“Open the gates.” The Chief gives the order, her head held high as the gates of Haven rumble open.
Waiting just outside the gates are the tired, huddled, but excited group of the first Wolf Pups to make the long journey from the Capital. Twelve of them in all, their eyes lighting up as they take their first steps into Haven.
Standing ready to receive them are all five members of the council, some of the elder artisans of Haven, the guards stationed by the gate, and myself, as the Chief’s assistant of course. The children of Haven are currently supposed to be in the schoolhouse for their morning lesson, but I don’t think anyone minds that a good number of them are hiding between the buildings along the main street, curiously peering at the first new children to arrive in Haven in over two years’ time. Even Yvonne, their teacher, is amongst the children, keeping an eye on them as they excitedly whisper amongst themselves.
The small group is headed by Jackhorn and Bear, wearing their respective carved masks over their faces. Jackhorn scans the surroundings, stopping to watch the sliding gate be pushed shut behind him, before turning back to face us.
“Well. I’ll be. There really is a whole town out here in the middle of nowhere. Colour me impressed.” Jackhorn comments. I forgot that his accent and manner of speaking is near-identical to Johnny’s.
“Impressive, certainly. We never would have found it, had we not had a guide.” Bear nods in agreement, speaking in their even-tempered tone.
“Welcome to Haven, Wolves of the Abyss. I hope your journey was safe and swift.” The Chief nods in turn, smiling warmly.
“Ba-ban! Rabbit has returned to Haven!” Rabbit practically bounces up to Jackhorn and Bear, standing proudly between them. “I was entrusted by Her Majesty to lead the first party of the Wolves to Haven, and to remain at Haven as leader of the Wolves’ first Party of Haven!”
“So you’re staying with us, Rabbit?” Tiff asks, a little surprised but very happy to hear it.
“Yes!” Rabbit beams from ear to ear. Gods, it’s impossible not to smile when she’s around.
“Ahem. Then, if the members of this party could line up and sound off.” Jackhorn clears his throat.
Seven of the other children quickly form a straight line, standing to attention with Rabbit at the head.
“Rabbit, ten, adventurer!” She starts.
“Otter, ten, pathfinder.” The boy to Rabbit’s right says. With his fluffy brown hair, he does look like an otter.
“Owl. Nine. Lookout.” The girl with big, brown eyes next to Otter says. I’m starting to see where Arza gets her name ideas from…
The other four Wolf Pups sound off; Calico, a young boy with multicoloured hair, Shrike, with a black band painted across his red eyes, Dormouse, a very short but energetic girl, and the youngest, Doe, who’s only six years old, but asserts she’s capable of doing anything grown-ups can do.
It hasn’t escaped anyone’s notice that there are three more children in the group before us, huddled up together standing behind the line formed by the Wolf Pups. None of them are wearing the hooded cloaks all the other Pups wear.
“A pleasure to see you all again and to welcome you to your new homes, brave Wolf Pups. However, I don’t recognise the three children behind you… are they new?” The Chief tries to peer past the Pups, but the children at the back seem determined to hide themselves.
The younger Pups look among themselves with concern, stepping aside to clear the way as Bear walks back to the three unknown children, who huddle closer to one another as the attention falls on them. Even from here, they look filthy, with dirt on their hair and their faces, their clothes dirty rags whose edges are dyed reddy-brown from the iron-rich mud of the Abyss.
“They’re the first rescues.” Jackhorn answers, crossing his arms as he glances back at the three of them. “Found them near Dead Man’s Dream. Figured we’d bring them with us.”
“Let GO OF ME! You said you were taking us somewhere safe, somewhere with other children! You’ve just taken us to more adults!!” The tallest of the three yells, trying to push Bear away as the youngest one clings to their leg. The third of them, who looks to be between the other two’s ages, just stares blankly ahead, seemingly oblivious to what’s going on.
“You will be safe here. The people of Haven have our Queen’s trust, so they have ours.” Bear calmly speaks as the tallest one struggles rather helplessly against Bear’s strength. “Though, I have yet to see any of the children of Haven myself.”
“That’s because they’re supposed to be in school right now.” The Chief speaks, loud enough for everyone around to hear as she glances back at the nearest group of children hiding just around the corner of the barracks. “But, I suppose an exception can be made for once… you can come out now.”
