The Pariah Child & the Ever-Giving Stone

by Natasha D Lane

  “Not a dancing man?” she asked.

  He did a mock laugh. “No, definitely not a dancing man.”

  “You can still have fun, Alex.”

  He shrugged. “I was fine watching.” He turned to his right and a strain pulled at his face. Sarah followed his gaze only to see Dasi staring fondly at Skuntz who was still hopping about. Dasi was smiling too, but there was a wary stress to it.

  “Alex,” Sarah asked, “do all wounds heal?”

  He opened his mouth then closed it. Her question had made the muscles in his face tighten. She could see strands of tension pulled across his jaw line. Finally, he spoke.

  “I wish I could lie to you, Sarah. I wish I could let you go on in a child’s naivety thinking the world is a perfect place where good always triumphs over evil and where all wounds, no matter how deep, always heal to light scars that with time fade.” He sighed. “But that’s not fair. Not in your situation. It isn’t fair to lie to you when you have so much resting on your shoulders.”

  He clenched his fist and looked her dead in the face. “No. Not all wounds heal. Some fester, get infected and kill the person whom they were inflicted upon. Some never go away.”

  Sarah stared at the ground. His words ran through her brain, allowing the reality of her journey to sink in. She turned to the fire and nodded.

  “I think I should try to heal as many wounds as I can, Alex. Mama always says what you do comes back to you three times fold. So, I should do good and maybe something good will come my way. Not that that’s the only reason I’m doing it I mean.” She smiled. It was a genuine, idealistic and naive smile.

  “I agree,” he said. “That’s what kind-hearted people like you do.”

  With no more words, Sarah rose from her seat and moved down beside Dasi. He gave her a slight glance before looking back at Skuntz. Sarah gulped, but the words were already set in her mind. She knew what he was thinking, everyone did, and it was written across his face like a book. She would see a similar look on her mother’s face every morning her father left for work. She leaned closer to him.

  “I’m going to save your wife. I’m going to save Skuntz’s mother and your land. I promise, and I know I may not be what you expected, but I’ll give you, Skuntz and Lyrica my all.”

  There was a short silence as he gazed into the fire.

  “Thank you,” he said.

  Like that, his face brightened a bit. He smiled as if a black cloud had disappeared from above him. One wound had healed, at least a little.

  Alexander watched as the man’s body fell limp to the ground. His hand was covered in blood and his breathing was ragged. His brother Abel moaned. Alexander closed his eyes and sent up a silent prayer. He took in a deep breath and faced his brother.

  Abel was staring up at the stars in a daze. He was barely moving except for a few painful jerks, all his words came out in choked gurgles. The violence was still rampant around them, but for Alexander time had frozen. He fell beside Abel and gathered him in his arms. He looked at the gushing wound. It was too deep and Abel had lost too much blood. Alexander could feel his eyes become watery.

  “It’s okay,” Alexander whispered to his little brother. “Don’t worry. It’s okay.”

  Abel’s body wrenched to the side, and he looked at his elder brother. He closed his eyes, and Alexander’s breath caught in his throat for a moment.

  Abel reopened his eyes. He smiled.

  “What’s the...the difference?” Blood fell from the side of his mouth as the words fell from his lips.

  Alexander shook his head, confused. “Just be quiet. It’s okay. I have you, little brother.”

  Abel placed a bloody hand on his brother’s face, forcing him to look at him. “We’re all human in a way...” His words faded. Alexander shook him, and Abel refocused his eyes. “Do something for me?”

  Alexander nodded, unable to deny his brother anything, especially at this moment.

  “Take care of her...”

  Alex shot up from where he was resting and placed his head in his hands. He took his palms and pressed them hard against his forehead. Images of his brother covered in blood still flashed through his mind.

  “Take care of her.”

  His heart stopped and his eyes went red. He looked at Serwa, who was sleeping soundly across from him. The red faded. He sighed with relief and began to scan the dark trees that surrounded him. There was no movement. No sound. They were alone.

