Young Writers Society

Finally completed Ch 2.Still can't think of a title! #frustrated face. Decided to just upload it all together this time. 5000 words may be too long . . . Oh well.

Chapter 2 – Under the Branches

I’ll reference the story to begin the conversation, Juliana thought. She tightly gripped her grandfather’s storybook under her arm as she approached the tree. The girl knew she would need to learn more about the boy if she was to inquire about his crying from the previous night.

The tree’s enormous roots protruded from the dirt, and Juliana carefully stepped over them as she peeked around the trunk. She saw him leaning against the oak; staring into the forest with a blank expression on his face. She slowly revealed herself and stood to the boy’s right. Her hands began to shake slightly as she drew closer to him.

Why? Why am I suddenly so timid? She held the book in front of her as she inhaled and looked down at her fingers in an attempt to calm herself. Am I . . . afraid of him?

She glanced up and saw the young man staring at her, but he quickly turned away and faced forward again. Juliana tried to speak, but the words would not come. She had thought about what she would say to him for almost the entire day, but was unable to act when the situation finally presented itself. All she could manage was a weak smile in his direction, and her breath became audible and more frequent as she stood there.

At last the young man turned to her. “Are you . . . alright?” he asked.

Surprised to hear him speak first, Juliana finally gathered herself. “I-I think so,” she said. “May I sit here?”

“Y-Yes, go ahead,” he said. “I . . . I do not mind.”

Juliana carefully sat down next to him and placed her grandfather’s book between them. A cold breeze blew past them, forcing Juliana to hold her hair back with one hand. “Um . . . I just wanted to thank you . . . for finishing the story earlier.” She nervously pointed to the book.

“Oh, y-you’re welcome.”

“Have you read this somewhere before?”

“Uh, no, no I haven’t . . .” the boy replied.

His answer surprised Juliana, but she felt relieved that he was responsive to her. “Will you tell me how you know of it then?” She smiled at him, but the boy turned away.

He fidgeted with the soft patch of grass to his left, his hand twitching as he spoke to her. “I . . . I uh, I-I’ve heard that story many times.”

Juliana did not believe what she saw; the strong young man appeared to be even more nervous than she was. She reached out to touch his shoulder, but thought better of it and pulled her hand away. “Um, are you alright?”

He was unable to look at her directly as he turned his shoulders around again. “Y-Yes, I am well . . . are you?” he said awkwardly.

“I am,” replied Juliana. A long pause followed as she folded her hands under her chin and thought about what to say.

“Did you . . . need help with something?” the young man asked.

“No. I was only curious about the story.” Juliana’s confidence grew as she spoke with him, but she knew the young man did not feel the same. He lowered his head and began mumbling softly to himself before she could continue.

“Mother . . .”

“I’m sorry?” she said in an inquisitive tone. “Did you say something?” Juliana leaned in closer to hear his muted speech.

The boy recoiled slightly from her friendly stare; his voice cracking as he stuttered. “Oh, uh, my mother told me that story often when I was young. I . . . I’ve practically memorized it. T-That’s how I knew the end.”

Juliana smiled and gave her best effort to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. “My mother told me stories also,” she said. “I don’t remember many of them though. You must be quite intelligent to have memo--. . . wait, I’m sorry. I never introduced myself. I’m Juliana.”

“Oh, I’m . . . Lucian.”

Juliana responded with the first words that came to her mind. “Hmm, ‘Lucian’ . . . it’s a beautiful name.”

The boy blushed. “T-Thank you,” he said as he tried to look at her. “I . . . I like y-your name as well.”

Juliana could not help but giggle softly at his bashful behavior.

A few moments passed before she realized it fell on her to continue the discussion. He opened up a little when I mentioned the story. It’s worth another try. “Oh, um Lucian?” she said.

“Yes?”

“Will you write in the ending to the dragon story?”

The boy’s apprehension grew as Juliana turned to the last page. “Oh, no . . . I-I couldn’t,” he said. “I . . . uh . . . I don’t want to ruin it.”

“It’s alright,” she reassured him. “It’s quite old, my grandfather won’t mind. Some of the pages have been stained as it is.” She handed the book to him. “I’ll be back in a moment Lucian.”

