The Vengeance PT.3 UNEDITED

“The ocean breeze is softer today.”

                Master Halle smiled. “The calm before the storm.”

                “Do you think the fields will survive this time?”

                “Never once has a student ever worried about the agriculture. They’re never worried about how the food gets to be on their plates; only that it is there.”

                “They never survive the ocean storms, yet we continually plant them and hope they live long enough to feed us.”

                Halle laughed to himself. “Nature has its very own way, and we cannot stop that. But it always seems to pass just after the harvest.  In a way the storms aren’t ruining the fields, but eternally restoring the land to its bountiful state so that we may use it again and again.”

                “So we have already harvested?”

                “The harvest is due today, and tomorrow the coming storm will pass.”

                “Always cutting it close, aren’t we master Halle?” Luc called in from the door behind Halle.

                “Luc, how good to see you. Our friend here was just asking about the cycle of the storms.” Halle turned around to face Luc in the doorway.

                The sun was out but it was cloudy and the sky was dark. The rays of sunlight flooded through the wooden canopy above creating criss-cross shadows on the stone floors.

                “So how are you?” Luc was talking to the boy, who was still looking out into the ocean. The waves were calm and gently brushing against the dozens of giant stone pillars that rose from the ocean.

                “I’m fine. How was your patrol Luc?” They boy’s voice was dull, and it sounded more like he was making a statement than asking a question.

                “It’s getting darker out every day, and I don’t just mean the sky. The forests are murky; the shadows are growing every time I look back at them. I feel as if we’re being followed as of late, but I can’t think of whom or what would follow us.”

                “We’re? I thought patrols were run by one person?”

                “We’ve had to pull back our scouting locations and put out additional men on patrols. Luc is right, it’s not as safe in these parts as it used to be.” Halle was talking over his shoulder, he had turned towards Luc.

                “Halle, I think you were right. This whole time, ever since…”

                “We will talk later Luc, but not now.”

                Luc looked over at the boy and nodded. He turned from the doorway and left.

                “Ever since what, Halle?” He continued to stare out into the Ocean, almost like he was mesmerized by the waves.

                “It’s been almost thirteen years since we brought you in here, and never once have you missed a drop. Though I guess Luc makes it too easy for you.”

                “You told me to never ask about what happened, because you didn’t have the answers. But I never thought to ask you about what you did know, about why everyone treats me so differently.”

                Master Halle sighed. “I told you everything I know about you and where you’re from. But the information could be skewered, changed over time. For all I know they’re just stories, lies passed down through generations that suddenly became truth and legend.”

                “I am a supposed son of the flame, or at least I was found where the children of the flame had once lived before being destroyed. I am the last of an ancient ancestry believed to be blessed warriors who could use fire as a weapon, and so they were named children of the flame.”

                Halle stood silent behind him.

                “But I can’t control fire; I can’t so much as go near a flame without feelings of despair rising up within me. Every time I look into flames I remember them raping and killing my mother in front of me, and then it goes blank. I’m lost and broken, but most of all I am alone.”

                Halle opened his mouth to speak, but froze at a loss for words.

                “Pyre…”

                “That name, it burns into me every time I hear it. I was given this name and found amongst the ashes of the remains of my life.”

                “Pyre was also the name of your village. I can’t say I understand how you feel, but I can ask that you try to understand that we’re trying.” 

                Pyre smiled and turned around. “I know you are master Halle, but I want to leave soon.”

                Halle returned the smile. “Soon you will be ready, but not yet.”

                “Because of the shadows?” Pyre chuckled at the thought.

                “There are more than just shadows out there, but I’m afraid you already know that.”

                Pyre bowed to master Halle and left the balcony. He knew Luc would be around the next corner like he always was, waiting to talk to Pyre about his training. As he rounded the corner he saw Luc leaning against the wall opposite of him. He almost bounced off the wall and opened his arms up into the air.

                “Pyre! You looked bummed out bud, what’s up?”

