tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90737241374870414502024-02-20T21:14:54.662-05:00Capture the WindFinding the joy in life.Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-17622879369061198932008-02-10T16:27:00.000-05:002008-02-10T16:45:35.827-05:00What did I learn - 10 tips for writing<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Spending a total of 45 days writing a novel, taught me quite a few things. First, let me give you a little background. I started this project with a co-worker asking if I’d like to get involved. I said yes and he replied “Oh yeah, it starts tomorrow.” So I sat down on that Saturday morning (Dec 22) with no idea of what to write about. What I knew was I had no story and had to write 50,000 words in approx. 30 days. The only other thing I had was a picture I found on the internet. I liked this picture and it stirred something in my mind, gave me images and thoughts. With this, I began to write.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I took the image of this picture and began to think of what I could write about. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to come up with a story without putting much thought into it. It wasn’t long before one event would lead to another and the story would at ties write itself, to a point. One of the more interesting things which happened for me was, when I was writing a scene where my main character was going into town to cause some mischief. As she was leaving, I get the thought to have her pick up a couple of water buckets. At first I was asking questions like ‘What is she going to do with these?’ and I kept asking ‘Where can I use these?’ as I was writing, it was shown to me where to write them in. This was done in a way where it felt natural.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As time went on and the holidays interrupted my writing time, also when it was hard to push out the required amount of words, I found it was too easy to not write. I learned down the road that it is easier to write a few hundred or a thousand words every day than it is to write several thousand in one day towards the end. If you are struggling, change the point of view or the scene and see where it takes you. I found for me, if I can get someone telling a story, I can write all day long. I was also instructed, ‘If stuck, jazz it up or gloss it over’. Throwing in a ninja pirate always helps.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I discovered that a schedule helps to keep you on track for what you wish to accomplish. Yes I started this project out with the intentions of completing it in 31 days, I ended up using 45. I figured that had I begun with an idea of what I wanted to write about and the 31 days didn’t fall around the holidays, I may have completed it in the required time. Although knowing me, I would have probably procrastinated until the last minute and then scrambled to finish. The point is I would finish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I was asked by the co-worker who invited me to participate in this project if I liked my story. I looked at him and answered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">NO.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Actually, that is not completely true. I do like the story or at least the idea of it. I keep thinking to myself that it is only a first draft and as such, it is do for a re-write (or several). I know there are a lot of things in the novel that I want to improve upon or change. Right now, my novel is sitting on my shelf festering, waiting for the re-write. It is my hope that when I do the re-write, it becomes more of the novel I would like it to be. So, do I like my novel, Yes I do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>So now I can say that I have written a novel. Funny, I never heard the trumpets. But if you are interested in doing the same, I encourage you to do so. Just start writing. If you are interested in writing a novel in 30 days, check out <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">www.nanowrimo.org</a> and get busy writing (You don’t even have to wait until November).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">My writing tips:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">1. You can start from nothing and write a story.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">2. 50,000 words are A LOT of words.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">3. Trust your instincts. If an idea pops into your head to write something in, put it in and see where it takes you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">4. Writing a novel is hard work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">5. Having a daily schedule and discipline is key. Support groups help also.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">6. Just get it on paper.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">7. Re-writes are a blessing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">8. If stuck, jazz it up or gloss it over</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">9. You are only doing this for yourself and nobody else.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">10. Enjoy writing. Have fun with it. It doesn’t have to be perfect.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 200%;" align="center">-30-</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-73746558403276701872008-02-04T21:53:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:54:45.977-05:00Novel - Day 45 - 1,115 / 50,192<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This is your living quarters whenever you are in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. There are two entrances, the one we came through which opens into the city and the other which leads into the government building. That is where your meetings will be held and any work that needs done while you are here.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t understand, are you saying that I am now some kind of governor or queen over <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, no well, at least not quite. The actual term is Deacon. The Deacon of Capital City is the one who controls the city but is also the one who is the leader of the country. Traditionally it has been the leader of The Network but it doesn’t need to be. That is your choice to make and will be one you will have to make this evening.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why this evening? What’s this evening?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This evening is the installation ceremony. It is when you officially take control of The Network. It is a big celebration and an even bigger feast following.” Creance said with a smile.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Will you be there? To lead me through everything I mean, I don’t know what to do or what to say or how to act or…” Kiri stammered, obviously overwhelmed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I will be there, as will several other friendly faces. Speaking of friendly faces, Marcia, I mean, your mother has asked if she may be allowed to join you and help you prepare for this evening. I know it would make her quite happy, she said she would like the opportunity to be a mother and help her daughter prepare for a big event.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri paused for a second and obviously a little nervous said, “I, I would like that.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then if you will excuse me, I will show her in.” Creance said leaving as Marcia entered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri spent the next hour with her mother preparing for the installation ceremony. it was a little while later when a messenger knocked on their door and announced that it was time. Marcia led Kiri out the secondary exit and through the government building. They arrived at the entrance of the government building on the top of the steps where they held The Envahir at bay. But everything looked different, the building and steps were decorated in bright beautiful colors and adorned with flowers. The streets were filled with the villagers who had come to watch the celebration.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri and Marcia stepped out onto the platform and the crowd erupted in cheers. They looked out over the people, not knowing what else to do, Kiri waved and smiled. They let the crowd cheer for a short while until Sallan stepped forward and raised his arms to quiet the crowd.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Crenace stepped forward, “It has been many years since we have had a true leader of The Network. Today, Kiri steps forward to take that position.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The crowd broke into shouts and cheers. Creance raised his hand to silence the crowd. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As the crowd quieted down, one voice rang out, “’bout time it was a woman!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">This caused a few more cheers and laughs from the crowd. Kiri smiled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“She has been taught and that training has been tested in battle and she has arrived stronger.” Creance continued, “She has accepted to become leader of the Network.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Creance stepped back. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Marcia stepped forward, “Kiri approach and kneel before me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Kiri did as instructed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>A messenger approached and carried a sword upon a pillow; Kiri noticed that it was her sword. Marcia took the sword.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Touching the sword to each shoulder and then to Kiri’s head Marcia said, “By the powers entrusted to me from the committee and the former leaders of The Network; I bestow upon you the duties and privileges of The Leader of The Network. It is your destiny to uphold the strength and faith of this organization and this country. May you have the strength to fight, the compassion to love and the wisdom to lead. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Rise and accept your position; Kiri, Leader of The Network.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Marcia held the sword out and Kiri took the sword. As soon as she did, Marcia and everyone in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> kneeled before her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri raised the sword above her head and said, “Rise”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Everyone stood and the crowd once again broke into shouts and cheers. Gongs sounded throughout the city.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri placed her sword in its scabbard and approached the crowd. “People of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> we have all undergone some difficult times these last few days. While we have come out of the fight victorious, it is not without losses of our own. As we begin to celebrate this evening with a feast, I ask you kind people if you can find it in your hearts to help those who had a part in protecting your beautiful city. I ask that if you have anything to give to help the townspeople to the south rebuild their town, it would be graciously appreciated.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri thought it couldn’t hurt to ask for help to rebuild the town. She had decided that she herself would carry back the few goods they gathered. Kiri was amazed as she watched parts of the crowds break away and gather wagons and pile them with belongings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Marcia approached and said to Kiri, “You must announce your acceptance as Deacon of Capital City. The celebration is then over and then we can proclaim the festivities to begin”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri looked at Marcia and glanced at Creance then approached the crowd once again. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It has been brought to my attention that the leader of The Network traditionally becomes The Deacon of Capital City. I have decided that this will not be my intention.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">The crowd gasped, Marcia and Crenace looked at her with concern.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“At this point in my education and abilities, I am not prepared well enough to do what I believe would be an adequate job of ruling over your city. Instead I have decided to extend the offer to someone much more capable at this time to be Deacon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance, would you accept the position?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I would be honored to accept the position of Deacon on your behalf.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then as Deacon, I suggest you make your first official proclamation.” Kiri suggested.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance turned to the crowd, “Let the celebration begin!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stayed for a couple of days in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> before returning to her town. The supplies from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> had allowed the town to rebuild and recover. Including a brand new rebuilt bar and inn where Kiri took up residence. Kiri, along with her mother spent their time between the bar in town and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 200%;" align="center">-30-</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-12773188996500566982008-02-03T21:52:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:53:49.344-05:00Novel - Day 44 - 3,839 / 49,077<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>“You do not need friendship and commitment when you have power. With power, you can order your followers to do anything you wish and they will follow your commands. With power, you have fear and discipline.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As for our new leader, her abilities and wisdom are stronger than that of her father. I have complete faith in her to lead The Network and abolish the country of The Envahir and any other invaders who try to take over. And, if she wishes for me to take charge of more than just being her protector, then I will do as she asks because, I believe in her and I choose to follow her.” Crenace said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Humbled by Creance’s remarks, Kiri bowed her head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then it will be in death that you will follow her.” Voler said, “Soldiers of the Envahir regroup!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Network, fall in.” Creance commanded.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Soldiers from both groups moved behind their leaders, they took this time to care for wounds and retrieve weapons; preparing for what they felt would be the final push to take the Government building.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Your blood will adorn the steps of my capital.” Voler threatened. “It is not too late, lay down your swords and I promise you, I will be gracious and spare the lives of you and your soldiers.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“My blood may be on these steps but, it will be your body which they will drag from these steps and I will be the one who puts it there.” Creance said, “My soldiers and I will live because of your defeat and if they fall in battle, it will be with honor”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As Voler reached for his sword, a commotion began from the one side of the gathering of soldiers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Make a hole, clear the way!” a voice could be heard ordering soldiers to move.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">As the soldiers cleared a path, Epier emerged through the crowd. Epier was carrying his sword but the jacket of his uniform was removed. He had several wounds on his arms and legs. He appeared to be in good health but had fought his way to get to this area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler and Creance both looked at Epier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler laughed, “Ha looks like the old gang is all here. Now that the scales have been tipped a little farther in our favor, would you like to reconsider where you want to stand?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance said, “My stand and The Network’s remains the same as it has always been.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Order Epier to kill him.” Lexa said, “We can see who has the real power.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Power? This is about power?” Epier yelled, “We will see who has real power.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Epier walked towards Voler, stopped and stared at Lexa. Epier grabbed Lexa by the face and shoved her backwards. Surprised, Lexa stumbled backwards and landed on her butt. Embarrassed and angered, Lexa scrambled to get up quickly; Epier pulled his sword and pointed it at Lexa. Voler chuckled to himself. Lexa pulled her sword and started towards Epier, Voler raised his hand and she stopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier backed up and stood beside Creance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“True power rests with those who believe in what they are fighting for and it is with them I choose to fight with.” Epier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler’s face turned red with anger, “You! You of all people have chosen to leave me and join them? When I have taken this City and become ruler of this country, I will spare your life. You will be put on public display and you will be tortured endlessly and yet death will never come for you!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier stepped backwards and stood a couple of steps higher than Creance and Kiri.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Soldiers of The Envahir! Soldiers of the Envahir, listen to me. I, Epier was once your Lieutenant. I commanded you and issued orders to you. I have one more order to issue. That is for you to choose the side you wish to stand with. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler has held his power of fear over you long enough. I for one know too well the effects of that power and what it can do to your spirit. Voler can only use that power of fear if you allow him to. There are strength in numbers and the greater the numbers are that stand against Voler, the less powerful his fear becomes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I encourage you to take a stand as I have, follow my lead and join the Network. Face your fear and stand up to Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I assure you that if you choose to stand with the Network, you will be safe. You will not be held accountable for your actions as an Envahir soldier and you will be given your freedom to do as you wish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Who will stand with me?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Everything was silent, nobody moved.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Epier began to wonder if anyone had heard or understood what he was trying to say. There was some whispering among the soldiers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Those who stay and fight with me will be promoted and their wages doubled.” Voler countered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The murmuring among the soldiers grew louder. Heads began to turn and remarks became louder as one young man came up the side, carrying his sword. The young man approached the line between the two armies, cautiously he walked into no man’s land between the two groups.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kill him!” ordered Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The young man took a step backwards.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Without an order, all of the members of The Network pulled their swords and surged forward, stopping just behind Creance and Kiri. Epier approached the young man, put his sword in its sheath and held his hands out towards the young man. The young man crossed the line and climbed the step towards Epier. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Epier clapped the young man on the back, “Welcome. But you may want to lose this.” Epier said motioning to the soldier’s jacket.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The young man sheathed his sword, removed his jacket and threw it at Voler’s feet. Voler’s faced turned red as he stabbed the soldier’s jacket with his sword. Any words he may have said were lost amid the cheers of the Network.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier looked to the Envahir and raised his arms. A surge of Envahir soldiers came towards the Network. The soldiers had put away their swords and were removing their jackets, throwing them towards Voler. They climbed the steps and were greeted by the members of The Network. The size of The Network grew tremendously.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler stood unmoving with Lexa beside him. Behind them were a few Envahir soldiers. Some remained firm, other were glancing around nervously obviously unsure of what to do, they turned and ran. Voler’s army was clearly weakened and all but defeated.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now where do you stand?” Creance asked, “The balance has obviously shifted. You and your now very small army are all but defeated. Surrender now and I will see to it that you are given a fair trial.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I will never surrender.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Lexa looked around nervously and then ran leaving Voler standing there alone. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Mine!” Kiri called and ran after Lexa.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Creance motioned for two members of The Network to follow her, they ran after her. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri ran and followed Lexa down the alleys. At every turn, Kiri expected Lexa to be swinging a sword at her. As Kiri began to gain on her, Lexa pulled the junk which had made the barricades into the path. Kiri was only slowed a little bit but continued to gain on her. Lexa would grab a rock or a small item when she could and through it at Kiri but that only served to slow her a bit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Lexa turned a corner and ran into a dead end. She turned, took a fight stance and faced Kiri. As Kiri turned the corner and saw Lexa there ready to fight, she stopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It doesn’t have to end this way.” Kiri said, “You can still join us.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I can’t. I have no choice. I must win or die.” Lexa said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As you wish.” Kiri said as she ran towards Lexa.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Kiri ran at Lexa and their swords clashed with such force that Lexa stumbled backwards but quickly regained her balance. Lexa returned blows with Kiri and they fought back and forth for a while, neither gaining ground on the other. Kiri remembered back to their first fight and began to use some of the moves on Lexa to gain an upper hand. Kiri was able to knock Lexa to the ground. Lexa’s sword was angled between a brick and the ground; Kiri brought her boot down upon the sword and snapped the sword in half. With Lexa on her knees, Kiri grabbed her head and pulled Lexa’s head back and put her sword to Lexa’s throat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Please…please kill me. Forgive me for what I have done.” Lexa said, “Have mercy on me and please kill me. I can’t go back to him. He will torture me for running away and he will never let me die. He will torture me, worse than he ever did before. He will torture me until my body can’t take anymore. He will never spare me. I beg of you, please kill me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was silent for a moment. The network members who were following Kiri had rounded the corner and stopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I couldn’t make life that easy on you.” Kiri said and pushed Lexa forward, “Bind her up and bring her with us.