Shackled Serenity

by Leon Logos

  “You can’t! What if they recognize that you’re not part of their military? They’ll find those bodies you stole from and capture you!”

  “First of all, I dumped the body I stole from in in a lake somewhere by these gardens. By the time they find it there, they’ll all be dead anyway. Secondly, we’ll make up some bullshit lie that we’re new or something. If we find out there’s no chance of us living in the barracks, we’ll all come here.”

  “Oh no,” she moaned, imagining all three of the boys camped out in her chamber for days.

  They’d be the reason for her demise. The brothers were always conducive to extreme danger.

  “Relax, we’re doing most of the work,” Cackle said, walking back to the recliner. “I don’t want to hear any complaints from you.”

  “I’m not so sure about this ‘war’ you’re talking about. Do you plan on killing everybody? Because that’s not happening; there’s really good people here. I won’t allow you to harm them. We get Kyler and Desmos, and then you all escape. Leave and never come back.”

  “That’s a terrible plan, don’t even,” Cackle said, in disgust. “I’m going to sleep. I’ll take the floor. Tomorrow, we roam around.”

  “I’m not sure if we’re allowed to do that,” she said gloomily. “We’re all on lockdown because of you guys. We’re not allowed out of our chambers.”

  “We’ll see about that,” said Cackle insouciantly, entering her closet.

  He came out with pillows and blankets; a maid had stored these extra amenities the day she had arrived, just for convenience. He proceeded to make his own bed on the floor, while she watched with disconcerting qualms. So now they were roommates. Again. She prayed it would only be temporary, like he had planned it. There were multiple holes in his plans and so many things that could go wrong. She presumed the Aurelian military was organized and coordinated; wouldn’t they be doubtful of three new faces? In order for this disguise to work properly, the three brothers would have to avoid other military personnel as much as possible. They’d need to limit face-to-face interaction with them and just blend in. She knew tomorrow would be a hectic day, full of risks, scares, and misgivings. It was odd, knowing that just twenty minutes ago she was asleep peacefully. Not even a legitimate fortune teller could’ve predicted what transpired next.

  Though, as she reflected on the matter deeply, she should’ve expected this. At least suspected something like this would happen. The Aurelians even strengthened their security for the sole purpose of capturing them. The bait had worked, kind of. The remaining brothers had been lured into the estate, which was virtually a stronghold. However, they hadn’t been captured and Gunther had not accompanied them. Nonetheless, the Aurelians would be glad to find the remaining brothers in their captivity and maybe execute them all at once. With all his sons captured, maybe then would Gunther take the bait and make a rescue attempt. Serenity was clueless on whether Gunther would actually risk his life for his “children”; supposedly, his sons were his pride and joy. But she suspected that this was a lie.

  Serenity conceded that resistance was futile. She had no choice but go along with their plans and facilitate in their needs. She still was unyielding in her decision to remain put with the Aurelians; sure, she’d assist Cackle, Garen, and Agno in retrieving Kyler and Desmos. However, after that, they were all on their own. The minute they were out of the Aurelian territory safely, this would be the final farewell. She’d be happy knowing they were out of her life, alive. A whirlwind of troubles awaited her with them.

  She retired back under her bed covers but knew it would be impossible for her to find any sleep now. Her eyes would be fixed on Cackle the whole time, distrustful of him perpetually. She glanced at the door, making sure it was locked. They definitely didn’t want anybody walking in without knocking. Though, nobody here was impudent enough to do this. Even if her door was unlocked, visitors would knock and ask for permission to enter. But given they were on lockdown, a soldier could simply enter her chamber without notice, under the pretext of searching it. It would be justified.

  Serenity shifted her gaze back to Cackle, inspecting him. He looked the same as usual: healthy and vigorous. There weren’t any visible injuries that she could see. She surmised that the mission had gone relatively smoothly, excluding the fact that they had been spotted.

  “Quit staring, and go to sleep,” Cackle murmured pointedly, his eyes closed. “I’m here, this isn’t a damn dream. I can feel your eyes on me.”

