Dark Wood
The age of exploration has begun and the Guild Masters control the land. Fortunes await guild members who can venture the deepest within the Dark Wood, but for Erin his goal is simply to survive. When a botched con lands him in an deep expedition, he must struggle to solve the deadly mysteries that surround him or face the Guild’s retribution.
Warrior
It’s always the eager that are first to go. All the bright-eyed recruits chasing promised honor and riches. It isn’t until their friends, the people they shared meals with just hours before, are cut down in front of them do they first become engulfed by their brutal reality. Most break realizing they weren’t the hero of their own story, but a stepping stone for another’s. Astonishingly few grow to become the warriors from which stories are told, and mine is darker than most.
Burning
“Gaaaah!” I’ve never understood Mare’s love of the irons. The screams, the blood, none of it ever bothered me. Maybe that’s what made me so good at killing. It’s the smell, the char of the flesh as it bubbles to the iron blazing white, it always makes my stomach turn. Mare just stares, the look of an artisan putting the final touches on their latest work. He’s always been this way, and it seems this time is no different, even if it is his own brother.
“Tell me Ryke, where did you send her?” He leaned closer, his voice barely audible over the Ryke’s still sizzling face. “You know better than anyone that I always get my answers, all it takes is time.” Just tell him Ryke, save yourself the pain and me the indigestion. Mare stood, carefully laying his iron back over the furnace and grabbing another. “Not talking are you? If you insist.”
Mare dragged his iron across Ryke’s chest, his writhing only spreading the burn as it made its way from one side the other. I want to puke. “This can be over brother. All you need to do is tell me. You and her are traitors to this country now so there’s—“ “A traitor?” Ryke spoke, his voice a mix of fear and torment as it fought through the pain. “No Mare...I’m saving this country…saving it from you…” “Me? I’ve brought peace brother, no one fights anymore, they’re happy.” “They’re scared, not happy…scared of you and your witch…but seems like you’ve lost her now too…” “Ooooh she may be deadly Ryke, but trust me, you should fear me more. Now where?” “Go to hell.”
“You’ve always been strong Ryke. Still defiant even while burning. So let’s try something else, how’s my nephew doing?” Ryke gazed up, the fear now starting to set in passed the pain. “He has nothing to do with this Mare.” “True, but I always get what I want. If your own torment means nothing then maybe his will. I’ll let you decide.” Ryke’s head dropped, defeated and torn. “Westville….we sent her to Westville…” “See, that wasn’t so hard.” Mare stood, looking at me with his soulless gaze. “Go, hunt down the traitor.” “Yes sir.” “And Grim…” a a vicious grin began to spread across his face “bring her back to me alive.”
Crows
Everything began to slow, my thoughts numbing from the realization of what was occurring. Whether from its atrocity or that I was its architect I’m still unsure. My mind drifted to the crows, gently gliding through the night sky catching the breeze from the 8 o’clock train as it made its way over streets below. They flew without care for what was beneath them, unfazed as they make their way forward to their destination.
The heat came first. My chest singed with the hot air as the pillars holding the tracks exploded in a brilliant fire illuminating the dimming night. There was no stopping. The path was gone and the train began to plummet to the streets below. How I wished to be a crow.
My senses came jolting back, the impact an eruption of concrete and steel that echoed through me. The cars screeched, a torrent of destruction in front of them and no room to stop. Screams came from every direction. Howling from the streets as people fell victim to the coming drivers. Wailing from those inside as the bombardments collapse the roofs above them. Cries from those in the train as they watched their inevitable demise near. A choir of death and I the conductor.
“Jesus Jack…all these people…how could...” “You know I had to. We couldn’t let those troops make it to the front line.” “Those weren’t just soldiers Jack! There were normal people on that train. Mothers, fathers, children…..Jesus Christ the children Jack! How the hell—“
“And how many of us would they have killed?! How many parents have we buried, how many children? You think they had a moral dilemma when they gunned down Terra?” “Don’t you mention her Jack. She would’ve never agreed to this!” “Well I guess we’ll never know will we.”
