Chapter 2:

Things don't always work out. And sometimes you must rise to the occasion.

Kiara was deeply confused and scared. She had no idea where she was and how she had got here. She knew she was in a dirty, grimy prison. No one came to talk to here no one even would come into the cell. They would just open a little latch at the bottom and give her some food and the normal meals of the day. It wasn’t a lot, some bread and fruit and maybe some meat. The cell had a little window that of course was blocked by several iron bars. She could see the clouds in the sky and the sun at different times but nothing more. So while she sat alone with no idea what was going on she would go over what she could remember. She had been with Leon in the park. She was partially interested in him because to her he seemed to be different than others. While they were talking he started to look at something else and his attention was turned elsewhere. But then for some reason his arms had shot up in the air as if he hadn’t done it himself and iron bars clasped around his hands out of nowhere. This made Kiara think she was crazy or she was seeing things but anything could be happening for all she knew. Then after that she remembered being pulled from the ground and then a lot of pain. When she woke up she was in the same cell she was in now.

        The first day she had cried for no matter how much she screamed or tried to talk to someone outside of the cell no one would answer here. She tried calling for Leon but he was nowhere near her. He could have been somewhere else in this prison farther away from her. He could be dead for all she knew. But she wouldn’t believe that. For some reason she felt like Leon was connected to what was happening to her. She knew it was just a feeling and couldn’t fully be trusted but no matter how she thought about it she couldn’t shake the feeling. She hoped that he wasn’t in here that he was outside and was hopefully trying to free her. But she couldn’t wait forever and she knew that she must find a way to escape. Or they might just find something to do to her themselves.

        She prayed then for help and for Leon to save her.

        Child hold on you are not alone.

        Kiara looked around quickly searching for the voice she had heard but she knew that it was to no avail and there was no one around.

        I heard you screaming the first day you came here.

        “Who are you?”

        I am a friend my name is Seth.

        “Are you speaking with your mind?”

        Yes it is called telepathy. No need to speak aloud if you say your thoughts in your head I will here them.

        Do you know why I am here? Kiara tried to do as he said but she no longer trusted anything, even herself.

        I am sorry child but I no more know why you are here than you do.

        Will we ever get out of here?

        Some day my child, some day.

                

 

*        *       *

 

The next day after a night of rigorous training Leon woke to a small commotion outside Flarian’s house. Leon got up quickly and got dressed as he did nowadays in a dark green tunic for he decided his old clothes would only draw more attention. But Leon did hold onto his Ipod his only reminder now of his old life. He now walked everywhere with the sword that Flarian had given him having it fastened on the right side of his belt. Leon quickly went outside Flarian’s home. Outside a dozen or so villagers were arguing and talking. Flarian walked in the midst of the commotion but at the moment he was not talking just waiting for the villagers to calm themselves. To reveal what it was they were making such a fuss about.

        “What’s going on?”

        Leon asked to the crowd but they were so caught up in the argument that they gave him no notice.

        “What the hell is going on!?” Leon burst out yelling at the crowd. This time they stopped and all eyes were on him. It seemed as if for a moment that they were expecting him to keep talking but then they began to argue amongst themselves once more.

        “I have decided and that is it.” Flarian finally said.

        Leon felt a sudden twinge of fear and knew now what they were talking about.

        “You do not overrule all of the people of this village” someone in the crowd exclaimed.

        “I am a human being I will choose what I will do with myself.” Leon shouted before he even knew it and instantly regretted speaking his thoughts.

        “We save you and provide for you and yet you show such disrespect and disobedience.” An old man in the crowd replied.

        “But he is right he should not be treated as a prisoner when all he did is travel to our lands and almost get killed by one of our own people.”

        “How can we trust him?”

        “How can you trust anyone? Do you really know anyone in this village as well as you think you do?”

        “Yes I do.”

        “Than you are fool for not a single man can say that and speak the truth.” Flarian exclaimed in open disgust.

        “How dare you?” The old man exclaimed in anger.