  “How am I supposed to react to this?” she replied. “You were the last person I was expecting tonight. I would’ve never known it was you.”

  “You should’ve expected us at least a little,” said Cackle. “How the hell are we supposed to operate without Kyler and Desmos? Desmos is the boss and Kyler’s the kid, like you. Who am I supposed to pick on?”

  “Not Kyler,” she scowled. “He can tear you to pieces.”

  “I’d love to see him try,” Cackle sucked his teeth scornfully.

  “Not now he can’t,” she sighed. “He’s in awful shape. They don’t feed him enough, and they beat him up a lot. Earlier, one of the Aurelians—their strongest soldier—he pummeled him.”

  “I’d pay to see that,” Cackle scoffed callously.

  “It’s not funny,” she rejoined. “If he decides to do it again, Kyler might die. He took the beating well, though. He’s a tough guy.”

  “Nah, they won’t kill him yet. You mentioned an execution. How so?”

  “I don’t know, maybe a beheading?”

  “Wow. Cool.”

  “Surprisingly, everybody’s excited for it as if it’s a second Christmas Day,” she said scathingly. “Even the children.”

  “These civilized, ‘good’ people aren’t as goody as you think, then,” said Cackle with a toothy grin. “They’re savages, just like us.”

  “You really have no problem calling yourself a savage?” she asked.

  “Nope. It’s a compliment. Survival of the fittest. Natural selection.”

  “You know what ‘natural selection’ is?” she said, befuddled.

  “I’m not a retard,” Cackle snarled. “I paid attention once in a while during science class. When I wasn’t bullying the little kids.”

  “Bullying? Is that why you were in detention all the time?”

  “Sometimes,” he said casually. “Most of the time, it was cutting class or beating somebody’s ass. Though, that usually resulted in suspension.” And also hanging out with the delinquents.”

  “You know how Desmos felt about those losers,” she said. “What if he found out you were hanging out with them?”

  “I wasn’t their friend, don’t overreact. You don’t make friends during school-season. They’re all just tools.”

  “I had a friend,” she said wistfully, painfully remembering Amara.

  “Did you? That bitch that died in Sequim?”

  She didn’t bother reproaching him for his insensitive attitude. Cackle was inherently and incorrigibly a cold-hearted individual. It struck her how peacefully she was conversing with Cackle. Never before had they spoken with each other so casually. No insulting, no arguing, no shouting. Usually, she had only conversed normally with Kyler. Cackle was the last person on Earth she’d speak colloquially to. But the extensive period of time they had spent away from each other affected both of them. This was essentially a reunion; and as reunions normally worked, reminiscing and catching up was inevitable. She knew it wouldn’t last long, and she wasn’t unhappy when it ended. Cackle rudely snapped at her to “shut up,” as he rolled over to his side (his back facing her) and didn’t say a word after.

  She decided to keep quiet also, scrutinizing the ceiling as she invariably did after an impactful or eventful day.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Her awakening from slumber produced no feeling of refreshment or reinvigoration from her. The majority of the night she had lay awake, keeping an eye on Cackle. For a blissful hour or two, she had fell asleep.
But after what felt like seconds, she opened her eyes to sunlight and birdsong—and to her alarm, Cackle’s makeshift bed unoccupied. She sprang out of bed as if she was electrocuted, standing on top of it. She turned in all directions quickly, scanning every corner of the room. She realized the door to her bathroom was closed, and she could hear the faucet running.

  Serenity released her breath in relief, dropping down to her bed. For a moment, she had thought he had left the room.

  She slumped onto her recliner, waiting patiently for Cackle to come out. He must’ve been washing himself. The deprivation of body cleansing through bath or shower should’ve constrained him to clean himself.

  She didn’t have to wait long. Cackle stepped out of her bathroom only six minutes after she had woken up. He came out drying his soaked hair and face with towels.

  “How on Earth is that bathroom so clean?” Cackle said, bewildered. “Not just your bathroom, everything in this place!”

  “They’re rich and they take care of their stuff,” she said tersely.

