by MJ Schutte
Early one morning there was a knock on the door. Brighton looked at all the food stacked on the table.
‘This is getting ridiculous,’ he said as he got up.
‘The people are simply trying to display their gratitude,’ Lilian smiled.
‘I know, but it’s gone on long enough. Even Mischief can’t finish all the food they keep bringing. Look how fat and lazy he is getting,’ Brighton replied looking under the table at the sleeping panther.
The big cat was quite content with staying close to the house. He seldom disappeared for more than a day at a time now.
Lilian knew Brighton was complaining because he hardly ever got a chance to go hunt these days, there always seemed to be more than enough food in the house.
Brighton opened the door.
Brac stepped inside. He had a grave look on his face.
‘Brighton, you need to come with me to Zedonia,’ he said.
‘Good morning Brac,’ Brighton said sarcastically.
‘I’m sorry,’ he apologized for his lack of manners.
‘Good day Brighton, Miss Lilian, Miss Adri,’ he greeted.
Lilian greeted him back and asked, ‘How are you?’
‘There is big trouble in Brasten and Zedonia. We need you,’ Brac said flatly.
Brighton immediately started packing a rucksack.
‘When I needed you, you came. Now I will do the same for you. Fill me in on the way,’ Brighton said.
Lilian and Adri also started packing but Brighton stopped them.
‘We won’t be gone for long. You can stay here if you want,’ he said.
Lilian knew he was concerned about her pregnancy.
‘Where you go, I go my love. Don’t worry about the babies. The three of us will be fine,’ she said as she packed more stuff in her rucksack.
‘And if I don’t go poor Lilian has to eat your horrible food,’ Adri commented.
Brighton smiled. He didn’t really expect that they would be happy staying here alone but wanted to give them the chance anyway.
‘It would be best if Miss Lilian stayed here,’ Brac interjected.
‘I’m coming with,’ Lilian replied.
‘I really think…’ Brac tried again but Lilian interrupted him.
‘Brac! Stop arguing,’ she said irritably.
He had a pained look on his face but didn’t argue any further.
It took only a few more moments for them to get ready.
Brac looked at all the food on the table.
‘Where did this come from?’ he asked.
‘The people just keep bringing it. Everybody seems to think they have to feed us. Help yourself,’ Brighton replied.
Brac grabbed some food and stuffed it into his rucksack.
‘I’m ready,’ he said.
Mischief was instantly awake and followed them out.
They travelled fast. Brac didn’t say too much until they were well clear of Avarya.
‘Things seem to be peaceful here, I don’t want anybody to hear about the trouble,’ he explained.
‘So what’s this all about?’ Brighton asked.
‘Do you remember the five Dark Ones that surrendered when you were in Brasten?’ Brac asked.
‘Yes, they promised never to use their talent again,’ Brighton answered.
Concern crept into his mind.
‘Did they? Are they stealing energy again?’ he asked quickly.
‘Not as far as I know, but that didn’t stop the people from killing them,’ Brac answered.
Brighton was confused.
‘Why did the people kill them if they didn’t do anything wrong?’ he asked.
‘It wasn’t really the people themselves. The High Council decided…’ Brac started.
‘The High Council?’ Brighton interrupted.
‘Yes, that’s what the People’s Council is called now,’ Brac replied. ‘The High Council decided that the world must be cleansed of all talented people. They gathered hundreds of expert hunters and divided them into groups of five. They are called the Justice Squads. They hunt down talented people and kill them,’ Brac explained.
‘Now I understand why you wanted me to stay behind,’ Lilian said to Brac.
Brighton shook his head.
‘No, I’m glad you came with. The safest place for you will be with me,’ he said to her.
Brac didn’t seem comfortable.
‘These men are experts at killing. Do you remember my men? They are all dead,’ he said slowly.
Brighton’s jaw dropped.
‘Liam and Nelson too?’ he gasped.
Brac nodded.
‘But…but…those two were like ghosts! I didn’t think anyone could get close to them!’ Brighton exclaimed.
‘I’m the only one left. I barely escaped with my life,’ Brac choked out.
He cared very much for his men. Their deaths were a big blow to him.
‘Why did these Justice Squads kill your men? They were not talented,’ Brighton asked.
‘The squads kill anyone they suspect of being talented or may have assisted talented people in the past. We were protecting everybody in Brasten including the five former Dark Ones, that’s why they came after us,’ Brac answered.
‘That’s a pretty vague connection between your men and the former Dark Ones,’ Brighton argued.
‘Any connection or reason will do. The squads don’t ask too many questions. Suspicion alone will sign anybody’s death warrant,’ Brac answered.
Brighton was still not convinced that Brac’s men were killed simply because they were suspected of protecting former Dark Ones.
‘Brac, there must be another reason your men were killed. How do you know it was because the squads suspected you of protecting the former Dark Ones?’ he asked.
‘I…uh…got the information from one of the squads,’ he answered uncomfortably.
Lilian didn’t understand.
‘How did you get information from them? Did you just walk up to a squad and politely enquire?’ she asked.
