User blog:Mauller/Absolution 023

Absolution, Chapter:023


As I made my way back to Antonio’s I could only think of one thing, did I make the correct choice?

The ringing in my ears had not subsided from the verbal tirade I endured. Eleanor seemed a loudmouthed brat at first, yet she still surprised me. Her expectations appeared high when I sat at the table. Teia looked confused but seemed to piece things together quicker than the starry eyed girl next to her.

Whenever I went to speak, Eleanor interrupted with a snide comment. Although she seemed distracted as she kept looking to the doorway behind me. Her annoyance grew the more I spoke. And she did not take it well when I explained that I was the person she was meeting. I expected her to back down in embarrassment, yet it riled her further.

With tears in her eyes, Eleanor burst into a torrent of vitriol. Although compared to the pink clothed magic girl, it was rather tame. Most of it comparing me to things. And calling me stupid numerous times.

When I tried to speak, Teia joined in, enjoying the moment as she grinned like a Cheshire. But a hint of concern showed when she glanced at Eleanor on occasion.

Although that comparison came to me on the spur of the moment, it felt strange.

What is a Cheshire?

 The meeting ended with me telling Eleanor that I would meet her the following morning. After that I left without looking back, Teia could keep her company for the time being.

Having returned to my apartment I was glad to be home. but something felt wrong when I opened the door. The living room was warm and the fireplace was glowing with fresh embers.

‘Hi Martin!’

I almost fell down the stairs when a high pitch shrill called out my name. following the call, the head of a girl poked over the back of the nearest sofa. The smile on her face was sweet, matching the overall image the ribbons in her hair gave.

‘Inka! What are you doing here?!’

The door was closed within seconds to make sure no one eavesdropped. I stood with my back against it while the Mimic smiled at me from the sofa.

‘I came to see you! That Marie is such a fusspot and her big sister kept teasing me and tying me up in her traps. Her other sisters were nice, well half of them at least. I was surprised you still had that outfit when I tried coming here. But once I arrived I knew this place was yours from the smell.’