With the Chief’s permission, the twenty-odd children of Haven filter out onto the main street, gathering into a crowd before the Wolf Pups to get a better look at them. Most of them already know Rabbit, but introductions are exchanged, and the children begin to happily talk with each other and to welcome their new friends to Haven.
Seeing this, the angry, tall child at the back with the other two rescued children falls quiet as they watch the others mingle. The children of Haven are all happy and healthy, smiling and laughing with their new friends. It’s enough to get them to calm down a little, as Bear leads the three of them up to the council. The tallest one is a boy, with short dark hair and scowling red eyes that look at everything with distrust. The middle one looks to be a boy with pale-blonde hair stained reddish-brown with mud, but his glassy eyes just stare off into the distance aimlessly, and the youngest is a little girl with dark red hair that… can’t be older than five years old. She looks like she doesn’t fully understand what’s going on.
“Those are the three we rescued on our way here. We found them near one of the outposts. They were with a small group that had a few adults, but… their group was attacked by the Breakers.” Bear explains.
She doesn’t need to elaborate on what happened after their group was attacked by the Breakers. We know what it means; that the adults were either killed or kidnapped, and that the children were left to fend for themselves… or die, to be more straightforward. The attack certainly left their mark on the older of the two children. The oldest clings to the younger two children protectively, with the youngest looking around with wide eyes, still clinging to the tallest boy’s leg, while the middle child…
I can recognise a thousand-yard stare.
The Chief notices too. As for what her soulseer’s eye sees, I can only imagine. Though she’s smiling, whether she’s aware of it or not, she’s clenching her fist.
Tiff kneels down so her head’s level with the tallest of the three, smiling gently. “I’m Tiffany, but you can call me Tiff if you’d like. I help run things in Haven, and I help look after the children. What are your names?”
The oldest looks Tiff up and down with a scowl, but it’s difficult for anyone to resist Tiff’s natural warmth and kindness, emanating from her like the warm touch of the afternoon sun. Though he looks over the rest of us distrustfully, he decides there’s no harm in speaking his own name.
“... Kado.” He says. A Heian-sounding name.
The little girl looks up at Kado for permission, smiling when he gives her a nod. “I’m Anna!”
The other boy doesn’t answer.
“This is Jorm.” Kado says, placing a hand on Jorm’s shoulder. Jorm reacts a little, but his gaze remains aimless and unfocused. “He doesn’t talk much.”
Tiff reaches out, gently patting Jorm on the head and lightly ruffling his hair. Jorm looks like he might collapse from the touch, he’s so gaunt and skinny, but Tiff’s touch seems to finally get his attention, turning his head to look at her.
“Well~” Tiff stands up straight, raising her voice to get the childrens’ attention. “These brave Wolf Pups and their new friends must be hungry after their long journey, but it’s a little late for breakfast, but not quite lunch time… whatever are we to do?”
Anton clears his throat, glancing across at Tiff. “Luncheon is served every day at midday on the dot, Tiffany. I’m sure our guests can wait one more hour.”
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the same times every day, without fail. Seven to Nine in the morning for breakfast, Twelve to One in the afternoon for lunch, and Six until Nine in the evening for dinner. The children know this regime better than anyone. Still, that isn’t stopping every child in Haven from looking up at Anton with a silent, pleading look on all their faces. While Anton acts oblivious to this, the Chief has taken notice, putting her hands on her hips and giving Anton a disapproving sideways look. The Wolf Pups have travelled a long way, they shouldn’t have to wait another hour for a warm meal. It’d do a world of good for the three rescued children, as well.
“Oh…” Anton rolls his eyes, giving in. “I suppose an exception can be made. Very well, then. The stew should be ready.”
With an excited cheer, the crowd of children hurry up the road to the tavern with Yvonne behind them, bringing along the Wolf Pups and the three rescued children with them. The two Red Wolves stand off to the side, watching the crowd disappear through the tavern’s front doors.
“Well.” Jackhorn speaks, stretching his arms. “The kids’re in good hands. We should be headin’ back, Bear.”
“Not before we get a warm meal in your bellies first~” Tiff grins, suddenly appearing between Bear and Jackhorn, throwing an arm around each of them.
“What the- The hells did you get here so fast?! Her Majesty’s expectin’ us back home!” Jackhorn struggles, his effort to resist fruitless in the face of Tiff’s upper body strength.