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Noooo!” Lexa cried.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I will never surrender”, Voler said, “And I will never quit until I have killed you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then this is a good day, for we have finally found something we agree on. For I will never surrender and I shall never quit until I have killed you.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler pulled his sword. The members of The Network including those who had just defected, surged forward Creance raised his hand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This is my fight. Nobody is to interfere we will settle this with one fight. You are to only hold what is left of his army at bay.” Creance commanded.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance pulled his sword and walked down the steps of the government building. As he approached Voler, everyone else backed away giving them room. Creance and Voler began to fight, their swords crashing against each other. Throughout the many blows they traded, Creance had his side cut open and Voler had injuries on his arms. They were well matched against one another. Voler powered his way into Creance. As Creance blocked Voler’s sword, they came face to face.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s not too late to surrender.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As The Protector, it is my duty to avenge the death of my friend and that is what I will do.” Creance said as he pushed Voler away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler stumbled backwards and tripped over the body of a fallen soldier. Creance moved forward and stood over Voler. Voler grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it into Creance’s face. Instinctively, Creance dropped his sword and reached for his eyes. Too late, Creance realized his mistake; Voler charged him, kicked away his sword and knocked Creance to the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier and the other members of The Network moved forward.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hold it!” Voler said, pointing his sword onto Creance’s chest. “You wouldn’t want to be the one responsible for killing the old man would you?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kill him!” Creance yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler pushed the sword a little firmer into Creance’s chest. Creance winced and tightened.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It would’ve been so easy to kill you as soon as you dropped your sword but, I wanted you to watch as I took your life.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hold it!” someone called out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler looked up and saw Kiri dragging an obviously bound Lexa behind her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Kiri forced Lexa into a kneeling position and yanked her head back. Kiri put her sword to Lexa’s neck.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Let go of the sword or she dies.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Please kill me.” Lexa whimpered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do I care about her? Kill her.” Voler said as he turned his attention back towards Creance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Damn it!” Kiri said, pushing Lexa away, smacking her head off of the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri whistled, Creance turned his head to look at her. Kiri slid the sword as hard as she could towards Creance. Creance grabbed the sword and in one upward motion, shoved it upward into Voler, pushing him to the side. Voler gasped and fell to the ground next to Creance. Epier and the others converged around Voler’s dying body and Creance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Contain the remaining soldiers.” Epier commanded.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Members of The Network quickly surrounded the remaining members of The Envahir. The few, who tried to escape, were quickly killed. The others dropped their swords and fell to their knees in surrender.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance stumbled towards Kiri, holding out her sword he said, “Thank you for use of your sword.” Kiri took the sword and hugged the older man. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Above <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, the flag lowered. A few seconds later, the flag rose again with the flag of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> flying and directly beneath it, the flag of The Network. Cheers went up from the members of The Network and throughout the city; those cheers were joined by that of the villagers. People poured out of their homes and onto the rooftops and cheered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The young man, who Sam and Ted sent outside of the city, approached the main entrance to the City along with some of the villagers; he was dressed in the uniform of an Envahir soldier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Halt!” the guard at the gate called.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sergeant Gamin approached as the guard began to question them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I was ordered to bring them here.” the young man said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“My orders said nothing about any soldiers escorting prisoners here.” Sergeant Gamin said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What’s your name sir?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Gamin, Sergeant Gamin.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Very well, I’ll take them back; I just wanted to know whose name to give when Captain Voler asks why these prisoners are coming back. Turn it around, looks like we’re heading back to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.” the young man said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Wait.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The young man stopped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It is a prison. I was simply saying that my orders didn’t say anything about them being escorted. Bring them in.” Sergeant Gamin said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As the young man and the villagers approached Sergeant Gamin, they pulled swords and contained the guards.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Guards!” Sergeant Gamin called.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The three men guarding the houses came rushing towards the main gate. They reached the gate, with their swords drawn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now if you will kindly drop to your knees Sergeant, we will bind your hands and no one will be hurt.” the young man said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ha! If you haven’t noticed, with my guards here, you are outnumbered. It is you who will be bound.” Sergeant Gamin said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>One of the men who had been guarding the houses approached Sergeant Gamin and said, “Hello there. It would be best if you did what the boy asked of you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sergeant Gamin glanced around and saw all of the guards had taken off their caps and was not his soldiers. Without a word, Sergeant Gamin dropped to his knees and placed his hands behind his back. All of the Envahir soldiers were placed in makeshift prisons and guarded. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>One of the men who had been acting as a guard over the houses went and opened the doors. All of the townspeople came rushing out of the houses. Cheering and shouting. George grabbed a sword, walked to the center of town and chopped the rope that held Scott suspended upon the pole. Scott dropped to the ground and landed on George knocking him to the ground, breaking Scott’s fall.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Damn this is BS.” Scott said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I know Scott, I know. You’ll be alright now; we’ll get you fixed up.” George said as he carried Scott to one of the houses. Several of the women followed to care for him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam watched as George carried Scott away. Several of the townspeople were leading Sergeant Gamin away to a jail.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hold on.” Sam called, “I’ve got a better place for him. String him up. If it’s good enough for them to prove a point to out townspeople, maybe it will prove a point to the Envahir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No. Wait, please don’t do this.” Gamin pleaded.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The men dragged Sergeant Gamin towards the center of town where the pole stood and raised him up the pole. Sergeant Gamin cried out for some time until he realized that it was of no use.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam turned over a rain barrel and climbed up on it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Listen up!” Sam called, “I need everyone who is able to gather here.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Slowly, the townspeople began to gather around Sam. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Everyone started asking, “What’s the matter? What’s going on? What are we doing?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>When everybody appeared to be assembled, Sam began, “This is not over yet. We may have control of our town back at the moment but, that is not the end. We do not know what the status of the fight at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> is. If the fight has not gone in our favor, The Envahir may very well return here. If they do, we must be prepared. If they are too strong for us to defeat, we must be able to stall them long enough to give us time to escape with our lives.<span style=""> </span>Be prepared to escape this town with nothing more than your lives. If you take belongings with you, it will slow you down and The Envahir will capture or kill you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We must be ready for them if they return. We will try to hold them and secure our town but, if they appear to strong for us, we will do what we can to give us as much time as possible to escape. We need everyone to pitch in to prepare the town and gather every weapon they can find or anything they can use as a weapon.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam organized the people and had them set about preparing the town. It wasn’t long before the town was putting the last pieces in place. A boy came running through the main gate shouting, “Someone’s coming! Someone’s coming!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Everyone man your positions.” Sam yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The town was deadly silent. The wait was agonizing. Ted saw the mother of the boy questioning him and starting to yell at him, obviously thinking the same thing everyone else had begun to think; that the boy had cried wolf.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam saw figures break the crest of the hill on the road leading to town. He looked hard and willed his eyes to focus. He saw someone carrying a banner with The Network’s flag and saw Kiri leading the group. Sam saw Kiri with her sword drawn, ready for battle and the old hermit was next to her, looking a little worse for wear but also, with his sword drawn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s them! The Network. We won!” Sam screamed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Everyone filled the streets the town cheered. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Sam ran towards them shouting, “Kiri, we did it, we have control of the town. He threw his arms around Kiri.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri, Creance and the other members of The Network entered the town amid shouts and cheers. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s all finished. Now it will be nice to just have a good meal, good drink and a long rest. Could I bother you to find that for each of my men?” Kiri asked Sam.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Bother to find you that? Ha!” Sam said as he jumped up on a rain barrel.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Fellow townspeople, I urge you to prepare a feast; today we celebrate our victory and we honor those who have fought in battle to protect our home and our country! I also ask that if you have room to spare to house one of these brave fighters, I ask that you step forward and present your offer.” Sam called.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam was not able to climb down from his rain barrel; the entire town had surged forward and surrounded him. They were shouting out to him, offering housing for the fighters.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It appears as though you will have room enough to spare.” Sam said to Kiri, turning to the town he said, “Go prepare for the celebration feast.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri looked at Sam, “Thank you and I have something for you which may be added to the feast. It is my offering and it is what I promised to you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri whispered to a couple of young men who left and returned a few minutes later carrying a cask of beer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The celebration lasted most of the day. It wasn’t until later in the day that Kiri had walked through the town and came across the burned site where her bar had stood. This was the first time she actually was able to look through the remains. The only things that survived the fire were the fireplace and the bell which she had always rung for last call. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We are going to rebuild it.” Sam said as he approached Kiri, “I’ve already heard people talking about it. They’ve been talking about rebuilding the town and people keep bringing up the bar. They want to rebuild it because you have done so much for us.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t know. It’s just that I have so much responsibility now, I don’t know if I could go back to running a bar.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Come on! Where else can I go to convince Ted of my hair brained schemes?” Sam said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I suppose I might be able to but, I’d probably have to get someone to run the place for me. It would have to be someone I could trust.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Would the position come with all you can drink?” Sam asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri and her group stayed in town for a few days until Creance came to her with a horse laden with all of his belongings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We must get back to the Capital, there are things there which we need to take care of. Besides, you don’t expect Epier and your mother to keep things under control forever do you. Those two together can be a bad mix.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The mark of a truly great leader is learning from their mistakes.” Creannce said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri left and returned a little while later with a horse of her own which was carrying the few belongings which she had to her name. Creance and Kiri left for <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri entered <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> very differently than she did the first time she came. This time it was surrounded by quiet and peacefulness. She looked upon the city with the wide eyed astonishment of a child. Everywhere she looked; the city had been cleaned and repaired. The shops were opened and had beautiful colors adorning their storefronts. Everyone she passed smiled, waved, or said thank you. A few younger children, especially girls, saluted her. Surprised and humbled by their reactions, Kiri saluted the children.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance led Kiri to a large beautifully ordained building and showed her in. Kiri realized that this was to be her living quarters while she was here in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. The rooms were decorated beautifully with bright colors and wonderful furnishings, the likes of which she had never experienced before.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-17178648927024307962008-02-02T21:50:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:52:43.384-05:00Novel - Day 43 - 538 / 45,238<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Creance and Kiri squeezed in between a pile of junk in the alleyway which was put there, like in the other parts of town, as a barricade to separate The Envahir. As they made their way through the barricade, Kiri saw they came out in front of a large building with a lot of steps leading up to it’s doorway. Envahir soldiers and members of the Network were fighting on the steps. The streets leading to the building were covered with the wounded and dead of both armies.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Where are we? What is this place?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This is the government building; we need to protect it at all costs. If Voler captures this, the fight is lost; he controls everything, the city and the country.” Creance said, “This is why we took the path we did, so we could get here as fast as possible. We can’t let him win.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The Envahir had driven part way up the steps, The Network was trying to hold their own but, they were weakening. Members of The Network were being struck down. The Envahir appeared to be winning. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Attack!” Creance yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Creance, Kiri and their group attacked the Envahir from the side. As they reached the Envahir soldiers, the unsuspected attack allowed Kiri’s group to kill a few of the soldiers before they realized what was happening. The added support for The Network allowed them to drive the Envahir back to the street. Kiri looked about her and saw the bodies and wounded of both The Envahir and The Network and yet, it seemed as though there were many more to take their place. It appeared as though finally, The Network may have a chance to beat The Envahir. As tired as she was, Kiri was trying to use all of the skills she had learned recently; which helped her to defeat her enemies. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As The Network drove The Envahir backwards, trying to contain them, the blockade at the end of the street opened up and Envahir soldiers poured through. As they made their way through, the fighting didn’t increase but rather stopped. The lines of fighters separated and a few, both Envahir and Network members, who did not separate were thrown to the side. Many of the soldiers scrambled to get out of the way. The last few soldiers moved out of the way and in front of Creance stood Voler. Kiri moved next to Creance, gripping her sword, she stared at Lexa who stood behind Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I should have known you were behind all of this, Creance.” Voler said, “You always were one to get in the way and cause problems.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Perhaps you may be right Voler but, the way I see it is you were always the one who created the problems in the first place.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“And now I see you have a little puppet to order around.” Voler said, pointing his sword at Kiri, “Or are you going to let the little girl make decisions for you the way her daddy always did?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You see Voler that is where you misunderstand things; there are two concepts you have never been able to understand, friendship and commitment.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Those things matter little to me.” Voler replied.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-48993883523405086732008-01-31T21:48:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:49:17.528-05:00Novel - Day 41 - 536 / 44,700<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sam and Ted squeezed there way through the small, un-boarded window in the back of the house. About eighteen other men and boys joined them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Come along, come along, follow Sam and be quiet.” Ted whispered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Sam led the men into an alleyway and waited quietly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The villagers from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> made their way through the woods and quietly camped out near the groups of soldiers. The larger groups of villagers were near the entrances to the town with the largest being near the main road. When everyone appeared to be ready, the young man gave out a howl, like a wolf.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>At hearing the howl, Sam motioned to one of the boys in his group. The boy made his way behind the houses and up the alley between the houses. Laughing and yelling, the boy ran out of the alley and past the guard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Betcha can’t catch me, you goon.” the boy yelled, knocking off the guards hat as he ran by.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Hey! Get back here. You ain’t supposed to be out, I’ll lock ya up!” the guard yelled, pulling his sword and chasing after the boy down the alley.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The last words of the guard were caught in his throat as he made it half way down the alley. He was faced with about twenty men who were now surrounding him and brandishing everything from sticks and stones to coat racks and pans which were obviously from the house they were supposed to be locked up in. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The guard stood there panic stricken. “Please don’t kill me!” he said as he dropped to his knees. A few minutes later, the guard was stripped and bound. One of the townsmen put on the guard’s clothes and walked to the front of the house and assumed his post. The townsman stood there at his ‘post’ for awhile, relieved that nobody approached him or questioned him. He heard a faint tap on the door, he turned and opened the door and walked in. He waited a second or two then stepped out and called to the guards who were watching the other buildings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hey come here, check this out!” the townsman called, motioning for the two guards to come over.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As the guards opened the door, the townsman stepped behind them and gave them a slight push while the men inside grabbed their arms and pulled them inside. They shut the door and quickly subdued the guards, stripping and binding them. Within a couple of minutes, three ‘guards’ were standing at their posts in front of the building. A howl came from somewhere behind the building, the guards took no notice.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>On opposite sides of the town, the villagers flung a stone towards the soldiers who were watching the minor roads out of town. One of the guards stepped into the woods to investigate. As soon as he was out of sight of the other soldiers, he stepped in a snare and was hoisted in the air. The soldier on the other side of town was immediately surrounded and tackled by villagers. When they didn’t come out, other soldiers went in the woods looking for them. It wasn’t long before all of the soldiers had been captured.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-51758968949444763032008-01-30T21:47:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:48:05.078-05:00Novel - Day 40 - 503 / 44,164<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>The young man who had escaped the town dressed as an Envahir soldier, hid in the woods until he was sure the Envahir had all left the town. Then he waited. He began to get discouraged and he started to feel as though he had risked his life for nothing when he saw groups of people coming down the road. He noticed that it wasn’t soldiers but villagers from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Many who had looks of worry on their faces and appeared to have nothing more than what they had on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Stop, stop!” The young man yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Out of our way, boy.” One older man ordered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The young man stood his ground, “No!