Whisper Of The Free

Chapter 21 So It Begins

Olivette

"Um Sir," Eve began, "I think you meant Chester Village." He turned and the horses came to a halt. The Sergeant's face was scrunched up, "It sounds cooler when I say it." He then turned back around and we continued forth towards the village. Eve almost fell from Rita as she tried to stifle her laugh. I released a low chuckle.

We were greeted by an older woman who proudly wore long white hair. "Welcome, we have been expecting you."

The woman, who I later found to be named Ms. Saffron, took us around the village and the small cabin we'd be staying in. She left us to settle in and when the Sergeant opened the door there were five beds, two sleeping bags, and a couch I was sure had diseases prior to humans roamed the earth. I don't believe I've seen the Sergeant look so grim even when we slept outside.

Tarian ran to claim a bed following suit was Eve. She beckoned me over to claim the bed beside hers to which I obliged. In the end Tarian, Eve, Cayden, Sergeant Moores, and I all got beds. Chet and Elio offered to use the sleeping bags even after Sergeant said he'd take one.

Since night had yet to fall Eve thought of the idea to get a grasp of the village layout better. I agreed partially due to the dingy and soon to be stinky room as well as I would be in the village gathering and protecting villagers. Chet also agreed probably for the same reasons. Elio also decided to join us even though he'd be outside the village for the majority of the battle.

We still wore our armor and we wore it with pride. We talked and began to make plans. I put my previous and personal displeasures aside and devised a plan with Chet. I kept it strictly professional and he did the same. We decided where to bring the villagers as well as he would be the one to guard them while I would be patrolling the village and ambushing the enemy.

"Are you here to protect us?" A small young voice spoke from behind us. A small boy no older than six. Eve flashed a kind smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and joy, "We sure are little dude!" A woman called for a name and the boy ran off after giving us a quick nod and wave.

I smirked at Eve, "Someones excited." She let a giggle seep through her toothy grin, "I take pride in protecting those who need it most. Is that bad?" My smile dimmed into one of understanding and sadness, "No, Not at all." She shoved my shoulder teasingly, "Don't get all moppy on me now!"

The bell rang from above. The bell ringer shouted from above, "The wizards are coming!"

In an instant chaos erupted, mother's hunting for their children ravenously and our group of seven trying to run against the river of people to get into positions. I raced with Eve to the tower, the bell ringer sped out the door and I grabbed the sad excuse for a wooden door and shoved her in there. The last expression I saw on her face was pure terror and fear before I slammed the door.

I unclipped my bag and fumbled with the contents within. "Show me the wizards!" I ordered hastily as I glared into the mirror. There had to be a dozen of them, all in their red robes clipped together with a singular blue stone. They were marching and fast. None I had recognized from the attack at our town weeks prior. Although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking for a specific face. I shoved the mirror back into my bag and secured it shut.

I pulled out both of my daggers and crept around the town. I made sure Chet was guarding the villagers as he said he'd do. He looked over in my direction when I had. He gave me a solemn nod before analyzing the landscape for potential threats. I began to walk silently through the village. I hadn't heard the clashing of metal or Tarians war scream he proclaimed he'd do. Even so I made sure to glint around every corner.