                “The storm is coming, you know I hate them.”

                Luc laughed. “The storm always comes. So how goes your exercises? “

                “Same old: sword play, archery, fitness, survival, the regular.”

                “But you obviously don’t want to talk about that do you?”

                Pyre started walking towards the kitchens and Luc walked with him.

                “I know you’re not supposed to tell me about the patrols.”

                “But you want to know anyways?”

                Pyre nodded. They walked slowly into the smallest kitchen, each grabbing a freshly picked piece of fruit from nearby baskets.

                “I’m telling you, it’s getting worse out there. Men are disappearing when they go off by themselves; we can’t even so much as go off for a piss alone.”

                Pyre took a bite of his fruit. “So whad’ya think it is?” His words were barely discernible.

                Luc took a bite of his fruit as he leaned over the table between them. “It’s the hunter.”

                Pyre raised his eyebrow and almost scowled as he took another bite of his fruit.

                Luc swallowed. “Remember the stories of the hunter’s forest? The one our masters spoke of? I think it IS true Pyre, and these attacks have been happening ever since…”

                Luc stopped mid-sentence and looked down at the table, before taking another bite.

                Pyre chuckled and took another bite of his fruit. “Ever since I was burned down.”

                Luc looked up at Pyre, and Pyre saw the worried and scared look in Luc’s eyes.

                “You’re not kidding around are you?”

                Luc shook his head. “It’s serious, more and more men have been disappearing as of late. At first the hunter would only take down loners, men alone. But now, groups of three and four men have been going out and only one or two might return. We’re losing people fast, and if it’s the hunter or not, soon enough we won’t have enough soldiers to defend the keep.”

                “I didn’t know it was this serious of an issue.” Pyre swallowed but didn’t take another bite.

                “I think the legend of your people extended farther than just the imaginations of men, or at least your people were enough to keep the hunter’s grounds to just the eastern forests.”

                “What are you talking about?”

                “Pyre, if I’m right about this, the hunter was kept like a prisoner in the eastern forest. But with your people and your village gone, the hunting range has increased greatly. Because the attacks have grown to be so common, we don’t even know if Armeda is untouched. I’m going to recommend to master Halle that we send out no more patrols, and start sending out hunting parties.”

                Pyre looked down at the table, and put his fruit down. “How many didn’t come back?”

                Luc’s hands cringed against the table. “Seven of us went out two days ago for Armeda; we didn’t make it half way before we were attacked. Only four of us made it back, and not one of us saw it.”

The Vengeance PT.2 UNEDITED

“What are we doing here master Ghul?” The young man’s voice was light, and his lack of interest was beginning to show.

                The master turned over a burnt log, clearly a foundation pillar for a destroyed home.

                “We’re searching.”

                “Searching for what?”

                Master Ghul climbed onto a nearby rock and looked back at his student. The young warrior stood tall amongst the blackened and burnt wasteland around him. But something off to the right caught his eye, slow movement coming from behind another pile of ash and flame.   

                “Life.” Ghul looked into his student’s green eyes and smiled. “We’re looking for life Luc.”            

                Ghul stepped down from the rock and began jog towards the movement he had seen. Luc followed.

                “Do you really believe those stories master? Because that is all they are; just stories.” Luc’s disinterest still lingered in his words.      

                Master Ghul stopped and turned around to face Luc, which startled the student.

                “Look around you Luc. Do you think a mere fire could have done this? The village is torn apart and the structures are broken and scattered everywhere you look. The very ground we walk is burnt and turned to ash.”

                “So they started a really big fire, maybe the army torn the village down. We weren’t here; we don’t know what those sick men could have done.” Luc seemed almost frustrated by his master’s belief in mere fairy tales.          

                “You bring up a good point Luc, where’s the army gone too now?”

                Luc looked down at the ground and shook his head.

                “Our scouts reported last night the army was headed for this village, which by the way is not a part of Armeda, but did not report the army returning. Do you think they would continue north into the sea? We might have even seen them on our way here if that were so.”            