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> has just been invaded by The Envahir. We need to get to the town to find shelter until we can make it back home.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The only shelter you will find there is in an Envahir prison.” the young man said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The older man stopped and stared at him, “What are you talking about?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The Envahir came through here before they marched on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. They took over our town and turned it into a prison. The only entrance into or out of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> is by the road you are on. You are walking right into their prison and when you arrive they will escort you to one of the overcrowded buildings which used to be someone’s home.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do you suggest we do? Sit right down here in the middle of the road and sit for them to come back and carry us away?” the older man asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, what we are going to do is exactly what I was asked to do. I was sent here to warn you about the prison and ask for your help in freeing those who are still in there. There is a limited amount of guards in the city. We believe they can easily be overwhelmed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The townspeople will put pressure on them from the inside and we will do the same from out here. Everyone coming from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> will surround the town the best we can and we will draw the guards away from their posts and weaken their defenses. They will be doing the same from the inside and when we are able; we will overpower them and take back the town.” the young man explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What’s in it for us?” several people asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Well let’s see, you get to stay out of prison for starters. You have a comfortable and safe place to stay until you can make it back home.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What happens if <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> falls and The Envahir take it over and then come back here?” someone asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then we can either stand and fight and hope they are wounded enough we could defeat them. Or we at least have the option to escape from them and flee elsewhere.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It didn’t take much convincing before the people from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> agreed to help. The people were quietly put in place and given their orders.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-83903934251630669532008-01-29T21:45:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:46:56.892-05:00Novel - Day 39 - 1,043 / 43,661<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri made her way through the city gates and was crushed by the sights and sounds around her. What was once a beautiful city had quickly become a field of battle. Kiri stopped dead and stared at the activity happening all around her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Keep moving!” Creance yelled, “If you stop, you become a target.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Where do you begin?” Kiri asked</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance motioned to the members of The Network, ordering them into different areas.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That choice is usually decided for you, by someone attacking. That is where you start. By protecting yourself. Then you divide and conquer.” Creance said, “Follow me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance turned left and started running down a side street, motioning for others to follow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri followed Creance with others of The Network behind them, staying to side streets and alleyways, the group made their way through the town. A stray Envahir soldier turned the corner and saw the group running towards him. With a look of shock, he turned and ran. He misjudged, reached a dead end, turned and tried to back track but the group was too close, he ran and attacked the group of The Network. With one swift move, Creance swung his sword and the lone soldier collapsed to the ground as the group ran past.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Everywhere Kiri looked, there were small groups of people fighting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why so many small fights, I thought there would just be one big fight?” Kiri asked as they stopped for a moment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If we can block off different streets to separate the Envahir, then we will be able to stop them from overtaking the city and we can defeat them much easier.” Creance said, “We need to get across here and over to the main street. We must keep The Envahir from reaching the government building.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance began to climb the makeshift barricade that had cut off the street. Kiri followed and as she climbed over the top and dropped to the ground, a sword landed inches away from her head. She saw the red of an Envahir soldier’s uniform and lunged forward, sliding her sword into his gut.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri gave a quick glance around which showed her that Creance was already quite involved in a fight with another soldier but, holding his own quite well. She saw a soldier charge towards her as other members of The Network came over the wall. She blocked the soldier’s sword and moved to position herself to attack. She continued to fight the soldier and was maintaining her own but wasn’t getting the upper hand. She was beginning to tire and even wondered if she could last when the soldier stumbled on a body. Kiri saw her opportunity and took it, the soldier crumpled to the ground. All of the fights she had blurred into one. Some of the fights, she killed her opponent almost immediately, others she struggled with. One wounded Envahir soldier stumbled towards her, struggling to keep his balance. As he reached Kiri, he teetered forward, throwing himself off balance even more; Kiri stepped to the side, kicked him in the rear and sent him stumbling into the wall of a building with a sickening thud.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As The Network began to clear this small section of street, the remaining Envahir soldiers took the opportunity to run away into other areas to give themselves the chance to regroup. Some of the soldiers fell as they tried to scramble over the walls.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As the last of the soldiers either dropped or disappeared over the wall, Kiri stopped to catch her breath. She looked around and noticed that several of The Network had fallen but, many more Envahir had. She saw Creance bleeding from a cut on his arm.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“My arm looks like your leg.” Creance said, pointing ot Kiri’s leg. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Kiri looked down and noticed that her leg was indeed bleeding. She tore a piece of clothing from a body that lay on the ground and tied it around her leg.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s a shame that so many must die because I led them into battle.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now is not the time for pity and that is not how you should look at it. You must see it as; they gave their life to fight for good and to save us from the likes of Voler.” Creance said, “How many more will die if we do not stop him?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Once they regrouped and had repaired any minor injuries, Creance led them again through some side streets and onto a street which appeared to have a few homes. The end of the street had earlier been blocked off but the blockade was pushed aside. On this street, there were three members of The Network who were simply trying to stay alive, they were grossly outnumbered. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“ATTACK!” Creance yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance, Kiri and the others came through the alleyway just as it looked as though the three men were about to lose the fight. The three men collapsed in a safe corner of the alleyway to catch their breath and quickly repair any wounds they had. The members of The Network began to drive back The Envahir soldiers. Just as it appeared that they may defeat these Envahir, others came to join in the fight. The Network was pushed back in the surge of Envahir which came through the broken blockade. The Envahir looked as though they may have the upper hand until they began to get pummeled with rocks and dishes and chairs from above. Kiri looked up and saw the villagers throwing anything they had at The Envahir. Shouts of cheers went up from The Network as the soldiers began to weaken under the onslaught of the villagers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was fighting with one of The Envahir soldier’s.<span style=""> </span>The soldier was distracted and she ran him through with her sword; when from the rooftop, a very large armoire came crashing down upon a number of The Envahir. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Take that. That was me missus dresser, I never liked the thing anyway.” yelled a voice from above.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri thought she heard a woman’s voice scream out, “What the hell you do that for?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They quickly overpowered the group of Envahir, with the help of the villagers. Creance led the members of his group through a couple of side streets.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-47466526766858986902008-01-27T21:44:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:45:34.109-05:00Novel - Day 37 - 3,773 / 42,618<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sergeant Gamin!” Voler ordered, “You will be in charge of the town while we march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Your orders are to use your men to secure this town and prepare it for use as a prison. There will be people who escape <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> or those who we capture as prisoners. They will arrive here and you will take them in and house them as prisoners. As you will for any who are currently here. Is this understood?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir” Sergeant Gamin said, looking rather disappointed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Is there a problem Sergeant?” Voler said, seeing his disappointment.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No sir, it’s just that I was hoping to be included in the group that marched on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. I wanted to be involved in the battle.” Gamin said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Sergeant, so I’ll give you a choice. You can either stay here and run the prison or you can become one of its prisoners. You don’t get the choice or a say in what you want to do. Is that understood? And Gamin, if you fail, you WILL become a resident here yourself. That is, if I let you live.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir.” Gamin said as he turned and left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sergeant Gamin stepped outside, he jogged across the street with a limp; seeing three of his men and called them together. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Organize the townspeople immediately, I want you to take the men and make sure every window in town is boarded up. Move all of the townspeople into three of the larger buildings. The people are only allowed to take what clothes they have on and a pillow and a blanket for sleeping, nothing else. If anyone refuses, lock them up in the jail, without their pillow and blanket. When you have completed that, you are each to stand guard at each of the buildings. No one is allowed to leave without permission. When they ask, give nobody permission.” Gamin ordered. The men ran off to see to their duties.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sergeant Gamin made his way to the end of the road where the entrance of the town was. Here two guards stood watch, only allowing those to pass who they deemed fit. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Secure this entrance.” Sergeant Gamin ordered, “From here on out, no one enters or leaves via this road. I want anything that you are able to retrieve to block this exit. Use whatever you have available to do the job. Make sure that no one is able to get through, whether they are on foot or horse. You will then guard this post to make sure of that.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir.” the guards said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Rest assured, if anyone does get through, you will pay for it.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sergeant Gamin made his rounds to each of the entrances to the town; he ordered the same thing, except for the road which led towards <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>When Sergeant Gamin approached the guards at this entrance, he called them over, “I want you to leave this entrance open. The Envahir will be leaving by this exit and they will be sending back prisoners for us. This exit is to remain open at all times, unless ordered to do so otherwise. I want you to find what you need to secure this exit as quickly as possible in the case of an emergency. You will leave the equipment to the side and will only secure the exit on my order or that of a superior officer. I don’t care what you use to secure the exit whether it is wagons or trees or whatever, just make sure you can secure it quickly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Only members of The Envahir are allowed to leave through this exit. Any civilians who come through here are to be considered prisoners. They are to be stripped of any belongings and taken immediately to designated buildings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The men of the town were finished boarding up windows. They were ushered, under guard back to the three buildings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What’s going on here? I want to know.” One of the men asked. Others joined in demanding to know what was happening and why.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Shut up!” one of the guards yelled at the man who asked the question, whacking him in the back with a club. The man collapsed to the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hey! What the hell are you doing?” the other men yelled and started towards the guard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The other guards watching everything unfold, pulled their swords.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Stop!” one of the guards ordered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Unarmed, the men stopped short and dropped to help the injured man up. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“You didn’t need to hurt him; he was only wanted to know what is happening as do we all.” One of the men said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Careful or you’ll be next.” The soldier replied.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">The men helped him up and they were ushered towards the three buildings. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s like a prison around here.” one of the men said. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Prison … prison …prison” The word began to spread like wildfire through the townspeople. It took only a few seconds until the townspeople were yelling and screaming, “Let us out … This is our town; we shouldn’t be put in prison in our own town. Let us go.” the townspeople yelled. The guards pushed the people back. One unlucky soldier had his arm grabbed by the townspeople and he was the unwilling participant of a game of tug of war. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Let me go. Ow, let go.” The soldier screamed. This went on for a few seconds with the poor soldier continuing to scream to be let go, until one of the soldiers pulled his sword and put it to the throat of one of the townspeople. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Stop or he dies.” the soldier with the sword threatened. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">The other townspeople saw this and began to quiet down and let go of the soldier’s arm. Realizing that without weapons, they were outmatched, the townspeople quit putting up a fight. The soldiers were able to push the townspeople back far enough to shut the door and barricade it. The guards then stood watch over the buildings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Inside the buildings, the townspeople struggled to see with limited light. Everyone was talking, trying to understand why they were put in here. Everyone was trying to find their spot in the crowded rooms. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They can’t leave us in here forever; they have to let us out at some point.” One of the townspeople was saying. Others were agreeing with him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Someone else spoke up, “What makes you think they will let us out? Look around, we’re in a prison and there is no way out. I would guess if they tire of us, what would stop them from killing us?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>This caused an argument to break out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“EVERYONE SHUT UP!” Sam yelled above the crowd, standing on a chair he had been using to sit on. “Yes, we are prisoners, in our own town. But if we work together, we may be able to take back our town. I have a plan.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The next morning, all of The Envahir, except for Sergeant Gamin’s squad, left the town for <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lieutenant Epier.” Voler called.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir?” Epier asked, moving to the front of the line.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I want to pick up some speed. Have the men march double time. I want to arrive at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and be in position by nightfall. We begin the attack at daybreak.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir, Captain Voler.” Epier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier issued the command and the soldiers marched double time towards <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>After they had been traveling for sometime, Epier approached Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sir the men need a rest, they have been keeping up this pace since we left. If we take a rest and then continued on at a normal pace, we will still make our positions by nightfall. The men will be no good to us if they are worn out or injured before we arrive.” Epier suggested. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler looked as though he was going to cut Epier open with his sword. He paused and looked at Epier, “Very well, you are right, give the order, we’ll take a break and then we’ll continue on at normal march.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier ordered the army to stop and take a break. He heard many sighs of relief; he too breathed an inward sigh of relief, keeping his comment to himself. After a short period, Epier called for other officers, “We divide up here. Squad one, you will skirt the city and move to the north entrance. Squad two, you will place your men at the East entrance. And squad three will continue on with us towards the southern entrance. Remember, you will keep your men out of site until daybreak. On my signal, after daybreak, you will secure the entrance to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. You are to let no one enter or leave unless by my order.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>On my second signal, you are to open the gate and your men are to take the city. Remember to leave enough guards to secure the gate. If there are any changes, I will inform you directly or send a runner. Once the battle begins and your men have entered the gates, they are to do what they can to take the city and force a surrender.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Any questions? Seeing none, take your squads and move out.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Squad one, move out!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Squad two, form up on me and move out.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Each of the squads arrived at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> before nightfall and made camp, keeping out of sight. At daybreak Voler, Lexa and a young man entered <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and made their way through the city towards the government building. Voler looked through the city, observing the layout and formulizing plans. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As they entered the government building, Voler didn’t stop at the secretary’s desk.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Where are the council members?” Voler asked as he walked down the hallway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Wait, wait, you can’t go in there.” the secretary called, running after him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler reached the first room and opened the door to the small office. The small man behind the desk was startled as he opened the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I presume you are one of the council members?” Voler asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m sorry sir, I couldn’t stop him.” the secretary said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The council member waved a hand at her. “Yes, yes I am but what is the meaning of this?” he asked. “If you wish to meet with me, you must make an appointment.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sir, I do not have the time nor the patience for meetings and appointments.” Voler said, “I have come here for a purpose and I would encourage your help. There are any things which I know about you and your city and how it is run. Things which you would not want your public to know. Now, we can make this very simple or it can become very difficult. You can work with me and do what I ask or you can choose to go against me. If you go against me, I can guarantee that your life, family and career would be over. Yes, you may still be alive but, you will wish you were dead; when you come to me and beg for relief, you will find that there is none.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The councilman studied Voler for a short period, “How do I know what you are saying is the truth? How do I know it’s not some kind of joke?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler motioned to the young man who came with them. The young man stepped forward and gave Voler a parchment. Voler opened the parchment and showed it to the councilman. The councilman’s jaw fell open and his face turned white.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How, how could you know this? How could anyone know this? It’s not possible. that’s just not possible.” the councilman said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now, I assume you will work with me and do what I ask?” Voler asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, no I can’t. I just can’t.” the councilman said, “I’ll buy this information from you. I’ll make it worth your while. You don’t have to do anything, just forget.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You don’t seem to understand sir,” Voler said, “This is not negotiable. Besides it is not your money I want. It is something else.