The embers flew between us, the aftermath leaving a river of cinder in its path, the wind carrying the wailing echoes of those still alive. The crows had all gone, leaving me to watch what lay below in their place. “We’ve failed so many times in the past. We’ve fought for so long. But now i realize there’s only one way to end this war. And I mean to end it soon.”
Keeping Hope
Everything is dark. Where am I. I...can’t remember. I’m...tired. There’s tapping on the window. The rain. I was…..driving. Someone….is saying something….crying. They’re too far away. Maybe if I just close my eyes….
“This is all your fault!” “I’m sorry...I’m worthless...I...I can’t do anything right.” Ack, my head. Why does it hurt so much. Wait, I’m in a car. There’s….two men in the front….fighting. “Why did we ever let you take the wheel?! What half of this stupid road we can see through this stupid rain is useless because you can never stop your stupid self-pity and bawl at everything that happens to us!”
Their faces, they’re both bloody. What happened to them. “You think I want to be like this?... A constant disappointment?... I try and I try…but I just can’t get it right...I’m the reason she’s left us alone...and now this...I just don’t know what to do anymore.” My eyes. I can feel them. Why am I crying. The voice from earlier...it’s louder now...but still so far away.
“Stop it the both of you!” A third one, he’s sitting next to me. He looks...different than the others. Stronger...but exhausted. His breathing is heavy. “We have to stop pointing fingers. We’re going to get out of this okay I promise, but only if you two calm down. Let me take the wheel and I’ll keep us safe.”
“Oh shut up! How’re you going to do anything? You couldn’t even stop this sorry excuse from taking the wheel anymore. You’re just as much to blame as he is. Now move! Get out of that seat!” “I...I’m trying...but...I can’t stop shaking…” “Get out right now before I rip you from that bloody seat myself!” “Ow ow ow stop pulling...I’m trying…I’m trying…” Their arguing, why is it making me so mad. They both just need to shut up. The voice...it’s clearer now...it’s calling to me...
“I said you both need to stop!” There’s a flash of white. The one sitting next to me, he’s driving now. What did he do, he’s breathing even harder now. “There, I can still get us through this. We’re going to be okay, I promise.” The others, where did they-- ”You won’t keep us back here for long!” Behind me. It’s dark, I can hardly see them. “You’re getting weaker, you won’t be able to throw us back forever!” “I don’t need forever. Just until she’s grown up. I can keep us going until then. Stacy needs me to.” Stacy...the voice….
“Daddy. Wake up, daddy. Daddy, please.” Ack my head. We must’ve veered off and hit a tree. Stacy, thank god, she’s not hurt. “I’m okay Stacy. Give me your hand. Daddy’s here, don’t worry. We’re going to be okay, I promise.”
Empty Vengeance
“Gaah.” Blaze buckled from the impact, clutching his ribs as hit the floor. “10 years Blaze. 10 years I’ve been hunting you down. 10 years you’ve run. No where to go now.”
Blaze winced in pain as he tried standing back up. “Tim, wait you don’t—.” “Shut up!” Tim leaped forward with a growl, his fist meeting Blaze’s jaw with a crack. His body surged with strength. “I was weak before, I couldn’t keep up, but now…” he wrapped his hand around Blaze’s neck, lifting him with little effort, Blaze’s legs hanging limp above the ground. “…..now I can fight.”
Tim let out a deep growl as he launched Blaze across the room. Blaze shot fire towards the wall, trying unsuccessfully to slow his momentum. His back hit first and he gave a silent shriek as the air was ripped from him. “They didn’t believe me. A scared boy desperately searching for some way to cope with his parent burning alive in their house. ‘Blaze is a hero’ they told me, ‘he could never do such a thing’.” Blaze wheezed, each breath stabbing mercilessly as he leaned against the wall.
