User blog:Mauller/Absolution 008

Absolution, Chapter:008


Do not blame the faerie for the folly of man. For it was man that rediscovered magic and reopened the ancient pathways. – The musings of the mad king of Lescratié – The forgotten age.

 *****

Even before sunrise the farm was busy with people performing their morning chores. The Holstaur were readying for their first milking. The were-sheep were grooming their wool. And the poultry were exchanging gossip while they walked to the hen houses.

The barn’s courtyard was busy like most days. Many young faces could be seen as the farmhands collected tools and delegated their work. And a few older gentlemen joined the group when their wives left to go about their routines.

Geoff appeared later than the rest. It was his day off and he was feeling the worse for staying up late drinking. So he gave a few words of encouragement to a group of his younger helpers before sending them off to the orchard. He then turned to the rest and clapped his hands.

‘Alright lads. Might have had a few too many bevvies last night.’ A few cheers and laugh’s came from the crowd before they settled. ‘Alright, alright, I know misses won’t be happy. But that doesn’t mean I can’t give hand with the field like we planned.’ The group nattered again till Geoff cleared his throat. ‘Okay, okay. I know the grounds a sod and the snow is a pain. But we need to get the grass cut and ready before market day.’

A few in the group smiled and whispered amongst themselves. It was obvious who had visited the unexpected merchant. As colourful fabrics and bangles contrasted against their dull clothes and rugged farm overalls. But the cheerful mood broke when a red cheeked Lin walked towards them.

‘Is alright lads, She is going to use that muscle to help us today, instead of causing commotion as usual.’

Lin folded her arms and snorted at the comment. ‘You dun have to put it that way ya know. Is not like it was my fault.’

Geoff chuckled then gestured for her to join them. ‘And a few of the girls offered to help too.’ Following in the Minotaur’s footsteps were the twins and Amanda. Along with a group of the mischievous were-sheep’s friends.

Lin tried hiding once she arrived but her height was an issue. She looked at Geoff and snorted. ‘Do I have ta? I was quite happy tending the orchard.’ A few of the farmhands shied away when her tail started cracking like a whip.

‘Lin. Remember what we talked about yesterday?’ Geoff folded his arms and met the girls stare.

In the end the muscular girl pouted and looked away. ‘I guess, but I dun have to enjoy it.’

‘Good, then head down field you lot and I will be along in a bit. And Amanda? I want a word with you little miss.’ Geoff waved at her to join him while the rest of the group walked off.

But instead of moving she stamped her hoof and folded her arms. ‘What have I done now?’ Amanda’s group of friends started whispering among themselves which further annoyed her. ‘Fine! But I didn’t do anything.’ She stomped over to Geoff and tilted her head when she heard what he had to say.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean he is missing? Well it wasn’t me. I was with the girls all night.’ Her group joined her then began giggling. They started reminding each other of the previous night’s chatter. Which further confused Geoff since Amanda added to the conversations with ease.

<p class="MsoNormal">But to prevent leaving a bad atmosphere he apologised to the girls and gave Amanda a hug. Leaving her flushed and with her tail between her legs. But he laughed after receiving an earful from the embarrassed girl then left to join the twins.

<p class="MsoNormal">Millie ran up to him and held his hand when he stopped in front of them. ‘So what’s wrong pa? Is Amanda being a pain again?’ She started grumbling when mentioning the other were-sheep’s name. But smiled when her father squeezed her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Is nothing pet. Just can’t find Martin. And little miss trader said she not seen him since last night.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Molly gasped and pulled on Geoff’s free arm. ‘So where could he be?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The twins started panicking and pulling him from both sides. ‘Don’t worry girls. I will go ask your mother. Don’t say anything but I had a few drinks.’ The girls giggled while watching him. ‘He might just be with the wolf. Now you two go help the others and I will be along in two shakes of your tails.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The old farmer gave the twins a final hug then sent them on their way. He felt that something was off but was unsure of what the problem was. So he kept a straight face and waved to the twins as they ran along.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Is the weather changing?’ He looked up at the familiar overcast sky then tutted. ‘No, not that.’ He gave his farm a final inspection then set off to his house.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">The rattling of metal echoed across the farmstead from various directions. But one man in particular was strolling towards the farmhouse while observing his surroundings.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And you are sure that everyone has been rounded up and the beasts quarantined?’ He glanced to his second in command as she walked by his side.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes sir. Although it appears that the companion of the merchant remains unaccounted for. We have searched the area but found no trace of the person’s whereabouts.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I see, then send a runner to summon major Malachi and to tell him to keep his forces on alert. We don’t want any unexpected guests crossing the perimeter and interrupting us.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The white haired Lieutenant stopped, clicked her heels together and then saluted her superior. ‘Yes sir!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh and Brianna?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Erm, yes sir?’ The inquisitor lieutenant raised an eyebrow when her senior leant close to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Keep your hair down. It suits you better.’ A small smile appeared on the man’s face before he turned and carried on walking.

