Atem: the path of their lives
Chapter 3
Unwanted visitors
Beatrice’s view
„Quasso“
The boulder in front of me shaked a little as my voice reverbrated through the air and cracks began to appear on it. Even so, it did not break.
„Not again…I still can‘t get it right.“
I made sure to emphasize my words with numen and envisioned the shattering of a rock, but the effect was not what I had desired. Something still seems to be missing.
It had been a few months since I started studying and training with my parents nearly every day. At first, all I did was read boring books and listen to lectures from them, but soon enough I found myself enthralled by the world that they opened up to me. Each day became very similar, but never boring. Practice during the day, theory at night.
When the sun was out, either my father or one of his friends took me to different places quite some distance away from the village where no one lived to show me lots of new things. They showered me with new sensations and let me look at how they can change the shape of the world around them with only their intent.
The smell of flowers I had never seen before. The soft fur of animals I had not even known existed. Standing head first against the furious wind with my feet firmly planted on the ground. Watching as water froze under my nose only for it to melt in the next moment.
Since father had been very busy at times, it was mostly mister Romanti, the local priest and my strictest teacher, who let me experience all those wonders. He oversaw most of my training and gave me lots of useful advice. I’ve spent a lot of time with him in the past two years and have grown surprisingly used to him, despite his stern yet caring behaviour.
After tiring myself out throughout the day, I would come home exhausted just in time for mother to teach me basic skills and help me understand the words I wish to use in the future, aside from telling me about the world from time to time.
It sounds boring when put like that, but it might have been the most fun part of every day, since her lectures were closer to tales than anything else.
Tales of how the world came to look as it does today. Of the blessings given to us and the many wars fought over them shaking up even the very continents. How the twin kings of the south discovered underground labyrinths. How mother‘s people, those who share white hair along with unusual amounts of innate numen reserves and the talent to control it, lived in booming cities and lands full of vast natural riches, only to be driven to the brink of extinction when the remaining races became jealous and envious of their power and natural strength. Right when they were pushed to their limit, unable to peacefully stay in any place on the ground, they thought of something unprecedented and conquered the sky, just for them to lose everything again and dissapear for good. Some of them, however, decided to live out the rest of their lives in my village, where they could be at peace.
Well, that is the simplified version. They all take care of me and teach me the power of those closest to the truth of this world.
Wordweaving.
It is precisely because they support me so much that I’m eager to improve. I wish to go out into the world and take a look at all the different kingdoms written about in the books I have read. I wish to see how people live in the lands where trees stretch above the clouds and create mazes of wood, in those where mountains form a shield wall from the outside world and those where rain never comes. Most of all, I wish to witness with my own eyes and ears why people hate and despise each other. Why they fight. If I do, maybe I will be able to understand why so many kind individuals kept getting driven into a corner until they ended up here.
That’s why, I’ll give it another go.
„Qua–“
„Lil miss, hey!“
„–swoah!“
My voice trailed off in the middle of speaking due to the sudden interruption and turned into a surprised shout. The ground under my feet shaked in rhythm with the rocks before me and I jumped back a little.
What was that?! Just what is someone doing disturbing me out of the blue like that?
I turned to look at the person at around the same time that I subconsciously confirmed nothing bad would happen due to me botching the incantation and watched as they began explaining themselves.
„Wai-wait, wait, calm down, I didn’t mean to throw you off like that.“
Ah, that rushed manner of talking. I know only one person who speaks like that…and has a tail.
Out of breath and sweating from the numerous attempts at splintering a stone with weaving, I replied curtly.
„So it’s just you, Bern. Come on…“
„Sorry, I just wanted to see you cause you didn’t come to the town hall this morning.“
„That’s nice of you, but something could have gone very wrong if I wasn’t able to control myself. Even for you.“
„I see, that’s kinda scary. I take it as this is where you “secretly” train? I see you’ve done a heap of work.“
The beastman caressed the pair of furred triangular ears sticking out forward from above his brow as he asked a question he probably already knew the answer to and looked behind my shoulder. His dark orange hair with traces of gray covered the nape of his neck, sort of resembling a mane. I believe he once mentioned that this particular color had been inherited by his tribe. Aside from the ears, tail, slight fangs and tiny whiskers, he resembled a human with a very well built body.
