Ellipsis - Creators of Six #1

by Jacob White

  “My mind is made up.” I pulled her away.

  “Call Gibi here now!”

  “Ann—..”

  “Do it, damn you!” Without even thinking it, he was there. “Are you truly okay with this?”

  “I am not but it is his choice to make.”

  “I can't buy that. This is your land, we are your people and you would put so many at risk for a selfish decision on his part.”

  “I would, and will many more times. If I were to carry out my will on every person. I would be no better than Liam or the evil we face.”

  “Fine, then I'm going with you.”

  “Absolutely not, Anna.” I turned my head to her.

  “Really? How about I start yelling and screaming, so everyone comes here. You know you need more help. I hate to say it, but you will need help also from yourself. If you have no assistance and your mind finally breaks without Laila. What happens then? You at least need a back-up for the stone if you fail.”

  “Weaver, she makes a valid point.”

  “You're not helping… But yes. She does. I started to pace creating a small area of depressed grass under my feet. Would you need anything from camp?”

  “No, we can go now. Although I would prefer a horse, they might just wake everyone. Gods forgive us if that happens, right?” She slapped my shoulder and started walking.

  “How about you go get the horses and I’ll meet you out here.”

  “You would wait?” Her face became one of mocked thanks. A hand went to her mouth acting surprised. She continued walking backward. I only sighed and looked at Gibi. He had a smile on his face. She was right, I did need somebody else. If not for the reason of the stone but also because I have no idea how to get to the Twins.

  We walked for most of the night only stopping a handful of times. Then the haze was diminished. We both looked out, but the haze was only where we had come from. When I tried to focus on the camp we left, it was nothing but a black blur. Like an artist wiping his hand over a wet canvas. I focused on the scene I came from. Laila’s anger took me by surprise when she entered my head.

  “Weaver, I swear to you and Anna. If you don’t come back right this minute, I will kill you myself.”

  “Laila. I can’t, I’m sorry. Gibi will be helping you with sleep from now on. I just couldn’t let you all be around me anymore. You saw the look on Aden when he questioned me. It was pure hate and fear.”

  “Aden has always been too rash. Please come back. We will do this together and when the time comes, we will be with you then as well.”

  “You should arrive with the military after I make the transfer. Please, just let me do this. At the first sign of trouble I will reach you.”

  “Damn you, Weaver!” I knew it wouldn’t be the last time she yelled at me, but we had to keep moving. I didn’t realize the fatigue I had as we continued our trek. Our breaks continued more and more. At the end of the next day we had to stop or die from exhaustion. Our steps had become sluggish and conversations less frequent. We found an outcropping by some rocks and chose this as the place.

  “The others aren't following. If they were, we would either see the haze or feel them by now.” Anna said.

  “Okay, so far so good. Time to eat.” She looked at me waiting for something.

  “What?”

  “Where’s the food?”

  “I don’t have any… can't you just cast magic and get us food?”

  “You are hopeless you know that? No, I can't just bloody get food out of thin air. Would you like some water to drink? I could manage that.” I sighed and stood straight.

  “Oh, greatest of gods. Could you please bless us with your presence?” Sarcasm covered every flat word. He came sitting on a mighty throne of clear blue glass. His features seemed distant just as kings would if hearing a request from a lower class.

  “You requested an audience, my child?”

  “Gibi.” He only laughed with the throne dissipating.

  “Yes, I know. One second… so irresponsible. Can't even hunt…” He kept mumbling as I felt a small wave of a different magic. It didn’t feel like the magic I pulled from when I destroyed the forest but easier. If he had opened a door then closed it again. It must have been magic as a tent appeared. We walked inside. The lining of the tent was covered with red fabric. This was a full home. My mouth watered at the sight of the food. It took all my energy to keep my clothes on as I saw a copper tub behind a privacy screen. My eyes stopped to the only one soft… bed…

  “Not to sound ungrateful, but there's only one bed.” I said.

