Young Writers Society

Chapter 4 is up!

For those of you who are just reviewing this chapter, here's a super short synopsis of what's happened so far.

"Brinxlee Kaye was on a journey, one that she hoped would fulfill her dying father's final wishes. Her desire was to sketch the country outside her town walls, or at least parts of it, for her father. But things take a drastic turn when a city is destroyed by the murderous Ronan Payne, and Brinxlee finds herself in company with a pirate named Morgan who has convinced Bri to help get her ship, the Black Swan, back from several of Ronan's old crew. Now Brinxlee is in a battle of the wills. With a destructive villain on the loose, a dying father, and an obligation to help Morgan regain her beloved ship, she is torn with what to do. Why was it her who was pulled into this horrid mess? For now, that is a mystery."

Characters:

Bri (Brinxlee’s nickname) - Gaelic/Irish - “high, noble, exalted” or “strong”

Kaye - English- “keeper of the keys

Morgan - Celtic - “lives by the sea”

Hasani - African “handsome”

Mablevi- (pronounced ma-ble-vi) - African - “do not deceive”

Ronan - Celtic - “oath”

Akilah - (pronounced ah-kee-lah) - Arabic - “bright, intelligent”

Jabari - Egyptian - “brave”

Places:

Meredain - (variant of Meridian) - “great prosperity”

Beckenham - (pronounced bek-en-ham) - An English town

Bomani - African - “warrior”

Chapter Four

A heavy boot nudges my side. I moaned and rolled over, feeling soft grass under my fingers. The nudge was followed by a hefty kick. My eyes flutter open, and I turn back over to the sight of Morgan's cool smirk. She bent over, letting her loose black hair swish around her face as she said,

“C'mon, get up, sweetheart. Daylight's wasting.” I roll over, mumbling grumpily under my breath. A second kick from Morgan's boot finally woke me. As I sat up, my nose wrinkled at a pungent odor.

“What's that smell?”

“That's what you call a dead animal, darling.” Morgan said as she motioned. I glanced off to the right and had to hold back a gag.

“What is that thing??”

“Hard to say. It's a large creature, for sure. The wolves must've gotten to it. Guess they weren't hungry enough to eat it all.”

My eyes widened and my voice trembled as I spoke.

“Wolves? Here?? Right next to our camp?”

“Aye, wolves. Better get used to them. They're always roaming the woods. It's a wonder we survived the night.” She looked at my stunned face and burst out laughing.

“I'm only joking! Lighten up. You're not in any danger, I promise.” She hurriedly added, noting my worried look.

“Wolves usually avoid humans. Although I'd be more worried about the Black Blades following us. Best be sure we don't leave any signs.”

The sun was just starting to shed its light through the trees as we packed up to leave. I averted my eyes from the animal carcass, trying to ignore the nauseating smell. I had only ever seen a dead animal like that once: a dead seal on the beach, its remaining form being picked clean by birds. I hated to see something suffer, even an animal. My tenderhearted approach towards life only seemed to add to the growing list of worries that plagued my mind about this journey. How could someone like me inflict pain on another human being? I couldn't even bring myself to kick a dog.

I had plenty of time to meditate on those worries during our day's travels. Morgan talked very little, and she only ever seemed to make snide remarks and abrupt comments. Even so, I noticed that she tended to be rather modest about her own abilities and considerate with mine. She acted every bit as the noble pirate, with her bold attitude and tough demeanor.

However, I grew to realize that she often lacked feeling for others, particularly those she found annoying or inconvenient. Even though she was a fairly reasonable person, anyone who crossed her would have his face ground into the dirt before he could make a second move. My thoughts were interrupted as my face smacked into Morgan's back. She held up a hand to silence my comments, scanning the trees carefully.

“There's someone out there.” She murmured, hand reaching for the saber at her side. I followed suit, taking out the sword Morgan had given me. I could barely hold the sword still in my quaking hands. What was out there?

Forest sounds fill my ears, mixed with my own heavy breathing. A twig snapped behind us and I spun around to see a dark shape in the trees. A flash of steel caught my eye, emanating from a dagger which the masked figure brandished. He walked towards us, blade outstretched as a low growl sounded from his throat.

“Release your weapons from your grasp immediately!” The sword instinctively fell from my trembling hands, but Morgan launched herself at the figure, joining her steel to the figure's blade and knocking it out of his hands. She kicked out his legs, holding her saber to a dark-skinned neck. She whipped off the black mask, revealing a male face, about nineteen years old.

“Thought I recognized that voice! Look here, Brinx. We caught an old buddy of mine.” She grinned, pulling the blade from his neck.

“Should have chosen something a little better than a dagger.” she said, heaving him up off the ground. He grinned sheepishly and rubbed at his neck.