I won’t be able to train anymore now that he’s here though.
„Yup, that’s correct. However, how did you find this place? I thought I hid myself pretty well this time…“
„Gyahaha, sure you did. Did you really think your parents would lose sight of you? They’ll let you roam around but they’re always keeping an eye on you so you don’t run into any trouble. Besides, you know you shouldn’t practice this kind of stuff alone, right?“
He laughs in a really unpolished way, this one.
„I shouldn’t…but it’s way more fun like this.“
Finally catching my breath and regaining my usual posture, I continued speaking.
„Are you truly so afraid that I’ll hurt myself? Whenever there’s anyone to help they always point out so many mistakes I’m making that I can’t focus at all. Anyway, I know you’ve taken guarding my family and the village very seriously, but surely you didn’t come all this way just to check up on me. Is something the matter?“
„Clever girl. Let’s start walking back while we talk.“
„If you say so.“
There goes my free time. I’m sure I could have done it in just a few more tries…I hope.
We moved away from the meadow where I hid myself as Bern whistled in amazement upon seeing the dozens of cracked boulders and the debris of countless small stones that we were leaving behind.
It may look impressive at first glance, but the truth is I didn’t achieve what I wanted, so there’s nothing to be amazed at.
I was broken out of such thoughts when his low pitched voice reached my ears.
„The Star oath celebrations are drawing near and everyone is preparing for them. Sir said he wanted to talk to you about something in relation to that, since you missed today’s meeting regarding it. Most of the residents are out and about scurrying all over to get the food and goods they need from other cities.“
„So that’s how it is. Is that why most of the guardsmen are also gone nowadays? There used to be way more of them.“
„Yeah, my men also need a break to visit their families back home once in a while. This is the best occassion for such a rest.“
„And what about you? Doesn’t the ever vigilant captain require some lazing around too? Don’t push yourself too much.“
„Heh, ya don’t needa worry about me, Bea.“
He seems a little flustered by that. Even the way he spoke just now felt a little different.
It was a funny change, yet for all that he recollected himself and resumed talking right away.
„I feel at home here. More importantly, I’m indebted to Sir, your father. The mistress too, of course. They saved me when I most needed it. This is the least I can do for all of you.“
„Saved, you say? I wonder what they used to do before settling down here. I’m sure they did tons of great things for everyone. Of course, you should tell me more about your past too!“
„Who I used to be or what I used to do isn’t important anymore. I prefer who I am today, so let’s stick to the new Bern and let the old one sleep, aye?“
„Whaaat, but I wanted to hear cool stories about how you traveled around the world and got so strong…I guess I’ll get them out of you later.“
Seeing my slight pout, he looked away for a while and began talking in an overly serious way, as if to deliberately contrast his earlier tone.
„I don’t have any that are fit for a child as yourself. Listen, lil miss. Sometimes you musn’t dwell on the past and what used to be. You will make many mistakes in life, one after another, but don’t waste time wallowing in regret and self pity. I used to do exactly that, so I know what it brings. Instead, cheer up and think about what you can do now. That kind of thinking will take you far.“
„…“
Left speechless, I quizzically stared at his back.
He speaks with such sincerity that it feels as if each of his words carries an immense burden. I don’t know what brought this on and don’t really understand what he means, though, What a roundabout way to excuse himself from storytelling.
Supposedly to ease the sudden heavy atmosphere, he turned around at me and laughed a little before going back to his usual energetic demeanor and steering the conversation elsewhere.
„But wow, you really walked a long way to get here. It’ll be way faster if you sit on my back as I run, so come on, gyahaha!“
He kneeled down and lowered his back so that I could sit on it, reminding me of my loyal knight.
„Yeah! I’ll never refuse a piggyback ride.“
„This’ll be a bit different from your usual “piggyback“ ride though, so steady yourself.“
„Hm? What do you–“
I climbed onto his back and was suddenly thrown backwards as he got on all fours and started running like a wild animal, with the only thing preventing my fall being the steel cleaver-like sword strapped onto the back of his waist inside a sheath and my quick reflexes allowing me to grab onto his shoulders.
