyingly alert and awake. Ana with her eyes shining bright, crossed arms and nervously stamping foot. Sassa was draped over her guard, touching him freely. It was the first time Soi saw her in the sunlight. She was stilled dressed in black leather, her hair was equally long as Ana’s but it was black as coal and she was a fully grown woman about the same age as Soi. When they stood side by side, Ana and Sassa were contrasts of each other. Sassa was appeared to be more spirited than Ana, though Soi knew Ana had strong will, it was like Sassa was more free. Soi could understand why she was called Sassy, just as Nebelius was called Nibbles.
Ana caught him staring at Sassa and she gave him the evil eye.
-Your eyes will fall if you keep gawking, she said and suddenly another water bottle hit his head. –You’re wasting my time.
She turned and limped away from their former camp, taking his mare with her.
-Hey, that’s my horse!
-So come and get it. We’re leaving now.
She kept walking and Sassa and her guard followed behind. Soi just blinked at them with an open mouth. Suddenly an arm draped his shoulder and Nibbles put his mouth close to Soi’s ear.
-Mooorning, he said with a sleepy voice and kissed Soi’s ear.
-Ah!
Soi quickly got away from Nebelius and picked up his blankets.
-What? Nibbles asked with sullen face. –What did I do?
Soi rolled his eyes and didn’t answer.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 4:1 -Confessions

-My life was a mess even before we met, so don’t take all the credit.
Soi tried to smile at her but she didn’t return it.
-You know, Nibbles was right, I’m not a common sight in these parts of the world. I doubt you have seen eyes like mine before, no matter how well travelled you are, Ana.
Their eyes met and Ana was the first to look away.
-No, I haven’t.
-With my looks I stand out and am bound to end up in some sort of mess anyway. The first mess was the one I created for myself. I was young and adventurous, took out a small boat out on the sea and thought I could handle it. But I ended up in a storm and got lost a sea, I almost starved to death when a cargo ship picked me up. And so I ended up in Sofara. I don’t know the way home, otherwise I would have returned long ago.
-If it’s any comfort, I don’t know the way home either. I grew up on an orphanage.
-At least you know where it is, right?
-Not only are you a bad guard, you’re also bad at comforting.
Ana glared down at Soi and he smiled weakly.
-You can’t be good at everything.
-You’re not good at anything.
-You’re still alive, aren’t you?
Ana snorted in response and in the corner of her mouth hid a smile.
-So, why have you been so…
-Edgy?
-Mmm, Soi agreed faintly.
-Let’s just call it nightmares.
-Nightmares?
Soi looked up at Ana who dangled with her right leg in the air, just like a little girl. Ana sighed and met his black eyes with her own grey which seemed to contain centuries of knowledge. Soi couldn’t grip that this young girl was such a know-how, not when she sat there with her blonde hair let loose and her cheeks red from tears.
-Do you need to know every little detail of my life? She said and raised one eyebrow.
-No, no, just wondered if there was anything I could do to help, Soi quickly tried to restore some pride.
-No, you can’t, Ana said firmly. –Help me down, will you?
She held out her hand which he took and she jumped off the rock and he caught her in the fall. He gave her the staff and she limped toward the camp.
-Are you ok now? He watched her tiny back.
She stopped and breathed in slowly and let out a long sigh.
-I’m fine.

They returned to the camp.
It was a wreck, all the blankets and their cooking devise were scattered across the camp and covered in moss and dirt. The horses stepped nervously with their whites showing. In the middle, around the fire, Nibbles and Sassa with her muscular guard were seated.
-What happened? Was there a monster? Soi watched the surrounding trees, anticipating another attack.
Nibbles and Sassa lowered their heads and didn’t answer.
-No, Ana answered instead. –They had their usual fight, that’s what happened.
She pointed at Nibbles and Sassa whose cheeks reddened.
-They’re like small children that can’t be left alone for three seconds.
Ana glowered at the two.
-At least you could have tidied up a bit.
-We did, but then we fought again, Sassa said and grimaced at Nibbles who raised his hand…
-Don’t you dare make another move! Ana raised her voice only by a little but Nibbles looked like she had yelled at him.
-Sorry, he said faintly and lowered his hand and eyes.
-So, are you going to fix this or not? Ana spread her arm across the scattered camp.
-Yes, both Sassa and Nibbles answered like diligent schoolkids.
They rose from their position and begun to pick up things, one at a time. Ana sighed deeply.
-Oh, this is a waste of my time. I’ll do it.
Ana closed her eyes, her forehead got a small wrinkle between her blonde eyebrows and her mouth was pursed in concentration.
-What are you doing? Soi asked but got hushed by both Nibbles and Sassa.
-Keep absolutely still, Sassa hissed.
Confused, Soi did as he was told.
And things began to move. Their blankets hovered above the ground and shook off leaves and moss. Their temporarily set up kitchen by the fire was set up again by itself, their frying pan came flying from behind a rock and landed in the fire. Nibbles one man-tent appeared and flied with high speed into Nibbles back so he stumbled a few steps, before it was set up. Sassa tried to duck for a saddle but was hit by a water bottle instead. In just a few seconds the camp was restored to its former state.
-You can move now.
Soi turned around and watched the whole camp.
-Where’s my sword? He asked.
Ana glared at him and something hard hit him in the back of his head.
-There it is, she said.
Soi looked down at his blue scabbard that lay on the ground.
-Thank you.
There was a moment of silence.
-Let’s sleep then, Nibbles cut in and crawled into his re-established one man-tent.
And Soi tried to sleep, but Ana kept troubling his mind. What did she mean with “let’s call it nightmares”? Wasn’t it nightmares? While the passing night swirled around in his head Soi span the ring Ana had given him between his fingers. Sam’s dream ring. Eventually he fell asleep.

-No, no, nooooo!
Soi sat up and looked around.
-Someone screamed, he said to himself.
-It’s Ana.
It was Nibbles that had answered him, he and Sassa sat by Ana where she slept. But Ana wasn’t sleeping, she was tumbling around, moving constantly and screaming. Soi crossed the camp in a few steps and kneeled beside Ana. Her face was covered in sweat and her eyes were firmly closed. Her forehead was in deep frowns and her lips were pursed, her breath was strained.
-What is it? Is she sick or something? Soi got nervous just watching her.
-I don’t think that is it, Nibbles answered sadly. –It’s nightmares, very authentic ones.
-Oh, is it a dreamer, you think? Sassa didn’t seem to be concerned but rather watched Ana’s struggle with genuine interest.
Nibbles didn’t answer but pursed his lips and scratched his beard, his eyes closely observed Ana’s every movement. Ana moved again and her mouth fell open, she panted heavily. She whined and her body shook.
-Is there anything we can do?
-Not if there’s a dreamer on the move, Sassa said gladly with a sparkle in her eye. –She’ll probably die.
-But… the ring!
Soi took off the ring from his finger and looked at it. Nibbles and Sassa watched him carefully. Soi turned to Nibbles with panic in his eyes.
-Do you think it will help? He asked.
-Is that what I think it is? Is that… Sassa leaned in closer to Soi to observe the ring.
-Yes! It should, I hope, Nibbles exclaimed and met Soi’s eyes, he equally frightened. –Please try. Soi took the ring and Ana’s hand, and slowly put the ring on her finger. And he was sucked into her dream.

