The next morning, she is dragged before a group of elders. They question
her again, but her answers do not please them. After several days of
questioning, they give up and hand her over for more primitive means of
interrogation. The beatings are the worst she has ever had. The big man,
her accuser is the worst. He enjoys watching her scream and beg for mercy.
But the worst is yet to come. Several days later, she is sitting in her
cell. She has been beaten again and she is delirious with pain. She hears
the lock on the door click.
"Art?"
A man's voice laughs cruelly. "No I'm not that stupid shepherd-boy.
Don't you recognize me, devil bitch?"
She remembers the voice and her eyes widen in shock and fear.it is
the miner's son.
"You can't be here."
He laughs again and steps into the cell and shuts the door behind
him. "Oh you stupid bitch. You're dead to the village. The only reason
you're still alive is because it's nice to see a proud slut beg for her
pathetic life." He looks her over. " I am going to enjoy watching you beg
now."
She understands his intent and tries to kick back, but her body
ignites with pain. He grabs her and starts tearing at her clothes. She
tries to fight back but to no avail. He is too strong. He throws her to
the floor. She screams out loud. She doesn't understand why this is
happening to her. There is no explanation. All the spirit drains out of
her and she does not struggle anymore as he goes about his coarse intent.
He is disappointed.he had hoped to make her beg and plead. He gets up when
he is finished and kicks her in the side.
"I was disappointed bitch. But don't worry.You'll get better with
practice."
With a cruel laugh he leaves the cell. She struggles to her knees and
cries in confusion and utter defeat.
************
The days pass. She does not keep track of them. They continue to beat her
everyday. The cell she is held in is on the outskirts of the village, so
no one is disturbed by her screams. Beatings during the day, and visits
from the miner's son during the night are all she looks forward to. One
day she decides to end her life. She will tear a piece of her clothing,
soak her blood in it, and swallow it. She has heard of prisoners doing
this to escape torture. If all goes well, she will choke on it. After a
particularly vicious day, she prepares herself. She soaks the bottom of
her skirt and rolls it into a ball. She brings it to her mouth and
prepares to swallow it. She puts it into her mouth. The metallic taste
of her own blood makes her gag. She tries to swallow it, but she cannot.
She keeps trying, but cannot bring herself to swallow. In anger she spits
it out and cries. Maybe next time the beatings will kill her. She crosses
her fingers and cries herself to sleep.
She is wasting away. If she was thin before, she is emaciated now. Her isolation has kept her from any more news on the attacks and the monsters. Her interrogators do not speak to her of such affairs. She has not seen the sky for several months now, and craves sunlight more than she can bear. Her interrogators start to devise new methods to make her talk, and fear consumes her. Sleep is her only escape now.
Good news awaits her the next day. Her captors have grown tired of her and are making plans to rid themselves of her. She is not afraid, she is ready to die. She is only afraid that Art will hear of it and do something rash to save her. She prays that he is safe.
That evening, she hears the lock on her cell click. She knows what to expect and draws her body into a tight ball into the corner of the cell. "Zera?" a familiar voice whispers. She cannot believe her ears. "Art?!?" "Oh my god.look at you." his voice breaks. "Come in here.let me see you." she struggles to her feet. He enters the cell and shuts the door behind him. Her eyes take a moment to get adjusted to the light of his lantern. "Your hair! It's gone! Oh Art, there's blood all over you! Lie down here.Just stay."
