We stumble over at Sylvar’s house, followed by Sylvie. Sylvar and Julie sit on the only two chairs, while Meuko, Sylvie and I rest on the floor.

“I cannot believe we survived today.” I say.

“I was fine.” Meuko says.

“I believe I would have won.” Sylvar says.

“You almost tore your entire archery training place apart.” Julie mocks.

“Meaning?” Sylvar asks.

Nobody knows how to answer that simple question.

“Julie… Talk to us about the Gods.” I say. “Especially the parts about the Empty Ones.”

“Are you sure? You did not seem fine yesterday.” Julie says.

“No. But… I was not sure about trying to limit the Hunters to this area. Things are changing. I cannot stay the same.” I respond.

“You do not have to push yourself, my friend.” Sylvar says.

“Thank you. Still, I was the one who suggested reading the books. I should at least hear Julie out. Please...” I sigh, nodding to Julie.

The fight is over but the headache persists. Another lousy night of sleep, certainly.

“Check around, Outsider. Anyone watching us?” Meuko asks.

Sylvar steps out for a minute, keeping a watchful eye. Sylvie moves towards him, licking his hand. After a while, he puts himself against the door, standing guard in case anyone comes near this place. He nods, making us all feel safe enough.

“The things I read were about how destructive Empty Ones are. All experiments ended with the subjects dead. Eadwald did not lie. Some of these subjects met an explosive death. Magic is somehow lethal but… You can still use it. I do not understand it.” Julie says.

“So you have not learned anything specific about Empty Ones that we do not know already.” I sigh.

I guess I reacted badly last night.

“There were questions in the book. One of them was about the Empty Ones. There was an insinuation that Empty Ones were not an accident but put in this world by the Gods on purpose.” Julie says.

“That would be… A terrifying truth. One that would put Volter in danger.” Sylvar says.

“Other than the fact that magic kills me?” I mock.

“In other words.” Meuko takes a deep breath, like she is preparing herself. “We need to read more books.”

“What even informs us of their accuracy?” Sylvar asks.

“The fact that they are forbidden.” I explain. “It could all be lies but it is better than what we knew before, which was nothing.”

Wait a minute. It does not have to be a lie. It could just be… Wrong. What if they are simply wrong?

“Something you should all know… Blago was a Hunter.” I say.

“What?” Meuko and Julie ask in unison.

I chuckle.

“And all of them… They were the ones that did all the experiments.”

“Who did all the experiments.” Sylvar interrupts me.

“Really?” I whisper. “Anyways, they-”

“Hold on.” Meuko says. “How old is everyone here? How many things do we not know?”

“Pretty much… We barely know anything.” Julie says.

“Blago? A Hunter? They were responsible for killing all these people?” Meuko keeps asking.

“People?” I interrupt.

“What do you think Eadwald meant when she said subjects? Tables? Of course she meant people. Just like you.” Meuko explains.

Of course she did. I just… Never really considered it. Subjects was the only word that guided my mental images. How many people did they experiment on?

“I think they are wrong.” I say.

“The Hunters?” Julie asks.

“Yes.”

“About?”

“About me. About Empty Ones. They are not lethally allergic to magic or whatever it is that they are saying.” I explain.

“Why not? They would definitely know what they are talking about. Especially if they were the ones that took part in those...” Sylvar’s voice trails off.

The room stays silent for a minute. I am pretty sure we are all thinking the same thing. Experiments, Empty Ones and the fact that I am an Empty One.

“Because I am here.” I say. “Julie is the only reason I am here. I would have died so many fights ago. I used one of Sylvar’s spells and I nearly died. My bones… Cracked. My flesh… Ripped apart. But she healed me. Remember?”

“You are right-”

“Are you thinking what I am thinking?” I interrupt Meuko.

“I think.” Meuko responds.

“If someone could kindly explain.” Sylvar sighs.

“If magic can only hurt you, how can Julie heal you.” Meuko explains.

“Because it is healing magic.” Julie says.

“Magic. Which should be harming me.” I explain.

“There is potential in this chain of thought.”

“What?” Meuko asks Sylvar.

“You two are right. And rather smart.” Sylvar explains.

“The question remains… What do we do now?” I ask.

“You lack a plan?” Sylvar asks.

