"'Are you okay, General?' the boy asked, before I quickly unsheathed my sword and slashed him in half. Blood splattered all around my men, coating them in gushing guts and food. The amount of pain he felt lasted until the pain went away. He fell in two separate places, painting the baking, hot sand red. The soldiers were nonchalant upon the boy's death. Young and stupid, but stupid and young.
"The commotion upon the boy's death was at a minimum, the woman shook fearful of me. Suddenly, I came to a realization. It was a theory, but there was enough evidence for me to say that she was a...
"'A Badgette?' I said.
SIX
I SAT ON my rocking chair watching him play along the flatten. It was rejuvenating watching my little sister playing with her friend, Thames, the boy to which I find quite strange.
Just a few days ago, the boy had gashes around his torso, gash wounds that were too horrid to contemplate. I couldn't help but wonder why? Why was he alone in the marketplace alone and injured. Nya wondered the same thing. The thought of a child being left behind to die was unthinkable. Nya cared for the boy as a sister would with a brother. Seeing them together would always put a smile on my face.
It was around that time of the day, the air was cooling down and the sky was becoming dark. I was fixing supper for the two who were now tired from playing all day. As the food boiled on the stove yonder, I caught Nya messing with what looked like a blue orb. The orb was pretty covered in soil, now scraped off thanks to Nya.
For what it looks, the orb was unnaturally shiny, nothing was on it except for the presence of a large, miniscule glyph on the top. A big yellow α covered the top of the big, blue orb.
"Nya, where did you get that orb?" I asked.
Nya turned around, "Orb?"
"The orb on your lap, where'd you find it?" I asked again.
"It was in the fields when we discovered it," said Thames.
"We have no idea who's it is," I said, "Whoever it belongs to must be looking for it."
Nya felt bad; she held her head down as she caressed her hands around the strange, blue orb, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
I sighed, "It's okay," I intercepted, "You didn't know." Nya handed me the orb; I sat the thing on the counter next to the old family picture, "But we know that what...?"
"If it does not belong in this house..." she began.
"Let it be," Nya and I finished in unison. The food was now done, ready for us to consume for the night. Thames, for what it looks, was fiddling with his fingers. I had a furrowed look.
"Thames, what's the matter buddy?" I asked him.
Thames looked up at me with those...of my good. His eyes. They're inhuman. His pupils were vertically ellipse and the white substance surrounding it was a strange tint of pale-green. A few scales showed up, but then disappeared. He groaned, for what it was worth he was terribly ill for what it seems.
"Oh my god," I said softly worrying Nya.
"I don't feel too good," he said.
Nya became worried; she sat by him and placed her hands on his, measuring his temperature. But the only things she felt was the minute scales chipping off of his skin.
"Are you okay?" Nya asked in worry.
Thames nodded uncertainly.
"Do you need to lie down?" I asked.
Thames nodded.
"Go lie down, I'll bring you some tea alright," I said.
Thames nodded; he pulled back his chair and walked back to the bedroom. Nya followed until I stopped her. It was evident that she cared about him, but whatever illness this boy has was killing him.
"Michael, he's in distress, he..."
"I know that you care for the boy, but his illness..."
"We don't know if it is an illness," she said, "You said at one point that a life is a valuable as all the things in the world. Thames is that life."
"Nya..."
"Michael, please. I want to help him...he's the only friend I have. Please," Nya begged.
I sighed, "Alright, but if anything happens...anything, alert me, alright?"
"Yes sir," Nya smiled.
...
"I lied on my pallet looking at the ceiling. What was wrong with me? Why do I feel these aches and pains? First were the gashes on my torso and now this. I pulled a scale from my cheeks, I was scared at what I saw. Tears slithered down on my face like a smooth running stream.
"What am I? Am I a man or am I something else entirely?
"Suddenly, I heard a creak by the door, I slightly sat up and saw Nya with a worried expression across her face as she entered the room.
"'Thames?' she began, 'Are you...oh my god...'
