by Reece Dinn
Awon leapt on top of the one legged guy and dragged his cleaver across his throat. The other guy lashed out at the Brebuu, but it beat the blade away with its rifle, then with its free hand, grabbed the guy by the throat and heaved him off the ground. The guys legs kicked as he struggled for breath, his face becoming redder and redder. Then, with a crunch, he fell still. The Brebuu released him and he clattered to the ground.
Ekviv winced as he pulled the knife out of his shoulder. He said something to Awon, but Awon's ears still rang from the gunfire. Awon rolled the one legged guy over, the guy's rifle lay underneath him. He sheathed his cleaver and dagger, then picked up the rifle. It wasn't like the ones the Konar had. It was older, rustier and not as sturdy. The rifles Red and the Brebuu had were Konar ones. This one appeared homemade. He opened the rifle's barrel. There were three bullets left.
Ekviv held his shoulder. Blood trickled through his fingers. He shook his head at Awon.
'This is mine,' Awon yelled back, the ringing in his ears fading.
Ekviv said something, then ripped off one of the dead guy's shirts. He tied it around his wounded shoulder, then ripped off some more fabric, and tied that around it too.
The Brebuu smacked Awon on the back of the head and pointed down the row where the two guys from their crew had ran down then set off after them. Awon followed behind, still examining his newly acquired rifle. It'd shoot, that was good enough for him, but looking at its misshapen muzzle he wondered how good its aim would be. He hoped he'd find out soon. If not he'd get one of the others to bend it back into shape.
Ekviv held his wounded shoulder as they walked, panting a little.
'You hurt?' asked Awon.
'It'll heal. But yeah, hurts like hell.'
'Like what?'
'Hell.'
'What's that?'
'Never mind. I forget you people don't have a heaven or a hell. I'll tell you some other time.'
Awon scrunched his face up, confused. 'A heaven an' a hell. They like palaces or sumthin'?'
Ekviv shook his head.
A great explosion shook the warehouse. Rows of crates were flung across the warehouse, more toppled over, burning brightly.
'That the dynamite?' asked Awon.
'We need to get outta here,' said Ekviv. 'This place is gonna go up in flames any second.'
They turned one corner, then another. At the end of the row Cutter was freeing his blade from some guy's neck. Batterox was beside him, rifle slung over his shoulder. All around them were dead bodies. Another guy that Awon recognised was shoving dynamite into the gaps between the crates. Batterox bleated when he saw them, raising his rifle to fire.
'It's us,' Awon shouted to him.
Batterox kept his rifle ready a moment, then when he saw it was Awon he lowered it.
'What are you doing here?' yelled Cutter. 'Why you not with Red?'
'We thought yer needed 'elp,' said Awon.
'We did, but you're too late. We dealt with it.' Cutter wiped his dirty, blood stained face. His tattered white shirt was coated in blood too. None of it appeared to be his.
'All done boss,' said the guy with the dynamite. He'd attached wires to the dynamite and was now backing away from it, unravelling wire from a coil.
'Let's go,' said Cutter.
The dynamite guy cut the wire from the coil then pulled something wrapped in a blanket from his pack. He unwrapped it. It was a sieppi stone.
The guy pulled out a knife and struck the stone several times until a spark made the stone ignite. The stone's blanket caught fire. The guy placed the wire on top of the stone. The wire sparked to life and the sparks shot down the length of the wire towards the dynamite.
'Run,' the guy cried.
They all fled as fast as they could run, down one row, then another, and another, leaping over dead bodies as they went.
Another explosion shook the warehouse. Crates flew through the air behind them, crashing down onto other crates. Fires blazed to life all around, thick black smoke spreading through the warehouse, choking them. They ran and ran until they reached a hole that'd been blown through a thin part of the warehouse's wall.
Another guy Awon recognised from Cutter's place was waiting for them. He had a knife to some guy's throat, a Drowner, Awon assumed. The Drowner guy was badly beaten, his face a swollen mess, caked in blood.
'Yer said ter keep one alive,' the guy with the knife said to Cutter. 'He do for yer?'
'If he can talk,' said Cutter.
'Yer talk?'
'Yeth,' the Drowner guy spat.
'Bring him with us then,' said Cutter.