He gives a humorless laugh. "It's not mine. It belongs to that pig who usually comes here." "You.you killed him?" she asks. "He has hurt you so much." He pulls a blanket from around his shoulders and wraps her in it. She notices that muscles in his arms have become more pronounced. She sees scars that stripe down his arms. "How long have I been here?" "Two years.I left you here for two years." She shakes her head. "There is nothing you could have done. You hair! And look at your arms! What's been going on?" He leads her to the corner of the cell and sits pulling her close to him. He wraps her tightly in the blanket. "So much has happened.I would have come sooner.After the first attack on the village, you were taken in and the attacks stopped for a while. The villagers assumed it was because you had been executed and they went on with their lives.callous bastards that they are. I thought you were dead too. What a lie that was. A month later, two riders from the north came down. There has not been any news from the north for several years, so the village was anxious to hear what they had to say. These riders were large men all in black with black horses. They proclaimed that a new leader has come from the north, and that he wishes to make peace with the village. Apparently he sent those shadow monsters that you killed. He wishes to bring a new age upon our world, to destroy all that is magic. He had heard of the people of Khalam allowing a wizard's guild and sent the beasts to destroy it. He claims he did not know that the people of our village do not support magic, which is why he did not stop them from ravaging our town. The messengers were very interested in the fact that you were able to stop them. After the proclamation, the messengers went back north, but before they left, they changed this village. Oh Zera, you should see it now. Remember the field by the baker's shop? It's gone. This village has become nothing more than dust and concrete. Except the forest. That is the same. We do nothing but smelt weapons for the new ruler.I think they called him Lord Kharad.I stayed in the forest for a while. I thought you were dead like everyone else. After a while, I was forgotten. I shaved my hair off and worked in the smelting forges." He squeezes her shoulder gently as she rubs his scalp. "A few days ago, the messengers came back. They claimed to have come to oversee our progress and lodged at the local tavern. The miner's son and that big man who accused you went with them. I suspected something and followed. They told the messengers that you were not dead, but being kept in a prison cell. They wish to take you away to be interrogated further by their leader. When I knew that you were alive.I couldn't imagine what they had been doing to you.what they have done to you.I heard the miner's son, that pig, boasting about what he does to you.I followed him here.and." She holds him. "Art you have to go. They haven't killed me yet. Please." He shuts his eyes. "No! I listened to you last time.and look what has happened. This time you listen to me. We can run away." He gets up. "Stay here. I'll come back for you." He quietly gets up and shuts the cell door behind him. She does not know how much time has passed when the lock clicks again. She expects Art and gets up, but finds herself face to face with the big accuser. "Well bitch," he leers, "I have a surprise for you today. You're leaving here for good. A good slut needs to be passed around. But because we had such a good time with you, we have a.a going away present for you. I hope you like it." He grabs her roughly and leads her into another holding cell. Bound and blindfolded to a chair is Art. Before she can scream, he clamps his hand over her mouth. "Now, let me tell you what we have here," he whispers in her ear. "This is that little brat you've been seen with. I recognized that little whelp immediately. When you go, were gonna have lots of fun with him. Remember those interrogation sessions we used to have? Remember all those things I wanted to do to you, but never did? Well.were gonna have fun doing it to this one. We'll cut him up nice and slow. A good public torture, just to remind the villagers to behave.Not only that, but a new batch of prisoners has arrived from the north. Traitors to the New Rule. Lots of 'em. Their wives and kiddies too. There're all gonna get it from me, nice and slow.unless.well, I don't think you want to hear what I have to say." Tears coursing down her face, she nods her head. "Well, in my pocket I have a new knife. It's nice and sharp, I promise. If you use it nice on pretty-boy over there, well, not only will he be spared a public torture, but I won't touch the traitors as well." He pushes his hand harder over her mouth, and puts his knife into her hand. "Now guess what. I know what a clever bitch you are. If my mates come here and find me dead, they'll take care of the lot of them, women and kiddies first. All you have to do is walk over to the whelp, lift his blindfold and finish it, nice and quick. No words. I hate that sentimental crap. Just do the job." He kisses her neck. "I promise you.he won't suffer like you have.and all those people wont have to die.it's your choice."
