The Protector (part 2)

by Charlotte Lewis

It was dark when I next came round. How much time had passed? A day, two maybe? I knew not. Emalaya lay at my side still unconscious. I looked at her, so peaceful like a Lunessa, guardian of heaven and earth.

For a moment all was forgotten and the world hung, suspended in a state of bliss. However the moment was short lived. It all came back to me and the world began to fall…

FLASH!

there I was sitting at the table. Breakfast had been layed out just as mother liked it. Our plates were placed carefully alongside the silver forks and knives. The cloths were folded as always, diagonally in half.

I noticed mother had gathered the fallen leaves from the gold and silver Una trees, and had scattered them across the table, their metallic color glowing softly in the morning light flowing in through the open window.

Flashes of red caught my eye and I saw that among the leaves were the blood red Ukka berries my sister was so fond of. Strange though, that they’d be at the table as they were usually never allowed in the house.

My mother strode in, her long skirt flowing gracefully around her as she walked. Emalaya followed in after her dressed similarly. Last to come was my father, there he was tall and dark his presence filling the room

They sat and we all took hands bowing our heads as Father thanked the spirits. I watched the blue grey smoke of the customary Zelta candle. My father’s voice faltered and the candle blew out. I glanced up at him questioningly.

He sat completely still, his piercing eyes focused. They saw nothing, but felt everything. I knew at a glance what he was doing and I decided to follow him.

I opened my senses letting the Leaza flow through me and reached out…. There was the forest, the meadow , the dunes. I was traveling swiftly, faster and faster, never before had I ever felt this alive. I reached the ocean and BANG! I withdrew with a jolt and came back to myself. I

could still feel the shock running through my system.
It wasn’t pain exactly, but a powerful sense of dread, suffering, and malevolent forces so strong

it made me sick.

“Fathe-”

“Shh”

My mother stopped me mid word slapping me lightly on the wrist. A moment later my father came back. He shot me a warning look and stood up.

“I must speak with the council.”

He said to my mother and he left. Emalaya looked at me and I could see the burning questions in her eyes. I shook my head and looked back to my still empty plate. My own dread beginning to build up inside me.

FLASH!

I could hear the screams and I felt the heat from the flames. The whole village was burning into nothingness. I had no Idea where my Father and mother were. I was alone with my sister, crouched low facing the door.

One hand Held my knife poised at the ready. The other hand my sister had taken. She griped it tightly frightened but thankfully making no noise.

I tapped into the Leaza but kept it to the surface so as to hear better see better and feel more, but I had to stay present stay with Emalaya.

My ears picked up movement coming this way and I stood knife at the ready. Praying that the little fighting magic I knew would come to serve me. The person was coming around the corner I raised my knife ready to strike and take the man by surprise.

“Wait don’t!”

my sister cried latching onto one of my arms as if to stop me. I looked at her bewildered

“Don’t! Its father!”

I stared at her unsure of what to do next. Then Father strode in. He was bloody some of it was his, some I was sure was from others. He reached us breathing hard.

“You will leave by the back window. Run. Run anywhere. Just get away from here.”

“No!” I cried “I won’t run not when the village needs me. not without you not without Mother”

“GO! Kari, take your sister and Run.” I looked at him, attempting to force down the tears. Something in me kne this would be the last time I ever saw him.

He embraced my sister, and then me.

“Remember” he whispered into my ear

“Remember to look after you sister. You must look after her. Never let her get hurt, never let her be taken from you. She is your responsibility now. Protect her, at all costs she is important.”

Then he slipped something into my pocket. There was a bang from outside and more horrific laughter. Anger shadowed my father’s face.

“Go”

He said and we went. I grabbed my sisters hand and ran for the back of the house. I looked back and saw Father fighting three of them.

My sister stumbled over her dress and I caught her. My knife still in hand I kneeled and slit her dress up the side. I dragged her to the back of the house and broke the nearest window I helped my sister through it. Glancing back I saw more of them now all pushing pas my father.

Coming for us…..

I pushed her through the window and jumped after. Grabbing her arm I took off and we ran.

My mind came back to the present. The unwelcomed flash backs shot pangs through my heart. I felt my consciousness fading and I struggled to keep awake.

“Look thar Roola. It be two bashed up pettles a layin thar. Don’t ya worry naw m’dears. Ill take ya back to the ol’ homestead ‘nd the dear Wifie will ‘ave you lurvly petals fixed up in no time. Come on naw Roola lets get goin a’fore they perish.”

I felt myself being picked up but I could do nothing to stop it. I was fighting to stay awake.

Fighting…..

Fighting…..

Fight…