The Undying Heroes

A short story about friendship I suppose. A few of my friends are based on the main characters. This is for you Dillon. :) (There might be a few mistakes I missed so bare with me.)

The Undying Heroes

The night was still. In the distance you could hear men screaming out. The voices grew louder. Now all I heard was the demand of a fight. I knew it was coming, but they didn’t know we were coming. All the best warriors were here, barricading the village that lead up to the castle gates. I had my hand on my bow, ready for attack at any given moment. My best warrior was by my side, Kallen. He knew everything from sword fighting, bows, guns and fist fighting. Kallen had trained all the young boys preparing for this fight. He told me most were frightened and very few had any potential of sword fighting. I haven’t had the chance to work with any adults considering this was my first combat fight. Again Kallen explained the adults were well prepared but we did have some cowards among our team.

The enemies were so close, it took all my will power to not yell the one word that would begin this dreadful attack. I wasn’t allowed to give the word. This was appointed to Kallen. King Zander did not trust my judgement. Even if it was King Zander who put the lives of many at risk.

It began when our king went to visit the king from two villages over, King Cahiri. The Kings were debating on who won the bet. I was never clued in on what “The Bet” was. I just knew King Zander, the moron he is, insulted King Cahiri and his village. To top it off he took whatever the prize to “The Bet” was and left without another word. King Cahiri was extremely furious, he felt the prize was his and demanded a fight. It has been ongoing feuds between them for years and had finally found a small, moronic reason to fight.

“Violet, get ready,” I snapped back into reality noticing Kallen had his hand on my shoulder trying to get my attention. My thoughts were distracting me. I got my game face on and nodded back up at Kallen. He was tall, penetrating green eyes and jet black hair he let carelessly hang in his eyes. His face was white without a single blemish and a strong jawline. We haven’t been friends for more than a year, but he was one of my best friends. He could always make me smile in the worst of times. “One minute,” he told me. I was nervous, my first fight, fresh arrows and I didn’t feel prepared. Kallen, being good at everything, could sense my uneasiness. His eyes searched mine and I knew he had my back. My sword was dangling by my waist; I knew I wouldn’t use it. All I needed was my bow. But king’s orders are, every fighter must require a sword.

Once Kallen gave the word the plan is, everyone using a bow will fire. We wait 10 seconds to see the reaction of the enemy then charge. I suddenly had the scent of rain enter my nose. Rain was my favourite weather and I hope it begins to pour so I know all will go well. I had always used small games like that to assure me everything was going to be okay.

They were so close it hurt me to stay put. I glanced around the group. Everyone stood motionless, awaiting orders. Expressions took place on every face anger, nervous, shock, scared and sad. For a second I thought I was mental but Kallen`s face looked confused as well. We actually heard someone laugh! How could someone laugh at a time as stressful as this.

Then I heard it, the only word I wanted to hear so this could soon be over, “FIRE” Kallen roared so every fighter could hear it was time. Arrows flashed before my eyes. With no hesitation I released my arrow into the darkness. I heard cries of pain. You could hardly see them, but they all stopped abruptly. Looks of confusion flashed across they’re faces. Then realization struck. The enemies charged with intense force. Suddenly I noticed I was left standing alone. Everyone else had vanished into the darkness fighting for their lives.

I ran into the night feeling fear. My eyes set out to find Mave, my other best friend. Mave and I were the only two girls who would fight, the other women were going to tend the wounded and watch the children. It didn’t take much time when I noticed the long, fiery orange hair falling loosely at her waist. Relief washed over me when I saw her, but the terror came back when I noticed how muscular her opponent was. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. Swiftly, I grabbed an arrow and set it right in my bow. One second was all I needed to acquire my target. My hand jerked and I set the arrow free. It plunged into his back and through his heart. He fell onto his knees, then face first onto the long grass that touched our ankles. He didn’t make a movement, not even a twitch, which clarified he was dead.

“Thank you, Violet,” she smiled at me. I could feel the horror she felt. We had mutual feelings. I remember the first time I ever spoke to her. I was 7 going on 8. No one knew me, and I didn’t know them. I had recently moved into village and I wanted to explore. I ran down to the market, errands for mother. My first real glance at the town. The market was filled with booths everywhere. Vegetable stands to jewellery stands, anything a seven year old could think of. It was all crammed into this town square and smelled of fresh fruit and sweat. It gave me the feeling of home. I could not understand why. I loved it. Bread was the only food on the list for tonight. I started to scope for a bread stand when I was nudged from behind.