“We could use a warm meal, Jackhorn. I certainly wouldn’t turn one down.” Bear nods, making no effort to resist Tiff as she coaxes the two of them towards the tavern.
Most of the rest of the group disperse back to their workplaces, or up to the tavern for some early lunch. Vann heads up behind Tiff to help keep an eye on the children, leaving Rann, the Chief and I watching them all head up the road. The Chief allows herself a small smile, relaxing her shoulders a little, but her fist is still clenched. Rann notices too, when the two of us exchange a silent look.
“They’re safe now.” Rann speaks, giving the Chief a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
“... Nothing.” She says, looking down at her hand. She was clenching it so hard she’s left red marks across her palm.
“Nothing?”
“Nothing. That boy had… nothing about him. Not even a hint of colour.” Her voice catches in her throat, lowering to a growl. “What did they do to them…”
“They’re safe, Mia.” Rann squeezes her shoulder, getting her attention. “Whatever happened to them, it won’t happen again.”
“But there are others out there. Others that could go through the same thing-” She continues, her voice trembling in fury, that children could be subjected to such things, but Rann gives her another squeeze.
“Mia.” He says once more. I put my hand on her other shoulder, telling her she’s not alone in facing this.
She sighs, finally letting go of the tension in her body, taking a moment to recollect herself.
“I apologise for that. I’ve seen countless different emotions before, but never have I seen just… nothing. Almost nothing. They reacted a little to Tiff’s touch, but…” She trails off, staring down at the ground.
“They’re in our care now. They’ll be alright.” I smile.
“Guh…” She sighs again, fixing her posture. “You’re right. They’re safe now, and I won’t get anything done by being miserable. Come on, let’s get lunch.”
The three of us head up the main road in silence, with the Chief leading us. Rann and I exchange a few more looks. We’re worried for Jorm, but equally as worried for the Chief. Her composure is rarely shaken like that. In a way, she’s more vulnerable to the emotions of others than most, as much as she tries to hide it. Rann’s right, though. Kado, Anna, and Jorm are safe now. It’s up to us to look after them.
…
“Where exactly did you find Kado, Anna, and Jorm on your journey towards Haven?” The Chief asks, seated at the middle of the council’s table, with Rann and Vann either side of her.
The early lunch service had come and gone. The first Wolf Pups to arrive in Haven were being shown around town by Yvonne and their new classmates. Tiff had taken the three rescued children to her house, to give them a proper bath and get some clean, dry clothes on them. Everything was going as planned, even accounting for Kado, Anna, and Jorm. But it’s the circumstances of their arrival that worries the Chief, which is why Bear and Jackhorn have been brought to one of the upstairs rooms of the tavern to discuss what happened.
“They were found by our scouts, and brought to the western outpost, which is where we found them on our journey here from the Capital. They were fed some rations, and they’d managed to get some rest before we arrived, but it was apparent they hadn’t eaten or slept well in days. After some discussion, Jackhorn and I decided it was in their best interest to come with us to Haven.” Bear explains, sitting up straight in their chair, with the posture of someone who’s been taught how to sit properly and respectfully.
“Wasn’t much to discuss.” Jackhorn shrugs, leaning back in his chair as he looks toward the window. “They were in a real sorry state. Nothin’ wrong with the Capital, of course, but we don’t have as many warm beds or warm meals as Her Majesty says you do. Figured they needed those comforts more than we do.”
“It is what your Queen and I agreed upon. We will uphold our end of the agreement, no matter what.” The Chief nods sternly.
“The question still stands, though.” Rann comments, crossing his arms. “Where did your scouts find them? You said they were part of a group attacked by the Breakers.”
“They were some ways south of the western outpost.” Bear answers, adjusting her posture. “They don’t know where they were when their group was attacked, or when they were attacked. All they knew is they’d been on their own for a few days. As for the Breakers… they’re still in the east. Our scouts would have noticed if a group so large had moved westward.”
“What have their movements been? Do you keep a constant eye on them?” Vann asks.
“No, but we don’t need to. They ain’t exactly the quiet types who try an’ hide their movements. Easy enough to get an idea of where they are.” Jackhorn answers nonchalantly, waving off Vann’s concern.
