21: Merry
Author: Royal Red
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

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
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  • 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

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  • 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

  • Great Heads   27: The Assemble

    KalebI was being taken to a council hall because I had been summoned there by the elders, so suddenly. Though unnecessary, I would say they all were fools for thinking I’d even flinch a bit in their so-called ‘honourable presence’.It was an open place, crowded with nothing but bewildered Forelenes that awaited my trial. And according to one of them that I had heard mumbling, he said that a case of anyone fighting in Forestille was extremely rare if not impossible.I was walking in still having my pride intact. They believed they were kind and warm-hearted, and in their voice, they’d say that their blood was made of milk and honey. If I was right.It was the Rocainians that were cold-blooded to them. We were the cruel, evil ones they said.In the council hall, I sighted a few seats for the people and then high seats that were literally higher than the others with a raised long joined desk.I was being guarded by two men who seemed afraid of me. And if not for the respect I had for Mo

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    KalebI gave a chuckle at first, then a cackle, and soon I released the loudest hysterical laughter ever. People gasped at the way I chose to answer. The response I had thrown was quite the twist. I never wanted it to end, I just kept on laughing out loud and mocking their bemused faces. I mocked them through my laugh.Returning to my serious face, I let them know using my rude-sounding voice, the cold voice I knew I had, “You’re all fools!” Louder gasps were heard from the crowd after this. “Totally defenseless against war!”The council hall roamed with noises from every corner, whispers and mutters made it obvious that the said word ‘war’ was a taboo here to speak of. It seemed they feared the word more than its impact.Seeing the panicking crowd, Ebenboth tried bringing down his people, “Settle down, settle down all. There's no war, and will not since we're here. We will not experience such.”His voice carried uncertainty mixed with insincerity. It showed in his eyes.“Well, beli

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    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

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    39: Attack!

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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.

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    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