“Hi! You’re new here, aren’t you? My name is Mave, yours?” My eyes widened when I noticed the insane short red hair tucked behind her ears and wild green eyes framed with freckles. It took me a couple seconds to grasp my voice.

“H-Hi,” I stuttered, shocked by her friendliness, “My name is Violet,” I managed a smile.

“That’s a pretty name. What are you shopping for?”

“Um. Bread.” I explained biting on my lip.

“Oh the booth is this way, I’ll show you,” Mave grabbed my wrist and dragged me along. I was now standing in front of a man holding bread in my face. The sweet scent of fresh pastries filled my nose and I couldn’t help but lick my chapped lips. I gave him an awkward smile and handed him the money. He wrapped the bread and smiled right back. I felt I could trust him even though we hadn’t spoken one word to each other.

“What else is on your list of groceries?” Mave asked.

“Nothing.” I murmured. A huge grin appeared on  her afce.

“Would you like to come swimming with me? I know a pond inside the forest.” She asked excitedly. At that moment I decided I liked her. It was the beginning of our friendship.

Back in the real world, I stared at the same face, the only difference was, more freckles had appeared and her hair had grown down to her waist.

“You’re welcome. I couldn’t stand to see you hurt. I just want this to end.” I groaned. Mave sighed in response.

“Me too. Sorry to say this but I need to go and help.” she looked upset.

“Same here, I should go find Kallen.” I said. She nodded in agreement. I took off. In the search for him, I shot some arrows, not necessarily to kill them, but a shot in the arm or leg. Just wounding them, weakening them. I didn’t want to be a murderer, the thought repulsed me. I spotted him in the corner of my eye. He was fighting two men. Frightened for his safety, I shot an arrow, aiming at the bigger man. I am almost positive he won’t die but he fell to his needs while shouting out in pain. I shot the last one, letting him fall in while Kallen took the moment to behead them both. I cringed at the sight. He ran over to me, his chest heaving immensely. Kallen’s face showed he was exhausted, I wanted nothing more than to go back to my peaceful home and think about what the future might bring. Without a word, just an expression with similar feelings, he jogged off.

 That’s when I noticed there was barely anyone in the field. A little less than half were on the ground, I saw about half of theirs, I sent a quick prayer hoping for safety. I figured most had run off in fear. I already knew our team carried cowards. Realizing now only two others were in the field from our village. I ran slowly trying to figure out who was still alive. I saw the fiery hair dancing through the light breeze. Mave! She was running at full speed to defend a small girl crouched in a corner. About 15 feet away, a man had his bow drawn. The arrow pulled back, aiming right for the girl. I understood now. I couldn’t let this happen. I ran with all possible strength to cover the distance. I was reaching for an arrow when I heard the cry, the cry I knew belonged to Mave. The arrow had pierced her heart. I was in such rage I pulled the string back and released my arrow. I grabbed another one and shot him again and again. I reached for another arrow already knowing he was gone, my hand caught nothing but air. I had no arrows left!

I rushed over to Mave. Her eyes fluttering, trying hard to stay open. I sat her on my lap, ignoring the blood crawling onto my hands.

“Mave! Listen to me. Do not close your eyes. Stay with me! Just stay with me! MAVE!” I screamed. I almost didn’t catch it but I heard her mumble. I listened more carefully.

“Girl…. safety….” Mave’s eyes looked up at me, she shed a tear for the last time and closed her eyes. I glanced over to the girl. She was sitting in the corner, knees folded into her chest, head down. Reluctant to leave Mave I ran over to the girl and tipped her head up.

“What are you doing out here? It’s dangerous.” I explained. Water was invading my eyes and I had to focus extremely hard to get a clear view of the girl.

“I just wanted to fight, like my daddy.” She said. I looked her over, the girl was filthy. Covered head to toe in dirt. A couple scratches appeared on her skin.

“Where is your daddy?” I asked, trying to be calm. It was painful when I was filled with anger and hatred. The girl shrugged so I picked her up and ran back to my house that was just around the corner. I kicked the door open, startling my mother. All I said was “Found this girl, keep her safe. Need to help Kallen,” and left. As I ran back to the field rain began to pour from the clouds above. Rain. I don’t know how anything will be alright now. The water washed the blood from my shaking hands.