“Have the three told you anything about the group they were with?” The Chief leans forward as she asks her question.
“Kado said it was a small group. Less than ten, all up. They were the only children, and they were brought together by the adults that found them. They were with that group for less than six moons before they were attacked, the adults were taken, and the children were left to fend for themselves.” Bear’s tone changes just slightly as they talk about the attack. Their voice is monotone, but very smooth and clear, which makes even slight changes more noticeable.
“Left to die, ya mean.” Jackhorn clicks his tongue. “Breakers don’t give a rat’s ass about kids.”
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
“I’m sure the people of Haven understood my meaning, Jackhorn. Some things are better left unsaid.” Bear responds, their impassive mask gazing across at Jackhorn.
“We’re well aware of what the Breakers do.” The Chief sighs lightly. Now that I think of it, I don’t know how many people in Haven besides Rann have directly encountered the Breakers before, but we’ve all heard the stories. They’re practically a roaming horde of marauders, plundering, enslaving, and killing anyone who gets in their way. She clears her throat, before asking: “What did you tell the three of them about Haven?”
“Rabbit did most of the talkin’. She was the only one of the group that’d seen Haven for herself. I don’t think the older one believed everything she said, but the little one sure ate it up.” Jackhorn chuckles to himself. “A real adventurer’s town, down here in this dirty red hell-hole. I wouldn’t believe it either if I didn’t see it for myself.”
“And Jorm?” The Chief clasps her hands together on the table. “How was he on the journey here?”
“As he is now.” Bear lets out a quiet sigh. “Silent. Not a word spoken.”
“Kid’s seen stuff no kid should see.” Jackhorn turns his head towards the window again. “Give him time. Had similar cases before. Once they settle in, they’ll open up. They’re safe here.”
… I’m starting to wonder.
The Chief, Bear, Rann, even Jackhorn. All saying, swearing, that the rescued kids are safe now. They are safe, comparatively speaking. Haven is most likely the safest place in the Abyss. But it’s been said so much that, in the back of my mind, doubt is starting to gnaw at me.
They’re safe, now.
But Haven isn’t completely insulated from the dangers of the Abyss. Its location is kept secret from outsiders, yes, but that didn’t do much to stop that carrion hawk landing in the middle of town… and killing Nate. It’s better than most places, but nowhere down here is completely safe. Especially not for children.
Will they be safe tomorrow? Or the day after?
“Marina?” The Chief’s voice brings me back to reality. Shit, I was spacing out.
“Y-yes, Chief?”
“Could you please join Rann in escorting the Red Wolves to the gate?” She asks. Rann, Jackhorn, and Bear are already by the door. I get up and follow them out, down the stairs of the tavern and out onto the main street.
“You two sure you don’t want to see around town before you go?” Rann asks, looking across at Jackhorn and Bear as we near the main gate.
“This ain’t the last time we’ll be visitin’ Haven. Plenty of opportunities to look around town in the future.” Jackhorn shrugs.
“How did you decide who would come to Haven first?”
“Her Majesty chose from among the volunteers.” Bear chuckles lightly. “Nearly half the pups volunteered. Her Majesty decided to send some of the younger children first, with Rabbit and Otter to look after them.”
“Not gonna lie, we kinda foisted some of the littler ones on you so we have less work to do at the Capital. Frees up more hands for other work like scoutin’ and such.” Jackhorn admits, but Rann just laughs.
“Not a bad idea. We’ll look after the kids. Younger ones’ll go to school, and the older ones can help around town. They’ll earn their place.” Rann smiles. They’ve already been given warm beds, warm food, and a new home. There’s nothing to earn, but those words put the two Red Wolves at ease.
“Jackhorn! Bear! You’re leaving already?!” A young voice calls, and all the Wolf Pups, including a few of Haven’s children appear from behind the barracks, standing between the gate and the two Red Wolves.
“We’re expected back at the Capital, kids. Can’t let Her Majesty wait too long, can we?” Jackhorn chuckles, ruffling Otter’s hair.
“But Jackhorn! You haven’t seen the Crystalfall yet! It’s big and blue and the air is cool around it, but it doesn’t have a secret behind it like a proper waterfall!” Rabbit pouts, sounding rather unhappy that there’s no “secret” behind the Crystalfall like it’s supposed to be a given.