Inka smiled, during the course of her talking she had started leaning in my direction. To the point where she would fall off the sofa if she went any further.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I walked over and straightened her. Resulting in a hug and her head being pressed into my chest.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘It is dangerous to be here Inka, it is why I had you and Marie go home.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I don’t have a home… and that snake never cared, she just used me to look after her treasure…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Inka, you need to go, you can’t stay here.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The young girl looked up at me while moping. Her whimpering tugged at my already sore heart. So I sighed and gave her a hug in return.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Okay… you can stay.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Yay! This is going to be great!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Under two conditions.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Inka pouted while grumbling. ‘What conditions?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You have to live with a friend of mine and do everything she says. She is a trader and already has two other friends working with her. But I am sure she will find something for you to do.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I… what?! I came to see you! Not work for your friend!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A few moments of staring her in the eye quietened her protests.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Inka, this place is dangerous for your kind, she can protect you. And don’t worry, you will get to see me.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">She grumbled to herself before gripping my nose between her fingers.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Fine… You are way not cute like this. That fuzz on your face needs to go as well.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">We both started laughing before hugging again.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You can stay here tonight, but tomorrow we are off to visit my friend. I can’t have you around me, the people I work with are not fond of… well, monsters.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Okay, I promise that I won’t pop out when I feel like it.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Good, now you can sleep in the other room. The bed is already made.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Aww… but I want to sleep with you…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Inka.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">We stared at each other before she deflated. ‘Fine… I will behave.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">That night was as troublesome as I expected. On occasion I awoke to find her sneaking into my room. A glance sent her retreating with a pout on her face. I was already exhausted from my long day and soon fell asleep. And by morning I awoke with Inka under the duvet, hugging my side.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">She was reluctant to meet Kimiko. Once I arrived the girls noticed something was strange when I herded them into the caravan. And they jumped and fell over when Inka popped out of my satchel. But once they calmed, all eyes turned to me. The annoyance on their faces was clear. More so on Lin’s as her eyebrow quivered.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">All three barged into me at once, all talking in unison. Each of them wanting answers for their own questions. So I explained my journey again, and how I met Inka on the way. If anything I had saved her. The three looked to each other and seemed to come to an agreement. Lin and Amanda sat at the table while Kimiko pulled Inka to the side. The smile on her face was a little disturbing. So I turned my attention to the farm girls.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Amanda had decided to pour some tea. It was the first time that I had seen them both drinking it. The most surprising thing was how Amanda looked as prim as a princess. Each of her movements was fluent and elegant, each sip exact while making little noise. I would have though her to be the one from royalty. Considering her mannerisms and beautiful, golden ringlets.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Yet Lin, the self-proclaimed princess, looked out of place. Her posture was more suited to her laid-back life style. And from what I could tell, the use of the handle was beyond her as she gripped the cup itself. She would fit with the drunkards in the bar, laughing over rude jokes compared to being a guest at a dinner party.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">It was humorous but stark the contrast between them. Yet they were best of friends.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Once they noticed that I was watching their drinking, it became a competition. And Lin did not want to be beaten. Her back straightened, accentuating her bust, while her movements became less aggressive. She slipped a finger through the handle of the cup before raising it again. Amanda looked shocked while watching her strong armed friend sipping tea. Lin had also taken to sticking out her little finger as she drank.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The moment I met eyes with Amanda we burst into laughter, resulting in the tall girl turning scarlet.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Kimiko had long been distracted, her eyes sparkling while she inspected Inka. The grin on her face turned my stomach, so once tea was over I said my farewells.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Inka survived living with the snake, I am sure she would be fine with Kim.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I was sure I could hear Inka squealing once I left the caravan. Something about Kim being a pervert and for her to stop touching her. Although I could have imagined it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">As I walked to the barracks I had the feeling that my life was going to become more complicated. Keeping check on Eleanor would take priority now. Finishing my work with Merse took precedent over working for Malachi.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">On approach to the barracks I noticed a pair of familiar faces watching me. They appeared to be chatting with each other with jovial looks.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I’m going to end up working for both of them… I know I am…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Malachi raised his hand in a casual wave while Merse folded her arms.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You are late; you know what that means grunt.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The smile she was giving left me feeling deflated.

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

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Days turned to years, hours turned to months, seconds turned to weeks. Every moment began to feel like an eternity of bliss.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">De sat across from me, I still felt uncomfortable while in her home. A week had passed since the night of the party and we had met every day since.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Are you alright? You look a little pale?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I looked up at De from picking at my food. ‘Oh, yes, I am fine. Just… stomach cramps.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Oh, well I can get the maid to make some tea for that.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Wait! No!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Erm… are you sure you are okay?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">My friend, as odd as that notion sounded to me, gave me a funny look. I had not realised I had stood and knocked my chair over.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Excuse me…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I hurried away towards the door, a servant opened it for me and closed it behind. I was sure I heard De call out as I sped away. I had to leave, the feeling in my stomach was growing worse by the second.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Once I arrived at one of the bathrooms I threw up into the sink. It was not a problem finding one considering they had ten of them!