                “Maybe they headed east, away from Armeda.” Luc spoke quickly.        

                “Into the hunter’s forest? There’s nothing there for them, no riches, no land to conquer. All that lies to the east is death, you know that and so do they.” Ghul turned back around and began to head towards the movement he had seen. “They aren’t just stories Luc, they’re legends passed through the ages. The children of the flame have lived here away from the troubles of the human world for as long as our monastery has been. It seems that the land of men has forgotten what the children of the flame are capable of, but you must always know that we have not. It is our duty to believe in these stories Luc if we are to uphold our own legacy.”

                Luc chuckled. “Fine, let’s say I do believe you. Where are the children of the flame then? Where is everyone? This place is baron, there are no people here. If there was anyone here, they’re all dead.”

                Ghul picked up a large burnt pillar and threw it to his side. “Not everyone.”

The Vengeance. UNEDITED

The general entered through the small doorway followed by two men carrying their weapons at the ready. The general was forced to keep his head low in the small home. He towered over the short man in front of him who held a relatively small blade in his hand. He held onto it firmly and had it pointed at the general and his two soldiers. Behind the man stood a woman who looked frightened with tears rolling down her face.

                “That’s a beautiful woman you have there.” The general’s voice was rough and considerably deep. “How about you drop that weapon of yours and we have a nice friendly chat.”

                The small man shook his head slowly. “There are no words for the atrocities you have committed here.”

                “Atrocity is the word you have chosen for it, so there must be at least one.” The general chuckled. “I’ll be quite honest with you; I’m bored of killing your people. I came here thinking this village was the home of ‘legendary’ warriors. Instead I find myself and my men running rampant, slaughtering your men like sheep. I haven’t seen one man worthy of the title warrior, let alone legendary. So being that you’re the supposed leader I’ve come with an offer.”

                “The only offer I’ll accept is your head on a stake, and your army gone forever.” The light from the small fire to the right of them was glimmering in his eyes.

                “Oh come now, I haven’t killed that many people. There’s still at least half of the village still intact.” The two men laughed quietly behind the general, and he smiled. “So here’s an offer you might consider. You and I have a nice little battle outside for your whole village to watch. If you win, my army will leave and you can have my head. If I win, I get whatever the fuck I want. Like that girl there, I could use my own personal little slut on my travels.”  The general licked his lips and glanced at her.

                “I’d rather die!” The woman spoke with a determination. Though she looked scared her voice did not betray her.               

                “That can be arranged.” The general winked at her, followed by a devilish smile.

                “I decline your offer, but I’ll still have your head!” The short man swung his blade at the general, just catching the side of his cheekbone. The blade cut across the left side of his face across his brow and onto his forehead above his nose. The general tried to back out of the way but was still hit and knocked back. The two soldiers with him intervened immediately and started to repeatedly slice and stab the man.

                The general raised his hand to his face and cursed. “Kill them all and burn the village! That man just sealed its fate!” He walked through the small doorway into the middle of the village yelling at the top of his lungs. “KILL THEM ALL! BURN IT! BURN THE VILLAGE TO THE GROUND!”

                The roar of approval of his men was overwhelming. The general found himself smiling as his second in command brought him his horse.

                “Are you alright sir?” The young man asked.

                “That’s a dumb fucking question Dave. When did you get so soft?” The general laughed as he climbed onto his horse.  

                “Just courtesy sir. Here, take this.” Dave offered him a rag which the general accepted.

                “There are times I almost regret trying to be a father.” The general wrapped the rag tightly around the left side of his head to cover his wound. “We’re soldiers Dave, courtesy doesn’t come with the profession.”            

                “You’re right. So when did killing women and children ‘come with the profession?’”

                The general sighed. “It’s not the most honourable deed, no.”

                “There’s no honour in the slaughter of defenseless people father, you taught me that. When did that change?”

                The general kicked and the horse started to move, Dave followed suit.