  “Can’t sleep?” Sarah’s voice made Alex jump. He turned to her, his eyes that dangerous red again.

  She gasped and began to push herself away from him.

  “Sarah? You scared me.”

  “I scared you...” she said, clutching the thin blanket the elves had given her.

  “I was thinking about something else. I’m sorry.”

  “You were dreaming,” she said and pulled her hair over her shoulder to play in it.

  Alexander placed one hand on his head that he now realized was drenched in sweat. He scolded himself then, looked at Sarah. She smiled but placed her eyes on the ground.

  “Why aren’t you sleeping?” he asked.

  “I don’t want to bother you.”

  “It’s not a bother. Come, tell me.” He patted the ground beside him. Sarah hesitated. She gave him a meek smile and scurried over. “What’s on your mind?”

  She took a long breath.

  “I’m scared,” she blurted out. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this. I don’t know if I can save everyone. I mean I know I have to, but I don’t know if I can.” She rested her head on her knees. Her blue eyes stared up at him.

  He placed a hand on her back. “You can’t let fear stop you, Sarah.”

  “But I’ve never done anything like this before.”

  “Neither have I. So, we’re in the same boat.”

  She shook her head. “But you’re a vampire. You’re super strong, right? What do I have?”

  “Control of the essence of this world with which you can make this vampire into a crispy mess.”

  She laughed and pulled at her skirt. “I wasn’t always so scared. I used to want to go on an adventure like this.”

  “So, why are you scared now?” he asked.

  She hugged herself tight and dug her fingernails into her arms.

  “Sarah?” He placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “Something...” She closed her eyes and, then, refocused them,” really scared me and now I can’t stop being scared.”

  “Not even with the stone?”

  “Not completely.”

  Alexander squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll be here, Sarah. So, you don’t have anything to worry about.”

  She fiddled with her fingers. “I’m really sorry, Alex. I know you were forced into this. I really wish I didn’t have to involve others.” Her blue eyes were large and shaky.

  Alexander smiled, but he wasn’t sure what to say. It was true. The voice or whatever it was had forced him into this partnership. If he had it his way, Sarah would have been his snack. He would have left her in the cave to whatever other creature came wandering by. He would have spent a few days with Serwa to soothe his hunger before sneaking out while she slept or bathed. Then, he would have started walking in any direction and done it all over again in a few months. Actually, how many times had he repeated this process? Five? Ten? He had lost count.

  He turned to Sarah, her eyes were still apologetic. He ruffled her hair and patted her back. “Don’t worry. If this is my fate then so be it. It’s better than wandering alone.”

  Sarah brightened. “I’m not that bad of company?”

  He chuckled. “Of course not.”

  “Can I ask you a question? If I’m not prying I mean...”

  “What would you like to know?”

  “Abel? Is that your brother?”

  His brother’s name sounded very odd on her tongue, tinted with a slight accent. He hadn’t heard anyone speak it in many years.

  “You were talk
ing in your sleep,” she mumbled. “Did I ask the wrong question?”

  “I wasn’t fast enough.” Alex’s voice was low and cautious. He stared into the forest though there was only darkness. “If I had been a little bit quicker...Abel...there were too many people.” The red images of Abel dying in his arms zoomed through his mind. He shook his head at the memories, but they would not be suppressed.

  Sarah grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry. It’s okay, Alex.”

  “It’s okay, Abel.” But it wasn’t okay. He looked at Sarah, images still racing in his head. Suddenly, she replaced Abel, bloody in his arms.

  “Alex?” Sarah rested a hand on his forehead. The smooth cold of her skin made him focus. “You’re burning up. I think you’re getting sick. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  He blinked.

  “Are you okay, now?”

  He looked into her eyes and nodded. She was such a small pale thing. She was gentle. Fragile.

  Alexander put both hands on her shoulders. “You can sleep, Sarah. As long as you need me and as long as I can, I’ll be here.”