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Urgh… what in the hells is wrong with me?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I stared into the mirror, the image of a person unknown stared back. His face was flushed and sweaty, his pupils were dilated. A drop of blood was leaking from one of his tear ducts.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘What?!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The nausea in my stomach grew, the world felt as though it had tilted. I had never felt sea sick yet I was sure this was how it felt.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I hurried to wash my face before staring at the mirror again. Another trickle of blood left the boys tear duct. It could only mean one thing.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I… I’ve been poisoned? But…’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The room lurched and the world began to tilt. The floor greeted me with open arms as I embraced it.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">My mind raced as I stared at the door to the bathroom. The light under it darkened on occasion and I was sure I could hear something. But the warmth in my ears began to trickle down my face as I watched the dancing lights.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A thought came to me and I fumbled to my pocket, my fingers finding a slip of paper inside. I was sure I had recognised one of the waiters at lunch. But with how nervous I had been feeling I considered that I was being paranoid.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Death comes on swift wings to those who betray us… you knew that.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I chuckled before throwing up again, this time blood. The note was soon washed out in red as I laid there. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">My vision began to darken before a bright light burst into life. The warmth of the light caressed my face, gentle as a loved one’s touch, softer than silk. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Mum?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I was sure I could hear a woman calling to me, her voice gentle and caring. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Then the darkness took me. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I did not know how long had passed, if I were dead or alive. The abyss that surrounded me was warm and claustrophobic, yet I felt comfortable within it. Nothing appeared to exist except myself. When I looked down at my hands I could see them, yet they were faint, like a shaded outline in the dark. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The strangest thing was how a softness pressed into my back while a curtain of warmth held me down. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">As I looked around a shaded figure appeared next to me. it seemed to be breathing with a gentle rhythmic pattern while leaning to one side. I had the strangest feeling, that I should touch it. So I reached towards the figure, feeling my arm come free from whatever was resting on top of me. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">What I assumed was the figures head moved before sinking back into place. Feeling for the face brought a softness and warmth to my fingers. It felt comforting compared to the darkness. I explored more, finding a small nose, eyelashes, eyebrows, slender lips and a small chin. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The figure moved and my finger entered a small hole, causing the shadow to disappear and fall away from my sight. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Something grabbed my hand and started squeezing it. The figure appeared again and pressed my hand to the side of its face. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A faint voice echoed in the darkness, growing louder as the figures head approached my face. <span style="margin:0px;line-height:107%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;">its features sharpening into focus as it grew nearer. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘De? Is that you?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Her sobs echoed in the void along with her apologies. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I’m so sorry… this always happens… I’m so sorry… <span style="margin:0px;line-height:107%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;">I just wanted a friend, is that so wrong? ’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A new warmth started to drip onto my face as De looked down at me. Her every feature looked perfect as I watched her. The heaviness that was clinging to my body began to fade along with the void. Yet the world did not lose its fog. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Distant objects began to appear with a clarity I had never seen. The fine writing on the teapot atop the dresser was legible as though it were in my hands. The grain in the wooden ceiling panels appeared like rocky crevices in a canyon. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The fog lingered when i did not focus on something. Yet out of everything, De stood out like a shining beacon in that dull world. The black and white view accentuated her pretty and delicate features. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I’m so sorry… they did everything they could once we found you. The herbalist went pale when she saw what you had written on the floor. She did everything she could to make an antidote… but, they couldn’t save your eyes, I’m so sorry.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘What do you mean? But I can…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">My other hand came up to feel my face, I froze when my fingers brushed the bandages that were wrapped around my head. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘We covered them till the skin heals, I feel so bad, daddy knew someone would make a move, he just didn’t know when.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I continued to stare at the pained look on De’s face. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I had not noticed it at first, my eyes were shut the entire time.