He woke up at the same place where had been attacked last time. The fire was sparkling and lit up the dark room. He was on the bed and looked up at the roof above the bed. How did he get here? It wasn’t like he had meant to end up here. And then he heard her voice, screaming. He sat up and saw Ana cornered by the man with the silver dagger. She seemed so afraid, her eyes on the brick of tears, holding out one hand in front of herself to defend herself.
-Your magic doesn’t work here, Ana, the man said sweetly but chillingly cold.
-Please, don’t do this, Ana’s voice trembled and she fell on her knees.
-I won’t hurt you, Ana, the man said but Soi doubted his words.
-Then please, put away the dagger, please.
The man held up the dagger in light and it reflected the fire.
-Do you remember, Ana, you gave it to me. And I was so happy…
-Please Sam, please…
-I said, do you remember?! The man raised his voice and the dagger.
-Wait, you’re Sam?
Soi unconsciously spoke and his presence was revealed. The man with the silver dagger slowly turned around and watched Soi with surprise.
-Soi, Ana whispered weakly.
Sam’s eyes narrowed by Ana’s words.
-Soi. What are you doing here? How did you get into my dream?
-I don’t…
He didn’t get to finish his sentence before Sam was over him with the dagger at his neck.
-I told you to stay away from Ana, Sam whispered in Soi’s ear.
-Oh, so it what her you meant.
-Well, it doesn’t matter now, as you’re about to die, Sam smiled viciously showing his teeth.

To be continued...

By J.L.Frick

The Broken Ones

Chapter 3:3 -Dreams

Soi woke up the next morning to the sound of low voices whispering urgently. Ana and Nebelius sat with their heads together, with serious faces whispering their conversation.
-This is strange, you know it’s strange, Nebelius.
-I know, but we have to take this opportunity and move as fast as we can. This break won’t last long. You know what they say about the calm before the storm, we have to be prepared. Something big is moving and we can’t sit and wait it out.
-Yes, yes. But it’s irritating to be kept in the dark. And what is even more vexing is that I think Sofara’s mayor might be correct in his judgement.
There was a pause and Soi opened his eyes a little to see the two.
-Do you think Sassy…? Nibbles asked.
-Definitely not, she won’t side with us, Ana answered decidedly.
-Then what shall we do about this? Nebelius nodded his head in direction of the south.
-She’ll come forward sooner or later, just let her be. No, I’m more worried about the lack of attacks and Sam. But there is nothing we can do about it from here.
The horses moved nervously and Ana fell silent.
-Do you think? Nibbles asked.
-No.
She rose from her position.
-We should get moving. Awake Soi. I’ll be back soon, be ready by then.
Soi closed his eyes quickly and soon felt Nibbles poke him with his foot and Soi tried to glare at him.
-Awake, you sleeping soldier, Nebelius said without enthusiasm. –Your mistress wish us to be ready to leave in five minutes. She’s a warlord, you should change mistress.
-I was assigned to her, there’s nothing I can do.
-You could kill yourself.
-It’s not that bad, Soi was appalled.
-It was a joke, Nebelius explained but his face was still grave. –But it would be rather fun to witness, so if you ever consider it please tell me beforehand. I could assist.
-I think we should pack up.
Soi moved away from Nebelius.
When Ana returned the camp was fixed and Soi had already mounted his mare and waited anxiously. He reached down to receive her hand and pulled her up.
-Aren’t you anxious like a teenager? Nibbles, what did you do? Ana watched Nibbles from the corner of her eye.
-I didn’t kiss him, if that’s what you’re implying.
Ana rolled her eyes.
Throughout the day, Soi kept their conversation in his mind. He couldn’t piece it together but he thought it strange that they hadn’t said anything about the fact that they were being followed. And what about the monsters? Ana had said that there were plenty of them but he had only seen one and that was the one he had cut up. Soi kept looking backwards to see any pursuers.
-What are you doing? Ana asked irritated when he for the eleventh time turned his head back. She had a little wrinkle between her eyebrows and her mouth was slightly stretched, her eyes flashing dangerously.
-Didn’t you say we were being pursued? Soi whispered back to her.
-That is something you don't have to bother about, that is my and Nibbles problem.
-But I’m your guard.
Ana laughed heartily.
-Yes, and what a fine guard you are. You don’t have to worry about this bug, she’s not foolish enough to attack us. She knows better than that.
-Bug?
-Yes, a black leather dressed bug who’s irritating to death.
-What about the monsters then?
-I thought I already told you that they don’t move in the daylight? Honestly, can’t you remember such a little detail?
-Do you have to talk down to me?
-I’m sorry, did I hurt your feelings? Aren’t you grown-up enough to take it?
Ana glared at Soi and he sighed.
-Just give up, Soi, she’s looking for a reason to quarrel, Nibbles supported him.
-Who asked you?! Ana cried.

The next days passed in a similar way. Ana got more and more touchy and tried to pick fights with both Soi and Nibbles and soon her moodiness rubbed off the other two.
On the seventh evening it escalated. The meal was over and the silence was thick. Suddenly the bushes on the south side of the camp moved and they all became very still.
-Is it the monster? Soi asked nervously.
Neither Ana nor Mr Silver answered him. But then they both relaxed and got on with what they were doing.
-No, Ana said shortly.
Soi waited for her to continue but she didn’t say another word.
-Then what is it? He asked irritated.
Nibbles watched him with a silly and irritated smile on his lips.
-You’re right Ana, he does ask a lot of questions.
Something in his voice made Soi nervous and he remained silent throughout the evening. When he finally fell sleep around midnight he slept restlessly and woke up several times but he didn’t dream anything. He felt a bug crawling on his blanket, he heard an owl hooting in the distance or a cloud blocked the moon. There many things that bothered him. All the unanswered questions were swirling around in his head. What were these monsters? Who was Nebelius Silver? What was the Academy? Who was Sam? What was stalking them? What was the Broken Ones really? And the question that took up most space in his confused mind was who was Ana?

