The Lost Twin

The grass felt different under his touch now. The texture was the same but felt dirty, like he would not be able to wash it away.

The morning dew was soaking his hair. He closed his eyes against the feel of it.

The smell of earth filled his nostrils and he winced as the taste of blood tainted his tongue.

The chants he could not ignore. The constant buzz that overpowered his other senses. The mocking calls, the derision and the endless laughter.

He always thought it strange how the same noise could lift one fighter while completely sinking another. He let the moment linger.

His eyes shot open, his opponent standing over him and grinning after the knockdown. His fist barreled towards him in a follow-up attack. He wondered if the blow would matter until his reflexes saved him. His head slipped to the side. Dirt and rock exploded from the impact, staggering the assailant back to a chorus of oohs.

As he sat up, groping the back of his neck, he groaned. He rose, his body taking over. A ring of spectators around his opponent thirsted for more violence. When did so many people start showing up? Alistair looked on with an apologetic frown as someone from the crowd shoved Xavier forward.

Neither the drunken haze nor the dull ache in his jaw could keep his father's disappointed frown from his mind. He slowly approached his adversary who shoved him back with his uninjured hand. He regained his balance in time to deflect a clumsy kick.

He missed an opportunity to strike back and the folks around let him know with their boos. He was functioning off instinct, going through the motions like he practiced ten thousand times before. The man he had goaded into a fight would not be using that hand for a while, yet he tried for a lazy grab and missed.

“End it.”

The authority in that voice cut through the commotion but he did not look back. When the bigger man reached out again with his left hand, he ducked under it to rise in close and deliver an elbow uppercut that shattered the man’s eye socket.

The gathered witnesses all fell silent for a moment as the unconscious body fell flat on his back. Then came the applause and cheers and taps on the back. He closed his eyes, squeezing the bridge of his nose and thought he would never not feel this way again.

The owner of the establishment they had been in blocked their way back in.

“Oh, come on, old man, we were just defending ourselves, let us in.”

His stern look turned Alistair away.

“Come on Xav, it seems our money isn’t welcomed here anymore.”

As Xav turned away to find another drinking hole, he came face to face with his father. Alistair shrunk behind his best friend.

“You need to come home.” The order dripped with authority.

Xav blinked once, slowly, tilting his head, expecting his father to move aside.

“It’s been six months, you have sulked long enough!” His voice rose as the crowd around them started to disperse. Guards began appearing all around to survey the damage.

Xavier spat blood on the ground, not at his father’s feet, but close enough for it to be a challenge. Alistair whispered a warning in his ear which was ignored.

“How many more fights will you seek? How long before some crazy bastard pokes you with a dagger in the heart? Your dear mother…” his father’s tone was softer now, but still lacking compassion.

“Don’t!” Warned the young man.

“Xavier, your mother and I, we also suffer her being gone.” The tone betrayed the words, it sounded as if this had been rehearsed.

He shoved him aside now, but the fight had left him. When two guards stepped before him, he turned to his father with such a defeated look that the older man subdued and gestured for them to let him pass. Alistair ran after his friend, sharing a look with the father.

There was no lack of places to go get drunk in the city of Ashgrove. Still, Alistair did mention he felt the locations were getting darker and more dangerous as the days bled away. Xavier reminded him he did not have to follow him.

When they heard the words to an old song they used to sing as kids, they both stopped. It was a strange occurrence to experience such innocence against the dangerous alleys around them. Hope in the darkness, thought Xavier, until he remembered the actual words and resumed his trek.

The drinking was no longer enough to deal with the pain. Physical pain was his new alcohol. His nobility meant nothing to brutes in the darkest recesses of Ashgrove, so they gladly obliged his need for conflict.

He would tolerate Alistair so long as he never brought her up again. That first time had escalated quickly and his friend now understood the boundaries. So they sat in silence, drinking excessively, though he suspected Alistair was being a lot more reasonable with his consumption. The fight had revived his sobriety so he doubled down on the drinks.

