Of Shadow and Mist

Chapter One

                                                       Aasona

        Mud and sweat mixed in the mid autumn air. Everyone in our small village was preparing for the long winter ahead. It was just half past noon as I packed my small basket, hoping that my grandmother's watchful eyes missed my quick movements. He needed this, I reminded myself, every smile and full belly was well worth the risk. Today I made it more special than usual, funny how he thinks I've forgotten after so many years. Roasted meat with vegetables from our garden and fresh lemon bread from our bakery, his favorites. Holding my breath I sneak out back , only breathing when I'm safely hidden amongst the crowd. Various vendors and shops lined the square, but none of them appealed to me. I was on a mission, and even if I only got to see him for an hour it never seemed long enough. The further I travel, the tighter I hold my basket to my chest, time is very much of the essence.

     "Always fearful his father would hear along with those bastards he had called his brothers, only they could make a demon cry. I waited, nostrils flared as I watched his father toss him into the mud like he was nothing but a rag doll. "Azriel " I breathed to myself as if he could hear me. Oh I wish I could rip his father from limb to limb but there was only so much a 10 year old illyrian female could do. Just as quickly as he came left behind the heavy stench of rotten cigar and cheap bourbon even then the poorest of men stayed away from. Checking one last time, feeling the coast was clear, I myself smiled for the first time today. " Azriel '' I cooed softly, careful not to spook him as he overturned a rock in his dirty palms. I dropped to my knees as soon as I saw the still dripping gouge just above his left eye." Which one did this to you ?" huffing " never-mind that as much as I want to I can't kill them. Reaching out to dab the wound gingerly with a piece of my dress. " Aasa, you and I both wish you could, but there's not much we can do." " I'll find a place far away from here for both of us , I promise." " I'll hold you to it" sniffing the air between us he smiled " What did you bring me ?" peering around my arm. Chuckling lightly I shook my head " a very special lunch for the birthday boy. ''''You remembered?" "How could I not, it's a very important day." Small dimples formed around his thin lips as they pulled across his teeth. There's that smile I've been waiting for. Breathtaking. I may be biased but it should be etched into stone. Pulling out the meat and vegetables, allowing it to permeate the air around us. "Here you eat, I'll watch and work on that nasty gash." Taking my time, I took him in. His soft amber eyes focused as he chewed. Spreading the thin balm, I keep a watchful eye, hoping he'll be able to eat in peace for once. "This should keep it from getting infected. I'll check on it tomorrow when I come." A small grunt was all that escaped his lips, his silent agreement. Keeping the lemon bread wrapped I tucked into one of his fraying pockets. " I wish I could give you a proper birthday." I signed cleaning a bit of food off his cheek. "I've got to, ill try to bring you fresh cloths tomorrow when I come." as I got up he grabbed my wrist his eyes with longing silently begging me not to leave. "Thank you" I nodded and smiled, touching his arm one last time. "Always. "Leaving with just a few minutes to spare. I turned one last time to memorize his face before disappearing into the crowd. As much as I hated to leave him, I knew it would be much worse if I stayed .

    Great, I thought , just great. Soured, she stood, ladle in hand. Speaking only when I was within ear shot. " Sneaking out again I see. I told you to stop seeing that boy if you ever want a chance at a normal life " she sneered, wrinkled face inflamed. " That boy has a name gran. It's Azriel, I never asked for a normal life, my life would never be normal. He deserves a chance to live just like everyone else here. " I absolutely forbid it." " Don't make me .."- " Put me in a cage too" I spat hoping the venom in my tone would be enough. " If I have to, I will I didn't take you in to play with filth all day." "Enough both of you " my grandfather bellowed a scraggly man with an ill temper. "Not another word, either of you. Aasona there's pans to be cleaned." " Yes sir" I grumbled moving past them, shaking my head in anger. If only, I thought. It was well before dark as I scrubbed the last incrusted baking pan. Clothes soaked to bone, I lost feeling in my hands hours ago. Slamming the last pan on the rack, expelling what little anger I had left. Before the tears threatened to fall. Oh how I wanted to scream and shout till my lungs burned. Tears would have to suffice for now. Dusk quickly turned into another bitter morning. Dread filling my hollow bones, dark circles kissed my pale cheeks. I couldn't help the gnawing feeling that plagued my gut. I knew something was wrong, when I saw the crowd gathering among the square. Everyone rushed to be the first to witness such a heinous act. 

    Fire - Fire burning flesh laced with the heady scent of oil, was all I smelt before I heard him. Screaming in agony. "Azriel" I screamed.