User blog:Mauller/Absolution 011

Absolution, Chapter:011


The filthy streets of the outer circle disgusted me. Even with the sewers and refuse collections the peasantry lived in their own waste. And if it was not for the Custodians then everyone would be wading in shit. But it was a required service as the arteries of the city passed through the more affluent areas of the slums. And it was here where the majority of my work occurred.

People would do anything in this world to get ahead of others.

I worked my way from my apartment towards the markets. My abode was nothing special, the cellar of an inn near the outskirts was more than adequate. It also gave me the options of discretion and easy escape if someone were to recognise me. Not that it has happened, but you could never be too careful in this line of work.

As I passed through the market I kept my head down and huddled into myself. I would not consider myself a thespian or expert in the theatrical arts. Yet it was easier to play the part of a crippled urchin than most would expect, the key was to not over act. Many of my comrades learnt that the hard way.

Sometimes the best way to blend with a crowd is to act natural. My scruffy face, shabby clothes and added garlic breath put me in the part. But my nerves were still shot and my right hand would not stop shaking. Making it harder to maintain my nonchalant persona.

The worst part was catching a glimpse of that boy in a reflection. His grubby face grinned back at me and the sparkle in his eyes was unnerving. It made the uncontrollable energy within me spike.

In any other situation my heart would maintain a calm rhythm. Yet my pulse raced as sweat trickled down my brow.

How could a single picture do this to me? Why was this happening? Why do I feel this way?

I could only think that a strange illness had struck me in the night as the sweat from my brow dripped off my nose. This had never happened to me on any job that I had taken. And it was becoming worse as I neared the designated area.

But regardless of my personal situation I made it to the inner city walls. The guards appeared more alert than usual and I was certain I heard a town crier talk of a ball. I could only assume the elite were having another show of their pomp and fortune. No doubt they would invite a few traders and people of craft from the slums as a gesture of good will. As per the norm.

Not that many went when summoned, those that returned often ended up dead within a fortnight. Many of the tales revolved around them being in the wrong place at the right time at the party. Or some just never returned.

I caught a glimpse of the boy in one of the guards armour and shied back. The guard raised an eyebrow but returned to talking with the trader he was inspecting. Although my appearance suited this part of the city, the inner walls were a different story. And my finer clothes were not usable after a slipup during an escape.

The guards were barring most of the less affluent from entering today. No doubt the streets were being prepared for the arrival of nobles from the surrounding area. The custodians had been working overtime cleaning the boulevards through the slums. So something big was going to occur.

I have no chance of entering through the gates, I best use other means. Although I hate doing that.

A road separated the outer city from the inner walls. Of course it was a good fortification. A measure to prevent enemies from hiding or using buildings to scale the walls. My only option was to find a quiet area and hope the guards on the walls would overlook my grapple.

<p class="MsoNormal">The only other way was through the smugglers run. But a knife in the back was the last thing on my mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">After ten minutes I found a quiet area and hoisted my grapple. The padding on its forks was a necessity and a good addition that I made. The last job I took with a partner ended up like this, it was still burned into my mind the outcome of the decision we made. She never survived the fall.

<p class="MsoNormal">Meeting death was always a possible outcome. I just happened to be one of the best at avoiding him.

<p class="MsoNormal">The top of the wall was clear when I peeked through the fortified balustrade. An occasional guard looked out the huts positioned along the walls walkway. But most seemed preoccupied with the commotion around the gates guard houses. Even the archers on the towers were neglecting their duty of watching the length of the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal">This is perfect. Make it over the walkway and shift down the other side. I can make it to one of my Cache’s and change into something smarter.

<p class="MsoNormal">Everything seemed too easy. My already shot nerves were screaming at me that something was wrong. But the unbound energy kept spurring me to move forwards. It only took a moment to cross the walkway and descend the opposite face of the wall. And a few more minutes to find my cache and change.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now I could make my way to my target. The boy I kept seeing in the reflection now looked like a young man from a less affluent merchant family. Smart but without the flair of a richer heritage. His clean shaven face grinned in return while his ponytail bobbed behind his head. He had discarded the limp and slumped posture and gained a boisterous sway to his walk. But nothing too exuberant, new and upcoming money is how the eyes of the more affluent would view him.

<p class="MsoNormal">But I knew his secrets. What he kept hidden under his cloak. And what lurked inside that head of his.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I thought, a ball is taking place at one of the local lord’s manors. From what I eavesdropped from passing chatter, it appeared a local lady was coming of age to marry. But what churned my stomach was hearing the location of the festivities.