"'What?' I asked concerned before she closed the door, 'What's wrong?'
"'N-nothing, it's just that...'
"'My scales?' I guessed, I was fearing if I was correct. The look on her face was proof of that.
"She got on her knees and caressed her hands around my face, chipping off a tenth of my scales. She looked at me in shock.
"'What are you?' she asked.
"I nodded, 'I don't know,' I replied.
"'You don't know who you are?'
"My head hung down, distressed from the lack of knowledge for myself. Who am I? - what am I?
"Suddenly, I was wrapped around Nya's arms. My body mildly shook as my body warmed upon contact. I wrapped my arms around her as we comforted each other in that long, black night.
...
"The night was bare. We settled along the banks as we came to the realization that the boats we thought were yonder were mirages, alcohol for our drunken minds. Tents were already set up. The cattle we took with us slept in pens, they covered each others bodies for warmth - or for what it looks. A soldier had to break them up for hence he thought these sheep were fornicating together. Whips cracked, necks snapped, it all resolved to one thing - violence.
"Outside of your safe haven your grace, animals hunt men like dogs. I scoffed at them, but not sure why. I am confused but yet content of my knowledge.
"I'm not questioning your almighty rule, Mungfalme, please take this as a report rather than criticism. I'm afraid for what's going to happen to me further we trek through those desolate lands.
"I was in my tent reporting to all what's happening at camp, charting maps, plotting. It's now becoming a question of should we or should we no cross. This stone you wish to have, this rare and powerful object, I wish we could retrieve it in a more quicker pace than that of a speed of a snail. I was finishing my report until friend entered. Captain Zirith, he was a broad gentlemen, broader than any Neoman on this god-forsaken world. His body was more lizard like than that of man, in other words, he was pure in blood. Standing right besides him was her. She was one of those rare divisions your highness. It's hard to admit this, but unlike the rest of the cattle, she's...different.
"She still bore those rags we made for the lesser, unintelligent beasts, but her beauty far exceeds all else.
"Her golden brown skin, her free raven black hair reflected to the gods watching over us, my king. My breathing quickened by the sight of her lustrous body, of how her chest bulged, too heavy to be unseen.
"'You wanted her General?' Zirith asked.
"'Yes, yes I do. Why?' I asked.
Zirith nodded, 'Nothing, Yalen. It's just that...'
"'...I would have to let you know that the purpose for her presence is for and only for interrogation for what happened at the hour of the incident,' I interjected.
"'You mean the hour when you killed the boy?' Zirith asked.
"'Yes, yes I do. Why?' I asked.
"Zirith nodded, 'Nothing, Yalen. It's just that...'
"'...I would have to let you know that the purpose for her presence is for and only for interrogation for what happened at the hour of the incident,' I interjected.
"'You mean the hour when you killed the boy?' Zirith asked.
"I paused, 'Yes, that is what I am inquiring, Capt.'
"'Yalen...'
"'My friend, I have spoken. Th
ank you,' I dismissed.
"Zirith nodded and left, leaving me with her. I lied my pen down on my desk and got up.
"'Come forward,' I told, 'Samantha, that is your name isn't it?'
"The girl hadn't spoken a word; I went forward, unarmed, 'The boy that assaulted you, before he died he said that you said something. Do you know who or what you are?'
"No response.
"'Do you?'
She nodded.
"'So you do understand me,' I noted, 'I want you to listen to me okay,' I began, 'I will ensure that you are protected. You have my word,' I said softly to her ear, caressing her hair.
"I felt fear shivering from her spine. Her fear feeds me. Tears streamed down her face as my breath smothered her warm skin, I wiped them from her cheeks and gave her a soft peck on her forehead.
Suddenly, I was interrupted by a mere Neoman soldier, nothing one of mine. He was a . He wasn't all too concerned, nor did he even care.
"I growled, 'What do you want?'
"'A ship just docked sir,' he told, 'The Earl wants you.'