        Leon looked up to the hill overlooking the village for he was already tiring of the argument and he saw Lena running down the hill intent on reaching the crowd. She had a ferocious look of anger and fear spread across her face. She ran into the middle of the group stopping in front of Deternand.”

        “Soldiers are here. I believe they are from Thren.” she said gasping in between words.

        No one reacted as fast as Leon had expected them to. So Leon decided to act if they wouldn’t.

        “Where are they coming from?”

        “They are coming from the west.”

        “Have you checked to see if they are coming from other directions in an attempt to surround us?”

        “No but I am going to now.” Lena replied in surprise she didn’t expect Leon to do anything let anyone be the only one to act fast enough.

        This seemed to at last affect Flarian and he shook his head as if to wipe away the initial shock away.

        “Gather the majority of the soldiers to defend the west side of the village. Leave several of the soldiers to the guard the other sides of the village. Do as Leon suggested find out if there are additional forces approaching the other directions of the village.” Flarian exclaimed running towards Lena to help her command their soldiers.

        When Flarian spoke it seemed to awaken the rest of the crowd and they began to run in all different directions finding several tasks they found important to them. Leon watched as Deternand ran from person talking swiftly and softly telling them to do something that must have been important because they would stop doing what they were doing and begin doing whatever Deternand would tell them.

        Then Leon saw two children standing alone in the midst of the chaos and confusion. Expressions of fear and sadness filled their faces as if they had lost the only thing that was dear to them.

        “What about the children?!”

        Leon spoke the question without caring for an answer and he rushed to the two abandoned children and quickly snatched them up and brought them to an armed man that was shouting some orders to some of the villagers. Leon in anger grabbed the man and spun him about.

        “Take care of these children. Try and gather all the children and appoint someone to guard them.” Leon said with more force than he had intended to do. The man looked as if he was about to reply in anger because Leon really didn’t have any authority to tell him what he should and shouldn’t do. But the man must have seen the relevance in Leon’s words for he quickly grabbed the children and starting yelling at the villagers to bring their children to him. Leon was proud of what he had done but he knew he shouldn’t stop there and he ran to the top of the hill where Deternand was talking to Vurgis and Lena.

        Vurgis looked at Leon for a moment and looked back to Deternand as he finished speaking. Then Lena and Vurgis departed to accomplish whatever is was that Deternand had told them to do.

        “Is there anything that I can do to help?”

        “No I would recommend you to hide in the village with the women and children.” Deternand replied turning away as if he was done talking with Leon.

        “I will not hide while men fight and die.”

        Deternand stopped but did not turn around.

        “You are neither skilled nor experienced in combat and will only get yourself killed.”

        “How will I ever change that if people tell me to run?”

        “How indeed? Alright you can help go find Vurgis he is to the north side of the village, you were right they are trying to surround us.”

        “How many of them are there?”

        “We are outnumbered five to one.”

        “Then someone must escape with the children and women.”

        “Don’t worry about that I have already given such instructions.”

        “Good see you afterward.” Leon said quickly running to where Vurgis was now readying for combat.

        “Hopefully there is an afterward.”

        Leon rushed over to where Vurgis was commanding a group of a couple of dozen soldiers. Leon paused for breath upon reaching him.

        “So you have come to enjoy the battle are you going to participate or watch?” Vurgis exclaimed without turning to look at Leon.

        “What and let you miss out on all the action? No I have come to fight beside you.”

        “Good I could always use an extra hand.” Vurgis replied turning to Leon with a wide grin and shook Leon’s hand.

        “Get ready it’s about to begin.”

        Leon scanned the line of trees expecting someone to rush out at any moment. But nothing happened for several minutes. Leon felt the fear of combat finally hit him and for a moment he felt like running away. But Leon held his ground as the first soldier broke from the trees and came into eyesight. Several more soldiers came out of the tress behind him and then a dozen more. They did not halt or falter but continued to advance towards the villagers.