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh no, this is getting worse and the deadline is approaching. I can’t delay this job any longer.

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head and a group of young women gave me a questioning look. And when I smiled and waved they began giggling and talking at speed. On any other day it would not have bothered me. Their reaction was no different to other young women I had encountered. A few nice words and a smile was all I needed to hear the local gossip. But my foot gave way and I walked away in a hurry when the girls burst out laughing. Something was wrong with me, my heart kept palpitating and my hands would not calm.

<p class="MsoNormal">Holding the grip of my blade inside my cloak helped to ease my nerves. I was able to regain my centre and continue with my work. The house of the target was only around the next corner.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… I can’t do this…’

<p class="MsoNormal">I stopped when I saw the estate that stretched before me. The perimeter walls were only as tall as the average man. But the land beyond it was open lawn and flowerbeds.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No, I have to. I need the money.’

<p class="MsoNormal">After a moment of shaking my head and slapping my cheeks, I paced the perimeter of the grounds. It was easier than I thought to find an opening in their security. A side gate that lead towards an enclosed garden was a perfect entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal">It only took a moment to slip inside.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘ahh! Ouch…’ I rubbed my nose after colliding with something and falling over.

<p class="MsoNormal">And when I removed my hand from my face, my heart stopped when I saw my target staring back.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">I jolted awake and found myself sat in the barn. The warmth against my side was inviting and was drawing me back into my odd dreams. But the softness against my head unnerved me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hmm… I fell asleep next to Lin.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My face warmed when I realised I was using her breast as a pillow. But the large cow girl did not seem to care while she slept. What surprised me the most was how much milk the bottles she had brought contained. And the smile on her face told me how relieved she must be feeling.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Heh… well they are far smaller than before… still huge thought.’ No, stop staring at them. I shook my head and sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">She shifted in her sleep and I froze, her arm pulled me close but loosened after a moment. So I freed myself from her embrace and stretched.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, if I want to get anywhere I best go and talk with Malachi. Although I should check on Kim first, I hope she is alright.’

<p class="MsoNormal">After pulling down Lin’s shirt, I capped the milk bottles and put them into the crate she had brought. The volume of milk she had produced amazed me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No wonder she was a little grouchy. I think I would be irritated if I had two huge sacks of milk stuck to me… erm… stop thinking about them. Even if they are nice and soft.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin’s sleeping face sent me running, it was a mixture of joy and relief. But she looked more in proportion since her milking. No! Stop thinking about them. I shook my head again and ran for the barn door. But as my hand touched the handle, the door slid open.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So this is where you are! We have been looking for you Mr!’ the chorus of the twins made me jump. ‘It’s getting late and you are helping us with dinner!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was just… What?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You are coming with us!’ And with that said, the twins grabbed an arm each and pulled me towards the kitchen. The girls did not seem happy and were hurting my arms as they dragged me along.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What is wrong?’

<p class="MsoNormal">They glared at me then huffed and looked away. I could only guess that news about the event with Amanda had spread around the farm. ‘Girls if this is about-‘

<p class="MsoNormal">‘We wanted you to shear us first! But you went and sheared her! So now you are going to help us with dinner!’ Things became worse when we entered the dining hall, the whispering and pointing started the moment my face appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh great. I mean... sorry girls, let’s get dinner cooked and I will treat you later.’ I smiled and they chuckled. But the joyful moment was short lived once they dragged me into the kitchen and stuck me in front of a stew pot.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why do I feel like everyone is trying to wear me down?

<p class="MsoNormal">It was hard going, having to cook for everyone on the farm takes time and energy. No wonder the twins wanted my help, Amanda should have been cooking with them. And her friends would have helped if she had been here. But no one had seen her since she entered the barn with me in the morning.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why do I feel that I never get a break?

<p class="MsoNormal">A few hours later I sat on the kitchen porch to watch the sun set. Even though I couldn’t call it sitting considering the twins had wedged me between them. And although my stew and bread were dwindling, I still felt hungry. The sudden disappearances of the food from my spoon was questionable. But it was amusing to find Molly ready to eat my mouthful when I turned back from talking with her twin.

<p class="MsoNormal">I chuckled at the situation, the game of distract me then eat my food was amusing. Even if it left me a little empty.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well I best go girls.’ They looked at me and frowned. Making me feel worse when their ears and tails drooped.