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The councilman got up from his seat and started towards the door. Lexa blocked the door, pulled her sword and pointed it at his throat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You would do well to sit and finish listening.” Lexa said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The councilman slowly moved back to his seat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You must forgive her, she is a bit protective.” Voler said, “As I was saying, your choice is to join us or we will begin destroying your life, career and everything you care about. We will begin by sharing this information with your wife and then your city. You won’t be able to leave the town alive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>If you join with us and do what I ask, this information stays nicely packed away and nobody will ever find out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Now how does that fit you for negotiations?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The councilman paused for a bit and pulled at his hair. He stood up and paced behind his desk, not moving too far away for fear of Lexa’s sword.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Very well, I will do what you ask. I can’t have this information out there and I can’t afford to lose my family. What is it that you want me to do?” the councilman asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It is quite simple, an easy task for you. You are to lower the flag of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and raise a flag of surrender. In one hour, you will lower that flag and raise the flag of The Envahir. You will then turn over complete control of the city to me.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I .. I can’t do that.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler motioned for the young man, “Find his wife and show this to her and then make the announcement across the city.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No wait, don’t do that!” the councilman said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The boy started out the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“OK, OK I’ll do what you ask, I’ll hand control of the city over to you.” the councilman said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Satisfied, Voler stood and left the room.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As Voler was walking towards the south gate, he glanced back and saw the flag for <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> lower, in its place was raised a white flag of surrender. Voler smiled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler motioned for the young man, “Inform Lieutenant Epier that he is to have his squads in place and the entrances to the city sealed off in one hour. Have him send in a small entourage of men from each entrance to join me as I take control of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.” The young man saluted and ran off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was watching as the flag of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> was lowered and a white flag of surrender was raised in its place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It has begun!” Creance announced.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance signaled for the Network to move into position near <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. From their position in the woods, Kiri could see The Envahir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why don’t we just take them here, before they make it into <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>?” Kiri whispered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Creance explained, “Out here, they would be able to surround and defeat us. They would have the upper hand, and they are only limited by the distance they can send their men. Once we have them within the city, we can separate and weaken them. We can block their defenses. We would be able to contain them and deal with The Envahir in smaller fights rather than one large battle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We have the upper hand within the city and besides, they are not expecting an ambush once inside the city.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What if we can’t contain them or defeat them?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then there will be nothing left of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> to be saved nor will there be any need.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I can lead the Network and as my first act, I am leading them into battle. How do I know this is the right thing?” Kiri questioned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Well, it’s a little late for these kinds of questions now. But I will tell you a secret about having the right decisions when you are a leader. You don’t know, you never know if the decisions you make are the correct ones. But you have to make them and you make the decisions that are best for all and that will accomplish that which you are trying to achieve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>You are young in your leadership and your training has just begun, but already, I see the traits of your father in you. He was a very good leader but if what I have seen is any indication, you will become a Great leader.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>You did not choose this battle. This battle was developing long before you accepted your position. Even if you had declined the position and chose to go on your own way, this battle would still have taken place. The only difference is now that The Network has its leader, they have hope. With the work you have already done, it has helped The Network, your Network in its battle against The Envahir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It wasn’t long after The Envahir began to leave to march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> that Sam and Ted started to put their plan into action. They were able to steal peeks out the windows between boards. They noticed that there was only one guard watching the building they were in. They rummaged around in the closets and were able to find enough clothes that resembled something like an Envahir soldier’s outfit. They asked for someone to try to get outside of the town. A boy stepped forward who wasn’t much more than a teen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What we need you to do once you’re outside of the town is to keep anyone from entering. Meet them further up the road and stop them. Once you have enough, we want you to surround the town or at least find someway to weaken the guards and put pressure on them. We will be doing the same from here and if all works well, we will be able to get our town back.” Sam said, “And whatever you do, don’t get caught.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They went to the back window and as quietly as possible, removed the boards. They lifted the boy through the window. He hid behind the house until he saw a couple of soldiers running by and he joined in behind them. His heart was racing and he thought that the decorations which were so hastily sewn on would fall off at any moment. He ran behind the other soldiers, past the guards and out the town gate. Once he was out of site of the gate, he slipped into the woods and hid until The Envahir were gone.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Many of the people of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> had begun their day and looked up at the government building and noticed that the flag had been removed and a white flag replaced it. Rumors abounded as to why a white flag was flying above the government building. It wasn’t long before one story began to prevail about The Envahir taking control of the city. The rumors turned to facts as the news spread and people were ordered to remain indoors and secure their households. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It was an hour after Voler had his meeting with the council leader. Voler, Lexa and a small group of soldiers from each of the entrances entered the City. The soldiers gathered behind Voler and they walked down the main street towards the government building. Voler stopped and watched with pride as the white flag lowered, as if on cue.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler watched as he saw rise up the flagpole, not the red flag of he Envahir but instead the blue flag of The Network. Anger shot through Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Someone will die for this joke.” Voler said marching towards the government building.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>All of a sudden, the road in front of him was cut off. He spun and looked behind him as the exit that direction was also cut off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ambush!” Voler yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>A volley of arrows whizzed past them from the rooftops. The soldiers instinctively raised their shields and backed against the buildings to find protection. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Return fire.” Voler ordered the soldiers who were carrying bows. He motioned for some of the soldiers to get to the rooftops. Voler yelled out to have Epier send in more troops, the noise of the city and the walls drowned out Voler’s cry for help.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">The arrows from above had stopped and it wasn’t long before Voler and Lexa were engaged in a sword fight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It appeared to the small number of The Network who was there, that they were beginning to overpower the small band of soldiers. Then they saw The Envahir’s leader pull out a small horn and blow a signal. At this point, the men watched as a wave of the Envahir’s soldiers came rushing through the city entrances. The soldiers came so fast that The Network’s men almost didn’t have time to raise the blockades which separated the soldiers, breaking them into small groups.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri watched and listened as The Envahir entered the city and the sounds of battle broke out. She was ready to follow them in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Wait. Wait for it.” Creance said, “If we go to early, we will just be stopped at the doors.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why don’t we just kill the ones at the doors and force our way in?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That will bring the fight outside. We will not be able to get the help inside which we need. If we bring the fight outside, we have the same problem we would have had we attacked earlier. Be patient and let Epier do his job. You must have faith in your people and in the plan.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It was at about this time that Epier rode his horse up to his men at the gate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Get in there, they need your help.” Epier said to his men.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But sir, the gate.” One of the men objected.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Look at them son, they need your help, they’re losing in there. Captain Voler is in there. Do you want to be the one to tell him he was wounded and had a difficult time in the battle because you had to watch the gate?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No sir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Besides, who is going to leave? Everyone is too busy fighting. Now get in there. That’s an order.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The soldiers saluted and ran into the battle, leaving the gates wide open.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s it. Give the signal.” Crenace said as a horn sounded behind them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri began to run alongside Creance, leading The Network into battle with The Envahir. Creance slowed near Epier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Close the gates behind us.” Creance yelled and rushed through the gates towards the battle.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-39234707112698423082008-01-26T21:43:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:43:56.310-05:00Novel - Day 36 - 4,072 / 38,845<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was finishing breakfast, wondering how the day would be spent<span style=""> </span>and was cleaning up when Creance approached her small tent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Did you sleep well?” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, fine.” Kiri replied</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance tottered back and forth from foot to foot, obviously uneasy. Kiri had never seen him like this.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We will camp here until the battle begins.” Creance said trying to fill the uncomfortable silence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Slightly annoyed Kiri asked, “Creance, what is it? What is on your mind? You obviously have something you wish to share.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>A little relieved that he could speak openly, Creance said, “I had told you the story of how your father had come to lead the Network and how Voler became who he is. You had asked how your father died, at the time I<span style=""> </span>told you that I could not say; it was not my story to tell but someone else’s.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, I remember.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance was hesitant, “Well, that person is here and is willing to tell you the story; and answer a lot of other questions you may have and will develop from talking to them.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What? Who is it? Where are they? I have so many questions and I want to know.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I felt today may be a good day because we don’t expect to do much until at least tomorrow at the earliest. This will give you time to clear your head and make sense of what you hear.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why would I need to make sense of it and clear my head? I only want to know how he died and what he was like.” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“There is more to it than just simply telling you a story. I would give you the warning, to not let it cloud your judgment or decisions.” Creance warned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri shook her head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The person who will explain everything and then some is here and has requested your presence to explain everything to you. I have agreed to it but, the final decision is up to you, I will take you to her if you wish.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“YES, yes!” Kiri said, standing up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri, the person you are going to see is … your mother.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri collapsed back onto her makeshift seat. “What?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>She tried to force a laugh, thinking it was a joke, “My mother’s dead, she died when I was a baby.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That was a decision that The Network had made early on and they felt it was best to let you believe that. But she is very much alive and well and would like to speak with you to explain that and more.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was silent for a while; trying to digest the information she was just given. She quietly knew somewhere within her that this was true and that it wouldn’t be the only time today that she will have to accept new truths about her life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stood up, “Let’s go.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Without a word, Creance put his arm around her and led her away from the tent area to a little clearing near some trees. Sitting on a large rock was Marcia, who stood and smiled as they approached.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri, this is your mother, Marcia.” neither said anything “If you will excuse me.” Creance said as he left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They stood staring at one another, not sure of where to begin. It was a few seconds later when Marcia motioned to the rock. “Please sit.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri moved and sat on the rock, not taking her eyes off of her mother. Kiri noticed how beautiful she was and her smile. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It has been a long time since I have been able to see you.” Marcia said. “I would visit as often as I could, just to be able to see you. As you got older, it became more difficult to see you without you asking questions or giving you away.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri rubbed the side of her head as she started to feel a headache beginning. “I’m still trying to make sense of the fact that I have a mother who is not dead. How do I know that this isn’t some kind of sick trick?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I assure that it is not a trick; we would have no reason to trick you. I understand that you have a lot of questions and many more developing each second. I will do my best to answer whatever I can.” Marcia said. “I just don’t know where to begin.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You said that you would visit, how did you do that and when?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“When you were a baby, I would sneak into town and come to the bar. I would spend the evening. Your father knew I was coming and he would fight to keep you awake, so that I could be able to put you to sleep. I would pick you up and a few minutes later, you would fall asleep in my arms. After carrying you for a bit, I would put you in your crib and just watch you sleep. Then your father would tell me all about you and everything that had been happening. I would spend most of the night, enjoying spending time with him too. Then I would leave before daybreak.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As you started to get older, you would ask too many questions about who I was so I had to change my visits. I would come to the bar late at night, acting as if I was a patron. He would often close the bar and I would sit there and watch you, sometimes trying to talk to you as you played until you fell asleep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>After your father died, I would come less frequently. I knew you were protected, by Creance mostly but, there were others too. It was hard for me to visit, remembering him. It also made it hard because you didn’t know who I was. We felt that it was best you continued to live they way you were.” Marcia paused with tears in her eyes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why did you leave us?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri saw the look of hurt in Marcia’s eyes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I didn’t leave you. I never wanted to leave you, either of you. We separated.” Marcia said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why did you separate? Did you fall out of love?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, just the opposite, we loved each other very much, almost too much. Which is why we made the decisions that we made. We separated to protect you, our family and The Network.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It wasn’t long after Voler ambushed your dad and Creance, nearly killing you. I understand Creance told you that story?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri shook her head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Marcia continued, “We realized that as a family and for The Network; that Voler wouldn’t stop. We knew that he would try again to kidnap you. He wanted to bring The Network down and wouldn’t stop till he did. We knew that if the three of us tried to disappear together, it would only be a matter of time before he discovered where we were at. When that happened, he would try to kill us and kidnap you, if he couldn’t do that, then he would kill you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Together, your father and I decided to separate and stage his death. We had already begun to spread the rumor that you had died. We decided that I would stay behind and give the appearance of a grieving mother and wife. Your father would take you and go into hiding. We chose that your father would take you into hiding so that he could continue to teach you. <span style=""> </span>We also set it up to give the appearance that the Network collapsed because of the loss of its leader and future leader. The committee liked the plan and agreed, accepting that your training would continue while in hiding and when your father felt that you were both ready, the two of you and The Network would come out of hiding and defeat The Envahir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It was a good plan and would’ve worked well, until your father died. Your training had stopped at that point and the committee felt it may be risky to bring you back and train you until you were ready. We were on the verge of doing just that when Voler began to invade.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri hesitated before asking, “How did my father die?” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Marcia began to cry.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, no it’s fine.” Marcia said, wiping away tears. “It’s just still so hard to think about. This is one story that I never wanted to share but one which I knew that I would one day have to, at least to you. Give me time and I will tell you all that you wish to hear.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri sat patiently while her mother composed herself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Voler never really believed that your father was dead.” Marcia began, “It never seemed like he questioned your death.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri laughed, “Until last night.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Marcia looked at her questioningly, “Somehow Voler knew that your father wasn’t dead but, he couldn’t prove it or find him. He knew that if he was alive, he couldn’t stay away from me for long. So he had scouts watching over me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Miller Johnson is a good man and one we could trust.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Kiri shook her head.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Your father left you with Miller Johnson, to watch over you while he came to visit me one day. Voler’s scouts discovered your father while he and Creance were on their way to visit. He ambushed them as the left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They were outnumbered but, killed a few of them. Voler wanted to kill your father himself. Your father had put up a good fight and Voler was baldy wounded but he had the upper hand after a long grueling fight. Your father was too weak to protect himself, Voler swung and split him open; your father fell to the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance signaled for help which arrived before Voler could strike the final blow. The reinforcements drove Voler and his men away. Your father knew he was dying, he grabbed his sword, pressed into Creance’s hands and said, ‘You know what to do’ then he made Creance renew his oath to be your protector.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We carried him back to where I was staying, he died shortly afterwards. Fearing that you were next and loyal to your father and the oath he made to him, Creance immediately took off to find you even though he was badly wounded. Miller Johnson was shocked with fright when Creance came bursting through the back door of the bar, covered in blood. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>After Miller Johnson was able to calm him down, they realized that there had been no attack upon you. Creance told him the story, at least most of it while Miller Johnson nursed him back to health. Those two and a few others took care of you and watched over you until you were old enough to do so for yourself.