Elian held his breath.
‘Old Yin!’ he thought.
He waited a few minutes to make sure the figure had truly gone. Convinced that it had left, he went back to his task, a new sense of urgency to his digging.
*
Elian awoke with a start as his father nudged him with his boot. He was outside the cottage in the shed where Hellias kept his tools.
“And just why are you asleep outside my boy?” Helias asked his hands on his hips.
Elian groaned. The sun had risen in the east but judging by the light it was still very early in the morning. Helias always awoke before the sunrise to prepare for the day's labours. Bleary-eyed Elian sat up and coughed. His eyes were tacky with sleep, and his back ached from sleeping on the hard ground. Memories came back to him.
“I took your advice about Ruy,” he yawned.
Helias raised an eyebrow. From the dirt on his son's clothes and the shovel that lay next to him, he had a pretty good idea of what Elian had been up to. He sighed deeply.
“If your mother found you like this she would have had a fit. Heck, she still might.”
“Please father, don't tell her!”
Helias couldn't help but chuckle at his son's pathetic pleading. He rolled his eyes and offered Elian, a helping hand. The boy took it and got to his feet; he was exhausted.
“Fine. I'll say I got you up early to help me in the workshop. When she catches the cart to the baron's, you can go to sleep in your bed. Judging by the looks of you, you won't be much help to me.”
“Thank you!” Elian cried in relief.
“Just be careful son,” Helias said shaking his head.
An hour later and Dora had left for her job at the baron's estate. She'd not questioned his sorry looking state and simply put his tiredness down to the fact that Helias had awakened him at such a horrid hour of the morning.
Elian slept for most of the day but was woken up by a knocking on the cottage's front door. Bleary eyed he slipped on a clean tunic and shambled into the living room. He looked out the oval window and smiled. It was Lizella. Every time he saw her his heart beat quickened. He squinted as bright sunlight flooded the room when he opened the door. Lizella stood in the doorway with arms crossed and a frown on her pretty face.
“It's after mid-day Elian, you were supposed to help me get firewood an hour ago,” she said annoyed.
“Sorry, I had a busy night,” Elian replied sheepishly.
“Doing what? Never mind. C'mon let's go. If we don't get that wood, we will both be in trouble.”
Elian took one of the sacks resting next to the front door before the two teenagers hurried down the path and through the village to the woods. As they walked, Lizella began to sing a song, to Elian her voice was like that of an angel. Birds flitted about in the trees, and a red squirrel darted across the path. He always felt at peace in the woods, safe except for the odd occasion when he would encounter Ruy and the other bullies. Eventually, they reached a clearing that was used by one of the village’s lumberjacks. Often the woodsman would leave some logs and other wood for the children to collect. In the distance, they could hear the faint thudding of axes at work.
“So, why were you still asleep at such a late hour?” Lizella asked as she picked a wildflower and put it in her hair.
Elian yawned loudly before answering, “I took some advice. Next time we run into Ruy follow my lead.”
Lizella raised an eyebrow.
“Sounds mysterious. I hope you haven’t done anything daft.”
Elian flushed. He desperately wanted to tell her what he had spent the night doing but thought better of it. It would be a surprise if they ran into the bullies. He imagined her being impressed by his cleverness.
They walked deeper into the woods. It was humid amongst the trees and patches of mist lingered in parts. The place felt eerie bringing Elian memories of the strange encounter he’d had the night before.
“Do you think the stories about Old Yin are true?” he asked.
“Old Yin? The old hermit who kidnaps and eats children? I dunno. Thought he was a just tale told by the adults to keep us out of the woods after dark. Why do you ask?”
Elian looked over his shoulder; he swore he felt eyes watching them from the trees. He shivered.
“I…I think I might have seen him last night. It was only for a second, but I swear I saw someone moving through the trees,” he replied softly.
Lizella stopped. The look on her face was one that suggested she thought him mad.
“You’re not serious?” she said before bursting out laughing. “Oh, that’s a good one Elian, you almost had me going then.”
