A New Beginning

by Alexander W Meurant

  "Oh. I see. It's all my fault" Sain stated and looked up at the ceiling, his appetite suddenly gone. He felt sick in the stomach.

  "Oh, stop having a pity party Sain. It was not your fault. That RPG would have been shot at you regardless of if you destroyed the building or not. These things happen in combat" Lesha snapped at Sain irritably and he winced, a niggling feeling telling him she was right. But he still felt bad, and probably would for some time.

  "Three members of your platoon died on the mission. The fighting in the north east was heavy. Another dozen were wounded. Two will be medically discharged and put on a military pension for their service. Luto one of them. So, don't feel guilty" Lesha stated and Sain nodded slowly. The feeling didn't go away, and he sighed dramatically, eliciting a scoff from Lesha.

  "Come on. Get over it. These things happen" Lesha stated and then stood up slowly. She collected her book and put it into her bag before shooting a look at Sain who was still sulking a little.

  "I am not going to hang around with a sulky boy. You only had a concussion, so the doctor should check you out later today and release you. If there is anything wrong, let them know. You will most likely be told to take it easy for a few days" she stated and then stepped around the bed.

  "Get well soon ok" Lesha stated, somewhat stiffly as she flicked her right wrist and Sain caught a glimpse of a watch. She was obviously needing to go somewhere.

  "Will do. Sorry for being a, you know, grumpy bum" Sain stated with a weak smile and he got one in return. It seemed somewhat awkward really.

  "Yeah. Well, anyway, later’s" Lesha stated and turned away. She walked out of the ward then, without a backward glance and Sain felt his heart jump as he watched her walk, the sway of her lower body and he gulped, going a little red in the face.

  "She has a nice figure" a voice spoke in his mind and he scowled.

  "Shut up" he muttered to himself. Was he losing his mind? What the hell was this voice. Should he tell someone about it?

  "Don't tell anyone. Unless you want to end up in a different type of ward" came the voice in his mind once more and Sain scowled further.

  "I said shut up" he muttered and lay back on the bed. He closed his eyes and tried to snooze, that half eaten banana still held limply in his hand.

  * * *

  "That piece of shit! Oh boy I am going to give him a piece of my mind!" Mehrasa muttered to herself as she sprinted down the road, her eyes on the boat in the distance. The boat currently being prepped to sail. Her brothers boat. Hearing people calling out her name, Mehrasa ignored them and kept running, trying not to lose her footing as she ran down the hill, her eyes shifting from the boat occasionally to look at the road before her and assess her path.

  The road she was running down eventually looped to the east and then back around in a large curve, but she didn't have time for that detour, so seeing a small lane directly ahead, she made a beeline for it. She knew from memory that the lane dipped down in a series of stone staircases and landings, and basically cut straight through the curve of the main road. It was a shortcut.

  Reaching the entrance to the lane, Mehrasa bounded down the first set of stairs, her left hand going out to her side and running along the wall of a house, using it to help keep her balance even as her right held the leather strap of the bag slung across her shoulders lest it decide to fly off from her violent travel.

  Keeping her head down and locked on the stairs now, she kept running, passing down two landings and two more staircases. As she came to the third landing that she knew to be about halfway through the curve of the road she looked up trying to catch sight of the boat in the distance, but could not see it due to some tall houses obscuring her vision.

  "Hey Mehrasa, why the hurry?" came a voice from her left and Mehrasa stopped moving, casting a quick glance to her left where another lane came from the west to connect with the landing. She saw Rami there, lounging against the wall, his arms crossed and a pipe between his lips. Mehrasa felt a jolt of surprise as she looked him over, noting a sheen of sweat on his forehead and heaving chest, like he had just been running.

  "None of your business Rami" Mehrasa snapped and turned her gaze back to the laneway she wanted to take. She started walking towards it, the next set of stairs appearing. But she stopped moving as two heads appeared, their owners walking up the stairs, one of them wearing a white turban wrapped around it and the other one completely bare. Two men appeared and displayed signs of exertion as well, and Mehrasa scowled, recognizing them both. Seraf wearing the turban and one of Mehrbad's friends, a youth called Bravu.

