Kingdom Raiders

Chapter 1 - Asra

THAT AFTERNOON, I occupied the time by stitching up an old tunic, then cleaning our modest home. Two chairs, a table and two single beds shared the room. I swept the floor but to no avail; the dirt kicked up and made the mud house messier and dustier.

Father sat at the table, coughing up a lung due to the debris in the air. He'd been taking trips out at night recently, which is why I was convinced he had also caught the flu.

"I've got to go out again tonight, make sure you stay inside. Don't want any trouble to come knocking on the door," he demanded.

I set the broom aside, lessening the space between us. "Where have you been off to? Most nights you arrive home late, quite some time after the alarms ring. It's dangerous out there, father."

"I know, and that's why you need to stay inside so I know you're safe."

"But father!" I protested. "I want to go too! Whatever it is, you'll be there with me, you can keep a close watch on me. Why can't I just see what's out there?"

He rested his hands on the table with a 'thud', leaning forward so his eyes met mine. His forehead creased in concentration, or frustration, at my determined attitude.

"Not happening. You stay at home, or I'll have the authorities lock you up. Asra, you know how much I love you, but it's not you I don't trust. The others out there have been afraid recently." He lowered his voice, "There's been talk about radicals from out of town nearby. If you're found outside at night..."

His voice trailed off and his eyes were filled with despair; his lips turned into a frown. "I just couldn't bare to think what would happen."

I had thought of arguing more - particularly my strength and ability to defend myself, but judging by Father's concerns, I thought it best not to push my luck. Ever since mother - he wasn't the same. Always slept with one eye open, keeping me inside at night and restricting my interactions with the world. That wasn't to say that I didn't see the light of day, in fact, I regularly made trips outside to go to the markets or go on little adventures, but Father didn't like me talking to strangers when I was out.

"Yes, Father," I caved.

My conscience told me no. No, don't disobey your father. No, don't put your safety at risk. No, don't break the law because you're too nosy and selfish to do what's good for you. But my heart told me yes. I needed to go. Something about his endeavours wasn't adding up. Why would he risk being arrested for a business meeting?

I averted my eyes. Father always said that the eyes were the window to the soul. I suspect this is why I was terrible at lying, and why he always caught me when I did. I knew that if he saw my eyes, he would know what I was planning. So I got up and left the chair before he could suspect me.

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The alarm bells had gone off about ten minutes ago. All the town's residents had rushed inside before the curfew had officially set and the guards were able to arrest them for patrolling the streets unattended.

I was sitting in the chair sewing together a frayed sock, when Father had pulled on a coat and slipped out the door. I grabbed my woollen hat and capelet and headed out the door.

My feet tread against the cobblestone path, then the grounds switched to a woodchip and sand flooring. The horse neighed at the sight of me walking into the stables, his hooves trotted with excitement. I quickly assembled his bridle, bit and saddle, before I promptly mounted the horse.

"Hey, buddy. Let's see what Father is up to, yeah?" I patted his side.

He walked out of the stables and I drew back his reins to go slower. The town was as quiet as a mouse this evening, meaning I had to be as stealthy as possible. The puddles from this afternoon's rain blanketed the road, splashing up against my legs with the horses every step. I gently shushed the horse, hoping to somehow make it quieter. I ran my fingers through his mane, silky and fluffy in texture, similar to what I imagine a dog's to be. I still remember the day Father came home with him. It was two years ago when I was fifteen and I had begged him for months to get a horse. He came home one day with the horse and I had never wrapped my arms so tightly around him.