Chain-breaker

Beginnings

It was a dim desolate space, filled with cracks and holes, allowing for the icy winter winds to slip by. The floorboards creaked barely being held together by rusty loose screws, it was accompanied by the faint rustles of leaves and crickets. Here, a young Comet slept in a makeshift old cabin which resided on a sturdy tree branch. Even in his slumber he could sense the slight sways of the hovel keeping him somewhat conscious.

Nevertheless he was at ease, even when the midnight breeze occasionally interrupted his rest, he knew he was safe. Comet turned to his side, feeling the gruff texture of wood phase through his saggy clothing, giving him a sore shoulder. It wasn't an ideal settlement, but it was tolerable. He scrunched up his nose, trying to dismiss the underlying scent of wet moss and bacteria that grew outside the timber walls.

It didn't matter that the boy was sleeping in a rickety worn shack placed near the tip of a pine tree, he already thought it had been better than living back in his village. Thinking about his so-called 'home' only made his stomach churn as he tried to clear his mind, he didn't want to get haunted with nightmares tonight. He gave his shoulder a break, laying flat on his back instead, trying to get into a comfortable position so that he could finally doze off.

Though it seemed that Comet could never get what he desired, he was jolted awake by the cracking of sticks and loud chatter. His limbs became weak, he knew those sounds all too well, he had stayed up hurled in this tree long enough to be able to recognise that these newcomers were human.

With enough courage and strength, Comet tentatively stood to his feet, trying to keep a silent and steady pace. The cabin had one window, which he usually used to watch the vast wilderness below him, especially at moments like these. The glassless rectangular square was at eye-level before him, he leaned towards it, careful not to make his presence obvious to what seemed like a group of humans in the canopy of the forest.

Comet was well aware that the cabin was practically camouflaged, covered by a thick bushy layer of leaves that made it invisible to spot. There was also the fact that height of the tree was fairly tall. Though his paranoia remained, examining the individuals in fear and curiosity. Comet noticed that they were nomads due to their swags and equipment.

He internally wished that he was wrong, he didn't enjoy sharing his home with anybody, even when they didn't know he was there. So it irritated him to no ends when they set down their bags causing a few birds in trees to fly off because of how loud they were being. They were going to set up camp it appeared as they began to sit down with smiles.

Comet grumbled, there was nothing he could do but ignore their talk and try to fall asleep again. But before he pulled away from the window, something caught his eye immediately. He twitched at screeching sound of metal chains and the neigh of a horse.

He let out a soundless gasp, blinking thrice, wondering if he was imagining things. No, there was indeed yet another human dressed in rather formal, posh looking attire, saddled up on their horse. Pulling on a chain behind them, connected to some rusty shackles which clasped around the prisoner's wrists, ankles and neck.

And the prisoner just so happened to be an elf.

The young boy felt a flurry of emotion all at once, it was confusing, he didn't know whether to feel angry or not. Comet squinted his eyes, peeking his head out the window to get a better perspective of the whole ordeal.

From above the humans and elf prisoner seemed like little specks in dirt, he could just make out what was happening. Comet watched as the fat short man with pants too tight for his legs hopped off his horse, landing on the ground with a thud.

If Comet heard the man's booming trudges from up in the tree, he must've been nearly around the same weight as the horse. This would've amused the boy if it wasn't for what the petty human was about to do. With a forceful tug of the chain, the prisoner was reluctantly brought to his knees.

Comet imagined a sour expression on the blonde-haired elf as he stared at his captors, enduring their gloated laughter and empty taunts. This was a strange but curious moment for the young boy, he had never witnessed such a tragedy. He had only heard snippets of tales and stories from elven victims.

Comet assumed humans had stopped terrorising elves when the strife between the two races ended years ago. He was horrified to discover otherwise.

Soon, the campers seemed to tire of their own antics, sheer moments of joy coming to an end as they gathered into their tents. All had vanished from Comet's sight except for the fat man. He was circling the helpless elf in an attempt to feel superior.

Clearly, he was enjoying himself. Comet wondered if he felt strong for capturing an elf, he knew that they were proud, warriors. It must've been a vast accomplishment. Though, Comet knew it wasn't right, even if most of the elves he knew treated him like an outsider.

Comet never had it in him to resent the elven race though, how could he? They were oppressed and massacred by humans for many years and were still being persecuted. It was evident in the way the fat man tugged on the elf's hair, regarding the latter like a mere toy.

It was unfair in Comet's eyes, why abuse somebody who was restricted by chains? The young boy couldn't bear to watch anymore, not when a whip was revealed. He stumbled, ushering away from the window as quickly as he could, seeking refuge in the darkness of the cabin.

The harsh, brisk crackle of the whip forced his eyes to shut as he curled into himself, failing to block out the elf's faint cries of agony.