by A K Clark
“It’s all right. Argos explained everything to me. Milo supports him.”
The crease between my brows squeezed harder with my concern.
“What’s going on?” I asked, unsure if I wanted to know.
“Listen to your friend,” Argos said, his voice grating my skin. “Why are you taking these people from their home?”
“I should ask you the same question.” I refused to look at him. Cora cringed when I glared at her.
“You don’t understand. They needed our help.”
“Locking them in a room without a chamber pot and starving them is your way of helping?” Isaias asked, stiffening when Argos stepped closer. Anger rolled off him.
The other man with them stayed silent. The set in his shoulders raised the hairs on my neck. I pulled my dagger, pointing it at the ground.
“Listen to what he has to say,” Cora said, her eyes pleading with me to stand down.
“I told her I wouldn’t hurt you, but if you insist on being defiant, you leave me no choice,” Argos said, sizing up Isaias with a sneer.
He had no idea who he spoke to. Argos moved the same time Isaias did, startling a gasp from Cora.
“Wait,” she said, crying out in surprise. “Don’t hurt them.” Her biggest display of emotion thus far.
Neither man listened. The silent one moved for me. I grimaced and pointed the dagger at him, side-stepping him. He paused, tilting his head in surprise. He hadn’t expected much of a fight from me. All sound, grunting, fists hitting flesh, and cries of pain, faded away.
Energy flooded my veins, chasing away my exhaustion. The man struck out at me. I ducked but not soon enough. His fist connected with my temple, snapping my head sideways and knocking me down. Cora screamed. I shook off the pain, rolling to my back then kicking up into a crouch. He came at me, and a barrage of punches rained down upon my forearms.
My hand gripped my dagger but I couldn’t move my arm, not unless I wanted to be hit directly in the face. Perspiration dripped down the back of my neck. I swiped at his feet with my leg, knocking him off balance. A pause in the assault allowed me enough time to thrust my dagger up and around, pointing it at his heaving chest.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked, giving him a chance to switch sides.
His eyes were cold with determination, showing no fear. Prepared to die if needed. His arms flew out, his eyes widening in surprise before he fell to the ground. Isaias stood where the man fell, a bloody rock clutched in his hand.
I scanned the area, looking for Argos. He lay on the ground, unmoving. Cora kneeled on the ground, crying with small sobs.
Isaias hobbled over, favoring his left leg. I frowned, hoping the injury wasn’t serious. A small whimper reached my ears. I turned toward the sound. My lifelong friend stared at me with wide eyes.
“Let’s go, Cora. Before more come.” I held out my hand, gesturing for her to stand.
“Did you kill them?” she asked, a shaky breath escaping her.
“Maybe,” Isaias said. “Alex, let’s go. The others are waiting.”
I glanced over my shoulder, noticing a small gathering of seers at the edge of the trees with Hyri.
“Cora,” I said again, my voice hardening. “Let’s go.” I thrust my hand at her.
She stared at it, looking up at me through watery eyes.
“I can’t leave.”
“You can. We will keep you safe.”
She shook her head. “No. Milo will keep me safe. He’ll protect me from your violence.”
I frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Look at you, heathens.”
“Alex,” Isaias said, tugging on my arm. “Leave her, there are others who need us.”
“Heathens?” I asked her, screeching the slanderous word. “You are just as much a heathen as I am.”
She scoffed. “My god doesn’t agree with you.”
My blood turned cold. What was she saying? Her god. Singular.
“His truth will be known,” she said, continuing with her nonsensical babble. “There is still time for you to be saved. Repent your sins, forsake the false idols. His forgiveness is promised.”
Isaias pulled me away, but my feet struggled to move. Cora converted. Our Pythia abandoned her position. When we reached the other seers, I turned, looking one last time at Cora.
“We will find you,” she said, raising her voice so everyone heard her. “The era of blasphemy has come to an end. There will be no peace until all those who oppose the one, true god are found and brought to the light.”
Her words chased after me. I broke away from the group, running toward the meeting point. The faster I fled, the easier my mind ignored her promise. My disappointment with Cora reached new heights. How had she strayed so far from herself? What had Milo said to her?
Whoever had just spoken to me was not Cora. She was a stranger, threatening my people. I severed the part of me which still considered her family. She had become the enemy. I hoped for her sake we wouldn’t meet again but I knew better. We would. I felt it in my soul, and when we did, I’d end those who sought to harm my people.
To be continued…
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you for reading This I Know.
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Alex’s story is my first and her journey has helped me grow as a writer. I took an Ancient Greek Religion class in college and ever since, I’ve been fascinated with the gods. Even more so with how world religions have evolved since ancient times and how much has remained the same.
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A huge thanks to two of my early editors for helping me take this book to the next level. Justin, you helped me find my way while I fumbled around in the dark, attempting to use words I couldn’t even define (I’m joking—sort of). Tina, I appreciate your guidance and honesty (even the harsh stuff). I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to work with both of you.
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To my alpha-readers who stuck with me through draft, re-draft, re-re-draft and the final version: THANK YOU. As an author, sometimes I can’t help but wonder if I should just delete the words I’ve written. I haven’t because of you and the support you have shown me.
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To every reader who’s given this book a chance, thank you.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. When I’m not parenting two little children or spending time with my husband, I can often be found reading a book (and drinking a glass of wine). Recently, I found myself imagining worlds and stories to go with them. After a little encouragement from my husband, I bought some writing software and set to work.
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