„Woah, woah, woah! This is…“
So dangerous and so fast! I nearly fell off and something could have happened to me, yet I feel something unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The wind is hitting my entire body so furiously with each tree we pass that it feels like it might blow me away any second now, but I can’t help feeling a little excited.
„…this is awesome!“
Soon enough I was riding atop a beastman running at full speed with an unexpected excitement and joy at discovering this new method of travel.
I doubt he’s even listening to anything I am saying with all the focus he has to put into not suddenly crashing into something, but it doesn’t matter. From now on, Bern will be my glorious steed.
It only took us a while to get through the dense forest leading out of the meadow onto a plain from which we could see the village again. When we arrived at it, he slowed down a little so that we could hear each other again and touched upon a topic which I had not dared to bring up in the past two or three weeks.
„Listen, do you have any idea where Gilliard is? I haven’t seen him at all lately even though he’s still supposed to be in the area. He hasn’t come to say his farewell yet either, so I doubt he went adventuring again.“
„No, unfortunately I haven’t. He hasn’t told me anything about what he wants to do right now… I have been worrying about him quite a lot every day. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I cannot focus as well as I would like to during training.“
„Is that so… that’s all unlike him.“
Quite some time has passed since I last saw him, not to mention he already looked rather unwell back then. I hope he hasn’t gotten himself into any trouble, that guy.
My loyal mount then looked completely lost in thought. It was only after a while that I decided to break the sudden silence between us.
„I’m sure he will come to tonight‘s celebrations though, so cheer up!“
„And what makes you so sure of that?“
„There is no way he would miss out on that event. It is his favorite time of the year. He has a special connection to the stars, after all.“
„Just don’t get your expectations up too high, lil miss. Reality often hurts less like that.“
Where is all this skepticism coming from? He’s making me even more worried now.
„He will come, I’m sure.“
„Right.“
Sometimes It feels like Bern worries too much. I doubt I would get anywhere with such a concerned attitude.
We started slowing down until we came to a stop near a familiar wooden building with a spacious garden.
My house. It’s quite big when I look at it like this. It has two floors and there’s a well paved out road in front of it, creating the impression that the people living here have enough money to get by. Not to mention the wonderful smell of blooming lilies coming from the garden that follows you everywhere around it.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
I would have appreciated it a little longer, but was suddenly forced upon my feet when Bern stood up and helped me get on the ground. Not too late after that, a pair of men started approaching us from the house.
„Well, that’s my cue. The sun is starting to set and it looks like Sir has plenty to say, not to mention that priest who manages to send shivers down my spine everytime… I’ll go patrol the borders and then hole myself up by the main gate. You’ll find me there during the night.“
„Going away already? Don’t tell me – are you scared of mister Romanti?“
A „pfft!“ sound could be heard as I suddenly laughed at the idea of a grown adult beastman turning into a wimp in the face of a usually reserved balding man’s scolding.
„Hey, cut that out! Even just the way he speaks doesn’t sit right with me, besides–“
„Anyways, thanks for bringing me out here. I will make sure to bring you some gifts from one of the foreign merchants later.“
I cut him off before he could start a rant and watched as he made a face of relief and slight irritation, as if he didn‘t like being interrupted but was glad that he didn’t have to talk more about that subject. His eyes widened a moment later for some reason.
„Sure. Take care, lil miss. I better hurry.“
Bern’s characteristically loud and decisive voice dropped in intonation as if to signify that he was done talking. Before I fully realized it, his presence had completely dissapeared and was instead replaced by the dignifed yet currently angry face of my teacher, Bartholomew Romanti.
„What imprudence! Missing out on the rally and our daily training, I would have thought you went missing if it weren’t for how often you act like this! Were you perhaps training alone again? How self centered. Couldn’t that carefree mercenary had intervened earlier? If you truly wish to hone this craft, you must quit with your capricious behaviour at once, young lady.“
Here it goes again. He tends to get riled up even more than my parents when it comes to training.