<p class="MsoNormal">Brianna remained stony while saluting. But once the inquisitor major departed her face flushed. And she hurried off towards the farms periphery when he coughed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Once his subordinate was out of range the man chuckled to himself. ‘I’ve still got it.’ But his face darkened when the foul beings that his men were surrounding came into view. ‘Filthy creatures, I don’t see how these men put up with them. It would be better if we rid the world of the lot of them.’

<p class="MsoNormal">A few of his troops saluted as he passed although most of their attention went towards their duty. He understood their plight well. He had risen through the ranks without the benefit of an affluent background. So he knew how each of them felt.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just remember, don’t look them in the eye and don’t listen to them. And most of all don’t let any of them touch you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">All of his forces had been prepared with the latest equipment. He was proud to be a part of this elite expeditionary unit as he surveyed his men and their handiwork. And once he arrived at the farmhouse he stopped and turned to face his demons.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am looking for a woman.’ His calm yet firm voice echoed across the land. And the murmuring of many voices replied. But they were soon silenced when a soldier struck his stun staff against the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Thank you private.’ He looked at the beasts and scowled when a few still had the audacity to whisper. ‘I did not give any of you permission to speak. Know that your existence is only tolerated as long as you are useful and compliant. But!’ He began walking towards the corralled animals and paced in front of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Know that your life hangs from a fine thread.’ He stopped in front of a colourful young harpy and stared at her. This particular kind were known as poultry. He knew they were weak willed and proliferant egg layers. So besides her age it made her a perfect target.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Any insubordination from you will lead to your imminent.’ He started leaning towards the poultry. It was only half his size, but what he loved most was seeing it squirm.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Execution.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The creature froze and its eyes glazed over. He then stood, turned his back and started pacing again. A small smile crossed his face when he heard the thud of it collapsing.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But know that your full co-operation will allow you to go about your day as per usual.’ He raised a finger with his back still turned to the group. ‘Only once, we find what I am looking for.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The muttering from the beasts grew in volume regardless of the orders his men were giving. He knew something more drastic would be needed. And his wish was granted when the voice of a young woman shouted out to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are nothing but a bully! Picking on this poor girl! If you think yourself such a big man then pick on someone your own size!’ When he turned, one of the creatures known as were-sheep was scowling at him. All while she appeared to be organising the others to tend to their fallen comrade.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah! So we already have a trouble maker. And a wolf in sheep’s clothing at that.’ He decided to take his time as he strolled towards the sheep girl. His men were still searching the farm as he saw them making their way between the outermost buildings. Which further agitated him since he may lose his bet with the mercenary group’s leader.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am not afraid of you.’ The were-sheep folded her arms while the crowd around her shied back.

<p class="MsoNormal">The inquisitor major grinned and held up his hands. ‘You need not be afraid. But you appear to be an oddity from what I understand of your kind. A sheep with a back bone so to say.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah? And what is the problem with that? Do you think we are all just lazy and dopey like what your books say about us?’ The girl snorted at him. She was only digging her own grave he thought. She raised an eyebrow while he put on a pair of white rune-covered gloves.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So tell me my dear, what do they call you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Amanda. And what is it to you?’ She snorted again and her ears twitched.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh nothing much. I just like to know the names of animals before I slaughter them.’ Without giving her time to react he grabbed her by the neck and dragged her away from the group.