        Then Leon heard someone among the enemy soldiers that they were facing farmers and peasants. Leon for some reason got angry at this and pulled the sword from its sheath. Vurgis eye almost shot to Leon as he did this but he held his gaze on the advancing soldiers.

        “Archers fire!” Vurgis suddenly yelled and a dozen or so men released the arrows held to their bows some of the enemy soldiers raised their shields in time to stop the arrows but five or so of them crumbled to the ground. Suddenly one of the enemy soldiers’ yelled charge and the men rushed the villagers in bloodcurdling war cries. Leon didn’t wait for Vurgis to command the villagers but broke off in a run at the attackers. Leon zoned in on one soldier who was stocky and a thick red beard he was carrying a small shield and old rusty mace. The man raised the mace above his head as if to strike down in an attempt to bash Leon’s head. As Leon rushed at the man he instantly ducked down and swung the blade into the man’s leg instantly chopping his left leg off and he fell to the ground in a pitched scream.

 Leon did not stop but instantly turned to the next man who desperately lunged at Leon but Leon was fast enough to jump to the side and slash his sword into the man’s shoulder. Leon turned to his left then and a man slashed his sword at Leon. Leon barely parried the blow but was left off balance in the attack and fell to the ground then the man twisted the sword around in an attempt to stab into Leon while he was on the ground. But Leon kicked the man’s shin and knocked the man into the dirt and Leon slashed as fast as he could into the man’s neck before Leon got back on his feet. Suddenly two soldiers were on him one slammed his mace into Leon’s blade as he attempted to block then the second soldier quickly kicked Leon with all of his weight square in the chest. Leon flew into the dirt and mud skidding for a few feet. Leon crouched and wiped the mud from his eyes and looked up in time to see a soldier swinging his sword at Leon’s head. Leon had lost his sword in his fall and instead scrambled to evade the attack. He was successful in his evasion but the soldier was determined in killing Leon and chased him swinging down at him as Leon rolled away. Finally Leon saw a man dead on the ground a large broadsword held across the body.

        Leon ran over to the body and picked up the sword and turned around as fast as he could. The soldier was already on him swinging his sword at Leon wildly. Leon could do nothing but block the attacks as they came until Leon saw his chance. The man put too much force into one of his attacks and spun around and Leon stabbed the broadsword forward stabbing the man in his side high in his chest where his heart would have been. Leon let go of the sword as the man fell to the ground. Leon looked up to see the remaining enemy soldiers beaten to the ground. I have just killed three men. Leon looked for Vurgis in the midst of the remaining six or seven villagers and saw a man pulling Vurgis up on his feet. Leon walked over to Vurgis.

        “You are one crazy b*****d. You charged at those men by yourself. I had to call charge right afterward just to save your a*s.”

        “I don’t know what came over me I just got angry for some reason. I don’t know why I was so angry they are human beings just like us.”

        “No matter it was either them or us.”

        “How many people have you killed Vurgis?”

        “Not too many, ten or so counting this battle.”

        “I just killed someone for the first time in my life.”

        “Don’t take it too hard. It will probably happen again.”

        “Did I do well?

        “Well you survived didn’t you?”

        “Well I guess you’re right.”

        “I wonder how everyone else is doing.” Vurgis replied looking towards the village.

        “I’ll go check maybe the others are having a harder time.”

        Leon quickly rushed into the center of the village and could see the east and south ends of the village fighting off attacks. And then Leon saw Lena fighting off three soldiers by himself and then he rushed off to help her.

