Edgehill

by Thomas Rouxville

  “Thank you, Grandfather,” Athena said, kissing Jermyn's cheek. “And thank you, Grandmother.” Laguna nodded.

  “What are your plans?” Laguna asked before Jermyn was even finished cutting the cake.

  “Plans for what?” Athena questioned, though she knew exactly what her grandmother wanted to hear.

  Laguna rolled her eyes, as she often did. “Plans for your future, Athena!” “I want to live happily, just like I am right now.”

  Jermyn smiled. “I like that plan.”

  “What about marriage? Work? How do you plan to support your husband?”

  “Don't you mean, how will my husband and I support each other?” Athena dipped her finger in the frosting and licked it.

  “You're an adult. It's time you stop mocking me,” Laguna said.

  “I'm not mocking you, Grandmother. You and I have different views, that is all.”

  “Laguna,” Jermyn said, putting a hand on his wife's shoulder, “It is precisely because she is an adult that we should respect her opinions.”

  “No, Jermyn, you're always on her side. She's defied me since she was a little girl. I raised her to be a lady, like her mother-”

  “I'm not my mother,” Athena said. “Grandmother, I'm sorry, I don't mean to mock you. I know you mean well, and I know you want the best for me.”

  “Why do you never listen?” Laguna asked. She showed no emotion in her expression, but her usually flat tone had faltered.

  “I do listen, Grandmother.” Athena smiled. “I promise I'll listen even more. I'll do extra chores for you and help you around the house. How does that sound?”

  Laguna shrugged. “It's a start.”

  “Well then, shall we celebrate?” Jermyn queried, placing slices of cake in front of the two women.

  “We shall,” Athena laughed. The small party ignored the bakery for the next few hours, focusing on Athena's most important birthday. It was nice, but Athena felt something was off - and it wasn't just her tense grandmother.

  She remembered Tobin's rumors about shadows. It was over a year ago, but Athena had begun to notice differences. Almost every time she wandered around the town, there were fewer men. She had even begun to notice young boys leaving, all being summoned to the castle town. With so many of the strongest workers gone, more and more women were stepping out of their homes and into jobs, filling the empty posts. Perhaps Athena wouldn't end up as a housewife anytime soon, especially if the men were going to fight a war.

  “You could marry Tobin,” Jermyn suggested, bringing Athena back to her party. “You spend a lot of time together. I'm sure he's grown quite fond of you.”

  “He's my friend,” Athena replied.

  “Laguna and I were matched by our parents,” Jermyn said. “I think she despised me in the beginning, but look at her now, look at all of the love in her eyes.”

  Laguna was frowning, but for a second her lips twitched. “I tolerate you,” she said.

  “True love,” Jermyn laughed. “What I'm saying, my dear Athena, is that Tobin is the best choice. You're comfortable together, and you can start a farm. You'd have financial security with him. And then I'd never have to worry about you living on the streets as a beggar.”

  “I understand Grandfather, but give me time. I'm not ready for marriage, I don't even know if I'm ready for much of anything. I've spent my entire life in Edgehill, not knowing or caring about the rest of the world. I want adventure, I want to see the world.”

  Jermyn glanced at Laguna, almost worriedly. Athena noticed but decided not to say anything. She hugged both of her grandparents and excused herself from the table. “Thank you for the cake, it was delicious.”

  “Of course, my dear.”

  Athena started to go upstairs, but stopped a few steps up, listening to her grandparent’s conversation below.

  “She's just a regular girl,” Laguna said. “If she were anything more, something would have happened by now.”

  “No, Laguna. There has been peace, but circumstances are changing. This kingdom is going to need Athena very soon.”

  Athena could hear her grandmother getting up and coming towards the stairs. She quickly ran to her room, trying to process what had just been said. Her grandparents were hiding something. But what could Athena do about it? She knew that if she asked, they'd deny it. They never spoke of Athena behind her back unless they wanted to keep something from her.