“Don’t worry, Rabbit. This is far from our last trip to Haven.” Bear says warmly, giving Rabbit a reassuring pat on the head.
“Good, you’re still here.” The Chief says, standing behind Rann and I, with Vann beside her. Vann’s holding a leather sack swung over his shoulder. “We can’t just send you home empty-handed, after all.”
Vann hands the sack to Bear, who looks it up and down through their mask.
“Don’t open it until you get back home. Salted meat’s got a pretty obvious smell.” Vann nods, standing beside Rann.
“Salted? Where the hell did you get salt down here?” Jackhorn asks, staring at the sack in confusion.
“Fifty barrels were brought down when Haven was built. Less than half have had to be opened.” The Chief answers.
“Brought down…” Bear ponders, looking up at the towering black cliff, looming silently over Haven.
“This place was built by those from outside the Abyss, using a crane on the surface. This was meant to be a safe way in and out of the Abyss.” Vann explains, crossing his arms as he looks up at the cliffs.
“Then one day, the crane went up as usual, and never came back down.” Rann finishes.
“As for what happened to the crane, and the supposed settlement on the surface…” The Chief glances across at me and smiles. “We’ll find out sooner rather than later.”
“That reminds me.” Bear turns to look at me. Obviously, it’s harder to read someone’s emotions if they’re wearing a mask, but Bear’s voice is so smooth and even, and their mask even more passive than other Red Wolves’... I really can’t get a read on them. “Her Majesty wished to know how your flying practice was progressing.”
“It’s going well. If these cliffs really are six hundred tals high, I don’t know when I’ll be strong enough to fly that high, but I’m getting stronger every day. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make it sooner, rather than later.” I parroted the Chief’s words a bit, but it’s how I feel. I can take off and land just fine. I don’t have to worry about turning or horizontal distance, it’s just going straight up. And coming straight down in a controlled manner.
“Her Majesty will be pleased to hear that.” Bear nods politely. I can hear their smile in their voice.
“One way or another, as Chief of Haven, I will deliver on my promise.” The Chief steps forward between Rann and Vann, her hand on her chest. “We will make it out of the Abyss. All of us.”
“I don’t doubt ya, that’s for sure. I just got one question.” Jackhorn tilts his head up, glancing between Rann and Vann. “Are you two brothers or somethin’? Ya sure look alike.”
“Ah.” Vann, ostensibly the younger-looking of the two, smiles and pats Rann on the shoulder. “No, actually. This young man here is my grandson.”
“Ey, don’t go pullin’ my leg. It’s a simple…” Jackhorn doesn’t believe it at first, but no one makes any effort to correct Vann. “Y-you serious?”
“Hard to tell.” Rann, with his greying hair, shrugs his shoulders as he tosses a look at Vann. “This old codger’s memory isn’t what it used to be.”
“W-wha…” Jackhorn’s lost for words. The children of Haven giggle amongst themselves. Uncle Vann and Uncle Rann’s comedy routines are something they never get tired of. Though, the Wolf Pups are a little confused about this as well.
“If you two are quite finished.” The Chief sighs lightly, playing up her feigned frustration. “I do believe our guests are expected elsewhere.”
“You heard the Chief, old man. If your hearing still works.” Rann chuckles dryly.
“I heard her loud and clear.” Vann responds, before raising his voice; “Open the gates!”
With a great heave, and the grunts of exertion from the guards, the gates of Haven rumble open. The children step aside as the two Red Wolves stand tall, ready to make the journey home as the clunk of wood on wood signals the gates have opened completely.
Before either of them can move, however, Doe, the youngest of the Wolf Pups to arrive in Haven, runs out and hugs Jackhorn’s side.
Jackhorn clicks his tongue annoyedly, before he relents, patting Doe on the head. “Alright. Anyone who wants a hug, get over here.”
All the Pups run over and hug the two Red Wolves goodbye. Though they’re sad to see them go, they know they’ll see them again soon. It’s heartwarming, and even the Chief can’t help but smile at these earnest kids.
Once everyone’s been sufficiently hugged, and Jackhorn gave them all a ruffle of their hair, the two Red Wolves set out on the journey home, with the Pups, the Haven kids that joined them, and a few of the guards waving them goodbye. The gates move again with a heave, slamming shut into one another.