The one with the knife dragged the Drowner guy outside. Everyone followed him and Cutter out. Awon took one last look at the burning warehouse. Half the crates were ablaze, the other half soon to follow. Whatever was in them was highly flammable.
'Hey. What about the money?' Awon yelled after them.
'Didn't find any,' Batterox shouted back.
'Come on,' cried the Brebuu.
Awon hadn't been particularly interested in the money, but now that he was faced with leaving empty handed he felt a sudden need for it. He made to go back inside, but firm hands grabbed him by the shoulders and heaved him back.
'Come on, you stupid cunt,' said Batterox. The yegeyor dragged him away just as more crates exploded.
The Drowner guy groaned. He hung from chains in one of the back rooms of Cutter's hideout.
'Make him talk,' Cutter said to Awon.
Awon gasped. 'Me?'
'No, your mother. Who do you think I mean?'
'It'll be like yer carvin' up a carcass back in yer butchers shop,' said Red, sat on a table at the back of the foul smelling, grime encrusted room.
'Show me you're as viscous as you act,' said Cutter. 'Show me what you can do.' He folded his arms, looking like a thinner version of Awon's father when he examined his handiwork.
'Aye, boss. If yer want.' Awon pulled out his cleaver, trying to make himself sound more confident than he was.
The Drowner guy trembled, bouncing against the dirty brick wall he hung from. He tried to speak, but only managed to drool. Cautiously, Awon approached the guy, trying to see him as a hanging carcass in his shop, rather than a scared, defenceless man. He'd killed enough people now, one more didn't matter, surely? This was different though, he knew it. It was one thing killing guys trying to kill you, it was another hurting those who couldn't fight back.
Yamaten, the one they called Cutter's right hand man, came up beside him. The guy's thick black hair came down to his shoulders, making him look like a girl. He brushed some out of his gormless looking face. The only thing Awon liked about the man was the scar that criss-crossed his otherwise plain featured face.
'He deserves it. Jus' remember that, lad. He ain't worth yer pity,' Yamaten whispered in his air. He wiped his hands on his red shirt, dirtying it, then backed away.
'What do yer wanna know?' Awon asked Cutter.
'Where the Drowner is.' said Cutter. 'Or at least where Jonbu is. Ask what they're up to. I know they're planning something.'
'Aye, will do, boss.' Awon swallowed hard.
'Make it quick.'
Awon leaned in close to the Drowner guy. 'Yer hear what he said? Talk, or I'll make yer.' He waggled the cleaver in front of the guy's face.
The guy mumbled something.
'Wha'?' Awon leaned in closer. The guy spat blood all over his face. Awon grimaced, wiping the blood from himself, then punched the guy in the jaw. The guy grunted, then laughed, revealing a set of broken teeth.
Awon placed his cleaver on the guy's leg, as if to cut it, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
'Go on, yer soft shit. Do it,' growled Red.
'Talk now,' said Awon, as firmly and as threateningly as he could, but he couldn't even convince himself that he meant it.
'What's up, yer jenni?' said Yamaten, coming up beside him again.
'Nuthin',' grumbled Awon.
'What yer waiting
fer then?'
'Nuthin'.' Awon drew the cleaver across the guy's leg. He cried out, his leg flailing, nearly kicking Awon in the head.
'Fuck's sake. You not think to bind his legs?' snapped Cutter.
'Shit, boss. Sorry.' Yamaten punched the guy in the groin twice, then grabbed both of his legs and bound them with the rope that lay at his feet.
'I'm surrounded by idiots,' said Cutter. 'At least you usually have your uses,' he said to Yamaten, then he glared at Awon. 'I'm beginning to doubt yours however.'
Awon punched the guy in the groin the way Yamaten had done. 'Talk. Where's the Drowner hidin'? Tell us.'
The Drowner guy cackled, blood dribbling down his dirty chin.
Awon placed the cleaver on the guy's arm, ready to cut right down the middle of it. He tried to make himself slice into the arm, but couldn't. 'I can't do it,' he said through gritted teeth.
'You jenni. I knew it,' said Yamaten.
'Disappointing,' said Cutter. 'I had high hopes for you, lad. But you're not ready yet, clearly. Disappointing.' He clicked his fingers towards the closed door. 'Go on. Rest. Drink. You fought well in the warehouse at least. You deserve to celebrate. You're just not ready for big boy stuff. Go on.'