                “I don’t recall teaching you that.” He grunted and Dave laughed.              

                “You didn’t, some asshole in town started muttering it after I screamed out ‘for honour!’ and then proceeded to behead some fat guy.”

                The general laughed and then interrupted himself and reached for his wound. “You had me going there; I really thought you’d gone soft.”

                Dave chuckled. “I think I am. I’ve grown bored of killing; it feels like it’s an unending deed.

                The general and Dave had reached the top of the nearby hill and watched from afar as the small village began to burn. They could see the soldiers running through the streets with bloodied blades. The town began to burn and the fires began to rise and join together in one extremely large flame.

                “Phew, I can feel the heat up here. I almost feel bad for the men.” Dave wiped the sweat from his forehead.

                “Well, they should be joining us soon. Then we came go home for a while. The invasion of Armeda is finished, and so is this village. I miss your mother’s cooking anyways.” They both smiled and Dave nodded in agreement.

                But down in the village something stirred. In the home of the man who earlier was struck down and murdered in front of his love, a child began to crawl. There lay his mother and father in a pool of their now mixed blood. The house was on fire and the heat was overwhelming, but the child couldn’t feel it. He crawled slowly towards their bodies from underneath the small table he had been hiding under. He was five years old, just old enough to understand what was happening. When he reached his mother he began to try and roll her over. She was face down in the dirt floor; her pants had been ripped off when the two soldiers raped her in front of the boy who was hiding. But now he was on his hands and knees beside his mother’s body, and he began to cry. At first it was just whimpering, but his crying was slowly becoming louder.

                Back on the hill the General and his son watched as the town burned. The flames were blowing in the wind and it almost looked beautiful. But suddenly a quiet whimper was on the wind.

                “Dave, do you hear that?”

                Dave looked around him. “Uh, hear what sir?”

                The general shook his head. “Oh, I could have sworn I heard a child… crying.”

                In the home the child began to scream. The pain of what lay before him was overwhelming. He didn’t understand it what he was feeling. He remembered the large man’s face, and the hatred was formed. Above him the flames slowly started to flow through the air around him. It swirled around slowly through the air almost like a calm tornado. Though he was young his mind was working stages ahead now. He wanted to see that man again; he wanted to cause the man pain. Suddenly the boy stood up and let out a loud roar. The flames around him burst outwards, and the house around him exploded. The flames continued outwards destroying all the homes around him. The soldiers still inside the village were incinerated immediately.

                On the hill, father and son watched in horror as the village exploded in front of them. The horses reared in fear and both men fell off their respective beasts. They didn’t hear the screams of men; instead they heard a roar of agony. The flames burst from the center home, the home the general remembered well. The explosion was so bright it nearly blinded the general, but his vision returned slowly. When he looked back at the village, all he could see was a towering dome of flames rapidly flowing around the center. In the center of the flames there stood a boy. The boy’s eyes were blood red, and he was looking right at the general.

                It was at this moment the general forgot everything he had ever believed in. It was at this moment he felt true fear. The general who conquered the known world for himself, who had slain monsters the size of trees, who repeatedly walked through small villages raping and pillaging with no remorse; he finally knew what true fear was.

                “Father, what just happened?” Dave spoke quickly and frantically while reaching for his head. The horses began to gallop away at full speed.

                The general didn’t answer at first; he was almost entranced by the boy.

                “Father! Are you alright?” Dave reached over and put a hand on the general’s shoulder.

                He continued to stare at the boy down in the village, and the boy let out one final roar. The flames began to grow outwards again at massive speed. Dave saw it just in time.

                “Father, look out!” He grabbed his father by his armor and pulled him back from the hills edge.

                The flames blew by and into the sky. When the general got up again and looked back down into the village, he couldn’t see the boy anymore. Small flames licked the countryside but the majority of the fire was gone.

                Dave pulled himself up and looked over the hill as well.

                “What’s going on? What just happened?”