When it was his time to guard, it didn’t take long before he begun imagining things. Was it a snake rattling in the bushes or something else? Was it the wind or an animal howling in the distance? Something was glowing between the trees, wasn’t it? The glowing light came closer and closer. Soi didn’t know if to wake Ana up or not. His heart pounded and his mind was buzzing. It was definitely something creeping up closer to their camp. Soi reached for his sword and opened his mouth to wake Ana. But too late.
Something large and black came flying over him. But it wasn’t a monster.
-Oh, Sammy dearest, missed me much?
A tall woman dressed completely in black leather was striding him. She had black hair and dark eyes. She had a sassy smile on her lips and when she saw that it wasn’t Sam she was striding her smile broadened. She flipped her hair and smacked her lips.
-Well hello.
-Get off him, Sassa.
Ana had woken up by the tumult and watched the two as she leaned on her elbow and supported her tired head.
-Oh, are you here? The woman said with false surprise.
-As you didn’t know. Get off him.
Ana was clearly annoyed but the woman ignored her.
-He’s pretty, rather handsome. He’s a broken?
-No.
Ana’s grey eyes narrowed.
-Then…
-My guard.
The woman laughed.
-Your guard? You, have a guard! Fancy that. What about Sam then? Does he approve? Or has he left you yet? Is your guard the same kind as mine?
-Sassy, shut up! Nibbles had woken up as well.
-Oh, Nibbles, you’re here as well?
-Where else would he be? Ana snorted.
-Isn’t this a nice gathering. Feels like old times except… where’s Sam?
-He’s dead.
-Oh, the woman answered rather disappointed.
There was a short silence. Then the leather covered woman insensitively asked:
-Oh, is he dead dead or just “dead”?
-What does it matter?
-What does she mean? Soi asked confused and tried to gently push the woman off him. –Dead dead or “dead”?
-He’s dead, ok?! Ana yelled and stood up, her eyes tearing. –He’s not coming back, that’s what it means!
-Ana, Nibbles uttered softly.
-No! Do not pity me, it’s his fault! His fault… Her voice broke and tears flooded her cheeks. She grabbed her staff and marched off, limping heavily. The silence was thick.
-Oops, hit a soft spot it seems. The woman smiled broadly –Made my day.
-Sassy, shut up and get off Soi.
Nebelius was vexed and glared with his one eye at the black clothed woman. The woman dismounted Soi deliberately slowly, her mouth twisted into a wry smile.
-I’m so sorry to have bothered you, she said. –But there is nothing I love better than to annoy Ana. She’s such a stuck-up and a bore so she deserves it, and she’s so cute when she’s mad. Like a little doll. A crying doll, to be correct.
The woman stood up and stretched out her hand to Soi.
-I’m Sassa, and this is my guard, she said and proudly presented a man who stood with a lit lantern in the outskirts of the camp. –Isn’t he handsome? Has tons of muscles and is otherwise well equipped, I think I have outdone myself this time. He’s such a catch.
-You don’t really need a guard, Sassy, Nibbles pointed out.
-You could say he guard my needs, Sassa smiled sassy. -I sure have a lot of those.
Soi lost all colour on his face.
-She’s called Sassy for a reason, Nebelius informed Soi.
-And mr Nebelius here is called Nibbles for a reason as well, Sassa retorted.
In Soi’s perspective Ana was the sanest one of the broken ones he’d met so far. And not even she was entirely normal.
-I think I should go and check on Ana, Soi said.
-Oh, please, she can look after herself, it’s not like she was born yesterday, Sassa cried out. –Stay and have fun with me instead.
She smiled invitingly.
-Sassy, he isn’t that kind of guard. He’s a real guard.
-Are you sure? I mean, he’s even alive. Doesn’t she usually kill them off?
Soi left the two broken to themselves and swiftly departed the camp.

It was still dark but the moon hung high in the sky and lit the woods. He could hear the river rush and walked in its direction. On a large rock Ana sat with her legs hanging over the ground and with her head in her hands. Beside the rock the staff stood tilted. Her body quivered as she cried and she looked so small. Like a child, the little girl she was.
-Ana? He asked carefully.
She dried her eyes clean from tears and turned around. In the moonlight Soi could see that her cheeks were redden and new tears begun to fall.
-What? She said, even her voice was weaker than usual, sounding tired.
-How are you?
-Fine, just need to be alone. You can go back, you don’t have to guard me, you know.
-I know.
He sat down beneath the rock, beside her staff.
-Can’t you just tell what’s going on? I understand that you are upset about Sam’s death but this was just the top of the iceberg. You have been on your toes for days.
-I’m sorry.
She shook her head slowly.
-What are you sorry for?
-The mess I’ve dragged you into.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 3:2 -Dreams

Most of the day passed from the saddle. Soi enjoyed the fact that Nibbles also was a persistent lunch eater and wouldn’t move one meter before he at least had spent thirty minutes of eating and resting. It irritated Ana but there was nothing she could do about it except starting to walk. Ten minuets into the break she disappeared among the trees cursing and Soi and Nibbles were left to themselves.
-So, any clue to why the swift departure?
Nibbles scratched his short stubble and observed Soi with indifference from the corner of his right eye.
-It may sound silly, but I think it was because of a dream.
-A dream, Nibbles nodded thoughtful.
-My dream, to be exact. There was a man trying to choke me.
-I take it he didn’t succeed. Did he happen to have one or two fingers too few?
-Actually, yes. It was one of the reasons he couldn’t choke me.
Nibbles smiled.
-Lucky you.
Soi frowned his forehead.
-Can you explain one thing to me?
-Sure.
-What did you mean with the broken ones?
-I can explain that part, but first answer my question. Nibbles looked serious.-Are you stupid?
-No.
-How long have you been around here?
-Two years.
-And you haven’t heard of the broken ones? Nibbles nodded to himself. –I suppose that’s possible. Well, are you acquainted with the term magic?
-I know of its existence, yes.
-Do you see my eye patch? He pointed to the obvious covered left eye.
Soi nodded in response.
-My eye was damaged by accident, it’s a permanent damage but it don’t give me much bother or ache. This injury provides me with an extent of magic. Enough to make my life easier to get through without my damaged eye. So people with injuries possess magic as a compensation for their injuries.
-A kind of magicians? Soi asked and thought about the sleeping spell Ana had casted on him.
-You may call us magician but that is just a branch. Our collective name is the Broken Ones, as we are all broken to some extent. That extent is what separates how powerful we are as “magicians”. My injury doesn’t hinder me much and was also caused when I was older so I ain’t that powerful. In comparison to Ana.
-She said she never had been able to walk properly, Soi remembered.
-And her leg still bothers her. She’s practically immortal by our length met.
The word sent a lot of wheels spinning in Soi’s mind. Immortal. Was that why she didn’t know her exact- she had lived so long? But then again, she had the body of a young girl. Nothing seemed to add up.
And right at that moment Ana returned from her walk, as if being the answer to all questions. She had a grumpy face and when Soi opened his mouth she shot him an annoyed glance telling him that he better not ask any questions. She sat down beside their small fire and stirred it with her staff.
-We’re being followed, she said with a low voice.
Nibbles didn’t seem surprised by her words. He just nodded, rose from his position and went to check on the horses.
-The monsters?
-No, they’re not monsters. At least not during sunlight.
Soi was confused, did she mean that the ones following them weren’t monsters or that the monsters weren’t monsters during daytime? But Ana said no more and he didn’t dare ask. Not after Nibbles and his talk about magic.
Ana spoke up:
-So, are you done with your lunch break? Can we get moving?
-If you like.
-Well let’s go then. Breaks are such a waste of daylight.
They put out the fire and packed up. Soi mounted his mare and pulled Ana up behind him.
-What direction? Soi asked.
-North. Always north, Ana said and Soi steered his mare forward.
-Oh, I thought we were going to Beroal, Nibbles said in surprise.
-I’m going to the Academy.
-Oh, Nibbles nodded. –I suppose I can follow you there.
-It’s not like you’re chained to us, Ana raised one eyebrow.
-If Soi is going, I think I’ll follow you. I must see how long he’ll survive, he smiled broadly.
-Thank you, Soi said sourly.
Nibbles tipped his hat. They pushed their horses to fall into a steady canter.
-What’s the Academy? Soi glanced over his shoulder to Ana who held onto him.
-None of your concern.
-It’s a safe haven for our kind, Nibbles answered instead.
Ana glared at him.
-What? He asked innocently and raised both eyebrows.
-The less he knows the better. He’s just a guard.
-But he survived, Nibbles countered and got another glare. –Alright then, my lips are sealed, as your highness wish. He is your guard after all.
He took a bow from the saddle and cantered away. When he was out of sight Ana leaned forward to Soi.
-Don’t listen to everything he says, she breathed into his ear.
-Because I shouldn’t know it.
-Because he doesn’t always tell the truth.
She leaned back and didn’t say another word. They caught up with Nibbles and together they continued their journey which now had a destination- the Academy.