She stood and sprinted to the wagon to retrieve her ink and writing quill. Lucian . . . He does seem kind, but why he is so uncomfortable near me?

Juliana quickly returned to the tree and sat closer to him than before. “Here Lucian, use this.” She dipped the feather into the ink vial and held it over the book. A small drop fell onto the paper as she waited for him to receive it.

Lucian reluctantly took the quill from her and gripped it tightly in his left hand. He sat quietly and did not put the feather to the page. His hand shook as he sighed and rubbed his eyes with his right thumb.

It’s nearly dark now, she thought. Perhaps he is unable to see it clearly. She pointed to the bottom of the page. “Here,” she said.

“Uh y-yes, I know,” Lucian answered. He continued to stare at the paper until he suddenly closed the book. “I’m sorry, I . . . I can’t do it,” he said.

“Why not?”

Lucian handed the feather back to her and turned away. “Because . . . because I can’t read,” he said quietly.

Juliana immediately regretted making the request. “Oh, I, I wasn’t aware . . . Um . . . I . . .”

Lucian hung his head and said nothing in response.

What do I say now? she wondered. I’ve embarrassed him! And I can’t just leave. I have to help him. . .

“I’m so sorry Lucian,” she said. “I didn’t mean to . . . W-We can do it together if you wish. I’ll write the final passage if you recite it to me again.”

Lucian quickly turned and looked at her with wide eyes. Juliana was startled by his sudden movement and briefly wondered if she said something to offend him. She expected him to be angry, but he did not raise his voice. The young man seemed to gaze at her in disbelief, smiling as he was able to look into her eyes for the first time.

“Y-You’re the first . . .”

“The first?” she asked.

Lucian’s grin widened as he set the book on the ground between them. “You’re the first person who didn’t laugh . . . when I told them.”

She had never seen him display any joy or happiness before. His laughter was both strange and comforting to her. And the feeling of nervousness that hung over them dissipated almost instantly.

Juliana penned the final lines of the dragon story as Lucian spoke them to her. The boy altered his voice to distinguish the speech of each character and raised his arms to express the size of the dragon. Juliana had to stop him twice to keep pace with his engaging and charming enthusiasm for the story. She applauded when the tale concluded, and Lucian reacted with a smile and more skittish laughter.

As time went on, Juliana spoke to him with much greater ease. Lucian became comfortable as well, and he was able to answer her questions with little hesitation. Juliana eventually shifted the subject of the discussion to their travel companions.

“I apologize for my brother and grandfather’s constant bickering,” she said. “They have a . . . difficult relationship.”

“I noticed that,” Lucian said, “But they do seem to work well together.”

“They only cooperate for my sake. I wish they would speak kindly to each other.”

Lucian chuckled under his breath. “You’re certain they’re related?”

Juliana smiled and giggled along with him. “Hmm, they’re not very convincing are they? Perhaps I should ask to be sure!”

She found Lucian’s laughter to be contagious, and they continued to casually joke about her family as the wind scattered the leaves at their feet. Grandpa was right about him, she thought. He only needed someone to talk to. The two eventually became silent again as the stars became visible in the last of the red and pink sky.

Juliana looked off into the distance. “The evening sky is so beautiful,” she said. “We can finally enjoy it now that we’ve reached the end of the forest. Look Lucian, you can see the moon just over those trees.”

But Lucian did not respond to her when she pointed to the stars.

Juliana looked to her left and saw him staring at the old storybook resting on her lap. “Lucian?”

He looked up at her. “Juliana . . . May I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Your brother Radi, he, he doesn’t enjoy reading about dragons?”

“Not just dragons,” she said. “He doesn’t read much of anything anymore. Ever since the day he . . . quit.”

“Quit?” Lucian asked.

Juliana fingered through the pages of her grandfather’s book. “My brother and I were homeschooled by my mother, but Radi quit when he turned thirteen.”

“Oh, why would he do that?”

“Because of my father,” she said. “He was drafted into the military when we were both young. My mother and grandfather had to manage the farm for four years while he was away. I was only three years old when he left, so I don’t remember those days myself . . . but Mother said that father returned as a different man.”