                “They must have set up some kind of trap, maybe something that really blows up…” The generals voice faint. “We should leave now.”        

                “But the men…”

                “They’re all dead Dave, we’re leaving.”

                Dave watched as his father stood up and took one final glance down at where the village once was before turning away and never looking back.

Time goes by..

I was looking through some of my old stuff and found a piece of writing from almost ten years ago. I was around the age of ten when I wrote this, and when I read it I thought it was interesting that I could write something like this so long ago and forget about it. So here it is :

       As the days roll by like cars on the highway I begin to wonder amongst all my insane thoughts about the day it happened and how it would have turned out if I had not known what I did. If now even I had not known, I would not be here. Everything normal was lost because of the knowledge gained that day. So now I sit waiting for the next day or death. For me what comes next is a chance for redemption from the lords of the overworld.
       The countdown started before my birth and will end long after my death. I learned only enough to stall the countdown but only for a day, and after lifetimes on the countdown's time it felt meaningless. But the lords thought not, and sent a messenger to guide me. I wish now that I had only listened to the one who did not exist. He had always been right, yet the messenger led me to his perish. He told me not to weep for the lords of the overworld could not guide the next one, for I would be their one who did not exist. Yet it bothers me, because my subconscious desires to be the messenger.
       The noises through the walls used to cause me distress, but to some extent they give me hope. I wish only the lords could have chosen someone more worth while to do the job, but they only exist in my head some say. But they walk among us. If only you understood that everyone has "One Who Does Not Exist".

Something for fun. UNEDITED

“They’re coming Jade, we can’t stay.”

                “It’s him, isn’t it?” Her velvet voice echoed in my ears.

                “I don’t know. If it isn’t, he’s already dead.” He had to be alive; Rocho was too strong.

                “Where would we go? This is our last stand Euan. We’re all that stands between the Fae and Yeun.” Her determination surrounded her and it made me feel weak. She was so willing to give her life for a lost cause and all I could think of was how we could get away.

                “So what are we going to do?” Rocho would know, he always knew.

                Her face was straight, lacking the emotion she always carried with her. I know it before she says it, and she knows she doesn’t have to. We’re going to fight, we’re going to lose, and we’re going to die. The Fae would have Yeun, and the Infinite Knowledge would be theirs. Who knows what they would do, what they want with it. This can’t happen.

                “We swore to defend him, to defend his gift.” Our life was his curse.

                “With our lives,” She finished the oath. “So we shall.”

                “It can’t be the end; there must be something we can do. We can still defend him. We don’t have to give up.” I couldn’t bare a life without her, how could she do this.

                “I’m not giving up, but I won’t run. I’ve never run in my life, not from the Fae, not from my thoughts, and not from my feelings.” Her hand caressed my face, her soft skin left a warm tingling behind.

                She was right, but she was wrong. He was better. He was stronger, smarter, and more impressive. He always knew what to do; he was always there when he was needed. He saved countless lives, mine twice. He deserved her love, but she starved him of it. She confided in me when I was undeserving, and he accepted it though it burned him. I am torn between them, the bonds pulling me apart. She gave me her love, when all knew it was he who deserved it.

                “I’m sorry.” I backed away from her slowly, and she smiled. It started a fire inside, one that burned so hot I almost fell crippled to the ground. Even now she smiles at me, when I am the weakest of us all. I forced myself to turn from her gaze, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a tear roll down her cheek. To turn back now was the end; I could not leave her twice. I walked away, with no direction I walked. The trees and the brick walls mocked me. The dirt roads tried to eat my boots. It seemed so odd, to have such a large perimeter for such a small location. If not for the walls, the Fae may have never found us. But if they had, the walls made more sense.

The city was much smaller now with everyone gone. The alert had gone this morning, the Fae were approaching. They had gotten in by midday, a feat they had never accomplished before and it was our downfall. Though granted immortality we were not invulnerable. Never aging, never reproducing, our numbers dwindled with each attack. Over a millennium, thousands turned to hundreds. Perhaps without such a gift, Yeun could have stayed and our numbers would be more significant to defend him.