As the sun begun to set Soi felt the need to sleep increase. They had had an early start in the day and the nightmares had not provided the goodnight’s sleep he had needed. He was worried about the dreams, they had been too real for him to forget about and he was worried that as he closed his eyes those crazy green eyes would be waiting for him. Soi tried to stay awake but his eyes flickered and his chin fell to his breast, his body relaxed and he started to slide off his mare, taking Ana with him. The next second he was on the ground and looked up into Ana’s angry grey eyes. His mare looked confused down on both of them. Nibbles was laughing his heart out.
-What happened?
-We fell! She answered irritated.
-Why?
-Because you fell asleep! How could you fall asleep?
-I… I don’t know. It was an early start today, I guess I was just tired.
-Don’t you have the ring I gave you?
-Oh, yes, he took forth the ring. –Here you go.
-You idiot, it’s for you.
-For me?
Nibbles burst out in laughter again.
-You gave him your ring? Sam’s ring? He laughed.
-I thought it would work.
Ana actually blushed but if it was because she was angry or embarrassed was hard to tell.
-Obvious not, Nibbles pointed out.
-Work against what? Soi said puzzled.
-Against dreams.
-Dreams?
-Sam was real good with dreams, he could possess people’s dreams and change them. Once you fall asleep you’re in his hands and at his mercy, Nibbles explained further.
-And what does Ana’s ring got to do with it.
-Sam gave it to her and it can prevent other people from intruding her dreams.
-And your dream this morning may be the work of a dream magician, Ana intervened.-A real powerful dreamer, as we call them, can even make you fall asleep and kill you in your sleep. You were lucky to get away. I thought that Sam’s ring could prevent you from falling asleep. But it didn’t work.
-But I didn’t dream.
-What did you say? Ana looked at Soi with large eyes. –You didn’t dream?
-It all went so fast, but I didn’t dream anything.
-So the ring didn’t stop you from falling asleep but it prevented any dreams.
-It seems like it.
-Very well then, it’s time to stop. If it can’t prevent you from sleeping it’s better to settle for tonight, Nibbles said and dismounted his stallion.
He began to unpack. Ana quickly rose from her kneeling position by Soi.
-But we haven’t gotten anywhere, we have barely moved all this day!
-Dear Ana, we have covered more ground these few hours of efficient riding than you would cover walking for five days. And the horses need a break as well.
-Pathetic creatures, Ana snorted and disappeared into the surrounding forest.
Half an hour later she returned with her arms full of dry firewood and the camp was settled. In contrast to Ana and Soi’s starlit sleeping settlement, Nibbles had put up a tent large enough to contain one person. When Ana saw it she snorted. Nibbles, positioned by the homemade fireplace waiting for Ana to bring him some wood to make the fire, directed his eyes to Ana and followed her despicable look to his one man tent.
-You can borrow it if you like.
-It’s a waste of time, she said and brought him the wood.
-My time, to be correct.
-But as you are accompanying me it is my time you are wasting.
-Dear girl, you are obsessed with time. You don’t have to wait for me in the morning while I’m packing down my tent, if you prefer. But I will not sleep under the stars like a ranger.
That ended their discussion and soon they were all seated around the growing fire.
-So, Soi, tell a little about yourself, Nibbles said.
-Me?
-Yes, you’re obvious not from around as you haven’t heard of the broken, and, quite honestly, you don’t look like the rest of the world. I’ve been around a lot these couple years but I haven’t seen anyone like you before. I’m sure you haven’t either Ana, am I correct?
Soi looked nervously at Ana who returned it with a slightly irritated stare.
-I suggest you travel a few more years, Nebelius, before you make any presumptions that Soi would be one of the kind, she answered him neutrally. –There must be thousands of black haired people on this land alone. And as you remember, I stand out quite a bit on this side of the mountains with my fair headed looks.
-Stand out is indeed the word I seek. His slanted eyes are standing out in his character. Now, will you honestly tell me that you have never come across such eyes?
-His eyes are slanted? Where? Ana played surprised.
-Oh, please, his eyes are lines cut out from the tip of his nose to the end of his eyebrows, Nibbles was caught up in her act, irritated by her ignorance.
Ana leaned in towards the fire to study Soi over the red and orange flames. She narrowed her eyes and stretched her lips to a thin line. Quietly she shook her head.
-I think the dark and the fire is playing tricks with your mind, Nebelius. Or perhaps it is that your one eye can’t keep up with the real images of the world and creates a fantasy world for you to believe in.
-Are you saying that his eyes aren’t slanted? Nibbles one eye narrowed and stared at Ana, but it was as if she didn’t notice him.
-Shall we eat then? The fire is strong enough to be used.
They ate and settled for the night.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 3:1 -Dreams