  "I think it is actually. Mehrbad asked us to keep you distracted whilst he set sail" Rami stated from behind her and she turned, seeing that he had left the laneway and was now standing a couple of meters behind her, his pipe now held in his hand and smoldering slightly. Mehrasa turned her gaze back to the other two as they reached the top of the stairs and Bravu moved to her right so that she was now surrounded on three sides.

  "That figures. That weak little fucker doesn't want me around" she stated, trying to sound tough even as trepidation swept over her. She gulped and dropped her right hand from the strap of her backpack, letting her hand drop down to her right hip.

  "Yes, he doesn't. Merchanting is not a job for a woman, even one with such loose morals as you" Rami stated and Mehrasa blinked, feeling alarm shoot through her. She looked quickly between Seraf and Bravu, noting smirks on their lips.

  "Where is your headscarf Mehrasa? You need to cover up. And what about those trousers? Are you trying to be a boy?" Seraf asked, his voice rough and thick. Mehrasa gulped again and moved her hand closer to her right hip, feeling for the pistol she had tucked in the top of her trousers, secured there by her headscarf which she had tied around her waist in a sort of sash.

  "Are you blind. It's around my waist" Mehrasa stated, worry niggling at her now. If these men simply wanted to delay her, they only had to box her in, but she sensed a different air from them, and it was making her feel incredibly nervous and worried.

  "Well it’s not much good there is it. It's like you are just asking for someone to take it off" Rami stated, his voice louder now and slightly husky. Mehrasa hissed and turned to face him, seeing him less than an arm’s length away from her now. When had he gotten that close?

  A shuffling noise sounded out behind her and she felt hands on her elbows and shoulders even as Rami stepped forward fast, both hands going to grasp her face. Mehrasa yelped and froze, her eyes going wide as she was held in place, Rami's face now mere centimeters from her own.

  "So why don't we take it off and have some fun. You can keep us company whilst your brother is away for a couple of weeks. I am sure he won't mind. Your future husband most likely won't care either" Rami stated, a grin on his face. One of his hands left her face and moved down to her waist, near touching the scarf wrapped around it. Feeling a surge of anger Mehrasa snarled. These men were animals, and probably felt entitled to her, just like that merchant from before.

  Feeling that rage burn through her and wipe away her nervousness and shock, Mehrasa kicked up hard with her left leg, getting it straight between Rami's legs. She felt something hard down there even as the air left Rami's lungs and he let go of her face with his other hand, both hands now going to cup his groin, a small groan escaping him. She heard hisses from behind her and felt those hands tighten their grip on her elbows and shoulders and she growled in anger, shaking her torso violently.

  As the grips loosened somewhat, she lifted her left foot again and kicked backwards and down, feeling the heel of her shoe collide with the top of a foot. She pushed down hard, causing a yelp to escape her victim. As the grip on her left loosened even more, Mehrasa shoved her left hand into her trousers and yanked out the pistol, her thumb pulling back the revolvers hammer in a smooth motion that she had practiced over and over the last few days.

  Raising it high, she tore her left arm from the grip of her assailant even as she turned to her right and saw an
alarmed look on Seraf's face as he locked his gaze on the weapon, his grip remaining tight on Mehrasa. Gritting her teeth, she awkwardly brought the pistol down and smashed the grip handle down into Seraf's face. It hit him in the eye and he let out a yelp and let go of her, both hands going to his right eye as Mehrasa pulled back.

  She stepped away from him to her left even as she looked to the right and saw Bravu staring at her in shock, his hands frozen before him, like he had been about to reach out. He was leaning heavily to his left side, his foot probably hurt from her stomp, but seemed not to be in any significant pain. Mehrasa stepped backward further, feeling her back press up against a wall. She looked over all three men then, seeing them recovering quickly from their initial shock.

