Chapter 3 "Not By Choice"
Fourteen year old Ninrun stepped out to a bright morning sun and blue sky. The boy stretched his frozen limbs in the chill air. The East was mostly desert, but Ninrun's village lay in a basin that received more water than usually, so the land was more fertile, and the winter's colder. He stamped over the frosty ground to the well and drew a bucket of water with chucks of ice in it. He held his breathe, and plunged his head full into the bucket. He pulled his head out sputtering and shaking. He dried his head best he could in his wool jacket, and shook out his hair, wide awake thanks to his little bath.
Foot steps came behind him and turned to see Father trudging towards him. Ninrun quickly moved aside to allow his father access to the well. Father was always in a fouler mood in the morning, and Nin didn't want to create trouble. Taurun went to the bucket and splashed his face with water. He turned and sneered at Nin, which was nothing unexpected, "I want you to take my wife into town and fetch some ale today. I have the Overseers coming tonight, and I want them well pleased." He said. "Yes father." Replied Nin bluntly. Taurun stared at his son a minute longer as if looking for a reason to become angry, them turned and stamped towards the house. Nin exhaled audibly, glad to be rid of the man. He did not fear his father for his own sake, but Taurun was much nastier to his wife when upset, so for her sake, Nin behaved.
An hour later, Nin and Mother departed for the market. They headed north up the frosty main road, their breath visible in the chill. Mother was wrapped in a hooded shawl. The years were become less kind to her; a few grays dotted her black hair. Age lines were beginning to form in her pale face, which was grim as ever, and her eyes a hard rich brown. Life was difficult in this country, especially for the women, but Mother had a deep love for her children which kept her strong.
She looked over at Ninrun. The boy was closer to a man he would become than the boy he had been. His messy dark locks matched his Mothers, his face was set with a hard jaw, small scars from old fights, and constant worry lines in his brow, but when he smiled, he was actually very handsome. His eyes were a piercing ice blue, and he knew how to use them; very few could endure his stare. He was tall now, his body hardened from the life they lived. He returned his Mother's gaze. Neither of them spoke, and their faces remained grim, but Nin's blue eyes glittered in the sun, and Mother's brown eyes softened warmly.
They reached town and purchased the beer with no event. Nin heaved the small barrel onto his shoulders and carried it with some effort. Against her will Mother remembered the day seven years ago that a brute had followed her home and attacked her. She still shuddered to think of what would have happened had the animal had his way with her, to her and her children. Nin despite his load was vigilant, and where Mother kept her eyes down, he stared down any passers, and none challenged him.
When they reached the stop in the road where the attack had occurred all those years ago, Nin stopped suddenly. Mother went two steps before realizing his pause, then stopped as well and turned to face him, wrapping her shawl tighter around her. Nin looked at her with a strange expression, almost as if debating something. "Nin, what is it?" Mother inquired. "I love you Mother." Nin said softly, not breaking his gaze. Mother was shocked as such words were rarely spoken in their culture, though the words for love did exist in the native tongues. Mother stood in the cold for a full minute, and after the shock passed, she strode back to him and helped him set the barrel down. She stared at him for a moment then said, "And I you my son." Nin did not speak, but a rare joy warmed him to hear his Mother say it. Mother turned and walked away her face turned down, but she also felt great joy and pride in her son, and for the first time she could remember, she smiled.
They returned to the house together, and Ninrun set the barrel down in the main room, and leaned against the wall to rest. Mother went to the small kitchen to prepare breakfast for them. A moment later Taurun walked into the house, Rinkun jogging right behind. Rin was now ten, he was stockier than his brother had been, but also had the makings of being very strong. His hair was lighter, closer to Taurun's brown, and his eyes were the same deep brown as Mother's.
Taurun continued into his own "bedroom" and Rin followed. Nin sat up wearily watched them. Peaking around the corner he saw Taurun holding a knife, demonstrating several slashing and stabbing motions to Rin. Rin was watching with fierce desire in his eyes. Nin did not like this, Rin was always very aggressive, and took after his father more than Nin. Taurun noticeable preferred his younger son. Nin went one step into the room and spoke, "What are you doing father?" "Don't question me." Taurun dismissed with a glare, and continued his demonstration. Nin persisted, "Father I don't believe this is wise." "And what would YOU know about it BOY!" Taurun spat at his son taking a step towards him. "Father please, Rin is not old enough to know these things." Nin said calmly. Taurun swept towards Nin and back handed him across the face.
Nin fell back into the hallway, and Mother gasped as she saw the exchange unfold. Taurun continued towards Nin grabbing a handful of his shirt, "I will not have you question my word ever again." He sneered. Nin returned the scornful look, "I always question the actions of a fool!" Taurun roared with fury and threw Nin into the main room. Nin stood quickly and faced his father down. Taurun pointed at him and said, "I will have your respect, you are my son!" "Not by choice Father!" Nin shouted. Taurun ran towards him and hit him closed fist across the face. Nin fell, and could feel his eye swelling. Taurun did not speak again and stalked back to his bedroom. "Not by choice…." Nin repeated.