Her blood pounds in her veins. More than anything at this moment she wants to seize the knife and thrust it into her heart. But she knows the consequences. She struggles to breathe, struggles to understand why this is happening to her. In his chair, Art stirs. With all her being, she longs to throw herself at him, to cry his name, to beg for forgiveness, but she cannot. The big man puts his lips to her ear. "Anytime, bitch." He takes his hand and places it on the knife hilt. With trembling fingers, she pulls it from its sheath and holds it before her. He has told the truth, the blade is sharp and will serve its purpose quickly and painlessly. Tears course down her face and she fights to keep from screaming, her body trembling with the effort. At least this way, she will spare Art horrible torture and give him a quick death. At least the lives of countless prisoners will be saved. Eyes streaming, she steps up to Art, the one who has been her friend and protector all her life. "Forgive me." She pulls his blindfold up, as the big man had instructed her, and brings down the blade. As his life ebbs away, he stares into her eyes, unable to comprehend. When his head finally droops, Zera falls to the floor. "Well done, bitch," the big man says as he retrieves his knife. He lifts her up and drags her outside. Even when she sees the sky for the first time in years, she does not lift her head up. She hangs lifeless in his arms, not even able to cry. The sight of the village is shocking. There are no more trees and cottages and farmland. All is concrete, flame and steel. There is no more sunshine and brightness. The air is heavy and there is a gray cast to everything. He arms flop lifelessly as her ties her to a stake near the outskirts of the Dark Forest. She prays that they will kill her, so that she can see Art again. "Now for one last surprise," he whispers. A large wagon approaches from the village and stops a short distance away. A group of men that Zera recognizes as her 'interrogators' jumps out of the front. Each carries a crossbow. She smiles to herself.she will see Art soon. The back of the wagon is opened and a ragged group of people is pushed out. They are dirty and thin and carry the marks of a hard life upon their bodies. They are forced to stand into a straight line. Her eyes widen in sudden realization. "NO!!!.YOU PROMISED ME!! YOU PROMISED!!" She flails against her bonds, and the ropes cut deeply her skin. But her screams cannot mask the deadly whisper of the crossbows as they cut down the line of prisoners. As the last woman is cut down, she focuses her bloodshot eyes on the big man. "Damn you, you son of a bitch." He laughs and strokes her hair. " You belong to that new Lord now. He told us to give you a nice goodbye. Just wanted to show you how much were gonna miss you," he sneers. She twists her head, catches his hand in her mouth and bites as hard as she can. He screams and tears his hands out of her bite. She has managed to wriggle one hand free, and it closes on the hilt of his knife. With a swift movement, she pulls it out and frees herself. He lunges for her, but she is too fast. She spins and plunges the blade home and pulls it out. As he falls, she turns to the other men, fast approaching. She deals with the first two easily and grabs their loaded crossbows as they fall. Several quick bolts remove two more attackers, now one left. The last man is a good fighter, strong with a long reach. She knows she cannot beat him up close. But she has one advantage. Years of helping Art guard the sheep with slings has given her deadly accuracy. She lifts the blade, spins it in her hand, a hurls it. It hits home, and the man falls in a heap. She heads over, retrieves the blade, and tucks it into the waistband of her clothes. She grabs a crossbow, some arrows, and their money pouches for good measure as well. The commotion, however, has attracted an audience, and the village guard is bearing down on her. They are too many, she cannot take them all, and there is nowhere to run. She is determined to live so she can kill this Lord and have her revenge. Then it strikes her .the forest! As fast as she can, she runs toward the forest and leaves the villagers far behind in her wake. ************************************************************************
The leaves feel cool against her skin. She has never been this far in the forest, and she feels nervous. She decides to rest and eat something. It is harder to run now, with fatigue and old injuries finally taking their toll. She is too tired to hunt anything, but she doesn't eat meat anyway. There are edible mushrooms growing along her path, and she stops to collect some and wash them in a stream. As she eats, she plans out her revenge. North is where the whole invasion started, so she must go north. But how to get close to the enemy.she scrunches her forehead in thought.she will become a mercenary! She now knows she can fight. With the stolen money, she will buy herself some new weapons and some clothes. She will become the best mercenary possible. Then she will get close to the leader.and avenge Art. With her mission settled, she gets up and heads north.