  “I know.” His eyes avoided my gaze, acting ashamed. “It's, just… any more magic and I would have given myself away.”

  “You're so full of shit. It's amazing.”

  “You would be right… I am quite amazing.” Then he just vanished with a blue light and a laugh.

  “I'm starting to think Dirk isn't so bad,” Anna said with a mouth full of food.

  “Oh, and, you are hidden from sight as long you are in the tent. I mean if anyone or anything run into it they would obviously know. Other than that, you will be okay. In the morning say the words, “Gibi, oh masterful god of Ellipsis, I return this to the in-between and I offer my thanks until I can do it again tomorrow!”

  “You can't be serious. And what’s the in-between?”

  “I am very serious. I let you go on this little adventure but I'm not going to let you die until I've tortured you myself some. As for the in-between. Well… it’s hard to explain. I will let you know once I figure out how to describe it. Just know Liam’s corruption would be nothing compared to being trapped there.” He smiled in my head. I sighed and cursed into the empty space.

  “Something happened?”

  “You will find out tomorrow…”

  “I'm not that kind of woman Weaver.”

  “Shut it…” She laughed and ate some more as Laila came into my head.

  “Weaver, are you safe?

  “I am. How is everyone there?”

  “Very upset. Ralph had to tie down Les to keep her from running after you. I had half a mind to join her until Gibi spoke with me. I promised him I would do my best to keep them appeased but, Weaver. You can still come back we can do this together. I fear for your mind, Gibi was able to help me but only me. Something about himself, and not you, I forgot the rest.”

  “I’m sure he will explain it again if you ask. Also, I do find some peace knowing you will be saved from this madness. Just so you know, if you come looking for us you wouldn’t be even to find us. Gibi cast a mirage or something over us. It's not a threat. I just wanted you to know so you don’t wonder around aimlessly.”

  “That makes things easier for me to keep them here. Weaver, I miss you… I mean we all do and Les is so worried.”

  “If I tell you something do you promise not to tell?”

  “I do.”

  “I'm going to die Laila. There is no question, but this will be finished. Please look after Les for me. You all didn’t deserve to see me go mad. I'm going to give a note to Anna when the time does come. When you arrive, let Les know about the letter please.”

  “Weaver, please… even now they are asking me why I cry. Come back.”

  “I can’t, but I will communicate as much as I can before… well, you know.” She was silent after that. I felt her scowl and fear over our connection.

  “Everything okay? Back at the camp, I mean.” Anna asked.

  “Yeah, as you can imagine Les is losing it. But they all stayed put thankfully. How did you know I was talking to Laila?”

  “It’s obvious when you stand in silence making facial expressions. But that’s something I suppose. Come sit and eat with me.” I took off my sweaty leathers and hung them on the armor display to let them air out.

  “Why didn’t I do that when I came in?” She stood, peeling off the different sections of her light armor.

  “If you want the truth, it’s because you’re getting fat and couldn’t resist
the smell of food.” She turned with the biggest scowl I had ever seen.

  “Say that again, Weaver Rizer… I dare you.”

  “I said you are getting fa—” A plate hit me in the head. I couldn’t hold back my laughter after that.

  “I see. You have already lost your mind.”

  “Perhaps…” was all I could get out, after the laughter of both of us was contained we continued to eat and talk whatever came to mind.

  After eating she tricked me and she was able to get the clean bath water first as I sat at the table and sulked. “I get it first tomorrow.”

  “Maybe, if I allow it.” She yelled from behind the screen.

  “If you allow it huh?” I focused on the water and turned it cold.

  “Weaver! Stop!” I laughed with water rushing to my face. Just like that Gibi’s laughter filled the tent.

  “You two are louder than mules during a mating session.”

  “Gibi. There were so many more examples you could have made.”

  “Yes, but that was the third that came to mind.” A smile filled his face. “It does make me happy however to see you both content despite what you're walking towards. One day if I am able to give you a favor I will, my young Weaver.”