Awon lowered his cleaver, shame making his cheeks burn. He looked down at the ground to avoid making eye contact with Red, Cutter, and Yamaten. He could feel their disappointment and disgust as he turned away from the Drowner guy.
'Red. Get him talking,' said Cutter as Awon opened the door to leave.
'Gladly,' said Red, cracking his knuckles as he shifted his bulk from the table.
Awon shot the Drowner guy one final look before he closed the door behind him. The guy didn't spare him a look, his attention on Red's hulking form advancing on him. As Awon walked away he heard the Drowner guy scream.
Chapter Thirty Seven
Awon stormed into the main part of the warehouse. The whole gang was there, drinking, shouting, and roaring with laughter. With them were a multitude of women that Awon could only assume were whores from the local brothels. He needed a drink. Kegs of ale and beer, and an assortment of bottles of wine, rum, and whiskey were piled on top of tables all around the warehouse. He'd no idea what to drink.
A pot bellied guy bounced a young looking girl on his leg as Awon passed by, the girl giggling as he squeezed her rear. The white gown she wore was well worn and ripped in places, clearly she hadn't wanted her finer clothes to be ruined as the night wore on. She looked like she was enjoying herself, but Awon knew better. Whores were far more convincing actors than those he saw performing in the street theatres. Everywhere he looked there were guys groping or fondling girls. One girl had her face buried in an old man's crotch, her head bobbing up and down. The man's eyes were closed, his face peaceful, satisfied.
The first bottle Awon picked up was full of rum. He removed the cork and gave it a sniff. The smell stung his nose.
'Give that.' The Brebuu snatched the bottle out of his hand. 'No brebuu whores. So drink booze.' It took a big gulp of rum, some dribbling down its chin.
'So you're a guy then?' asked Awon, glancing down at the Brebuu's crotch.
'Of course, soft lad.' It followed Awon's eyes then prodded the two skin covered horns on its head. 'Got two of them.' It burst into laughter pushing Awon away with its finger, then hit itself in the crotch. 'But can be a girl too. Brebuu are be either, or both, depending on the day.' It made a whistling noise, then walked off over to Batterox, who had a keg of ale to himself.
Awon spat on the ground then grabbed another bottle, not bothering to check what was inside. A girl with short blonde hair ran a hand down the small of his back, flashing him a small smile. 'Not in the mood,' he said, shoving her hand off him.
'You sure. I'm good with first timers,' she said.
'Who says I'm a first timer?'
'I can tell.'
'Yer can fuck off.' He pushed past her and headed for the side door that led outside to the narrow alley running the side of Cutter's warehouse. It was true he'd never had a girl, but it wasn't something that bothered him. He knew that when he wanted one all he had to do was go to the nearest brothel and he could have whoever he wanted. When he felt like it he'd have someone.
He passed by Oaten who had his head buried in the tits of a large bosomed girl. They were so big they seemingly swallowed up Oaten's tiny head. The girl wasn't even pretending to enjoy herself. Awon met her eyes and she rolled them, then looked away. Gentemu was sat asleep on a stool by the side door, a small glass of whiskey in his hands. Awon opened the door, stepped out, and slammed it behind him, hoping it would knock him off his chair, or at least wake him.
Norox was sat on a stack of crates outside, talking quietly with Ten and Helma.
'Thought I'd find you three out 'ere,' said Awon, pulling the cork out of his bottle.
'Thought you'd be inside drinking and fooling around with the whores,' said Norox.
'Ain't in the mood for whores. Wanna drink in peace.' He sat down on one of the unoccupied crates. He looked at Ten. 'Surprised you an' her ain't in there, bein' the boss's chosen ones.'
'I didn't do anything this time,' said Ten. 'Got nothing to celebrate. Besides the boss is busy an' I don't like the others.'
Helma snuggled into Ten's shoulder. 'Weren't you with the boss?' she asked Awon.
'Boss sent me away cos I couldn't do what he wanted.' He went to take a swig from the bottle, but the smell of it stopped him. It was even stronger than the rum. He couldn't tell what it was. He put the bottle down.
'What'd he ask you to do?' asked Norox, snorting.
'Make a guy talk. But I couldn't.' He kicked the bottle away, its contents spilling out all over the floor. 'I'm a fuckin' coward.'