  The kingdom was changing, and not for the better. Athena slipped out of the bakery quietly, deciding to wander the town. She needed fresh air and a clear mind. She wanted to see Tobin, to talk about what was going on. Tobin was busier than ever now, hardly even having time to meet in the forest. Athena wondered how much time she had left with him. Any day, he could be dragged away like so many of the other men. What if he was gone already?

  Edgehill was quiet, despite it being the middle of the day. Only a few people hobbled about, and most were beggars. There were no vendors selling vegetables and trinkets, no children playing, just an unsettling emptiness. Though there wasn't a shadow, there was a darkness creeping into Athena's heart, and she couldn't shake it.

  By the time Athena got home, the sun was setting, and the evening beggars were beginning to mill about. Athena entered her home and slumped against the wall, feeling tired and worse than usual. What was happening in Edgehill? In the kingdom? And to Athena? She was scared, but she didn't know why.

  “Athena?” Jermyn said, seeing her sitting on the floor. “Is everything all right?” “I need answers, Grandfather.”

  “Answers to what?”

  Athena shook her head. “There's something going on, and I want to understand what it is. You know something, Grandfather, I can tell.”

  Jermyn sighed. “Athena, dear-”

  “Men are being summoned, rumors are spreading about shadows taking over the land.” “Athena, I don't know anything.”

  “Yes you do. I heard you and Grandmother talking earlier.” Athena closed her eyes. “You said the kingdom would need me soon. What did you mean?”

  “Please Athena, stop worrying.”

  “How can I stop worrying? What if Tobin is summoned, what if you are?”

  Jermyn laughed, softly. “What would the king want to do with an old man like me?”

  Athena tried to smile, but she couldn't. It was as if her nightmares were suddenly entering her waking hours. She was just as scared now as she was nearly every morning. She wanted to scream, and the worst part was not knowing why.

  “There was a group of travelers in the bakery today,” Laguna said, emerging from the hallway. “They were getting supplies, said they were leaving Galbar.”

  “Leaving the kingdom?” Athena asked. “Why?”

  “They talked about a shadow spreading across all of Galbar, bringing an endless evil. One of them called this, 'The Kingdom of Shadows.'”

  Laguna rolled her eyes. “Silly rumors, that's all.”

  “No,” Athena said. “I don't believe they're just rumors. Why are so many men being summoned if the shadow is only a rumor? Why would people flee the kingdom?”

  “I didn't say they were fleeing,” Laguna said. “They're just stupid people falling for stupid rumors.”

  “No,” Athena repeated, more forcefully. “Tell me what you know.”

  Jermyn looked at Athena solemnly. “There is evil spreading, and it will reach Edgehill.” “When?”

  “I do not know, Athena. But when it reaches us, I'm afraid things will never be the same again.” Athena stared at her grandfather. “There's going to be a war, isn't there? There's no other reason why people would be summoned.”

  Her grandfather looked away. “I don't know,” he repeated.

  “I have a part to play in all of this, don't I?” Athena asked. “Don't tell me you don't know.” “Yes,” Jermyn whispered. “You will be a part of it.”

  “But you won't tell me what 'it' is?”

  “We can't tell y
ou, Athena,” Laguna said.

  “You can't or you won't?” Athena stood up. “You've raised me like a daughter. You took me in when I was a little orphan girl. You've never explained how my parents died-”

  “They died in a flood-”

  “You didn't explain it,” Athena cut her grandmother off. “And now, you won't explain this shadow. Both of you know more than you're letting on.” Athena stood up. “I'm scared, and I don't want to be. I want to trust you, but it's awfully hard when you keep secrets.”

  Jermyn looked at the ground. “I'm sorry, my dear Athena.”

  Athena began to walk away. “Will everything be okay?” she asked, before disappearing into her room.

  “Someday,” Jermyn answered. It was not a reassuring answer.

  Chapter 5

  That night, Athena thrashed violently in her sleep, nightmares stronger than usual. She woke up in the morning with a horrible headache, and of course no memory of the content of her terrors. She punched her pillow in frustration and anger, sick of the nightmares, sick of not understanding anything, and sick of not remembering.