Yeun, our god, the infinite knowledge; and he couldn’t see this coming. He was all knowing, all seeing. We worshipped him from our home world, and vied for his favour with another group. We were granted his favour, and transported to his world. Given the gift of immortality, and charged with defending him. We took an oath to lay our lives to protect his final gift, the infinite knowledge. We were to never touch it, to never look inside. It was a gift that could not be used. We all decided that day, it was not his intention. To break our oath is to lose immortality, and to age once again. But what would he say now?

His temple stands in front of me, and I aim to find out what he would say. The entrance was large, cylindrical pillars supported the weight of the large stones. The hall was dark, one long tunnel. At the end I will find his throne, where his gift lays. She stands alone, waiting for the attack. The Fae were close by, but they didn’t know where the holy city was. They had only ever ben outside its walls, inside they were lost. If only I had the courage to stand with her, so she would not be alone when she dies. Rocho would have stayed; he would have had the courage, the strength to be with her.

I can see the light, the blue glow of the water that surrounds his throne. He would sit hear alone and listen to our prayers and our thoughts, he couldn’t bear to be alone. He gave this world to us, our new home. We were lost, he took our lives. Why did he leave? It’s colder here, the room was tall. The stones were glowing with the water, but it was still dark. The throne was small, not as magnificent as the temple. There it lay, his final gift, the infinite knowledge. How many Fae had given their lives to try and take this? Their numbers unending, ours was dwindling. It was time to see his final gift, the youngest one who lacked the strength to love all that loved him, willing to break his oath to see the answers. It is not courage that drives me, it is fear. Fear that I won’t see the end of days, that she will die alone, and that I could be any weaker. Yeun, you most show me all the answers. Show me how to save us, show me how to protect you. Show me the strength required to fulfill all that I promised to do.

~

                It was getting darker, Jade stood alone with her weapon in hand. The shadows were getting closer, this was it. Euan would have to be the one, he had to be. There was none left who could escape with Yeun, and Jade would give him the time he needed to escape. There was a rustling close by, Jade stood ready for an attack, but it was a man who approached. His heavy steps were slightly muffled by the forest floor. Rocho jogged up to Jade, and she lowered her hand. His arm was cut, but he was alive.

                “You made it.” Jade smiled at Rocho, and he returned the smile.

                “They’re close; it won’t be long until they exact this location, we have to move.” His hurried words were reminiscent of Euan’s.

                “We can’t, we’re all that’s left Rocho.” She stayed calm; she had already accepted her fate.

                “Where’s Euan? He wasn’t at the front; I know he stayed with you.” He wasn’t concerned, he looked agitated.

                “He was worried about you, he went looking. He hasn’t returned, and I fear the worst has happened.” Rocho looked back into the forest, turning back grief stricken.

                “He wouldn’t have lasted long out there, I’m sorry.” Rocho bowed his head. “But now isn’t the time to mourn, we have to leave.”

                His persistence was greater than Euan’s, but she expected it. Rocho was always right, even when he was wrong. He was confident, but only she saw that he was over confident. His perfection was misguided.

                “Leave to where?” Jade was having troubles making this conversation twice, she could only hope Euan would have the strength to let go, and do what was necessary.

                “Yeun will know, we have to go to Yeun.” Rocho was not suggesting, he was commanding. Jade shook her head.

                “We swore we would leave his gift alone, and alone it shall stay. We can protect him still, together Rocho.” She clung to all she had left to keep him at bay, it hurt using his emotions. Rocho looked dismayed, but then he smiled.

                “I was hoping to take you with me, to spare you. But I knew in my head you too would choose death over survival. This is the end.” Before he finished speaking, he stuck his blade into Jade’s gut. She keeled over his right arm and he leaned in. “He will die, if he’s not already dead. And when he dies, he will be alone, just like you.”