It takes me a moment to realise the attention of the gathered children has shifted from the closed gate to myself. Or rather, judging by their starry eyes… I think I know what they want to see.
“Umm… Miss, um, Marina…” Doe takes a step closer to me, rubbing her hands together nervously, not knowing how to ask politely for what I know she wants.
Very well. It’s been a while since you’ve gotten some attention, wings.
Right on cue, both wings rush out from under my cloak with a graceful flourish, reaching skyward with their pinion feathers, before settling back down around my sides. Both the Pups and the kids of Haven are overjoyed by this display, surging forward and around me to touch and pat the soft, fluffy wings they can’t get enough of. My wings can’t get enough of the attention either, it feels.
“Is it true that you can fly now, Marina?” Rabbit asks with her big hopeful eyes.
“Well…” I say with a proud smile. “I can show you, but you’ll have to step back.”
The children quickly hurry back, forming a rough circle around me a good dozen steps back, with Rann and Vann making sure the kids aren’t too close.
With sufficient space, and the thought of reaching roof-height in mind, both wings give a mighty flap to launch me into the air, creating such a gust of wind it briefly blows everyone’s hair back, easily reaching the desired height, keeping my balance steady as I let my wings focus on keeping me airborne.
“Woooow…!” The kids’ faces all light up in wonder, running back up to me after I deftly land back on the ground. I can take off and land, no problem at all. I still… feel a little unsteady after the exertion, but it’s not like I’m about to collapse or anything. Still a long way to go, but I’ve come a long way already.
“W-what…” An unfamiliar voice says from behind me.
I turn to find Tiff standing on the main road, with Kado, Anna, and Jorm with her, all clean and wearing new clothes. The three kids are shocked at what they probably just saw… that being me flying in the air, wings and all. Right. This is their first time seeing them. Not only that, it’s the first time they’ve seen me fly. Probably the first time they’ve seen anyone fly. Even Jorm seems visibly shocked at what he’s seen.
Gods, how do I approach this, uh…
While I’m fretting over how to handle this, Rabbit walks up to the three of them, leaning down to Anna and pointing towards me.
“Miss Marina is a very nice person, and her wings are very soft and friendly. Do you wanna touch them?” She asks with a gentle smile.
Anna looks back at me, or my wings, rather. They are soft, and certainly more well-behaved than before. She goes to step towards me, but Kado, worried, grabs her shoulder and pulls her back.
“She doesn’t bite, Kado. And I’m sure you’re just as curious about them as Anna and Jorm are~” Tiff gives the three a gentle, playful push forward.
They approach me apprehensively, but eventually their curiosity gets the better of them. Anna reaches out, touching a fluffy inner feather, and she giggles. Kado, still distrustful, pokes at my wing to see how it’ll react, while Jorm shyly touches a pinion feather. Thankfully, my wings have also gotten much better at concealing the blades within them, so there’s no risk they’ll cut the children by accident.
Tiff can’t help but giggle.
“What?” I frown.
“You really have a way with children, Marina.” She smiles.
“Do I? I’m fairly certain it’s just because I’ve got these fluffy, attention-loving things stuck to my back.” I sigh, as a crowd of children has formed around me again. My wings are too busy basking in the attention to care about my insults towards them.
“Miss Marina is a very nice person, with or without her wings!” Rabbit asserts. A wing reaches up, tickling her nose with an outstretched feather, making her giggle. “But her wings are very nice too!”
“Alright, children, Marina has some work to do. You can’t spend all day hugging her wings.” The Chief claps her hands, getting their attention. “Kado, Anna, and Jorm haven’t been shown around Haven yet. Can you help Tiff, Uncle Vann and I show them around?”
The children all nod and cheer in agreement, forming a group that heads up the main street with Tiff, Vann, and the Chief at their head, leaving Rann and I alone in front of the gates.
The three rescues seem to have perked up a lot, Jorm especially. The kids of Haven are always happy to welcome new friends. Hopefully, the worst the Abyss has to offer is something they’ll never have to deal with again.
Still…
“Are they safe now…”
“As safe as they can be.” Rann pats my shoulder. “It’s up to us to ensure that.”
“In a way, it feels like it was just yesterday when that carrion hawk just appeared in the middle of Haven…”
“That usually doesn’t happen. As grim as it is, we’re lucky we only lost one person.” Rann crosses his arms. “Could have been far worse.”