“I wasn’t the one who—“ “I was there!” Tim roared at him. “She woke me up that night. She carried me into our shed. Told me to stay quiet. I didn’t actually wake till I felt the flames. I scrambled out the door, and what do I see? My home burning, and a man running away. You.” Tim’s face gnarled as he recalled he forced out the memory forming a tearful scowl. “By the time the fire department got there it was too late. My mom, my dad, nothing more than dust….. And it’s your fault!”
Tim’s fists clenched as he slowly moved closer. Blaze couldn’t speak, chest still void of air. Tim’s bloodlust was palpable, there was only one way to stop him. He slowly fumbled his hand up, letting out a faint grunt as pulled his mask free and let it fall. Tim stopped, eyes suspicious then slowly growing wide, a ghostly chill creeping on him. “No…..you can’t….” It was him. His eyes were heavier and his rough, dry skin was hidden behind a dirty stubble, but it was him.
“Dad….how are you…” Tim stumbled with confusion and disbelief and dropped slowly to his knees. “I saw you….it was you….why.” He looked down as his face began to flush with tears, watching them hit the cold floor. He clenched his fist and slammed it to the ground with a loud crack. “Why….” He slammed again, voice growing louder. “Why.” Again. “Why why why!” The whole room trembling with Tim’s rage, his voice echoing around him. For 10 years he filled his own head with thoughts of revenge. He wanted to hurt the man that left him broken. He was moments away from finally getting what he wanted, but how could he now. He felt empty.
Blood In The Night
“Aaaaaaah!” Jack bolted awake at the sound of the scream, raising his head in a confused flurry. Mary was leaning up from her sleeping bag, rubbing her eyes awake. “What was that?” she asked fighting through a yawn. “I don’t know. I think that sounded like Julie” said Jack. “Crap, I told them not to leave any food out because of the bears. Quick help me find the bear spray and I can go make sure she’s okay”.
“No no, gaaaaah!” came another scream. Jack started to scramble, hastily putting on his pants and boots inside tent. “Jesus, that sounded like Dan. One must’ve gotten into their tent. Did you find the spray?” “Here!” Mary shakily handed the large spray bottle to Jack. He looked at her, pale and confused from being shocked awake, and began to unzip the door to the tent. “Close this after me and stay quiet. Keep yourself safe.”
He peered outside his tent, more screams coming from around the campsite. The moon hid behind the clouds, the only light coming from the smoldering wood of the fire being thrown through the air as a group of men rushed into the site letting out screeching growls. They rushed towards the others who came out from their tents to investigate, tackling them to the ground.
“What the hell is….gaaaah”. The man in the tent next to Jack’s came out and was thrown to the ground by one of the attackers. “Get this bastard off of me!” he yelled painfully. Jack ran to him, grabbing the attacker by the shoulders and attempting to pry him off. It stood to Jack’s touch, spraying blood from the now corpse under him.
Jack stumbled back and an ember glided between them and time froze and he looked at the attacker. Blood and flesh dripped from his mouth as he growled. Bloodshot eyes pierced through the night like fire as they looked hungrily towards Jack. It rushed towards him. Jack tried to move but his legs wouldn’t listen, still in shock at what he saw.
It tackled Jack to the ground, air escaping his lungs as his back hit the cold, hard ground. He reached his arms out, trying with every inch of his strength to keep the man and his ravenous mouth coming closer. Jack grabbed him, rolling over each other, getting closer to the fire and sending embers flying into the air.
He looked frantically for anything to help as his arms began to weaken from the struggle. There was a rock near him, but as he reached for it the attacker came down on his other arm and sunk his teeth deep into it. “Gaaaaaah!” Jack released a painful cry as he swung the rock into the back of the attackers head. His bite lessened, and Jack swung again. He grew limp, another swing. He lay there lifeless, another swing.
Jack panted, pushing the attacker off of him, blood seeping from his arm. He peered around the camp, become aflame from the embers and chaos the surrounded him. Screams filled the night, people fighting, panicking, running, dying.
