Falling Short

            "Tell me where she is." the officer whispered, garlic wafting from his bandana-covered face. I stifled a gag, forcing my face to remain emotionless. I focused on the jagged rocks, pointing sharply into the sky. The Aquaiji shifted the gun from his right to his left, eyes unmoving. Any false move could send me falling to my death. I planted my feet in the rocky soil. He jabbed the gun hard under my ribs, forcing a small break in my stoic expression. Again, his voice rumbled, "Tell me, rebel, where is Unrajk!?"

            I shook my head; I could not expose the revolution. "No." The Aquaijan officer raised an eyebrow, A sinister grin was hidden under his bandana, readable by the wrinkle lines that outlined his eyes.

            "I see, not one for talking." he nodded to the scouts behind him, two boys with fear-stricken faces. No doubt they had been forced into war by the wicked ruler, Raslaj. They moved in stiff movements, beaten into uniform soldiers by the harsh military camps. I felt for them, I knew all too well what was left unknown to the supreme commanders. Death was more desirable than this.

            The scouts tied my hands behind my back and cursed in my head as the boys tied a strong, unbreakable knot. They had no room for mistake. After the Aquaiji was satisfied, he shooed the scouts away with a harsh gesture. The boys scattered to the far-off military truck, scared of the small pistol that hung from the officer's holster. They knew they could die as easily as me. I spat at the polished shoes of the officer; he would not gain any respect from me. I was a survivor, living on my wits and spite. No one could break me.

            The Aquaijan officer removed the barrel of his rifle from my midriff. We regarded each other, he curious, I disgusted. The man was garbed head to toe with weapons. His hat sat proudly on his head, declaring the glory of his title. He considered me scum, and I considered him nothing.

            "Rafque." he spoke. I jerked back in surprise, losing my balance. I tripped backwards, the deathly drop close behind me. Panicked, I tugged on my bounds with no avail. Fabric bit at my neck as The Aquaiji grabbed my collar, saving me from falling down the merciless mountain. My heart pounded uncontrollably, and my mind scattered in a million directions. I could not think clearly. How did he know my name? Not even the most trusted of the rebellion knew my name! I stared down his arm, analyzing his eyes. He was familiar, the voice, the posture. He stood like any soldier, back straight and every step purposeful. But he twitched his left hand every minute like a fish out of water. My brain was too frazzled to piece the puzzle.

            "Who-?" I did not finish my question. He tore away the bandana revealing the unexpected. My mouth fell open, barricaded expression lost. He was aged by war, wrinkles etched in his skin. The title: Aquaiji, was a burden he accepted and was his own fault.

            "Traqucio!?" I whispered; it was too good to be true. He nodded, a sad smile on his face. We stood, frozen. We were together again! But I felt like we had never been more separated. He was a good man, but what was he doing on Raslaj's side? He let go of my collar, guiding my feet to solid ground. "wha-?"

            Traqucio silenced me with a wave, "Let me explain."

            "Fair enough." I agreed.

            "You escaped?" he asked, curious. I nodded in affirmative. "I continued my training, I thought they killed you, Rafque." I swallowed my guilt; I had thought the same of him. "Imagine me! Aquaiji!" he bounced in excitement, "I earned the title!" Traque looked at me with pride.

            I could not help but smile, "So, you're under cover? You sly dog!" I longed to grab his shoulder in a brotherly embrace, "I thought I was clever escaping, but you..." the oxygen left my lungs. Traque's smile had dropped, all light gone from his eyes. We stood in silence; my tied hands growing sweaty and my cheeks hot. The traitor! He was one of them! Brainwashed by that scum, Raslaj! I gulped; the air of death was near. "You'd kill me!?" I accused, "Your only friend among those wolves, and you turn on me too?" Traque's face constricted with untamed emotion.

            "No! I wouldn't murder you!" tears leaked from his eyes. "Join me, brother, and we could be unstoppable! The Aquaij are good men that serve a good king! Top guard of the Winfmal Palace! What honour we could bring!"

            My stomach boiled. "I refuse! Raslaj is no king to me! Join us, my friend, we could take down the government! Become kings ourselves! There is no surpassing us on the throne!" I longed for him to take the offer; we were closer than brothers. Traqucio shook his head to my demise.

            "We have found ourselves on opposite sides." he stated, "But that shall not break us." he cut my rope, gripping my shoulder firmly. I flexed my cramped hands and watched him back away, knife sheathed in his belt. "Be safe, and I hope our paths cross in different circumstances." Fire ignited in my stomach. He was no longer connected to me, we were enemies.

            "Traqucio!" he turned his head, solemn. "I hate you! I hate the poor choices you have taken! This shall be your death!" tears once again, streaked his face. He was wrong. The Aquaiji were a disgrace, taking orders from that unfair king! Raslaj did not understand business. He thought himself above the trade. Many men became jobless when he shut it down!

            Traqucio was an idiot, he had too much faith in my loyalty. My hands were free, and my gun was sitting at my hip.

            "You are a fool, Traqucio!" I said and fired a bullet at his skull. He fell, screaming. I smiled.