  She skipped breakfast, without even acknowledging her grandparents. She ignored the hurt look on her grandfather's face though she knew she'd eventually regret her attitude. He deserved it though, for keeping secrets. Jermyn was the guilty one, not Athena. She had every right to be angry, but she could see him standing out of the corner of her eye, bruised and saddened. No, Athena. You're the bruised one. Not him.

  Athena slammed the front door behind her and began to run through the town, a crisp fall breeze flowing through the air. She let her hair blow in the wind, finally feeling free. When she got to the forest, she stopped running and took a deep breath. All of her built-up anger seemed to disappear the moment she entered the forest.

  Athena found her meadow and laid down on the grass, soaking in the small rays of the sun. It was chilly outside, but Athena felt warm. She felt peace. Everything was quiet, except for the birds singing in the trees. Soon they'd be flying south, and Athena would truly be alone. She closed her eyes and listened to the chirping, trying to clear her mind of all troubles. Trying not to think about her nightmares.

  Of course, it was impossible. The nightmares were always there, hiding in the back of Athena's mind, refusing to leave like uninvited guests. Athena had spent countless hours trying to figure out her dreams. She'd even kept dream journals, though they were mostly random late night and early morning thoughts rather than recordings of dreams. The nightmares started when Athena was four years old, newly orphaned, and scared. She had suffered every single night since, without fail, for the past fourteen years.

  Why did it begin? Athena hardly remembered the night she first arrived at her grandparent's home. All she remembered was being scared. She never stopped being scared. It was becoming harder and harder to believe Tobin and Jermyn when they said she was the strongest person they knew. Athena felt weak. And now, with rumors spreading and the kingdom changing, Athena felt weaker than ever.

  Internally, Athena was falling apart. She'd been deteriorating ever since being orphaned, ever since the very first nightmare. All those years of sleepless nights were catching up, ready to destroy her. Even on her most peaceful nights, those terrors still ate at her. Athena had coped, and for a while she thought she was doing better, but now she wanted to give up. She wanted to give up and give in to the nightmares.

  “I thought I'd find you here,” a voice said. The leaves began to rustle, and a figure smudged with dirt appeared in the clearing. His crooked smile was enough to bring Athena out of her gloom. Tobin laid down next to her, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “Happy birthday, Athena,” he breathed. “Or

  rather, happy late birthday.”

  Athena brightened, for a moment forgetting all of her worries. And then she remembered her grandparent's suggestion about marrying Tobin. Athena's gaze darted away from him. She didn't want to think about marriage. She didn't want to think of anything.

  “What's wrong?” Tobin asked, obviously noticing her silence. “A lot,” Athena mumbled.

  “Care to tell me?” “Not really.”

  Tobin twirled a leaf in his fingers. “I'm sorry for being busy all of the time.” “It's not your fault,” Athena sighed.

  “No, I wish I could be with you more, Athena. I'm sick of the farm. I'm sick of having dirt all over me. If I could, I'd be here in the forest, by your side, every day.” Tobin laughed. “I'd sell the stupid farm.”

  “How are you, Tobin?” Athena asked, looking into his eyes. Tobin gave her a confused look. “What do you mean?”

  “I haven't seen you in a month,” Athena answered. “I've been worrying, wondering if you'd been summoned yet.”

  “I would never leave without saying goodbye,” Tobin said. “I care about you too much.” “When did you get so mature?” Athena smiled.

  “Hey, just because I'm an adult doesn’t mean I'm mature.” Tobin's face was inches away from Athena’s, close enough for her to clearly see his blue eyes, blond eyelashes, and sandy hair. His eyes shined, and they were focused on her. Maybe someday she could marry him; he was the only friend she had, the only person other than her family whom she loved. Tobin was family.

  “How did you get away from work today?” Athena asked.

  Tobin gave her one of his classic mischievous looks. “I told my mother I was going into town to get some supplies. She gave me three hours. I knew your birthday was yesterday, and I wanted to come and see you.”

  “I almost forgot about my birthday,” Athena said.