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Marcia sobbed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I am thankful they took such good care of you. After that period, I saw you less and less. The committee felt it would be best.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Why did you always have to follow what the committee wanted? Why couldn’t we have just disappeared as a family? Then my father wouldn’t be dead and I would have had a mother and a father. What is so special about this sword? From what you say, it is like the sword is more important than the person using it.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, I can see how it may appear like that but; there are a lot of things that you don’t yet understand that come with your position and that sword.” Marcia said pointing at the sword. “The sword is important but not more so than the person possessing it. The sword was originally you great-great grandfather’s. It was a gift from a person who’s like he had saved. It is said that the sword gives balance to the person’s life, to that which they lead and to the country. If at either time the person’s life is disrupted or the sword falls into the wrong hands, that balance is distorted and evil can triumph. We’ve maintained the balance by keeping you alive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We have always done what is best for The Network and what the committee decides because of that balance. The committee ruled The Network until you were of age to take the position for yourself. If we did not do what was best for the Network, the balance would be thrown off, evil would prevail and The Network would crumble. Your father did not understand this when he rebelled and set out on his own to create his own little army. At that time, The Network suffered until he made his decision to come back and rule The Network.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Had we left as a family, it is true that we could’ve still maintained the balance and controlled The Network. However, Voler would have eventually found us and killed each one of us. That would not have taken him very long to do. Then The Network would’ve been without their leaders and the sword would have fallen into the wrong hands. The balance would have been in Voler’s favor and The Network would have crumbled. So we decided to sacrifice our love and our family for the sake of The Network and the country.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri sat quietly, digesting the information and trying to process it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I understand that there is a lot to accept. But I also wanted you to be aware of something else; you are the first female leader of The Network and the first woman to possess the sword of balance. Which is one of the reasons your father and I took such great care to protect you. It is also why The Network has looked out for you. But, it is also why Voler is so adamant about controlling or killing you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The theory is that since you are the first woman to possess the sword, it changes the balance and makes it stronger, more complete. It also gives you more power and whatever you control becomes stronger.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t understand, why does that change the balance?” Kiri asked</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Since the sword has only been used by males, some believe that is the way it should be; that if it is changed, it could have a disastrous impact on the balance. Personally, I think they are just afraid a woman would show them how to do things in a better way. Others believe that having a woman in power strengthens the balance by giving the power it has been missing for all of these years.” Marcia said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do you believe?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Of course, I believe that it is the woman’s destiny to control the balance but, it is my daughter we are talking about.” Marcia said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri realized that she had said, ‘my daughter’ and for the first time, really understood that this was her mother she was talking to. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Mayor Smithson walked through the gates of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and looked around with the wide eyed enthusiasm of a child. It had been a long time since he was here and trips to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> were always a treat. He always made sure to bring home special gifts for the family when he came hear on business. Yet, he knew this time it would be different, there would be no perusing the local shops and enjoying the special breweries and eateries of the town. He knew he was on business of a different type and if everything went well, he may be able save his family and his town and come back another time. If things did not go well, there would not be another time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Remember, you are to search out who the local leaders and who the prominent people in town are. You speak with them and discover their weaknesses as quickly as possible and then we report back to Captain Voler as soon as possible.” Epier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They walked through town; Mayor Smithson noticed that the housing was set a few blocks off of the main street. He saw many small shops on both sides of the street, some of which appeared to be new and others that he had been in before. A little further down the main street were eateries and pubs. Mayor Smithson chose a pub he remembered from a previous trip and went in. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We’re not here to party” Epier reminded the mayor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I’m having a drink. Unless you know a better place to find out the information we need, then you can do my job.” The Mayor replied.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier didn’t object when the mayor opened the door and walked in. Mayor Smithson ordered two beers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Pay the man.” the mayor told Epier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier looked at Mayor Smithson and was about to object.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Your boss is fitting the bill; you can put it on your expense report.” the mayor said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier just shook his head, didn’t argue and tossed a few coins in the direction of the bartender.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Excuse me,” Mayor Smithson said to the bartender, “My partner here and I are new to town and we were thinking of establishing a new business here. We were wondering who ran the largest of businesses here in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. You see, we want to find out who we are up against.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Well, I ain’t sure but, I’d have to say Markson is the guy’s name, he runs the warehouses at the other end of town. From what I’ve seen, they have the biggest business in town. Either everything goes in and out of those warehouses or he has his hands in your business somehow. I’m kind of lucky that he hasn’t got to me, yet. I guess there isn’t much profit in pourin’ beers for folks.” the bartender said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No I suppose there isn’t, I hope it stays that way for you. Thanks for the info.” the mayor said as he finished his beer and set the mug down.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Good luck to you,” the bartender said as the Mayor and Epier left the bar.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now wasn’t that informative and the beer tasted good.” the mayor said to Epier, not expecting a response.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The mayor and Epier continued down the main street until they came to a large cross road. On the corner of the cross road stood a large building with a statue of a large man with a sword and a shield. They recognized the statue as that of the government building. They entered and found a secretary sitting at a small desk near the entryway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Excuse me, I am Mayor Smithson I am only in town for the day and I would like to speak with the City Council members on urgent government business.” the mayor said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The secretary looked at the Mayor and Epier for a moment and said, “If you will excuse me, I will see if any of the council members are available.” the secretary left and walked down the hall.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Realizing this is why he came here and that everything he was asked to do depended on his conversations with these people. The mayor worried about how he was going to speak openly with them and pass along the information he needed to while Epier remained so close. He decided that he would have to play it by ear and see if he could create some type of distraction to be able to get some time alone with the council members. the mayor realized that he may need to use them to explain the situation to the other council members; he feared that while a distraction may work once, that was all it would work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The secretary came back a few minutes later and didn’t quite reach her desk when she called to the mayor, “The senior council member will see you now, if you will follow me.” She turned and proceeded to walk down the hall without waiting for an acknowledgement from the mayor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They entered a small room with a window view of the intersection of the cross road and the main street. Within the small room were a few chairs in front of a large desk and sitting behind the desk was a small, balding man who stood as they entered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Mayor Smithson, it’s a pleasure. Please be seated”, the senior council member said, motioning towards the chairs, “To what do I owe this pleasure?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Well, um, I” Mayor Smithson began.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ah, I beg your pardon but I must excuse myself.” Epier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Mayor Smithson stared at him in disbelief as Epier left the room. Relieved, the mayor couldn’t have hoped for any better luck.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As Epier left, the council member continued, “So how may I help you?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Listen, I don’t have much time and I can’t speak freely around him. As I said, I am the mayor. The Envahir have taken over my town, they are marching on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> within a couple of days. You must prepare as quickly as possible. However you must do so quietly and without being noticed. There are spies about and if they discover that <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> is aware of the Envahir’s pending attack, the plans will change and there will be an all out war.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I was sent here to gather information upon those people who control the city, information which can be used against you. I will feed false information to those have sent me. When a Captain Voler comes and tries to manipulate you using this information, it is imperative that you and any others act as if he has control over you with this information.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How do I know that what you are telling me is the truth?” the council member asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I suppose you really don’t. The best you could do is sit back, wait and watch as your City is obliterated by The Envahir. Or you could take action, be prepared and at the worst look like a fool; if the information I am telling you isn’t true. But do you really think someone would try telling you a story such as this if it wasn’t true?” the mayor said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Mayor Smithson stood and left the room. He saw Epier at the end of the hall talking with the secretary. Epier did not say anything as the mayor walked by. Epier and Mayor Smithson left <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> immediately.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>By the time the Mayor and Epier had exited the city gates, the senior council member had called together the other members of the council and explained the situation. They decided that it was better to be prepared; if nothing actually happened and they discovered later that it was a hoax; they decided to call it a readiness test. If the residents started to ask questions, they would just explain that they didn’t want the exercise to frighten the public. When they were done, they figured that they would come out looking good no matter the outcome.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The council members began to quietly deploy the militia across town in hidden locations. They were given orders to remain there and out of sight until a signal was given, at which time they would come out and cut off access to their part of town. If all worked well, when the militia would fill the streets and cut off access, the city would be divided, hopefully weakening any attacking force within the city limits.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">The council members also made sure the financial portion of town was secure and the armory was given extra guards, some of which were hidden. They also looked at the exits, having the guards add to the strength of the doors in the hopes that it will keep others from entering the city.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>By the time Kiri joined the others of the Network’s committee at the pre-planned meeting place, the size of the committee had grown as had the members of the Network. An entire squad of The Network was ordered inside <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, to fight from within once the Envahir enters the City. The squad entered the city in small groups from each of the exits. They quickly found rooms for rent and went into hiding. Others found hiding places in alleyways or near the warehouses. Some even found places on the rooftops throughout the town. The other squads of The Network surrounded <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, placing themselves near the entrances of the City. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-77830677062139761102008-01-25T21:41:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:42:59.020-05:00Novel - Day 35 - 1,823 / 34,773<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri struggled to wake up Creance. He finally woke up. Groggy, he tried to understand what Kiri was saying.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They know who I am and they have to know where we are. If they don’t, it wont be hard for them to figure out. We’ve go to do something and do it quickly.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri started to gather her belongings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I got help from the mayor and a couple of guys who I figured I could trust. I am trying to get these people to weaken Voler’s defenses from the inside; once the Envahir marches on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> they will take back the town. Anything we could do to improve our chances may help. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I hope that Epier catches onto what I asked the mayor to do and gives him some room to work. Otherwise, the mayor may fear that Epier will report back to Voler and be afraid to say anything or follow through with what I have asked him to do. Because I did not tell him that Epier could be trusted.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What are you having the Mayor do?” Creance asked as he climbed out of his bed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I wanted him to speak with the leaders in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, explain what is happening, get them to prepare for the Envahir’s attack.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance slowly got dresses as he listened to Kiri’s explanation of the night’s events.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“After that, I eventually ended up at Voler’s, trying to get what information I could. I was surprised and I fought with Lexa.” Kiri explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That was the girl who was with you when you first arrived here?” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Yes, I found out what had happened to her since she was taken from my bar before it burned. She told me about how Voler tortured her and she finally gave in and joined him. When I tried to leave, she stopped me and we fought. It was only by her being distracted that I could get the best of her.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance’s face went white. Half dressed, he ran towards the door and outside. Unsure of what was happening, Kiri followed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance looked around and yelled, “EVERYONE UP, WE MOVE IMMEDIATELY!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri saw lights come on and flaps open to hundreds of small tents which lined the field. Creance ran back inside as Kiri stood staring at the tents, until she realized that these were members of the Network and they must’ve arrived during the night while she was in the town.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri realized that Creance had gone back inside. Kiri stepped into what looked like a war zone. Creance was running back and forth grabbing belongings and stashing them into bags. Blesser was trying to help but unsure of what to do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What’s happening?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Voler and the Envahir know where we are. If your friend puts it together, they will change their plans and start over here before marching to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. They could easily figure out where you are, Voler knows that I am with the Network; by now, with that sword, they know you are leading the Network. They may very well set out to wipe out The Network as their main priority. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The people who are in the tents you saw outside are a good portion of the members of The Network. They have been arriving throughout the evening. The plan was that we would gather here and then move on to protect <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Now we have to move sooner, though we still have others arriving. Although, if we can arrive there before The Envahir; we may be able to place a number of our people on the inside.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance stepped outside, called for someone and a young man ran up to him. Creance spoke with the young man for a short time. The young man ran to his tent, grabbed a couple of things and ran off through the woods.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance came back in, “I just sent a runner to warn the rest of The Network that we had to move and have them meet us at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance threw some of the bags at Kiri and Blesser, “Follow me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">They dragged the bags outside and a few hundred yards from the hut near a tree, Creance began to uncover a hatch. He took the bags and shoved them into the hiding spot. When Kiri looked at him, questioningly he said, “If they come, they’ll take everything and burn the hut. I’m trying to save everything I can. Remember, this is all I have.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>When they returned to the hut there were others there. Sallan was there with another man and two women. As they entered, Creance greeted them. He began to speak with them and then stopped abruptly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri, would you join us please? This concerns you.” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Understanding that he would be intruding, Blesser excused himself and stepped outside. As Kiri approached the group, they bowed their heads and gave a small salute.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri these are some of the members of The Network’s committee or representatives of members. Sallan, you are familiar with.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I was pleased to here how well your sword play went. I would like to hear more when the time allows.” Sallan said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This is Elaine, William and …” Creance paused, “and Marcia.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri shook hands with Elaine, William and Marcia. Marcia took Kiri’s hand in both of hers and said, “I have waited a long time for this.” Kiri smiled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“There will be three groups.” Creance said, “Divide the people up in the best way you see fit. Elaine you will lead one group and William the other. The third group will be led by me, Marcia and Kiri. We will each leave via a different direction. We will position our groups in the areas we have selected. The six of us and any others of the committee will meet near the southwest of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in two days to finalize any plans. The others who will be arriving later have been given these orders. If there are any changes, a runner will be sent. Are there any questions?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance looked around at the small group. “We leave immediately.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The group broke up and Elaine and William left, Blesser came back in, feeling that he was no longer intruding.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I know that you haven’t had much time to rest but, we must leave now.” Creance said to Kiri, “ I promise that you will have time to rest soon enough.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Creance handed Kiri and Blesser some clothes and a few other belongings. “Here, you will need these.” He also handed them a couple of traveling packs that were filled and had a small tent tied to them. They left the hut and Creance stopped and looked back into the hut, he shut the door, turned and started walking. With his sword strapped to his side and his traveling pack on his back he started towards the woods.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Gather up! We move.” Creance called.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Quickly, about 20 people all with packs lined up near Creance and the others. Creance walked towards a path in the woods while Kiri and the others followed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri took some time to get adjusted to walking with the traveling pack strapped to her back. The walking was slow, especially in the dark. The trail was hard to follow. The only advantage they had was that there was a moon this evening. The moon allowed them to see the path or at least the person in front of them. Everyone had the responsibility to make sure they kept close to the person in front of them and keep the person behind them equally close.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They walked most of the night, only stopping a few times near a creek for water. They walked until the moon began to set and they were losing light. Everyone found a place to lie down and sleep. They did not spend the time setting up tents; they only covered up and went to sleep. A few guards were set to keep watch. Kiri found a fairly comfortable spot to lie down and as she began to drift off to sleep, she heard Creance and Marcia having a heated discussion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The sun was already up when Kiri was shaken awake. Kiri sat up and looked around. She saw the woods surrounding them and saw others waking up and gathering their belongings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Here eat this.” Blesser said, handing her a piece of fruit, “I don’t imagine we will get much to eat while we are traveling but, from what Creance said, we should be at our destination this evening if we make good time.