Elpida grunted as she fell to the ground. Letting out a cough, she looked up at the hand offered to her. Grasping it, she was pulled quickly as laughter filled her ears as she dusted herself off.
"Sorry Elpida. I guess I don't know my own strength." Apistos smiled as she apologized.
Elpida returned her smile. "It's OK. It's amazing that you've already made it this far. You only started a month ago."
Apistos let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah amazing. Even though I've failed every test and this is the only time that I've been able to knock you down."
Elpida put her hand on friend's shoulder. "Trust me. It took me years to just knock Mikro down. And he's the shortest one here!"
As if he had the hearing of a nychterida, Mikro turned to the pair to playfully glare at them before he was brutally knocked down by his sparring partner.
The girls laughed as they watched their friend painfully stand. Eventually their giggles died down as the teacher walked onto the sparring field. The whole class went silent, waiting with baited breath for their teacher to give them more instructions.
The man looked at his students. "War. Violence. Fear. Words that strike the hearts of men. You have been accepted into this school to protect the people, to protect your Vasilias. But from what I just saw today, none of you would be able to protect a pig from being slaughtered. "
A few students shifted uncomfortably as they got yelled at. Some glanced others, confusion and fear in there eyes. He continued. "You must learn to use your enemies weaknesses for your strengths. To make sure they fall beneath you as you stand above. And most of all, learn to work together. United, we all stand. Divided, we all fall." Now no one moved. Even the air seemed to stop. His eyes scanned the rest of the field before he continued. "Remember that. Now go. I heard the dinner bell minutes ago."
Students scrambled to gather their things and run to dinner.
~~~~~
Kako paced as he waited for some form of contact. It had been at least weeks since he heard from the girl. Or was it days? He couldn't remember. And it didn't matter.
He stopped and looked out the window from the inn he was staying in. He felt stares from other patrons but paid them mind. They wouldn't be staring for much longer.
He formed a fist as his patience started to run thin. How long would it take for a young girl to walk? Finally, he saw her cloaked figure walking through the crowds, pushing a few common folk aside. He turned to the entrance as she opened the door. Their eyes locked, and she shut the door.
He led her to a table in the corner, away from prying ears and eyes. They sat. A barmaid asked if they wanted food and drink but both denied, more pressing matters on their minds. Then it was silent.
Kako stated at her for a few moments. "Well?"
He heard her let out a light scoff. "Well what Kako?"
"Did you find them?"
He watched as she lowered her hood, starting to become irritated. "Perhaps. I'm not sure. It's hard to tell right now. They are still very young."
He sat back in thought. "How young?"
Apistos shrugged. "A couple years younger than I am."
He nodded. "Is that all?"
Apistos nodded back, although hesitantly sensing the suspicion in his voice. He gave her a small smile and stood. "Good. You have done well, girl. You should feel proud to have served."
Apistos stared up at him. "I am my lord. And will continue to do so, just say the word."
He leaned down, grabbing her face in both his hands, and clicking his tounge. "I know child. You have served your purpose well. But, all good things come to an end, I am afraid."
His smile fell, his eyes going dark and his grip tightening. "You will not leave here. No one will."
His hands traveled down to her neck, his fingers hot with fire, his grip tight. She clawed at his hands, gasping for air. Sadly, her noises were ignored, the noise in the inn starting to pick up. Eventually, she fell quiet, her movements stilled. He released her neck and covered her head with her hood, covering the burn marks and her now dead eyes.
As he made is way to the exit, he touched the wall, fire once again shooting from his fingertips, setting it a blaze.
The outside air was soon filled with screams from both the building and onlookers. No one noticed a snake slither away.
YOU ARE READING
An End
AdventureI held up my lamp, my sword in my other hand. Although the light was bright, it wasn't bright enough and I couldn't see all that was in front of me. But I could still hear. And it was silent. So very silent.