                Jade could feel the tears streaming down her face, and with all the strength she had left in her, she pulled herself up and smiled at Rocho.

                “He was always better than you, and I know you see it. You’ve always seen it.” Jade gave her last breathe to show him his weakness, his only weakness. Rocho spat in her face, and pulled the blade from her stomach letting her drop to the bloodied dirt. She lay there, waiting for the darkness to consume her.

                Rocho followed the dirt path, and he knew Euan would be here somewhere. He stayed alert, taking the most direct path to the temple. He could feel the weight of all the Fae, and all the guardians he had killed today. He let them in; it was his last chance to take the gift. He had waited all these years for the guardians to die out. He did all he could to make them ignore his thoughts, they would never suspect him. But she did. He loved her, and she knew of his foul play. Instead she gave herself to Euan, and he couldn’t even give himself back. He always tried to make Rocho proud, and he only wanted to be strong enough for Jade. It made him sick now. He spat at the temple as he drew closer. He started to run down the hall of the temple, and soon he could see the faint glowing. He could see a shadow. But before he could get any closer the light started to grow. Brighter and brighter it became, until it was almost blinding. But through the brightest glow, he could still see the shadow.

~

The light was still blinding when I reopened my eyes, but now I see the lush green world around me. The sun was shining bright, and it looked like it was morning. But where am I? The trees were tall, and the skies were blue. The white clouds dotted the skyline, and there were tall objects on the horizon far in the distance. Did it work, am I truly home? Did Yeun save us? How many were left to save? On the ground lay the infinite knowledge, the small markings still slightly glowing. His power was truly remarkable, even when he’s gone Yeun could still give him the power to escape the Fae and return to the home world. The gift that was given had finally been used. But now I am no longer immortal.

                I decided to grab Yeun’s gift and leave. It had been over a thousand years since I walked on this world, who knew if people still existed? Of course Yeun would, but I couldn’t abuse his gift. The walk on across the plains was boring, but it was nice to hear the birds singing. I walked towards the tall objects; it would be nice to have a landmark to work with. I feel lighter here, like the world here is giving me strength. Perhaps Yeun has given me another gift, though I betrayed his oath. I continued to walk, and after an hour I decided to stop and look around. I was traveling downhill it seemed, and the large objects were getting bigger, and they looked like structures. Who could have built such large standing monuments? Were there still men on this world? Or had another more advanced people arrived? I could hear a quiet cough nearby, and at first I ignored it. I stayed alert, but when I heard the second cough I tried to follow the sound. The tall grass was thick, perfect for an ambush. Predators could be lying in wait, or perhaps something wanting to take Yeun’s gift. But when I found her, she was still alive. Barely hanging onto life; face down in the dirt. I rolled her over, and her face lit up like the morning sky.

                “Euan, you did it.” Her words were spoken slowly, no more than a whisper.

                I nodded, and I could feel the tears begin to stream. I wasn’t fast enough; the Fae had got her first.

                “I knew you could do it, but this isn’t the end.” She stopped to take a breath, and each time she did her words were weaker. “Keep it safe, I know you can.”

                I pulled her face close to mine, and I bowed my head. She stared into my eyes, and I began to regret leaving her, I should have tried harder. I should have got her to come with me, or at least stayed to die with her. “I failed you.” Was all I could say to her, but she shook her head.

                “No. No, you’re doing the hardest thing of all Euan. You’re going to survive.” Her words were starting to space out. I know I don’t have much time left with her. I didn’t know what to do, what to say.

                “I love you Euan.” My heart started to thud, it was getting louder and faster. I didn’t know how to react, she was passing. It was happening to quickly. She raised her hand and rested it on my cheek.

                “Don’t worry, I know.” She closed her eyes, and I knew this was it. Her hand dropped from my face, and her weak heart beat faded away. I could feel the life leave her, and all I could feel was the hatred for myself. I buried her, and she was given an unmarked grave. Yeun would show me the way if I needed to find her again.