Soi’s dreams that night was filled with monsters and blood and Nibbles trying to kiss him. On the whole, it was a nightmare. Then suddenly his dreams changed. It was hard to breath. His eyes flared open and he met a pair of green eyes sparkling with anger. Around Soi’s neck were a pair of hands holding tightly, squeezing more and more. Soi struggled to get loose and in his mind a thought swiftly went by- why wasn’t Ana helping him? She would have noticed that he was being attacked by now. It looked like he was about to choke to death when there was an opening and he could grip the hands of the choker and push him away. The attacker rose from the floor and in his hands a dagger was glimmering. With a mad scream he attacked Soi…
Who sat up in his bed, panting and sweating. It was still dark outside.
-It was only a dream, he whispered to himself. –But it was so real.
-What was a dream?
Ana stood by the window.
-I was dreaming that this man with green eyes was trying to choke me.
-Green eyes, that’s very specific, Ana said sarcastic but her eyes had narrowed by his description.
-Yes well, he didn’t succeed, I pushed him off me, but then he draw a dagger, it was silver, I think, and he came at me and then I woke up.
That caught Ana’s attention.
-A silver dagger? Are you sure? She walked up to Soi and sat down beside him on the bed. She met his eye intensively. –Did you see anything else, did you see his hands?
-Yes, I did. I could feel them too. He couldn’t get a good grip on my neck with his left hand and when I shoved him away I saw that he only had three fingers in the middle left, the thumb and the little finger were missing.
Ana’s eyes went wide open but she didn’t say anything. Suddenly she rose and limped back to the window standing with her back to him.
-He always was good with dreams, she said, lost in thoughts.
The silence was held for minutes and Soi could feel his eyes falling. Through tiny slits Soi saw Ana turning around and just before shutting his eyes she closed the distance between the window and the bed with a few steps. She grabbed his shoulders and rocked him roughly. When their eyes met she held his gaze with a serious face.
-We’re leaving, she said.
He rubbed his eyes.
-But it’s still dark outside, he yawned.
-It’ll be dawn soon. Start packing, I must go and make sure of something. Wait here and don’t fall asleep!
-I’ll try not to.
Ana limped out of the room and still yawning, Soi begun packing. Not that there was much to pack. So when he was done he started making the bed instead in a very slow pace. When he was done the sun was glimmering on the horizon. Soi sat down on the bed and he felt his head tilt forward again and again, his eyes grow heavy and the idea of just lying down for a moment formed in his sluggish mind. He lay down on his side, slowly closing his eyes.
The man with the green eyes sat by the fire in an armchair. His eyes was momentarily closed and Soi thought it looked like he was sleeping. The man gripped the dagger with right hand. Soi must have moved unconsciously because the man opened his eyes and looked straight at him. Anger filled his eyes and he abruptly stood up, pointing the dagger at Soi.
-You stay away from her! He yelled and was marching toward Soi when suddenly a hit over his head brought Soi back to reality. Ana’s grey eyes looked right into his. She was not happy.
-I told you specifically not to fall asleep! She shrieked at him and marched in the opposite direction.
-You hit me, Soi was astonished and rubbed his head.
-You deserved it, Ana muttered. –I told you not to fall asleep, yet you lay down on a bed! A very bright idea, Soi!
-Then what should I have done?
-Well, have you ever tried sleeping on your feet, not very likely to happen, am I right? You could have stood up, you could even have sat down in a chair but not lied down on a bloody bed! You haven’t even finished packing!
Soi’s eyes were flickering and he felt himself swaying backwards from where he sat on the bed.
-Don’t you dare fall asleep again! Ana hissed and got back to him and helped him stand up before she smacked his cheek. Soi tumbled a few steps by the strength of her hit. He put his hand on his now sore cheek and tried to glower at Ana. She took his other free hand and put something in it. He recognised the cold weight of metal.
-Hold this for me, she said and then went back to packing.
Soi watched the item that had been handed to him. It was a simple metal ring made out of zinc or iron, it had no pattern or engravings.
Ana was soon done with the packing and they made their way downstairs where they met a fairly relaxed mr Silver. He was seated in one of the bar chairs with his legs resting on the edge of the table. He was the only one up other than them.
-Nibbles, Ana acknowledged. –We’re leaving.
-In a hurry, yes I can see that, he smiled.
-As you have already packed, you might as well come with us.
-I accept your invitation, Nibbles answered and gracefully stood and took his small bag with him.
They made their way out of the tavern and to the village stables.
-Oh, so you have a horse with you? Nibbles said genuinely surprised.
-I suspect you have one as well.
-Yes, of course.
-Good.
Soi and Nibbles prepared their horses. Soi felt less and less sleepy with each breath of fresh air. He still had Ana’s ring in his pocket and wondered when she wanted it back. But he decided not to ask. Not yet at least.
When they were done the horses were led out on the yard where Nibbles mounted his roan stallion.
-Soi, help me up, Ana ordered.
Soi quickly mounted his own brown mare and from the back heaved Ana up behind him. Nebelius watched the act with glimmering eyes.
-Now there’s a sight you don’t see everyday, Nibbles said surprised. –When did you decide that horses are a helpful transportation?
-I don’t have much choice, do I? Ana answered sourly.
-But you can’t ride.
-And I still can’t, I’m off balance. But it helps when I just have to concentrate on holding on to something rather than make the horse forward and backwards and wherever.
-I salute you, Soi, to mould the will of this stone hard rock. Nibbles bowed from his position in the saddled. –Well then, let’s ride.


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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 2:3 -Monsters