 

        Leon rushed into the east end of the village where Lena and then villagers she had been fighting with the battle was almost over and it wasn’t looking good for the villagers. Lena was still fighting three soldiers and three more villagers were also fighting against similar odds. Leon rushed in jumping in the air and stabbed his blade into the neck of an unaware soldier who was fighting Lena. Lena didn’t say anything when she saw Leon but merely nodded her head in thanks. She quickly killed the next soldier she was fighting with and Leon rushed over to one of the villagers. The soldiers who were fighting the remaining villagers saw Leon and split up to fight their new enemy. One of them came rushing slashing towards Leon’s abdomen but Leon parried the blow and did an uppercut with his blade. The next soldier saw his opportunity as Leon stabbed the man’s face the soldier lunged at Leon. Leon could not pull his sword out of the man’s head in time so he let go of his sword and dodged the attack. Then Leon kicked the man straight in this face as he recovered from his failed attack and he flew into the dirt. Leon quickly pulled his sword from the dead man’s face and swung towards the man on the ground. The soldier quickly parried and tried to kick at Leon’s shin but Leon jumped back and the man rolled back onto his feet. The soldier and Leon began to circle each other unaware of the fighting around them. The soldier rushed in and Leon waited for the oncoming attack. But the soldier did something Leon had not expected, the soldier spun around swinging his sword wildly. Leon desperately ducked and stabbed up into the soldier’s chest.

        Leon looked around and saw that the villagers had won. Lena and two other villagers had survived the onslaught.

        “Thank you Leon.”

        “No problem I’m going to see how things are going at the other ends of the village. Don’t worry your brother is safe.”

        “Thank god” Lena exclaimed as Leon rushed off once more into the village. Leon reached the center of town and could see that the south end of the village had lost for a dozen or more soldiers were stabbing into the slain bodies to make sure that the men were dead.

        “Lena the south end has lost. I suggest you regroup with your brother on the north end” Leon yelled as quickly as he could and then Leon ran to the western edge of the village.

        Leon ran up the hill overlooking the village and could see the aftermath of the battle. Fifty or so soldiers stood there standing over five or so of the villagers who were kneeling in the dirt. Flarian was one of them. Leon almost felt like charging against them in an attempt to save Flarian from captivity. But Flarian looked at him and his eyes told Leon to run to leave as fast as he could. Leon hesitated not wanting to give up on him but finally decided to survive. Leon ran back down the hill as fast as he could to the north end of the village. He reached Vurgis and Lena out of breath and scanned the remaining villagers. Counting Lena and Vurgis there was almost a dozen villagers left.  And there were at least sixty more soldiers and they could not win at those odds.

        “The village is lost. Both the south and west sides of the town lost. Flarian was captured and I have no idea where Deternand is.”

        “Well that almost seems impossible but I believe you. How many soldiers are left?” Vurgis asked softly.

        “There are at least sixty soldiers left.”

        “There is no hope in defeating them now we must regroup with the group that led the women and children out of here they took the trail to the northwest. “ Vurgis replied.

        “Well let’s go before the soldiers are quick enough to get on our trail.” Leon exclaimed and he began to walk towards the forest. Leon realized after walking a few feet that he walked alone.

        “We cannot abandon our village” a villager exclaimed. Then more of the villagers shook their heads in agreement.

        “But it is suicide you have children and women alone and with little protection and you talk of sacrificing yourself for honor!”

        “You are different from us you will never understand.” one of the other villagers replied.

         This only made Leon more irritated.

        “Fine. I will go and take care of your families maybe I can do it better.” Leon exclaimed turning around and walking into the forest. Leon walked alone for awhile. His thoughts still revolving in anger and disgust. He had never met anyone in his life that would rather die in battle for the loss of a home rather than protect their families. He just couldn’t understand it.

        Leon wanted to go home really badly then to escape this strange world he had been thrust into he had already killed five men. He would have never done that in his home world. But he would have never felt this much excitement or that he was actually doing something for a change. He had felt important in the fight if only for a moment. He had saved lives but then again anyone could do that.

        Leon stopped and sat down at a log for a moment reflecting on his thoughts. This world was surrounded in death and war. Suddenly Leon felt like helping them change that. The way things were going there would be war in Eden again. What drove these men to such deeds? Leon had no answer. Leon wanted to go home he missed cleanliness and electricity and air-conditioning. He wanted so badly to lie down and listen to a good tune. Leon grabbed his Ipod in his pocket and almost thought of throwing it against the tree in frustration. But he could not do that it was the only possession he had that connected him to his world, the modern world.

