In the futureGreat city,Princess Maya, the king's daughter, trains in the courtyard with one of the other knights. They both skillfully tackle each other at some point but Princess Maya wins the fight. She places her right foot on her opponent with the sword pointing at him.“Victory,” She says now removing her leg.“Princess Maya,” The palace servant calls as he bows his head. “the king requests for your audience at the meeting.”She quickly obeys and heads for the palace. She greets as she enters, demonstrating curtsy.The chiefs and honorable officials of the Great city are gathered.“The Rocainians have reinforced. They've joined heads with another nation-” one of the chiefs says but stops talking as he sees Princess Maya.The king signals them to leave by waving a hand.“You called for me sire.” She says with her head still bowing down.The Great king Royal sits on his throne with legs comfortably sprawling and with head resting on one arm. He heaves a sigh before speaking,“Th
DarlaHe definitely looked different from normal. Maybe it was the eccentric look he had on his face. That evening, when he first came in, his hazel eyes couldn't stop staring at me for a second. I found it creepy. Well, anyone would.He was a complete stranger that my Grandpa had decided to bring home. His thick dark black hair had water dripping from it, and his shoes squelched at every step he made. He appeared drenched from going under the heavy rain.This was during the late hours when Pa had returned from his usual farming routine. Expecting to meet just grandpa, as usual, I had earlier gone to open the door with a feeling of excitement. Holding onto the unsteady door knob that I had learnt to get use to, I bent it down and as it was finally opened, it revealed a young boy about my height but I certainly was some feet taller, only a few, standing next to Pa. Though the boy that stood beside grandfather had a petrifying scowl on, I remained unflinching.I could see mud stains a
DarlaThe boy started talking in his sleep. His head thrust left and right and he seemed disturbed. He seemed as though in a battle, making one guess he was probably having one of those feared bad dreams. At that moment, I almost felt pity for him. He was struggling so much in his dream that it reflected in real life. The stranger seemed lost and unsettled. He was mumbling so many things that we couldn't get the words clearly. Well, at least we knew he spoke. If my Pa wasn't here, I would have gone closer to hear him. The boy suddenly jerked up, panting. He looked more surprised to meet our faces staring at him.“Good morning boy, seems you've woken up.” Pa said, trying to sweep away the awkwardness in the air. “I see you slept in your drenched clothes. Why don't we get you changed and treat your injuries?”He then returned to his gloomy state like Pa hadn't just spoken to him. I wondered what his problem was. At least say hello or thank you.“Looks like someone's still shy. Don't
Kaleb Mother, as always, with her angelic voice, she would sing to I and my twin. Mother was a Forelene and her husband was Rocainian. The history of these people went way back. They were enemies that would pass on their hatred from generation to generation. Some of these Rocainian children didn't even know why they hated the Forelenes. I didn't know.Finding out you were a Forelene living amist the Rocainians was a punishable offense by the law. Death by torture, stoning, and sometimes slavery if lucky. So, it could be said that my parent’s union was forbidden, but they still found a way to keep it a secret.I wondered why they risked such. They never spoke about how they met so we never really knew the story.Rocainians were said to be strong ruthless wealthy individuals that would rather die than let someone stomp on their pride. Pride; it was everything to them. It seemed impossible but I grew up with these people as family. It was like learning two cultures at once. Mother ta
KalebI cleaved the woods with an axe for the fire. Alec watched me as I did so. He had rounded up feeding the horses and was now getting better after some days of rest.The house that we lived in was a spacious one, well furnished and the compound had flowers and trees planted around it. One could even mistake it for a palace.We had our helpers and never had problems with meals on the table. This didn't mean we were lazy. We worked hard every day, at home and on the field and we often assisted the workers. You see, we didn't see them as slaves but rather as family. We didn't get much time to play and enjoy our childhood like the children we were. We weren't humorous and playful lads. This was our lives.“What do you think it's like?” Alec asked me. He stood, with his back leaning on a tree and arms folded with legs crossed. He was this cool-natured person that often showed that his thoughts differed from others.“You'll have to be more specific.” I continued chopping.“The war. I h
KalebWe were still on the run. To confess, for a moment I became grateful for having such a brother. As my eyes closed, trying to already accept death’s embrace, my brother was using that brain of his. I could beat him countless times in fighting, but when it came to critical thinking skills, I was not a match.He thought of a plan for us to get rid of the chasers.“Listen to me!” he called my attention. He spoke out loud enough for me to hear. “They’re not shooting at us yet! Maybe their orders weren't to kill us but probably capture! We just might be able to escape! Kaleb, this may sound foolish but might as well be our only option! We’ve got loose the horse!”“What?” Indeed it sounded foolish.How were we going to make it on foot? Was he saying we could run faster than horses? I blindly followed his orders. It was either die doing nothing or die following Alec's eccentric idea. We were going to die anyway. I had already concluded in my mind.We kept riding on the horse until we g
KalebMy brother, Alec, suggested we kept on moving no matter what. It seemed like an impossible journey, but we kept on going forward with our dizzy eyes. We had become so tired up to the point that it even became unbearable. Looking very tired, Alec, who seemed determined to move on before, also couldn’t hide it anymore.“It seems we’re safe now.” Alec yawned. Maybe some shut eyes here.” He referred to the spot we halted at. His voice sounded weary as he spoke.We did get shut eyes— but it was only for a while. Saying we were safe now was something we were wrong about and should never say. As Alec and I rested once again, we heard an abrupt sound of a tree branch crack. We were taken aback and rose up quickly to look at each other. We still stared at each other but it seemed to have not come from any of us.'What could be in the woods?'We didn't speak. We just nodded our heads negatively to confirm we hadn't made the noise. Slightly, my heart began to lurnch with pain and my stoma
KalebS|n: surnameI felt giddy. My eyes opened slowly and the first thing my eyes met was a big thick clothe strewn over me. I looked around to see myself lying beside harvested farm produce. My body moved rhythmically to the movement of the carriage I was in. I wondered what had happened and how I got captured again. After all my efforts, I still ended up being taken as a prisoner.Although I found the farm produce on the carriage strange. I began to recollect what had happened. I remember escaping on a horse, then fell off due to my unbalanced position and lack of control over the hostile horse. I knew I felt rain pouring on me, and that was it. I had blacked out for the rest parts. I felt a severe headache as I rose up. My hands were free which was another weird thing I observed. Why would they capture me and let me move freely in a cart that wasn’t escape-proof? I could escape if I wanted to. Maybe I was wrong. I couldn't escape since I was weak and weary. I removed the doub
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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