The Desolation Of The Red Rackham

Chapter 9

I wiped the tear off my cheek, but the bruise deep in my heart could never be treated now. I was still lying on the ground, and eventually dozed off. After I woke up, I laid down in the same way I was sleeping and waited for my friends to wake up. Hours passed and there was neither any sign of Louis coming back, from no matter where he had gone, nor there was any sign of the waking up of Austin or any other of my mate with whom could share my feelings . Suddenly, Austin woke up. I was laying next to him, so there was someone I could actually talk to now.

'Hey dude.' I said.

'Hey.' He said, looked around for some time with a confused look and asked 'Where am I?'

'So, we lost the battle. I was hit badly on the head and I blacked out and last thing I eventually saw was you trying to save me. Thanks for doing that man, I really appreciate that. If you weren't there, I wouldn't have made it.' I said as a tear rolled down. (Frankly, I was tired of crying now.) 'Hey, hey, hey! Easy tiger. It was my job. And actually I was practically dumb to let a newcomer make decisions for the group. You probably didn't know how severe and catastrophic the conditions are. 'Well, I do now....' I said. 'Yes, yes you do. But always keep this one thing in mind soldier: No matter what happens, you fight. Never let go, never say you can't do it just because the enemy is in large number. Wars aren't fought for fun, they are fought for pride. And do always remember this, as this may help you in the future: Never leave a man behind because wars are fought by us and not one of us should be left behind, left to the mercy of the rivals. Now, a soldier should be strong so never sob again. I have to take some more rest so you can go and make yourself useful. And don't worry, everything is gonna be just fine. We will make a new plan soon.' He said and dozed off, leaving me alone again.

It was me, all alone to have some time to think. Louis came asking me to help but I just refused and sent him away. I was still lying next to the haystacks when the idea occurred to me that I should climb up the stairs of the little hut right in front. It would give me some fresh air and some quality time to rethink situations. So, I got up, one part at a time and slowly started to move towards it. I picked up the ladder kept right beside, placed it right so that I could climb it to the top. Every step that I took hurt me but I knew that the view of this beautiful city would be worth it. I climbed up and laid down on the top. The cool and damp mud made me cosy and the night sky seemed to be welcoming me. The chirping of various song birds made me feel like home. The view in front was utterly breathtaking; the dark blue sea, on which there were many ducks and swans swimming. Every now and then, some fishes would spring out from the water for a second and then disappear again. The water was sparkling and reflected the light of the moon elegantly. The tender water met the land at this beautiful garden where there were many trees and bushes, filled with berries all over. The air was filled with the sweet smell of roses, lilies and several other indescribable flowers that lit up the atmosphere. Tearing down the night sky, went a shooting star, which disappeared into the blue. Every part of this view was mesmerizing and calmed my soul, throughout. This was perfect, except for someone to share it with.

This made me think about my past all over again. Suddenly, I realised that all this wouldn't have been so bad if there was someone beside me. Alas, the thought of losing my family still was something I couldn't have imagined even in my wildest dreams. Far from home, all alone, with no one and just me to shoulder the entire burden. This thought made me wonder all night long, before I laid my head on the mud and the chirping, like a lullaby sung me to sleep.