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

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"><span style="margin:0px;line-height:107%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-size:11pt;">When I opened my eyes, the warmth on my face from the cloudy sky reassured me. My dreams had returned, leaving me puzzling over my past. I seemed to remember fragments now. And although the memory of the dream faded the emotions I was feeling lingered. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘De…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Who in the hells is De?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The weight on my stomach shifted and the blinding sunlight vanished behind a dark triangle. Looking beneath the geometric shape revealed the disgruntled face of a young girl. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Elena… why are you sitting on me?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">She smiled and flipped to the next page of the book on her lap. The book looked ancient and heavy. No wonder it was hard for me to breathe. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Because I needed a seat, I have a lot of reading to do for my exam. So if you could shut your mouth, I do not want to catch your stupidity. And for the last time, my name is Eleanor.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Stretching helped relieve the tension in my back and upper body. Although it irritated her highness as she had to readjust herself and the position of her book. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Will you stop moving… I am reading.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A glance around the barracks courtyard brought me up to speed on current event. The soldiers that were training appeared to be huddled around Merse while others were readying armour. But one thing caught my eye in particular. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Elena… considering that every bench appears empty, why choose this one? The one that I happened to be lying on?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The young girl tutted while shaking her head. And after a moment of staring at me, she snapped her book closed before placing it on the table behind herself. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Of course someone as stupid as you would have to ask. Why would I choose to sit on a hard wooden bench? I have a soft seat right here.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">For emphasis, she fidgeted as though she was making herself more comfortable.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Elena… I am supposed to be looking after you, not acting as a piece of furniture. No wonder it was hard to breath when I woke up. It has only been a week, yet I have been burnt, scratched and near enough drowned. Having your bony butt digging into my intestines does not help.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Well you should not have tried petting Morty, she is very particular with who she likes.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Elena, why do my mornings have to be dictated by your pet cat?’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> Eleanor leant to the side and pinched my nose between her fingers. Giving it a shake for good measure.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘She is not just a cat; she is my Familiar. And for the last time, my, name, is, Eleanor! E! l! e! a! n! o! r! remember it! Or are you too stupid to understand?! No wonder she doesn’t like you. She hates stupid people.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘She’s just a cat! Now stop puling on my nose!’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Oh she’s more than just a cat, but someone as stupid as you would never know.’

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> I raised my hands when her eyes narrowed. The mischievous smile that appeared when she let go was foreboding.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;"> ‘Ooh, maybe I should burn it right into your forehead. Would you remember then?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The sound of a stone being kicked brought our attentions to the new arrival at our side. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Hmm, having a lover’s tiff Ellie? Maybe I should come back after all the kissing and making up?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Teia looked down at me and waved. And although she was no longer Eleanor’s guardian, she had the habit of appearing out of thin air. I assumed it was to entertain herself at my detriment. Whenever I had the opportunity to talk with her she would shun me. She only appeared to have meaningful conversations with were Eleanor and Malachi. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Before I could retort to the teenagers comment I found my face being covered by two small hands. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Eww! Teia! That is gross! He’s like old enough to be my grandfather’s fathers father! How could you say such a thing? I would not be caught dead kissing someone so stupid.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Elena! Take your hands off my face! And I’m not that old!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The conversation reduced to shouting and insults. Till Eleanor decided to hop off my stomach when I tried to grab her. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Ohh, I would beat you down again if I could!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Eleanor stomped her foot and straightened her hat. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Go cry a river, Ouch!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The book that she had been reading flew towards her after hitting me in the back of the head. She hugged it close to herself before sticking her tongue out. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Serves you right, Stupid people deserve everything they get.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Teia cleared her throat then dusted down her gothic skirt. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘If it would please you both to shut up for a moment, I have an urgent message.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I looked to Eleanor, who was still making faces, before turning to the teenager. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Is it orders from Malachi?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Yes, we are moving out in an hour. There have been sightings of an army approaching the city. Reports say that it is larger than the previous attack. Although how much larger we don’t know.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Well I best go and get my things before I die from catching stupidity.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Eleanor… could you stop calling me stupid?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I looked to Teia and all I received was a smile. So I collected my stuff and stood. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Then let’s go, why don’t they know how big it is?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The gothic girl looked thoughtful before raising her finger. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Only one scout returned.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘How many were out there?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘About thirty.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I thought she was joking, but the look in her eye said otherwise. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Hurry up you two before you die of old age!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Teia’s brow twitched and she stomped her foot while turning. Eleanor had already made her way across half of the courtyard. The young girl giggling as she made her escape. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Ellie! Do you want to wake up tomorrow with all of your blood?!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The teenager growled then turned to face me again. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘What do you mean by that Teia?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Her eyes opened in surprise while her mouth flapped. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘N-nothing!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Before I could speak she smiled and hurried across the courtyard. I watched as she caught up to Eleanor, the teenagers face still appeared flushed at a distance. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Well, no time like the present.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I picked up my things then made my way after the pair. There was No doubt that Malachi was waiting in his office for us.