************************************************************************ The town of Veldrin was once beautiful. But now all is ruin and chaos. The streets are filled with thieves, workers, ruffians, and prostitutes. The smell of smelting forges and tanneries is terrible, but she gets used to it after a while. She had purchased some new clothes and had cleaned herself up at a local inn. She bought a black cloak with a hood to keep her face covered. If the men on the streets see a weak, skinny woman, she is doomed. She keeps the old knife in her hands and twirls it around occasionally to look intimidating. The bow hangs at her side along with the quiver of arrows. In her waistband is the moneybag. But now, she needs a weapon. Swords here are built for men. They would be too heavy for her to hold. She likes knives, they are easy to wield, and can be thrown if necessary. She shuts her eyes and imagines herself throwing a knife at the leader and standing over his dead body.." "Now, sweetheart, thoughts like that will getcha killed," said a husky voice behind her." Zera spins around knife in hand, but the hooded stranger laughs. "No need, no need. I'm not gonna tell.well for a price anyway." The stranger laughs and draws back his cloak. The 'him' was a woman. A very beautiful woman in very skimpy clothing. She sashays her way toward Zera. "And by the way, I think a sword would be bad for ya.lose the knives too. I'd try that new split pole weapon I've seen lately." She laughs again. "You're a nervous one aren't ya.put that knife down.I'm not gonna hurt ya." Zera pulls down her hood. "How do you.how did you know what I was thinking.tell me.or I'll have to force you." The woman laughed again. "I thought ya were a man! Oh well.I'm gonna have to find some fun somewhere else." The woman unhooks a bottle from her belt and takes a large swig. "Ahhhhh.the ale here is legendary. They say the record here is two bottles.one man drank two bottles without passin' out. But me..I can do twice that." Zera backs away. "You're a prostitute." "A pleasure-giver sweetheart..an expensive pleasure giver.I'm the best there is. One day, I'll be so famous, that new Lord will call upon my services.unless ya kill him first." she finishes with a laugh. "That's not much of a goal." "And killing him is?" "That's different..I have a reason." The prostitute lifts one eyebrow. "That all good sweetheart, but talking out loud in a place like this will getcha killed." She lifts a moneybag. "Why don't we discuss it at a nice inn?" "Hey that's mine!!!" "Did I mention I'm also the greatest pickpocket alive? Zera makes to swipe for her purse, but the woman is quick. "Now don't be rude sweetheart.why doncha tell me your name? I'm Maizah by the way" "Zera.my name is Zera.now give me my damn bag!" "Will ya get us a room.I still have a hangover from yesterday." "OK!..ok! just give it back!" "Better keep your promise!" She tosses the bag back and heads toward the inn. Zera stares after her in disbelief. "Just my luck." she thinks. She draws her hood over her head and runs toward Maizah, who is standing at the entrance. "Be careful sweetheart.this is a good inn, but there are a lota bad men in here." "Potential customers you mean..." Maizah laughs. "Ya got some pluck sweetheart. But no, I'm picky. The bunch in here couldn't lick my feet.unless they got the money.or if they were really cute." Zera rolls her eyes and they step into the inn. It is filled with thieves, crooks, and mercenaries. They all turn and look at Maizah, whose face splits into a wide grin. "That's an expensive looking whore ya got there, lad," yells a large man in the corner. "After you're done wi'her, mind if we pass her around a bit?" Zera is in a bind. If she refuses, they will become violent, and these men are seasoned fighters. She swallows hard and reaches for her dagger. "No need, sweetheart.put that away!" Maizah hisses. She walks forward and laughs seductively. "Ya poor boys got it all wrong." She smacks her hand hard on Zera's bottom and squeezes it. "This is my night off.I hired him. But if I don't get my money's worth.well." She looks the man up and down and licks her lips. "Well, I'll call ya to fill the breach." The crowd grows silent. The man laughs and soon the entire group follows suit. "Ya got a feisty one there, lad. Enjoy your stay." They head up to their room admist loud laughter. When they enter the room, Zera slams the door. "What the hell just happened?...I can't believe what you just did.What makes you think that you." "Calm down, sweetheart. Do ya think that ya could take all those men by yourself? I just saved your life.ya could show some gratitude!" "Gratitude! You want gratitude! I don't believe this!" Zera covers her face with her hand and takes a deep breath. "OK.I need a reality check here. I am in a shady inn, filled with crooks, pretending to be a man, and arguing with a damned mind-reading hooker!" "Pleasure giver, sweetheart, pleasure giver. And I'm no mind-reader. I can't read your mind.not anymore anyway." "You can't read my mind.you really expect me to believe that?" Maizah grins, "I did read you're mind, but only when ya were unaware of it. I can read minds only if the person is unaware of it. Most people here know that my kind exist, so they are guarded. As soon as a person becomes aware that their minds can be read, they unconsciously put up a mental barrier that is too strong for me to break. Same with you. I cannot break your shield, so you're safe. Now that ya know, you've put up a subconscious shield of sorts that I cannot get through. " "So if you're not a mind-reader, what are you?" "Have ya been living in a cave for the past two years? I'm a prophet, sweetheart, ya know what that is or do I have to explain it to ya?" Zera's eyes flash briefly with remembrance of her incarceration, but Maizah does not notice. "I've been.away.for a while. I have no idea what's going on." "Ya have no idea what's going on, yet ya want to kill the leader. I'm no fool, sweetheart, but it's your business.I won't pry.Anyway.I'm a prophet. Three years ago, the new leader decreed that all prophets were to be executed. Almost all prophets are from the far north; don't ask me why, because I don't know." Maizah stops speaking as she winces as if in pain. She takes a long swig of her ale before continuing. "I fled as my people were being killed, like a coward. Now, I'm the last of my kind.I'm not a fighter, so the only other thing a woman can be here is a pleasure giver.oh forget that.a hooker.yes I'm a damn hooker. I planned to get close to the leader and finish him off. When I was in the streets, I saw that your mind didn't have a shield, the first time I've ever seen that in my life. I became curious, so I probed a bit. As soon as I saw that you have the same goal as I do.well.here we are, aren't we. I just want to kill the damn man.then I can rest.permanently." Zera's eyes widen. "Permanently?.... Permanently!! You're thinking of killing yourself!!! But why?" "Sweetheart, have ya ever seen a prophet around people? We are feared. People are afraid of hearing bad things. Everyone remembers the bad fortunes we predict.funny thing is, they can't remember the good ones.I've never really had a friend.never been invited to a dinner.no woman will come near me. or let me hold her baby." Her eyes begin to tear. "The reason I needed a room so badly.well.have ya ever seen a prophet give a prophecy?" Zera shakes her head. "Well.I think you're about to see one."