Elian folded his arms across his chest and frowned as he waited for her to finish laughing. Lizella wiped a tear from her eye, her body still trembling from the giggles.
“There’s no such thing as Yin; he’s just a myth. It’s just a story the old folk tell to scare children into behaving” she said finally.
“My dad says that there is often some truth to myths. I overheard my parents talking last night, and they mentioned an Empowered One. My mother said that one had been involved in some incident in the south,” Elian replied defensively. The mention of an Empowered One caught Lizella’s interest.
“But, you know whatever, I guess they are just tales too,” he added with a smirk.
Both of them spun around as they heard the sound of people running through the undergrowth. Before they could move, three figures burst out of a nearby hedge. Red-faced and breathing hard were Ruy and his cronies.
“See, told ya I saw them Ruy,” gasped Grian a cruel grin on his face.
Elian and Lizella backed away from the three boys.
Ruy stepped forward. In his hands was a wooden axe handle which he slapped against an open palm. Sac was at his side, a look of uncertainty in his eyes as he glared at Lizella.
“What did I say to you two last time? Oh yeah, next time I see you I’m gonna break your face. Well, I’ve got the tool for the job,” he said holding the axe handle menacingly before him.
Elian could see that Lizella was about to play the hero again and challenge Ruy. ‘No, it’s my turn, my chance to prove to her and myself that I am not a wimp’, he thought determinedly. To everyone’s surprise, he stepped forward to stand protectively in front of Lizella.
“What are you doing?” she hissed.
Not taking his eyes from the three bullies he replied; “Trust me, I know what I’m doing. Just follow my lead.”
Ruy took another step closer and chuckled.
“Look, lads; it finally looks like the wuss has grown a pair. Won’t do him much good when I smash his face in, though.”
Ruy and the other boys approached. Elian looked around, desperately trying to get his bearings. He almost shouted out in joy as he recognised the fork in the woodland path. They were close. Lizella cried out as he grabbed her hand and took off in a run, pulling her after him.
Ruy laughed.
“Looks like we got us a hunt boys!” he whooped.
Elian and Lizella ran through the undergrowth, twigs and brambles snatching at their clothing as they went. The bullies were close behind and shouting taunts as they pursued. After a short distance, Elian changed direction, and they emerged into the clearing he had chosen to set his trap. They had gained some ground over Ruy, but it would only be seconds before he caught up with them.
“Go over there, in front of the tree,” commanded Elian. Lizella nodded and did what she was told. She seemed more curious than frightened. Elian wished he could be so calm. His heart was racing a mile a minute; he just hoped his plan would work.
Ruy and the others burst into the clearing. Sac was breathing hard, Elian was surprised the big lad had been able to keep up with his taller and skinnier friends.
“I’m almost disappointed. Is that it? Not much of a hunt,” Ruy complained causing his mates to laugh.
; ‘C’mon you bastard’ Elian thought.
Ruy stalked toward his prey, his comrades at his side. Elian began to retreat. They took a few more paces before Elian suddenly dived to the side to land in a pile of leaves. The unexpected move caused Ruy to freeze.
“What are you doing idiot. Stay still and take your beating like a man.”
Elian looked up and smiled.
“Don’t look down,” he said.
The looks of confusion on the bullies’ faces was priceless. The sound of breaking twigs was better. He had led them into his trap perfectly. With a loud snap, the ground beneath the bullies collapsed sending them tumbling into the hole that he’d dug. Cries and shouts of surprise were quickly followed by a cacophony of swear words. Cautiously, Elian clambered back onto his feet and hurried over to the edge of the hole. The three boys lay in a tangled heap. Elian couldn’t help but laugh.
“Got you! You may be bigger than me Ruy, but you’re not smarter. You ran straight into my trap,” he taunted. Lizella walked over to stand at his side and laughed. Ruy struggled free from his friends and stood up. He jumped trying to grab the side, but his fingers couldn’t quite reach the edge. He swore loudly. His face flushed red with anger.