        “I am sorry we didn’t come with you sooner.” Someone said in the distance. Leon jumped to his feet and before he knew it had already pulled the sword from its sheath.

        “No need to be so cautious it’s me Lena.” She came into view as she spoke her body was drenched in sweat and covered in blood but still she looked beautiful.

        Leon sheathed his sword and released a deep sigh and sat back down.

        “Don’t worry we’re not alone.” She exclaimed and then several other villagers surrounded Leon and Lena. Leon looked up and counted eight of them. 

        “So not all of them changed their minds.”

        “No not all of them but most of them.”

        “Don’t worry I am here as well.” Vurgis exclaimed coming up behind Leon holding a baby in his arms.

        “Whose baby is that?”

        “Yetul’s but he died in battle and the mother has been dead for months.”

        “We should leave quickly if we are to reach the women and children.”         Lena exclaimed. Leon shook his head in agreement but no one moved and Leon looked up to see all eyes on him.

        “You fought courageously Leon. You have earned my respect.” Lena said holding out a hand Leon clasped it gently.

        “Thank you but I wasn’t the only one.”

        “Flarian taught you well in the few days he was able to teach.”

        “I still have much to learn.”

        “True especially about holding your anger you are too reckless and could get yourself killed in battle if you are ever alone.” Vurgis said holding back a laugh.

        “I’ll try to avoid doing it.”

        “Well let’s get a move on.” Lena exclaimed and began to gesture at the villagers to start moving on ahead.

        “Let’s hope the soldiers didn’t anticipate our move with the children and women.” Leon said then without thinking as they began to head in the direction of Athgar. What Leon said made all the villagers pause.

        “Thank god you said something, let’s find them now!” Vurgis yelled and the villagers broke out in a fierce run.

 

 

*        *       *

 

 

        Leon was glad that when they found the women and children that they were safe. And was in an even better mood when he found out that Deternand was with them. He had asked about Flarian but no one really wanted to share the news with him. Eventually Leon told him that he had been captured, the news displeased him but he was glad to know that he might still live.  Leon didn’t know anything about the terrain or the lay of the land so he asked many questions about where they were going. No one really seemed to be in the mood to talk and Leon only received small answers. But he did find out that they were not too far away from a town called Athgar. Leon hoped that when they reached shelter the people would be in somewhat of a better mood.

        The day went by quickly and they would soon be coming to Athgar according to what the villagers said. The children were crying because they had fled without any food and had gone through the day without a thing to eat. Leon was carrying Yetul’s child as he climbed the hills alongside the other villagers and even though the air had a cool breeze and the day was quickly turning to night Leon was sweating. When they crested the hill a village lit with light could be seen across the horizon. For a brief moment Leon’s hope soared but the lights were to ambient and were flickering and he knew that they were large torches. Leon felt homesick in this moment and paused as the others passed by him. Vurgis put his hand on Leon’s shoulder and broke Leon from his funk and began to hike the rest of the way to Athgar.

 

        Leon looked up at the large wooden gates that obstructed their passage in Athgar. Not a sound came from within the towns walls. No man came to speak with them. No one even yelled at them to leave. There was nothing but silence. Leon was confused; could they have been attacked as well? He didn’t think that was the case then there would have been signs of a battle or of scavenging at least. So either they were being deceived or they had left for some reason. Leon handed off the baby he was carrying to a nearby villager and walked closer to the gates.

        Leon put his hand flat on the wood and thought to what they should do.

        “Knock.” Lena’s voice pierced through the silence. Leon looked briefly back at the eyes watching him and then rapped his fist hard on the wood three times. He waited for a minute or two and then knocked once more. But still there was no answer.

        “Let me try.” Lena exclaimed walking up to Leon but as she was about to knock he grabbed her arm. He then put one finger to his lips and said shhh. He put his ear against the gate and then knocked once more and waited. He was about to take his ear off the wall when he heard quiet murmuring and scattered shuffling.

