Whisper Of The Free

Chapter 29 Perhaps

Olivette

Chet and I devoured our dinner as the others watched with scowls. Ravi stood from his chair and cleared his throat, indicating we all better be listening. A sickening feeling submerged itself inside my stomach. Whatever he was announcing it was going to be bad.

"We have word from another squadron." He began, "They beg for our assistance, it's a three day travel south from here." All of our faces hardened before I spoke up, "Why do they need our assistance? Is there word about another attack?" My silverware, now placed gently beside my half empty plate.

Ravi shook his head, "There has already been an attack. The wizard troops are still residing in the village." He swallowed his face contorting into a grimace, "They are laying claim to the village, and the villagers."

My eyes narrowed. I remember those months ago where Chet had tried to lay claim to me. The feeling of being helpless and vulnerable. I gritted my teeth glaring at my food, my hunger subsiding. I steered clear from Chet after that however, It was difficult since we now had to work together. I was sure the others didn't know, and didn't quite want them to either.

I was strong now. I am strong now. I don't need a man to save me from another. I don't need a lying wizard to protect me. I am a warrior. I am the death sentence for wizards. I am Olivette Adler.

We left the next morning. Anger filled the souls of everyone. Thoughts of what ifs flooded our minds. We did not stop. We were determined to save those villagers, wasted time could mean the lives of a villager. By the final day of our journey the horses were exhausted. We all took turns resting in the carriage.

My mirrored daggers never leave my hands. I hoped that perhaps I'd see that girl once more. I yearned to learn more about these daggers. What was their origin, who was that girl that I had seen weeping. Elmira. She had wings. She was drenched in blood. The image had been haunting me since.

I tossed as the bumps of the carriage smoothed. Before a sudden halt made me jolt from my seat. "We're here." Sergeant Moores spoke solemnly from beyond the carriage.

I peaked my head out. A fallen battle ground was what I witnessed. The sky was dark even during the day. Fog weaved its mysterious fingers through the trees and building of what once was a village. My gaze turned to Eve, she was moments from releasing a sob. Terror permanently scarred each of our faces. A new image would now haunt my mind.

I hopped out of the wagon and glared down at the village. The wizard in their red cloaks could be clearly seen bustling throughout the village even through the fog. Elio followed me out of the wagon, his hammer at the ready. My eyes glazed over the village surroundings, to the left was an army camp, however all that remained was half burned army tents, the scorned edged blowing with the fog.

A new sense of anger waved through me. We had been too late. Only lord knows if any villagers survived. My grip tightened on my blades. The wizards have killed so many of us, too many innocent humans have fallen by their hand. No more. I would not allow any more to be harmed by their greedy hands.

"Olivette?" A faint whisper came from behind me. I turned to the owner of the voice, Eve now off Rita. Fear danced on her face. She was only 16. Only 16 and forced to fight in such a horrid war. I forced a smile before turning to the Sergeant for directions.

"Eveline how well are your tree climbing abilities?" He asked. "Very well sir!" She stiffened and got into our position we normally did in the morning.

He nodded and looked back over the terrane, "You see that tree?" He pointed to a large oak tree that stood on the outskirts of the town, right next to the ruined camp. She nodded as her nails attacked her arms, picking and scratching at herself as a source of relief. "I want you to sneak over and climb it. It should be close enough so the fog won't affect your shooting. When you get there shake one of the back branches to signal us that you're in your position."