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri thankfully took the piece of fruit and enjoyed the meager breakfast. It wasn’t long before she had her pack back on and they were making their way through the woods. The woods began to open up and the path widened so that they could at least walk side by side at times.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What were you and Marcia discussing last night?” Kiri asked Creance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance looked at Kiri, appeared like he was going to say something and then said, “Now is not the time.” and walked away to avoid any more questions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It was late morning when they stumbled upon two of The Envahir’s soldiers. The soldiers grabbed their swords and started towards Creance and Kiri. Kiri and the others dropped their packs and pulled their swords. When the soldiers realized they were grossly outnumbered, they turned and began to run away. Creance stepped forward and swung at one of the men, cutting open his side. As he spun around to see where the attack came from, Crenace swung from the other direction and took off the man’s head. The other soldier ran off into the woods, Kiri ran after him with Blesser on her heels. A few minutes later, they came back dragging an obviously dead soldier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance called two men over and ordered them to search the area to see if these men were alone or if there are others. The men came back after a short while, reporting that these soldiers appeared to be a scouting party.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“By the time they are discovered to be missing, we will be far away from here. Remove their clothing and dispose of them.” Creance ordered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They were moving again but, this time; it felt like Creance was trying to move them faster.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It wasn’t until much later in the day, near evening that Creance looked around the field they were in and announced that they would stay there. Everyone was busy erecting their tents and starting cooking fires. Kiri began to understand that not only were they hungry and tired; they were also trying to get everything set up before it was too dark. Kiri set up her tent and began to cook a meal. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The nest morning when Kiri woke, it felt much more like a normal morning.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-90503696572733320002008-01-24T21:40:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:41:39.245-05:00Novel - Day 34 - 2,533 / 32,950<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri slid back into the dark and made her way across town. She had one more stop to make before returning home. She made her way to the one house in town where she knew she wouldn’t have any trouble entering. There was no activity near the house, so she slipped in through the unlocked door. The interior of the house was dark and quiet. Kiri moved slowly and tried to avoid the windows. She searched the house.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri found a room that appeared to be Voler’s office.<span style=""> </span>She was searching the desktop and the drawers for anything that may be of use to her, when she heard the door open and the light from a lantern blinded her. She could see a figure standing in the doorway, with a sword in one hand. The figure raised the lantern and Kiri could see the face.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lexa!” Kiri exclaimed, starting towards her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stopped as Lexa raised the point of the sword towards her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do you think you are doing?” Lexa asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lexa, it’s me, Kiri. What’s happened to you?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Lexa set the lantern on a stand and moved closer to Kiri. She just stared at Kiri, watching her. Kiri stopped looking through the desk and waited, unsure of what Lexa might do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I should’ve known it was you.” Lexa said. “I never did see any evidence that you had died in the fire. I should’ve known you were the one causing all of these annoying little problems.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“At least I’ve been doing something. I tried looking for you. What did they do to you?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You don’t really believe that I just showed up on your doorstep and decided to become your friend do you? I was ordered to go there. Voler sent me. He wanted me to get close to you so we could use your establishment as a headquarters and because a lot of information is passed in a place like your. You understand, the more people drink, the more they talk. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I overheard you talking with the mayor one day about needing help and I thought I found my opportunity. So I showed up and let you believe that I was sent by the mayor. My job was easy, get to know you and convince you to open the rooms for rent. Then when the time was right, I was to convince you to allow The Envahir use your place as their headquarters. If you had, things would’ve been much different for this town. Later I was also to try and convince you to join us.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So you’ve always been one of them?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes but things changed, I started to like you and I thought I had found a way out.” Lexa said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“A way out of what?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Out of The Envahir and away from Voler. You see, he had me in his grasp. He had me under his control and I was scrambling for a way to get out. I thought if I could get far enough away from him, I’d be able to escape. But, then I realized that I couldn’t do it alone. I decided to try and get your help but I couldn’t give you any information. I was taking a chance, if you were connected with Voler, I would be found out and he would have me punished or killed. So I tried to convince you to do the things I needed help with and I attempted to do so without giving you any information. I was so close but, you needed to get back to your bar and that was when Voler and his group walked in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>He figured out soon enough what I was up too. Even that night, I was trying to defy him and he knew it. The last thing I remember is the fight at your bar and the next thing I new, I woke up in a jail cell with an enormous headache. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I was left there for sometime, practically outside. They didn’t give me much to eat and drink. Voler eventually came to see me. I begged him to let me go, he actually enjoyed the fact that I was begging, he laughed. He was angry about my decisions and what I was trying to do. He had me tortured.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stared at her, not knowing what to say.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“He wanted to teach me a lesson and punish me. He has always wanted to keep me close at hand and to do whatever he asks. To make sure I always listened to him and did what he asked, he carried out most of the torture himself. I believe that he really enjoyed it. He would leave me chained up in a dark cold room where I couldn’t see or hear anything for what felt like days, they were long and slow, I lost track of time. He barely allowed me any food or water. He would only unchain me to whip me; I would look forward to those moments, just to know I was still alive for, in the dark I would beg to just die. I eventually broke. I gave in and agreed to his demands.” Lexa explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lexa, we can leave now! Come with me, he won’t be able to find you. You will be protected. You can be free of him forever.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I can’t do that. I can’t even think about it; I could never endure that torture again.<span style=""> </span>I am committed to him. I can’t leave him.” Lexa said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If you won’t come with me then I will have to leave without you.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I can’t let you do that.” Lexa said, pointing the sword at Kiri.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What are you talking about; I have to get out of here before he finds me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Like I said, I can’t let you do that. If he discovers that you were here and he realizes that I let you leave, he would kill me. Besides, as I told you, I am committed to him. He would want you taken alive, knowing that you are the one who has been causing all of the problems in town. However, if I have to kill you to hand you over to him, so be it.” Lexa said as she raised her sword.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri quickly reached for her sword and blocked as Lexa swung at her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What the hell!” Kiri thought.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Lexa began to advance on Kiri and drive her backwards until she began to remember the training Sallan had given her. Just as Lexa began to think she would be able to take Kiri with ease, Kiri started to fight back, defending herself. They were pretty evenly matched. Kiri looked for a way to gain the upper hand when she thought that she could use some of Leste’s training. Kiri started to move in ways which would throw Lexa off, causing her to take a double take and actually have to start looking for where Kiri was. Kiri realized that this very well could be a long fight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You’ve learned to fight well, in such a short period of time.” Lexa said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They parried back and forth for a while until they heard someone coming through the front door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“In here!” Lexa yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri took advantage of the distraction and kicked Lexa backwards, grabbing ahold of the large bookcase; she pulled it over on top of Lexa, knocking her unconscious. Kiri headed for the window when she looked up and saw Voler standing in the doorway.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“YOU!” Voler shouted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri froze.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler glanced at the lifeless body of Lexa. “So you’re the one causing issues in the town. I guess you’ve learned how to put up a good fight. It would have been much simpler had you just joined us. You would have still been able to have your bar and could’ve run it without incident and we wouldn’t have had such disruption within the town.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler moved. Kiri braced for attack. Voler used his foot to pick a stool up off of the floor and sat on it, not taking his eyes off of Kiri.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri said, “Your girlfriend lies on the floor unconscious and you want to make a deal?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ppfft”, Voler said waving his hand towards Lexa, “I tire of her. But you show interest. Join with me and I will order that your inn is rebuilt by the morning if that is what you wish.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I’d never join with you or The Envahir. I’d rather die first.” Kiri said. Voler looked at her with the expression that it could be arranged. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“But I’d take you with me, or at least give you a matching scar on your other cheek.” Kiri said, pointing her sword at him. The metal of the sword glinted in the firelight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler stared at the sword with a look of fear and shock.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That, that sword where did you get it?” Voler asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stood upright and said with pride, “From my father! Who, if you remember, was the one who gave you the scar on your cheek.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler’s look of shock turned into one of disbelief. “It can’t be! You died, you fell.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I hear that’s the story they had you believe.” Kiri said, “But the truth stands before you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I assume that if you carry the sword that means you are the leader, like your father?” Voler asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri did not answer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I know more about you than you realize Voler. I know the truth about you and how you came to your position with The Envahir.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“LIES! All lies.” Voler said. “You think you know what happened but your stories have been poisoned over the years and the truth has been distorted. I can tell you the truth, the real story which your father was ashamed or feared to tell you.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler paused for a bit, watching Kiri who didn’t move.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This, all of this was your father’s idea.” Voler gestured around him. “This army of soldiers, The Envahir, everything was his idea. Your father was a bit older than the rest of us, we looked up to him. He wanted to create his own little dictatorship. He forced a few of us to join him; he wanted this little militia of his own that he threatened to kill us if we didn’t join with him. He started to recruit others to join and soon, it began to take on a life of its own, and he wouldn’t have to threaten them to belong, they wanted to be a part of it because everyone else was.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>You look a little surprised by the truth.” Voler said seeing Kiri’s reaction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s just I never heard this version of the story, continue.” Kiri said encouraging Voler to finish his story, hoping to find information she could use.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“He wanted to build his own army and then take over The Network and turn it into a killing machine. But his greed and anger turned our own people against him and his ideas. They started to leave and it was best because if they had stayed, they would have most likely killed him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I tried to reason with him, let him know that we could use our skills in a better way. He threatened me that if I ever said anything against him again, he would personally kill me and that I should never leave or he would hunt me down. I realized that I was trapped, feeling alone and threatened, I begged our friend, Epier to stay. Reluctantly he did.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>By the time most of our group had left, he was already trying to work his way into The Envahir. To impress them, your father had already made plans to wipe out a shipping company and steal their boats. I tried to explain that we couldn’t accomplish it without having more manpower. He became very angry and violent. He forced us to carry out our attack just as he had planned. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The plan started to work well and we began to take the crew captive, we had them bound and had planned to release them safely. Then, your father just went crazy; he started swinging his sword, that sword, killing all of the crew, even though they were bound and not a threat. Your father had got a taste of blood and wanted more!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I tried to stop him and begged him to turn back to shore. I couldn’t let him kill more and do more damage; I started to turn the boat around and we started to fight, which is how I got this scar. When I started to win and it showed that he would either be killed or captured, he grabbed the weakling, Creance and jumped overboard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>During the fight, the tiller was damaged, having no way to steer the ship, we ran aground, shipwrecked and injured. It wasn’t long after that The Envahir found us and nursed us back to health. The stories we began to hear that your father had spread about us, made me realize that we could never go home. The Envahir took us in and gave us a home.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri just looked at him for a while, and then shook her head. “That’s a good story; forgive me if I don’t hold much faith in it. I just have a hard time believing it. For you see, I knew who my father was. While he may have had a sense of adventure, he was definitely not the person you described.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Of course you wouldn’t believe the truth once you have finally heard it. But that is your decision to make, just as your father had made his.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Seeing an opportunity, Kiri said, “Thanks for the story now I must leave.” as she backed towards the window.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You will not get a step away from the house before all of my guards are upon you.” Voler said confidently.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That is true but, you underestimate me and that I am my father’s daughter. This is for my father.” Kiri said as she sliced her sword across Volers’ left cheek sending blood spraying. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler screamed in pain, grabbing at his face. Kiri kicked him in the chest sending him falling backwards onto the toppled bookcase. Kiri started out the door and stopped. With the tip of her sword she knocked the lantern from the stand sending it crashing to the floor spraying oil and flames across the room. Kiri ran from the building and without worrying who saw her, she was sprinting across town, heading for the woods.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As she was near the other side of the town, a Sergeant Gamin stepped into view. Before he could yell for her to stop, Kiri had launched herself at her, kicking him straight in the stomach. Kiri rolled on the ground, quickly scrambled up and continued running. A quick glanced showed her that the soldier was still lying on the ground curled up in pain. Kiri was able to escape the town as the soldiers began rushing towards Voler’s house. She didn’t stop running until she was at the hut. She woke Creance immediately.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-44211858645385940712008-01-23T21:38:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:40:15.650-05:00Novel - Day 33 - 2,215 / 30,417<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri found that moving through the town was slow. She knew most of the people would be sleeping but there were many more patrols and quite a few were just milling about, preparing for the march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. More than once she almost crossed paths with soldiers. She slowly made her way cross town. She moved along the back of a building, keeping close to the side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Don’ move.” a voice said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri froze and started to look around until she felt the point of a sword under her chin. Kiri froze. A soldier walked into view.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What are you doing?” the soldier said, “Don’t you know you’re out after curfew?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri didn’t respond.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Come with <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">me.</st1:State></st1:place>” the soldier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri started to fight, reaching for her sword; the soldier knocked her in the side of the head with the hilt of his sword, sending her to the ground. He quickly bound her hands behind her back. “Damn townspeople.” he muttered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Get up!” the soldier said as he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a standing position, “You need to be put in lock up. Maybe that will teach you to stay in when you are supposed to and to not fight with a soldier of the Envahir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The soldier pushed Kiri in front of him. Her mind was racing to find a way out of this situation; but, she couldn’t find anything which wouldn’t bring the whole town down upon her. Especially with her having the disadvantage of having her hands tied. The soldier led her to a makeshift jail which was simply the overhang of a roof which had bars attached to it, to keep its occupants from leaving. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Got another one for ya!” the soldier said to the guard standing watch in front of the jail.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The soldier shoved Kiri up against the bars and pushed his arm against her neck, holding her in that position while he untied the cord that bound her wrists. He shoved her into the jail, kicking her through the doorway. Kiri tumbled sprawling onto the straw covered floor. Kiri tried for the door but the door was shut before she could even turn around.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The soldiers walked over to stand next to the fire which was a little ways away and talked for a short while. It wasn’t long until the soldier who had captured Kiri had left, leaving the guard alone on his watch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri looked around; it was dark and smelled musty. Straw was thrown on the ground which did little to cover the dirt and even less for warmth; in the far corner was a pile. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“There has to be a way out of here.” Kiri said to herself. “Come on, think, think.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I know that voice.” someone said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Who’s there?” Kiri asked as she saw the pile in the corner move.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The figure came closer and moved into where there was some light.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Miller Johnson?” Kiri asked, “Is that you?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, yes it is. I thought I recognized your voice Kiri. How did you get here? We thought you were –“</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, I know, you thought I was dead. I’ve heard it before.” Kiri said. “They captured me and now, I’ve got to find a way out. Who knows we are here?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Nobody, they put you in here and they forget about you. If you are in here, you are of no concern to them; there is only one way out and that is when they drag your dead body out of here.” Miller Johnson said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri continued to look around for a way out and was trying to come up with new ideas. “Why did they put you in here?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I tried to speak out against them. They tried to use their tactics on me.” Miller Johnson laughed, “Ha, those tactics won’t work on me. I don’t really care what people think of me, I’m too old to care. I’ve plowed the farm long enough to know that people will make up their minds about you and no matter what happens, you can’t change that. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I also don’t have anything or anyone in this world that I care enough about that they can hang over my head. That’s how they do it you know, they find what you care about or fear that others will find out about and they hang it over your head; trying to get you to dance the jig they want you to dance. Well I won’t do it damn it and they know it! They didn’t like that they couldn’t control me but they didn’t think I was a real threat, so they through me in here.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What were you saying against them?