He noticed Alistair staring dumbly over his shoulder as he swallowed a whole other cup of wine. He stopped playing with the ring on his finger long enough to sigh.

“Xav! Xav! Turn around!” Alistair was pointing behind him. The whole establishment went quiet so that his cry to turn around resonated.

His eyes rose up in annoyance to meet his friend’s gaze but he continued to stare beyond him.

“Hello. I am sorry, my mistress is looking for some help. Are there any men willing to escort us to Morvane? We are willing to pay well.” The plea came from a small voice, vulnerable and scared.

“Xav! Look!” He insisted but Xav shrugged and gave a short laugh to the plea. Why would they think they could find someone who could protect them in a place like this? She sounded like a small child.

“Me and my son could take you, my Lady, I could fetch him within the hour.” Said an old man to the right.

“Forget that old fool. Us four right here could take you, young one.” Came from further right, a group of young drunken teenagers.

“We would take you for free!” Yelled Alistair. Xavier’s face contorted into a mix of rage, shock and incredulity.

“Are you mad, Alistair, what in the actual hell?” He rose and knocked the table aside, silencing the others in the room. Shoving Alistair back, he turned to see what all this was about.

In the entrance of the establishment stood a young woman in a traveling cape, a dog by her side and a smaller woman on her other side, holding her arm. Her beauty was haunting, beyond anything he had ever seen since…

"Elissa?" The name escaped him, echoing through the silent tavern. The lovely girl looked up with her white eyes. He had not noticed them until now, void of any vision, impossibly devoid of sight.

“She looks exactly like her except younger,” whispered Alistair in amazement.

She looked in their general direction and whispered something to her companion. The dog looked up at them, curious, but did not move.

Xavier stood in a trance, fearing to even blink.

“My lady would accept your help in return for fair payment,” said the young woman while her lady smiled.

Xavier bowed his head and whispered, “I can't,” in the lowest, most defeated voice. He kept shaking his head, but his friend made his way to greet the two young girls. They could not be older than fifteen summers.

The two young girls and the dog waited as Alistair came back at a trot, everyone looking at them to see what they would do.

“Alistair, I can’t.” Xav was shaking his head, squeezing his hands.

“Xav, they need you. They need us. They are desperate.” His friend was begging now, trying to raise his gaze to meet his. But Xav kept repeating the same thing, that he could not.

“Look at her dammit, how can you say no?” continued to plead his friend.

After a while, he looked up, tears blurring his eyes and the sight of her pierced his heart. The girl reminded him of his twin sister Elissa so much he could scarcely breathe.

His friend guided him while he was in that haze.

Alistair organized everything while Xavier let his sobriety slowly creep back in. Regaining his senses did not help him deal with his new charges.

The dog did not like him and always seemed to be between him and the young woman. Fine by him as he kept his distance anyway. They called the dog Whisper, he was one of those dark brown breeds and seemed quiet enough.

Once Alistair had gathered all he thought they needed for the 3 day trip, he returned. The girls had requested no horses. It struck Xavier as odd, but he had little interest in questioning them. The four of them left the noise of the city behind as they embarked on their small journey.

Xav’s brooding did not seem to affect the other three’s light conversation. He briefly noticed they kept a surprisingly brisk pace. The faster they reached Morvane, the sooner he could get another drink. Why did he get roped into this silly quest? He knew what his best friend was trying to do but didn’t really care.

He avoided looking at Elissa’s doppelganger whenever he could. Her name was Charlotte while the accompanying friend was Elanora. They seemed to be of noble birth, yet travelled without an escort. Under any other circumstance Xavier might have questioned it. Not today.

Charlotte’s young beauty was undeniable in her fragility. Her light blonde hair framed her face perfectly. Snow white skin would burn in a moment’s freedom in the sun, so none of it was exposed, covered by a large hat and small umbrella. He mused at how she likely had to guide the umbrella simply by the feel of the sun on her face. White simple satin gloves protected and hid her hands.