  “Yeah, I can see that,” he said. “Maybe I’ll loot their treasure too. Or join the family just to steal their crap.”

  She imagined Cackle as an Aurelian. Never. His behavior and overall character were incongruous with the Aurelian lifestyle.

  “You want to take a shower?” she suggested. “You smell like shit.”

  “Not here, I’ll see what’s up in the guard barracks,” he shook his head. “Before that, I haven’t eaten a decent meal in weeks.”

  “Go to the guard barracks, then,” she said, walking over to her closet.

  She grabbed her clothes for the day perfunctorily, since she would change in the bathroom. She wasn’t intending on letting Cackle go while bathing.

  “I’m off, then,” he said curtly, putting on the top of his uniform. The polymer armor took an effort to equip.

  “No, you’re not,” she said firmly. “Wait fifteen minutes for me. I’m going to take a shower. You better be here when I’m back.”

  “Have it your way,” he shrugged, perching himself on the window sill.

  She gave him a cursory glance before entering the bathroom and locking the door, surprised at how cooperative he was being. It was abnormal of him. Cackle wasn’t the type to take orders from anyone. Gunther or Desmos he obviously obeyed; but her?

  She didn’t dwell on it. A sense of foreboding hastened her to finish her shower, as she lousily washed her body. It took her only five minutes to shampoo, scrub with soap, and wash off. She turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, grabbing dry towels. She wrapped them around her body and promptly proceeded to blow-drying her hair. Impatient, she used the dryer for her body too, rather than letting the towels gradually do their job. The whole process lasted eleven minutes. There wasn’t a chance that she would waste time applying makeup.

  Serenity put on her fresh, dry clothes and stepped out of the bathroom. She moaned, her heart sinking. Cackle was gone. Of course he was. She chastised herself for being so foolish and crossed over to the door, exiting her chamber at once. The hall was empty and quiet, reminding her that a lockdown was still in effect. She groaned, uncertain of what to do. Cackle could ostensibly roam around without a problem with his disguise. But her? She needed to ascertain if it was safe to go out. She walked over to Lily’s room, a few doors down. Maybe Sixto was still there.

  She knocked thrice lightly, conveying that it wasn’t a matter of urgency that brought her to their door. Serenity heard quick footsteps; subsequently, the door was opened revealing Sixto. He looked at her concernedly.

  “What is it? You need something?” he ushered her inside.

  “I’m just asking if it’s safe for us to leave our chamber,” she said, declining his request to step inside.

  “Safe? Safe or permitted?”

  “I guess both? No, permitted,” she decided.

  “Serenity, the lockdown hasn’t been lifted yet,” he said grimly.

  “So you’re saying we’re stuck in our rooms until it has?” she asked, in dejection. This couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

  “Yep…since you’re here already, maybe you should stay with us. I doubt you’d rather be cooped up in your room alone. Right?”

  “I-I guess,” she shrugged. “But how are we supposed to eat?”

  “They bring the food to us, I’m not sure,” said Sixto cluelessly. “I haven’t been through a lockdown before. Most of us haven’t.”

  “I’m not going to stay here for the whole day,” she frowned. “Sorry.”

  “There’s nothing we can do about it,” he reaffirmed. “I hate it too.”

  “Maybe I can go ask Alistair myself?” she hoped. “To exempt me?”

  “Why the hell would he do that?” Sixto berated. “No offense, but you’re no more special than us. If he grants you that special privilege, then I get it too. In fact, I think it’s bullshit that the soldiers are exempted.”

  “Aren’t you a soldier?” she pressed, a plan in motion.

  “A novice,” Sixto said, disgruntled. “I consider myself a soldier, but I still haven’t completed my training. I still have four more years until graduation. If I’m lucky, three.”

  “You’re still a member of the militia,” she argued, glowering at him with a fierce gaze. “You need to demand something. Let’s go to your uncle, and you can volunteer to help in the search effort!”

  “I don’t know, Serenity,” he said uncertainly.

  “If you’re too coward to do it, I’ll do it myself,” she said, knowing she had successfully convinced him.