"The Earl? He's here? What madness is this, Mungfalme? Why bring a lowly Earl to my presence? Earls are not welcomed in the field, I do not understand my king? Why bring this creature to my Corp? Is there something I've done wrong? If so, what have I lacked to please you? What villainous things did I suffice to throw your trust into the fire? Whatever I have done, please accept my humble apologies for I am worthy of your trust my lord.
"I glanced at the frightened woman before I turned to the soldier to whom I replied, 'Tell the Earl I'll be right out.'
"The soldier nodded and left to notify the Earl.
...
"At the docks, I walked with the human girl in a juxtaposing line. At the ramp standing stall was a rather robust captain. Two of his troops stood in juxtaposition each carrying your flag sire. Meeting at the ramp was the runt you requested, the prey I might add. He scowled at me as if I owed him or something; His scowl was an imitation of a smile. What purpose does he have to give me such disrespectful looks?
"'You're caring for a human girl now, General?' he asked in monotone.
"'Are you here to belittle me or are you here to do business?' I growled.
"'A little of both,' he admitted, 'I was sent here by King Mungfalme for your aid in case of your inevitable failure.'
"'In case I fail...'
"'Surely you are aware that the Alpha Stone is a rare gem,' he said, 'Mungfalme has grown weary of waiting.'
"'But Mungfalme...'
The captain quickly unsheathed his knife and struck me across the face scaring the human by me. A soldier gunbutts her unconscious just before she got away, knocking her out.
"'Send this human to the cage like all the rest,' the Earl demanded.
"'Damn you!' I roared. I felt the cool steel blade rising my lower jaw to face the devil himself. Why Mungfalme? Why do you bring this poison to me?
"'You may be a General, Yalen,' he began, 'But heed my words, if there is any instance that you are involved with that human filth, you will be executed. Is that understood?'
I gave him a darkly glare.
"'Yalen?'
"'Take that damn blade off of my chin and I will comply,' I growled.
"The Earl smiled, 'Load them up,' he said to his troops before turning to me, 'And in case I make my point clear...'
He rose his blade above my left shoulders and swung away.
I screamed I intense pain.
SEVEN
IN THE WAKENING of the day, we walked for hours for the schoolhouse. Nya and Thames were understandably tired, they had woke up early in the morning so that way we could leave early to catch the school before the rest of the town does. I carried Nya on my back; I offered to Thames to climb aboard, I was strong enough to carry them both, but however, he denied it. He would rather walk than to rest. Valiant effort, but strange...very strange.
Nya slept on my back as we trekked across the endless plains, walking alongside the empty, dirt road to reach to the hill yonder where a small red, church-like building; the bell rang.. I prayed that we weren’t not late. I just god hope not.
"Michael?" Thames began, "Have you ever went to school?"
I nodded, "No."
"Then how can you speak? How can you learn if you hadn't gone?" Thames asked, "Why do we have to go if you hadn't?"
"I learned the essentials because my parents taught me," I said, "It was during the War of A Thousand Worlds." It was brother against brother, father against son. The war was bloody and damp. Hell risen, heaven fell. Hope was all lost until one man stood up all the rest to fight. He would never give up even when the stakes are high, he and my mother," I said.
"Who was your father?" he asked.
I paused and sighed, "A hero."
Nya yawned as the sun starts to steadily rise from the horizon, steadily letting off its welcoming hue, "Are we there yet?"
I chuckled, "No not yet, sweet one."
Nya groaned, "It's going to take forever."
Thames giggled, "What?" Nya looked at Thames curiously.
"Nothing," I said.
...
For sometime, well after Nya's second nap, we finally made it - sort of. The hill was a start, but climbing it was just the beginning. But it was no big deal, the hill was a mild slope and it was easily walkable. There was no steep cliffs or tiresome knee-to-knee crawling - none of that was necessary. Despite its size, it was easily transportable; we saw a wagoner transporting some goods for the school, weeks worth of milk and food for the children, and books - rather old books. Remember when I said that us folks did not bother to care for the city - it was because the city never cared about us.