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

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The preparations for the conflict were short and swift. Before I realised, we were marching out of the city’s western gate. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I don’t like this… something just feels bad to me.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Oh hush Teia, we will be fine.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Malachi gave the teenage girl a smile before looking into the distance. The annoyance on his face was clear for all to see. Although I could tell that he was holding back his own apprehension. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">My own nerves were trembling when I thought about what was to come. The army approaching us was bigger than before. And the last conflict was bad enough. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Keep your whit’s about you lad, I heard what happened last time. But you have improved with your training.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I looked up at the barbarian. He had donned one of the suits of armour that stood in his office. With how light it looked, I was sure it was ornamental. If anything it was a symbol to inspire the men around him. The filigree and metal work was beyond compare; it must have cost more than I would make soldiering for a year. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Whit’s? Malachi, you give his stupidity too little credit. I would not be surprised if he tripped on a root and drowned in a puddle.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">To my left, a pointy witches hat bobbed across my field of view. But it was far from large enough to block the hulking monstrosity that lumbered beside the thorn in my side. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Elena, can you tell me once again what that thing is?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">She glared at me from under her hat before snorting and looking forwards. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘My name is Eleanor… Stupid ingrate. And for the last time, this is my Construct. I specialise as a geomancer, meaning I use earth magic. And this big lug is my Mithril Golem. His name is Geoff, he says hi.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Oh, well, hello?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The young girl snorted then started laughing, the Golem looked down at me before extending its hand to Eleanor. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You really are stupid!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The girl giggled while hopping onto the giant constructs hand. Once she did it moved to place her onto its shoulder, from where she decided to stand for the rest of the journey. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I already told you that I don’t understand magic… stupid kid…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Hey! I heard that!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Oh calm down lass, we are nearly there. So get yourself into position once we arrive.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Looking up at the construct was all I could do. It dwarfed any human that stood next to it, making Eleanor appear tiny on its shoulder. The entire thing was twice the height of a man. It was surprising how quiet it was as it moved. The armour plates that made up its body floated in their positions while a blue light connected all of the parts. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Elena? Why does it have a metal poles sticking from the backs of its arms?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You will find out soon, just leave her to concentrate.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Teia appeared at my side, making me jump when she spoke. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Oh, I didn’t see you there. You always seem to appear out of thin air.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The teenager smiled, it turned my stomach with how sweet it appeared. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Thank you, I have my ways. Just know that I could stab you in the back without you noticing me.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I hopped forwards when I felt something poke into me. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘And with that, I will be off with Malachi! Don’t die!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Teia winked then blew a kiss. It made me cringe. Malachi was already on his way to coordinate with the rest of the army. Leaving the teenager to catch up with him. Which came as a surprise when she seemed to be next to him within minutes. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘How does she do that?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I shook my head then readied my Halberd. For some reason, using a polearm felt right to me. Not for a lack of ability with a sword, it was something deeper. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘It still does not feel right…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Whats that?! You are stupid and going to die! Well don’t get me caught up in your mess once I leave you in my dust!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A few members of the band snickered while Eleanor waved down at me. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Don’t go running off! I am supposed to be looking after you!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘As if I need a stooge like you to look after me!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Our conversation, if you could call it that, was interrupted by the sound of music. The men near me looked stunned as the rhythm danced around us. It Felt as though the notes were sinking into my body, dulling it with each beat. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Ah crud! They’ve got a Siren! Keep your minds focused and take her out as soon as you can!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Eleanor pulled something from her bag before throwing it down to me. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Put those on! I can’t have you going googly eyed as well as being stupid!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You did this on purpose!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The bright pink earmuffs stood out against my dark clothing. Anything would notice me If I wore them, yet I knew I had no choice. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Pink and Fluffy! I am going to get you back later Elena!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘It’s Eleanor! Now get ready! They are charging!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The soldiers of the band shuffled on the spot. The sound of stones rattling brought my attention to the shaking of the ground. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Everyone! Hold!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Eleanor called out to the band while her Construct stood taller and changed shape. It appeared as though it was unfolding itself as metal plates clicked into place. By the time it finished it was three times taller than me. The large pipes extending from the backs of its arms had also lengthened to twice my height. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">To the sound of grating metal, the pipes from the back of its arms span forwards. The golem moved to insert half of the pipe onto its right arm into the back of the pipe on its left. Once it did, it pointed the conjoined pipes into the distance. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Keep the line everyone!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Looking to left and right, the men around us were unnerved by the rumbling of the ground. The opposing army had to be charging. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Charging! Everyone keep your head down!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The wind changed direction, it felt as though it were being forced into the back of the pipe that the golem was holding. The most annoying part was the high pitched squealing that accompanied it. It was not so bad at first when it was a deep drone, but the increasing pitch was hurting my ears. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The soldiers nearest to the golem had holstered their weapons and were covering their ears. None of them were watching Eleanor, I assumed they knew what was happening. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I felt sorry for those around me who lacked earmuffs, I can see why she threw them down to me now. I was standing next to the golem while everyone else was a good ten meters away. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Acquiring target lock!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Blue circles appeared at the front of the pipe. A larger and more complex one appeared at the back of it. When I looked up at Eleanor, small circles danced around her right eye as she looked into the distance. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘How do things look down there…? Talk to me stupid! I can hear you muttering!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I had not noticed at first, but Eleanor’s voice was clear over the deafening drone. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘You can hear me?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Of course I can hear you! Now does everything look okay?! Is the ground fractured? Does the barrel look straight? Does the footing look stable?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Erm… yes?’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Urgh! Why did I even bother! Now duck!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The world went silent. A thick blue light burst from the front of the golems pipe, burning a line into my vision. The other soldiers had raised their arms the moment the screeching stopped. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">It would have been nice if she had warned me beforehand. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Malachis band crouched and I dropped to one knee. I was not going to be caught off guard this time. Yet I still fell over when the ground shook and the sky lit in a blaze of blue and purple light. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! They had a mage shielding them! but I think that hit exhausted them, the shield is gone.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Sound returned to the world when the lights faded, although I was still left with a blue streak in my sight. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The golem separated the pipes and swung them behind its arms. Eleanor crouched on its shoulder and the golem prepared itself. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Horns began to sound off along the length of the army, signalling our attack. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Charge!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Eleanors construct surged forward, leaving the soldiers behind. For its size it also began to leave the cavalry behind. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Elena! Wait! I am supposed to be looking after you! <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">All I could do was run and watch her start to disappear into the distance. On occasion I heard her shouting or screaming through the earmuffs. But I knew she was okay when I heard her insulting the victims of her walking siege weapon. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I readied myself, I saw what happened last time. But I was still unprepared. I felt my stomach drop when the cavalry clashed with the enemy line. The beast like women were ready, many of them had formed pairs from what I could see. One jumped the soldier riding while the other subdued his mount. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The first wave of cavalry disappeared before the second could support them. It was obvious that they were spooked by the situation. As the enemy front line had reformed within moments of the initial clash. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Suck fist you monsters!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A shining mass of metal burst out of the enemy front line before running along it. Throwing the paired monsters into disarray. The cavalry took the opportunity to continue its charge with greater effect. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I could feel my stomach churning as the band approached the enemy line. The cavalry was making good ground as they separated the monsters into groups. The foot soldier then started supporting them. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Eleanor was still going on a rampage. I could hear her crazed laughter through the earmuffs along with the occasional crashing of metal. