The Protector (Part 4)

By Charlotte Lewis

I stood as still as humanly possible, not daring to breath as the heavy sounds of footsteps assailed my ears.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned silently to face Netty. She handed me a bag and pointed to the window.

I looked up at her, understanding in a moment exactly what she wanted me to do, knowing in a second that she had had these packed for days, that she had suspected something might happen.

There were so many things I wanted to say, I'll miss you, I'll never forget you, sorry, and most importantly thank you.

I tried to fit all that and more in a singular look. praying to the spirits that she would understand, hoping she would forgive the trouble we, I caused.

Netty smiled knowingly, still silent she came forward to embrace my sister, then me and I swear I could see tears in her grey eyes.

She gestured again towards the window, more frantic this time as the footsteps had grown louder.

I had the sickening feeling of having been here before as I helped Emalaya out the window. I heard the door begin to creak open.

Panic rose within me and it was only my long years of training that kept my body in soundless stealth as I jumped out the window. Landing like a cat on all fours.

My sister was crouched down beside the window, I joined her listening. We could hear Netty's strong voice from within

"Can I help yer sir?"

"Where is she?"

"Who are ye talkin bout?"

"You know full well who I am talking about."

"'fraid I havn't the slightest."

we heard a slam of a body against the wall, and Emalaya flinched. The man's voice was barely audible from outside the window,

"Tell me where she is or I'll gut ye"

I could imagine Netty up against the wall barely breathing because of the knife the man held close to her neck, and yet she stayed silent.

There was a sound. I knew that sound, indescribable to those who have never heard it, more horrible then words can tell, the sound of a knife going through living flesh, a sound I hadn't been able to get out of my head in days. I shuddered. There was a sickening thud, and I picked up the sent of blood.

"Well I did warn you" the man said chuckling easily

At the sound of Netty's body falling to the ground Emalaya let out a cry, but I had felt it before it became sound and had clamped a hand firmly across her mouth.

She struggled uncontrollably but my arms circled around her and held her there. I could guess what she was thinking.

We have to help her! We have to help her!

Admittedly it was my first instinct as well but my mind went back to my fathers words she is most important. I couldn’t let Emalaya be taken, no matter the cost.

"Come on boys,"

the man called out

"she's not here, but she can’tve gone far. Come on leave it! There's is nothing of worth here. Lets go! Move it!"

My sister's eyes widened and I took her momentary pause in struggling to escape. I took her by the hand and we left at a dead run across the gravely ground toward the trees.

We didn't stop. I don’t know how long we ran, it could've been hours or minutes. Even when we did stop running, we kept moving. Navigating fallen trees and rocks slipping on the uneven ground and tripping on tree roots. Finally we came to a small clearing and I called a halt.

My instincts said to keep going, and I could've, for hours more but one look at Emalaya and I knew she couldn't. She flopped down exhaustedly at the center, while I walked the perimeter checking for signs of danger.

Nothing....

But that didn’t mean it wasn’t coming. I sat uneasily by my sister and began to look through the bag Netty had given us. I pulled out a decent amount of food (I estimated around three days worth), Our old clothes they had been washed and at the very bottom a note.

"Whats that?" Murmured Emalaya who had been watching.

"A note, from Netty I think."

"Read it to me will you?" I nodded and began to read.

The Protector (part 2)

by Charlotte Lewis

first thing I felt was the warmth. I was lying somewhere soft and warm. I pointedly kept my eyes closed as consciousness began to seep through to my brain. My body was telling me to go back to sleep, however my brain had other ideas. It fired off questions in my head.

Where was I? How long had I lain here? Was Emalaya alright?

Finally my brain won, as it always did, and I opened my eyes, and my senses. I was lying in a small comfortable cot. Beside it there was another cot where my sister lay, her steady breathing reassuring me she was alright.

The room we were in was small and sparsely furnished, containing only the two cots, a table and a chair. On the table there was a low burning lantern. It gave off little light, but from the glow emanating from the curtained window, I guessed it was day.

Decisively I stood up, groaning slightly as I felt the soar-ness in my muscles and the sting of my cuts. I rubbed my eyes and forced my feet to move toward the door.

I left the room and my sleeping sister, coming into a short hall that led out into a sweet little kitchen. Wonderful aromas assailed me, and I realized how hungry I was.

I followed my nose to the kitchen and was greeted by the sight of a plump middle aged woman working at the stove. I coughed slightly. She turned to look at me, a smile ascending on her kindly features.

“Ah there ya are love, good to see yer up ‘n about eh?”

I nodded

“d’yer have a name then love?” she asked

I tried to talk but it came out as a dry croak.

“Oh dear, how silly of meh, sit down thar and Ill get yer some water.”

I sat in the indicated chair and smiled as she came back with water.

“Thar ya go. Sip at it though love, to fast ‘n yer might feel sick.”

I nodded in acknowledgement.

“ While yer at it I ‘spose yer wondering where you are eh? Well my husband found you on the
shore, He’s a sea fisherman ya see. He tells me ye were near gone by the time he got to yer. He and ol’ Roola brought yer back here. Ye both were unconscious so I just put ya in my sons’ old room. I tried to clean yer wounds best I could, ye’ve both got some nasty gashes.”

I nodded and looked down at my legs which were all cut up from our mad dash to the ocean.

“Yer feelin any better love?”

“Yes thank you” I replied my voice coming out a little gravely but for the most part clear.

“Ah so yer can talk naw. So d’yer have a name?”

“Yes, I'm called Kari, and my sister is named Emalaya”

“So how did yer come to get so cut up?”