When they stopped to rest, he would go on a short patrol as an excuse to be alone. Sobriety was not a welcome state, memories of Elissa assaulted him constantly as if rushing in after his drunken dam had burst. He had no tears left to shed though, only heavy sighs and sad breaths.

The road was pleasant enough with many travellers accosting them. On the first night, they made camp only a small way off the road with a good fire going. Alistair had trapped some rabbits and was prepping them to cook while Xavier kept lookout, his back to all of them, far from the warmth and light of the fire. He could hear their conversation but not really make out the words except for some exclamations here and there.

His eyes locked with Elanora’s for a moment. She was also very petite but had a fierce quality to her. She had a more robust build, almost like that of a wiry warrior. They were so young…

His hand flickered to the hilt of his sword before his mind even registered the presence merely feet away. The words drowned out as he peered with both eyes and ears into the darkness. Charlotte had somehow found her way to his shoulder when Whisper's growl stopped everyone in their tracks. The blade of his sword came out an inch of its scabbard and the young girl behind him gasped at the sound.

“That won’t be necessary young wolf.” Answered the voice from the dark recesses of the road. His accent was thick, from somewhere far to the south.

“I will be the judge of that, we do not take kindly to those lurking in the shadows.” Answered Xav, now joined by Alistair. He had not risen from his seated position however.

“I only seek the comfort of the fire and perhaps some friendly company?” answered the man, who sounded much older than they were.

Xavier did not say anything or move. Alistair looked at his friend but remained silent. The man stepped forth, circling to his right towards the fire. As he got closer, he revealed his face that drew a sharp gasp from Elanora. His dark tan skin was scarred with an X crisscrossing his nose from scalp to jaw. The deep rends had healed so thick that the cuts had to have been very precise and intentional.

“Apologies if my appearance scares the young ladies.” He said as he bowed.

“I am Lok’utis Ban Vedor but you may call me Lok.” He was fully next to the campfire now, having mesmerized them all in his reveal. He had two swords at his hips and some light leather armor. His travelling cloak seemed to hide a pack on his back. He smiled but it did not produce the proper effect, or maybe it did. The corner part of his lips were gone so more teeth showed than what should be.

“Leave.” Said Xavier as he rose, hand still on the hilt.

Lok turned his back on the young warrior, warming his hands, oblivious to the threat. Alistair put a restraining hand on Xav’s shoulder, not sure what was happening but trying to contain his childhood friend’s violent instincts.

“They seem young for you lads… not that I judge. I would venture to guess you are not family either… no real escort, very interesting…” said the stranger still facing the fire.

Xav knew that far down south they would exile their people from their tribes with a single scar. Two scars he never heard of.

“Are you heading to Morvane?” asked the southerner, waking Xav from his thoughts.

“I will not ask a third time.” Answered the young swordsman, threat dripping from his voice.

Lok sat down and gleefully pointed to the rabbit.

“I am famished.”

As Xav took a single step, Lok’s hand came up in warning.

“I am quite certain both of you are capable fighters, however you are not hardened warriors… I am quite exhausted and just wish to rest. I would not be pleased to take these lovely ladies’ escort away from them. Sit. Down.” Said the man, his voice hinting threateningly.

“Please,” He added as an afterthought.

Everyone froze in place as doubt crept in. Alistair pulled Xav to face him, his eyes begged him to drop it. Xav was puzzled, what were they supposed to do?! The dog had done nothing since that first growl and that puzzled Xav for a moment. The girls looked terrified and the look of fear on Charlotte’s face gave him pause.

“I promise I don’t bite.” Said Lok in such a disarming way as he took a bite of rabbit, tension slowly left Xav’s shoulder and arm as his grip loosened on his weapon.

In a very slow and calculated manner, the four of them sat across the fire, very close together to be as far as possible.

Lok savored the rabbit and sighed in relief.