“Of course you do.” Julie sighs.

My voice hurts a bit. Maybe I should rest. What time of day is it? I want to rest.

“I suppose we have gained a few weeks of time.” Sylvar says.

“Meaning?” Julie asks.

Sylvie raises one of their heads, causing Sylvar to slightly open the door, trying to discern any potential outside interruptions.

“The Hunters...” Sylvar says, nodding that we are alone. “They will not stay confined in here for long. And I am not sure if they will keep training us anymore.” Sylvar explains.

Volter. Get your pathetic hide over here… now. Alone.

“Did you all hear that?” I ask.

Everyone looks at me with questions written all over their faces.

A growl. An angry growling voice, resembling metal pieces clanging between them instead of an actual voice. No…

“Alayne just spoke to me. Inside my head.” I say. “Asking me- Telling me to get over there now.”

“Can he do that?” Julie asks.

“It would certainly explain how Modesta knew that Alayne was getting ready for an ambush the day that Volter lost his eye.” Sylvar says.

“We are going. Now.” Meuko says.

“He said alone.” I say.

“So?” Sylvar asks.

“They could be watching. Stay here, I will be fine. Promise.” I say.

Julie lays her hands on me, concentrating her magic in different parts of my body.

“I need to make sure there is nothing else I can heal.”

“You should rest. You have been healing us all day.”

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“I am fine, Vol. You stay still.”

“No, you shou-”

“Just do as I say.” Julie shouts.

Much to everyone’s surprise.

“Okay. I do have a headache.”

She is getting worried. Makes sense. After all…

“I could not be there when you got hurt. I can help now.” Julie explains.

She is right. Once more, I forget the simplest of things. She had to wait for us to get back… All bloody and broken. The times we came back, only to shout out her name in desperation. The time I lost my eye…

I might have been hurting but she was the one who had to see the whole mess that my body was. More than once. Wait.

“Could not? Can help now? Why does that sound like you want to go out?” I ask.

Julie removes her hands, confident that she has healed any important injuries. The glow of her magic particles fading from my body. For a second, just a second, I feel like I could use magic. The lack of glow reminds me that I am indeed an Empty One still.

“Sis?” Meuko asks, catching on my thoughts.

“Because I have been training as well. For weeks. Having a healer with you would change things.” Julie explains.

“Julielle, you cannot fight. It would be impossibly dangerous out there. Especially now.” Sylvar says.

“I just said I am training. I can already use spells that would be useful in combat. I have even refined a few of them so I can cast them without any incantations.” Julie persists.

“Later… We will all talk about it. Together.” I say. “For now, hope that they do not take my head off. I really like my head.”

I move outside the house, being watched by my group. The four of them, five if you count both heads on Sylvie’s shoulders… They walk behind me, making sure there is enough distance so we are not together. As soon as I turn back to give them a discouraging gaze, they reluctantly go back inside Sylvar’s house.

Julie. Fighting? I never thought she would want to do that. I thought she wanted to be a healer.

A part of me wants to say that I would rather have her safe. We cannot have the only healer in this Village running outside, getting themselves killed.

I move between the people working, exchanging a few words. Mostly of reassurance. They respond in a positive way, seeming less worried than at the time of the… Speech. My body shrivels at just the thought. I guess it is not just about keeping the Village safe. It is also about making the Villagers feel safe.

The Villagers are finally feeling the pressure I have been feeling ever since Travlon died.

Why did it take them so long?

Because of the Hunters. Keeping the dangers secret and all that. I admit that it does not feel good… Having them worried. But it is still better than being lied to. I will not stay in this place while there are dangers outside that I could prevent from getting worse.

Murat tells me that the kids should help as well, mostly carrying light rubble around or just sweeping the dirt roads. I think she is on to something here… I do not want them to grow up like me. And the work could help their bodies grow, make them stronger.

We should probably give instructions to the Villagers tomorrow. Sylvar should know how to make this place a better defensive position. If I had to guess, we could dig a few ditches. My legs burn every time we fight on a hill.

I take a moment to prepare myself, between Alayne’s house and Blago’s smithy. Blago has more weapons hanging around. Axes, spears, swords, javelins. I ask him about them, finally learning that spears are meant to be used offensively or defensively as a weapon, while javelins are just for throwing, stabbing being the solution in a very dire situation.