<p class="MsoNormal">She tried clawing at his hand, but her strength failed when the runes on the gloves started glowing. ‘What… are… you doing to me? Why… why do I feel so weak?’ She gasped for air as his grip tightened around her throat.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘A new toy of ours. And to your fate? Well, I have to set an example now, don’t I?’ He stared into her eyes and she started shuddering and sweating. This was one of the rare moments he always enjoyed.

<p class="MsoNormal">When he swiped his free hand past the creatures face, it screamed when a trickle of blood run down its nose.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">The scream I heard sounded familiar but I could not see where it had come from. It appeared the girls were being kept separate from the men. And Geoff, his wife and Valis were nowhere to be seen. So to gain a better view I started moving snow out of the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko came into view and was standing next to a woman by the end of the caravan. She appeared unharmed and annoyed as she talked with her arms folded. But I still had no idea what was happening.

<p class="MsoNormal">A familiar bellowing roar brought my attention to the girls. Lin appeared at the front of the group and started pointing towards a man wearing armour. That was when I noticed Amanda collapsed at the man’s feet with blood coming from her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin went to move but the soldiers blocked her path and pointed their staves towards her. While a few of the young women in the group were also trying to hold her back from what I could see.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You bastard! If ya looking for a fight then I will give ya one!’ Lin roared in a way I had never heard. It sounded guttural and echoed across the farm.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘A Minotaur? What is a beast like you doing in a place like this? Shouldn’t you be sleeping in a ditch somewhere? Amanda tried crawling away while lin distracted the man. But he dragged her back to sit by his feet when he noticed her escape attempt. ‘Oh no, you are staying right there.’ He grinned at her then used her wool to clean his blade. Leaving a long streak of blood down her arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I live here! What’s it to you anyway? So let me at ya and I will give you the fight you want!’ Lin roared again and sent one of the soldiers flying with a back hand. ‘Ya little stun sticks ain’t gonna work on me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t know what to do. But if their leader was taken out then would his men leave? I need a weapon, anything will do. As I looked around I noticed various tools lying on the ground along the edge of the field. One in particular caught my eye when I spotted it.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That will do, I think.’

<p class="MsoNormal">So I crawled from under the caravan hoping no one would notice. But froze when a jolt ran up my back. Have they noticed me? Would someone call out if they had?

<p class="MsoNormal">I raised my head and looked around. The soldiers remained fixated on the girls while their leader taunted Lin. Where is Goldie? Shouldn’t she be here? I spotted Kim looking at me with a concerned look on her face. But she jumped and pulled on the white haired woman’s arm when she was about to turn in my direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks kim, I owe you. She smiled at me before talking with the woman again.

<p class="MsoNormal">I reached forwards after a short crawl and grabbed the handle of the tool that caught my eye. ‘Good, now to.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Know this minotaur. If you take another step forwards then my men have the order to kill. So what will it be, mutton for dinner? Or a full farm buffet?’ The man in armour started laughing when Lin grabbed her horns and hunched over.

<p class="MsoNormal">She then lent back and screamed at the sky. ‘Damn you! You bastard!’ After a few moments of clenching her teeth she disappeared into the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh how fun, this will be a story to tell when we return. Beating a Minotaur without raising a finger, I find that a personal best. She is just another domesticated dairy cow, but no one needs to know that part.’ A few of the soldiers laughed along with the armoured man. ‘Silence! I did not give you permission to gloat! And now. What to do with this one.’ He looked at Amanda and sheathed his dagger, he then drew what appeared to be a sword.

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda fell backwards and started crawling away. ‘What? Please… please don’t. Please forgive me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, forgive? How can you say such a word? You were an abhorrent piece of corrupt filth from the moment you were born.’ The armoured man started walking towards her while raising his sword. ‘And now, I think I shall cleanse the world of you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My body went cold when her screams started ringing in my ears. And time slowed when the man raised his sword above his head.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Leave her alone!’ I launched myself forwards. My hands flourished the farm tool with skill I never knew I had. But the moment my blade went to connect for a decapitating strike, my hands pulled back on their own. The blow my tool received sent me staggering backwards. The woman Kim was conversing with had appeared between us and was holding her sword at the ready.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah, nice work lieutenant. A Scythe? An interesting choice of weapon, so this must be the trader’s companion that we were missing. Keep them under control men, we can deal with this fellow.’ Amanda looked at me then hurried to the farmhouse the moment the man turned his back to her. ‘So you want to save these creatures? Then know that attacking us amounts to Treason against the state.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked down at the shaft of the farm tool in my hands. So this is called a Scythe? A few botanical memories surfaced in relation to the tools use. But my body seemed to remember another way of using it.

