The Only One Left to Blame

Told By: Carissa Mayberry

"That girl is always causing trouble," my mother told me. I sighed as I looked at that wretched girl, Malia Bearbrook. It was her own fault that half of the village burned down. If she hadn't taken it upon herself to fight that man disguised as dragon, we would be fine and my father would have a job.

She had some of the best treatment this country could afford and she threw it all away for a 'sacred duty.' My brother held her chains while she marched with dignity. Since she was one of the country's most powerful knights, she was flanked on all sides by her once comrades. I saw her spit at my brother's feet. Kristofen only rolled his eyes. Her time had come to be seated before The Council. I smiled a secret smile and went back to my loom. My thoughts wandered over all of the people that she had tricked. I could list them off like tallies for her crimes: Amos Flannery, my brother, and most unfortunately me.

We had once been friends. Her bravery had inspired me before I knew it was all a matter of pride. By the time I finished mentally tallying up her offenses, I had finished my latest piece for the dutchess. I retired to the front porch as dusk was approaching. The city was bathed in red, as if it was grieving itself. Even the twilight sky was a blood red color.

Then I saw her pass by my house and walk into Amos' shop. She seemed to be lost in thought. I watched his shop from my porch for over an hour. She finally walked out with a new sword that I had seen Amos working on when I passed by to mend some of his clothing. He had taken extra care to make that sword for someone special, and she had taken it without a care in the world. I snuck off of my front porch. I watched her sleek through alleyways and hidden passages. She was being extra careful that night, but she wouldn't lose me. She never lost me. I then realized what she had done. She stole one of Amos' swords.

I ran to the nearest knight outpost. She had me memorize them in the case of trouble. I ran in and explained the situation. I told the captain that Amos Flannery would most likely cover for her since she was like daughter to him. The captain assured me that everything would be dealt with shortly. I sighed in relief and bid him a good evening.

The following day as I as preparing lunch, she stormed in. She screamed blaming me for getting her into trouble. That atrocious girl would blame anyone to get her way, it wouldn't work this time.

"How could you do this Carissa? They plan to take my hand!," she howled. If she thought that I wouldn't pursue justice she was a fool. I didn't let my affections run that deep, even when I cared for her.

"If you didn't want to be brought to justice, Malia, you shouldn't have stolen from poor Amos in the first place," I shot back forcefully. {Honestly, the nerve of that girl!} She reached up for me but I yanked my hand out of her grasp. Captain Thiessen grabbed her and lead her away to the dungeons. I heard him say that was to be beheaded. A twinge out guilt bolted through my chest, but I shook my head to dismiss it. It was finally time for us to be rid of that wretched girl.,

Three days later, I saw her marching up to her execution. She looked ill. I realized that she had been starved. I wondered what had happened to her. I frowned when I heard Amos sobbing. Malia Bearbrooks' grasp on him was tighter than I imagined. There was a moth on Amos' vest.I brushed it off. I flinched as the ax came down. The village would finally be rid of its most horrendous threat.