  “I already had one in mind.”

  “Oh, what is it?”

  “When you able to walk freely again, appear down to the afterlife and take the multiple wooden shafts out of my backside that the fates will place there.” He laughed and shook his head in acceptance.

  “You know I'm serious, right?” He only laughed harder with Anna joining from the bath.

  “Only you could joke about the fates sticking things into you,” Anna said with a smile and feet up at the end of the tub.

  “I wasn’t joking! This is the favor I want, Gibi!”

  “Of course. But I will make you a better offer. I will follow your soul down and we can send them back to whatever dark hole they came from together.”

  “I can accept this deal.” He smiled and pointed to the table it was cleared and now replaces with a bottle of wine and three cups. “Don’t open it without me. I stole it from Arbos eons ago.”

  “Wait… the Arbos…Arbos of Grassin. God of Lightning?” Anna asked, slightly sitting up but still conveniently still covering her breasts. She saw me looking, and her face got red but didn’t move.

  “Gibi! You’re not doing what I think you're doing?” He laughed but assured me he wasn’t.

  “Yes, the same. Quite a sulky man. I might add. Now, I will be back. I'm going to chat with Laila, to see if they have noticed anything. Oh, and I haven't spotted anything around here.”

  “Next time could you lead with that… I'd hate for you to tell us of a dragon sleeping next to us.”

  “Dragons? Don’t be silly…” Anna laughed before his next comment. “Those died out long before man.” She stopped.

  “Wait…Dra—” But Gibi was already gone. “Yep, I like Dirk better.” Anna said. I smiled over and grabbed a towel for her.

  “As much as I care about dragons, I also care the same amount of not smelling like one. Out.”

  “I don’t think I should. You nearly sent me into shock.”

  “I can do it again.” She narrowed her eyes and stood suddenly not hiding anything.

  “Shit… Anna...” I looked away.

  “What? It's not like you haven't seen me naked before.”

  “We were only 12 years max.”

  “And now you go to your death, so enjoy what preview you get.” She stepped out. Grabbed the towel and covered herself. I couldn’t help looking and her perfect backside. I jumped in with a loud splash just as she was turning around. “You have to get out sometime, dear brother…”

  “It's getting awkward… don't say that.”

  “Why not?”

  “You know why.”

  “I do?” She walked over with a night slip that was also provided, but it did little to hide anything through the outlines.

  “Because if I'm your brother… I just looked at well your…” She laughed. “I hate you.” After parts of me went back down.

  By the time Gibi showed up, he was amazed we didn’t open the wine as he intended us to.

  “If you wanted us to open it, why did you say that?”

  “Weaver, you always do everything opposite of what I tell you.”

  “I can't argue with that.” He brought over the cups and wine. I did have to get out sooner or later. After soaking for an hour or so, I hopped out of the tub taking her by surprise. She let out a short scream as I ran across the room grabbing the clothes left out for me.

  “Oh, okay… two can play that game, Weaver.”

  “What game? I was just repeating what you already did to me.”

  “Wait, what did I miss?” but Anna ignored Gibi.

  “What I did was a favor. You tried to poke my eye out!” Gibi roared in laughter. I was finally dressed as we all came back together at the table.

  “This is more amazing than I thought,” Gibi said to himself. We lightly ate assorted berries and nuts that were left out. We decided to drink much longer than we should have. Only to find who could insult who better. Of course, Anna’s foul mouth won.

  “Yeah. I was drunk after the first cup.” Anna said through laughter.

  “As was I!” I had shouted before we realized Gibi was gone and Anna and I stood looking at the bed then back to me.

  “It's nothing. We are drunk. We know this. Let's just sleep and wake up tomorrow. Then laugh more as our heads pound.”

  “Fair enough but I’m going to stay awake a bit longer to talk with Gibi.” This was a lie; I was just afraid to close my eyes.”

  “Okay, just don’t wake me up.”