<p class="MsoNormal">The man went to point at the running away Amanda. But I found myself roaring and flourishing the Scythe while running towards him. But the woman jumped in my way and raised her palm to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her eyes started to sparkle and her hand began to glow. ‘Concussion missile!’ A ball of white launched from her palm towards me. My hands slashed the scythe at the ball which diverted it into the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The spray of dirt and dust startled the woman since she jumped back and covered her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">So I span on my toes and swung in for the kill. A trickle of blood ran down the woman’s neck as I fought to push the blade deeper. The dust started to clear and her eyes widened before she scowled at me. And at the end of the scythe was the man’s hand gripping the blade.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Do it now Brianna!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes sir!’ The woman’s eyes started to sparkle again and she placed her hand against my chest. ‘Concussion missile!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The blow knocked the air out of me. I flew backwards then coughed up blood when I hit the ground. My chest felt as though it was burning and all I could manage was quick gasps.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin!’ Footsteps ran towards me before a familiar bob of hair appeared. Kim knelt beside me and started running her hands over my chest. ‘Just stay down, that could have… hey! Let go of me!’ Kim disappeared and something thudded into my chest. Sending a fresh stream of blood into the air when I coughed and spluttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you make of this one lieutenant?’ Something cold and sharp tapped against the side of my neck. ‘I wouldn’t move if I were you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I don’t like him sir. At one moment he seems like an amateur, yet in the next he acts like a veteran soldier.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Girl. Who is he?’ I heard kimiko scream before something collapsed onto my legs. ‘Speak! Or I will be rid of the both of you here and now.’

<p class="MsoNormal">When I looked down, Kim appeared terrified. She gulped then turned and looked up at the man. ‘He is my adopted brother sir… but he was born simple. He didn’t mean to attack you, he gets agitated when he sees people fighting.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The man back handed Kim across the face which knocked her onto her back. ‘Don’t lie to me girl! How could a simple man be so skilful?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘He’s not a soldier sir! He’s just trained in the staff! Please… please don’t hit me again…’ Kim curled into a ball and started sobbing while the man whispered with his companion.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just know that I am not pleased with this. But thanks to my lieutenant’s generosity, we will not kill you. But! Only if the both of you pass a test of mine.’ The man grinned then returned to standing outside the farmhouse. ‘Pass this, and your lives are your own. But if either of you should fail, you both die.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at Kim and she gulped, but she smiled and winked when her eyes began sparkling. ‘It is okay martin. Don’t worry about me, we will be okay.’ She started sobbing again till the white haired woman helped her sit.

<p class="MsoNormal">She held her fist near Kim’s face then opened her hand. ‘Look at the crystal and don’t move.’ A fingers length gem dropped from her palm then dangled on a chain.

<p class="MsoNormal">My companion tilted her head and looked up at the woman. ‘What is this?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just look at the gem.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim gulped and the sparkling in her eyes vanished. ‘Now what?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You will see. And then I will know what you are.’ The woman knelt in front of Kim and placed her hand on her dagger’s pommel. ‘Just keep looking. And… done. She is clear major.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim exhaled then fell back into the well-trodden snow. ‘urr, I don’t feel well.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The woman chuckled then helped Kim sit again. ‘Calm down dear, now for this troublesome brother of yours.’ She then looked at me then frowned. ‘You can both go free As long as he has not been fraternising with the farm yard filth.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at Kim and her face lost all colour. ‘Y… yeah, well he has not done any of that. You tested me so don’t you think that is enough?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Are you trying to hide something from me?’ The woman gripped the handle of her dagger while glaring at Kim.

