Revelation of Raelia: Book One

by Tammy W. Pechin

  “Thank you once again. We will all change really quick and meet you outside in a moment.” I tell Indigo. He heads back out to tend to the fire again.

  We quickly change and go outside to say our goodbyes before leaving. Back out into the woods on the final distance to Kallem's village; our last stopping place for a while. After hours of walking it will be dark very soon, but we finally we reach the stone walls and I stop and stare at the them. I try and catch my breath; I feel completely overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions.

  “What's wrong Raelia, why did you stop?” Father examines my behavior.

  I am totally stuck in a moment of apprehension and I can't focus my eyes on anything but the cold old stone walls. All the dread hit at once. Suddenly I remembered that if I commit to returning, my independence is dead, and I have no idea if I will be able to leave again as a free person. I feel the hairs on my arms rise at the thought of the literal chains that await me. My parents are with me, I am not alone this time.

  “Raelia?!” Father said, putting his hand on mine and bends down to look me in the eyes; breaking my gaze.

  “It's going to be okay; we are here. Also, we would never let anyone hurt you. Besides, you are strong, and I know that you have faced every challenge up till now on your own. Look at us here; together. That… was you … all you. Don't doubt yourself. You can do this, and I have faith in you.” He vocalizes his faith in my strength.

  “You're right. I'm a rebel at heart, but this is the security we need. I've got this! Thanks for snapping me out of that.” I imagine that I need to have as much faith in myself, as my father has in me.

  I let go of his hand and brace myself as I push my shoulders back and take in a deep breath before I get my feet to move again. We get to the gates as I look at them both and give them a hug. Pulling the knife from my clothes behind my back I pull hair to one side and hand the knife to my father. Quickly cut it, gripping my hair tightly.

  “Are you sure?” He asks with surprise.

  “Yes!” It's a weakness in my mind and I need to toughen up, I hide my tears behind my hair as much as I try to hide my emotions. He rips the knife a couple of time across the underneath of my hair just at the base of neck. Gone! I watch it falling to the ground.

  “Hide it now, I can't keep it as a servant, and you should keep it just in case you need it. Trade the guns, but not that knife. If this goes wrong, then we will leave together.” I reassure him, and mostly myself that everything will be okay.

  He quickly shoves it down the inside of his boot, and then I begin banging on the entrance doors. Each knock echoes with my fear, and my hand quivers as I lower it to my side. The doors slowly open with two guards who quickly remember who I am judging by the appearance of their face. I'm really starting to wonder why I thought this was a good idea. Just need to keep my jaws locked and a brave face.

  “I'm back…” I announce with sarcasm and a smile on my face.

  The guards rush toward me and pick me up off my feet by my armpits and escort me inside Oaken Woods.

  “Careful guys I'm fragile. No rush or anything, I have all day.” My sarcasm picks the weirdest times to rear its ugly head. Let's chalk that down to a character flaw, another character flaw. Okay, I have a few flaws, who doesn't?

  “Wait, we want to buy our way in, and we have valuable supplies and work skills to contribute.” Father shouts at the guards that are dragging me away.

  “She can't buy herself back in, she is an escaped servant. To the stage with her until we talk to her master and consider a punishment. If you both want in, then we will have everyone meet to talk as soon as we get her taken care of. Until then come inside, stand by the entrance and don't move.” The guards demand.

  I happen to look at my parents face as they see me being carried away and I smile and wave goodbye with as much confidence as I could fake. They look so upset, so I had to sale it. I really want them to not have to worry about me anymore.

  We reach the stage where I was taken the first time I was brought here to be traded at my arrival. Taking slow deep breaths as they bind me up and I begin the wait towards judgement. I look around watching people talk and pass by. Hoping that Kallem will soon appear, it would help relieve some anxiety about the situation. Trying to remember that I did find my parents on my own, saved them, walked back here and turned myself in. That took strength, they might not see me as anything but a servant but I'm much more than that. I have value, and in time I can show them why I deserve to be more than property.

  I'm not standing there for very long before I look up to see Coven and Kallem running up to great me as they jump the stage and Kallem embraces me quickly while trying to not make himself look weak to all of those who are watching. I immediately feel tears forcing their way out at the thought that Kallem doesn't hate me for what I did.

  “Raelia! You made it back, I knew you would.” He states, running his hair through my short messy hair as he is noticing the change with a confused face, but still smiling.

  “You did, did you? I think I remember someone saying I can't make it alone out there in the big bad wild.” I taunt Kallem, with a grin.

  “Welcome back Raelia. He knew you would be back, and I swear he was counting the minutes. Don't let him fool you. We both missed you and I am glad to see you made it back in one piece.” Coven said, as he hugs me.

  “Thanks Coven. How about you two work on trying to get me out of all this trouble.” I note, winking at them.