It didn’t take him long to catch up with her and they continued their journey in silence, Soi chewing on an apple and Ana limping while quietly cussing her leg. The day went by and as the sky was turning darker and Soi more frequently glanced over his shoulder they arrived to a small village by the river bank. There were only a dozen of houses but more were being built and there were plenty of people. At the scenery of the village and the seething of life Ana stopped and observed every movement before with big eyes.
-I have never been here before, she said as if it was impossible. –No, I’ve been here but the village wasn’t here. How could this happen?
-A lot of things can happen in a few years time, Soi chipped in.
She turned her head to him, there was a small wrinkle between her blonde eyebrows.
-Yes, you’re right, she mumbled, almost as to herself.
-Well, shall we see if there are any inns in the village?
Soi led his horse to the village without waiting for a reply.
There was one inn or rather a pub with a few spare rooms on the second floor. They settled in and found themselves in front of a dinner table. Ana had, as always, ordered twice as much to eat than Soi. He was taller, had far more muscles and was male, he should be the one with a healthy appetite instead of this skinny little girl. Soi watched her in amaze as she was bulking down her dinner and was swallowing it with an abundance of mead. This young girl was a heavy drinker and he didn’t know if it was awful or if he was awestruck. As he saw her mentality change he quickly retrieved the mead from her. From a moment it looked like she would protest as she narrowed her eyes to dangerous slits but she was caught off guard as a stranger sat down beside her. And kissed her on the cheek!
Soi didn’t know how to react as Ana immediately didn’t oppose. He gulped down some mead himself. When he looked up from the bottle the stranger had moved on from kissing Ana’s cheek to licking it, and Soi felt it convenient to interfere when Ana, clearly annoyed and seemingly unaffected by the mead, pushed the stranger away.
-Nibbles, she said and Soi easily recognised the sarcasm hidden in her voice. –Meet Soi. Soi, this is an acquaintance of mine, Nebelius Silver, commonly known as Nibbles.
The stranger acted as if he hadn’t seen Soi before Ana introduced him.
-Oh, Soi, what a pleasure to meet you, he said and reached out to shake Soi’s hand but instead of shaking it he kissed it, much to Soi’s surprise.
-Yes, a pleasure, Soi agreed lamely and retrieved his hand quickly.
-So, you are one of the new broken ones? Nibbles continued.
-Broken?
And there ended Nibbles pleasure of meeting him. He turned back to Ana and ignored Soi and his question.
-So, he’s not then, I take it, he said.
-I never said he was, Ana said, annoyed and innocent at the same time.
-Then who is he?
-I’m her guard, Soi chipped in. –From Sofara.
-Her guard? Nibbles interest flew right back from out of the window. He sweetly put his cheeks between his two hands and tilted his head as if he was a little girl and watched Soi with innocent eyes, or rather eye as his left eye was covered with an eye patch. He looked like a pirate so on the whole it was very bizarre. His next question was directed to Ana.
-So, he survived.
-Yes, but I’m personally going to kill him if he keep asking stupid questions.
-There are no stupid questions, Nibbles said sweetly, his one eye flickering flirtatious to Soi. –It’s the persons asking them who are stupid.
-Well, it’s reason enough for me to kill him. It’s just dumb luck that he survived anyway.
-I’d say it’s a miracle.
Once again he winked his eye to Soi and sent him an airborne kiss over the table. Soi thought himself lucky to be on the other side of the table.
-Could you stop flirting with him!
Ana sounded a bit pissed off and Nibbles directed his eye to her instead.
-Are you jealous, darling? He asked innocently.
Ana stared at him with piercing eyes and Nibbles turned serious.
-Heard about Sam, by the way. Sorry.
Ana rose abruptly froma her chair and marched out of the dining room. Leaving Soi alone with Nibbles.
-So you survived, Nibbled nodded. –How?
-Well, I suppose I was just lucky, as she said. If the monster hadn’t attacked Ana first I wouldn’t had time to pick up my sword and stab him.
Nibbles looked amazed at him.
-You saved Ana’s life? No wonder why she’s pissed. So what was Ana doing at this time if you had to rescue her?
-She was sleeping.
-Oh, dear, she’s got a death wish, Nibbles sounded serious.
Soi couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.
-What do you mean, she seems ok. I think…
-It has to do with Sam.
-The dead guy.
-Uhm, yeah. Got killed by the monsters most likely, which is not like him.
Nibbles reached across the table and took Soi’s hand and leaned forward.
-You see, they were real close, like brother and sister, he whispered confidingly.
Their eyes met and in the way Nibbles smile broadened Soi could tell that there was more to Ana and Sam’s relation than that. Suddenly, as if someone called on Nibbles, he rose and looked at the front door of the pub. Then he turned his head back to Soi, still smiling.
-Well, I have to go, Nibbles said.
He put on his gloves and tipped his hat in a gesture of good bye and turned to go. And turned back again.
-Oh, I almost forgot. Can you deliver a message to your dear mistress?
Soi nodded yes.
-There aren’t any monsters. Or rather they ain’t monsters. Although, I’m sure she already knows.
And so Nebelius Silver left, leaving Soi in a pond of confusion. The monsters that were following them weren’t monsters? Then what were they?

After dark, Soi returned to Ana’s room. He knocked on the door. Nothing but silence answered him so he opened up a crack, just enough to see that all lights were out except for the burning fire. Ana must be sleeping.
-Aren’t you even going to ask if you can come in before you break up the door?
Her voice was as low and sarcastic as ever.
-Well, you don’t like my questions that much…
-Clever boy. I’ll award you the permission to enter.
Soi carefully stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind him and found himself absorbed by darkness.
-I suppose Nibbles found it entertaining that you saved my life, other than you simply survived.
-How did you…
-He has a one-track mind when it comes to the pleasure of my faults, and you sure are one of them.
-Well, he has left now.
-Oh, he hasn’t left, he’ll stick around a few days, as long as we are fun. He’s rather hard to get rid of.
-He asked me to convey a message, about the monsters.
-Let’s hear it then.
Ana leaned away from the shadows and the fire spread light onto her serious face.
-He said they ain’t monsters.
Ana leaned back before Soi could read her expression but it looked like she had lost all colour.
-I should have known he would know, she whispered from the shadows.
-He did say you’d probably already knew. What did he mean?
-Nothing for you to bother about. And as a rule, Nibbles say useless things so don’t listen too eagerly to everything that drops out of his mouth.
-He said you have a death wish.
-What did I tell you, useless things.
-But is he right? Do you have a death wish?
-Yes, yours, she leaned forward so he could see her smirk.
-How many times have you been saved by one of the abundance of guards you’ve had over the past few years?
-Including you, one. Do you imply sleeping is equal to having a wish to die? She raised one eyebrow.
-No, but sleeping heavily, especially as you are aware that there are monsters lurking around you. I think that mayor was right in sending me with you. You do need protection. I don’t know what has happened to you and I don’t care, I was sent to protect you and that I will.
-Well aren’t you a good dog barking at the wrong tree. Are you done with your speech so I can continue my sleep?
-Of course. Do you have my key?
-Key? To what?
-My room.
-This is your room.
-You only got one room, he said as a matter of fact.
-Because it’s cheaper than two rooms and I am supposed to provide for you during this trip so…
-And this room only got one bed because?
-It’s cheaper than two.
-Obviously, he gritted his teeth.-So am I suppose to sleep on the floor?
-Oh, so you miss sleeping outside in the forest? Otherwise I would recommend the bed, it’ll be the last one you’ll see for a long time.
-You mean we should share that one bed?
-Yes, she answered and looked at him with a blank face.
He stared back at her and she raised one eyebrow.
-Do you want me to give you other reasons to why sleeping is a good idea?
-No it’s fine, just wondered how old you really are. How old are you?
She blinked her eyes in indifference.
-Oh, I’ve stopped keeping track. Twenty maybe?
-Not possible, Soi protested.
-No? Okey, I don’t know, how about thirteen, fourteen, does that seem appropriate?
Soi watched her doubtingly as she studied herself.
-No, I think I am older, I mean look at my body, doesn’t it look like a teenagers?
Soi was in shock.
-Let’s just sleep, he answered instead.
He undressed but kept his pants on and slipped in between the sheets of the bad.
-Good night, he said but Ana was already snoring.