Lucian remained silent and nodded as Juliana continued.

“He received many medals and awards from the war of 1210 against Serathyme.” She sighed and closed the book. “Radi became infatuated with father’s stories about battle and glory. He wished with all of his heart to follow in father’s footsteps and lead Marceris to victory when he was old enough. Father began training Radi to use a sword when he turned eleven, and they have been close ever since.”

“I see,” Lucian said. “So reading was no longer important to him?”

“I don’t understand him,” she said, “dedicating his entire life to a goal that will likely get him killed someday. He’s completely obsessed with his desire to become a war hero. He doesn’t read anything unless weapons or combat are involved, and he even asked for permission to enlist on his eighteenth birthday.”

“D-Did your father allow it?”

“Thankfully he did not, but only at the request of my mother.”

“But now he is traveling to Melliark anyway . . .”

“That’s right; he only had to wait another year. He . . . he opened his draft notice last week, and he’s required to report to the barracks before the end of the month. He was never happier in his life . . . the look of excitement on his face that night . . .”

She described the scene to Lucian as she remembered it, but was careful to exclude details that she considered too personal . . .

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The air in the house felt unusually cold for an early autumn night. Juliana finished preparing her father’s place at the table and returned to the family room. She pushed her favorite chair across the floor and positioned it near the fireplace. After a few moments of warming her hands near the flames, she sat down and covered herself with her mother’s quilt. The seat’s curved wooden frame creaked under her weight as she leaned back and opened her study book.

“Thank you Juliana,” her mother said from the kitchen.

“You’re welcome Mother.”

The two women became quiet as they patiently waited for Juliana’s father. The crackling of the burning logs was periodically drowned out by her mother’s humming from the dining room. The woman sang softly as she stirred the soup in her bowl. Juliana recognized the tune immediately and smiled as she sang along to herself.

I wish I could sing as well as her, she thought. Such a beautiful voice . . . She leaned closer to the fire to illuminate the right page of her text.

They waited only a short while longer until the front door opened slowly. Juliana’s father entered the house holding three loaves of bread under his arm. The man slipped off his boots as he closed the door behind him. Her mother stood to greet him as he removed his cloak and hung it on the coat rack behind him.

“Welcome back,” she said. “Dinner is ready dear.”

“I’m glad,” the man answered with a mock sternness. “Your fetch quest has given me a hearty appetite. Please select warmer evenings for exhausting our supply of bread in the future.”

The woman walked past Juliana and received the loaves from him. “I’m sorry dear; I won’t let it happen again.”

The man laughed. “I was hardly serious Lylia, now come over here.” He reached his arm around his wife’s waist and held her close to his body as he ran his fingers through her long brown hair. “Did you know that you become more beautiful with each passing day?”

“Not now dear,” Lylia said. She gently pushed his chest with her free arm; flinching as the man’s cold lips kissed her neck and cheeks. “You’re so cold,” she whispered to him. “Please Torin, not in front of Juliana.”

Juliana pretended not to notice her father as he released Lylia. She turned the page and lifted the blanket over her shoulders as she read on.

Torin looked over Lylia’s left shoulder at Juliana. “I see. Let me warm myself a bit before we eat then.”

“Of course,” Lylia said. “I’ll prepare the bread, but the soup will be cold if you are too long.” She turned away from the man and entered the dining room.

Juliana greeted her father as he approached. He rubbed his face and smiled at her as he warmed his hands near the fire.

Torin leaned over her and lightly kissed his daughter on her forehead. “Well, you certainly look comfortable.”

“Yes I am,” she said. “The fire is still burning as strong as when you left.”

“It certainly feels that way. That reminds me, I still need to teach you how to start one yourself.”

“Why Father? You’ll always be the best at these things.”

He chuckled and smiled at her. “So, will the white haired angel join us for dinner?”

“No, not tonight, she said. “I want to eat with Radi when he returns.”

“Keeping with your same routine I see. Do you still read to him about the wars of Alisator?”

“No. We finished with those last month. Now I only read him the news that he brings back from Parnett. Well, until he falls asleep that is.”