<p class="MsoNormal">Millie stood then walked to the kitchen door before looking back and smiling. ‘We wanted you to shear us first… But it’s nice that you helped Amanda. She has always found it hard to trust humans.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah…’ Molly hugged my arm and stared at me. ‘But if you are shearing anyone next, then you are shearing us. Promise?’

<p class="MsoNormal">My chest started convulsing and I found myself laughing. ‘Okay girls, just… make sure you bring something to wear.’ I smiled and the girl’s ears and tails started wiggling again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Molly reached forwards and kissed me on the cheek before giggling and running behind Millie. ‘Just be nice to us like you did with big sis.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Millie laughed then waved. ‘Just keep your promise okay? No shearing anyone else before us.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I chuckled and shook my head. ‘Don’t worry girls, I promise.’ The girls smiled then walked into the kitchen, leaving me alone and feeling a little cold. ‘Did Molly just say big sis? Wait… does that mean Amanda is their sister? …Amanda is their sister!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The ramifications of this were mind boggling, their personalities could be considered on alternative ends of the spectrum. Even if they can be as mischievous, how does that even work? Where did all of this come from?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ah my head hurts just thinking about it.’ Although all three share similar appearances to Geoff’s wife. And Amanda did run upstairs in the farm house the other day.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Thieving little…’ My plate was gone which I had not realised till I tried to take another mouthful. ‘Well I guess I can get something to eat with Kim.’ So I put my cutlery through the window and into the sink, then departed up the drive.

<p class="MsoNormal">My short walk cleared my head and my luck improved as it appeared Kim was in the caravan. ‘Why is she running around? And what is that big thing chasing her?’ The sudden wail from the caravan and seeing her shadow fall forwards sent me running. So I slammed open the side door, jumped at the door to the living area then slid it open. ‘Kim! Are you alri-ri-right?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko appeared more than adequate. Her creamy skin was on display except for the parts obscured by her undergarments. But the thing that stood out was how well the outfit she was wearing suited her, but I was unsure why.

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked up at me and the chocolate coloured oval ears on her head wiggled. ‘M… m… Martin?! Wh-wh-What are you doing here?! Her cheeks reddened and the large fluffy thing that was lying over her back wiggled. What completed the scene were the fluffy leg warmers she was wearing. Each appearing as wide as her body and matching the colour of the ears and what I now assumed was a tail.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well I just… was helping on the farm and… I… you look… very nice Kim.’ I could feel my face warming. I remembered her dressing up, but this was different. The way the ears and tail wiggled made them appear real. ‘I didn’t mean to, well… walk in on you dressing up in your rat outfit… Kim?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin… for the last time… I am not a rat! You jerk!’ With a growl, Kim launched herself off the floor and head butted me in the chin. ‘I am not a rat! Now get out until I change!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I’m sorry kim! Just stop trying to hit me!’ The door slammed closed behind me and rattled. I assumed Kimiko was hitting it from the amount of growling I could hear. But as fast as the incident started, the living area went silent. ‘Erm… kim?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The door slid open a crack and kim’s eye glared at me through the gap. ‘I am going to do something horrible to you later… Tell anyone what you saw and I will make it extra painful.’ And with that said the door slid closed, leaving me intrigued yet worried about what she meant.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although she looked cute and the ears felt wonderful last time, I wonder what hugging her tail... No! I am not a pervert!

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head and made my way towards Malachi’s camp. And from what I could see it appeared as though they were readying to leave.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Why should I let you see him? You almost snapped my neck the last time I saw you. It’s not like life is all sunshine and roses, but I still want to choose when I die. I don't want some idiot like you making that decision for me.’ A few of the men in the camp directed me towards Malachi’s tent. But the teenager wearing the waist coat was waiting outside. ‘And it’s not like I don’t face danger all the time just to have some moron like you do me in. I have pride you know! And I want to go out the way I lived.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So curled up into a ball and whimpering like a little girl?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Exactly! …wait a minute. Hey! That is not what I wanted to say! Maybe I should stake you now and end it?’ Although she came up to my chin, she had a way of making herself seem more intimidating. The sudden narrowing of her eyes and the way she showed her front teeth made my hairs stand up. ‘Or I could just make you my little toy.’ I took a step back when she smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">I could not deny her cute appearance, but the sinking feeling I felt with Kimiko was back with a vengeance.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That’s enough of that little miss, I already told you once yesterday. Now don’t go causing trouble and getting yourself into worse.’ Malachi emerged from his tent without the girls notice and swatted her on the back of the head. But before she could say a word he gave her something then sent her away.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Daft girl, always causing me trouble.’ The barbarian chuckled then looked at me while smiling. ‘So what can I do you for lad? Something on your mind?’