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I felt stunned while standing amongst the chaos, my hands were shaking as I held my halberd. What broke me out of my stupor was the sudden appearance of a monster. It was watching me from the distance. I could feel it inspecting me, weighting me, judging. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">It smiled at me while standing there. I thought I was seeing things at first. Her glowing red eyes held onto me with an intensity that I had never felt. Dropping to my knees before her felt like the only thing I could do. But I breathed in deep and held strong, I would not be beaten by mind games. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The monster gave me a questioning look. It seemed as though I had reacted in a way she did not expect. Her smile grew and turned sinister when she appeared to come to a decision she was making. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Waa!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The earth shook and a bright light bloomed in the sky. Eleanor’s scream and panicked cries rang in my ears, snapping me out of my daze. I broke eye contact with the monster and looked to where the light came from. In the distance, between the fighting, I could see a pile of shining metal on the ground. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Eleanor!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I had no response, her voice had gone silent. I glanced to where the monster had been, but it was gone. I shivered when thinking about it, her eyes were all I could think about. The terrible way they blocked out the world, leaving her as the only thing I could focus on. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I checked my surroundings, it appeared that I was clear. The soldiers were managing to hold back the monsters. So I raced towards Eleanor, hoping that she was still alive. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Eleanor! Ah! Thank whoever will listen that you are okay!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Oh shut up… stupid, Ah! My leg…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The scene in my mind was far from what I found. The pauldron that Eleanor was standing on had trapped one of her legs in the fall. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Come on, you could be nicer to the guy who is about to save you.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Go suck an egg…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I chuckled then stuck my halberd between the ground and pouldron. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Now pull once you feel your leg loosen.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">With all the strength I had, I put a foot up against the pouldron and levered down the halberd. I fell to the ground the moment it snapped. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Ah! Damnit!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Martin! Hurry!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Inspecting our surroundings was the last thing I needed to do. A number of monsters had noticed the situation and were approaching. All of them appeared amused as they sashayed forwards with an air of superiority. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I had to act now, so I grabbed the edge of the pouldron that was holding Eleanor’s leg into the mud and lifted. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Do something usefull! Start digging my leg out! You will never… lift…’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">My legs and arms burned as I pulled on the giant piece of armour. A familiar fire coursed through my veins to the sound of creaking metal. The pauldron slowly rose, giving my companion enough time to pull her leg free. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Martin! Stop! I’m free!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">While letting out a bestial roar, I lifted the pauldron before hurling it towards the largest group of approaching monsters. They all dived out of the way while looking very annoyed. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I turned to Eleanor and she shied back when I reached down to her. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘W-wait! What are you doing you stupid monster!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I looked at her and she quietened when I lifted her and held her in my arms. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Just keep quiet.’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Your… eyes are… Waa!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">Eleanors screams fell on death ears as I raced through the battle. I needed to get her to a safe place before the feeling that was coursing through me disappeared. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A clearing appeared ahead, I could see Malachi and Teia in the far distance through it. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘Hold on Elena! Just another hundred meters!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">‘I’m going to be sick!’ <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The final stretch was in sight, but something felt wrong. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">I took another step and the world tilted. I rolled to the side as I fell to protect Eleanor. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">We rolled when we hit the ground. And when I looked down, my right foot was missing. <p style="margin:0px0px11px;">A strange woman with an axe was walking towards us. My missing foot in her hand. I mistook her for a soldier from our army at first from her fine looking clothing. Her pale skin, black eyes and the smile on her face were horrifying in that moment.

<p style="margin:0px0px11px;">The strangest part was that I could still feel and wiggle my toes.

<div style="width: 30%; float: left; border: 1px solid #B7B1A5; padding: 2px 10px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px 1px #C8C8BE; background-color: #CCCCB2; color: #222;"> Previous Chapter <div style="width: 30%; float: left; border: 1px solid #B7B1A5; padding: 2px 10px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px 1px #C8C8BE; background-color: #CCCCB2; color: #222;"> Chapter Selection <div style="width: 30%; float: left; border: 1px solid #B7B1A5; padding: 2px 10px; box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px 1px #C8C8BE; background-color: #CCCCB2; color: #222;"> Next Chapter

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