She is wasting away. If she was thin before, she is emaciated now. Her isolation has kept her from any more news on the attacks and the monsters. Her interrogators do not speak to her of such affairs. She has not seen the sky for several months now, and craves sunlight more than she can bear. Her interrogators start to devise new methods to make her talk, and fear consumes her. Sleep is her only escape now.
Good news awaits her the next day. Her captors have grown tired of her and are making plans to rid themselves of her. She is not afraid, she is ready to die. She is only afraid that Art will hear of it and do something rash to save her. She prays that he is safe.
That evening, she hears the lock on her cell click. She knows what to expect and draws her body into a tight ball into the corner of the cell. "Zera?" a familiar voice whispers. She cannot believe her ears. "Art?!?" "Oh my god.look at you." his voice breaks. "Come in here.let me see you." she struggles to her feet. He enters the cell and shuts the door behind him. Her eyes take a moment to get adjusted to the light of his lantern. "Your hair! It's gone! Oh Art, there's blood all over you! Lie down here.Just stay."
He gives a humorless laugh. "It's not mine. It belongs to that pig who usually comes here." "You.you killed him?" she asks. "He has hurt you so much." He pulls a blanket from around his shoulders and wraps her in it. She notices that muscles in his arms have become more pronounced. She sees scars that stripe down his arms. "How long have I been here?" "Two years.I left you here for two years." She shakes her head. "There is nothing you could have done. You hair! And look at your arms! What's been going on?" He leads her to the corner of the cell and sits pulling her close to him. He wraps her tightly in the blanket. "So much has happened.I would have come sooner.After the first attack on the village, you were taken in and the attacks stopped for a while. The villagers assumed it was because you had been executed and they went on with their lives.callous bastards that they are. I thought you were dead too. What a lie that was. A month later, two riders from the north came down. There has not been any news from the north for several years, so the village was anxious to hear what they had to say. These riders were large men all in black with black horses. They proclaimed that a new leader has come from the north, and that he wishes to make peace with the village. Apparently he sent those shadow monsters that you killed. He wishes to bring a new age upon our world, to destroy all that is magic. He had heard of the people of Khalam allowing a wizard's guild and sent the beasts to destroy it. He claims he did not know that the people of our village do not support magic, which is why he did not stop them from ravaging our town. The messengers were very interested in the fact that you were able to stop them. After the proclamation, the messengers went back north, but before they left, they changed this village. Oh Zera, you should see it now. Remember the field by the baker's shop? It's gone. This village has become nothing more than dust and concrete. Except the forest. That is the same. We do nothing but smelt weapons for the new ruler.I think they called him Lord Kharad.I stayed in the forest for a while. I thought you were dead like everyone else. After a while, I was forgotten. I shaved my hair off and worked in the smelting forges." He squeezes her shoulder gently as she rubs his scalp. "A few days ago, the messengers came back. They claimed to have come to oversee our progress and lodged at the local tavern. The miner's son and that big man who accused you went with them. I suspected something and followed. They told the messengers that you were not dead, but being kept in a prison cell. They wish to take you away to be interrogated further by their leader. When I knew that you were alive.I couldn't imagine what they had been doing to you.what they have done to you.I heard the miner's son, that pig, boasting about what he does to you.I followed him here.and." She holds him. "Art you have to go. They haven't killed me yet. Please." He shuts his eyes. "No! I listened to you last time.and look what has happened. This time you listen to me. We can run away." He gets up. "Stay here. I'll come back for you." He quietly gets up and shuts the cell door behind him. She does not know how much time has passed when the lock clicks again. She expects Art and gets up, but finds herself face to face with the big accuser. "Well bitch," he leers, "I have a surprise for you today. You're leaving here for good. A good slut needs to be passed around. But because we had such a good time with you, we have a.a going away present for you. I hope you like