  “We both know another war couldn’t even do that once your asleep.”

  “Very funny, Mr. Rizer.” She smiled while getting into bed and blowing out a lantern on her side.

  I was left with a silent room, but I wanted to see if I could drink my dreams away. I’ve seen it so many times at the Yezmon and felt sorry for those men. Now, I only hoped it might work. I took a long sip.

  “I think you should try. I'm not fond of the idea by any means. But if it somehow helps, then I'll support it. I don’t see you as the abusive sort.” Gibi said, walking back in.

  “Well at least I have your permission, I suppose.”

  I continued to drink beyond a safe level. I stood up to cover Anna on my way to relieve myself. I stumbled all the way to the pot. I looked out past the huge tent flap and saw two pairs of red eyes. It wasn’t fear I felt but interest at how they became to be. I continued to look at them as they searched for us. I froze as one of the sets of eyes looked directly at me. I didn’t know if he could see me, but I took faith in Gibi’s mirage. The eyes and snout went back to the ground to sniff the area. I made an obscene gesture to bolster my confidence.

  * * *

  The drinking did not work, once again I was hovering in front of the fates. I was pinned to a long horizontal wooden shaft that floated in the air. Metal spikes driven through my forearms pinning me in place. Blood dripped down the arms of my naked body. I looked down at my friends remembering I had killed them when I sat upon the throne. I’ve never felt as much hate as they looked to me from below. One fate walked towards me. Not that I could judge the age of the transformed fates. However, this one was definitely the ugliest.

  One at a time all my friends were heaved into the air at eye level with me. Laila was the only one with a look of sorrow on her face. She was still even glowing slightly as if she was holding on to that light that made her who she was. One by one, fingers fractured. Wrists. Legs. It all happened in order, so they could hear the scream of the person in front of them. By the time she was finished, there was so much blood, and everyone's body parts bent. Bones piercing their skin. All to be formed backward to form a ball. With a snap of her fingers, they were all back to normal, gasping for air.

  “No, no, we can't have that stone
holder.” She rose to my face. I knew she had seen me shield my face from the horrors. She took her finger and caressed my face. Her nail left a line of blood in my face. “Why close your eyes? It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it?

  “I will flay you alive.” I prayed to Gibi to come save us all. I didn’t deserve his help but still I hoped. The fate grabbed my head, so I couldn’t move. Her nail ran along the top of my eyelids. I screamed in pain as the blood dripped down my face. She moved to the other and then nothing remained over my eyes. I still tried to blink but it only brought my brow lower. The think red blurred my vision. I was no longer able to hide from their pain. She floated back down. Another fate walked forward. This time she made everyone get on all fours as she whipped them repeatedly. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore.

  “Please! Punish me. These people mean nothing to me. I killed them. You were waiting to torment me weren’t you. I still breath with ease.” I knew I would be stuck seeing this for all eternity if I failed.

  Suddenly my eyes opened.

  “Weaver, it’s okay, it's just me.” I was limp in her hands and sweaty.

  “What happened?” I managed to say through a dry throat.

  “You just started convulsing waking me up. I didn’t feel any magic or loss of control, but I saw your pain. I am so sorry you have to face this alone.”

  “Anna, it is my burden. It's fine.” Not wanting to upset me, she nodded and got the bath ready again. Like magic it was clean. It instantly relaxed me as my body sunk into the warm water. She placed a warm cloth on my head. Just as I closed my eyes, they shot open again.

  “Anna, you push your senses out! Now!”

  “I don’t sense anything.” Her face turned to the side and eyes closed searching.

  “Last night, I'm sure I saw two shadow hounds walking around in the far distance.”

  “Wait.” As if searching deeper, her eyes closed, and I felt her magic reach out.

  “I still can't sense them. Let me see if I can check for grass that’s closer to the ground.” There was silence for a long while then she was back.

  “I think you were right, but they are gone now.”

  “What did you find?” I asked.