  “You never forget your birthday. Something is wrong Athena, I can see it in your eyes.” Tobin's hand brushed against Athena's, and for a moment his fingers were laced with hers. He pulled away, sitting up. “Please tell me what's wrong.”

  Athena faced him. “My grandparents are hiding something from me.”

  “Jermyn, keeping a secret? And I always thought he was a saint. Laguna on the other hand...”

  “I overheard them speaking to each other. Grandfather said the kingdom would need me. I know it doesn't sound like much, but with what's been going on lately, it scares me.”

  Tobin nodded. “Did you confront them?”

  “They wouldn't go into detail. They were vague, telling me something was going to happen, and I'd be a part of it. It wouldn't bother me so much if it weren't my own grandfather lying. I've always trusted him. And maybe it's irrational of me, but I feel betrayed.”

  “It's not irrational,” Tobin replied. “Your grandfather is probably the most honest person in Edgehill. I can't imagine why he'd keep something from you unless it's something dangerous.”

  Athena laughed sarcastically. “How could telling me the truth put me in danger? Wouldn't I feel a lot safer if I knew what was going on?”

  “I understand your anger Athena, but I'm sure he has a good reason. Jermyn has no reason to betray you. He loves you more than anyone.”

  “I'm sick of being kept in the dark, Tobin!” Athena suddenly burst. “People are fleeing Edgehill. The men are being summoned to the king, and the women and children are running away. We've both heard the rumors of the shadow. Every day, I think it becomes more real.”

  “I'm scared too,” Tobin whispered. His fingers brushed Athena's again, but this time he clasped her hand, not letting go. “I think the king is forming an army, preparing for war. That shadow is going to reach us, and I don't know what's going to happen, but I have a feeling it's going to be horrible.”

  “We could run away,” Athena suggested. “We could escape Galbar.” But she knew it was a stupid thought. She couldn't run away from her fears. They'd follow her, no matter how far she got. Her nightmares would always be a step ahead of her. And this unknown shadow, if it could creep across the entire kingdom then it could spread across the world. It could shroud every corner, every empty space, in darkness.

  “If only we could,” Tobin said.

  “Do you thi
nk you'll be summoned?”

  Tobin's gaze shifted away from Athena. “It's only a matter of time. Both of my older brothers are gone. My cousins are gone. My friends from school are gone. Honestly, the only reason I don't think I've been called yet is because I'm practically running the farm by myself. As long as I'm feeding Edgehill, maybe I'll be kept here.”

  “I don't want you to leave,” Athena said, grasping Tobin's hand tightly. “I don't want to face the darkness alone, and I don't want to lose you in a war.”

  “We don't even know the real reason why everyone's being summoned,” Tobin answered, though he frowned. “There could be a million explanations.”

  “We do know,” Athena said. “The king doesn't just summon every healthy man in the kingdom for fun.”

  “Maybe it'll be a short war. A couple of battles, and then it will all be over.”

  “You're trying to comfort me,” Athena said. “I appreciate it Tobin, but I know things are bad. And they're only going to get worse.”

  Tobin smiled. “How optimistic of you.” He leaned against Athena, hand still intertwined in hers. “And now you're trying to make me happy.”

  “And I always succeed,” Tobin laughed.

  “You know what else I talked about with my grandparents yesterday?” Tobin raised an eyebrow. “Tell me.”

  “Grandfather said I should marry you.” Athena watched as Tobin's eyes widened and his cheeks reddened significantly. He was blushing, and it was slightly adorable. Tobin's hand began to slip out of Athena's; she held on to it though, giving him a reassuring smile. “I'm not going to marry you, not anytime soon,” she said.

  “I-I… I'm at a loss for words.”

  “That's a first.”

  Tobin scratched his head, still blushing. “Seriously. I'm not even sure how to react.”

  Athena shrugged. “Tobin, marriage is probably the last thing I want to think about. It's even farther down the list than my nightmares right now.”

  “I suppose that's a relief. I can't even afford a ring.” “Trust me, I don't need a ring,” Athena said.