it." He grabs her roughly and leads her into another holding cell. Bound and blindfolded to a chair is Art. Before she can scream, he clamps his hand over her mouth. "Now, let me tell you what we have here," he whispers in her ear. "This is that little brat you've been seen with. I recognized that little whelp immediately. When you go, were gonna have lots of fun with him. Remember those interrogation sessions we used to have? Remember all those things I wanted to do to you, but never did? Well.were gonna have fun doing it to this one. We'll cut him up nice and slow. A good public torture, just to remind the villagers to behave.Not only that, but a new batch of prisoners has arrived from the north. Traitors to the New Rule. Lots of 'em. Their wives and kiddies too. There're all gonna get it from me, nice and slow.unless.well, I don't think you want to hear what I have to say." Tears coursing down her face, she nods her head. "Well, in my pocket I have a new knife. It's nice and sharp, I promise. If you use it nice on pretty-boy over there, well, not only will he be spared a public torture, but I won't touch the traitors as well." He pushes his hand harder over her mouth, and puts his knife into her hand. "Now guess what. I know what a clever bitch you are. If my mates come here and find me dead, they'll take care of the lot of them, women and kiddies first. All you have to do is walk over to the whelp, lift his blindfold and finish it, nice and quick. No words. I hate that sentimental crap. Just do the job." He kisses her neck. "I promise you.he won't suffer like you have.and all those people wont have to die.it's your choice."
Her blood pounds in her veins. More than anything at this moment she wants to seize the knife and thrust it into her heart. But she knows the consequences. She struggles to breathe, struggles to understand why this is happening to her. In his chair, Art stirs. With all her being, she longs to throw herself at him, to cry his name, to beg for forgiveness, but she cannot. The big man puts his lips to her ear. "Anytime, bitch." He takes his hand and places it on the knife hilt. With trembling fingers, she pulls it from its sheath and holds it before her. He has told the truth, the blade is sharp and will serve its purpose quickly and painlessly. Tears course down her face and she fights to keep from screaming, her body trembling with the effort. At least this way, she will spare Art horrible torture and give him a quick death. At least the lives of countless prisoners will be saved. Eyes streaming, she steps up to Art, the one who has been her friend and protector all her life. "Forgive me." She pulls his blindfold up, as the big man had instructed her, and brings down the blade. As his life ebbs away, he stares into her eyes, unable to comprehend. When his head finally droops, Zera falls to the floor. "Well done, bitch," the big man says as he retrieves his knife. He lifts her up and drags her outside. Even when she sees the sky for the first time in years, she does not lift her head up. She hangs lifeless in his arms, not even able to cry. The sight of the village is shocking. There are no more trees and cottages and farmland. All is concrete, flame and steel. There is no more sunshine and brightness. The air is heavy and there is a gray cast to everything. He arms flop lifelessly as her ties her to a stake near the outskirts of the Dark Forest. She prays that they will kill her, so that she can see Art again. "Now for one last surprise," he whispers. A large wagon approaches from the village and stops a short distance away. A group of men that Zera recognizes as her 'interrogators' jumps out of the front. Each carries a crossbow. She smiles to herself.she will see Art soon. The back of the wagon is opened and a ragged group of people is pushed out. They are dirty and thin and carry the marks of a hard life upon their bodies. They are forced to stand into a straight line. Her eyes widen in sudden realization. "NO!!!.YOU PROMISED ME!! YOU PROMISED!!" She flails against her bonds, and the ropes cut deeply her skin. But her screams cannot mask the deadly whisper of the crossbows as they cut down the line of prisoners. As the last woman is cut down, she focuses her bloodshot eyes on the big man. "Damn you, you son of a bitch." He laughs and strokes her hair. " You belong to that new Lord now. He told us to give you a nice goodbye. Just wanted to show you how much were gonna miss you," he sneers. She twists her head, catches his hand in her mouth and bites as hard as she can. He screams and tears his hands out of her bite. She has managed to wriggle one hand free, and it closes on the hilt of his knife. With a swift movement, she pulls it out and frees herself. He lunges for her, but she is