“Morgan… I never thought I would have the pleasure of seeing your stunning features again.” His eyes met mine and he smiled. “Apologizes for that, maha.”

“What's maha?” I muttered to Morgan, trying to appear tough towards the newcomer.

“It means beautiful eyes. It's a common compliment in his village.”

“Ah…” I gnawed on my lip, staring at the boy. He looked like he was a couple years younger than Morgan. He was just about my height, which Morgan seemed to take full advantage of as she placed an elbow on his head. I studied him cautiously, murmuring to Morgan again.

“What's his name?”

“My name is Hasani.” He cut in quickly, bowing low to the ground.

Morgan scoffed, elbowing him roughly in the side.

“Tsh, you big liar! His name's Mablevi.” She explained, glaring at him, but Mablevi only pouted, replying huffily,

“You always did manage to spoil my fun. Regardless, that name always seems to charm the female mind much better than Mablevi. Not that that has done me much good... But I'm guessing you're not on this path to exchange words with me, eh Morgan?”

“We're actually headed to Bomani. You wouldn't happen to be going there yourself, would you?” He only grinned cheekily again.

“My business goes hither and thither. I really can't be sure.” he said airily.

She rolled her eyes, sheathing her saber. She winked at me, then started to turn away, speaking over her shoulder.

“Never mind then. Pleasure to see you again, Mab, but we have important business to attend to. People to hunt, fights to win, and...” He bounded in front of her, his dark brown eyes dancing with amusement as he cut her off.

“Actually, I would be most happy to accompany you! I just recalled I also have a venture there, and would be delighted to ensure your safe arrival.” I tried to hide a giggle at his rather sophisticated vocabulary. He immediately struck up a conversation with Morgan, and the two began to catch up on the lost time between them. It was obvious that they were good friends, at least at some point in time.

“So tell me, why did you attack us?”

“Well, I'm afraid I was a little too eager to go after a gang of criminals that are currently on the loose in this area. I do apologize for acting as I did, but that eminent threat has loomed over the villages for some time. Even the people in Bomani want this gang gone. Of course, people have become more worried about the infamous Ronan and his crew as of late.” Morgan glanced back at me, and I notice the doubt in her eyes.

“Aye… Big reward for that one. Shame no one's been able to touch him yet, or most of his crew.” There was a hint of spite in Morgan's voice as she gritted out the last comment, but her chattering companion didn't seem to notice. The day passed pleasantly. A couple hours after noon, we finally broke through the tree line. Before us lay a steep slope, which led straight down to a large village: Bomani.

“It looks so peaceful...” I murmured softly. Mab chuckled.

“That's because there's a hunt transpiring today, most likely for ekis.” (Ekis are large creatures that frequent mountain regions. Their meat is sought after by many hunters) “Those mercenaries love their meat, although a good number of them simply like killing the beasts. They like the challenge.” His white teeth shone brightly, contrasted by his dark skin. Throughout the whole day, he had always seemed so cheerful. His attitude brightened up the heavy feeling in my heart. Mab glanced up into the sky as he spoke.

“Now then… I think it would be best to get to Bomani before the hunting parties get back.” Morgan paused for a moment, glancing at him.

“Why are we in such a rush?”

“Those men are not terribly civil towards newcomers. Well, I should confess, I don't exactly have the best record with some of them. They aren't very fond of me. Or my family. Or my village. Of course, I've never done anything against them!” he said, attempting an innocent smile.

“Oh, well, how could you ever annoy them?” Morgan's jaw gaped open mockingly as she slapped him on the back.

“Well, in that case, we'd better get moving.” Morgan grabbed my arm and Mab's, breaking into a jog as she dragged both of us down the steep incline. I wince as my satchel bounced against my side as I grit out a plea.

“Hey, could we, ouch, that hurts…. Maybe slow down…. A little??” Morgan just chuckled, but she slowed down to a fast-paced walk.

“Sooner we get to the village, the sooner we eat.”

“Mmm, vittles… I haven't eaten for an eternity. But the whole food-devouring thing might be held off for a bit. Some of those folks won't be so inviting to strangers. I must warn you that this is a dangerous…” Morgan halted, clapping a hand across his mouth as she hissed, “Shhh!”.

I dropped low to the ground and looked around, whispering.

“What is it?? Is there someone watching us?”

“No, I just wanted to get him to shut up.” Morgan giggled, pulling her hand from Mab's mouth. He glared at her indignantly.

“Don't fret about it, Mab. We didn't come here to avoid them. And yes, I'm aware of how dangerous it is.” She added before he could open his mouth again. The remainder of the descent was spent in awkward silence, with Mab grumbling under his breath and Morgan still urging both of us on. We finally got on level ground again. The entire village looked like a large jumble of huts and houses haphazardly spread between two steep cliffs edges. Morgan adjusted her sword sheath, glancing around nervously. Mablevi was also scanning the surrounding cliffs.