‘Well, not exactly Miss Lilian. I…uh…’ Brac stammered.
‘Brac killed the squad that came after him. There was probably some form of torture involved to extract the information,’ Brighton explained to Lilian.
Brac nodded, eyes cast downward.
‘I’m not proud of it,’ he said softly.
Brighton looked at Brac intently.
‘That’s not the whole story, is it?’ he asked the hunter.
Brac looked into Brighton’s eyes.
He realized it would serve no purpose to hide anything.
‘No. I did get another small bit of information. Another reason we were hunted is because we helped you,’ he replied softly.
Lilian’s hand shot to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.
Brighton put his hand on Brac’s shoulder.
‘Brac, I’m so sorry,’ he said softly.
‘It’s not your fault. It’s the High Council that has become power hungry. They want to rule like the Supremes did,’ Brac replied.
‘And I simply handed them all the power they wanted,’ Brighton said through clenched teeth.
‘That’s not true my love,’ Lilian said gently. ‘Your idea was that the People’s Council will serve the best interest of the population. It’s not your fault things turned out this way.’
Brac didn’t want to upset them any further but there was more he needed to say.
‘It gets worse. When the squads kill someone they don’t bury or burn them. Next to the roads leading into towns there are poles with the victim’s heads on them. The bodies are left on the ground to decompose. Nobody is allowed to remove it.’
Lilian could not believe what she was hearing.
‘That’s ridiculous! Why would they do that?’ she gasped.
Brighton understood what was going on.
‘Fear and intimidation,’ he said. ‘The High Council saw how the Supremes ruled for so long. Now that they are in power, the
y’re doing the same thing. They don’t know any better.’
Brac agreed.
Brighton got a determined look on his face.
‘There is only one thing to do. I caused this, I will fix it,’ he declared.
Although Brac didn’t hold Brighton responsible for any of this he knew Brighton would probably see things that way, that’s why he went to him. There was no one else anyway that could possibly do something about the situation.
Brighton turned to Adri. She had been walking quietly behind them.
‘Adri, this will get dangerous. It might be best for you to go hide somewhere until it’s all over,’ he said.
‘I’m coming with you. Besides, I’m not helpless,’ she said holding up her bow.
It still had the blade fitted on the one end.
Brighton and Adri had been practicing with the bows, not just to shoot but also how to use the blade effectively in a close combat situation.
Brighton nodded.
Next, he faced Brac.
‘Are you willing to travel with us to Zedonia?’ he asked.
‘I have a score to settle with the High council. I’m going with you,’ Brac said.
Lilian asked, ‘I thought you had a family in Brasten? Shouldn’t you get them to safety first?’
Softly Brac answered, ‘I had a wife and two daughters.’
Lilian thought that Brac was referring to his men when he said he had a score to settle but now she understood.
Brighton was hoping Brac could give them a bit more information.
‘How far have these squads travelled? We haven’t seen any of this in Avarya,’ he said to Brac.
‘The furthest I’ve seen them was just south of Brasten. They are working their way through all the small towns and villages in the area. Eventually they will reach Avarya and beyond,’ Brac replied.
‘Once they’re done with a town, do they simply move on to the next?’ Brighton asked next.
‘At least one squad is left in every village, more in the bigger towns and cities. They simply take over a house and demand food and drink be brought to them. The High council passed a law that the general population should provide for them since the squads “protect” them from Dark Ones,’ Brac answered.
Brighton recognized the idea as his own. He had given it to Graham when they first spoke about the former palace staff being used as messengers. The idea had been twisted and was now made into a law to suit the High Council and their minions.
‘Once all the suspects in a town have been executed, what do these squads do there?’ Lilian asked.
‘Another function of the squads is to uphold the law. This is left almost entirely to the discretion of the squad commander. Most of them are vicious, bloodthirsty men so you can imagine the things that are going on. They simply take what they want and claim it as payment for their “protection services”. Food, drink, clothes… young girls,’ Brac said with tears in his eyes.
Lilian was about to ask how he knew this but clamped her mouth shut when she remembered that he had two young daughters.
Instead, she softly said, ‘I’m sorry.’
Brac just nodded, the tears now rolling freely down his cheeks.
They walked in silence for a while.
Brighton’s mind was racing. He muttered something to himself.
‘Did you say something my love?’ Lilian asked.
‘I was just wondering why the squads haven’t reached Avarya yet,’ he replied.
Brac cleared his throat and said, ‘I think it might have something to do with you.’
‘Me? Why do you say that?’ Brighton asked with a frown.
‘First, the fact that you were the one who ended the Supremes’ rule is still fresh in everyone’s memory. Second, the story of how you handled the crowd that attacked us outside Avarya spread quickly. I think the squads are simply scared of you.’
Brighton got a wry smile on his face.
‘I never wanted anyone to be scared of me but this could be an advantage to us,’ he said slowly.
He suddenly looked down the road.
‘Someone is coming. We should avoid people for now,’ he said.
Brac immediately lead them into the forest.