too fast. She spins and plunges the blade home and pulls it out. As he falls, she turns to the other men, fast approaching. She deals with the first two easily and grabs their loaded crossbows as they fall. Several quick bolts remove two more attackers, now one left. The last man is a good fighter, strong with a long reach. She knows she cannot beat him up close. But she has one advantage. Years of helping Art guard the sheep with slings has given her deadly accuracy. She lifts the blade, spins it in her hand, a hurls it. It hits home, and the man falls in a heap. She heads over, retrieves the blade, and tucks it into the waistband of her clothes. She grabs a crossbow, some arrows, and their money pouches for good measure as well. The commotion, however, has attracted an audience, and the village guard is bearing down on her. They are too many, she cannot take them all, and there is nowhere to run. She is determined to live so she can kill this Lord and have her revenge. Then it strikes her .the forest! As fast as she can, she runs toward the forest and leaves the villagers far behind in her wake. ************************************************************************
The leaves feel cool against her skin. She has never been this far in the forest, and she feels nervous. She decides to rest and eat something. It is harder to run now, with fatigue and old injuries finally taking their toll. She is too tired to hunt anything, but she doesn't eat meat anyway. There are edible mushrooms growing along her path, and she stops to collect some and wash them in a stream. As she eats, she plans out her revenge. North is where the whole invasion started, so she must go north. But how to get close to the enemy.she scrunches her forehead in thought.she will become a mercenary! She now knows she can fight. With the stolen money, she will buy herself some new weapons and some clothes. She will become the best mercenary possible. Then she will get close to the leader.and avenge Art. With her mission settled, she gets up and heads north.
************************************************************************ The town of Veldrin was once beautiful. But now all is ruin and chaos. The streets are filled with thieves, workers, ruffians, and prostitutes. The smell of smelting forges and tanneries is terrible, but she gets used to it after a while. She had purchased some new clothes and had cleaned herself up at a local inn. She bought a black cloak with a hood to keep her face covered. If the men on the streets see a weak, skinny woman, she is doomed. She keeps the old knife in her hands and twirls it around occasionally to look intimidating. The bow hangs at her side along with the quiver of arrows. In her waistband is the moneybag. But now, she needs a weapon. Swords here are built for men. They would be too heavy for her to hold. She likes knives, they are easy to wield, and can be thrown if necessary. She shuts her eyes and imagines herself throwing a knife at the leader and standing over his dead body.." "Now, sweetheart, thoughts like that will getcha killed," said a husky voice behind her." Zera spins around knife in hand, but the hooded stranger laughs. "No need, no need. I'm not gonna tell.well for a price anyway." The stranger laughs and draws back his cloak. The 'him' was a woman. A very beautiful woman in very skimpy clothing. She sashays her way toward Zera. "And by the way, I think a sword would be bad for ya.lose the knives too. I'd try that new split pole weapon I've seen lately." She laughs again. "You're a nervous one aren't ya.put that knife down.I'm not gonna hurt ya." Zera pulls down her hood. "How do you.how did you know what I was thinking.tell me.or I'll have to force you." The woman laughed again. "I thought ya were a man! Oh well.I'm gonna have to find some fun somewhere else." The woman unhooks a bottle from her belt and takes a large swig. "Ahhhhh.the ale here is legendary. They say the record here is two bottles.one man drank two bottles without passin' out. But me..I can do twice that." Zera backs away. "You're a prostitute." "A pleasure-giver sweetheart..an expensive pleasure giver.I'm the best there is. One day, I'll be so famous, that new Lord will call upon my services.unless ya kill him first." she finishes with a laugh. "That's not much of a goal." "And killing him is?" "That's different..I have a reason." The prostitute lifts one eyebrow. "That all good sweetheart, but talking out loud in a place like this will getcha killed." She lifts a moneybag. "Why don't we discuss it at a nice inn?" "Hey that's mine!!!" "Did I mention I'm also the greatest pickpocket alive? Zera makes to swipe for her purse, but the woman is quick. "Now don't be rude sweetheart.why doncha tell me your name? I'm