Elian began to pace along the edge of the hole.
“I could let you out, but I will do so only if you promise to leave Lizella and me alone for good.”
Ruy’s hands knotted into fists.
“No freak. I’ll get out of here and when I do you’re dead. The girl too,” he snarled.
Lizella picked up a small stone and threw it at Ruy. It struck him right between the eyes to send him falling back onto his stunned arse.
“Make all the threats you want Ruy. Elian’s beaten you. Know when to quit,” Lizella said.
Ruy rubbed his nose; his hand came away bloody from a small cut caused by the stone. His rage increased at the sight. Without a word he grabbed Sac and slammed him against the side of the pit. The fat lad cried out in protest, but Ruy silenced him with a punch to the gut.
“Shut up and stand there. I’m getting out of here, and I’m gonna kill them!” he bellowed. With that, he forced Sac onto knees and climbed onto his shoulders. The extra height was what he needed to reach the edge of the hole. Grabbing the grass at the top, Ruy began to haul himself up.
Elian stood dumbfounded. That wasn’t supposed to happen!
Panic filled him as Ruy crawled out of the pit and staggered to his feet. The stunned Elian was too slow to react, and the bully gripped him by the back of his tunic. Lizella screamed for him to run. Too late. Elian gasped as Ruy’s fist connected solidly with his back. Pain shot through him sending him to the ground. Lizella rushed to help him, but Ruy shoved her backwards. She tripped on a tree branch and crashed to the ground winded.
A rain of blows struck Elian’s body forcing him to curl into the pain. He could feel blood oozing from his nose from where Ruy’s fist had struck it. Blow after blow hit him until Ruy stepped back panting from exertion.
“If you think I’m going to let you off with just a beating you’re mistaken,” he growled. Ruy staggered back to the edge of the hole.
“Pass me the axe handle Grian,” Ruy commanded.
Grian left the side of the crying Sac and picked up the handle. Fear was in his eyes.
“Calm down Ruy. Don’t you think the freaks had enough?” Grian said, his voice trembling.
Ruy glared at his friend.
“I’ll say when the little freak has had enough. Now pass me the bloody handle or else I’ll beat you too,” he growled. Grian cowered and tossed him the axe handle. Once again Ruy slapped the handle against his palm. He stalked toward Elian who was curled up in a ball on the ground, blood dripping from his broken nose and the cut on his cheek. Lizella stood; she looked dazed from where her head had hit the ground.
“Now then, let’s smash that face of yours.”
Elian moaned. He tried to stand, but pain stabbed him like a knife to the chest.
“Please Ruy…” he pleaded.
Ruy smiled and raised the axe handle ready to strike. Just as he was about to bring the heavy wood down on Elian's head, Lizella stepped forward. The handle struck her across the face, knocking her to the side and back onto the ground with a thud.
“Lizella!” Elian cried. Ruy stared at her unmoving body in horror.
At seeing it, a rage surged through Elian. It was an Anger he had never felt before. It flooded into his veins. All of the pain vanished, and strength burst into his limbs. Without thinking, he jumped to his feet, darted forward and grabbed Ruy by the throat. To both of the boy’s surprise, Elian lifted Ruy off of his feet and high into the air, the bigger boy felt as light as a feather. The power was intoxicating.
The surprise Elian felt was quickly replaced with anger as he looked at the unmoving Lizella. With a roar, he threw Ruy right across the clearing, over the hole and crashed into a hedge. A sickening snap sounded where Ruy’s arm shattered from the power of the impact.
Elian advanced, his fury felt unquenchable as though he were possessed. The other boys were screaming in fright as he reached down into the hole and lifted them both out, one in each hand. With a roar, he threw Sac high into the air and batted Grian across the clearing with a single blow. Sac crashed into a pile of dead leaves that cushioned his fall and Grian landed in a hedge of brambles.
Their screams for help rang out through the woods. Elian was out of control. He could feel it. The rage was like a storm in his chest, one that he could not calm. A part of him was screaming in terror while another was relishing the feeling of boundless strength. He was no weakling after all.