„Yes, mister Romant–“
„You could have severely injured not only yourself but those around you as well, had you made any mistake. Truly…“
I must have heard him say something like that a hundred times by now.
Making circles around me, he started examining me and checking if I had hurt myself in any way.
„…at least it would appear that nothing grave has happened to you. Splendid.“
Obviously, I wasn’t harmed at all and he soon calmed down just in time for my father to approach the both of us. His pleasant and welcoming aura resonated along with the tender gruff timbre of his voice and seemed to instantly soothe both my body and mind alike.
„You sure chose a great day for running off again, Bea. I was hoping you would hang around at least today, but I guess no festivity is great enough to keep the aspiring scholar Beatrice from her duties.“
I smiled and puffed out my chest before realizing he meant that last remark jokingly.
„But I wanted to be able to do something cool too! Everything we’ve been doing lately has been so boring, just basics and theory. I wanted to try something more useful than creating water or wind for once and nearly ended up cracking a massive boulder like mama that one time!“
My teacher then butted in again, this time with a face full of contentment, as if he was delighted that he could repeat sentences learned and memorized long ago from exhausting manuals.
„Such applications are far too above you as of right now, child. Not only are they more complicated, but you will not be able to weave into existence something which you have not yet experienced, and so we will be sticking to the “boring” basics and theory. Besides, in what world is water not useful? It is what gives us life in many forms and can supress those seeking to smother it. Remember that you are not learning all this just to flaunt around your might.“
I took a small step back and briefly thought about his words. Sighing, I looked up at the two of them and remembered how impressive mister Romanti looks when he’s helping the villagers water the crops or tilt the land.
…He’s right.
„That’s enough of that today. Could you leave just the two of us alone, Barthy? It’s time we talked about that, you know.“
„Ah, of course. In that case, I shall head over to the town square and see if any of the goods pique my interest. Goodbye, you two. We must further disscuss the matter of your solitary practice when the time comes, miss.“
With those words, yet another person left us and I soon found myself in front of the door to our home with my father beside me.
I have to say, I really do not understand why mister Romanti is making such a fuss about all this. I did nothing wrong. If anything, I should be getting praised for my diligence.
„You won’t reprimand me, papa?“
„I won’t. I know you would continue with it anyway. Heh, you inherited that trait from your mother. Besides, there are people more suited for that than me.“
Following him inside the house, I found myself in the living room where my mother sat near a lit fireplace.
„Although, we’re not here now to talk about that.“
With that, she joined our conversation as if she had been listening to everything all along.
I hope we can get this over with quickly so that I can go back outside soon.
„Take a seat, Bea. It’s time we told you more about where we come from. About ourselves and hopefully, about you.“
She continued and I did as instructed. The stars shone in through the open windows right at us and crackling sounds could be heard coming from the burning logs. There was an oddly nostalgic and friendly atmosphere in the room. I couldn‘t quite explain it, but it felt almost like we were to disscuss something I was aware of but didn‘t fully understand.
„Do you know what we’re celebrating tonight? It’s an important event after all.“
„The oath made between the first Vesper king and the night, which resulted in the birth of the stars. They create light for us even when the sun is gone and in turn we commemorate them and their creation.“
„I see you’ve read your fair share of books, however that‘s only a part of the truth. It’s glamorized so that bards can sing about it and poets can pass it down to children in fantastical poems. In reality, the oath was forged not with the night but with its creator, the primordial godess Tenebra. That day, she gave birth to the stars and out of her blood and stardust fashioned out her avatars, which she sent down to us.“
„R-Really? Why haven’t I heard of that before?“
„Simply because there was no need for you to know yet. Most people in the world know about this but worship her creations rather than herself. Although she is recognized as a great deity, she doesn’t have a large devoted following…“
My father stood near the fireplace, leaning against its warm clay bricks while nodding his head along to my mother’s words and quietly listening.
„…what‘s less known is that she also gave birth to the progenitor of wordweaving, the being that bestowed upon us the art of incantations.“
„Sidereus.“
I exclaimed abruptly but confidently. There is not a single person in the world that doesn’t know that name.