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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 2:2 -Monsters

It was as the remains of the fire was dying out that Soi heard the first noises of something moving among the trees that surrounded them. His first thought was to keep absolutely still so that he might be mistaken for a rock or something else from nature. But the might-be weighed lightly on the scale of what was most likely to happen and his sword was a few meters away which was a few meters too far for him to reach. Had it been by his foot, which he now was cursing his thick head for not keeping it close to him, he would at least felt secure by the thought that he would be able to protect himself. He now had to leave his position to get it, causing him to be the centre of attention of any monster that was lurking about. Another few meters further away Ana was sleeping, seemingly unaware of the world around her.
-Ana, Soi hissed.
She rolled over at the sound of her name and mumbled in her sleep.
“At least she respond when being called upon.” Soi thought sarcastically.
-Ana, he tried again.
But this time the respond came elsewhere. From the trees behind Ana a low growl came ringing over the camp. This was a sound all too familiar for Ana to stay asleep from. She sluggishly opened her eyes by when the monster was already attacking her and Soi had run forward, picked up his sword and interrupted the monster’s attack by cutting it in the stomach and protectively falling over Ana who got partially flushed with blood from the monster. For a short moment Ana and Soi’s eyes met, hers expressing “why are you on top of me” and his “please don’t kill me”. As Soi scrambled off of her, the monster disappeared between the trees, leaving with a howling of hurt. Ana was soon standing on her legs and eyed their wrecked camp carefully.
-Light the fire, she ordered Soi.
-Do you think it will come back?
-What a stupid question, was all he got for an answer.
By the time the fire was re-lit and the camp somewhat restored, the hovering anxiety had dispersed and the two of them were staring at each other over the orange flames of their fire.
-So you cut its stomach.
-Yes.
-And as I am covered in its blood I’m guessing you cut it pretty deep.
-Do you think it will die from the wound?
-You can always hope, but I’m going to be a bore and say that we should watch our backs from now on.
-You mean it will come back for revenge.
-They are not dum, she said seriously but added, unlike others.
Soi glowered at her.
-Even if we would be so lucky that the others catch the wounded and finish him off, they could trail the blood back to our camp and keep tracking us.
-How many are they?
Ana sent him an annoyed shot, but answered.
-Too many. Not so many on this side of the mountains though this is a more preferable environment for them. A lot more of them up north, which is where we’re going.
Soi lowered his eyes.
-You’ll sleep now, and I’ll change with you later.
Ana got up from her position by the fire.
-And stay close to the fire.
-Where are you going? Soi raised his head and followed her limping steps to the outskirt of the light which was casted by the flames.
She turned her head to meet his gaze.
-I’m going to change out of these clothes and wash myself by the river. You are welcome to join, I would need someone to scratch my back clean from blood.
The fire and the surrounding darkness concealed Soi’s flushed cheeks. It scared him that her offer had been so honest. She was just a girl! Though she acted as a mature and know-it-all adult, she was strangely naïve at the same time.
-No, I’m alright. Be careful though.
Her eyes flashed dangerously.
-Who do you think I am? She said and marched off.
As she disappeared between the trees she called back:
-Don’t answer that, it wasn’t a question!

How he managed to fall asleep is a question still to be answered but he must have dozed off because the next time he opened his eyes Ana was back from the river. She sat close to the fire, trying to sort out her long hay-coloured hair from small knots. She had pulled on something that looked similar to a dress and her legs were bare.
For the first time Soi could see the reason to why Ana limped. Her left leg was utterly deformed and she held it stretched out in front of her while the right leg was gently bent by the knee. It appeared that the left leg could not be bent by the knee but was forever stretched out. Soi felt a wave of sympathy for the young girl as she sat there and hummed on a tune while untangling her hair. But he decided to stay quiet, he knew his questions was unwelcome. He closed his eyes again

Something hard hit him on the head and when he opened his eyes he discovered a waterbottle lying beside him. The sun was rising in the east. Another waterbottle hit him.
-Get up or I will go on without you. And as you probably haven’t got a map or a clue to where we are I’ll bet you couldn’t find your way back to Sofara. To make it short, you’ll die here, alone.
During Ana’s speech Soi slowly got up, his legs sore from all the riding the day before. He stretched his back before starting to collect his things. When Ana had finished speaking, he looked at her patiently then said:
-I just have to follow the river downwards, right.
If Ana was shocked she covered it well.
-I see you have no problem thinking straight although the early start.
-I keep it as a good habit to notice where I am going, so I wouldn’t get lost.
-Do you get lost often? Ana smiled wryly.
-Not these days, Soi smiled back. –Now, are we going to eat breakfast now or later?
-There will be no breakfast.
-What do you mean?
-I don’t eat breakfast. You can eat an apple if you like, but that must be from the back of your horse cause we have to get moving. Can you help me up?
She was already prepared to set off and had even saddled his mare and stood now, not so patiently, by it and waited to be assisted onto the horse. Soi sighed, helped her up and then himself and they were off.
They kept travelling or hours, either riding or walking to let Soi’s horse rest from the heavy burden of carrying two persons. Trying to be subtle about it, he let Ana ride on her own so she didn’t have to use her damaged leg. But as she kept sliding off he had to put his hand on her left leg to prevent her from falling. At first she didn’t notice that he’d even had placed it there. It wasn’t until Soi himself pointed it out, so much for being subtle, that she noticed.
-Don’t you have any sense of feeling in you leg?
Ana turned her head towards him and with a surprised expression saw his hand on her leg.
-Some, she answered stiffly. –Would you please remove your hand from my thigh?
He did and she immediately lost her balance and she fell. Right over Soi and they both tumbled down to the ground.
-It mostly hurts, which is a feeling I sure can be without, Ana continued to answer as she lay on top of Soi who was having a hard time to breath.
-I know what you mean, he panted.
-Good, I’m so glad that you understand me, she said sarcastically and patted him roughly on the chest.
She started to crawl off him and was soon standing on her own two legs.
-I’ll say that was our midday’s rest, so shall we continue? She limped towards the horse.
Soi sat up and looked confused at her.
-But… what about lunch?
-Eat an apple, will you. I’ll go on ahead, need to walk off the itch in my leg.
And off she went, disappearing among the trees.