Kallen was still in the field. Only he and I were still alive for all I knew. Kallen was furious. In the past year I had never seen his face so red and his jaw tightly clenched.

“We must fight! Do not let them get to the castle gate!” he roared. About 5 men were headed our way. They seemed to be the only ones left. I just wanted every one of them dead! I need to avenge Mave. I found spare arrows on the ground, some from my bow. I grabbed them. I had four. Without a look at Kallen I charged into the direction of the enemies, showing no fear, no mercy. With my bow drawn I don’t hold back. Kallen’s footsteps are right behind me. I shoot arrow after arrow. Shooting with all the adrenaline still lingering in my veins. Three of the men are down. One with an arrow in his arm and the other untouched. Kallen runs ahead and raises his sword in defiance toward the wounded enemy, slashing left and right. I run and retrieve an arrow I just used from the body. Dropping my bow, I run without hesitation and stabbed the arrow through the back of the untouched man, he doesn’t even flinch, and he continues his fight with Kallen. The other dead on the ground, Kallen must of finished him off which infuriated the enemy. I realized he was the last man, and the battle will be over. Excitement rushes through me. I now realize this man is Mave’s murderer. I shriek and start punching him, tears streaming down my face. I push him with such force he falls right into Kallen`s sword. Plunging into his chest. Instant death. I fall to the ground in such relief, pain shot through my leg, moans coming from my mouth. I glanced down; my leg had a three inch deep cut. I never even noticed happened. Kallen walks over silently, picks me up and hug me to his chest and heads into town. I noiselessly cry for Mave.

All I crave now is sleep. It took so much will not to, but I decided to give in. I was drenched as the rain still came; my body now ached in every possible area. A crowd of boisterous people fill my ears, everyone ecstatic over our victory. My eyes immediately open and villagers are surrounding us. Kallen keeps on walking. I hear him announce, “Violet’s has been injured. She needs to be taken care of,” Within a short amount of time I am lain onto a surface of fluff. Something sharp pinches my arm. I flinched. “It will all be fine, I am here,” are the last words I hear before falling into a deep peaceful sleep.

I open my eyes to brightness. My eyes slowly adjust and Kallen is sitting by my bed. Dark circles lay under his eyes and scratches lined his face. He looked awful.

“What happened?” I croaked slightly confused about the previous night. At the sound of my voice he immediately stood up.

“Well, after you bravely assassinated the remaining enemies, I carried you back here to the hospital. Everyone wanted to know what happened. But I couldn’t stop and talk. You looked so tired I didn’t want to disturb you. Your leg was injured and it’s healing fast. You should be out tomorrow. I told everyone about our heroic tale. They are throwing a party in our honour,” he smiled, loving the attention. I stifled a yawn.

“You should really sleep. I will stop talking.” Kallen said sitting back down into a chair that didn’t appear too comfortable at all.

“Wait. Before I sleep do one thing for me?” I asked.

“Anything.”

“Could you tell the king to also make the party about Mave? How she died a victorious death, defending the poor girl.” Suddenly pain filled my heart. Knowing I will never see Mave again. My best friend gone. Releasing one tear from my red eyes, sore from crying.

“Of course.” Kallen says wiping the tear away with his thumb. He keeps his hand on my face. The thought of Mave disappears as I find myself in my dreams.

I am struggling trying to pull on my dress. Tonight would be difficult. I knew it would be without Mave, and worse because it was about her as well. Kallen was coming to escort me in five minutes. I refused go without him. I would literally die of pain if Kallen didn’t come to support me.

My mother entered the room with her not so miracle working tea. It didn’t relax me as she had claimed it would. I had been crying all night. Mother soothing me, telling me it’s alright.

“Let me help you,” she scurried over and pulled my dress down and zipped the back, “perfect,” she took a second glance at me before she said, “Kallen is here.” She gave me a quick squeeze and led me out of the room.

On Kallen’s arm, mostly because I couldn’t walk by myself, we strode into the castle. People in every direction. Every set of eyes shot our way. I ignored them and made our way to the table that was labeled for us, it was at the very front of the room. My breath stopped short. I saw a huge portrait of Mave at the front where the king was sitting. Above his head, hanging there was Mave. I took me a moment to finally breath again. Everyone took their seats as he rose.

