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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
Great Heads 23: Childhood
Months After That..Kaleb Back there at Rocain, we never celebrated. That was except the death of the war heroes who had served in Rocainian army as warriors. While we trained to be those warriors the other Rocainians had aspired us to be, to follow their lead, we would hear father say to us that that honourable salute was what all Rocainians looked forward to someday, and it was the respect one craved. But right now, when I actually gave it a thought, that was not what I wanted at all.Me and the old man stayed right outside the cottage here in Forestille, sawing a couple of woods to make a bed and the extra room he had promised me.“You seem real strong for an old man,” I said to Pa. “Were you some kind of warrior?”Pa gave a look at me with that grin of his that never vanished, then let out a hysterical laughter afterwards. “Well, you're too strong for a lad.” he said, carrying up heavy logs. “Those small hands of yours sure do know how to work.”I continued sawing the wood.
Great Heads 24: Growing Up
“Heads up Darla!” Beryl warned as she threw a bamboo stick at Darla. We were at a maize farm where at the end was a beach that was close to the Forestille River. This was where we secretly practiced. It was not really surrounded by many villagers, though we still were careful. This secret tutoring had been going on for months now, and I could not help but notice us grow, not just in height and in size, but also in skill. Even in this free land, there still was a problem there.You see, Darla had asked me to teach her the warrior's art of fighting and this was the land of the Forelenes, meaning there was no fighting allowed. According to them, no one was meant to wield a weapon, let alone use it on anyone. I noticed the other Forelene children seemed weak and all they did was sing songs, dance, and be friendly. They did work hard though, but most of the time played. Of course, they were hard-working with farm duties, chores…but permit me, defenseless!I was so glad that the Forel
Great Heads 25: A secret
Kaleb“We need to go,” Darla warned, deviating me from my thoughts. “I think someone's coming.” I turned my head backward, now alert, looking for anyone possible who was close by and who had followed us here. But I didn't see anyone. I assume she had just heard a noise.We decided to head back home to Beryl’s to have lunch.“So how was your morning?” Amila inquired, pacing around quickly with a tray of hot food in her hands. We were seated at the lunch table like a small family at Beryl's house. “It seems you children have something going up.”Her brows lifted inquisitively. Beryl gulped down her grape juice as it seemed to have caused a bit of suffocation there. She let out a cough, choking on her own drink. This I presume was Beryl's reaction to Amila's words. She feared she knew of our secret training sessions.“Hmm…” Amila showed suspicion. She stared at us with squinted eyes, sending chills up in our shuddering shoulders. Now changing from her suspicious tone, she said, “Well,
Great Heads 26: Gasp Of Shock
KalebWe walked by each other's side to the market to sell to the kind villagers.I know I had been here for months now, but the way some of the villagers still stared at me, made me feel like they knew I was a foreigner. They always complimented my looks, which really was what made me uncomfortable and I really didn't see it as something that was to my liking.I just normally made sure my face was devoid of any form of expression when they spoke about my face, to avoid them getting the wrong idea from me.It was fun anyway, walking and doing this trade thing I had grown fond of.I suddenly heard whispers coming from Beryl and Darla. I looked at them with my face that Darla had complimented to have started looking innocent- but I highly doubted that. I wanted to find out what they were mumbling about. Darla had probably told me that lie because she wanted me to feel like I appeared like them. Perhaps so I’d feel belong.“Should I tell him?” This was Beryl, mumbling to Darla.“Tell me
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- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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
- Great Heads
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.
- Great Heads
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
