Of The Sea : John Murphy

Holding Down The Fort

"No, no." I corrected. "You're doing it all wrong, like this, not this."

Adrian heaved in frustration and rested his ax over his shoulder.

"Come on, no time for whining." I swung mine around, a hand making a 'come hither' motion.

He let out a deep breath and brought his weapon back down then up, ready for my attack.

I swung at him, he blocked and locked our axes together. Just as I had taught him, he pulled immediately, tossing my ax across the beach. He almost settled for a victory but I had tackled him to the ground. I grabbed his wrist and rammed it into the ground repeatedly until he released his hold on the ax.

He threw a punch at my cheek and shoved me off, pinning me down by both of my wrists.

"You didn't warn me!" He panted.

"The enemy doesn't warn." I hissed, locking my legs between his.

He frowned at my action but his eyes widened when he saw the smirk on my face. I stretched my legs out as far as I could, forcing his legs apart.

He groaned and winced, collapsing on to me.

I pushed him off and got to my feet while picking up his ax and pointing it down at him.

"Be ready for anything."

"You didn't have to do that!" His voice was strained and in a higher pitch than usual.

"You should do some more stretches." I suggested, pulling him up to his feet.

He held a hand between his legs and limped along with me. "That was rude..."

I pat him on the back and laughed, picking up my ax. "Come on, let's get some dinner."

It had been two days and nights since Murphy's transfer. If they had kept him this long it meant he wasn't talking.

I shook my head and stepped into the newly built dining hall where everyone gathered to eat.

There was loud cheering and singing and the air inside was warm.

I sat at the end of the table with Bo, Edith and Áki, picking up my leg of bird and biting into it.

"Water!" Bo exclaimed excitedly as he picked up his cup and taking a drink.

We laughed and I ruffled his hair gently, "Well done!"

He giggled and wriggled proudly in his seat, picking up a boiled potato and nibbled on it.

I set down my food and licked my fingers, leaning over towards Áki to discuss our next projects.

Someone burst through the door sending a old draft through the room.

"Chief!" He panted.

Everyone went silent and turned to him.

"Yes, Gjord."

"Come quick." He beckoned, turning and guiding me out.

The sound of wooden benches being pushed around and clattering to the ground erupted behind me, everyone ran out after us and into the night.

Gasps and exclaims of wonder rippled across the crowd. "What is it chief?"

"I've never seen anything like it." I muttered with a hanging jaw.

I watched in awe as the red flames shot into the sky, one after another.

An elder who was once part of the woods clan told me they were missiles sent by the mountain men. He said that he had seen them once before in his younger days, before he was cast out.