“Before we eat, and begin this party, I would like to say a few words about a girl, Mave Febray. She died last night, during the battle. Sacrificing her life to defend a small girl, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I didn’t listen to the rest of king Zander’s speech. It was overwhelming. I glanced around the room. I few tears were being shed. Heads were down. I noticed the little girl, the one Mave saved. Tears were streaming down her face, her mother was trying to calm her down. We locked eyes; somehow I knew what she was trying to say. I could read it in her eyes, she was sorry. So sorry it hurt. As if tears were contagious, they streamed down my face as well. The room was beginning to shrink. I ran out without a second thought. I didn’t stop running until I reached the fountain. My tears seemed endless.

Kallen was now kneeling in front of me.

“Violet,” was all he said. He put his arm around me, rocked me until the tears stopped. I tried to find my voice.

“Thank you,” I managed.

“Violet, you can cry for the rest of your life. But do you think Mave would want that? No. She would want you to live your life happy. You will always remember her. You will always remember the memory of her last moments. But you need to be happy, am I not right?” he explained. I knew he was right. He is always right. One of the reasons he is my best friend.

“Of course you’re right,” I replied, holding my hand out for him to help me up.

“I know I’m right.” he said pulling me up. I couldn’t help but laugh at his cockiness. “Now let’s get back to our party. It wouldn’t be one without us.”

Kallen and I stood at the podium beside the king as he gave his speech, “This party is to honour two very brave human beings. They fought until the very end, saved lives and asked for nothing in return. It takes incredible courage and bravery to do what they did. Especially Violet. I hold my head in pride claiming I have the finest warriors in my village. Long live Kallen and Violet.” The king handed us each a sword with our village crest. The crowd went wild. Some stood and clapped with admiration. Kallen held his head like a hero. Thrusting the sword in the air. His face was priceless. I could feel the happiness he felt. I knew our lives would never be the same.

Once the sound faded away Kallen came over to me, his face gleaming with joy. “Can you believe this? This is most definitely the best night of my life!” He announced shoving something into my hand. I looked down and saw a picture of the two of us holding our swords. Kallen’s face showed nothing but bliss and laughter. My face seemed hopeful. My only guess could be at that moment I was really hoping life would get better.

“What is this for?” I asked confused. If anything I would assume Kallen would want it and I wondered how he got this picture so fast.

“One day you’re going to have a big huge family. And in that family you’re going to want to tell stories. One of the stories will be tonight and I want you to have proof and you can point to me and tell them how amazing I was.” I chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“I will always remember this moment.” I realized I was smiling and knew in my heart things were going to be alright. The rain was right.

I was having the time of my life swinging and dancing with Kallen. It helped that the song was cheerful and easy to dance to. I felt exhausted, and let all the other fair maidens who have been waiting in line to dance with Kallen. He seemed to get a thrill out of the attention. I sat down but couldn’t find myself to stay still. I got up and made my way over to friends from school and danced all night. My feet couldn’t seem to hold me any longer but it was the last song and Kallen came and grabbed me in his arms and lead me to the dance floor. Swaying back and forth, very careful of my sore feet, I looked up. Kallen was staring back.

“Thank you,” I said again. I was thankful for so much because of him.

“For what?” he asked clueless. I couldn’t think of anything else to say so I just said the obvious,

“For being awesome,” I said yawning.

“I am awesome aren’t I?” I knew that was coming but I couldn’t hide my smile. “But of course you’re awesome to.” I smiled wider. He caught it and smiled back.

“Life will go on?” I mumbled. It would.

“Yes. You have me to keep you on your feet.” He said while steadying me. All the memories of Kallen and I flashed through my head, fishing at the creek, snowball fights, hunting and much more. I felt right where I belong.

“Best friends?” I asked. Mave and I will always be best friends. She will be missed by everyone. I will one day see her again. But until that day I will have a small piece of me missing, causing me pain. The only one who can take the pain away is Kallen.

“Forever.”

 

 

Author's Note

I am using this story for school so tell me what you think and any changes that would add to it. Thanks!

Reviews

[CinderBows]

This is a great introduction to a story with incredible potential, it enters and we already gain a good understanding of the setting yet there is still enough mystery that allows our mind to yearn for more. The images flow beautifully within my mind as your capabilities of writing in detail are very good, not to mention you are able to pack in tons of emotion and action within this piece. It is very well organize and lacks no flow whatsoever in my eyes, and I find the whole concept and your way of writing very appealing. I look forward to so much more!

[cfix]

Such detail and imagery, I really enjoyed your write. I'd keep it the way it is.