Rise of the Sparrows

by Sarina Langer

  Her body froze solid, her blood turned to ice as realisation hit. It hadn't been a dream. It had been a vision. A real-time vision.

  And Cephy had been in the middle of it.

  Rachael began to run. She knew roughly where Cephy's old home was, but even if she hadn't the flames would have shown her the way. The closer she got, the bigger the mocking play of light and shadows that danced on the walls around her was.

  And then she reached the square. The whole house was engulfed in flames. A choking, oppressive smell filled the air, and a crowd had gathered to watch their neighbours burn to ashes. In the middle of all that, sitting on the floor with her face buried in her hands, was Cephy.

  As quickly as she could manage, Rachael forced her way through the onlookers who soon gave way once they realised who she was.

  “Cephy. It's me. Rachael.” Cephy didn't look up. Her body had gone rigid, incapable of movement. “Can you hear me?”

  Three people in suits carrying buckets full of water rushed past her, anxious to get to the people trapped inside. Rachael thought that she could hear screaming but wasn't sure whether it was coming from inside the house or from the crowd.

  “I only wanted to see my mother.” Rachael had to strain her ears to hear the tiny sound coming from Cephy, but didn't want to ask her to repeat anything. This wasn't something she should have to relive if it wasn't necessary.

  “Come on. I'll get you home.” As soon as the words were out, Rachael regretted them. Home to Cephy was the burning ruin behind her, not a frozen spot on the ground, and there was definitely no going back there now.

  “I just wanted to see her one more time. He saw me, and hit me, harder than he ever did before. And I-” Rachael pulled her into her arms before Cephy could say another word. She could imagine what had happened after that.

  Carefully, Rachael picked her up. It took all her effort to carry the girl on her back, but she managed to walk and began to make her way back through the crowd.

  No one tried to stop her. The looks they threw Cephy said more than words could have done, and Rachael hoped that Cephy had her eyes shut so she wouldn't see their disgusted, hateful glares.

  She knew if Cephy hadn't just burned down a whole house by herself, if the damage had been any less, things would have been a lot worse.

  For the first time, Rachael wondered if maybe their curses were actually small gifts. Everyone knew what both of them could do and no one was going to arrest someone who could give you the details of your death, or who could so easily reduce a building to ashes.

  Cephy had committed a crime.

  And thanks to that, they were safe.

  Chapter Eight

  That night Rachael fell asleep cradling Cephy in her arms. She had been awake for several hours before the gentle cloak of sleep had finally embraced her, wondering just how her life had taken a turn such as this.

  Not long ago she had been content with being on her own. Somewhere along the line she had come to look after a small child – not any small child, but a child who had a talent far more dangerous than hers.

  She held Cephy, and reminded herself that despite what she told herself now, she had not been content. She had been lonely. She had wanted the warm embrace of a loving mother, just like Cephy had craved one last hug from her own mother. Telling herself otherwise had been a necessity, but now that necessity was obsolete. Still, sometimes she almost missed being on her own. She had no experience in looking after someone else, and if Cephy were caught the punishment would be on her head, too.

  Eventually, Rachael fell asleep, wondering what she had got herself into.

  The villagers had always done their best to avoid Rachael. Now, after what Cephy had done, they went out of their way to stay clear of them.

  No one left food out for them now. The few people who had sometimes granted them a pitiful smile no longer did so, and even the fearful whispering behind their backs had stopped.

  Where people had watched them carefully before to make sure that their paths wouldn't cross, no one as much as glanced at them now. It was as though they had become invisible or like the people of the town had jointly decided to ignore them.

  It made Rachael feel uneasy and put her every thought on edge. The town's people had thought of them as dangerous before. While most of them hadn't witnessed Cephy use her curse in any way, they had been accustomed to Rachael bringing death upon people. They had been used to it, and had said hateful things behind their backs regardless. Now they had become a bad sign, a bad omen surrounding Blackrock. Rachael who predicted death, and Cephy who delivered her judgment. Had Cephy's actions really changed things that much?

  She was worried the fire had been the last straw.

  The snow was falling heavier every day, and Rachael knew that their fates were sealed if they couldn't find something to eat soon. There was no more sympathy to find amongst the people, no more mercy to be granted by people who had children themselves and who prayed to the Maker that their own family would never have to live on the street as they did.

  Rachael had considered leaving Blackrock many times, but the uncertainty of the world behind the walls had stopped her every time. People like her were hated everywhere; they'd fare no better in another town. Neither of them had ever left the small village, and didn't know what lay beyond the gates. There was talk of dangerous animals inhabiting the woods. There was also talk of edible berries growing in the shrubs. The way Rachael saw it death was almost guaranteed either way unless they got lucky. Food, however, was only a given beyond the gates, and it would be worth the risk of becoming food themselves.

  Since Cephy was so young Rachael thought it best to wait to see if things improved, but leave the town if nothing changed. It was a big decision, and Rachael didn't want to make things worse if she didn't have to. Blackrock was cruel but she knew where to hide. The forest was an unknown.

  Their chance out in the wild would be slim, but it would be a chance. If worst came to worst, it would be worth the risk.