        Leon quickly moved away from the door and scanned the tops of the gates looking for a scout or a sentry keeping watch but saw nothing. Then he walked over to Lena.

        “There is someone in there I could hear their whispers.” Leon said in her ear. She just simply nodded and went to relay the message to her brother.

        Leon didn’t wait for any incentive.

        “Hello I know someone’s there. Please answer.” He yelled shouting to the tops of the gates.

        “What are you doing? That may very well inspire them to attack us they are obviously wary of something.” Lena replied angrily.

        “Maybe we can find out what exactly they are afraid of.”

        “But it is too dangerous.”

        “You can’t get anywhere without taking any chances.”

        “Fine.”

        “We need your help. We are refugees from Trist and seeking shelter and food. Will you please let us in and care to our children and those of us who are wounded.” Deternand yelled impatiently.

        After Deternand spoke the villagers fell once more into silence waiting, hoping for a reply.

        “How can we to trust you?” a voice spoke out from the silence of the cryptic village.

        “We have no proof only if you would just look you would see that most of us are women and children and only a handful of fighters among us. We can not harm you and will not harm you.”

        “How do we know you don’t have a sorcerer among you or something worse?”

        That made Deternand hesitate. Leon wondered what had happened to them to make them think that a wizard would attack them or anything else for that matter. What were they afraid of exactly and what had they encountered thus far? Leon thought that Flarian had told him that Wizards were a thing of the past and uncommon. Maybe they had dealt with something to deny those facts.

        “None of us are wizards or we would have found a way to open the gates ourselves.” Deternand replied in mild anger.

        “True enough but we can still not trust you yet. We will allow a small group of people to come inside and meet us and then we will decide whether we will allow you entry.”

        ‘Fair enough.” Deternand replied turning back to the villagers.

        “We’ll get in soon enough.”

        “I will go in the town along with Lena and several other people. Vurgis will be in charge while we are gone.”

        “I want to go in as well.” Leon replied.

        Deternand turned back to look at Leon. He gave him a long hard look and turned away again.

        “Why?”

        “Because maybe I will find some answers.” Leon exclaimed he didn’t want to tell him his story. It would be hard to believe he barely even believed it and it happened to him. If he did tell them they might think he was crazy or something worse.

        “Answers to what?”

        “That’s my own business it doesn’t affect you so there is no need to worry.”

        “That is for me to decide. Your very actions could decide the fate of the rest of us.”

        “I need to find out what happened to a girl Kiara. I am looking for her. I was looking for her when Lena and Vurgis found me.”

        “And you think someone might know where she is?”

        “I think it’s possible. Maybe someone does know or maybe someone has heard rumors of something, of anything.”

        “You need to do this?”

        “Yes I need to.  I am the only one who knows her. I am the only who cares. Wherever she is I am the only one who will help her.”

        Deternand hesitated for a moment assessing what Leon had said. Leon understood Deternand’s situation but Leon couldn’t stay outside the town. He needed to go in.

        “Alright you will come with us we will be leaving in several minutes so get ready.”

        Leon didn’t take long to get ready all he really needed was some water and his sword then he walked to gate of Athgar and waited for the rest of the group.

 

        Leon watched from a distance as the gate was opened and a small group of ragtag of villagers and soldiers at the entrance of the town. Deternand walked forward to the closest person and held out his right hand to show that he meant no harm. The man was tall and slim looking as if he had been deprived of food for several days. He was growing a shaggy beard but Leon guessed that was so because he had been on watch in the village watching and hiding from whatever it was that was making them so nervous.

         Finally the man clasped Deternand’s hand and shook it quickly.

        “May we enter your village?”

