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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
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
Great Heads 28: Boy In The Shadows
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
Great Heads 29: A Secret Untold
Darla“Pa, please do something,” I begged Pa and had not stopped pleading ever since Kaleb had been taken away to the chief’s office. I couldn't help but feel sad. I felt like it was all my fault and wasn't his for forcing him to train me. That boy wouldn't have probably had the idea to fight here in Forestille if it weren’t for me. I was a terrible influence if truly anyone was. My craving for strength led me here. I had now seen the cause of my foolish act. It seemed like it was only Kaleb who really understood me here, it was like we shared similar thoughts concerning the world.I certainly did not want to be defenseless in battle, but surely I also didn't want my selfishness to inflict pain on someone else. I saw anger in Kaleb’s eyes when they took him away, but he didn't hurt anyone with that anger. And that I was grateful for.Some emotion gripped me tightly the moment Berylene’s father had spoken that Kaleb should never step foot near his sunshine again. Well, that was until
Great Heads 30: Broken Spirit
KalebI still stayed sitting next to my inmate, Bill, still inside the dark place the wicked man had put us in. Bill here, was a spy according to what I had been briefed on.He had finally managed to stand back up, and when I had gone closer before to set my eyes on him, I had observed a marking on his arm. It was the drawing of a snake, looking like a flying creature.“A dragon.” Bill narrated. “We’re called the Dragons. My people were once loyal warriors of a certain territory. My kind fought bravely in the past but were betrayed greatly, stabbed in the back by our own ruler. They were going to banish us all and lower our flag. The thing was that the Great King, the first, was scared we were becoming too powerful, so he let us loose into the world outside his kingdom. He was scared my people would be rebellious. We had no choice but to form our own nation. We’ve been gathering male recruits ever since. Including children like me. This all happened years ago before I was even born,
Great Heads 31: A Dream
KalebI consistently rolled on the hardwood they called bed. It was as hard as a rock and smaller than I was. Still, in the cell, I thought was called a rehabilitation center, I struggled to sleep as it had turned night once more.The Dragon soldier had gone and we had retired for the night. Ever since that night of my mother's death, I always saw myself reliving the day in sorrow, afraid I’d get raided by people who only wanted death for me. The trouble of sleeping was what I battled with each night, and I was clouded with eerie thoughts and dreams. Probably, I needed help. Sleeping in this center was terrible.This night, I felt it again—an emotion explainable to only those who had gone through hell.~*~*~*“What are you looking at?” asked Alec, my brother.This was a past memory. We were at the fountain, where there was a bench at the front and Mother's flowers were planted around it. “You look like a drowning insect in a pool. Your eyes don't leave the water and your face says no
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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