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

The Broken Ones

Chapter 2:1 -Monsters

-Soi, you are asked for.
A series of knocks on his door woke Soi up from his slumber. Lately, always being in Ana’s presence made him tired beyond thought and each time he could escape her influence he went back to his house to sleep. At first he had found his tiredness strange but had put it off as Ana’s strong character being too overwhelming.
Soi yawned and got up, rubbing his eyes clear from sleep. The sun was just glimmering on the horizon and the sky was dark and partly filled with stars. It was early in the morning.
-Yes, he responded and opened the door.
-The mayor asks for your presence immediately, he said it was about Ana.
-I’ll be there, he snorted.
Some minutes later Soi installed himself at the mayor’s office at the Fair Lady.
-Soi.
The mayor stood facing the window with his hands on his back.
-Yes, sir.
-Ana’s leaving. Are you ready to depart?
-Sir, I will be, as soon as I have collected some of my things and saddled my horse. This could be done in a few minutes.
-I will send someone to saddle your horse for you, it will save us some time.
-Sir, why the hurry?
-Ana is leaving now. At the moment we are resisting her effort to make to make it out of town as we, no, I need you to go with her.
-She is fighting your men? He looked at the mayor in surprise.
-Yes, and we are losing, so I would appreciate if you would go and pack your items instantly.
The mayor turned around to face Soi, his face serious.
-Of course, sir.
Soi left directly and soon, from the back of his mare, he approached the scene where Ana fought the mayor’s men. She was leaving a trace behind her as she progressed through the town. No one was badly hurt, they were only left with sore bodies, scratches and an injured pride after being beaten by the young girl. Those foolish enough to attack again from behind got a broken leg or two as punishment. Shortly there would be no men left to fight her.
The mayor stood by the street, watching grimly Ana as she single handedly smashed up his entire staff of guards. When he saw Soi he gave the order for the guards to retreat. Ana flashed the mayor a suspicious glance and then discovered Soi on his horse in the corner of her eye. And she sighed deeply.
-Well come on then. Haven’t got all day.
She continued her walk, slightly dragging her injured leg in the mud. She was tired, though she breathed effortlessly. Soi easily caught up with her and pulled her up on the horse. They made it out of the town though Ana kept sliding off at one or the other side of the horse.
-Have you ever been on a horse before?
-Yes, but I kept falling off so I have given up the whole riding business.
-Well if you put your arms around me you won’t fall off. At least not without taking me with you. Soi smiled back at her. –I can teach you how to ride, if you want to.
-Oh, I’ve already been taught, I’m simply not good at it. Sam kept pestering me about how I would move more quickly with a horse.
-He’s right. Sam, isn’t that the one you were waiting for? What happened, why did you leave?
-He’s dead. I have already dragged on the departure a week, but he didn’t come. Ana lowered her voice as if speaking to herself. –He should have known better.
Soi didn’t know what to say, if he should comfort her in any way?
-I’m sorry for your loss, he said.
-It’s his loss, not mine.
Her voice was indifferent.
-But weren’t you friends? Soi asked confused.
-Friends? Ana repeated and seemed lost by the word.
Soi didn’t try to explain and focused on the path in front of them.

In silence they travelled for hours up streams with spectacular mountains ahead of them. At midday they paused to eat and rest. There was little movement in the forest, no birds were singing though the sun was high in the sky. There was only the sound of the water that moved down the river that they were following. Even though the strangeness of the forest made Soi suspicious he was too tired to care. He had already lost hours of sleep because of the early start the same morning and his usual siesta after lunch was making itself known. As he mounted his mare and extended his hand down to Ana he gave a big yawn. Ana cocked her eyebrow as she let him pull her up again.
-Already tired? She asked.
-I’ve some hours of sleep, so yes, and don’t take this personally, but being around you is tiresome from some reason.
He yawned again. To his surprise Ana didn’t yell at him.
-Oh, right, that’s my fault actually, she said in a light tone. –I put a spell on you.
-A what? No, wait, you did what?! Magic?
-Well, I reckoned that if you were tired you wouldn’t ask so many questions and let me be. It would also make it a lot easier to leave the town in secrecy, and without you. It was only a small spell.
-You put a spell on me? Soi asked incredulously.
-Yes.
Silence. He yawned again.
-So revoke it before I fall off my horse!
Ana didn’t respond for awhile and then;
-Will you promise not to ask questions?
-Ana!
She sighed deeply.
-Well? Are you going to upheave it or whatever it is you do? He tried to look back at her over his shoulder. She had a deep frown on her forehead. –So?
-Yes, yes. Keep quiet, you’re breaking my concentration.
She shook her head while mumbling something that sounded similar to “so young”. Soi thought he must have misheard her. He felt another yawn coming up and his head felt heavy, He opened his mouth and… nothing. He blinked his eyes and his energy was restored. He didn’t feel a bit tired, but rather refreshed and full of energy. He turned his head to look at Ana who had closed her eyes.
-Are you done?
-Bloody questions Yes! I’m done! Now can you shut up and concentrate on getting us somewhere, possibly forward?
He did as he was told. For about half an hour.
-Ehm…, he begun.
-Yes, Ana answered grumpily.
-Did he really die, your last guard, I mean?
-Yes, they all have, she said indifferent. –Most of the time they just weren’t good of watching out for themselves, getting killed by the monsters. I might have killed one or two myself, I think.
-You killed them? Soi turned his head sharply to look her straight in the eyes.
-Yes well, they surprised me in the middle of the night, when I am on my toes of being attacked by monsters, so you could say it was out of survival instinct. If they’re going to put themselves on top of me and push me down to the ground they have to suit themselves if I react violently.
Soi’s face paled quickly and pulled his horse to a stop. Ana watched him, annoyed.
-What? It just happened. What’s done is done. It’s not like I enjoyed killing them.
-They… they were trying to rape you.
-Rape me? Rape, what is that?
How was he to explain that to her when he was looking into the eyes of a young girl.
-To put it simply, they were trying to do something to you against your will. They deserve to die. You’re just a little girl, what were they thinking?
The last thing he said to himself.
-Ah, I think I’ve heard of this rape thing before. There is a rumour that if you “rape”, strange word anyway, does it have anything to do with ropes… Anyway if you “rape” a broken you can possess their powers. Which is so not true- that’s not how it works at all.
There it was again, broken, but Soi didn’t care to ask.
-But it would explain their attack on you.
-Was it an attack? Well then, I’ll call it fair kill. Can we get moving now?
Her light tone was in contrast to Soi’s thoughts and it felt completely off but it did light up his sudden depressed mode. He urged his mare forward once again. Ana leaned forward.
-Oh, and you are not allowed to ask any questions until we set camp by dusk. Otherwise, I’ll put another spell on, agreed?
Soi thought it best to nod in response.

Ana was the first one to break the silence.
-Have you stayed long in Sofara?
-About two years.
Ana nodded to herself.
-That explains why he sent you with me. Last in, first to go. Though I admit you are quite skilled and you haven’t jumped me yet so I can’t hold that against you either. We’ll see if you last the night.
She sounded almost perky and Soi smiled a little in return.
-Either the monsters get you or I will kill you myself if you keep asking questions.
His smile faded and he pursed his lips and brows.
-You look suspiciously offended, have I said something to upset you? Ana watched him with indifference.
-Is that a question, he retorted.
She blinked at him in surprise.
-You are sparring with me, she raised one eyebrow. –Don’t answer that, it wasn’t a question!

To be continued...

By J.L.Frick