“Mary…” Jack made his way to his feet, slowly inching his way back to the tent. He began to stumble, his arm flaring like on fire and his head pulsing. “Mary…” his voice growing more ragged. He stood back up again, legs gaining back some of their strength. He looked towards his tent and caught Mary’s eyes, frightened as she peaked through the slit towards the carnage. He let out a screeching growl.
He’s Here
“Tommy, mom says dinner is ready” Jake called up the stairs. He waited for a moment, but it was silent. He gave an exasperated sigh then made his way back to the kitchen.
“Where’s your brother” asked his mom. “I don’t know, probably under his bed hiding from the ‘spooky man’ following him everywhere” he said with a sarcastic chuckle. She looked at him, slightly scowling her brow.
“You know you use to have an imaginary friend when you were his age. A little girlfriend you’d pretend to hold hands with and go on little dates” she said, puckering her lips and making kissing noises. “Gaaah mom stop, you’re embarrassing” he said while tucking his face into his arms trying not to listen. She smiled and rolled her eyes, moving back towards the stove.
“Not so fun being the one getting picked on is it? Come on, go up stairs and bring him down”. “Fiiiiiine” he said while pushing away from the table. He exaggerate his slouch and dangling arms as he walked by her to make sure she knew how torturous of a task she gave him.
“Come on, Tommy. There’s no boogeyman downstairs, I checked” he said while making his way up the stairs and to Tommy’s door. He pushed the door open and walked in, but the room was empty. “Tommy I swear I’m gonna chuck your toys out the window if I have to pull you out from under the bed” he grumbled while walking to the bed. He leaned down to look under, but there was nothing.
“Tommy?” he called out to the empty room, but was met with only the sound of the wind outside. He saw the window was open and went to investigate, but stopped when when he saw a note left on his desk. He looked at it and started to panic. “Mom!” he yelled down to her, legs frozen in place.
A flurry of footsteps raced up the stairs and his mom came through the door. “Jake what is it? Where’s Tommy?” she said breathing heavy as she scanned the room. He handed her the note, his facial expression worsening. She snatched it from his hand quickly to read it, but it only had two words. “He’s here”.
They stared at each other, eyes widening, the room growing cold. “Oh my god, no no no” she said while frantically making her way downstairs. “Jake, I’m calling the police. I need you to get on your bike and start looking. He was just here so he couldn’t have gotten far.”
He stood there, not moving an inch. The man following him wasn’t real, it was just in his imagination, it was just—“Jake!” his mom called forcefully. He snapped back to reality and started to make his was downstairs. “If you see anything, come back and let me know. Stay safe”. “Yeah, I got it”. He threw his shoes on and threw open the door running to his bike.
“Tommy!” Jake was peddling as fast as he could, racing through the neighborhood. “Where could he be….come on think think think….”. Tommy was small and always getting picked on. The bullies would chase him so he would always hide in—“the park!”. He remembered finding Tommy there last week after the neighborhood kids were picking on him. He turned his bike around and began to peddle fast. “Please be there Tommy, please be there”.
Jake got to park and began heading toward the shed, his tires skidding through the dirt as he came to a stop in front. “Tommy” he called out. He leaped from his bike and grabbed the door knob. It was unlocked. “Please be here” he whispered. He turned the knob slowly and peaked his head inside. In the dark corner there was a kid wrapped in a ball, face hidden and whimpering in his arms.
Jake let out a large breath of relief and began to walk towards him. “Tommy, mom’s gonna kill you when I—“ “Jake”. Tommy lifted his head and looked towards Jake. His skin was pale and his face was dripping in tears and cold sweat. He was shaking as Jake walked towards him. “What’s going—“ “he’s here”.
The light to the shed began to disappear, replaced by the outline of a man. Jake slowly turned, the light disappearing as the door began to close. He looked up glimpsed toward a man with darkened eyes, a small smirk creeping across his face. The door closed, and all was dark.