<p class="MsoNormal">If I wanted to get anywhere in the world, then this was my moment. I had to ask him and yet something was screaming for me to stay where I was. To stay on the farm with the girls.

<p class="MsoNormal">But I could not let that feeling win.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I want to join you. To join your group’ with that said, a few of Malachi’s men who were passing dropped what they were carrying. It seemed as though all eyes had turned to the pair of us. Many of them looking on in disbelief.

<p class="MsoNormal">The barbarian rubbed his chin and ran his hand through his beard. His smile disappearing as his visage hardened. ‘So, you say you want to join?’ He started walking around me while a few more of his men joined the crowd. ‘What makes you think you can tough it out? This is no easy line of work for a country boy.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I ducked out of the way the moment I felt the tension peak. Malachi’s fist hovered above me after he had punched towards my head from behind. ‘What the!? Why did you do that for?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well what do you expect?’ He kicked for my head so I ducked and rolled. Then jumped out of the way again when I found his leg swinging around for a second try. ‘Do you think I would just let any waif or stray join my band of hearty warriors!?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The crowd cheered as Malachi unleashed another round of punches and kicks. Each of them becoming harder to avoid. ‘What are you doing lad?! Do you think I would let some milk sop fight for me? You would get torn to pieces!’ His blows became relentless, a few grazing me as his speed increased. Until one of them connected and sent me sprawling backwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked up at Malachi, he continued to glare while cracking his knuckles. ‘Damn, you still have a hard head lad. But that won’t save you from the monsters. And I won’t have a liability following me around. Even if you showed some promise yesterday, I had only heard tales of men going berserk on Minotaur milk. But don’t think something like that could see you through.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi’s men started to clear, it appeared he had given me his answer. But I would not take no for an answer. So I rolled onto my front and pushed myself up to kneel. ‘Do you think I would take no for an answer? I want to protect those I care about. No matter the cost.’ My legs were burning from avoiding Malachi’s blows. And I doubted they had recovered from the previous day’s exertion.

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi turned to face me. ‘Still have some pep in you lad?’ he cracked his knuckles then gestured for me to attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">I laughed, stood then spat out the blood from my cut lip, raising my fists once I felt ready. ‘So what would it take to convince you? A punch in the teeth?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi grinned, showing off his perfect smile. ‘I will think about it if you manage. But I doubt it lad. Many a man and monster have tried in the past.’ He pulled his gum to the side showing a chipped molar. ‘Only one person has managed to land a blow.’

<p class="MsoNormal">His men turned but seemed less interested at the situation now. ‘What do you mean by that?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well it was no man or monster that landed a slap to these chops. And it happens that the one who did it is staring daggers at ya.’ The burly man looked over my shoulder and the breeze from behind sent a chill up my spine.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Boo.’ The moment I turned I jumped. The girl in the waistcoat had been standing behind me. A few of the men in the camp began laughing before returning to work. Another group had started making bets. Or at the least I assumed they were from the money they were exchanging, as well as the pointing.

<p class="MsoNormal">The girl chuckled then grabbed me by the collar. ‘You should bugger off. Weaklings like you should just hide in your holes.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Teia… let the lad go. This is between me and him.’ Malachi prepared himself and raised his fists. ‘Come on then lad, if you are going to change my mind. Then do it now!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The judgmental teenager let go and I turned to face the barbarian. A few moments passed with us watching each other. I have to do this. I need to find out who I am. I have to protect those I care about; Kim, Goldie, The twins, Lin. The last name that ran through my mind made my blood boil. ‘Amanda…’

<p class="MsoNormal">I balled my hands into fists, my knuckles cracking from the force. ‘She never deserved that… none of them deserved it…’

<p class="MsoNormal">There was only me, Malachi and the target on his cheek with my name on it. ‘What’s that lad? You mumbling something, if you going to give this a go then you better hurry. I ain’t got all night and we are off in the morning.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I dropped my weight and launched myself forwards. The barbarian took a step back and readied to block a right hook. His eyes kept flicking between my face and my fist, so I kept watching his left side. The moment I was within arm’s reach he raised his left arm to block and he swung with his right.