„Correct. The person he made contact with upon his arrival to this earth was the first Vesper king, who he taught how to control and materialize numen, the celestial energy all around us, in the form of speech, just like he taught others later. That alone is the act which made everyone rever and worship him as a deity. Though contrary to common knowledge, he was not fully a god, as they say he could bleed like any other.“
This feels like another one of mother’s tales about the world
„But how do you know so much about that? You said it’s not written about anywhere.“
„It has been passed down in my family since time immemorial. My distant ancestors were related to that king and witnessed it with their own eyes. Just like him, they were of royal blood, however it has diluted so greatly in my family since then that it’s not even worth mentioning.“
There was a while of silence, as if she didn’t want to talk about a certain topic but was determined to force herself into it anyway, which she did shortly after.
„Unlike my family, I escaped the capital with a few others during the second Runic war. I’ve told you before that the last Vespers live in this village with other races, but… I might be wrong. If they found a way to live in the outside world without being constantly persecuted, then there still may be others.“
„Persecuted?“
Now the only person in the room who had yet to say a word eagerly stepped in.
„That’s right. While wordweaving served as a useful asset to the common folk at first, they soon began to grow wary and envious of it. Everyone wanted to control this power, however only a select few had the potential for it. After both the great wars, all the races were so equally frightened of its capabilities that they started ostracizing, banishing, and in the worst cases hunting down those who wielded it. This was especially true for the already hated Vespers, given that they were the first ones to learn and master it. Even though I’m just a human, people wouldn’t take kindly to me if they were to find out that I can weave.“
„In the past, some abused this power for their own gain without regard for their surroundings or others. Many places in the world have been permanently scarred by it and it even influenced the way the continents are shaped today. Cities were wiped out, landscapes were reformed. You might have seen some of their work already, like the waterfall in our village. If you can’t logically explain it, it’s likely a product of weaving.“
That’s… scary. I never thought people would use this amazing power for harming others. I’ve never seen it used in such a way. Why should I be hated by everyone else just because I am able to control something like it? That feels unfair and doesn’t make sense. This all feels a little odd anyway… why would they teach me all that they have if they had known about the dangers of it? Are they just exaggarating?
A bead of sweat ran down my forehead and I realized just how damp my palms felt.
I have a hunch already, but I need to ask anyway.
„So why are you telling me all this?“
They exchanged a short glance between each other.
„What was all that training for?“
I spoke up again and then, nudged on by his wife, my father kneeled down in front of me so that we could see eye to eye.
„The reason for why we all agreed to teach you weaving, Bea, is so that you could be better than us. You’re a kindhearted child. We want you to, even if little by little, show the world that it doesn’t need to fear weaving anymore. That it’s not a tool of malice. Fix the mistakes of our predecessors. Do what we couldn’t. Even if our generation wasn’t able to achieve it, perhaps yours or the ones to come will. Perhaps you will. This art must not be only remembered as an ill meant weapon. Not to mention, you have a reason for training so hard, don’t you? “
„Even so, you yet have time for all that. There are still many things you will have to go through, many people you will have to meet, and so on. We have another reason for telling you all this though…“
I had an ominous feeling in my stomach. Each second felt like an eternity. For some reason, I could slightly feel the numen in the surrounding air shake a little as it travelled around me, making my hairs stand up straight.
„…you will have to live in a different place than here for a while.“
What?
„W-What? What do you mean, mama?“
„We don’t know for how long yet, but it could be a few years at worst. We’ve already arranged everything for you, along with people who will take care of you during that time.“
„What do you mean by that?! Are you sending me away?“
„My dear, you can’t stay here right now. You could be in danger. We all could be.“
I had thought of a bunch of different things that they could want to tell me, but this? I can’t believe it. So they just come to me one day and suddenly tell me I have to leave?
„But I don’t wanna go anywhere! This is my home!“
My parents then both looked on with a sort of excruciating pain in their faces, each alternating between answering my cries.
