Another Lost Soul

Chapter 5

Our journey through the forest drew out into days. "How long have we been out here?"

"We're almost out."

"Are we really or are you lying?" I heard nothing, so I turned to him with a glare. "Hey-" I stopped, seeing he was no longer at my side. "Alenor?"

"Who are you?" A deep voice rang from above me.

"God?"

"I'm General Jalaiah." A boy with dark hair hopped down from a branch above my head, his boots slamming into the ground beneath him. "Now answer my question. Who are you? Where did you come from?"

"My name's Amir. I came from the city and got lost."

"Which city?"

"I don't really know, sorry."

"Why would a city boy be out here, hm?" He circled me, an intimidating sword attached to his hip. "And on close enough terms with Alenor to know his name..."

"Where did he go?"

"That's none of your concern." He's got scars trailing down his neck and collar bones, his shirt's v-neck low enough to show the middle of his chest down to his stomach. A tan scarf is wrapped around his neck, distracting from the rest of his black clothing and bright yellow eyes. "You'll answer my questions and in return, I'll consider yours."

"That's not fair!" I scoffed. "Who are you to command me of anything?"

His gloved tightly gripped the end of his sword, pulling it from his hip and holding the tip beneath my chin. "You're on your own with dull eyes and a heavy heart. You'll do anything I say if I offer you a memory."

"A memory?"

"You've been around these parts before, haven't you?" He sighed and looked down. "I find it odd that you don't recognize me. That must mean you've forgotten all about it. I've also heard from various residents that you've been lurking around Alenor and he's mentioned you have amnesia."

"He told you that? There are other people here?"

"And demons, witches, etcetera. What's it to you?"

"I've never seen anyone else around."

"Follow me." He pulled the blade away from me and shoved it back in its place. I followed close behind as he began walking in a different direction. "The amount of bloodlust in the air over here is disgusting."

"Bloodlust?"

He placed a hand on my lower back and shoved me in front of him. "Walk ahead of me. I'll protect your backside."

"But-"

"Walk."

I slumped a bit and kept moving forward, his footsteps heavy behind me. "So..."

"Shut up."

I stopped and turned to him. "What's your problem with me?"

"My problem? Do you expect me to be kind to you just because you're lost and confused? You're not an idiot, you're not disabled, you're not a child. You can handle yourself so I don't pity you. You aren't some sad tragedy, so don't think you have the right to pretend you are."

"But I am someone's child. Don't treat me like scum."

He sighed and pushed his hair back, glaring off to the side. "I can already tell we aren't going to get along."

"You and me both."

He led me to a city in the woods. Most homes and shops were hanging from the tree branches, connected by wooden bridges that didn't look sturdy enough to stand on. The city itself though seemed to go on for miles, a large castle-like structure far in the background. "Keep moving."

It was busting with energy though. So many strange characters wandered around, some young and some old with children at their side. "Where's Alenor? Did you do something to him?"

"He's fine. Just won't show himself near here. Is this the city you're from?"

"No. Why won't he show himself here?"

"This city owes that man an apology. That's all I'll say." He climbed up to one of the wooden homes and held the door open for me. "Come on."

I stepped inside. "Is this where you live?"

"No. This is where my children live." He closed the door and began picking up small wooden toys from the floor, setting them on the kitchen table. "I assume they're not home yet though."

"You have children?"

"Two. My son, Graiger and my youngest, Melidiya."

"How old are they?"

"My son is 14 and my daughter is six. Graiger is a low level mage, he's learning from Alenor."

"You still haven't told me where Alenor is."

"He's close by."

"Ahem." A boy that looked exactly like the general, minus the chin hair, stepped into the house and glared at both of us. "Who are you and hey are you in my house?"

"Graiger!" Jalaiah hugged the boy and smiled a bit. "How was school?"

"Fine. Who is he?"

The boy's tone is cold and annoyed. He has a scar across his cheek and his hands are right at his sides. He refused to hug Jalaiah back. "He's an outsider."

"Amir." I corrected him.

"And here I thought you were here to see my mom." Graiger rolled his eyes and gently pushed his dad away. "Anyway, shouldn't you be at work?"

"I'm in the process of working."

"Oh. So he's lost." He scoffed, laughing. "Geez. Why didn't you say so?" When he laughed, I could see his teeth were sharp beneath his lips. "Anyway, I'm going to my room. Mel will be here soon. She's with Mom."

Once the boy left the room, Jalaiah sighed and stood beside me. "Here's the deal kid, everyone here thinks you've commit acts of dark magic."

"Wha- why?! I don't even know these people!"

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I'm here to prove otherwise. As annoying as you seem, I won't let them do anything to someone who knows nothing about the situation. Since you're a foreigner and you've been wandering near this place, they've assumed it's you."

"But- I don't even-"

"I know. You'll stay here and wait for Alenor. I'll take you to my place and we'll talk more. Until then, keep yourself busy by cleaning. This place is a mess."