For a short while, the stranger had a monologue going about the weather, joys of travelling and other general subjects. They did not interact with him but that did not stop him. Then, he rolled himself into his cloak and went to sleep. They were so shocked, they assumed he was faking the snoring. Xav suggested he’d keep watch and the other three should go to sleep.

The next morning, in a playful manner, Lok opened one eye as if to check if he was still being watched. He laughed, jolting everyone else awake but Xav just frowned. Their unwanted guest rose, stretched and bowed his head before heading in the direction of where they were coming from. It seemed they all had something they wanted to say, but instead they watched him walk away.

The second day was another pleasant journey with the sun shining and no threatening clouds anywhere to be seen. The girls giggled when a farmer offered to carry them on the back of his slow moving cart while Xav and Alistair followed behind. Xav’s eyes even smiled at the sight. It reminded him of how his sister would always bug him when their father would make him walk while she could ride.

At night, he stayed with them by the fire and Alistair insisted on taking watch so Xav could get some sleep. He could use a drink but settled for broken dreams keeping deep sleep away.

The next morning, they set out early to try and make it before nightfall. The mood was pleasant and Alistair seemed to be getting much closer to the girls. Even Xav’s own thoughts seemed to turn to more pleasant memories of his sister. This third day was overcast and they feared a storm approaching. Elanora brought up the stranger for the first time since that night.

"He was spooky, and what was that accent? I could barely understand him at times.” She said in mild curiosity, conveniently not mentioning his scars.

“Ask Xav, he was always paying attention in his studies.” Said Alistair teasingly.

“Some tribe from down south, far down south. Basically barbarians though they seem to think they are high society, they exile folks for the most basic grievances.” He answered nonchalantly.

Charlotte raised her eyebrows but just smiled.

“And the scars?” asked Elanora as she looked around as if he would suddenly appear.

“Mark of the exile… silly really.” Shrugged the young warrior as he turned his ring on his finger.

“Why two, not as if you can be exiled twice right?” She countered.

“Maybe he figured he would look much more awesome with two?” Offered Alistair non-chalantly.

“Doubt it, looks painful, maybe other exiles exiled him…” Suggested Xav, intentionally ignoring his friend’s joke.

“Why is no one on the road?” asked Charlotte as they all turned to her. She could not see the doubt on their faces. The long pause told her enough. They had not seen a single person all morning and the only person without sight was the first to notice. Her white empty eyes held a trace of worry.

Xav was about to answer when he realized he did not have an answer, the road should be bustling like it was the past two days. Yes, a storm was likely on the horizon, but it did not promise a violent display.

Whisper stood rigid, his gaze fixed ahead.

“There are no birds chirping or critters running around, I don’t even hear any bugs buzzing…” she whispered as if afraid to disturb the eerie silence.

Xav shattered the quiet with the ringing of his sword clearing his scabbard. Alistair did the same, circling the girls behind him with his free arm. They backed up to the side of the road, amongst the trees for cover.

Whisper looked up at them as if concerned and then Charlotte’s nose wrinkled.

“Fire. It smells like fire.” She whispered. As she spoke, Alistair pointed ahead. A cloud of dust was rising where the road bent.

“Battle.” Concluded Xav. Only a huge battle could affect the wilderness in this fashion. Small rocks were being displaced now as the columns of soldiers were approaching. There was a silhouette leading the army, just ahead of the dust.

“What is that sound?” asked Elanora, perplexed.

“We’re not going to wait to find out, let’s backtrack in the forest and wait for them to pass. Unless we head back?” asked Xav.

“No, we must make it to Morvane, Xavier, please, please.” She begged. He shared a look with Alistair, regretting not pushing to find out more about this little quest they were on.

"Alright, alright, in the forest, we'll wait it out." He ushered them into the trees. One last glance over his shoulder froze him. The silhouette came into view. A young girl no older than Charlotte skipped ahead of the army, her gaze locked directly on him despite the cover of the trees. Behind her, men bound behind horses screamed as they were dragged along the road. "RUN!"