“I know she was restraining it, but why didn’t the Chief just… blow it away with her magic?”
“Because, chains aside, she was told not to use destructive magic in town. The last time she did, she destroyed the gates and nearly killed all the guards near it. I’m no mage, nor am I one of her rank, but when she lifts that staff of hers, she rarely holds back.” He sighs to himself. “We’re lucky it didn’t cause any issue when she blew away that mana-whatever in the Ghostwood.”
“I met a sage before, once. A Sage of The Rushing Gale. They were certainly…”
“Arrogant?” Rann finishes for me.
“Certainly not lacking in self-confidence, for sure. I wouldn’t call the Chief arrogant, though, just a bit… headstrong.”
“That’s just part of magic to me. You need to be at least a bit self-assured to wave a stick around with the confidence that you’ll shoot fire from it. Headstrong is certainly one way to describe the Chief.” Rann chuckles.
“Whatta you two doin’ here all by yourselves?” Johnny asks, walking out onto the main street.
“Johnny? Where’ve you been?”
“Movin’ stuff down in the Cellars. Heard the first group of kids got here. They doin’ okay?”
“They’ll settle in fine.” Rann nods.
“Shame, Johnny. You missed that “north side punk”. He left a few minutes ago.”
“I missed who?” Johnny blinks, before realising who I’m talking about. “What?! You mean that mask-wearin’ north-side punk was here?!”
Rann and I just laugh at Johnny’s exasperation.
…
It’s after dinner.
Well after dinner, in fact. I should be in bed.
The Chief should be, too, but for the past few hours she’s been sitting on her lonesome on the first floor of the library, staring into the fireplace as it slowly dims and fades with each passing hour. Normally, she sits in the chair facing the stairs, but she’s been sitting in the chair facing away from the stairs this evening. An unusual deviation from her routine.
Something’s on her mind, and I can’t just go to sleep without checking on her first.
“Chief?” It’s getting pretty late.” I say, tapping her on the shoulder as I stand beside her chair.
“Hmm? Ah, Marina…” The Chief jumps slightly like she wasn’t even aware I was there, getting up from her seat. “It is, yes… you should head to bed.”
Her eyes remain fixed on the fireplace, huddling up her arms like she’s cold.
“You should too, Mia. Especially if you’re cold.”
“I’m not cold.” She corrects me, shooting me a look. “Just…”
“Worried?”
She grunts and frowns, but doesn’t correct me this time.
“It’s Kado, Anna, and Jorm on your mind, I assume.”
“Yes.” She exhales sharply. “Is it that obvious?”
“When you said Jorm had almost no colour about him…”
“That’s… improved, somewhat. He hasn’t spoken, but he ate most of his dinner, and isn’t quite so distant as he was when he got here. The three of them are staying with Tiff for the night.” She sighs. “She’s better at looking after them than I am.”
“How are Kado and Anna?”
“Kado has a hard time trusting others, adults especially, but we’ve hidden nothing from him and been honest. He’ll come around. As for Anna…” Her gaze falls to the floor, squeezing her arm. “She’s too young to be able to really understand what’s going on.”
“How old are they? Anna in particular doesn’t look any older than-”
“Four.” She growls, clenching her fists in anger. “Eleven, seven, and four. Four! For years, we never found anyone younger than five, which is bad enough, but four years old? To die so young, only to end up in this, this… hell-hole?! It’s…”
She stops, taking a deep breath to try and steady herself.
“Gh… getting worked up over it accomplishes nothing. You’re right. I should head to bed.” She sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose before she turns and heads towards the stairs to the second floor.
“Mia.”
“Hmm?” She looks back at me, halfway up the stairs.
“It’s okay to rely on others, you know. You don’t have to shoulder everything by yourself.”
“I know that.” She tisks. “Why else would I permit you to live under my roof?”
She takes another step upwards, before stopping again and pouting a little as she admits to what she’s really thinking. “I know I can rely on you, Marina.”
With that, she disappears upstairs into her room.
I hope that one day she actually learns how to show that she cares for others without shrugging them off first…
But I’ll take it. She’s worried, clearly, and she’s more vulnerable to the emotions of others than most, something she herself seems unaware of sometimes.
I just have to do my part to help make things better, one day at a time.