„Calm down, Bea. You’ll be able to take your things with you. A–And, it’s just as lovely there as here.“
Feeling tears forming in the corners of my eyes, I started arguing more adamantly.
„My friends are here! My family – you are here!“
„I’m sure you’ll be able to find friends there easily. Not to mention, we’ll come visit regularly.“
„If you can visit, then why don’t you come with me? I’m not going anywhere without you two!“
„That’s…not so easy. We can’t go with you because of a few reasons, honey. You have to get used to the world without us a little.“
„But– I– I don’t want to! I’ve been good, haven’t I? Have I done something wrong? Please, I’ll apologize, so don’t do this to me.“
Crying, just like me, my mother answered resolutely.
„You haven’t done anything, dear. It’s just not safe to let you stay here right now. Remember how wordweavers are in danger in the outside world? We fear that even we aren’t safe here at the moment. Don’t make this harder for me, Bea. You’ll return in the end. We’ll go into town to celebrate now and you can start packing tommorow.“
No. I hate this. It doesn’t make sense. Why? Why me? All the hiding places I found. All the people I know here. The nights that I spend listening to mama’s stories. I don’t want to lose any of it. I shouldn’t have to.
„No! I don’t wanna go! You can’t make me! I’ll tell Bern! There’s no way I’m leaving Gil here!“
She stood up from her chair, now with a clearly more infuriated expression.
„Stop it, Beatrice! There’s no other way!“
„I don’t believe you!“
„It’s the truth!“
„Liar! I…I hate you! Both of you!“
„Bea!“
I could see a mix of emotions in their faces, ranging from exasparation to anguish, from affection to regret. Even so, I didn‘t expect to see my mother look surprised in that situation. For some reason, she looked up at the ceiling and into the windows before shouting.
„Edward, something is wrong!“
„Of course, our daughter just– wait…“
„Protect her!“
„Terra, circumagite eam!“
„Praes–“
There was a flash. Both of them started chanting before being cut off by the sound of something tearing through the roof and slamming into the floor. The ground started to bend and twist around me as if it was trying to shield me. My vision was suddenly limited to just a slit between the rocks and mud that formed in front of me. From inside my prison of dirt, I could only see an enourmous sphere of flames. Standing right below it were two figures who seemed as insignificant as ants in comparison to it. I took a deep breath and felt a searing pain spread throughout my mouth and then throat. There was no time to curse at the sensation of my body being overwhelmed by an unbearably hot air that pierced every bit of skin imaginable. A violent force slammed me into the newly formed wall behind me right onto my arm. No sky, no wood, no flames, no dirt. I couldn’t see anything anymore. I could only hear intense ringing. The burning air was nowhere to be felt either. Only pain. Darkness filled my eyes as I struggled to cling onto conscioussness. Everything happened in an instant.
I can barely breathe. There’s something wrong with my body. What’s happening? Why is it happening? I need help. Where is everyone?
I instinctively started dragging myself along the ground with my dominant arm without a direction in mind like a wounded animal.
There’s no way I can just lay here and die. I have to get somewhere where mama and papa can see me. My legs…are still there, but standing up is too hard right now. I have to continue crawling.
Only small gusts of air entered my mouth, just barely the amount needed to give me enough oxygen.
In, out, in, out. Focus on your breathing, Bea. Focus.
A streak of blue–ish white light then flickered in the corner of my eye.
Is that…the night sky? I have to go there. I have to get outside.
Ever so slightly, I started to able to see again as I pulled myself away a little longer before managing to stand up on my feet. The first things I noticed were the moon and stars, their magnificent figures seemingly being assaulted by pillars of fire stretching high up into the air. As if the burning trees and pieces of buildings scattered around were attempting to claw away at the world for the horrors it had caused them.
Numb pain stopped spreading throughout my body as it slowly gave space to a sharp burning sensation. The deafening ringing started to subside and was instead replaced by increasingly loud strikes coming from the distance. Steel clashing with steel. I reflexively put both hands over my ears to stop the noise from attacking me even further and slowly realized what I found odd about myself ever since the impact. For better or for worse, my vision cleared up and I finally got a good look at my right arm.