        “Yes follow me.” The man turned around quickly and the four other villagers with him followed suit. Deternand looked back at Lena, Leon and several other of the men with a confused look. Then he motioned for them to follow. The man arrived at a small house and all five of the Athgar residents walked into the house. Two soldiers were one guard outside the house so that they would not do anything dangerous. Leon felt uncomfortable as they walked to the house as if something was seriously wrong. Where was everyone in the village? The village was deserted when he looked around and had the look that crops were no longer being taken care of. The village looked sullen and dark. There was no grass at all, no trees. Something was definitely wrong. Deternand stopped at the entrance of the house and seemed to be lost in thought. Leon couldn’t shake the feeling that he shouldn’t be where he was.  Deternand once more motioned for them to walk in and all followed except Leon.

        Leon looked at the soldiers keeping guard outside the small house both held spears of medium-length. And at the foot of the soldier on the left was a torch. Leon looked up at the soldier catching his eye. Leon quickly looked away from the man and turned back and looked up at the gate. Crouching at the top of the gate were five men with bow and arrows waiting on something. Leon knew something bad was going to happen. He acted like he was going to enter the house and waited for the soldiers outside of the house to react. One of the soldiers grabbed the torch and the other grabbed a large wooden grate and was about to lay across the entrance of the house. But Leon kicked the grate pushing the man to the dirt. Then Leon turned to the other soldier who had gotten the torch on fire but Leon quickly unsheathed his sword slashing it against the torch knocking it out of the mans hand and bringing the blade back to the mans neck and holding it there.

        “Tell everyone to stop what there doing.”

        “Or what?” The man replied in a growl.

        “Or I will take your head from your shoulders.”

        “Lay down your arms, they have caught on to our act!” the man yelled angrily dropping his own blade into the dirt.

        “Deternand get out here.” Leon yelled quickly turning his back to the house and keeping his eyes on the archers on the top of the gate.

        Deternand came back out followed quickly by Lena.

        “No one was in the house, what happened out here?”

        “These two soldiers were about to block our way out of the house and then burn it to the ground.”

        “Well, I’m glad I brought you along or all of us would be dead right now.”

        “Were not done yet.”

        The tall man who had led them into the village came back into view and walked up to Leon and Deternand.

        “What is this mans name?” The man asked Deternand pointing at Leon.

        “His name is Leon.”

        “Leon you are a wise man and have keen instincts. How is that you figured out our plan?”

        “When I came in here I felt something was wrong. I looked around your village and no one was here which made me even more…suspicious. Before entering the house I took one more look around and noticed the torch at this mans foot. Also you had five archers at the gate waiting to take the advantage and kill the rest of our people outside the village. We had walked into a trap.”

        “Quite right.”

        “Why? Why are you doing this? What happened to this town?”

        “What a good question.” The man replied and he began to walk around as if he was about to tell a long story.

        “What happened to Athgar is something similar to what probably happened to your village. We were attacked by soldiers of Thren. We luckily survived but with very few people. Some went on to look for a new home in Urusa and the rest of us chose to stay. But we were attacked again when people came from Urusa claiming that they had been attacked. We welcomed them in but they turned out to be vagabonds and killed several of our people. Ever since then we have not trusted anyone and took what we needed from them.”

        “So how many people have you killed to ensure your survival?” Leon exclaimed angrily gripping the soldier in front of them harder.

        “True we have been a little selfish but what would you have done.”

        “I would have given them a chance you rotten b*****d!”

        “Maybe, maybe not what’s been done has been done, I can’t take it back.”

        Leon repressed feelings of rage towards the tall man but focused on his need to find out where Kiara possibly could be.

        “Before I’m finished with you I must ask you something. Have you heard any rumors of a young blonde woman in strange clothing or anything of the like?” 

        “What a strange question. No I have not heard such rumors.”

        “Deternand I’m done with this place and these people. Honestly if I had my choice I would kill this man he has plagued these people with evil deeds that can no longer be taken back.”

        “If we did that we wouldn’t be doing anything better. If you let us out of this village without a fight we will not hurt a single one of you. We will head out to Urusa and you will not see any of us again.”

        “Agreed.”