  Rami had stood up, a furious look on his face, his left hand still cupping his groin. Seraf was now staring at her, his right hand cupping his right eye, tears streaming from it. She had probably gotten him good with that pistol bash. Flicking her gaze back to Bravu, she saw him looking between Rami and Seraf worriedly, like he was seeking guidance. He was only a youngster compared to the two older men.

  "I'll fucking get you for that you bitch" Rami growled as he started towards Mehrasa but froze as she lifted her pistol and pointed it at him with one hand, shaking slightly. He took on a look of surprise as Mehrasa started to sweep the pistol left to right, pointing it at each in turn as they stood in a semi-circle around her and the wall, trapping her. At least no one was behind her this time.

  "No, you fucking won't you trio of assholes. I am leaving this shithole village and you can all die for all I care, so just try me. I'll put a bullet between your eyes" Mehrasa stated, her voice shaking and eyes wide. The three men stayed silent and Mehrasa flicked the pistol at Seraf threateningly.

  "Move" Mehrasa snapped and gestured to her right with the pistol. The man moved slowly to obey, opening a path to the stairwell that led down the lane.

  "I'd ask you some questions, but I don't have time. Don't follow me or I will shoot you. Don't think I won't" Mehrasa stated, her voice wavering as she inched along the wall now, feeling her leather backpack scraping along the mudbrick wall. The three men just stayed silent and watched her move, completely frozen in place. Thankfully they had severely underestimated her, allowing her to get the upper hand. And she did not want to give them another chance, so had to make it to the boat and leave the village behind.

  Gulping, she felt her left foot reach the stair and she turned fast and bolted, running down the stairs as best she could, her pistol still held in her left hand. As she ran her back pack slapped against her back, driving some air from her lungs and she reached up, grabbing the strap with her right hand and pulling it tight against her body. Then she focused on running. Before long she saw the main road appear and she burst onto it. She didn't bother looking around her and just ran down, seeing the wharf a couple of hundred meters in the distance, her brothers’ boat nearly ready to cast off.

  Gritting her teeth, Mehrasa broke into a sprint, dodging between carts and people, many of whom called out in alarm, seeing that pistol she held. Whilst weapons were not illegal here, few people possessed them, so it was most likely worrying for people to see her openly carrying one.

  Sprinting down the road, Mehrasa reached the wharf and started to thud across the wooden planks of it. Within moments she saw the boat push off, its ropes cast and its motor kicking into life. It moved past the end of the wharf and Mehrasa swore under her breath as she ran. She reached the end of the wharf just as a shout sounded from a member of the crew who had turned to look back. It was her brother. Feeling that anger once more she jumped and flew, curling her legs up slightly as she flew over the edge of the boat.

  Then she hit the deck and she stumbled hard, falling forwards as her hands shot forward and collided with the deck as she doubled over. She felt a twinge in her left wrist, the pistol still held in it and she hissed, ignoring it as she stood up, balancing herself. Then she saw her brother coming towards her, hands held out in front of him, eyes wide open and mouth starting to move as he started to say something. She didn't let him and simply walked forward and lifted her right hand, flinging it out and punching him in the left eye for a second time in as many days.

  Merhbad’s head snapped back and he staggered backwards, his hands flailing right before he tripped over a coil of rope behind him and fell into it, spluttering. Passing her pistol to her right hand, Mehrasa stepped over him and leant down, her pistol being pressed to Mehrbad’s forehead. The young man froze even as a dark bruise started to well up over his left eye, mixing with the barely faded one of days past.

  "Mehrasa, uh, what are you, um, doing here?" Mehrbad stammered in shock, his voice holding a hint of fear. Mehrasa felt a stab of irritation at it and pressed the pistol hard into her brothers forehead, no doubt leaving a hefty imprint.