“I’ve been wondering how those papers began appearing in your room,” Torin said. “Radi visits town every day now?”

“Yes. Ever since war broke out with Serathyme again . . . he runs there and back as a part of his training.”

“That boy is incredible; he’s part horse I tell you.”

Juliana laughed as her father kneeled and embraced her through the quilt.

“Well, I shouldn’t keep your mother waiting. I love you Julie.”

“I love you too,” she answered. “I’m glad you’re home.”

Juliana continued to study as her parents dined in the room behind her. The house was peaceful while the couple enjoyed their meal, but they began to argue shortly after they finished.

Not again, Juliana thought.

Her mother closed the door linking the two rooms, and Juliana unintentionally eavesdropped on their disagreement as they yelled at each other.

“It’s not right,” her mother said. “Families are meant to be together during mealtime!”

Her father dropped his spoon in the empty bowl. “We’ve already talked about this Lylia. Radi works hard all day and trains in the evening. Late at night is the only time she can be with him.” The man lowered his voice, but Juliana could still hear him through the door. “She has so few friends as it is; reading to Radi has lifted her spirit these last few months. Even her cooking has improved because of it.”

“I know, but . . . she should at least sit with us,” Lylia whispered back.

Torin spoke normally again. “Please dear, you want her to sit through your incessant questioning of her magic studies? At that rate she would still be reading her fifth text.”

“That’s hardly the case!” Lylia shouted. “And Radi should join us as well! He could easily set his sword down for just an hour and dine with us.”

“He’s nearly twenty Lylia! You cannot treat him like a child anymore. You must accept that he’s become his own man now.”

“He can’t be a man and also be with his family? Why must he choose one over the other?”

“The matter is not as simple as y--”

Her parents were suddenly silenced by a knocking sound at the front door.

Radi wouldn’t bother knocking, Juliana thought. It’s too early for him anyway. Who would visit us after dark?

“Let me answer it Father!” she said.

The knocking continued as she stood and set her book on the chair. “I’m coming, just a moment please.” She straightened her dress and crouched down to light a candle at the fireplace. She placed the small wax column inside an empty lantern case and quickly moved for the door. Who could it be? There was another knock as she pulled the door open. “Oh, hello there.”

A young woman stood shivering on the porch with a lantern of her own; her fist extended towards the house. Her long blonde hair was curled and tied back with an elaborate red bow. Juliana noticed immediately that the girl’s sleeveless dark blue dress was especially short and tight to her body; an odd choice considering the chilling temperature.

“Hello,” the girl said as she lowered her arm. “Is Radi home?”

“Um no,” Juliana answered. “He’s still training outside.”

“Oh, do you know where?”

“Sorry, he never tells us. He hates to be disturbed during his exercises.”

“I see . . .” The girl looked down and covered her bare arms with her hands.

Juliana leaned against the door. “Do you, um, want to wait for him inside?” She gestured with her empty hand to show the young woman indoors.

“Oh no, my father and I were just dropping by on our way home from Parnett. Our farm is not far north from here.”

“Yes I remember,” Juliana said. “We’ve met before.”

“W-We have?”

Juliana nodded. “You’ve been here three times before, most recently last week. Your parents were both with you then. You’re Relia Bedwyr, your father’s name is Garren, and your mother’s name is Celia.”

“Oh, it seems you’re right, but . . . I’m sorry . . . I still don’t recall meeting you.”

Juliana laughed quietly to herself. “It’s alright; I just remembered your name as I saw you now. We were both standing behind our parents the first time. I’m Juliana.”

Relia smiled and nodded. “Oh yes, Juliana, I remember now. You’re Radi’s younger sister correct?”

“Yes, three years younger.”

“Well, thank you for inviting me in, but I really am just dropping by. Will you tell Radi I was here?”

“I will tell him when he returns.”

“Wonderful. Thank you so much Juliana.” The girl turned and walked away quickly as Juliana said goodbye.

Just dropping by dressed like that? She could have thought of a more plausible lie. She blew out the candle and returned inside.

Her father stood over the chair holding her text. “Who were you talking to?” he asked.

“That was Relia, from the Bedwyr farm.”

