2023-09-01 23:44:50
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Great Heads 14: Happy Atmosphere
DarlaBerylene came over to help me dress for the get-together. She tightened my belt and I tried not to scream.“Tighter,” She said as she tortured my stomach with the so-called corset. “Tighter!”“Enough!” I exclaimed, breathing harshly. I now almost fell but used the wooden cabinet beside me as support. I let out a puff of air as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I gulped and tried steading my breath as I was panting.“You look like the beautiful damsel that you are.” She said stressing the word ‘beautiful’“It’s really killing me. Maybe loosening it a little would help,” I winced while holding my waist still looking at the mirror. I did look beautiful, wearing the pretty dress her mother had made for me.“She would be so pleased to see you in this dress,” Berylene said to me from behind resting her chin on my shoulder with arms wrapped around my waist.She said as her hands felt my waist, “Maybe we should loosen it up a little. The thing’s damn tight!”It was a black long
Great Heads 15:
Darla“Did you know one of our family’s been chief before?” Uncle Rustuls began his talk. He continued without waiting for a response, or he probably didn’t even expect one. “Of course you don’t. There’s a chance one of us here years from now could be the next town’s Chief. Darla, are you aware your Grandfather was one of the founders of Forestille and was once chosen to be the town’s Chief?”That one hit me. Grandpa? My humble Pa the farmer? Then why hadn’t he ever spoken of such?“Rustuls, I don’t think the old man would want her hearing this,” Beryl’s father whispered, but one could still hear.“Well, you deserve to know a little of your Pa’s past, if not everything.” Rustuls continued. “Your Pa was more than a farmer back then. He denied leadership and chose to be a far-”“Enough Rustuls!” Beryl’s father proclaimed, making everyone seem tensed up.Rustuls was the talkative one, while Beryl’s father was the opposite. He was calm and thought carefully before he spoke. Rustuls though
Great Heads 16: Word Of The Heart
Darla Something told me to go find him at the deck near the lakeside, knowing he had gone there before.I walked to the place feeling the evening breeze blow briskly as I moved.I didn’t even know what to say to him when I finally found him.‘Was I making the right choice running after him? Should he go or should he stay?’I didn’t know if it was pride I felt, but whatever it was made me feel uneasy. I felt uncomfortable going to see or talk to that Kaleb. Getting closer to the lakeside, I slowed down. I told myself I could still head back and avoid any awkward thing that was certainly about to take place. It felt kind of chilly outside. Luckily I had long sleeves on. I held the down of my gown so I could walk freely and avoid tripping. I started to feel goosebumps pop out on my shoulders due to their exposure. I wasn’t sure if it was the cold or the nervous feeling I felt that made them come out or made me feel this way, but I surely felt the chills. Breathing out air, I rubbed my
Great Heads 17: Truce
Darla “My people?” Kaleb spoke in a calmed voice. “I’m not sure again.” He still faced the lake with an atmosphere devoid of warmth. I paused on hearing him and wondered what words he had to speak of that were worth listening to.What could he possibly have to say to take away this growing anger I have in me, or change things? Well, that was my question until he spoke in this strange way, as if holding in so much hate and also having a mixture of sadness too. More of anger and hate I'd say.Kaleb went on, “I saw those people kill my mother and take my brother away. They forced a warrior to go to his grave even after he had served.”I didn't know what I felt surge through me, but whatever it was made me turn to the little boy.“Wasn't he a Rocainian?” Asked my own self mentally, still in disbelief.I was shocked alright. I knew or heard about the Rocainians cruelty, but never would I have thought Rocainians could be so heartless even towards their own kind.Were we the same here? Me
Great Heads 18: A Grey Cloud’s Presence
Darla“Berylene,” I called out, knocking on top of her wooden door as I was now back inside her house.There was no response, though I was sure she heard. I placed my ear on top of the door, awaiting for any sort of response, but there wasn't any. She was still too dazed to even talk to her sister. Never did I intend to reveal Kaleb’s identity. Although there were times that I thought of it, still I didn't act on it as it was going to go against Pa's wish.Back there at the lakeside, when I and Kaleb turned back to discover that Berylene was there, I remember taking a look at Kaleb and saw how surprised he was at how Beryl reacted on hearing his tribe.I could see he never expected that from kind happy Beryl who welcomed him so heartily on his first day here in Forestille. Though he showed anger for such a reaction, but I knew he must've felt hurt inward.He was most surprised to see her face and a darkened expression appeared on his, changing the former managed brighter look he ha
Great Heads 19: Forest Night
DarlaLate afternoon hours,Quiet knocks were heard on the front door. The taps were light and sounded almost as if whoever stood on the other side was unsure about knocking. One could even mistake the sound for some random noise that came from the other children playing in the neighbourhood.It was the day of the forest night.I walked to go get it. Slightly perplexed, I paused because the knocking seemed to have ceased for a while. I wondered if the person was still there.I stood still, unsure of opening the door as it felt as if the person was playing games.I looked at the door and asked, “Anyone one there?”There was no reply. I twisted my body to the side about to walk away from the door when the tap began. I felt my brows furrow as I marched to the door.On opening it, it revealed a startled Beryl.“Hello,” said Beryl in an unusually low key. “Darla.”‘Her usual pitch was definitely higher than that for sure’ I thought in my head.Though she appeared as beautiful as always, he