I felt my face darken as the memories of the massacre flashed through my mind. I was saved from having to answer, when Emalaya stumbled out bleary eyed and swaying on her feet.

“Water” she croaked I gave her what was left in my glass and she took it gratefully.

“So what is your name?” I asked the woman

“I'm Netta, Netta pickets. My husband is Jenson Pickets. Yer both look in the need fer bathin. Ill set two baths and then we’ll eat yes?”

Emalaya and I nodded eagerly. Netta showed me to one bathroom, where I took a nice long bath. She had laid out a homely dress. It differed from my usual pants and tunic, but it was comfortable and easy to move in. My sister came out dressed in something quite similar.

“These where my daughter Rosemary’s.” Netta said, refearing to the dresses.

She had already set out food, which we fell upon like hungry dogs. The food was excellent. There were grated roots fried into pancakes and roasted bird, with good bread and cheese.

“How long were we asleep?” I asked between bites

“Oh about a day and a half” My sister and I looked at each other startled.

“Thank you for letting us stay so long" Emalaya said. I nodded in agreement.

“Oh tis nothing love, ya can stay as long as yer like. I'm assumin ye have no other place to go”
She said with a shrewd look at the both of us.

“You would be correct.”

“Mmm, well ‘til ya figure it out, yer welcome here. Though ya’r sayin ye have no family t’all to speak of?”

A shadow crossed my sisters face and I saw her fight back tears.

“Never mind love, in any case ya both can stay as long as ya like.”

From that point on Netta never pressed that matter, and I was grateful for that.

We helped her around the house all day, learning how to cook and cleaning the house from top to bottom. She talked and talked. She told us of her two sons one of which was married and lived nearby. The other was a journeyman for the metalworking trade, and he only dropped by once or twice a year.

Her daughter was married as well, though she lived farther away in capital, and worked with her husband among books.

Later that evening Janson came home, he had a loud welcoming presence and seemed pleased that My sister and I were awake and well. The dog Roola was lean and playful often jumping up on us and generally being hyper.

We sat down to dinner, which Emalaya and I had helped make. It was over all a pleasant evening. Janson told stories of his youth, and Netta told hers. Between the two of them one didn’t have to say a word, which made it easier on Both Emalaya and I.

We spent a few lovely days there. Cleaning, cooking, eating, and talking. I didn’t have time to dwell on my family and Roola, Netta and Janson’s infectious personalities it was easy to allow yourself to be happy.

On the fifth evening we were all sitting down to dinner, when we heard a loud pounding on the door. Netta and Janson exchanged a worried look.

Netta took us to the back room.

“Just in case loves.” She explained to us in a whisper.

“kin I help yer?” We could hear Janson say to the person at the door.

“Where is she?” a gruff voice answered

“She who sir? My wife?”

“No stupid. Where is the girl?”

“I'm sure I have no idea what yer talking ‘bout.”

“Don’t Play me fer stupid old fool!” The man’s voice shouted back “Now, where is she?!”

“I'm sure I-” Janson stopped short, and we heard a hefty thump, undoubtedly the man’s fist hitting Janson’s face.

“Come out, come out where ever you are.” The man called out in a gruff sing song voice. We heard the footsteps as he got closer

“Shy now, are we? Well no worries darlin, I will find you.”

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…

The Protector (part 1)

by Charlotte Lewis

I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead. These were my frantic thoughts. I knew I was dead because I could no longer feel my hands or arms or pretty much anything.

But if I was dead why the spirits hadn’t taken me? why had they left me here on this tragic and unfortunate land as a ghost of floating thoughts?

Perhaps I had not been perfect in life but surely I had not been so corrupt as to be barred from the heavens doomed to a forever of reliving life’s most painful moments. Locked in a perfect hell on earth.

A Large white bird landed and pecked me hard in the side. I didn’t see the bird for I could not will myself to open my eyes but I felt it.

The sharp sudden pain and the coppery smell of blood emanating from the open wound bringing me back to my senses and forcing me to realize that I was not actually dead but in fact very much alive.

Relief flooded through me. I was alive! Thank the spirits. I was alive! But was it relief I should feel? No. I should want to join my family in the heavens and not be the last one left.

And yet I did feel relieved and somewhere In the traditionally hardwired part of my brain this shamed me.

I could hear the ocean as it crashed and I could feel its icy waters repeatedly hit my ankles leaving behind a angry red rash. I felt something soft brush my face and I opened my eyes although it took a great deal of effort on my part.

My violet eyes flecked with gold and blue met the amber ones of the inquisitive bird. As it flapped its wings the very tip of one brushed my left cheek. I licked my cracked salty lips with a tongue swollen from desperate need of water. I tried to speak to the bird but all that came out was a dry croak

Startled the bird flew away. Once again I forced my eyes opened and looked around. Emalaya! I could hardly comprehend my little sister’s form lying on the ground.

Was she dead? No! she couldn’t be. Frantic with panic and running on raw adrenalin I half dragged half crawled to my younger sisters side. It took almost all the strength I had left but I managed to turn her on her back. She did not stir.

I could feel my blood pulsing through my veins and rushing to my head adding dizziness to my already scull breaking head ache. with all the will power I could muster I forced my dead weight limbs to rise and shake my sister.

“Emalaya, Emalaya, Wake up wake up!” I tried to shout but no sound came forth.

I let out a dry sob of pure despair witch only moments later turned in to a soundless cry of joy, as she shifted ever so slightly. I bent down to her and listened for her heart beat. It was slow, dangerously slow but definitely there.

Relief flooded me for the second time that day. First for my own life and then for the life of my sister. That was the last thing I remember before blacking out.