He spun as the undergrowth burst apart. Standing at the edge of the clearing was a figure wearing a long yellow cloak, their features hidden in shadow. The figure took in the scene before them. Their gaze flitted between the unmoving girl and the three petrified boys that were cowering before the rage possessed lad before them.
“Run.” The figure said.
Ruy and the other boys didn’t need to be told twice. They fled through the trees. Elian snarled at the mysterious stranger. The stranger let Ruy go; he let the thugs who had hurt Lizella flee! How dare he?
Elian roared in rage and charged at the figure. The cloaked man held his ground, easily parrying the punches aimed at his torso. Elian swung another punch but this time his fist connected with the man’s open palm. The man held his ground, but his legs trembled from stopping the supernaturally strong blow. Suddenly, the man stepped forward and placed his palm on Elian’s forehead.
“Peace,” The figure said softly. A serene calm flooded through Elian. He felt drowsy. The world went black.
***
Chapter 4.
Elian stirred from his slumber; he felt as though he had been asleep for a thousand years and every fibre of his being felt relaxed and peaceful. Slowly, he opened his eyes. Peering over him with concern etched onto her beautiful face was Lizella, even the bandage wrapped tightly around her head did little to dampen her looks, at least to Elian.
“He's waking up,” Lizella said.
Blinking, Elian could feel some of his senses returning. A sharp pain lanced in his side causing him to gasp and throbbing aches emanated from his face and torso. Tears formed in his eyes but he forced them back. He would not cry in front of Lizella; he would be brave. He tried to focus through the pain and took in his surroundings.
He was lying on a bed in what appeared to be a small log cabin. A fire blazed in the little fireplace at the far end of the room making the place unbearably hot. The walls were free of decorations save for a piece of cloth that hung from a nail above the door. Lizella was sat on a rickety looking stool, a worn brown shawl draped over her shoulders.
Just as Elian was about to ask her who she was talking to the door opened and in walked an old man. A tuft of white hair topped the man's head, and a thick white beard covered much of his face. Thick bushy eyebrows wer
e offset by a pair of dark green eyes and a large nose. Of his appearance, the man wore a simple linen shirt, trousers and a pair of worn old leather boots.
He walked over to Elian and placed a cold palm on his forehead. A scowl was on his face, a look of uncertainty and wariness in his eyes.
“Good, it seems to have passed,” the man muttered. “It's dark out; you two can stay here until morning. I fear that after the events of today the woods will not be safe this night.”
Without another word, the man swept out of the room and closed the door behind him. Elian raised an eyebrow as he sat. The sheets were itchy.
“Who is that?” he asked.
Lizella was watching the door as though the old man would return at any moment.
“It's Old Yin. The stories are true. He saved us from Ruy and the others,” she replied a hint of excitement in her voice.
Elian gulped. Memories came back to him. The old man hadn't saved them; he'd saved Ruy and his friends from him. Lizella had been knocked out by the axe handle; she hadn't seen what he had done, what he had almost done. His hands began to shake as the sensation of losing all control flooded back to him.
“Are you ok?” Lizella asked worriedly. She reached over and took his hands in her own and squeezed them tightly.
Elian looked at her hands on his before looking into her eyes. Shame filled him. His foolish plan had backfired spectacularly and they'd both gotten hurt as a result. As well as shame he felt fear. What had happened to him? Where had that unnatural strength come from? He looked at the door, Old Yin knew something, and he had known how to stop him.
“Just a bit shook up. I'm so sorry Lizella. I thought I'd been clever, that I had put Ruy in his place. It's my fault you were hurt, I...”
She shushed him by placing a finger to his lips. To his surprise, she was smiling.
“It was a good plan; just next time dig the hole a little deeper. Yin said I have a minor concussion, I'll have a nasty lump on the back of my skull, but aside from that, I am fine. You're the one who took a beating.”
The First Fear_The Empowered Ones Page 3