 

*        *       *

 

        Leon was tired of this world full of people looking out only for themselves. In truth his world was quite the same in that aspect but it wasn’t so apparent. Leon was just tired of people killing others for personal gain. This world showed signs of it everywhere. People left to be abandoned, left alone to survive and to scavenge. Was this how everyone was or did their kings willfully abandon their people? Leon wanted to go back to his family and friends. So he could live in comfort and love once again. He missed not caring, not having to worry about anything. Here he had to watch his back at every moment and no one truly knew him and he didn’t know anyone either. So Leon ended up feeling empty and alone. He could not trust anyone farther than he could throw them. 

        Leon found himself thinking over and over of the state of this world and of his own world. He found himself wondering how connected they may be. A lot of things were similar. They had left Athgar early in the day and now it was night and they were camped out on their way to Urusa. Leon was alone by a small campfire that he had started up when it became dark.

        “Who is it that you are looking for?”

        Leon looked up startled at the voice hidden in the darkness and Lena walked into the flickering light. She slowly sat down setting aside her bow and quiver of arrows on the ground.

        “Her name is Kiara. She is an friend of mine and like me is inexperienced to how this world really works.”

        “Do you care for her?”

        Leon found that question odd. Did he? Why did she care so much?

        “I think I do. I care enough that I need to find her. She wouldn’t be where she is if it wasn’t for me.”

        “How is that?”

        How could he tell her without sounding like a freak?

        “It’s hard to explain. It might sound like an exaggeration but it’s like we are from an entire different world and unaccustomed to all of this.”

        “It does sound a little far-fetched but you do act different than most people and you were dressed strange.”

        “I  just need to find her and make sure she stays out of harms way.”

        “Then what?”

        Leon hadn’t really thought any farther than that. How would he get back to his world? Who or what would bring him back? What must he do? What could he do?

        “I haven’t really thought that far ahead.”

        “You get mad at other people for being selfish and acting to ensure their survival but all you think about is your own goals.”

        Leon felt guilty when she said that because it was true. He wasn’t trying to help others even though they might need his help. But Kiara needed his help and nothing was going to stop him from finding her. Helping others along the way was a given but the choice of saving her and some stranger was no choice at all.

        “True. I am being a little selfish but I will not give on saving Kiara.”

        “I’m not saying you should just don’t…”

        “I know what you’re saying, I won’t”

        “Good just keep your cool you get reckless sometimes.”

        “I will thank you.”

        “Do you mind if I sleep next to your fire?”

        “Be my guest.”

        “Thank you.” 

        “Have you lived in Trist all your life?” Leon felt compelled to ask.

        As Lena began to situate a place for her to sleep Leon watched her. Finding himself lonely wanting to go to her, to be with her. But she was a detached person rarely conversing or sharing her thoughts.

        “Yes I have lived in Trist all my life.” Brushing her hair back as she began to lay down next to the fire.

        “I’m sorry for the loss of your home. I know what it feels like.”

        Silence came after Leon spoke and nothing could be heard except the crackling of the fire and the muttering in the distance by the rest of the group they were traveling in.

        “What about you? Have you lived in this place called Washington all your life?”

        “Flarian told you about that did he? Yes I lived there all my life until I was taken from there against my will.”

        “How were you taken from your home?”

        How could he get around this dilemma? He couldn’t tell her or anyone where he was from.         

        “It’s hard to explain and something I don’t really want to talk about.” Leon replied quickly.

        “I’m sorry if it’s a touchy subject. Good night.”

        Leon bowed his head in anger and embarrassment he hadn’t meant to sound angry or sensitive.

        “I apologize if I seemed rude. Good night Lena.” Leon replied and threw a couple of more logs on the fire. He watched her back for a few more minutes and then laid down to go to sleep.

        

 

 

 

Author's Note

Any suggestions or advice is welcome. As for this part of the story I had many ideas on how it should go and I was not sure on what direction it would take. At times it seemed rushed and other times not so rushed. Either way I am a person who is not good at being patient and I love to push my characters into action quickly.