Great Heads 20: The Festival
DarlaNow at the huge spacious town square, as we walked, we could see everyone busy themselves with the preparations for the festival. Beautiful decorations were put up across poles, lamps hung on ropes and the festive breeze did blow.I and Berylene lowered our heads along with our bodies as we went passing under a long big tree which two men carried. A man stood on top of a ladder that leaned on a tree, putting up fancy balls, stars, and shape decorations.“Happy Forestille day,” Berylene and I both echoed at the same, smiling as we waved at a female music instructor teaching a group of pupils a popular rhyme.“So Darla, how did you know of him?” Inquired Berylene, with displayed curiosity. She spoke it in a hushed tone as we moved, acting like people would want to hear us, or had had eyes on us.We could see Kaleb walk at our front just some steps away from us.I also decreased my tone, “It was Grandfather’s idea— trust me.”“So he’s like a Forelene Rocainian?” We both paused, loo
Great Heads 21: Merry
Kaleb“You may still consider yourself a Rocainian, but you're at Forestille now,” Darla said to me. “And Forelenes are humble.”She then left.Of course, I could never take away the fact that I was born in Rocain land, and was taught to see other people from different tribes as enemies, but what I also couldn’t change was the fact that mother was also a Forelene.“Keep running and never turn back for there is nothing to return to. Head southwards until you find a town called Forestille. It will be your own home. Forelenes are nice warm-hearted people by nature. They shall take you in for you are also Forelenes,” I remembered mother's quotes.I had always wondered what it would've been like if I and Alec escaped together. He always seemed like the smart one, so what would he have done in this case?Should I still hold on to that belief of being a Rocainian who was born into this world just to fight in the war we ourselves wedge?Right here at Forestille, they said was a kind happy pla
Latest Chapter
40: Beginning Of A New War
40: Beginning Of A New WarMy father, whom preferred being called Pa because of his age and the feeling of being one was still in that motion.I wouldn't have been able to help myself if he was to go. He was still in that motion when I noticed an unexpected sword dive into the blonde haired warrior that had Papa fomerly.It was done from behind so we knew not who had done this incredulous act for I and Kaleb were still the only ones here standing far from the incident in a daze.The only people I knew were capable of committing such here in their viallage, Forestille, was I and Kakeb— only. So I wondered who had done that.We had gasps of shock out of our mouths and widened eyes displayed for we could not assimilate what was happening. We still had our eyes fixed on the said killer that had Pa before, when a sudden woman in a light glittering amour emerged from behind.The mystery woman had locked braids and oh the spirits she was masculine. The female saviour whom had come to save
39: Attack!
Darla“Th-t-the-the Rocainians!” My heart shuddered in tremor as I informed this to him and I could tell the same inwardly performed in Kaleb after this.“What do you mean?” A confused look rendered on Kaleb's face when he questioned this. I didn't need to speak more when the view of men, women, and children was seen running helta skelta, wailing with broken voices and sore throats. “The Rocainians have attacked. T-they're here Kaleb! W…we need to do something about it.” A scene of large chested warriors could be seen on horses having their helmets on and cloaks pinned to the side of their shoulders with the Rocainian crest.This was the war the Rocainians had wedged. I just looked at Kaleb, he didn’t do anything. His eyes just dilated and he remained motionless. What was happening? “W-what do you mean by the Rocainians—?” He knelt down, staring widely into space.“Kaleb, do something!” I saw him stare motionless and thought I had to do something. I was shocked. I was shocked at t
38: Last Moment
Darla We had learnt from Kaleb that he had been at the farm with Pa all this while, and Mr. Deakins was worried sick that he had left two girls in the middle of nowhere. So, he came back eventually. Gratefully, we had Kaleb and Pa a couple of miles away in the farm cottage.We stayed in Forestille, near the beach after returning from the farm at the Green. One of us stood on top of a rock.“Would you come down from there?!” Berylene urged Kaleb, earning a hiss from the said lad.Berylene feigned her anger as she marched towards him, making me laugh inside. As the maiden was about to drag Kaleb down with force, they both accidentally tripped on each other, causing a crash landing fall. At that moment, I almost felt the entire world stop before my eyes because that was the last thing I was expecting to happen right now. I knew Kaleb and how he hated embarrassment so I thought he’d be uncomfortable right at this moment. Though, I still found joy in spectating.I noticed that both of th
Chapter 37: Into The Woods
