Wars and Lies

Chapter Twenty-two

We slowly limp back into town, every step is agonising. I'm leaning on Ashton for support. Sinead's really dead. She's dead and it's my fault. I could've been stronger and pulled her up. I could've grabbed a hold of her when she let go. The image of her falling just keeps replaying in my mind. The face she made. The emotion in her eyes. All that pain and anger and sadness. I killed someone. Someone's dead because of me. I'll never be able to forgive myself for that.

The White Tribe has one and Sinead has lost. We won. We actually won. We won the war. We saved the people. We reach town hall. Abraham ordered the arrest for the traitors that helped Sinead. There's loads of hurt people and many lost their lives. Medics have rushed to the scene and are bandaging people up. Malcom is sat on the floor cleaning a stab wound on a women's leg. He notices us and runs over followed by Emily and Stephanie. "You okay?" Malcom asked.

"We're okay. I need to tell you something." I reply not sure on how to say what I need to say.

"What is it dear?"

"Sinead's dead. We were fighting by the cliff edge and she went over. I tried to pull her up but she let go. I'm so sorry. I tried to save her. I'm so sorry Malcom."

"Oh. Um... It wasn't your fault. You did all you could. You helped to save my people. I am forever in your debt. Thank you for everything you've all done for us." Malcom is clearly upset about losing his daughter but I can tell he's trying to put on a brave face. He's lost so much. We all have. I don't know how any of us are still standing and managing to keep it together. "Where's Christopher?" I asked Ashton.

"Um... he's dead. I killed him."

"I'm so sorry you had to do that." Ashton stays silent and kicks the floor. That must've been so hard for him to do, having to kill his own father.

"I think everyone should get their wounds attended to," Brandon said.

"I'm fine," I stated. Stephanie raised her eyebrow at me and dragged me over to the medical station. We sat next to Max and his little sister. Annabelle is gently dabbing some tissue on Max's bloody arm. It's so cute. She's so gentle and caring. She looks up at me and I smile. "Thank you," Annabelle says in Fren.

"You're welcome," I reply in Fren.

A nurse gets to work cleaning my cuts and the others get their wounds treated to. Emily has a big gash on her head and Stephanie's sprained her wrist. Brandon's bruised a rib and Ashton has a few cuts and bruises. Emily and Stephanie's dads managed to survive and came to sit with us and made sure their daughters are okay. Malcom comes over, "I've just been informed that a guard has found your dad's body; would you like to take him home to bury him? Have him back with your family." I couldn't answer. I don't know what to say. I'm going to have to tell mum that he's dead. The thought of having to do that makes my heart ache.

"Yes please sir," Brandon answered for me.

"Okay, I'll put him in a coffin and load him on the boat ready for you to leave whenever you're ready." Malcom said.

"Could we leave today please? I want to go home. I need to be at home with my mum." I said.

"Of course. If that's what you wish then wish granted. Rest a bit first, it'll take a while to prepare the boat anyways." Malcom said as he walked off.

"Thank you." I shouted after him. After everything that's happened all I want is to be at home with mum. I don't know how I'm going to explain all of this. I miss her so much. I just wanna be at home safe. The others feel the same.

An hour later and it's finally time to go home. I can't wait. Malcom has gifted us loads of supplies to say thank you. Everyone that's going home today have already bordered the ship. Emily and Stephanie's dads are coming home too. Me and the others are saying goodbye to Malcom, Abraham and Max. It's kind of emotional. We've bonded with these people and gone through experiences and trauma with them.  "Thank you again for everything you've done," Malcom says.

"We will forever be grateful" Abraham added.

"We're happy to help." Emily replied.

"You should come visit us at some point but don't kidnap people this time," Stephanie laughed.

"We got a present for you Katie," Malcom said as a guard passed me something long wrapped in beige cloth. I carefully unwrapped the cloth and revealed my dad's sword. "I sent my men to go find it and luckily we did." Malcom continued.

"Thank you so much. This sword means so much to me." I replied, smiling from ear to ear.

"I know, Ashton said it's your fathers and is important."

"Thank you so much." Suddenly, the ship's horn blew.

"I guess it's time we get going," Brandon said. All of us stuff is already on board. We boarded the ship and head to the top deck. It feels weird finally being able to going home. It's been about a month since I've seen my mum. It feels so long but not so long at the same time. The boat started to dock and we waved back as Malcom, Abraham, Max and Annabelle waved us off.