“Relia . . . Relia . . . is she the blonde one?”

Juliana sat down and received her book from Torin as he covered her with the blanket. “Yes Father. Is that how you distinguish them now?” she asked.

“I’m sorry Angel; it’s become more difficult to remember all of Radi’s admirers lately. Relia is a good girl.”

“Why does he ignore them all Father? Shouldn’t he at least tell them he’s not interested?”

The man adjusted the charred logs with a long metal rod and crouched near the flames to light his hand pipe. “He doesn’t want to hurt them Juliana. Besides, what’s the harm in letting them dream about him until they’ve met someone else?”

Juliana shook her head. “All those girls swooning over him will only further inflate his pride. He should stop wasting their time.”

“Is that envy I hear?”

“Of course not!” Juliana shouted. She quickly covered her mouth as Torin glared at her from the fireplace.

“Forgive me father, I did not intend any disrespect.”

The man stood and turned his back as he exhaled the smoke away from her. “I know Julie,” he said softly. “Radi will deal with his own affairs. We must lower our voices now, your mother retired early tonight.”

The two spent the majority of the evening on far sides of the room. They said very little to each other so Juliana could concentrate on her studies. Her father smoked his pipe and polished the swords and medals hanging on the opposite wall. He only spoke to her only when the wood in the fireplace required his attention. Juliana sighed and closed the book when she finally finished the last page.

“Only one left now Julie?” Torin asked.

“Um, no, this was actually the last.”

“You’ve read twelve already?” He extinguished his pipe and walked over to her to examine the cover.

“Well, three hundred pages in two days . . . Juliana, you know we can’t afford anoth--.”

“I know father, I . . . I will read them all from the beginning starting tomorrow.”

“Perhaps you should read them over at a slower pace.”

She smiled and stood from the chair. “I will. I have enough material to review for a long time now.”

“Good,” Torin said as he hugged her. “I’m leaving to join your mother now. Will Radi be home soon?”

“Yes. I need to prepare our meal.”

“Please do so silently Angel. Your mother left what you need in the kitchen.”

“Thank you Father,” she said. “Good night.”

“Good night Julie. I love you.”

Juliana took one of the candles on the dining room table and ignited the wood under the kitchen furnace. She mixed her brother’s favorite spices into the stew and heated the kettle. The weak fire under the furnace was of little comfort to her cold skin, and she returned to the family room after slicing the bread and preparing two places at the table.

To her great dismay, the flames in the fireplace were nearly extinguished. She poked at the blackened logs with the metal rod in an attempt to renew the fire. Her efforts were in vain however, and she eventually retreated to her chair. The large room became dark and unsettling as the last few embers died out. Juliana decided to light her lantern with a candle from the other room. She placed her light on the floor and sat against the wall facing the door as she waited for Radi to enter.

How can he withstand such cold? she wondered. He’ll be home soon. Strong gusts of wind intermittently shook the door handle and fooled her. She looked up, expecting the door to open, but was disappointed time after time. Where is he?

Juliana began to worry for her brother as she fought her body’s desire for sleep. She periodically paced between the door and the kitchen to check on the meal, which was now too warm to consume. He’s never late like this! Did something happen? Should I go find him? No, it’s far too dark now, and I’ve no idea where to even look.

She eventually placed her lantern on the table and dowsed the furnace flames with water. Her body became too weary and exhausted to return to the other room. She sat down and rested her head on the table as she closed her eyes and began to doze. He . . . he should know I’m waiting for him. Wait . . . could he be with Relia? That girl she . . . no . . . She can’t find . . . Radi . . . please come home . . . where are you . . . where--. Time seemed to stand still, and she fell asleep with her brother’s absence weighing heavily on her heart.

“Juliana! Juliana! Wake up!” Radi shouted. He shook Juliana gently and caught her as she fell from the chair when she awoke. “Wake up Juliana! I’m home!”

Juliana opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him. “R-Radi? You’re . . . home?”

“Don’t you recognize your own brother in front of you? I said I’ve returned!”

She stood and leaned her weight on the chair as she rubbed her eyes. Most of the candles on the table were burnt out, and the remaining few had melted down to their base. “I see you Radi,” she whispered.