  “All right, fine!” he acquiesced. “Let me check on Lily.”

  He left her outside for a few moments. She waited patiently, impressed by her persuasion skills. Unfortunately for him, Sixto wasn’t hard to manipulate. It was a shame having to resort to such methods, but she had no choice. They were still good friends at the end of the day.

  “Okay, she’s still asleep,” Sixto returned. “Let’s go.”

  “You’re not going to leave a note?”

  “No, it’s not like she’s going to freak out,” he said, closing the door. “She’ll know I stepped out and wait for me. She’s not that young.”

  “Okay, let’s go,” she nodded, leading the way.

  They crossed the hall and descended the double staircase, heading to the Councilmen quarters. Sixto questioned how she knew the way to Councilmen chambers, unaware that she was familiar with the whereabouts. She merely told him that Destiny had given her directions for an errand. The main house was completely empty, except for guards. They evaded their notice, agreeing that it would be problematic to be spotted by them. Most probably, the guards would send them back to their chambers.

  She stopped at the Councilmen living quarters, uncertainly glancing at all the doors. She didn’t know which room belonged to Alistair. Thankfully, Sixto did. He knocked on the door dead in the center. They waited in silence, their ears searching for footsteps. Light footsteps gradually arrived, signaling for them to take a step back. Alistair unlocked and opened his door. He was in a black bathrobe.

  “Sixto? Serenity? This is a lockdown!” he said, appalled.

  Serenity nudged Sixto, prompting him to speak.

  “I have an earnest request, Uncle,” Sixto announced importantly.

  “Come in, then,” Alistair said, vexed, but willing to hear them out. He gestured them inside, practically pulling them.

  Serenity observed Alistair’s chamber. It was analogous to Bastion’s chamber, excluding the weapons and the portrait of an ancestor. The gold-trimmed furniture and the glistening walls highlighted the aesthetics. Every Councilman chamber was fit for a king, looking like it belonged in a palace. She took notice of a framed picture sitting on the dressing table. The photo depicted a younger Alistair and a woman holding hands with him. The pair smiled cheerily at the camera, eyes squinted under the sunlight in joy. She surmised that this was Alistair’s wife, the mother of Destiny, Lily, and Lyla.


  “Now, what it is it?” Alistair asked impatiently. “I have an exigent meeting to attend to, so make it fast.”

  “I’d like to contribute to the search efforts and give a helping hand,” Sixto entreated, without hesitation.

  “Sixto, you know you’re still a novice. Trainees don’t—"

  “I understand that, Uncle,” Sixto interjected, foreseeing this argument. “But I refuse to stay locked up in my chamber like a useless cow. Or a prisoner in the jailhouse. You get the analogy.”

  “I understand your grievance,” Alistair said flintily. “However, I’m afraid you must comply with the decree like everybody else. You’re not alone; everyone has to cooperate with us. It’s for your own safety.”

  “But not the Council? Or the military? Destiny and Bastion are out there, while I’m angrily cooped up in a bedroom. If you refuse me, Uncle, I’ll comply; however, please understand that I’ll be incensed.”

  Alistair stroked his chin, visibly ruminating in silence. His eyes averted to Serenity, questioning her presence here but dismissing it at once. He was aware of their close friendship. They’d accompany each other anywhere.

  “I don’t usually make exceptions,” he sighed. “But fine. Go to Bastion and tell him I’ve permitted you to help. He’s in charge of the search effort.”

  “Thank you, Uncle!” Sixto bowed his head gleefully. Overwhelmed by his euphoria, he improperly abandoned all formalities and embraced his uncle. Alistair chortled, clapping Sixto roughly on the back as they hugged.

  “Okay, now leave the premises,” Alistair ordered. “I must get ready.”

  “Um, I have a request as well,” she beseeched.

  “Make it fast.”

  “May I accompany Sixto?”

  “Absolutely not,” Alistair affirmed. “Sixto is a member of our military, which was why I exempted him despite the actuality that he is still under training. You, on the other hand, are a civilian. I cannot allow it.”

  “How about we end the lockdown, then?” she suggested randomly.