<p class="MsoNormal">A few of Malachi’s men watched on in shock. Or that was how I saw it. My left fist remained connected with his right cheek. His brow furrowed and he looked me in the eye. We must have appeared frozen while his fist remained connected to my left side.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, that was good going lad. I didn’t expect that, just get some more meat on those bones and you might not throw girly punches.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey! I take offence to that?! And get off him you piece of trash! How dare you lay a finger on Malachi!’ The growling from behind grew and I found myself being pushed face first into the mud. ‘You scum! How dare you hit Malachi!’ I had to cover my head when she began hitting my back.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Whoa Teia! Go easy on the lad.’ The furious blows to my back and arms came to an abrupt end when the weight behind me vanished. ‘It was a fair fight girl, now go and help pack up. The lad is my business.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But Malachi!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No buts remember? Now scram before yours is tanned.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I remained lying on the floor and coughed a few times. Malachi helped me to my feet and patted me on the back which did not help my breathing. ‘Nice jab lad, didn’t expect a leftie. But I guess you are crafty enough to be further tested.’ The middle aged barbarian grinned. ‘So I tells you what. You make it to Lescatie and I will see that you get a shot. Now me and the band will be going elsewhere before heading back, so go to the east barracks and ask for Mérse. Tell her old Malachi sent you and she will sort you good and proper.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But what about Valis? I need to save her.’ The crowd went quiet and a few of the men shook their heads. The majority returned to the work while the betting group started arguing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi put his hand on my shoulder and sighed. ‘Look lad, I said it before, they won’t be killing her. So no need to rush, from what Alec told me, she is important for some reason or another. No idea what though, is the usual thing with the trade.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean by that?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well I don’t ask so I can keep my own head. But enough of that, just remember lad, make it there and tell Mérse that I sent ya. Everything else can come in time.’ The barbarian patted my shoulder once more then returned to his tent after having a final look over his men.

<p class="MsoNormal">In the end I left with less than I though. And to add insult to injury I bumped into the younger girl who was returning from the farm. She looked at me and I grinned in return. But she just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What is your stupid face looking at? And why do you look more injured than before? Did you climb the ugly tree and hit every stupid branch on the way down?’ The annoying girl grinned and put her hand on her hip. ‘Want me to rearrange it further for you? Wh… what are you doing?’

<p class="MsoNormal">She shuffled back and froze when I reached towards her face. Her eyes kept scanning mine while I smiled back at her. But once I was done I walked past her and carried on towards the caravan.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey! What did you do!’ I heard her shouting from behind, but i only turned around to look at her once I made it to the caravan.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I straightened your glasses. Now who is the stupid one?’ I thought I saw her jump when I turned and entered the caravan’s back door. Mark down a point for me, I am not going to let that little brat get the better of me. Now, what to do with kim? I gulped and walked through the storage area till I came to the living areas door. The lights were low but I could hear a familiar humming which was reassuring.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Erm, kim? Is it alright if I come in?’ She did not reply so I knocked on the door. ‘Kim? Look, I am sorry, I was being…’ It annoyed me to say or think it, except it applied in this situation. ‘I was being stupid and I am sorry if I hurt your feelings. But I want to make it up to you, so I went to Malachi’s camp to take the job.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The humming stopped and I rushed into the room when I heard kim scream followed by a thud. I looked down at the floor to find her crumpled on her overturned chair while rubbing her head. ‘Kim! Are you alright?’ I kneeled down and helped her sit. She was not wearing the fluffy ears or tail from before, just one of her kimono as she called them.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yeah… And I am sorry. But that is good news I guess.’ She frowned and looked away. ‘But don’t worry about me, it’s not like you want to be around me. You don’t have to feel like you have to repay me for saving you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I knocked on her head and put a finger against her lips. Leaving her with an annoyed look while she rubbed her head. ‘Stop being daft. Why would I abandon you? I am doing this for you. So why would you think that?’ I smiled and poked her forehead. ‘So cheer up and give me a hug.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko went through a variety of expressions before she pouted and hit me in the chest. ‘I am not a child.’ She then smiled and jumped towards me, giving me a hug while she buried her face into my shoulder. ‘But please don’t leave me behind… I though, I was scared that… you wouldn’t want to leave this place. You just seemed really happy and.’ Kimiko sniffled and held me tighter, before she burst into tears. ‘I was so scared, that you would die.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled and rubbed her head, a part of me warmed and felt more at ease knowing that she worried about me. It felt peculiar, but I wanted to remain hugging her for a while. So I sat holding her long after she calmed. We started talking about the journey to Lescatie and all the trade we could make along the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hey kim, what is this?’ I had not noticed it before but a thin book was lying on the floor behind her. Being shocked at what it contained would be an understatement. ‘Kim… why are you reading this?’