As they ducked trees and hopped over roots, Alistair and Xavier supported Charlotte so that her feet did not even touch the ground. Whisper was a bit ahead but kept looking back for his mistress and Elanora was right by him. The supplies were slowing them down but they had discarded items like the umbrella and other cumbersome possessions they deemed dispensable. There did not seem to be a pursuit, but Xav’s fear drove them on.

“We need to stop and rest, we’ve been running for so long.” Pleaded Alistair but kept pace with his friend.

“Keep going a bit.” Answered Xav.

They were not able to continue long, even Xav was trying to catch his breath. Only the faithful dog kept moving, pacing back and forth as if urging them onward. When they all collapsed, he went back the way they came to investigate.

“What the hell did you see?” asked Alistair. Xav just shook his head, still gasping in deep breaths. What did he see? A demon? A sorceress? How could a young girl be happily skipping ahead of an army and a throng of prisoners being tortured along the way. His mind was reeling…

They huddled for warmth against the darkness of the forest canopy and the cold humidity in the air from the coming storm. Alistair and Xavier had their swords at the ready under the blankets.

They both heard the crack of a branch, then another, someone was getting close. Untangling themselves from the blanket, Xav gestured for the girls to be quiet.

“Oh Xav, oh Xav, please protect me! Hold me in your strong arms against the terrors of the day!” The mocking voice was that of a young girl, but the last few words grew into a bellow that sent ice shivers down his spine.

It came from behind a large tree ahead. Everyone stood still for a moment. Xavier expected to see the young girl emerge but instead a broad-shouldered man stepped out.

“I see you,” said the man in a small playful voice. It was disorienting. He held a blood-stained spiked mace lazily in one hand. Xav scanned the area for any other threats as he and Alistair started to flank each side of the big man. There was no time for questions, if this intruder had found them, more would come.

As they got closer, the man changed his stance, gripping his weapon in a prepared two handed swing. Their swords would be faster but one blow from that thing would end either one of them. Whisper jumped out of the shadows to bite into the man’s calf and before he could adjust his attack to the dog, the friends pounced.

With three attackers and his attention divided, the assailant backed up against a nearby tree after having kicked the dog off his leg. He seemed oblivious to the fresh bite in his leg. Charlotte called to her companion and Whisper ran to her while the mace wielder took a swipe at Alistair. The clumsy swing was easy to duck under while Xav attacked the flank, driving his sword up from a low attack, aiming to impale the man and end this fight quickly. The sword tip deflected off a thick piece of the man’s armor to lodge itself in the tree as Xavier received a backhand slap for his effort, sending him to the ground. The opening allowed Alistair to open a wide gash in the man’s thigh that sent him backwards into another tree. Blood gushed down his leg, yet there was a smile on his face, beckoning Alistair to come.

Xavier went high while Alistair targeted low but they did not account for their victim’s aggressive and suicidal mindset. He rushed them in a huge swing of his mace from his left to right, sweeping both of them in a deadly arc. Alistair dodged to the side and rolled while Xav parried but took the brunt of the blow and reeled back into the brush. Using the momentum of the arc of his swing, their attacker raised his mace, preparing to crush him in a single blow. Xavier stabbed upward, under one of his arms and the blade exploded through the shoulder. Still, the huge weapon barreled down on him to hit his own shoulder. The blow deflected enough to save him, but the pain shot through his whole right side. The man looked incredulously at his own shoulder, the tip of the sword sticking out and dropped to one knee to grasp it, his own weapon falling to the side. Xav’s vision blurred as he winced but he then saw a sword blade come through the front on his assailant’s neck. As the body crumpled forward, Alistair stood behind it gasping.

Elanora ran to Xav to inspect his injury but he waved her concern off, testing his arm’s movement. The ache limited it, but he could use his hand and arm. Alistair continued to stand staring down at the big man at his feet as he finally withdrew his sword. Charlotte looked absolutely terrified next to Whisper.