Maizah by the way" "Zera.my name is Zera.now give me my damn bag!" "Will ya get us a room.I still have a hangover from yesterday." "OK!..ok! just give it back!" "Better keep your promise!" She tosses the bag back and heads toward the inn. Zera stares after her in disbelief. "Just my luck." she thinks. She draws her hood over her head and runs toward Maizah, who is standing at the entrance. "Be careful sweetheart.this is a good inn, but there are a lota bad men in here." "Potential customers you mean..." Maizah laughs. "Ya got some pluck sweetheart. But no, I'm picky. The bunch in here couldn't lick my feet.unless they got the money.or if they were really cute." Zera rolls her eyes and they step into the inn. It is filled with thieves, crooks, and mercenaries. They all turn and look at Maizah, whose face splits into a wide grin. "That's an expensive looking whore ya got there, lad," yells a large man in the corner. "After you're done wi'her, mind if we pass her around a bit?" Zera is in a bind. If she refuses, they will become violent, and these men are seasoned fighters. She swallows hard and reaches for her dagger. "No need, sweetheart.put that away!" Maizah hisses. She walks forward and laughs seductively. "Ya poor boys got it all wrong." She smacks her hand hard on Zera's bottom and squeezes it. "This is my night off.I hired him. But if I don't get my money's worth.well." She looks the man up and down and licks her lips. "Well, I'll call ya to fill the breach." The crowd grows silent. The man laughs and soon the entire group follows suit. "Ya got a feisty one there, lad. Enjoy your stay." They head up to their room admist loud laughter. When they enter the room, Zera slams the door. "What the hell just happened?...I can't believe what you just did.What makes you think that you." "Calm down, sweetheart. Do ya think that ya could take all those men by yourself? I just saved your life.ya could show some gratitude!" "Gratitude! You want gratitude! I don't believe this!" Zera covers her face with her hand and takes a deep breath. "OK.I need a reality check here. I am in a shady inn, filled with crooks, pretending to be a man, and arguing with a damned mind-reading hooker!" "Pleasure giver, sweetheart, pleasure giver. And I'm no mind-reader. I can't read your mind.not anymore anyway." "You can't read my mind.you really expect me to believe that?" Maizah grins, "I did read you're mind, but only when ya were unaware of it. I can read minds only if the person is unaware of it. Most people here know that my kind exist, so they are guarded. As soon as a person becomes aware that their minds can be read, they unconsciously put up a mental barrier that is too strong for me to break. Same with you. I cannot break your shield, so you're safe. Now that ya know, you've put up a subconscious shield of sorts that I cannot get through. " "So if you're not a mind-reader, what are you?" "Have ya been living in a cave for the past two years? I'm a prophet, sweetheart, ya know what that is or do I have to explain it to ya?" Zera's eyes flash briefly with remembrance of her incarceration, but Maizah does not notice. "I've been.away.for a while. I have no idea what's going on." "Ya have no idea what's going on, yet ya want to kill the leader. I'm no fool, sweetheart, but it's your business.I won't pry.Anyway.I'm a prophet. Three years ago, the new leader decreed that all prophets were to be executed. Almost all prophets are from the far north; don't ask me why, because I don't know." Maizah stops speaking as she winces as if in pain. She takes a long swig of her ale before continuing. "I fled as my people were being killed, like a coward. Now, I'm the last of my kind.I'm not a fighter, so the only other thing a woman can be here is a pleasure giver.oh forget that.a hooker.yes I'm a damn hooker. I planned to get close to the leader and finish him off. When I was in the streets, I saw that your mind didn't have a shield, the first time I've ever seen that in my life. I became curious, so I probed a bit. As soon as I saw that you have the same goal as I do.well.here we are, aren't we. I just want to kill the damn man.then I can rest.permanently." Zera's eyes widen. "Permanently?.... Permanently!! You're thinking of killing yourself!!! But why?" "Sweetheart, have ya ever seen a prophet around people? We are feared. People are afraid of hearing bad things. Everyone remembers the bad fortunes we predict.funny thing is, they can't remember the good ones.I've never really had a friend.never been invited to a dinner.no woman will come near me. or let me hold her baby." Her eyes begin to tear. "The reason I needed a room so badly.well.have ya ever seen a prophet give a prophecy?" Zera shakes her head. "Well.I think you're about to see one."