DarlaA year laterI woke up to the sound of birds tweeting. The early morning song had never been better. It was a single year since Thomas Ebenboth had gone and we were now back to our normal lives. I was getting bigger and stronger and everyone was moving on. We were going on, doing things that would make us happy.I was now in my room having a rest. I felt the light breeze of a female’s touch my cheek as I engaged in sleeping.The voice called out to me in a soft tone. I could feel the breeze blow against my pores.“What?”I slurred to the female as I undeniably did not fail to show how tired I was. I was fast asleep and couldn't bear to wake up until I was satisfied. I had recognized a part of the girl’s dress and knew of whom I spoke with.My slumber was so deep and sweet but the outside world had other plans on spoiling it. I sharply gasped in shock as soon as the drapes were moved open. I could feel the fiery sun pierce through my eyes as I tried to avert my gaze.I yelled at
36: Revealed
Kaleb“Nothing?”People looked at us making us feel we were mad and had wasted their time. “Impossible.” There was nothing in the cell. All the effort we had put in had flown into oblivion. It seemed as if we had wasted everyone’s time on a meaningless joke. Our efforts proved futile and the trust we had earned from Uncle Rustuls was gliding to one side.Ebenboth smirked at me when no one was looking because I knew he had done something horrible. It was unpredictable though. It made it seem like he had hidden Bill’s remains in some other place where people would least expect it to be. As quick as a lightning bolt, I’d say.Darla stepped forward about protesting, but I made sure to shift her backward knowing it would only make things worse.“As you can see people, there’s nothing in here.” Uncle Rustuls announced, making shame surge through me. I was a child but not a dumb one. I felt humiliated once again by Ebenboth.‘What now?’We were carried out, escorted by people, and rumours
35: Sinister; Trouble In Honey Land
Kaleb‘Who had done this?’I consciously fought hard to keep my mind alert. I was not going to black out cause I didn't want to. Though I had fallen, I still managed to get back up. I could see Ebenboth’s silhouette at my front with his headgear looking like horns.“Where’s Bill?!” I stormed, taking hard breaths with my steps still unsteady associated with dizzy eyes. Thomas's face glowered intensely at me.I could hear gasps of shock from Beryl and Darla from behind. They were scared of why their Chief acted that way. They hadn't seen him like that before.“Leave, children!” He thundered. “Leave all of you! You’re making a grave mistake coming here!”My eyes raced around the cell hoping to find Bill. I did find him, but I had seen him tucked under the bed as if suffocated. His hands were stretched out and it was what I had sighted first. I toddled close to him.It was not possible to stay comfortable in such a position for that long, so I knew now that something was amiss. Bill’s bod
34: Off To The Mission
Kaleb“W-wait for me guys!”Behind a rock so big was where we hid ourselves. I whispered the plan to them, “We’ll have to stay here until the Chief comes out. When he does, which is usually late around this period, Beryl will go distract the guard. Trust me, that guard is very friendly so we wouldn't have a problem with that. Meanwhile, as the distraction process is going on, Darla and I would sneak right into the office with the keys and get on to business.” We were In front of Ebenboth’s office, blending with the bushes, and there was a guard stationed outside the place.“Quick question.” Beryl called my attention, “How exactly do I distract the guard?” Feeling that was an unnecessary question which I thought came from her panic state, I kept silent.On the other hand, Darla, who decided to be kind, offered a response, “Just be you Berylene. Do what you do best.”Hours passed- two I’d say. And we were still outside the place. I remained alert even after knowing that my companions
33: Rebel
KalebWe stayed at the breakfast table at Pa’s cabin. Beryl looked at me with a beautiful smile, almost seeming as if she enjoyed my view. I could see her do that countless times but chose to ignore her because if l had my eyes noticeably watching her, I’d cause an awkward moment between us.It felt as if I had a sudden spark within me just sitting opposite her. I could swear how very unusual this was for me to feel this way. It was like a jingle bell in my heart kept ringing, timelessly. I did not quite know what to do with it, whatever ‘it’ was. Pa, Darla, Beryl, and I were seated together at the table, eating what I thought was a celebratory banquet for me. I was not so into it because I had something else occur to me in mind.“So, Kaleb,” Darla called me. “what’s going to happen next?”Not sure what she meant, but if she was referring to our training, which I thought she referred to, of course, we’d settle down first. I was happy my family was with me again, but I also felt bad.
32: Free
Kaleb“You’re free to go, boy.” The metals clanked against each other as the gate was opened with an annoying noise. It was the friendly guard that had opened it.Present day.It was morning and I felt the light pierce through my eyes directly. It was just like the sun at the end of a dark tunnel. The dark room had been lit and I was suffering from the unending light rays that still kept on sending spears into my eyeballs.I had woken up from my sleep. The dream was non-existent now and I was back into reality. Though I thought it wasn't that bad after all as there wasn't any blood shed this time. But the memory still made me feel sad. Nostalgia, I felt.Still trying to get myself together, I lifted my upper body and my eyes instantly raced to Bill, my inmate, who was on the ground seated in his usual lifeless position.“You’re free. Hah,” his laugh was rather compelled. He spoke in a monotone drawl, making it sound boring. “Could you do me a favour before leaving, Kaleb? Could you p