  “You know there are consequences, and this will probably be a vote of punishment.” Kallem said, Coven nodding his head in agreeance.

  “I know, I know. Well at least get to working on figuring out the punishment, because being up here for everyone to gawk at is not my favorite way to pass time.”

  “We're on it.” Kallem said.

  They take off to talk to some of the villagers to get everyone together to find out if votes will be necessary for punishment. Meanwhile mother and father make their way to the stage to meet with some villagers to show what gold we have, the guns, and to tell them the skills they have. Mother looks angry and distraught when she sees me tied to the stage. Father declares he knows about solar systems and can repair them. While mother use to be a nurse before they left the city so she can use her knowledge to help the village doctor, which is Kallem. They continue to negotiate for about an hour. Eventually everyone meets back on stage and people gather as Kallem stands beside me and Coven stands with the villagers as they make an announcement.

  “Everyone here has come to an agreement; the outsiders have come offering materials as well as skills. We are offering a 30-day trail of living in our village. They will stay in the home that is currently empty due to our great loss during the last attack. If they cause any problems or disruptions and do not contribute to workloads enough to barter for their own needs, then they will be removed from the village and not be allowed to re-enter.” The man announces.

  “Thank you all, we are very grateful to be able to contribute and be a part of Oaken Woods.” Mother and father announce with excitement.

  “As for Raelia, she was and still is a servant of her owner Kallem. She did leave forcefully, and punishment is mandatory. However, everyone here feels that while Raelia may not be a citizen, she does try to contribute. Sometimes more then she should which was part of the problem for some people. Her punishment will be to remain a servant in Kallem's home and under his care, with isolation of two weeks as a reminder of her place in this village and that freedom is earned not forced. If she fails to stay in isolation, she will be removed from the doctor's care and traded again. I am strongly suggesting that Kallem use what is available to make sure you do not cause further problems. Do you understand Raelia?”

  “Yes, I am in agreement and I understand sir.” I state with relief.

  “Were done here, everyone thanks for meeting today.” The man said, then dismisses everyone standing around.

  “Come on you two, say goodbye to Raelia. I will
take you to your house and get you settled.” Kallem said to my mother and father come to hug me as I am being untied, and we hug each other in a short celebration.

  “Congrats, we did it, safe and together.” I said t to them before they walk away towards the other side of the village to the home.

  “Come on Raelia, let's get you home and cleaned up.” Kallem says as he looks at my mud-covered pants.

  “Uh, about that, there's something I should probably tell you, but first home… yes.” I say jokingly with hesitation

  “Oh, A SHOWER!!!” I scream with excitement as Kallem gives me a bewildered glance.

  “Wait, what should I know?” Kallem questions.

  “Shower first! Please, then I will explain away.” I said grabbing at my clothes.

  “Okay you win, you don't smell the greatest so…” He laughs.

  “I'm sure I don't, I don't want to smell myself right now. I've been dreaming about a shower… oh wait I need clothes.”

  “Don't worry, got that covered.”

  Walking back quickly to his house. I run and jump in the shower, and he doesn't for once yell for me to hurry. Thankfully because that was one of the most needed showers ever. When I finish get out, I wrap myself in a cloth.

  “Clothes?!?” I scream out of the cracked bathroom door.

  “Which one?” He asks as I open the door to see jeans, shirts and a dress.

  “Those aren't servant clothes.” I observe.

  They aren't are they…? You won't always be a servant; I was thinking about the future. Right now, you may be, but to me you are Raelia and an equal. So why not be comfortable during isolation, and I will get you a servant's dress when you have to go out of the house. How does that sound?”

  “You're being serious! You even got me street clothes like I use to wear.” I screech, running up and hugging him.

  “Just promise me that you're not going to leave here again like that.” Kallem says, pushing my hair behind my ear with care.

  “Promise! I missed…” Looking at him as I realize I am still just wearing a cloth around me and still firmly holding him. Before I could really think about anything, I find my lips pressing against his and my hands in his hair.

  “Wait, I have to tell you something.” I announce, pulling away from him.

  “Nothing is important at this moment. Tell me later, right now let me enjoy your lips, and I have missed you more than you know.” He quickly pulls be tight again and continues to kiss me and I find myself lost in his touch as I suddenly think isolation with him this time is welcome.

  “I have wanted this from the moment I saw you, that first smile.” He whispers, looking into my eyes with his palm across my cheek.

  “I missed you Kallem, and I am happy to be back here with you and with Chaos.”

  “Yes Chaos, I will go get her for you to see first thing tomorrow. Tonight, I just want to hold you and you tell me all your adventures while you were gone. Our future will start with Chaos tomorrow.” He kisses my forehead as I agree.

  Tonight, will be the first night of many and in time I will earn my place here with my family and my Chaos. I know Adex will eventually find us, but I had no idea, none of us knew what else was ahead. This is just the beginning of my long journey, our journey to a new life together.