  Exhausted, Cale brought his horse Barnaby to a gradual stop. He had ridden hard for the past few days, hoping to get to Arlo in time. The Sparrows were finally sure that she would come this way, and Cale wanted to be here when she did. She'd have questions, and Cale would be able to answer them.

  Arlo's house wasn't much further now. Gently he petted the horse's nose, her coat wet with sweat and her ears flicking in appreciation.

  “Come on.” The hut was only a short walk away now, he could lead her the rest of the way. She had earned a rest after the sprint he had put her through. “He's bound to have a treat for you.” His clever friend whinnied, speeding up at the mention of a reward.

  Cale had come to the old hermit several times in the past for help, but never had it been as dangerous as it was today. This time things were different. This time, more was at stake. If the wrong people found out what they were up to they would pay with their lives. He already had more than enough trouble with the king and the White Guard hot on his heels—he didn't need any more, especially if it risked her safety.

  The forest was thick this deep inside. Leading Barnaby through the frosted trees was a challenge, but neither of them had ever shied away from one of those. Maker knew they wouldn't be here if they had.

  The scent of grilled fish hit his nose before he was close enough to see the smoke rise.

  “Do you smell that? We're nearly there. Just a little more.” Barnaby hadn't forgotten about the promise of treats and didn't need any encouragement. She nuzzled Cale to let him know she understood, and picked up her pace. Motivated by the smells of Arlo's cooking they paid no attention to branches sticking out of the snow, and made their way over to the hut.

  “Arlo?” Cale entered the clearing only to find it deserted. To his disappointment, the fire pit had been emptied. The smell was all that remained of what seemed like a feast to him now. Carefully, worried that his plan had failed before he had a chance to set it
in motion, he approached the hut and knocked on the door. “Arlo? Arlo, are you in there?”

  The sound of crisp leaves crunching behind him made Cale spin around.

  “Quiet, my boy, or you'll scare away all the game!” Arlo's deep, roaring voice thundered through the clearing. Cale breathed a sigh of relief. Worrying over nothing was a habit of his, and it wasn't one he was willing to abandon, no matter how often Arlo or Ailis asked him to. It had saved his life too many times for that.

  Arlo's tall imposing stature was more likely to scare away any animals he could have caught, but Cale wasn't about to voice his objection out loud.

  “It looks to me like you've already eaten!”

  Arlo raised his eyebrows, patting his belly with a proud grin. “A man who works hard needs to eat hard, lad! Especially during winter!”

  “I doubt you're about to starve.” The old man gave a deep, hearty laugh which resonated in the trees around them and seemed to make the very ground shake with soft tremors.

  “Come. Sit, and I will see to it that you won't have to suffer that fate, either.”

  Cale gratefully sat down by the now extinguished fire. His back ached from the long ride, and his muscles were sore. A break was exactly what he needed, even if it couldn't last for long.

  “Does your visit mean it's time?” Arlo's tone hadn't lost all cheer, but there was no mistaking that he knew this situation for what it was. Having aided Cale all these years had kept his senses sharp, as had living by himself out in these woods. He didn't go amongst other people often, but he was better at reading between the lines than most. More importantly, he knew Cale better than most and saw through any lies easily.

  It was better to get to the point rather than talk around it. “Yes. I don't know when she'll leave exactly, but it won't be long now. I left before the guards did and I was riding harder than they were, but they will reach Blackrock by tomorrow evening if we are correct. Maker, Arlo, I hope we have done enough.”

  Arlo had gone quiet. His eyes were staring into the few sparks which were slowly spreading across the dried branches in the fire pit. Of course they had done enough. They had done all they could do. Had they not gone through this before? Cale sighed. No, they hadn't. Not like this. The stakes had never been higher, the person never more valuable.

  “Hmph. Do you doubt me, lad?”

  He smiled. “Never.”

  Deep in thought Arlo nodded.

  “You worry too much, lad. I'll be ready. There'll be a stew bubbling over the fire and a bed will be made by the time she gets here.”

  “She's the one, Arlo. We can't let any harm come to her.”

  “Aye, my boy. I know who she is to us, you don't need to remind me.”

  “We've been prepared for a while. I just hope nothing goes wrong. If they get to her before she reaches you-”

  Arlo placed a large hand on Cale's shoulder. “They won't, lad. The girl'll be safe with me. Do we know her name?”

  Cale nodded. “It's Rachael. Another girl has been with her as well lately, they might flee together. Her name is Cephy, and she's the younger of the two.”

  “Don't fret, lad. I'll be ready for them.”

  Cale smiled. “Just like the good old days.” It seemed like a lifetime ago that Arlo had unofficially adopted him and his sister. Since they had moved out Arlo had often looked after the gifted for him, and nursed them back to health when necessary. Some of those gifted had become Sparrows, others had been desperate to get on to the first ship to Midoka or Krymistis to start a new life. He owed Arlo his life as well as the life of many others.

  “You youngsters are quick to speak of the good old days when all you've seen is chaos. Besides, aren't you too young to speak of things that happened a long time ago? Just how long ago could this have been for you?”

  Cale couldn't help chuckling. “When you put it that way...”