‘How many?’ he whispered to Brighton.
‘Seven men and one woman,’ Brighton whispered back.
‘Not a squad then. Probably just travellers,’ Brac concluded.
‘True, but I would still like to avoid contact,’ Brighton replied.
For the next few days they stayed clear of the roads. Travelling through the forest was a lot slower but Brighton was determined not to have a chance encounter with a squad. It took them six days to get close to Brasten.
Brighton had a quick word with Brac.
‘I don’t think there is anything to be gained by going into town. Can you lead us safely around?’
‘Yes I can, but it will take a lot longer,’ Brac answered.
‘I’m not too concerned about that, as long as we stay hidden for now,’ Brighton replied.
He was constantly using his sense to detect danger. So far he was sure they passed two squads already. The temptation to intercept these squads and kill them was almost too much for him.
The little group carried on travelling. Ten days later they were on the outskirts of Zedonia. They were hiding in some thick undergrowth.
‘Where will I find the High Council?’ Brighton asked Brac.
‘They’ve taken over some shops in the centre of town. The walls between these buildings were knocked out to create one large hall. This is only a temporary arrangement though. The Council is having a sort of palace built where there will be a hall for meetings and rooms for their families,’ Brac answered.
‘Where?’ Brighton asked.
‘At the top of the hill in the middle of the city,’ Brac answered.
Brighton shook his head. That was right on top of the old Supremes’ palace he destroyed.
‘What are you planning my love?’ Lilian asked.
‘Well, first I want to go talk to them. Maybe they will see reason and stop this madness,’ Brighton answered.
‘And if that doesn’t work?’ Lilian pressed.
‘I don’t really know. Let’s see what happens and make our decisions accordingly,’ Brighton answered.
Brighton quickly scanned the area with his sense. When he was happy there was nobody close to them he stepped out of the bushes. The others followed, including Mischief.
‘Stay here boy. You will cause panic and that’s the last thing we need,’ Brighton said to the cat.
Mischief hung his head low but did not follow the group.
‘It still amazes me how that panther listens to you,’ Brac said.
Adri smiled and said, ‘Yes, next Brighton will be teaching Mischief to shoot a bow and cook supper. Soon they will have no more use for me!’
Lilian gave Adri’s shoulder a little squeeze and said, ‘Even if you didn’t cook so well we would still love you.’
Brac chipped in, ‘Don’t believe that. They only love you for your food.’
Brighton didn’t join in the light-hearted banter; he was focused on what to say to the Council.
They made it to the town centre without incident.
Brac pointed out the entrance to the makeshift hall.
Brighton walked up to it and entered. The inside was well lit and beautifully decorated. A guard stopped them just inside the door. Brighton towered over him.
‘The High Council will see petitioners tomorrow. Come back then,’ the man said as he put a hand on Brighton’s chest.
Brighton thought about simply pushing past the man but decided that he wanted to avoid any violence if possible.
‘We have urgent business to discuss with the Council,’ he said to the guard.
The man shoved Brighton backwards.
‘The High Council is busy. Leave before I have you arrested,’ he said angrily.
Brighton was taken aback a little.
‘Touch me again and I’ll break your arm off,’ he threatened. ‘Now step aside so I can enter.’
The guard took a step backwards. Brighton’s sheer size scared him but he was under orders not to let anyone in. He was uncertain what to do. Brighton didn’t wait for him to make up his mind. He pushed the man out of the way and entered the hall.
‘Stay close,’ he said softly to the others.
At the far end of the hall was a large table with five chairs behind it. There were people sitting on all five chairs, deep in discussion. Brighton recognized three of the five, Graham, Lars and Garth. Smaller tables were neatly lined up along the walls also with chairs behind them. Roughly half the chairs were empty.
Nobody noticed the group at first; everybody seemed focused on their own conversations. Guards in uniform were standing behind the chairs. Brighton quickly counted them, twenty-five in total.
He boldly walked through the hall towards the big table.
Graham looked up briefly and said, ‘We’re not seeing anyone today. Come back tomorrow.’
Brighton kept walking until he was less than ten paces away from the big table. Lilian, Adri and Brac took up position right behind him.
‘You will see me!’ Brighton stated in a loud voice.
The conversations died down and everybody looked up.
Graham got up slowly and said, ‘Brighton, I did not recognize you.’
Brighton wasn’t in the mood for small talk.
‘What is going on here?’ he asked.
‘The High Council is having a meeting, not that it’s any of your concern,’ Graham answered.
‘Not my concern?’ Brighton said as calmly as he could.
‘You’re having silly meetings and outside your Justice Squads are stealing other people’s property, raping young girls and murdering anybody they feel like.’
Graham’s expression did not change.
‘The Justice Squads work under our orders. They…’
‘Your orders?’ Brighton shouted. ‘Did you order them to rape young girls? Did you order them to murder innocent people?’
Graham’s face turned red with anger.
‘Because of your previous service to the High Council I will forgive you this indiscretion. Don’t ever interrupt me again,’ he snarled at Brighton.
