Esveldza: 'The Lonely Child of Fire'

Chapter IV- Teammates

Chapter IV

Teammates

After Staarla left, going to the medic was not as fun anymore. The new medic was a man who rolled his eyes whenever I entered, as if I had done these things to myself. So I stopped going to the medic as often and let my bruises change colour, my blood to dry and my skin to scab.

The year passed on, I endured it with emotions of burning anger or indifference. It is not like I accepted it but, I almost became used to how things were. I was coming to terms with the way I was. By the end of the year, the exams were over and the results were in. I got the best in the school, not that my parents cared. It was the last day of school and Sir Millayes had a scroll out to read off the groups that we would spend the next few years with as we were taught more closely by a Master. My excitement could barely be contained; I had not felt so light-hearted in months. I would be learning how to be a ranger out in the field and I would be away from Johnro and Jemro. I would rarely see them!

Sir Millayes began reading out the groups; Silipho wasn’t going to learn range so she wouldn’t be in my group but I had not spoken to her in months, she kept away from me like she said she would. When her name got called I looked diagonally up the class to her, where she was sitting and smiled. She faintly smiled but then quickly looked away. I sighed inwardly, at least all this torment would soon be over.

Sir Millayes continued his placing, “Okay we have three range groups this year; firstly we have Samre’s.”

Samre! How cool would it be if I was in his group? As if the God’s answered my wish Sir Millayes called out my name. I grinned happily; the way Staarla had praised him so highly influenced me to have a lot of respect for him. He sounded like a hero when Staarla spoke of him. I was so pleased that I almost missed who else would be in my group.

“…And Johnro and Jemro, next group is…” I stopped listening. My soul felt like someone had just poured icy cold water over my fiery happiness.

I stood up, the world seemed to slow and I and walked to the door in a trance, “Where are you going Akaiya, your new Masters will be here soon.” Sir Millayes asked but I ignored him, he sounded far away.

Once I was out of the classroom I ran, ran down the stairs and out the building, energy exploding within me. A large group of Masters stood chatting friendly with each other, waiting to meet their groups. A few noticed me but I quickly ran past them. One of them tried to grab me but I ducked, running to the gate and jumping onto it, climbing and hurling myself over before taking off again.

You need to learn patience, control your anger, Akaiya! That man’s voice who had always gave me advice said again. I didn’t want it though, not this time. Shut up. Shut up! I yelled at the voice.

I reached home, throwing the door open. Mother sat with Herri in the lounge room; he burst into tears as I slammed the door behind me. I ran into my room and slammed that door too, jumping on my bed.

Why, why did they put me in the same group as them?  I couldn’t stand being in the same team as them! They would never understand the meaning of team! I started crying, they were almost twice my age, were much taller than me and the bullying would surely increase!

I choked on my relentless sobbing as I heard the door clicking open. Mother opened the door. She sat down on the bed next to me, gently rubbing my back. The feeling shocked me, did she actually care? I was surprised she was being so compassionate but I pushed the thought away and hugged her.

“Why did you run home from school?” She whispered gently in my ear. She never used that voice with me, I clung to her with all my strength, the year’s pain and my wish for someone to care pouring out.