Mysteries of the Heart

Fear of the Father

Zhosa's P.O.V.
I crumpled to the floor tears flowing from my eyes. Both of my legs had been broken as a punishment. I had defied the man calling himself my father at every turn. I had never uttered another word when he was in my presence, despite his desperate attempts.

All he wanted me for was my voice. For it was my voice that animals could not deny. I did not command them as he had said. I only suggested things to them.

However none had gone against anything I had ever asked. Not even once. Most were pleased to do as I asked.

I winced being dragged out of my thoughts as the Father stepped on my foot nearly crushing it. "Will you obey?" The same three words over and over haunted my days.

My answer was always my silence.
Even the days blurred into one. I wanted to give in more then once. But I knew my life was not worth the lives of the people who stood against these oppressors. These men who murdered my family.

I whimpered softly as the guards were summoned again. The Father was leaving the room again. I would be alone again. Silently I wondered if I would be safe. I winced as the guards lifted me back into my cage.

It was unlikely that Fanteriso would be able to find me. Even if he did, would Altair help him? Maybe a rescue was to much to hope for. I sighed dragging myself farther into the cage.

***unknown hours later***

Footsteps came flying down the stairs. I lifted my head fear clamping down on my bones. Was the Father coming back? If it was the Father why run? I snorted to myself. It couldn't have been the Father. He wouldn't have reason to rush. Unless...

I shook my head. It couldn't have been Fanteriso. He would know the risks of coming for me. He would know I wouldn't let him die for me.

With a sudden crash the door flew open, a pack of soldiers came flowing through. One of them spotted me and shouted something I couldn't understand. Panic swelled up mixing with the fear as the men began to push the cage into a wagon that was always kept nearby.

The guards themselves seemed to be in a rush. It was as though someone had lit a fire under their rear ends, and they had to run to water to put it out.

Twisting as best I could I attempted to get a look at the driver of the carriage. The Father sat tall and proud spurring the horses into gear as another shout rang out.

I sobbed. I no longer had the strength to fight but here, here was a perfect opportunity to flee! To kill the vile plague on my life once and for all!

I whirled around as an earth shattering scream echoed down the halls. A guard tumbled down the stairs blood pouring from his neck. Followed swiftly by Fanteriso in his eagle form. I could have cried. I reached for him, tried to tell him to run and never come back. But I was to late.

A massive slab of stone came crashing down blocking my view and trapping Fanteriso in the place of my nightmares.