“Appears to be clear. We will head for the east side of the village. Keep watch for any mercenaries, and try not to look suspicious.”

Many of the buildings on the outer portion of the village were huts and hovels. Near the huts were thin women and a few men, wearing tattered and torn clothes. Many of the women were hard at work, beating out threadbare rugs and scrubbing out stains that would never disappear. However, as meager as the huts were, each was as clean as it could be made. A few women had their hut doors open, continually bustling in and out to dip clean rags in one of the few troughs around the huts. There were a surprising number of children running and playing in the streets, their bare feet picking up mud everywhere they walked.

Yet the cleanliness seemed to carry over to the children as well. As one girl was called in doors, she carefully washed her feet off in the trough. As we passed the women and men, many a bright smile shone out from obviously weary, dirt-streaked faces. However, they all seemed to be staring at me. My eyes darted from face to face, surprised to see that most of the faces looked inquisitive. Morgan noticed my surprise and leaned over to me.

“They're probably staring at you because of your light skin.” I suddenly realized that almost all of the villagers were dark-skinned, and felt silly for not noticing it before. I was sure to raise a lot of intrigue in this place.

I felt a tug on my shirt and looked down. Standing in front of me was a little girl, a flower clasped in her chubby hands. Her bright brown eyes shone in contrast to her dark skin. Her clothes were brightly colored, but streaked with mud. A beaded necklace hung around her neck. She grinned up at me and held up the flower, which hung limply off to one side.

“This is for you! You're really pretty.” She glanced at Morgan.

“So are you!” Her eyes traveled over to Mablevi, and she giggled.

“You're not!” she said. Mab put on a face of mock indignation.

I chuckled and bent down, gently taking the flower from her chubby hands.

“What's your name, sweetheart?” The girl giggled again.

“I'm Kealoha. I'm six years old tomorrow! My hut is over there, but my momma is sleeping and she'd chase you out with a broom if you wake her up. I should go because my friends want me to come play pirates and Nordic men with them.” She scampered off towards several other children, her bare feet squishing into a patch of mud.

“Friendly girl, isn't she?” Morgan commented. I tucked the flower into my belt as I nodded.

As we walked further into the village, stone buildings replaced wood ones. The change in wealth was very obvious. Mablevi explained that the wealthy people were the stronger ones who fought and stole their way up the social layers. There were very few people on these streets, but many of those that were there were women and older men. The only children around were very young, perhaps not older than five years. Their garb was far better than that of the poorer class, but everyone looked unhappy. Many of the women looked more scared than anything else. This probably wasn't the most secure place for those who couldn't fight back against the stronger mercenaries. Many of them stared at me as well, but their expressions bore a far nastier look, any hint of friendliness totally gone. My mind flashed back to the pirate hideout and the “white mouse” comment. I felt out of place, no matter where I went.

A low horn sounded at the north part of the village. Mab gnawed on his lip, muttering.

“That would be the hunting parties...”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I murmured to Morgan. She patted my back, smiling.

“Don't worry. I promised I'd make sure you're safe, didn't I? Just keep moving.” A long train of men lumbered into view, some lugging behind them their spoils of hunting. We tried to blend in with the crowd, but it didn't take long for some of them to notice the pale-skinned girl, pirate, and boy from the other village. A group of the hunters broke from the rest, walking towards us. They stood in a semicircle, roughly shoving aside the women that had gathered around. The three of us backed up slowly against a small hut, which, if we had been paying attention, would have seemed out of place among the large stone buildings surrounding it. The clink of metal reverberated among the buildings, and a hushed silence fell over the crowd.

“Will yew look at this 'ere? It's one of them slimes come from his pig sty.” A leering face poked out from the group, chuckling hoarsely at Mablevi. He gulped and attempted a smile, but his attempt was cut short by a sharp spear hitting the ground in front of us.

“Eyy, and he's got two gals with him too. Ain't too bad looking, eh?”

“Nawh, one of 'em is a pirate. Them's unpreprickcable.”

“It's unpredictable, yew oversized toad. What's in that thick skull of yers, rocks?”

“Should we gut the slime?”

“Whatever it is, do it quick. I'm tired of waiting.”

A door creaked behind me and a small hand grabbed the back of my shirt, pulling me through the door frame. In a moment, Morgan landed on top of me and Mablevi onto the rough wood floor beside us. The door slammed closed just as an arrow thudded into the aged timber.

“Gah, drat those lunatics! Putting holes in my door. If they ever stick another arrow in my door, I'll beat them with my staff!” I pulled my head up off the floor, craning my neck to see the speaker. A short, aged woman stood next to the door, muttering under her breath. Her hair was gray and pulled back in a long braid that stretched past her waist. She turned to face me, and I noticed that her emerald eyes were very bright and youthful, despite her many years. Her face broke into a smile.