Twisted and bent in a strangely grotesque way, it was clearly broken in several places. I could feel the dislocated and shattered bones grind against each other every time I moved it.
Before I could fully comprehend what had happened to me, a horrific scream rang out, seemingly out of nowhere. A scream so desperate and so devoid of hope that I couldn’t help but shudder internally. It completely took over all of my senses. The only thing I could do was focus on it and its dreadful intensity. I dropped to the ground and started rolling around, waiting for it to stop. It continued and continued and that’s when I realized it. It was me who had been screaming all that time.
I don’t know for how long I remained in such a rabid panic, but when I managed to stop and regain awareness of my surroundings, an armored figure had already been approaching me from what was left of my house.
He…doesn’t look like he’s here to help me. Is he the one that caused all this? I have to call someone for help. Mama, papa, anyone.
I drew in air to scream someone’s name and watched as the figure kneeled down only to cross the distance between us in a single leap and appear right in front of me.
„H–“
The words I wanted to yell got stuck in my mouth.
Something is approaching my head from the side. A blade. I don’t have time to react. My blood is boiling. I can feel everything much more intensely than usual. All of my survival instincts are telling me to move. Dodge! Escape! Don’t let it hit you! But it’s too late. There’s only thing I can think of doing. Only now do I feel as though I finally understand the true meaning of the word I’ve been drilling into myself nearly all day.
„–Shatter!“
My desperate yell was met with the sound of the blade breaking and shattering into dozens of small pieces, one of which impaled itself into the side of my face.
The hostile figure who now clearly appeared to be a man was visibly taken aback by his weapon being reduced to just a hilt and sweeping through empty air. He took a step back and reached for something on his waist before being blown away by an intense gust of wind.
„Run away, child! Make haste out of here at once!“
„Wha–“
“Follow that person!“
It‘s mister Romanti.
Pointing behind me, he shouted and gestured furiously, his voice echoing across the grass plains. On his demand, I turned around to look at what he meant. Standing on top of a hill behind me was a slender hooded figure shrouded in a cloak that was supporting itself with some sort of staff.
Right after that, I turned to my beloved teacher and started running towards him with all the power left in my body.
He isn’t very far away. There’s no way I can just leave everyone here. Now that he’s here, we can be saved.
Just as I thought that, another sillhouete appeared behind mister Romanti.
Great, he’s not alone!
„I said run away, fool! Do not come here, lest you wish to die!“
„P-Please, save me, mister! Teacher! Papa!“
„How dare you not liste–“
He stopped shouting. I could only hear him gasp for breath as the one behind him drove something into his back.
What…?
Still clinging onto what little air he had left in his lungs, he spoke undauntedly, a single tear streaming down his cheek.
„Stubborn to the end. Run, dear Bea.“
Grabbing that mysterious person by the arm, he parted his lips ever so slightly.
„Teache–“
A massive streak of lightning seemingly manifested itself out of thin air and struck the place where he was standing with such intensity that it sent me flying for yet another time today. When I looked up, they were both gone. Only the black charred ground remained. As I realized what had happened, something gripped my heart.
„No, he…I–“
It slithered under my skin and sank deep into my body, embedding its fangs into the very foundation of my soul.
„I don–“
Wrapping itself around my heart and causing its already rapid heartbeat to accelerate even further, it grew more powerful the more I became aware of its presence.
„–want to–“
It was despair.
„Silence, monster. You don’t have the right to plead for your life.“
The man from before that got knocked away was now getting closer again and soon enough stood atop my defenseless body as I was laying on the ground. Tilting my head upwards, I saw the hooded individual with a staff now behind me. Upon getting a closer look at her, she was evidently female. Unlike the one trying to kill me, I wasn’t even surprised anymore. Instead, I directed the rest of my energy into one last quiet whisper as the words desperately crawled out of my throat.
„I don’t want to die.“
Everything became blurred after that. I’m sure I heard a massive crash of two objects again, yet the only thing I can remember from before losing conscioussness is the smirk of that woman after I uttered those words and the brilliant radiance of the stars.
I could never forget the way the stars shone that night.