  "What do you think brother? I am doing whatever the fuck I want. You are lucky I don't shoot you for what you had your friends do, trying to hold me up" Mehrasa growled, pushing that pistol harder into her brother’s forehead, eliciting a pained whimper even as he pushed his head backwards, trying to escape the point of pain.

  "If you ever, I mean ever try something like that again, I will kill you, no fucks given. You hear me" Mehrsa growled and when she received no answer in response, she simply stood up and tucked her pistol back into her trousers and then tightened the scarf around her waist. She stood over Mehrbad still and looked around at the crew, all of whom were staring at her with slightly amused expressions. She smiled at that.

  "Well, guess we set sail then yeah?" Mehrasa stated eliciting some chuckles. Stepping away from her brother Mehrasa turned back and looked at the village, thinking it would be the last she ever saw of this place. Hoping it would be anyway. Flicking her eyes to the wharf in the distance, she saw three figures standing at the end, and she sneered at them, raising her right hand and flipping them the bird.

  Chapter 20

  * * *

  Sain looked up into the quickly darkening sky and scowled. It would be reasonably dark by the time he got back to the barracks, so he just huffed and started walking, thrusting his hands into the pockets of his borrowed army uniform. He had nothing on him apart from the clothes on his back, what with having arrived directly at the base hospital from the mission. Not that he minded. He would likely get issued a new combat uniform anyway.

  Feeling the air begin to cool rapidly around him Sain increased his pace and focused his attention on the lights ahead of him. He was probably only around one kilometer from the barracks. As he walked, Sain cast his gaze around and could see lights from the nearby buildings, occasional figures moving past windows and casting shadows over the ground. Strangely Sain felt calm seeing such things. Everything seemed almost peaceful, like the structure of the base and just knowing the place was essentially a fortress made it feel safe and secure. There was a certain safety to that. One he had never felt in Rindai. And it made him feel lighthearted, and somewhat free. Free from the shackles of the Empire.

  Sain frowned at that last thought and shook his head, not quite sure where he had gotten that thought from. Instead he focused his gaze on the approaching barracks. He could already hear slight bursts of shouting and laughter.

  Coming to the entrance of the building he pushed a shoulder into the door as he grabbed the handle. Opening it he came into the hallway that the dorm rooms were attached to, and at the end of the hall he saw the common room, seemingly packed with people. He walked forward cautiously until he was standing at the back of a crowd. There seemed to be at least a hundred people there. By the look of it the entire platoon was there, and judging by some of the people, partners of the platoon members were present as well.

  "Alright everyone, quiet down, it is time for toasts" came a thundering voice and Sain recognized the voice of the Major. He looked to the source and saw Travos climbing on top of a table, a bottle of rum held tight in his right hand. The place died down as all attention shifted to the man
and he swept his gaze around the common room, glaring at everyone, as if daring them to speak. Travos' glare rested on Sain for a moment and Sain felt a shiver run down his spine. There was a dark look on the Major's face and Sain felt it was directed at him. Then the feeling was gone as Travos looked up and raised his bottle high above his head.

  "We are here tonight to remember those that we lost in our last mission. To give credence to their memory, to mourn them" Travos shouted out, his voice suddenly hoarse and heavily slurred. Sain felt his gut wrench and figured Travos was pained by the deaths of his subordinates, almost tormented judging from the look on his face.

  "Craw Helget, Aaron Chase, Annabelle Smith. Those three gave their lives on this mission. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country of ours. A country they helped to create and one that they believed in. And they will be remembered for it" Travos shouted out even as he swayed dangerously on the table. A few of the people around him grabbed at the table to steady it even as Travos tipped his bottle to his lips and took a lengthy draught. Hearing gulps Sain looked around as all those present took draughts from their own glasses or bottles. Feeling a prod on his left forearm Sain flicked his gaze to his left and saw a tired looking Roland prodding him with a bottle of beer. Sain smiled softly and took it and twisted the lid off before taking a quick gulp of the crisp liquid.