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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
Great Heads 22: A New Chief
Kaleb“Gather around people.” An elderly man announced as soon as the music beat dropped. He was dressed in a warbonnet, and I figured he was their leader here. He spoke with prestige, taking his time to say each word as he walked around. “Today will forever be a memorable day in Forestille. We have come to a new era, and I am glad that we now have a new head. A few years ago we had a chief from the Reyer family.”“That's my family,” Berlyl said excitedly shaking Darla. “We were served well by that member for the moment. Each Chief has proven himself as a leader and I also hope I have done my bit. But now this day, we have our new Chief! From one of the most sacred family lineage, I present to you, Thomas Ebenboth!”With hard applause from the crowd, a strong black man in his fifties made his way to the front. He also wore a warbonnet, but his seemed bigger and dressed properly with a newer design. He climbed up the raised platform which the people had made. Walking up, Ebenboth wave