“Welcome to the humble abode of Akilah. Thank me later for saving your lives.” Her eyes twinkled. Her face grew solemner as she studied Mablevi.

“Ah, little wonder they wanted to kill someone so bad.” Mab looked at her in partial confusion.

“The Pig is mad at your village again and he vowed to kill everyone there.”she said, breaking out into a smile again.

“Tcha, the big bluff failed anyway. But don't worry. I'll get all three of you out safely, even if I have to break a few thick skulls first.”

“Oi, wrinkles, give them back to us!” a voice yelled from outside, quickly followed by a chorus.

“Aye, we ain't done with 'em yet!”

“We could burn the hut down! That'll force 'em out.”

“Oh sure, great idea. We's got wood on all these buildings around it. Remember the last time yew tried to burn someone's home, lard brain?”

“Well, that what contamination is for!”

“It's containment, idjit!”

Akilah sighed deeply. Her short frame bustled to the windows of the hut, and she opened one, yelling out to the gang outside.

“The next face I see will get a pot of boiling tea in it. Now leave and take your spoils home.” She huffed loudly, then slammed the window closed, turning to us.

“Tcha, you all look exhausted and hungry. Go and wash your faces in the back and I'll get some food together for you.” She patted Mablevi's cheek fondly, winking at Morgan.

Her long braid swished against the fabric of her skirt as she walked to one side of the hut, where a small fire burnt. She placed a large pot over the fire and started dicing up vegetables with remarkable speed, her sharp dagger flashing in the firelight with each chop. I splashed water on my face and hands from the clay pot she had indicated in the back. Her familiarity with Mablevi and Morgan confused me, but at that moment, I was glad to still be alive. I walked slowly over to the fire where Akilah was busily working.

“Ma'am, if you don't mind me asking, who is this Pig person?” I asked. Akilah paused for a moment.

“Oh, Pig's just an overgrown child. He's dangerous though, especially with a gang of mercenaries under his control. The big clod's got the worst temper and acts like his name.” Her nose crinkled up as she added. “Smells like a pig, too.” I smiled slightly, still too shook up from the events only minutes before.

“If you don't mind me asking, who are you?” Akilah's emerald eyes searched my face for a moment, then she smiled.

“Akilah. Are you deaf, child?”

“No, I mean about your past. You have a lot of strength for one of your, well, many years.”

“And you are very blunt for one of your reputation, Brinxlee.” My eyes grew wide.

“How do you know my name? And what do you know about me??”

She bit her lip, then started cackling in laughter.

“Aha, I knew it! You look so very worried, dear.” Her face became serious again as she took my hands and stared into my eyes.

“You have a lot of fear. You are brave, but you are too afraid to show it, aren't you?”

“How do you know who I am??” Akilah fell silent again.

“That will be answered in time. But I will say that news of you came from a close relative of yours. Bragged about you quite a bit.”

“Who?” I asked again, but Akilah only tsked.

“Tcha, so many questions. So much potential to be a warrior, and yet you will just waste it all. Such a shame no one can teach you.” Her shoulders slumped as she scooped up a handful of vegetables.

“Can you teach me? To be a warrior, I mean. You seem to know how to defend yourself.” Her hand paused as she appeared to contemplate the idea.

“Hmm, well, I haven't done something like that in years. It would be difficult to teach a mind such as yours...”

“Please?” She sighed again, then looked into my eyes with a mischievous grin.

“I suppose it could be arranged. But not till tomorrow. You are going to eat now.” She pulled me to a low table, plunking me down on a soft cushion. Morgan sat next to me, elbowing my side.

“Working to strike up a deal, huh? She'll be a good teacher.” She grinned. I chuckled back at her, still abuzz with questions, but I knew now wasn't the time. In a few minutes, Akilah appeared with the boiling pot and dished out generous portions of soup. My nose hovered over the bowl as I sniffed in the delicious scent. A sudden pang ran through my stomach. This smelled so familiar.

“Mother…” I whispered, clutching my hair tightly.

“I miss you, Momma…” I whispered to myself, closing my eyes for a moment as the memories washed over my brain. My mother's soft, melodious voice sang from the kitchen, wafting through our home along with the smell of vegetable soup. Mother always seemed to make everything taste like it belonged on a king's table. I grasped the table, my knuckles whitening as I fought back tears. I missed hearing her voice so much. I didn't want to make the same mistake with my father. I wasn't there for her when she needed me, but I was determined to be there for my father. My hand reached for my satchel, which hadn't left my side since I left Oak. I had to be strong for my father and aunt, not just to fulfill my father's dream, but to protect the only family I had left from the shadows of this Ronan and his destruction. Morgan was right; I don't have a choice. I have to make my father happy and safe, no matter the cost.