Then the dog growled, his eyes locked on an unseen threat in the distance. Xavier thought he could hear that voice again so he shushed them.

“Oh Xav, you still are such a playful boy,” said the distant voice.

“There is that voice again. She sounds so innocent.” Said Xav, almost to himself.

“She?” Asked Alistair with a puzzled look.

Xavier regained his footing, carefully testing his injured shoulder. Satisfied it would still move, he looked to the others.

“You guys heard that voice calling my name right? A little girl, teasing?” He asked as he scanned in the direction the dog kept its gaze.

“No, all I heard was a man’s voice, a familiar voice but one I don’t quite recognize.” Said Alistair.

“I know the voice I heard.” Said Elanora. They both turned to her.

“My mother. Singing to me.” All three turned to Charlotte and she certainly felt their gaze since she answered.

“I heard no voice aside from all of yours during the fighting.”

Another growl from Whisper woke them from their thoughts.

“We need to move, we cannot stay here, surely more will come.” Ordered Xavier as he started moving and grabbed their gear on the way.

A bit further, Alistair spotted a body in the foliage, a wicked slash between neck and shoulder that had almost decapitated the man. He was almost identical to the one they had just fought off but this was at least a few minutes away from their camp. Xav pointed to another wound, a stab just under the man’s thick leather armor, right side of his belly. They all wondered if they had a guardian angel,but did not dwell on it, Xav thought of Lok, but shook his head. If the man didn't want to be seen, he doubted they would ever know. He could be watching them right now.

The rest of the day was spent in a blur of movement, fear and confusion as they ran and walked through the trees hoping their direction was correct.

As they approached their destination, they decided to risk the road again, surely in sight of Morvane it was safe.

The dead bodies appeared well before they got to the road, fleeing soldiers, fatally wounded, sought refuge in the forest. They accelerated their pace to find the gates to the city completely closed. A fierce battle had been fought, but at least the city still seemed secured.

“Why have they not come to claim the bodies of their men?” Asked Alistair as he looked around.

“There is no one on the ramparts either.” Noticed Xav before his eyes opened wide, frantically looking around.

“Wait, all these bodies are that of men of Morvane, where are the dead enemies?” he wondered out loud. Whisper was sniffing at some of the deceased while they tried to work through their own confusion.

“Charlotte? Oh Charlotte, bless the Heavens!” Came the cry from atop the gates.

She stopped.

A faint crease touched her brow before it vanished. She smiled and looked up, and they all followed her empty gaze.

“Hello… dear brother,” she said softly, her voice carrying across the desolate landscape.

“Open the gates!” Ordered the young man. He ran out before the gates had completely opened, rushing to his sister. He embraced her fiercely, paying no attention to the others. The three waited patiently but no one else came from the city.

“I am Fredrik, Charlotte’s older brother.” He said over his shoulder as he protectively ushered Charlotte towards the city entrance. Xav found it strange that Fredrik hadn't so much as greeted Elanora.

The reunion broke some barrier in Xavier, but the flood that came was not tears but a simple smile he shared with the others.

“Fredik, one moment please.” He requested and the young man frowned as he turned around.

“I am Xavier and this is Alistair, now that Charlotte and Elanora are safe, we need to head back.” He put some emphasis on Charlotte’s companion but did not press the point.

“I understand, it feels like these will be troubled times. Perhaps I could pay…” Xavier cut him off.

“No, there is no need. Please, girls, be safe.” The last word lingered on his tongue and made him wonder why they had been in this situation in the first place. He frowned but kept his thoughts to himself.

Fredik nodded and resumed his walk towards the city. Elanora followed silently, head bowed. Whisper licked Alistair's hand once before following but Charlotte broke free and ran back to Xavier to hug him. He was surprised how quickly she moved for someone without sight.