  “Don't worry yourself mad, lad, or Ailis will never let me hear the last of it. They'll be safe here, you have my word.”

  He nodded, knowing for himself that there was no safer place in the world than right under Arlo's watchful protection, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.

  Chapter Nine

  Rachael woke up to muffled but urgent sounds coming from the town square. In her arms Cephy shifted slightly in her deep sleep, unfazed by the noises reaching them.

  She blinked. It was dark out, probably the middle of the night. Usually the town was quiet at this time of night save the occasional sounds of drunk men's laughter or the desperate begging of rape. This, what she was hearing now, was cheering.

  Rachael sat up, careful not to wake Cephy. An uncomfortable feeling settled in the pit of her stomach, but her mind was still too numb to figure out the reason for it.

  Slowly she looked around, trying to wake up. Her gut feeling told her to run, and it made the fine hairs on her arms and back stand on end. It was dark and freezing outside, but the fresh snow lit up by the moon made it easier to see than on most other nights.

  Rachael pulled the thin blanket over herself and Cephy, taking a firm hold of it.

  It was just beginning to snow when they had gone to sleep but now, several hours later, it had developed into heavy snowfall and a fresh, undisturbed blanket covered the frozen cobblestones.

  Again the joined voices of the villagers reached her ears. The noises were muffled due to the heavy snow but Rachael could hear them, though not clearly enough to make out single words.

  The feeling that something was wrong grew inside of her. Her heart was racing at the potential threat, her mind was on edge ready to dash.

  Close to her a dog shot out of the dark, racing past them as it was chasing something only the animal could see. Rachael jumped, suddenly feeling very awake.

  Why were there people cheering in the middle of the night in the town square? If only she could hear...

  “Cephy.” Gently, she shook the little figure who had cuddled closer to her. Her instincts told her to get up and run. Her curiosity told her to sneak closer and see what was going on. Conflicted, she gave Cephy another nudge. “Cephy, wake up!”

  “What-” Cephy opened her eyes half-way, barely awake and not quite able to focus on Rachael.

  “We need to go. Get up.”

  “What do you—”

  “Up. Now.” Her intuition had saved her life many times. If it told her to run now she would run as fast as her split feet could carry her. She knew places in this town most people wouldn't dream to go. Blackrock held no secrets for her. She had come to know all its shadows, all the tight alleys only children like herself who were on the brink of starvation could fit through. All the small characteristics only someone who had to fend for herself out on the streets would know about.

  Hearing the alarm in Rachael's voice Cephy sat up, studying her face carefully.

  “What's wrong?”

  “I don't know.” People were unreliable when they panicked, but there was no time to find out how Cephy coped under pressure. “Come on. We need to go. We're not safe here any more.”

  Not willing to waste any more time she pulled Cephy up on to her feet and rushed towards the back of the alley, through a small gap between buildings. Rachael hadn't used the passage for a few years now. Cats and dogs liked to drag their prey here to either devour it or leave it once they got bored with the excitement of a new conquest. The floor would be littered with the lifeless bodies of mice and other small critters, but right now it was the best route away from their spot. The villagers would never think to look for them there.

  “Be careful where you step.” She knew it was unlikely that anyone would be able to hear the shriek of one person, or the cracking of squirrel bones underneath their feet in this weather, but the rush of adrenaline told Rachael to take no chances.

  “The ground feels weird.”

  “It's nothing, don't worry about it.” Most children loved animals and
Rachael assumed that Cephy did, too. She didn't want to make things harder by telling her just what precisely the ground was made of. “Hold on.” Having reached the end of the narrow gap, Rachael stuck her head out just enough to make sure that the road was clear. Confident that no one was around she pressed onwards, pulling Cephy along behind her.

  “Let's run across to the other side, okay?”

  “Hmh.” Cephy nodded still half asleep, not yet having heard what Rachael had made out.

  The closer they got to the square the easier it was for Rachael to hear single words here and there. Staying in Blackrock was no longer an option. They had to move now, and they couldn't be followed or they would die.

  They dashed across the broad street, disappearing inside the next tight alley as fast as their feet could carry them through the thick layer of frozen snow.

  “Stay right behind me, okay?” The blood rushing through her body made it difficult to think rationally. The passage was too slim for both of them to fit next to each other, but they had to try. Cephy had no choice but to stay right on Rachael's heels.

  All they needed to do was remain unseen, so they could leave the town before anyone noticed they were gone. Nothing else mattered.

  Setting one foot before the other, Rachael moved towards the other end of the alley, terrified of making any sound at all. On the other side was the square, and by now there was no doubt about what was transpiring so close to her. Cephy would have made out single words by now, too, and was no doubt mortified.

  Holding her breath she pressed herself against the walls, listening as closely as she dared to get. Behind her, she could tell that Cephy was doing the same.

  “...then, to the witch’s lair!” The crowd cheered, their fists raised into the air and their voices no longer joyful. They were angry. They demanded blood.

  Her blood.

  “Don't forget this day, because on this day the White City freed you of the evil influence of the Dark One's own spawn!” She didn't recognise the man's voice, but she saw just enough to know he was from the capital. White armour and white banners identified him as the King's Guard.