  Sarah blushed and scurried to the opposite side of the camp.

  “Goodnight,” she whispered and pulled the blanket over her.

  Alexander relaxed. “It’s just a memory.”

  Chapter 13

  The rain fell from the gray sky in a light cloudy mist. Sarah walked in front of Alexander and Serwa through the now tree-less land, wearing her own long black cloak. She carried her new bow and quiver of arrows on her back. Her steps were hard and steady, and her back a bit straighter now.

  Alexander took note of her new demeanor. A small feeling of pride grew in his chest, though his thoughts were drifting elsewhere.

  “It’s always nice to see a youth with some power in her spine,” Serwa whispered to Alexander. “Don’t you agree?”

  He was silent and stared off blankly into the distance. She slapped the vampire on his arm. “You’re distracted. You’ve been distracted ever since we left the elves’ village.”

  He laughed and rubbed his arm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m fine.”

  “Don’t lie to me, Alexander. I’ve known you for too long.” She glared at him, but Alexander refused to meet her gaze.

  “Alex –”

  “Leave it alone, Serwa.” His face grew dark, a sudden coming storm.

  “Don’t tell me what to do.” She grabbed his forearm and pushed him to face her. “And don’t tell me to ‘leave it alone’ either. Something’s on your mind. Talk to me.”

  “There is nothing to talk about,” he said, his face settled into a hard mask.

  She huffed. “There is much to talk about, but if you won’t admit it, I will.”

  “Admit what?”

  She crossed her arms. “You’re worried about returning to the vampires.”

  He tensed. A flicker of recognition ran across his face, yet he did not speak.

  “Aha!” she roared. “I saw it, vampire. Don’t try to hide it now.”

  Alexander broke; a crooked smile spread across his lips. “I guess you have known me too long.” He sighed.

  “Serwa.” His voice was calm but serious. “I don’t think I will be coming back with you and Sarah when –”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “Listen. I am a criminal to the other vampires of my clan, guilty of treason and desertion. Do you think they are really going to let me just walk in, grab some of their prisoners and walk out?”

  “I’m not stupid. I know they’re not going to let you go free, but I will make sure, personally, that they don’t keep you there either.”

  “And how do you plan on doing that exactly? Grab an army on the way.”

  “They’ll have to get through me first,” she pronounced through gritted teeth.

  He shook his head. “When they take me, help the others escape and make sure Sarah returns –”

  “Stop it!” she said.

  The two had started walking again but now their tread slowed until it came to a halt. Serwa moved to face Alexander once more. He tried to look her in the eyes but his gaze was fleeting.

  She inhaled and raised her chin. “May I speak freely?”

  He smirked. “When do you not?”

  She tapped her chin and looked upward into the sky.

  “Never,” she said. “Fine, I’ll give you that one, Alexander, but I also want you to listen to me.”

  She cast her eyes downward before turning back to him. “We both know this has been complicated.” She gestured to herself and him. “And I know I haven’t always made it easy –”

  “Neither have I, Serwa.”

  She exhaled and nodded. “Yes, we both have made it difficult, and considering how we found each other, well, I give us credit. But I’m not always going to hide behind those things. I shouldn’t.”

  “We’re both pretty comfortable there, though, aren’t we?” Alexander moved his hair from his face.

  She shrugged. “We are, but we’re stagnant. If we could just move past it, Alexander, I think we could be better. Be more.”

  He closed his eyes, and they stood in silence. Then, he stepped back and looked at her. “There is nothing I want more. Of course, Serwa but –”

  “Ah!”

  “Sarah,” they said in unison. Alexander took lead in the run with Serwa trailing right behind him as they followed Sarah’s voice. A thick fog had grown, masking the way to the child. Alexander could hardly see what was in front of him. He stumbled over several stones trying to listen to her screams, using them as a guide.

  “Alex! Serwa!”

  “Sarah!” His voice pushed through the fog. “Don’t worry. I’ll find you.”

  It won’t be like last time.

