Shadow

Chapter 1

The war started with a warm sunrise in spring, Vecren was known for its warm seasons. Harlequin always woke up with the sunrise so he could have a fresh start every day and to enjoy the whole day, from beginning to end. This sunrise was different, he sensed it. Harlequin has always had this sixth sense. He could tell when something was going to go down or someone was going to get hurt. This time was different. Harlequin noticed his brain start to feel squeezed as if someone were pushing their way in or just wanting to be noticed.

Harlequin tried to stay calm as he always seems to be. The only person who knows him deeper than that is Wynter. He kneeled down on the newly dewed grass on the field near the village. He felt like the earth was shaking and that he was being thrown around but from the inside of his head. He couldn't explain it, it was busy in his head. Someone was really wanting him to listen. Harlequin noticed his hands shaking uncontrollably, he put them on his temples to get his head to stop rambling. Then suddenly it stopped, no shaking, no business, no nothing. Harlequin was curious, he had never experienced such a thing in his 25 years of life.

"I should go speak to Wynter." He thought to himself as he started walking back to the cottage.

Harlequin tried to walk soft but swiftly. It didn't work. He ran into Wynter has she was heading to the bathhouse to get washed up.

"Sorry Wynter, When you're done, may I speak with you?" Harlequin said sharply.

"We can talk now, breathe. What's going on?" Wynter spoke with a touch of comfort in her voice. She always made Harlequin feel better, she helped him in many ways than one. Of course, he never told her that.

"Please shower and eat first, I don't mean to trouble you. I do have chores to do anyways. Find me in a few." Harlequin turned sharply from Wynter and walked away, trying to walk normally. He didn't want to worry her.

"See you in the barn. Breathe, please." She yelled at him as he walked away. Wynter knew he needed reminding to relax, helping him helped her feel closer to him. She and he have known each other for years, but in the back of her mind, she wanted to tell him how she felt.