Modesta is waiting at the entrance of the house, grabbing me as soon as he gets tired of my idle feet.

“Well, what are standing there for?” Modesta mocks, pushing me towards the house. “Get in. No reason to be scared.”

There is definitely reason to be scared. The door opens as I step inside, as if by magic. I am getting even more scared. What is going to-

A hand grabs me by the collar of my clothes and raises me high against the wall, making it difficult to do that one basic thing… Breathe.

“What were you thinking? I should disembowel you right here.” Alayne growls.

“Quite the worst move. And you make a lot of bad moves.” Eadwald chuckles.

I wince, trying to get a word out but the whole position I am in… Not going to happen.

“All the training we gave you- All the equipment we gave you. So you could play at being someone important… Worthless kid.” Alayne snarls, his nostrils flaming out.

Am I going to die?

“Wai-”

“Shut up.” Alayne interrupts my half attempt at speaking. “You will not go outside, you will not even exist outside your home without our supervision… Understood?”

Even if this position sucks, I can at least see Alayne’s clothes closer than ever. There are runes woven in the… I do not even know what to call his clothing. For now… Fabric. I guess he is magically enchanting it. Is that why he can sit without breaking a chair? Focus.

“N-No.” I sigh.

Alayne’s other hand hits the wall, cracking it. The fabric brushes against my cheeks. Soft. The main part is black and the edges have a soft yellow coloration. What am I doing?

I am so worried. Yet so determined. There is something wrong with me. There has to. My repeated coughing causes Alayne to drop me down, allowing me to sort of exist properly.

“You wanted me out of the expeditions… Why?” I ask.

“How-” Alayne backhands me, causing my back to recoil against the wall in shock. “Dare you.”

Alayne grabs me with both hands, his claws digging inside my shoulders, raising me higher than my feet can touch the ground. I growl in reaction. I think I am taking this well.

I am flung towards the tables, landing on the chairs messily. One of them breaks against my body. I have got to say that I sort of feel proud that I am stronger than a chair.

“What am I?” I ask.

I have to try and get some answers.

Alayne moves towards me, while the other two stay at the entrance.

The same way Travlon was brought here.

“A brat.” Modesta answers.

“You are afraid of me talking to Varuna. Why?”

“All you have to do is stay here and let us handle things outside. Would that be immensely complicated?” Eadwald asks.

“You cannot expect me to do what you want just because you order it. And you definitely cannot convince me with this.” I show the blood on me.

Alayne stops, looking at his… I will just go with robe. His robe is now dirty from some of my blood. Is he feeling bad about the harm he inflicted?

“Perhaps we could try a different approach.” Eadwald suggests.

“Even now? You like the kid that much? Has caused us nothing but trouble, yet loved so much. Unbelievable.” Modesta says.

“No.” Alayne intervenes. “You do as you are told. Or...” His hands emit smoke.

Embers start appearing in the cracks between the scales, as flames light up around his arms. I am in serious trouble. Just my luck. Can I fight? I do have the Varknife strapped inside my boot. Using it here will put Blago in danger. Shit, I am in danger.

Think.

“You are an Empty One. That is a strong magical place out there, siphoning magic from all who go near-”

“Enough.” Alayne shouts, interrupting Eadwald.

“Think what could happen if you come in contact with that tree again… Possibly absorbing that magic and releasing it. It would-”

“I said no.” Alayne snarls.

“You seem to forget that the Villagers may treat you like a Leader but that is not true for us.” Eadwald answers, much to Alayne’s surprise. “It would kill you and anyone near you.” Eadwald finishes her sentence.

She makes sure to look directly at me, with no hatred or mockery in her expression. I do not know what to make of this.

“And… You could not tell me that? You had to go behind my back? Making me think you want me removed?” I shout.

“We do want you removed. That is a risk we cannot take. You becoming a living bomb could mean the end of this Village.” Modesta says.

Bomb? Sylvar explained that word when we were talking about goblins. Some sort of explo- Oh no. That would be bad.

“It would also mean the end of me, thanks for your compassion.” I mock.

“At the end of the day, you are just a kid. You do as you are told because we, the Hunters, say so.” Alayne says.