“Where have you been? I prepared din--”

“Yes, yes. Thank you! I’m sorry I’ve come later than usual! Where is Father?” he shouted.

Juliana rushed over to him and tried to cover his mouth, but he turned her hands away easily. “Lower your voice Radi! Mother and Father have been sleeping upstairs in their room for hours now.”

“We should wake them then!”

“For what reason?”

“Look at this!” He waved a folded paper in front of her.

Juliana snatched the sheet from him and brushed her hair away from her face. The poor lighting of the kitchen forced her to squint to read the small lettering. Radi quickly moved behind her and looked over her shoulder as she quietly read out loud.

“To the family of Radi Karis,

On behalf of His Majesty King Nirune and the proud forces of Marceris, it is my great privilege to

inform you that your son has been selected to serve in defen--.”

Juliana gasped and covered her mouth as she slumped into the chair again. N-No, it can’t be. The wording is the same as father’s . . . The paper shook in her hands.

“Do you realize what this is Juliana? I’m to depart for Melliark!”

“P-Please contain yourself Radi,” she whispered. “How did you get this?”

“Someone in Parnett mentioned the mail carriers were ordered to make urgent deliveries tonight. So I waited for their arrival outside.”

“You’ve been training near the mailbox the entire night?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I should have come inside to tell you, but look!” He laughed and pointed to the bottom of the page. “It bears the Elentien royal seal! And it’s signed by Senior General Harik!”

Juliana lost her composure and yelled back at him. “How can you be so excited? Do you know what this means?”

“Of course I do! I’ve been waiting many long years for this day! All of my training will fina--.”

Torin suddenly swung open the door from the family room. “What is this commotion?” he shouted. “You are both to go to sleep immediately! We will talk about this in the morn--.”

“Father!” Radi yelled. “It has finally arrived Father!” he grabbed the draft notice from Juliana’s trembling hands and rushed to the man’s side. “Look! I’ve been drafted! I must register in Melliark!”

Juliana looked on as her father examined the paper. His anger quickly morphed into pride and joy for his son, and he embraced Radi as he lovingly shook him. “W-We must tell your mother! Come Radi!”

The two men dashed out of the room, leaving Juliana alone as she tried to hold back her tears.

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“Mother wrote a letter to my grandfather that same night. I convinced her and father to allow me to accompany Radi to Melliark, but they only agreed because the cleric school there is the best in all of Marceris.” Juliana became quiet as she went on. “However . . . my parents could not join us. The coming harvest is one of the most important crops of the entire year. And my father said that we could not ignore our responsibility to the neighboring villages . . . I, I should be happy for Radi, it’s what he’s wished for his entire life, but what if he . . . what will I . . .”

“I see,” Lucian said. “So, you can heal people? With magic?

Oh! I’ve been rambling; I haven’t given him a chance to speak this entire time! “Uh, Yes, Well I’ve only studied thus far. I haven’t actually healed anyone before, but I will soon.”

“Is it difficult?”

“I don’t think it will be, but it depends on the wound or illness in question. But that’s enough about my life. Tell me about yourself Lucian.”

“M-Myself?”

Juliana nodded. “Yes. Why are you traveling to Melliark?” Her question was followed by an awkward silence. “I’m sorry Lucian; I didn’t intend to make you uncomfortable.”

“Uh, n-no I, I just . . .” The young man folded his hands and let out a loud sigh as he stared at the branches overhead. “I . . . I’m . . .”

This is awful, she thought. He feels obligated to answer because I’ve revealed so much about myself. But we’ve only just met; he doesn’t have enough trust in me to answer my question. I’ve embarrassed him again. . .

Lucian finally took control of his stuttering and spoke to her softly. “Juliana, please forgive my nervousness. I . . . I do not speak to strangers often, but . . . I feel as if I can trust you.”

Juliana became surprised as he seemed to answer her thought.

The young man gazed into her dark-green eyes. “Will you keep my secret?” he asked. “I . . . I need to tell this to someone.”

“Y-Yes,” she said. “I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”

Lucian looked all around the campsite as he began to untie his headband.