<p class="MsoNormal">She stopped resting her head against my shoulder and screamed when she saw what I was holding. ‘How did you get that!’ before I knew it she pushed me away and grabbed the book. ‘Don’t go through my things you jerk!’ When I stopped rubbing my head I was greeted by kim glaring at me over the side of her bunk.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What are you talking about? It was on the floor behind you.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just shut up and go to bed!’ She growled then hid under her duvet. And before I could move the lights in the room went out.

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh great, now what did I do? I shuddered when the images in the book came back to mind. They returned and haunted my dreams. The way the men looked at each other and the positions they were in disturbed me. It was the worst night’s sleep I had ever had, or at least I could remember.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt terrible when I woke, my eyes and body felt heavy. One of the feathered girls seemed to have the idea that she needed to sing when the sun rose. So she only shortened my poor night’s sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin? Are you awake? Now… don’t be mad but…’ I heard kim’s voice and looked to my side. She was sat next to my bed, her face flushed while she held one of my shirts against her chest. ‘Oh good, you are awake. Now, don’t be mad but… I was kind of upset and did something that I shouldn’t have. And it kind of went better than expected… far better than expected. But I couldn’t undo it, no matter how hard I tried.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What are you talk… why does my voice sound funny?’ I sat up and was surprised for a moment. I looked around the room then at kim. But nothing in the room seemed out of place and I could feel all my limbs. ‘Why… should I be mad?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim’s face further flushed and I was sure her ears joined in. ‘w-well… You… might want to…’ She looked towards the wardrobes. So I swung my legs to the side and hopped off the bed then walked toward them.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Now what is the… fuss… ab… what?!’ I grabbed the mirror and turned my head to either side. It was only then that I noticed my underwear had fallen down to my ankles. But the most disturbing thing was the person that was staring back at me. ‘Kim! What in the hells happened to me?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">She was covering her eyes when I turned toward her. ‘I… it was an accident! I was mad at you! I am sorry! I didn’t mean to!’ Her fingers slowly split apart till I could see her inspecting my body. ‘But you are cute…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I don’t care if I am cute! How am I supposed to get anything done like this?!’ I felt so angry that I had to leave the living area and stand in the storage room. But even that was not helping, I needed space, the caravan was too constricting. It felt as though the wall were closing in around me and that I would become trapped. My hands started shaking and the shadows started moving in the periphery of my vision.

<p class="MsoNormal">So I flung open the side door and jumped out of the caravan. I breathed in deep and exhaled. ‘Ah… fresh air… ah…’ I froze on the spot when I looked down from my moment of cloud gazing.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Erm… hello.’ There was someone standing there staring down at me. her cheeks flushed while she inspected my partly clad body. ‘I… who are you? Is Martin home? The thick winter clothes on her body looked warm and inviting. And although her wool was gone, the girl could not be mistaken for anyone else but Amanda.

<p class="MsoNormal">A snort and a chuckle freed me from my tunnel vision. Amanda was not alone, her group of friends were standing behind her and pointing at me. They appeared to be more interested in my lack of clothing than their friend.

<p class="MsoNormal">A gust of wind forced me to cover my eyes for a moment. I had forgotten how cold it could be. When my vision cleared i noticed the group looking at my lower body, each of thier faces as flushed as each others. ‘Oh crap!’ I covered myself and put my knees together. The girls behind Amanda screamed and rushed towards me. Leaving the boisterous were-sheep wide eyed and gawping.

<p class="MsoNormal">And so I ran. ‘Kimiko! What the hell did you do?!’ The cold wind and snow bit me to the bone. But running was all I could do, I was sure a worse fate awaited if I stopped for a moment. Things only became worse as the chase continued. Not only were Amanda’s friends chasing me but a few of the other farm girls joined.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda watched as her friends chased the teenage boy that had exited the Traders caravan. Something felt familiar about him. And without thinking she had picked up his discarded underwear and sniffed them. ‘Wh-What am I doing?!’ She threw the item away and shook her head. ‘No… I came to talk with Martin, to apologise.’

<p class="MsoNormal">She took a step toward the caravan until something twigged.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Was that? …was that Martin?!’

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