*Previously*
Stirring the pot I didn't even attempt to smother the part of me that prayed for him not to come home... but I was disappointed when the door banged open and a calloused hand gripped my bicep tight.
Rule number 4: Never show them your tears. Tears just make them stronger.
*end*
Chapter 4
My nerves are fried. As of this moment I'm standing in line waiting to participate in the ceremony. In all honesty I don't have much faith in myself at the moment. I feel like my body is going to give in any second now. The pain racing through every part of me is almost intolerable but it is keeping me focused so I suppose every dark cloud has a silver lining. I'm lucky I'm used to it though I am shaking from exhaustion.
I really don't want to be here, I'd much rather be at home either picking mushrooms as usual or practicing with my sword behind the stables. Then again... Nothing good ever comes from being at home. Perhaps this wont be the worst thing to ever happen to me.
"NEXT UP SURCHIA STONE" I heard the announcer bellow, pulling me out of my thoughts. The girl in front of me had been shaking like a leaf since the girl before her had disappeared into the arena and had come out a few moments ago, limp and lifeless, in the arms of our village healer. Though, now the girl had started to sob almost hysterically. 'Her father must be forcing her as well' I thought, sympathy eating at my heart. "You can do it" I said placing my hand on the small of her back. I should have known what would happen.
Immediately the girl tried to stifle her crying as she turned to face me, furiously wiping away at her tear strained cheeks. "Don't touch me freak!" She screeched as her eyes lost their scared look as they clouded over in anger. Well look who found their confidence! Immediately my sympathy melted away. "Get on with it then" I said my voice filled with obvious distaste. This has always been how I've been treated. Even the lower class treat me as if I am worth less than the dirt on their boots.
With a huff the girl spun on her heel, flicked her hair over her shoulder and off she went, disappearing into the wooded arena. My shoulders hunched forward and I closed my eyes, trying to center myself. I might not have strength on my side today but I have an undying will to survive. I've come this far I'll be damned if I die today. In silence I stood, waiting my turn as I contemplated the changes made to this years ceremony.
Normally each year always on the same day the boys would gather in the towns center where they would be branded by ribbons of different color before the start of the competition. Once the starting flag is dropped their first task would be to find a chicken with the same colored ribbon, grab it and race to the next part of the test that takes place by the river where they would have to cross the raging white waters all the while keeping the chicken alive, once safe on the other side they would have to fight melee to steal another boys chicken and only once he has both chickens does he qualify for the final round. One on one fights take place mere moments after the melee giving them no rest and finally once they've won their match they are taken away to the school best suiting their abilities where they will work for years to bring glory to their family name.
Suddenly a scream tore through the air and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I could feel my hands shaking and my breath came in shallow gasps. "I-I'm going to be fine" I whispered as I opened my eyes and tried to ground myself. Upon hearing the thumps of running feet my eyes flashed and out of the corner of my eye I caught the movement of four men jogging out of the arena, the girl laying lifelessly in their arms.
YOU ARE READING
Winds Of Change
Fantasy"It's a strange thing fate... You can't control it, you can't change it, as it walks hand in hand with destiny." - Airis Fox[the lost girl] Airis Fox is a girl whom was raised to believe that everyone has a path already set in stone since the momen...