  “Alexander!” Serwa screamed. He spun around, but she had already gone, lost in the fog. He was alone.

  “Damnit,” he hissed and ran around blindly. Left, right, left, right. He yelled for his companions, unsure if anyone could hear him. “I’m coming, Sarah.”

  Sarah’s voice rang clear through the thick mist. “Help me!”

  It was then he felt a light brush on his left shoulder. He turned and reached out. An arm, he felt an arm.

  “Serwa,” he said and pulled her to him. She crashed into his body, grabbing onto him.

  “The fog,” he panted, “it’s –”

  “It’s a trick. I can see through it, follow me. I know where she is.” The witch grabbed his hand in hers and guided him. Sarah’s screams got louder and louder.

  “Here!” She suddenly turned to the right and broke through the mist to the opening of a cave. As if it had never been there, the fog disappeared, fading into nothingness. They stood in a cave soaked from the rain, watching as a half-woman-half-fish creature with washed out gray skin pinned a frightened Sarah to the ground.

  Alexander launched forward only to be pushed back by two other creatures rising from the cave’s water pools. He hissed, baring his fangs, and they hissed right back.

  Serwa stepped in front of him. “Tell Sarah to run to back of the cave when I’m done.”

  “Done what?”

  Before he could object she ran her hands through the air in several directions, forming some sort of symbol, chanting, “Vina ma tu sa mi, vina na ma tu sa mi, volkair loair.”

  “Move back, Sarah,” Alexander screamed.

  Sarah tried to scramble to the back of the cave, but the creature grabbed her ankle. Fire ran from Serwa’s body onto the walls of the cave until it surrounded every pool of water. There were several high-pitched shrieks as the fire consumed the space. The creature released Sarah, and she rolled to the back of the cave. The others sunk into the water pools, burn marks decorating their bodies.

  Serwa let the fire burn for several seconds, her eyes radiating golden light. Then, she stopped. The flames came to a halt, and like a clock put in reverse, the witch began moving her hands backward.

  Just as suddenly as the flames had stopped their descen
t on the cave, their motion reversed and the fire poured into Serwa. Her body wrenched with every burst of energy that returned to her. As the last flame hit her chest, her eyes glowed the brightest Alex had ever seen.

  She looked at him.

  “Get her,” she said.

  He didn’t need to be told again. Alex dove into the cave.

  Sarah was plastered against the back wall, coughing up water. He ran to her and pulled her into his arms. She was covered in bruises and soaked.

  “Sarah, Sarah, are you all right?”

  She wheezed and choked out the last bit of water.

  “It’s gone,” she said, the words hoarse from her throat.

  “What?”

  “It’s gone!” she howled, reaching into the water pool where one of the creatures had disappeared.

  Alexander pulled her back, and she continued to lunge forward.

  Serwa stepped beside her. “Are you stupid, girl? Do you want to be drowned?”

  Sarah gazed into the pool of water, arms held out. Serwa moved to block her view.

  “Speak up,” she snapped.

  “What were they?” Sarah asked out of breath, arms still out stretched.

  “Sirens,” Serwa said. “Creatures of the water that lure the weak-willed to their death with song. From the looks of it, you weren’t too far from the last part.”

  “Serwa!” Alexander barked, his eyes that warning red.

  She shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m being honest.”

  “We have to find them,” Sarah breathed. “We have to.”

  “Why go after the things that tried to kill you, Sarah?” Alexander asked.

  The girl closed her eyes, biting her lips to stop the quivering. “Because... they took the stone.”

  “What are we supposed to do now?” Sarah squatted by the campfire. Alexander sat beside her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll get the stone back,” he said.

  “How?” Sarah asked a sob in her throat. “I’ve let them all down. Skuntz and Dasi, everyone.”

  “No, there’s still time.”

  “How, Alex? How are we going to get the stone if it’s at the bottom of the sea? And what about Jacob and Solar? We can’t rescue them and search for the stone at the same time. We can’t do both.”