Moon Chasers

A Unarguable Speech

 I took a seat next to my mother, and positioned a cushion behind my back. My father made a gesture to Anne and she left the room without word. There was a cold silence in the space, and judging by the redness of Ruin's eyes, he had already read the contents of his letter.

"Regarding the letters," My mother began, pausing herself for an added dramatic effect, "I think that we need to let them go."

Immediately my father sprung from his seat in disagreement. "They are only children! We can't have them partake in this crazy chase!" His voice boomed as if he was on stage, making sure even the people farthest away could hear.

"Let me lay my case," she was unnervingly calm, like the sky before a storm. "I too am not eagar on sending my boys away from home so soon, but do you really think we have much of a choice? This is thing is the King for Retehs sake. You can bribe townsmen and nobles, but King Tarken Jan'il isn't one that we can negotiate with." My father ran his hands through his hair as he knew that he could not argue with this logic.

"Julia. We can't do this." He settled back into his chair, "What if they don't come back? There's no guarantee."

"It's a noble duty for our boys to be asked of this. The certainty might not be there, but enlistment into any of the kings branches is a virtuous act whether it's chosen or not."

What my mother spoke was true, being honored with a place in the king's hand gave upmost glory. Being drafted might be tough, but coming home would make you no less than a hero. Not knowing weather to add anything, I caught my eyes on Ruin, who although was stone faced as usual, gave away every emotion in his eyes; confusion and fear.

"Mother is right. We'll go, It's the right thing to do." Ruin announced, his voice sounding far more brave than what I knew he was feeling.

"I agree, we can't ignore a call like this. We should follow what's planned for us." I added, half mimicking Ruin's fake tone.

"This is insane, i've heard enough." My father muttered just loud enough for us to hear. With his head down, he rose up and stormed out of the room leaving an icy trail behind him. Moments later we heard the front door swing then slam closed. I began to move in an effort to follow, but my mother reached out her arm to block me.

"Let him go, he needs to cool off. Reason is not one to be argued with." She sighed and rested her palms against her forehead, and for a long moment no one uttered a word. Ruin was beginning to break character and I could tell my mother might have been on the verge of tears as well. Despite the situation, I couldn't share what they were feeling. All I had was pure excitement; If i'm not going to be on the stage, I'm going to be able to live the glamorous life of an adventurer. I excused myself from the room, finding the conversation had been incredibly short lived. My father was always quick to turn down things he didn't like, but this must've been a record.

Once in the safety of my room, I reread over the letter multiple times, each time giving me more thrilling anxiety. It stated that we must be at the hall down in Tate by midday tomorrow with a small sack of personal belongings. The message was short and vague leaving nothing but imagination as to what was to come. The trip down to Tate would take three hours by walking and maybe half that if by horse, but father wouldn't be quick to let us ride. I pulled out my leather knapsack and shoved a few items inside, knowing it would be better packing now than in the morning. After revising my pack a few times, I ended up with a small amount of coins inside a hide purse, string, a pocket knife with a wooden handle, a woolen sweater Anne had made, and a half sized bottle of apricot wine that I had been saving for a while. I was satisfied with the lot, as I knew that there would probably be other necessities given to us. Remembering the odd coin that Evie had given me, I cut off a section of the string and laced it into the hole. Underestimating how large my head was, I wrapped it around my wrist twice. It gave me a fine sense of security, just as if Evie was sitting right next to me, cheering me on. I laughed at how dumb and cliche the thought was, but I still kept the coin close.

I had been asleep for probably only twenty minutes before Ruin shook me awake.I rolled over unwillingly and tried to push him off with a light kick.

"What are we gonna do?" He cried. His voice was quiet but had enough urgency to wake half of my sleeping mind.

"What do you mean? The letters? We can't do anything. Just accept it."

"I'm scared." Ruin let out a surprisingly mouselike choke, and I reflexly sat up. Ruin was usually as tough as a rock and didn't often show when he was upset. The tone of his voice made me think back to when we were younger. It unsettled me, but I knew not to act like I was concerned. It would only make me look weak as well.

"I'll keep you safe, you don't have to worry. Now let me sleep." I slumped back down and turned my back to my brother.

"Promise?"

"Sure." I muttered just trying to get him to go away. I listened for a while as he climbed into the bed adjacent to mine. He made no sound, which comforted me slightly.

The next morning I woke up extra early to Anne's first morning bell from the kitchen. I knew there would be two more before breakfast, but I rose anyway. I had been tossing and turning in an anxious state for what felt like the majority of the night, and I was ready to go. For once I was jealous of Ruin who was still sleeping soundly. I dressed quickly into what I had picked out the night before. I had only the best for traveling, as I had no idea how long we would be gone for. I laced my long leather boots which were made custom to my feet and cost at least a four Cut. They were a gift from my father back a couple months ago for the Lilyclad Festival and I had only worn them twice since in the act to preserve them. Now was the perfect time to use them, and I could not be any more proud. I wore a coat, resembling a short cloak rising just above the knee. Inside, there were enough pockets to hide almost anything I wanted. I liked that about my cloak, it held secrets that no one but myself would know. By the embroidery, anyone could tell it wasn't cheap in any means. I grabbed my knapsack and strutted down to the kitchen as the second bell sounded. I knew I looked as good as I felt and had to hold back everything to not grin as I approached Anne having tea in the kitchen.