We were remote folk, living our lives to basic principles. We wanted to live the simple life - no complication, no fear, no corruption...just a nice quiet little town away from the "norms" of modern day society.
Up close to the school it was much older than what we saw a few kilometers ago. The red paint of the school was brittle, the wood was partially rot and the metals around it was haunting. It was far from any school than anyone imaginable. The schoolyard itself was not a pretty picture either. Many of us think that the yard would have the daunting, sparkling green grass from the posters with many swing sets and slides, the dream became a reality our eyes saw what was really there, an army of weeds and shrubs. Ivy blooms in the warming air to come, sitting there waiting as they prepare for their slow growth.
Leftover war tanks and cannons littered the place, making the value of the land to absolute zero. Beige haze only took a toll at what was once a daunting site. As haunting as a place it was, children came here well dressed for their lessons to be taught, eager to learn about the world around them, the history, the math, everything. Single parents often came here to drop them off - I was barely an age and I was dropping my sister and her friend off.
A few of these parents, minute of them don't look as if they belong here. One fellow had a nice field to him. Coming out of his white carriage he took out his mini-cane and led his daughter from the carriage. The man looked daunting for a farmer like I myself, minus a few flaws.
The man wore a gray-wool waistcoat with a long-sleeved white, buttoned shirt underneath, a bowler, black-striped trousers, long white socks, and classy black shoes. He was accompanied by another man who wore the same wear but with him - he had a more athletic build.
The little girl had on a flowery dress, white stockings, and black high heels. The girl had short red hair and sapphire blue eyes. She was Nya's age and roughly the same height as her, only a few inches shorter than Nya.
The slim gentlemen spotted me and walked over. "Good morning gentlemen," he said, "My name is Mr. Dalton of Narasi and I can't but wonder that you have two different sets of children," he said openly, I furrowed at this man's ignorance. "Are these yours?" he pointed to Nya who hid her face and Thames who hid behind my leg.
"Um, why yes?" I said, "They are with me."
"I
get the dark one on your back, but what about the little gentlemen on you?"
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"The one hiding on your leg? Did you adopt him?" Asked Mr. Dalton.
"I'm searching for his parents sir," I said using the word "sir" very loosely.
"All the way out here?" he asked, "I will be glad to if I would have..."
I tugged Thames away, "No, it’s quite alright. My friends and I are taking care of it. I see to it that his parents are found, now if you excuse me sir," I said before he stopped me.
"Wait, wait, wait," he said, "My apologies my boy, it’s just that - well seeing a sharecropper like you bringing her to an educational establishment fascinates me," he said.
"Do tell," I glared.
"Well back in Emily City, there was a riot between country men and city men. They are almost in the brink of war until Mr. Roosevelt stopped it in time, God bless his soul."
"You're ignorance fascinates me," I muttered.
"Which was why we moved out here is it that right, Israel, Duke of Washington," he asked the dark skinned, athletically built man carrying his daughter to the school, he ignored him on the spot which was hilarious.
"Funny fellow," he giggled.
"Quite the charmer," I said.
"My daughter, Susie Dalton will be attending here until the city becomes more civil. I look forward for us to meet again," he said and chuckled. As this man walked back to the carriage, The Duke of Washington walked by and chuckled.
"That man's mind is as worthless as dried-up excrements," he chuckled. I smiled. "This must be your daughter I see."
"Yeah, her name is Nya," I said, "Say hello?"
"Hello," she said shyly.
"A shy little thing, huh?" he pinched her cheeks to which she shook in fear.
"Don't pinch her, she does not like to get pinched," I said.
"I see," he said, "Hey, just for a heads up, the reason why High Society is here is not because of some civil war. That's a cover up," he said.
"If it’s not then what's going on?" I asked.
"Handle your business by dropping your kid off, then we'll talk," he said.
...
The Son of Alpha (The Legend of the Sky-Titans Book 1) Page 4