<p class="MsoNormal">My companion shook her head then held her hands together. The woman smiled then approached me. ‘Now it is your turn. Do as I said and you may leave with your life. Although I am still not pleased with your actions.’ I managed to sit after a small effort. ‘Now look.’ The woman held up her fist and the crystal soon appeared in front of my eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">I watched the gem as it swung and the world around me started to darken when it glowed a faint blue. Whispers and voices bickered within the gloom, It made me want to turn and see what was happening.

<p class="MsoNormal">Keep watching if you want to live.

<p class="MsoNormal">The voices became louder as the light within the gem grew. On occasion I felt something touch my arms, back or press against my lips. But I remained focused on the glow from the gem.

<p class="MsoNormal">And then the world went white.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin! Are you alright?’ something was shaking me and my sight started turning blue. My back felt cold and I sat up once I realised I was lying down. ‘Oh good, you are alright.’ Someone grabbed my neck from the side and started hugging me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, Kim? What happened?’ I looked at her and she started smiling. ‘I don’t know how, but you passed.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head and could not get rid of the strange feeling from before. ‘I, what happened?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘She said you had some contamination, but nothing abnormal from being near the girls. Although she didn’t say it in such a nice way.’ Kim grabbed my head and pulled me against her chest. ‘Please don’t do something stupid again. I don’t want you to get killed.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… well Kim…’ I could feel my face flush from the close contact with Kim’s bosom. And the memories from the previous night did not help as they rattled around in my head.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Unhand me humans! Let go of me!’ The sound of breaking glass brought our attention to the farmhouse. A man wearing the same uniform as the others was hanging from Valis’ bedroom window. ‘I said let go!’ Another man flew out the room and crashed into the first. Sending them rolling down the porch roof.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Brianna, do you have the collar ready?’ The armoured man stood watching the event with his hands behind his back.

<p class="MsoNormal">The young white-haired woman walked over and stood beside him. She reached into her pouch and pulled out what looked like a golden loop. ‘Yes sir, shall I assist in subduing the target?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Very well, but make it quick. This place is starting to make me itch.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No!’ Kim pushed me down the moment I went to move. ‘You can’t… they will kill you.’ I looked back at her and her eyes started watering. She bit her lip and started sniffling. ‘Please… they would have killed you if I hadn’t lied.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… but I can’t let them kill her.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But she was going to kill you!’ Her fingers tightened their grip and her eyes started to sparkle.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But Kim I…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Unhand me! What did you do to me! I will tear you apart when I get my fangs into you!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko hugged me harder. She was looking above me and grabbed my head when I was about to turn away. ‘Please…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Let me go!’ Valis’ growls turned into pain filled screams. I had to do something, I could not let them take her.

<p class="MsoNormal">When I managed to look, it froze my heart with what I saw. Valis appeared unconscious while two soldiers dragged her along the floor. And the white haired woman was holding a golden chain that connected to the wolf woman’s neck.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin! Stop! There are more of them now!’ Kim held me down with as much strength as she could muster. I felt helpless as she overpowered me with ease. A few more men made their way from the farm’s entrance then stood around the farm house.

<p class="MsoNormal">None of them were wearing matching clothes. But they all appeared to have the same symbol on their shoulder. When I looked back to the armoured man, a girl wearing a waist jacket had also appeared and was standing next to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Something snapped inside me when one of the soldiers kicked the unconscious Valis in the face.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am not going to let anyone else die because of me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">A fire erupted inside me and I could feel it filling my muscles with strength. Kim tried holding me down but lost her grip when I launched myself forwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">The soldiers that were holding Valis looked at me as I ran towards them. The One who kicked her in the face tried drawing his sword. But it was too late. I had already crossed the distance between us and grabbed him by the throat. His eyes grew wide as I lifted him off his feet. But I did not care about these men, they needed to disappear. So I threw the man to the side, sending him flying into a group of the new arrivals that were running towards us.

<p class="MsoNormal">The two that were holding valis let go and went to draw their own swords. So I sent one into another group of approaching soldiers with a back hand. Then span and kicked the other across the porch.