He said we, the Hunters instead of I, the Leader. Eadwald changed his demeanor. They actually must be having problems of their own.

Focus.

“Well, thanks to your duplicitous behavior… The Villagers now think that you are staying here to keep them safe and that I go outside to do the same. Good job on that.” I respond, feeling proud at the fact that I can use words like duplicitous.

“Cut that attitude down or I will burn it down for you.” Alayne shouts.

Fear runs through my weak, cold spine. I forget the fact that I am still under threat. And that they do not like me. Especially the last fact.

“Thanks to your simplistic thinking, I cannot remove you from the newly declared position of Hunter… Yet. Every time you use the other nature of your eye, I can feel the faint source of magic you gained from the tree. If it ever grows, I will kill you before you put this Village in danger.” Alayne says.

Eadwald does not seem to disagree with what was said just now. Looks like this threat is real. Not like the pain I feel from all the thrashing around is not.

“Remove yourself from my house and never show your face here again.” Alayne says.

He must really be angry. With me? Maybe Eadwald? I truly, from the bottom of my heart hope so. Please let it be Eadwald.

“Of course.” I wince, moving towards the exit.

“The injuries are from our training, correct?” Eadwald asks.

I stop myself for a moment, realizing what she is actually asking. I am truly alone in here.

“What else could it be…” I say.

“I still think we should-”

“Enough time has been spent around one inconsequential Villager.” Alayne interrupts Modesta.

The house feels cold as I step out, mainly because of the mood rather than the actual cold. They close the door behind me, probably having an extended talk about me.

I walk towards my home, only to be grabbed by Blago, who quickly brings me to a small, private corner in his smithy.

“What happened? You are bleeding, kid.”

“I am not a kid.” I shout.

“What is up with you?”

“Just stop calling me a kid. I just want to help. Why does everyone keep calling me that?”

I barely notice the tears running down my cheeks. All the pressure I felt inside there is now drowning me.

Drowning.

Kianel.

“I am sorry.” Blago says, putting a hand on my shoulder.

“You are dirty.” I say, feeling the muck over my clothing.

“You are bleeding.” Blago chuckles.

“How were you with them? They are not who I thought they were. At all.” I say.

“Different times. And a very long story during those.” Blago says.

“You should steal one of Modesta’s alcohol bottles. You could share it, tell me what happened.”

“Like I would waste it on your sorry ass- I will see what I can do.”

“Alayne threatened to kill me.” I admit.

“That is one heavy sentence to carry on your back.” Blago says.

“What? Sentence?” I ask.

“It is what we used to call a period of- You know what? Not important.” Blago responds.

“I cannot tell them anything about that threat. They could barge inside, try to remove him from this place.”

“Sylvar would not do that. Now, Meuko… She would do anything for her little brother.” Blago laughs.

“She would.”

“If you ever have trouble sleeping, just come here. I will hear you out. I barely sleep myself.”

“Thanks, Blago. Truly.”

“Now, wipe those tears. I never once called you a kid as something bad. It is just- Just how I have always known you. The little kid that ran here every morning, asking me about the sounds a metal makes when I bang it.” Blago explains.

“I get it. But nobody here thinks that it is a term that shows love. They just use it to remind me I have not helped around as much as everyone else.”

“I would not say love...”

“Whatever. See you later, bear.”

“Bear?”

“Nothing.”

I decide that avoiding the group is better for now, entering my house. Instead of my empty kitchen and the potential rest I could get upstairs in my bed… I find my group.

“Told you.” Meuko says.

“We all knew, sis.” Julie sighs.

“I expect the meeting was rough?” Sylvar asks.

“Not that mu-”

“You are bleeding, you moron. Shut up and sit.” Julie interrupts me.

“This day cannot end, right?” I say, taking a seat.

“What happened? I am going-”

“We still have to talk about Julielle’s proposal.” Sylvar says, interrupting Meuko.

I am fairly certain he is trying to keep her calm. Good one, my friend Sylvar.

“There is nothing to talk about.” Meuko says.

“Exactly. I am going out there with you.” Julie says, healing me at the same time.

Meuko sighs.

“You are. After we train you.” I say.

Nobody expected me to say that. The only one that does not look at me like I am an idiot is Sylvie, who is eating what can only be described as a chunk of fish.

Disgusting. As always.