Her touch warmed something inside him he had forgotten could still be reached. "Thank you, Xavier. I knew the moment I heard your voice, I would be safe." She smiled toward Alistair and gave a small wave. Charlotte skipped back to her brother. Skipped back like his sister used to, like the girl before the army did.

As they made their way back home, they noticed the roads were still empty, so they hugged the side of the road in case they had to duck back in. It was already night but they decided to push on. The way Charlotte had skipped back to her brother still bugged him.

“Man, it’s really annoying me how only the city guards bodies were outside the city, I mean, I guess people besieging a city wall may gather all their dead and wounded, but if they retreated and they were that army we saw… why not come out and collect your dead once you won? I mean they came out for Charlotte.” Questioned Alistair.

“He came out,” corrected Xav, still in thought.

“Right, yeah like no one else…” he shrugged.

“Wait… retreat? They did not look like a retreating army…” pondered Xavier. His face blanched.

“What if they didn’t retreat, Alistair? What if they were the victors…” Said Xav as he turned to his friend.

“Huh? Come on, Xav. What, we delivered the girls to a bunch of psychos? Why not kill us then, huh?” Countered Alistair.

He had a point. Xav felt like he was missing a piece of the puzzle.

“You notice how nimble Charlotte was for a blind girl when she came to us?” Asked Xavier.

“Yep, they say people that lose a sense have the others heightened right? Just like Elissa, she could not taste the difference between chocolate and a carrot, poor thing, but she could smell your mother’s perfume a mile away, it was like magic. Oh and she always smelled so good. Like she carried flowers wherever she went.” Reminisced Alistair.

“Yeah, my parents used to hate it when kids called her a little witch….” said Xav frowning.

“Ali, we heard different voices in the forest… what if the girl I saw was a bit like Elissa and Charlotte???” suggested Xavier as his breath started getting more rapid.

“What? OK now you’re reaching. You are comparing Eli’s pleasant nose and Charlotte’s balance to some messed up voice projection? Plus there might be a simple explanation…” Xav cut him off.

“We need to get home as soon as possible, we need horses.” Xavier said urgently.

“There’s no one travelling, where are we going to find horses???” countered his friend. They found an inn with some horses a few hours later and secured them from the keeper. He refused to come out, claiming the roads were dangerous and filled with hostile soldiers and brigands. He did accept Xav’s family ring in exchange, though he made the innkeeper promise he would be able to get it back for gold later.

They raced back to Ashgrove and arrived at a scene much too familiar. Ashgrove men were scattered outside the city walls while no other soldiers were there. Xav had explained to Alistair that they both knew the army was going in that direction but were not concerned considering their city’s formidable defenses. But what if… what if they had a real witch with them, someone that could trick them.

“The world burned all the witches away a long time ago and we don’t even know if they ever even existed.” Alistair argued. Xav wanted to agree, but he could no longer dismiss the possibility. Besides, he was simply suggesting they hurry back and now…

A figure appeared on the ramparts, alone against the darkness.

“Ah! Your father! See Xav, we’re good hahaha, you had me going for a second.” Pointed Alistair while he laughed his nerves away.

“Welcome home son.” The voice was cold, authoritative just as his father’s voice would be.

“Huh? Why does your dad sound like…”

“Witches are born of witches and must sacrifice to gain.
Witches are torn from witches and must all suffer from pain.
Sight to feel.
Deaf to see.
Taste to smell.
Touch to hear.
Smell to taste...
While none are free.
Some are born good to do evil, but none become what they wish they could be.
Deliver me.
Deliver me.”
Xav whispered the words, draining the blood from his friend's face. They all knew it. Children had mocked Elissa with the rhyme because she experienced the world differently. None of them had ever imagined it might be true.

“We have to go” said Xav as he turned his horse.

“Go? Go where?” asked Alistair.

“Son, come here!” Ordered the father as the gates slowly opened.

“I don’t know but Ashgrove is lost to us now.”

Both friends rode into the night with no direction and no purpose, just survival.