Uncrowned

Ch 4: Gutting, My Second Favorite Pastime

"I am truly sorry for your lost."

Without turning in the direction of the voice, I reply,

"Your pity is unwanted."

The Champion gently lowers herself besides me, her face grim.

"I am not presenting you with it."

Her golden hues glimmer with bleakness, "Come, there is something I must show you."

The child within me wants to snap at her, but the graveness of her tone prevents me from doing so. Instead, I cradle Ben to my body and remove myself from the cobblestone street, no longer able to feel any emotion except despair.

The woman does not speak as she leads us down a path to the pier, once under the concealment of a large building, she brings a finger to her lips.

My brother glances at me, waiting for instructions. I simply nod, and he obediently ceases his sniffling.

As we stand within the confines of the building's shadow, several Lucian soldiers come into view.

"The supplies have been burned, sir."

"Excellent," the older warrior says.

A crimson amulet lays resting on his armored chest, it reeks of power and magic. I can not place my finger on it, but there is a disturbing aura surrounding the necklace, something dangerous.

The leader continues to speak,

"Venture into the Capital and inform the masses. Tell them, the Dark King wanted the resources for himself and we insisted otherwise."

"What of the families by the ports?"

"Make sure they're dead, no witnesses. Classify it as unfortunate crossfire."

Fury boils through my veins, and my vision blurs red. Memories of my mother and father flash rapidly in my mind, feuling me anguish and heartbreak.

I am going to kill them, every single one of them. I will gut their intestines and suffocate them in flames.

I start to step forward but Ben clutches my shoulder.

"Don't Lulu, don't leave me," my brother whispers.

I stop and curse inwardly, trying to calm myself. If I attacked now, there is no guaranteeing my life. I could not leave Ben alone. Despite the anger being unable to subside, I remain in the shadows, plotting their slow and agonizing deaths.

The guards salute in acknowledgement before exiting the premises, leaving the Captain and one other behind.

The bearded Commander turns his gaze to the smouldering, soot sky ahead and closes his tired eyes.

"Soon," he starts, "Soon we can drop this foolish act, and continue with our plans. Report the good news to him, Finnikin."

Finnikin bows, and disappears.

The woman tugs at my cloak, signaling our departure. We begin to flee the scene, when an unsettling feeling makes its way down my spine.

I pause mid-step, something is amiss. I glance at the aged warrior once more, but he is gone.

The previous Champion seems to sense impending peril as well, for she shackles my wrist in her hand and drags me along. The marketplace has become chaotic, riled people bustling about.

"How dare he..."

"...winning the war over his own people!"

"I'd rather be under the rule of the enemy than him."

Ben clutches onto me tighter, and I strengthen my hold on him. A mob of enraged citizens could easily become dangerous. The blonde haired woman continues escorting us, gracefully slipping past the masses. Soon, we arrive at the outskirts not far from the center of the Capital; an abandoned orphanage stands in ruins just ahead.

How ironic.

The former Champion tears at the wooden planks barricading the entrance. It comes away effortlessly, and she extends her arm in welcome. I suppose I could leave, there is nothing holding me here. But then again, there is nothing remaining for me, except Ben.

No home, no parents. In the span of minutes nearly everything has been taken from me.

They will pay.

I enter the drab and demolished institution, the first floor is barren, only a few crates remain in the center. The ground groans ominously as I make my way to sit, Ben begins to fallen asleep against my chest.

I caress his cheek fondly, a child his age should not have to be traumatized as so. That is why I was here, to absorb the hardening and damaging experiences so he would not have to. The woman settles on a crate opposite from us, golden hues lingering tenderly on Ben before returning her gaze to me.

"I suppose you have questions."

"I do, but I shall allow you the pleasure of explaining."

She smiles wanly, "First off, my name is Marie."

"Lucile," I say impassively.

"I did not wish for this to happen. The title of Champion has become a burden, but it gives me no excuses."

Marie's gleaming eyes seem to be imploring, her face shameful.

"I fled from the Dark King, too petrified to do battle," she tangles her fingers into the rough fabric of her cloak, "When I caught wind of the Lucian Kingdom's plan, I wanted to be of some assistance."

"Plan?" I ask, curiosity piquing my voice.

She hesitates, "Yes, I do not have much. But from what I gather, it seems they are intending to use us."

"In what way?"

"I have yet to figure out, but I know it will be less pleasant than the Dark King's current treatment."

I study her carefully, piecing together the bits of information.

"You want me to kill the mastermind behind this."

"Yes."

My caramel eyes narrow, "And you are not suited for this task?"

Marie sighs, face etched with remorse, "I am not a killer."

There is a strained silence, only Ben's soft breaths remain audible.

"There are others."

"Not like you," she says, almost regretfully.

Ben shifts against me, nuzzling his face into my shoulder. I glance down at him, what would happen if the Lucians succeed? What would become of our lives?

I watch Marie's face suspiciously, carefully reading her expression. It is fleeting, and I almost doubt myself, but a glimmer of calculation appears for a slight moment.

"Did you bring me to the soldiers as persuasion?" I question, my voice hushed with malice.

"No! Of course not," she refutes, her voice wavering. It is slight, but I am able to catch it.

"Did you think my thirst for vengeance would be enough for me to be swayed?"

"Lucile," she says.

I stand up abruptly, careful not jostle Ben, though my body tremors with animosity.

"I am not a pawn," I state coldly, before making my way to the exit.

"You have nowhere else to go," Marie reminds, as if it would influence me.

Tilting my head, I cast her a sadistic smile, and she flinches,

"Neither do you."
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Ouuu, Marie just got served! Lucile is so badass with words :)

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