'Coward? For not torturing a man?'
'You're seventeen,' said Ten. 'What was he expectin'. You're more of a man than me.'
'It's not about being a man,' bleated Norox. 'He has a heart, unlike some of them in there.' He leaned over and placed a hand on Awon's shoulder. 'Killing in “battle”, and hurting someone who can't defend themselves are two different things. We've gotten caught up in all of this. Done things we're not proud of. But we're aren't them.'
He shot Norox a dark look. 'The fuck yer sayin'?'
'This has nothing to do with us now. This isn't our fight. We need to get out of here, before it's too late.'
'Leave?' Awon spat. 'Fuck that. After all I did ter get 'ere? No, ain't happenin'. An' don't yer be talkin' like a jenni. We started this, we're finishin' it.' He shoved Norox's hand off his shoulder. 'All of us.'
'He's right,' said Helma. 'Like it or not, this is out best chance to get somewhere in life.'
'For you, maybe,' said Norox, looking away.
'Yer family want nowt ter do with yer now. Where yer gonna go?' asked Awon.
Norox made a whining sound, then snorted.
'Stop bein' a fuckin' jenni,' said Awon. 'This is us now. We're 'ere. We're gonna kill them Drowners. An' then we'll rule the city. 'ave whatever we want. Do whatever we want.' He stood up. 'Enjoy yer peace an' quiet. Got sumthin ter do.'
Norox stood up too. 'No, Awon. You think you're one of them, but you're not. You're better than them.'
'Yer right. I am better than 'em. Gonna rule this city in my own way.'
'That's not what I..'
Awon banged on the side door. 'Let me in, yer old shite.'
'Awon. Please, listen to me. We can leave.'
'Yer wanna leave, then leave. Don't know why yer stick around with me if yer don' like wha' I'm doin'.'
The door opened. Gentemu eyed him curiously. 'What are you doing out there, lad?'
'Out the fuckin' way.' He shoved him aside and slammed the door closed behind him.
He bypassed the warehouse full of drunken, lecherous Cutter guys, and headed through to the back rooms. The Drowner guy's screams resounded through the kitchens and barracks as he passed through. When he reached the entrance to the underground tunnels he glanced ar
ound to make sure no one saw him, then headed down below.
At the bottom he made a left. The tunnel was narrow and damp, water seeping into his well worn leather shoes through the many holes in them. He didn't care. The tunnel wound on, then where it forked he took the right hand path and followed it until he found who he was looking for.
The badly shaven Konar from the prison hung from chains bolted into the walls in a small alcove. The guy was naked, his gaunt body cut and bruised from several beatings he'd endured since Cutter had captured him during the prison break. The boss had taken him as a prize, to show that no one was safe.
The Konar's head was slunk forward as he, somehow, slept. Awon flicked him on the nose.
The Konar came to with a cry. 'No, no. I didn't do anything. I swear.'
Awon slapped him hard. 'Shut up.'
The Konar looked into Awon's eyes. 'It's you.' He spat at Awon's feet. 'What do you want? You got your freedom. This what you're doing with it?' Shame.'
He grabbed the Konar by the jaw. 'I told yer I'd be comin' fer yer if yer hurt my friend. We gotta score ter settle.'
'Friend? You mean those munks?'
Awon grabbed him by the side of the head. 'Aye. My friend's broken.'
The Konar's eyes widened, almost bulging out of his head. 'And you think hurting me is going to fix him? It wasn't personal. We needed them to talk. They wouldn't.'
'It won't fix 'im, but it'll make things even.'
The Konar sneered, then coughed. 'Even? You're a fucking idiot.'
'Yer a fuckin' piece of yegeyor hatin' shit.'
'I told you, it wasn't personal. They looked the most likely to talk.'
Awon spat in the Konar's face, then pulled out his cleaver. 'Upstairs, the boss asked me to hurt someone in a similar position ter yer, but I couldn't do it. Wanted to, but couldn't. Until now I didn't know why. Now I do. He didn't deserve to be tortured like this. He was just a guy tryin' to make 'is way in the world, like me.' He dug his fingers into the Konar's face. 'But you. You fuckin' deserve it. Got no problem cuttin' you up, piece by piece. Don't give a fuck if the boss don't like it.'