<p class="MsoNormal">The white haired woman stood in the doorway with the chain in her hand. She looked at me and took a step back when our eyes met. Her face paled and she held up her hand in the same way as before.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What are you?! Stay back!’ her eyes started to sparkle and her palm began glowing. So I rushed forwards and grabbed her by the wrist. She started screaming and collapsed to her knees when I twisted her arm backwards. The sound of breaking bones combined with her screaming spurred on the fire within my core.

<p class="MsoNormal">But something hit me in the side of the head that distracted me. When I looked to the side the armoured man was holding his palm towards me. He was still stood in his original position. So I assumed he used the ranged attack the woman had used before.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Let go of my lieutenant, if you want to fight someone then come at me you monster!’ I let go of the woman and turned to face him. He did not flinch when I roared and charged towards him. But the girl at his side jumped away as I closed the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are just a simple fool. Now return to the dirt where you belong!’ The man’s palm started glowing and something clicked in my head that this attack would be different. So my body responded by sending another burst of heat into my legs.

<p class="MsoNormal">A white lance launched from the man’s palm and flew towards my chest. He took a step back when I twisted around his attack. His movement slowed as another burst of heat strengthened my arms.

<p class="MsoNormal">He went to move to the side but it was too late for him to dodge. My fist was already swinging to connect with the side of his face.

<p class="MsoNormal">But before my fist could connect, my vision blurred and I was sent stumbling backwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Easy there lad, no need for anyone to die today.’ A gruff voice came from in front as I stumbled and regained my balance. A burly man who was a head taller than me stood in the way of my target. ‘Damn, what is that skull of yours made of lad?’ He shook his hand a few times then cracked his knuckles. ‘But dun matter, if you want to fight then so be it.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Stay out of this Malachi! He is my quarrel!’ The armoured man went to walk forwards but the burly man raised his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And he near took your head off. Leave the lad to us, just take the girl and get your men going.’ The large newcomer kept watching me. The armoured man scowled then started shouting orders. ‘Don’t look at him lad, I am the one you are fighting. Now come at me if you think you can.’

<p class="MsoNormal">His reply was all I needed. With another burst of heat I raced towards him. He did not seem concerned as he folded his arms.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now Girls!’ When he shouted, something strange happened. I collided with an invisible wall then stumbled backwards. In the next moment the girl wearing the waist coat appeared in front of me and punched me in the throat and stomach. The combined attack was enough to stagger me. But I shook my head and roared again, the girl in the jacket was now my target and I was going to crush her throat.

<p class="MsoNormal">She held her hands at the ready and ran towards me. ‘Now Eleanor!’ The moment I went to grab her she dropped to the floor and slid underneath me. I struck another invisible wall and was prepared to turn and chase the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">But my feet left the ground and the world started spinning. I was winded when I was slammed into the ground. And gasped for air when something wrapped around my body. But the screams from the girls and Kim brought my mind back into focus.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Let me go! I have to save valis! I can’t let anyone die again!’ My arms and legs would not move. All I could do was struggle against the invisible bindings that were holding me down. I watched as they picked up the white haired woman and walked away with her down the drive. ‘No! Please! Someone stop them!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The fire within my core started sputtering and I could feel the bindings tighten. I summoned as much strength as I could muster but it was no good. All I could do was struggle and watch as they dragged Valis away. But even then my sight started failing when my eyes began to water.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are stupid, you know that?’ A young voice came from behind me as something dropped onto my back. The impact quenched the fire within me and caused me to choke. When I turned to look, a girl wearing glasses and a pointed hat was sat on me with a grin on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are as stupid as they come. And I don’t mean that in a light hearted way.’ She pointed at me and started cackling. ‘You are not just stupid, you are advanced stupid for attacking us.’ It was then that I noticed her eyes were lit with a dim blue glow.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Malachi! Can you come and deal with him, I have more important things i could be doing instead of looking at his stupid face!’ Something else caught my eye, a cat was watching me from the satchel she was carrying.

<p class="MsoNormal">I could hear heavy footsteps until my head was yanked backwards. ‘Sorry to do this lad. But we can’t have you continuing your rampage.’ It was the burly man from before. He looked away when I heard Valis screaming in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Please… I have to save her…’

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked at me again while raising his fist into the air. ‘Sorry lad, but I have to do this for your own sake.’

<p class="MsoNormal">And then the world went black.

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