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I was just trying to tell people to stand up against them and to fight for their town before everything was lost. They let me go for a while; I think they believed that I was just some senile old man. Once I began to tell everyone what I knew about them and the things I would hear; they began to take notice and I was locked up rather quickly. It’s a shame too because I believe that I was beginning to get through to some of them.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What did you know about them? What did you hear?” Kiri questioned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ah, it’s old news now. It was just that once they were done with this town, they were going to march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.” Miller Johnson said, “It wasn’t so much that I knew they were going to do this as it was a hunch. I guess I weren’t that far off the truth.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, I guess you weren’t. But what is so special about <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, why the big push to take it over?” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The Envahir is an army without a home. Actually, rumor has it, that they do have a place where they hide out but, I believe that they are tired of hiding out. There forces are growing larger. They want to take over a country so that they can be recognized as a real army rather than just a band of mercenaries. When The Envahir accomplishes that, they can then develop their country to support themselves and grow their army large enough so that they can take over other countries. Voler wants to be the first of The Envahir to take <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What? I thought Voler was The Envahir.” Kiri said</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Oh no. Voler wasn’t much more than a two bit thug. He was captured by the Envahir and they were prepared to kill him but, he had fought back and the Envahir found his skills to be useful; so he convinced them to let him hand his small band of cohorts join the Envahir. He quickly rose in the ranks and became strong in the Envahir. But Voler wants more, much more. Voler plan is to take <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> not for the Envahir but instead for himself. Once he has control of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, he will use it to take control of the Envahir. He will then be strong enough that he couldn’t be stopped.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What if Voler’s plan fails and he can’t take control of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If Voler can’t take control of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, his plan falls apart. He doesn’t have the power then to take over The Envahir and they will see what his plan was and he will be exposed. The Envahir would not let him live. If for some reason, he was able to take <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> but couldn’t take over The Envahir, then it would not be a complete loss. The Envahir would still have Control of Capital City and Voler would just wait for his time and build followers loyal to him and in time he would rule The Envahir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was about to ask other questions when Miller Johnson pulled her into the shadows.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Shhh.” Miller Johnson whispered, “You don’t want to be noticed.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri noticed that another soldier had arrived and was talking to the guard who was watching their jail. The guard was standing at attention while the soldier was talking.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I said that you were relieved. Is that understood? Or should I give you a punishment for disobeying orders?” the soldier asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No Sir!” the guard said as he saluted, turned and ran off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The soldier paced near the watch fire for a while. He then slowly walked towards the jail. He stopped and looked through the bars.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri?” the soldier called.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stepped forward, out of the shadows, Miller Johnson pulled on her arm urging her not to go. Kiri saw the soldiers face in the dim light from the watch fire.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Epier?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier didn’t say anything or make any motion, he fumbled for a key and quickly unlocked the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But I thought you said…”Kiri began.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Never mind what I said. You’ve got to get out of here.” Epier explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri strated out of the cell stopped and reached back in, grabbing Miller Johnson and pulling him out. Epier looked at the old man but didn’t say anything. Epier then put his weight on the door frame and tried to bend the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Thank you.” Kiri said as she began to leave.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Wait!” Epier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Miller Johnson was struck with fear that they had been double crossed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hit me” Epier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What?” Kiri asked</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Hit me! It has to look real. I’ve got to look like I lost a fight. Otherwise, he’ll know.” Epier explaied.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Epier I can’t do that” Kiri said as she saw a pole come swinging towards her; smacking Epier in the side of the head, sending him into the jail bars, splitting open his head. Epier’s body collapsed on the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Friend or no friend, I’m not passing up a chance to hit one of them” Miller Johnson said, dropping a pole to the ground. “Come on, someone will find him and when they do, we’ve got to be away from here.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Miller Johnson and Kiri ran behind buildings and hid in shadows to move through the town.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You go on, find a safe place and keep out of trouble. I’ve got other work I need to do before I move on.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Miller Johnson nodded and left without a word. Kiri turned and continued through town. Kiri found the house she was looking for. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If they’ve been moved, my freedom could be short lived.” Kiri thought.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri found a window where the shutter wasn’t pulled tightly shut. She peaked through, seeing some light, she waited until she saw what she was looking for. Quietly, she tapped on the window. No response. Again she tapped on the window, she saw the people inside looking at one another. She tapped again. The light was dimmed and the window shutter was opened. Without a word, she climbed in through the window, the people inside helping her. They closed the shutter and opened the cover on the light.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri looked up and saw the shocked expression on Sam and Ted’s faces. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Howdy boys.” she said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri, what…”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How did you…”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What are you…” they said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Guys, I don’t have much time but, I do need some help.” Kiri said, “I didn’t know who else to turn to. I remembered how you were saying that there was a conspiracy and I figured that you two may be the best ones to help.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri explained to Sam and Ted the plans that Voler had to march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and his plans for the town.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What I need from you guys is some way for you to tear down the defenses here after they have left to march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. They will be taking as many of their forces with them as they can. They will fortify the town with barricades and they will only leave behind what soldiers can be spared to hold this town and run it as a prison, or destroy it if need be. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I need you guys to organize the townspeople. Do not let anyone else in the town, we don’t want them walking into a prison. Besides, if you can organize those on the outside as well, you can put added pressure on the guards which will help them to crumble. Once you have everyone organized, make life hard on the guards; divide them and then start a revolt. Turn the tables on them and take back control of our town.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What if the soldiers come back or they send reinforcements back?” Sam asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If Voler sends reinforcements back from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> then, we have most likely lost the battle and lie dead or imprisoned somewhere. I would suggest that you do what is in your best interest; but act quickly because Voler would not show any mercy.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But where will you be?” Ted asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I will most likely be in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, defending it against the Envahir. I must go now. Can I count on the two of you to do what I ask?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, most definitely” both Sam and Ted said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“When we pull this off, the beer’s on me.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri closed the cover on the lantern, peeked out the window, opened the shutter and climbed out the window.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-42052022805613416552008-01-22T21:37:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:38:45.846-05:00Novel - Day 32 - 1,472 / 28,203<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The mayor shifted in his bed and sat more upright. Kiri could see the worry and concern on his face. She knew that he wouldn’t get any more sleep this evening, once she left, he would toss and turn, fighting to get back to sleep. But, with too many concerns on his mind, he will finally give up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t know much. He doesn’t tell me anything. He just comes to me to convince people to do what he wants. He says, because they’ll listen to me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Come on Mayor, I know better than that. They may not share the info with you but I know that you hear things and you know more of what’s happening than you let on.” Kiri said, “Or have you become one of them and join the ranks of The Envahir?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“NEVER!” the Mayor said with force trying to not raise his voice. “This is MY town. I was one of the people who started this town and built it up from nothing. Long before you can even remember. Even before you and your father came to this town. Yes, I remember when you and your father came to town.” the mayor said, seeing the look on Kiri’s face.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You were young, quite young and your father was a good man who just wanted to make a life for you and him. He struggled to make ends meet but was happy to be here and was more happy, or should I say proud of you. I was not a close friend of his but I could say that I knew him well enough to know that he would be very proud of the young lady you have become.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>You weren’t the only ones who came; I saw everyone who came to this town and watched the town grow over the years. I celebrated every triumph and witnessed the disaster when the tornados ripped through the town destroying everything in its path. But I also saw the townspeople resilience when they crawled out from beneath the rubble and began to rebuild. It showed me how much these townspeople cared for one another, how they put aside their differences and worked together to help each other. You may be too young to remember but, that is how your bar became an inn. The roof was ripped right off of the place. When we began to talk about rebuilding, everyone agreed that we needed rooms to rent out for travelers and it could house those who needed it, until their homes were rebuilt. So we added the second floor onto your place.” the Mayor said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“And now it’s nothing but a pile of ashes.” Kiri said with sadness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You watch, once this disturbance with the Envahir blows over, the people of this town will rebuild; and that includes your place, if that’s what you want.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>But like I said, this is my town; I care about this town and everything that happens to it and the people who live here. I am proud of this town and to be the mayor and have a hand in shaping its direction. So I do not take the invasion of the Envahir lightly, and for you to even suggest that I have joined their ranks offends me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I may not have taken an active stance against them and it would have been suicide for me to do so. So I felt it more prudent to stay in their good graces and learn what I may and wait for my opportunity. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Besides, I had no choice, they …” Mayor Smithson fell silent. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri could see that he had become quite nervous.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What? What is it?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>She thought he wasn’t going to answer when he began to speak in a barely audible whisper.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They know things about me, not good things. They’ve threatened to use them against me if I ever went against them. I know it sounds silly but, these things would destroy my life and my family. So I had no choice but to do what they asked of me. They also said I should never tell anyone about it or they would expose me. You, you are the only one I have told, I haven’t even told my wife. Please, please, you can’t say anything; promise me you won’t say anything.” Mayor Smithson begged, curled up and crying in fear and relief.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I promise.” Kiri whispered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri waited for the mayor to calm down.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If they have this type of control over you, who else might they have control over? Mayor this is all the more reason that we need to take a stand now. So that you and all of our townspeople can be free of Voler and the Envahir’s control.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">“What do you want me to do?” Mayor Smithson asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“First I want to know what the plans Voler has for taking <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> are and also what he plans for this town and the people. Then I have a job for you.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The mayor looked at Kiri and she noticed that he seemed more relaxed and at ease; she realized that a heavy burden had been lifted from him. She was right, the mayor didn’t care at this point what became of himself, he only wanted to make things right; because he knew that if they didn’t take care of him, Voler would never leave.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Like I said, I don’t know much because he doesn’t tell me things but, I do overhear some things and I pick up bits of information. I overheard Voler and his right hand man, Epier talking the other day.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was surprised when she heard Epier’s name but was thankful her emotion was hidden in the darkness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The mayor continued, “They were saying that they were going to seal off the roads to Capital City and send in people to take over and manipulate the town leaders much in the same way they people of this town had been.” The mayor hung his head in shame.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What else?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They said that they were beginning, well, it will be two days from now. They also said that our town was to become a prison; and if something went wrong, the remaining soldiers were to destroy it and all the townspeople.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Here is what I need from you. I want you to convince Voler to allow you to be one of the people who go into <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> to gather information on the town leaders and convince them to work with the Envahir. You will then feed false information to Voler.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I, I can’t do that, he would kill me immediately!” the mayor said. “Why would he let me do that? Besides he wouldn’t let me go alone, he’d think I’d escape.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No he won’t, he won’t kill you. He has too many things beginning all at once; he won’t have the time to check the validity of your information so, he has to take you for your word. He’ll like the idea of you getting the information because you will look less suspicious and, you said it yourself, ‘You can convince people to do what you want, because they’ll listen to you.’ As you gain the ‘information’, quietly inform the City leaders of the planned attack and to instruct them to prepare quietly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As for Voler not letting you go alone I agree, he won’t want you out of his sights; so make sure that he sends Epier as your escort.” Kiri instructed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What! Are you crazy? His right hand man.” the mayor exclaimed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Don’t ask questions; just accept that it may be your best bet to pull off that which you have been asked to do.” Kiri explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What if these plans don’t work? What happens then, what will happen to the town?” the Mayor asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was silent for a little while, thinking.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Over the years as mayor, have you not made a few unpopular decisions?” the mayor shook his head at her question, “I’m sure that of all the decisions you made, not all of them completed flawlessly. But, those decisions made but a ripple in the pond because there was a bigger picture which you could see. You were able to work towards that bigger picture and see it to completion and the small disturbances were nothing more than an inconvenience. That is the way these plans are; don’t fret if these plans don’t work out, there is a bigger picture which we will see to completion. But I have faith in you.” Kiri said as she began to back out of the door. Stopping at the door, she said, “and Mayor, I’m sure you can begin to see that bigger picture for your town again.” and she was gone.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-86412922795731602302008-01-21T21:35:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:37:22.305-05:00Novel - Day 31 - 3,119 / 26,731<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Snapping out of his daze, Creance said, “Because of that night, your father and I both understood the Network’s stand on protecting the country in a passive way. They felt that killing was a senseless thing to do. Your father felt shamed and disgusted because of his actions that night. While we learned to resist killing as a way of solving issues, Voler discovered the opposite. He began to invite it; he began to thirst for blood and the power he had over others when he could control them or knew he could defeat them in a fight.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Did you have other run-ins with Voler? Why didn’t you stop him if you knew who he was? How do you know you can trust Epier if he’s tied to Voler?” Kiri asked, her eyes lighting up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Your father knew the only reason he had lived that night was because of Voler’s inexperience with a sword and because I pushed him overboard.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So you had saved his life and he knew it?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes. From that point on, our friendship grew stronger. We looked out for each other and learned from each other and of course, from our mistakes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We did have other encounters with Voler. Mostly we tried to avoid him, we felt that he had changed and became a person we didn’t like anymore; not that we liked him a whole lot to begin with. We never really had any big problems with him. He would come back to our town and try to gather others our age to join him. Some saw him for what he was; thinking he was a few pickles shy of a barrel. Others did join him, some never to be seen again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We didn’t stop him because we didn’t think he was that dangerous. You have to remember, he was only a teen like us. We didn’t even see any of the destruction or problems he was causing until much later when he had grown in power. By that point, we wouldn’t have been able to stop him if we had wanted to, he had become too powerful. It then became an issue for the Network. When your father took over the Network, we silently made an agreement; that we would use the Network to take down Voler. Before he died, he made me swear to several things, one of which was to uphold that agreement and see to it that Voler was defeated.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As for Epier; he was always a good person at heart but, made some wrong decisions. Voler knew how to manipulate him to do what he wanted. Epier would fall for it every time, mostly because he had a strong desire to feel needed and excepted. Epier would often come to us asking for advice on how he could get away from Voler. He would take our advice and it would appear as though he may succeed when Voler would turn the tables and manipulate him in some way so that he felt he was trapped and he would have to stay.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>There were several times when Voler tried to kill us, Epier put his own life in the way to save us. We would see him a week later and you could still see the scars where Voler had punished him; whipping him to within an inch of his life. You see, Voler would never kill Epier, he could manipulate and use him too easily, but he wouldn’t stand for insubordination, so he would punish him severely. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>By the time Epier had become an adult and had developed the common sense many do at that age, he realized that he wouldn’t be able to leave Voler; at least not alive. More importantly, he realized that he could do more good than harm in his position. He came to us one dark moonless night; he called to us from the shadows. We built a small fire and we could tell in the small light that his face was white as a ghost; he was afraid of Voler but, more afraid that we would turn him down. He asked us, no more like begged us to let him work for the Network as a spy within the newly formed Envahir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We were reluctant at first, we felt that he may be setup by Voler but, he gave us information which would prove to be true. As time went on, he continued to provide us with information and our trust in him grew. His information was always correct. We questioned him about this one time and he said, ‘If I ever gave you wrong information, you would cease to trust me, and my cover with the Envahir would be blown. For that Voler would surely kill me.’ He has never been wrong about information and never misled us.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But what does all of this have to do with you being my protector and where do I come into the story anyway; does Voler know who I am and what else happened with my father?” Kiri asked, eager to hear as much as possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“After the first adventure, your father’s education of the leadership of the Network continued. He came to realize that his reluctance to lead the Network was due to fear of the unknown and inexperience; much like that of your own reluctance. Eventually he did accept it and grew stronger as a leader. He was a good leader. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I was always by his side and because of that, I also grew stronger within the Network. Many years later, you were just a baby; we had a run-in with Voler. We were traveling; we came across Voler and some of his men. We discovered later that they had planned the ambush. Voler wanted to kill your father but, he realized that by taking you, he would hurt your father even more and collapse the Network. Voler’s plan was to kidnap you and mold you into his image. If, for some reason, he was not able to kidnap you, he was willing to simply kill you. We weren’t prepared for a fight; we chose to flee instead of fighting. Your father distracted Voler by fighting with him while I ran with you. It was then that I heard the agonizing scream; your father had been wounded. I quickly hid you, so you wouldn’t be found and went back to help your father. Your father was lying on the ground, wounded and unable to walk, protecting himself with his sword. Blood was pouring from Voler’s face.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Voler’s scar!” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, exactly.” Creance said, “It was only a matter of time before your father no longer had the strength to defend himself. I came running up, grabbed his sword and was able to deflect Voler’s attack. When I did, I was able to hit the wound on his face with the side of the sword; this caused him to scream in pain, I took advantage of the moment and kicked him in the chest sending him hurtling down the hill. I picked your father up and carried him to where you were, wanting to get each of you as far away as possible. As we reached where I had hidden you, one of Voler’s men had discovered you and was trying to run off with you. Immediately, I dropped your father, this sent him screaming in pain but I was focused on saving you. I ran and flung myself at the man, the three of us rolled down the hill and over the cliff. I had a hold of a tree root with one hand and your basket with the other. The only problem was Voler’s man was hanging on for his life to your basket. I fought to keep you upright so you didn’t fall out while the man fought for his life. He eventually lost the fight and his grip slipped. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I climbed back up with your basket in my teeth. I don’t think I ever saw your father so relieved. I tended to your father’s wounds and traveled as fast as I could carrying the two of you. We found shelter in a small cave until your father was able to travel on his own. It was during this time that he appointed me your protector. He said that I had always been his unwilling protector and that if I was able to do that and was willing to give my life for you, that there could be no better or more trusted protector.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance sat quietly, looking at the stream. Kiri didn’t speak, understanding that he needed the time to reminisce.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As for the other question you asked earlier”, Creance said, “if Voler knew who you were when he had come into your inn, he would have killed you immediately. For he knew what you mean to the Network and what that would do to the Envahir. However, I don’t believe that he would have reason to suspect who you were. You see, after this incident, we felt that there would only be more attempts upon your life. We decided to leave your basket behind and hide you the best we could among our belongings. We then spread the rumor that you had fallen over the cliff and died. Your true existence was only known to a few within the Network. It was not long afterwards that you and our father moved to this town to begin a new life. He ruled the Network from your inn; using those he could trust to convey his wishes to the Network. He was grooming you to become the next leader of the Network when he died.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How did my father die?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That is not a story I am able or willing to share for it is not mine to share but another’s.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Who’s story is it to tell? Who will tell me the story?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance shook his head, “That I cannot say. However, what I will tell you is that when your father was dying, he asked me to renew my oath to be your protector. Which I did. Immediately following his death, I came here and watched over you from a distance. Now you understand why I was there to pull you from the fire. I was coming that evening to see you and talk to you alone. To try and tell you your story because I felt that it may now be the time especially since Voler was getting so close to you; it may only have been a matter of time before he discovered who you were. When the soldiers came into your bar that evening, I knew I wouldn’t be able to talk to you. Had Voler seen me, he would have definitely recognized me immediately and he would have figured out who you were before he even left your bar. So I stuck to the shadows and waited.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Thank you.” was all Kiri could think of saying.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They stared at the water flowing in the streambed. Creance picked up the sword and unwrapped it. He ran his hands over it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As leader of the Network, this was your father’s sword. By your birthright, it becomes your sword when you accept your duty to become the leader of the Network. Your father was hesitant just as you are. Many great leaders do not feel they are great, only doing their duty, what is right and treating others with respect. However it is those exact qualities which make a leader great.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I saw those qualities in your father just as I see them in you. While you may be hesitant to take on the duties you have been called for, I believe that you won’t be able to ignore them. I also feel that you have a need which desires to be filled; a need for justice and making things right. But the choice is yours, you may choose not to lead the Network or you may choose to fulfill your birthright by leading them. While you decide, realize that your decision effects more than yourself. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Why don’t you sit here and think about things for a while and make your decision. When you have reached a decision, I will be at home.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance laid the sword on the log and walked back to the hut.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>A while later, the door to the hut opened and Kiri stood in the doorway holding the sword. “I don’t know what else my life would hold for me if I didn’t accept being leader of the Network. I have nothing left and no future otherwise and I want my life to have meaning and purpose. Also, I feel that this is what my father would have wanted me to do. So yes, I accept the position as leader of the Network.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes it is what your father would have wanted for you. That is good news that you have chosen to be the leader. Otherwise I would have had some difficult explaining to do, for you see, when I sent Leste off with our news; I also had her relay the news to the council that you had accepted the position of leader.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How could you be so sure I would’ve accepted?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Like I said, I would’ve had some difficult explaining to do. Although I knew you were your father’s daughter and like him, you would rise to the calling.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Where do we go from here? What comes next?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The first order of business is to have Sallan teach you how to use the sword you are carrying.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>With this Sallan stood up and led Kiri outside to train with the sword. Kiri learned quickly because much of what she had learned from small arms fighting could be related to the sword; along with practice, it wasn’t long before she could handle the sword quite well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>That evening, Kiri told Creance that she was going back into the town to gather what information she could before they marched on the Capital. Creance objected but listened. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We need to gain more information before the Network can finalize their defense and we need to know where the Envahir stand and what their plans are. If what Blesser has told us is true, Epier will not be able to get to us to give us the information we need. Who better to go retrieve the information other than someone who knows the town and has made it in and out before without any issues?” Kiri explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You are too valuable, if you were to be caught and it was discovered who you were, it would mean the end of the Network.” Creance objected.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I am no different than I was the last time I entered the town.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance continued to object but knew that it was futile. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As damn stubborn as your father was.” Creance complained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri left that evening with only one difference, by her side she carried the sword. She found the town crawling with many more soldiers which made her entrance into and through the town so much more difficult than it had been previously. The roads into town were blocked off and fortified with more patrols. Even the perimeter of the town was being patrolled by the guards. Kiri had to time the guards’ movements to be able to sneak past them to get within the town. She stayed in the shadows and hid more frequently. Soldiers were now moving in and out of several of the larger homes of the townspeople. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri made her way through the town and found the house she was looking for. She found that gaining entrance wasn’t as easy as she had hoped. Once she had made her way in, she moved slowly and quietly. When she was sure that the house wasn’t occupied by soldiers, she grabbed a lantern, lit it and closed the shutter. She quietly made her way to the bedroom and slipped inside, closing the door behind her. She glanced around to make sure the window shutters were closed tight. She nudged the bed with her foot. The lone figure grumbled and rolled over. She kicked the bed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Wake up”, she whispered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Huh? Hmmpppf. Who’s there?” the voice asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Shut up. Scream and you’ll be dead before the sound escapes your mouth.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I … I know that voice, who’s there?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri opened the shutter of the lantern just enough so a beam of light fell on her face.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri, is that you?” he asked, “We thought you were dead, thought you died in the fire.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes it is me, mayor and no, I didn’t die in the fire. Not that anybody around here would’ve come to my aid.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I … we, I mean to say…”, he stumbled for words.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That is not of any concern now. It is not why I am here. I need to know what the Envahir is planning and when.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I … I can’t tell you that, he would have me killed.” the mayor said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If no one else is here, how will he know?” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But what if he finds out?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Mayor, you can either live as a coward or you can try to fight for your survival and maintain your dignity; and yes, you run the risk of dying but if you did, you would go knowing that you did everything in your powers. What has he promised you? Do you really believe that he will come through with his promise?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But, but I’m trapped, even if he doesn’t give me what he’s promised; he knows things, things which nobody else does and CAN’T know! If I don’t do what he wants then my life and my family will be destroyed.” Mayor Smithson explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Is it better to die with dignity or live and face some small amount of shame and humiliation and ask for forgiveness?” Kiri asked, “Doesn’t he hold this power over many of the people here? If everyone faced their shame, isn’t it much easier to ask for forgiveness. Also, if everyone faces that shame, isn’t he then less powerful? What is your decision Mayor, are you going to live as a coward or fight for your life?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Mayor Smithson was silent for a while, Kiri wondered if he had fallen back asleep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do you want from me?” the Mayor asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I need to know everything the Envahir is doing and what actions they are taking. When they are planning on marching on the Capital and how are they going to do it. Then I have a special job for you.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-31937034096143218072008-01-20T21:34:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:35:55.713-05:00Novel - Day 30 - 1,286 / 23,612<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lieutenant, come in here.” Voler yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>A man ran in from the other room, “Yes sir?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lieutenant Epier, we need to finalize our plans for the capture of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. When we march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, I will enter the city with a few select officers who will help me to put needed pressure on the right people. I am also going to be sending in several ‘expendable’ soldiers to help scout the city. If needed, I will use them to fight but, if all goes well, we will not need to resort to those actions. Those soldiers’s duty is to enter the city unaware and to become, as easily as possible, a part of the townspeople. Much like we have done with the other town’s we have taken over. However, this will be to a much larger scale and therefore, much more difficult to pull off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>I have selected you to organize not only our men but also the reinforcements which will be arriving shortly. It is your job to seal off the roads from the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, at the proper time; not letting anyone through and capturing anyone who will try to escape. Before you leave for <st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType>, this town will need to be fortified; this will become our prison if enough people attempt to leave <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Epier nodded in understanding.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler stopped and thought for a second and then laughed. “Seal off all the roads from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> except, do not seal off the road that leads to here. The people trying to escape <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> will only find one exit which will lead to here. The people trying to flee <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> will believe they are safe and they will walk right into our prison.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How will we know when to seal off the roads?” asked Epier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I have not decided that as of yet, although we will find a way to notify you. Once the roads have been sealed and people stop trying to escape or they realize that it is futile; you will come with our reinforcements and flood the city with solders. At this point we will have complete control of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and the country. The only thing to do at that point is to strengthen our hold.” Voler explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“When do we march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>?” Epier asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“By the beginning of the week Reinforcements should arrive in a couple of days and we should be prepared by the beginning of the week. It would have been sooner except for the chaos that overcame this town. If I discover what or who caused that … I will KILL them!” Voler screamed slamming his fist on the table.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Until then Captain?” Epier asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I want you and your men to prepare barracks for the reinforcements. Commandeer houses and property if you need to. Also, begin securing the town to be converted into a prison; but try to keep it so the townspeople don’t begin asking too many questions. I don’t want a revolt on our hands before we pull off our attack on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. I would hate to have to kill all of the people of this town.” Voler said with a smile.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Very well Captain.” Epier said as he turned to leave.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Lieutenant” Voler called as Epier was leaving, “Also select the men who I can use to send into the city to spy for me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As you wish Captain” Epier said as he left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance stared into the water flowing through the streambed, remembering. “We were kids. At the time we didn’t think so but now, looking back, we weren’t nothing more than a couple of kids. By this point, your dad knew what he was chosen to do, and like you, he was reluctant. He didn’t want to take on the role of the leader of the Network. He couldn’t see the good that the Network did and felt that they needed to take a more proactive role in protecting the country, ‘Show some force’ was what your dad would say. Your dad was in his rebellious stage. Me, I was just looking for adventure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As part of his rebellion, your dad decided to start his own army.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“His own army?” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, his own army. He felt that it was his right as the chosen leader of the Network. He planned to model it after the Network but to use force if it was needed. He was able to quickly convince me to join him; I felt that this was my opportunity for adventure. So he took his sword, which he felt was still his birthright; this very sword that lays here wrapped up.” Creance said pointing to the sword.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We were soon able to gather others who were like us and convince them to join our cause. Most of them were looking for adventure as I was but many just felt that it was fun and games and didn’t realize the extent to which your dad wanted to grow this army. Without much of a plan, and the opportunities for adventure being few, most of the people we had convinced to join us lost interest and left. Although a few stayed, two of them in particular, who were also involved in the one real adventure that our small army did have. The others were Voler and Epier.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What!” Kiri exclaimed, “Voler and Epier?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, they were two of the original members of our little army it is also how I am able to put my trust into Epier. For I have known him for a long time and I understand the control Voler can have over him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We lived near a small fishing village at this time. Most of the boats that would come into our harbor were either fishermen or boats that stopped to re-supply. We began to have mid-size boats that had a small crew which would stop and they would ravage the town and steal anything they could and leave before they were caught. We decided that we should do something about them, so we waited. One of the boats pulled into port and as some of the men left to ransack the town, we went on board and killed the ones who had stayed with the boat. As the others came back on board, we cast off and as we headed out to sea, we took care of the others.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Your father ordered Voler to go back to town so we could return the things which had been taken. Voler didn’t want to hear about it, he worried that we would be blamed for the thefts and even for killing the thieves. But Voler even wanted more, he wanted to find others to ravage and kill. He wanted to keep the boat and sail to other towns and pull off the same scheme these thieves were doing. Your dad wouldn’t hear of it. A big fight broke out between them. Which is how Voler got the scar on his face, your dad gave it to him with this sword. Epier and myself were trying to stop the fight. Voler was ready to kill your father, so I pushed your dad over the side of the boat. Voler turned on me, with hate in his eyes. I grabbed your dad’s sword and jumped overboard after him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We learned later that our adventure was in haste and the killing was useless. The Network had planned to take control of the boat and its people and discover who was in control of it, something we had overlooked; without any bloodshed. Yet we had acted in haste.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>We learned many lessons from that night’s adventure.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance fell silent.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-78826761103647512882008-01-19T21:32:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:34:39.102-05:00Novel - Day 29 - 2,058 / 22,326<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance and Kiri snapped around and looked towards the cot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What?” they both said together.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I said, that won’t help.” the wounded man on the cot said, “Not that it won’t help but rather, that you won’t have enough time.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do you mean?” Creance questioned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The wounded man tried his best to sit up, Kiri helped and he had to sit for a second and catch his breath.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Well first off, I really doubt that Voler would come after me, or even send any of his men. I’m a nobody to him. The only reason he would come after me is out of anger and pride. But he is too preoccupied to worry about trivial things like that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Could I get something to drink and eat? It’s been a while.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri ran off to get him a cup of tea and some soup and bread.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Thank you…for everything. The name’s Jon Blesser, by the way.” he said as Kiri brought him the food and drink. He paused to eat and drink for a bit, enjoying every bite but trying to get it in as fast as he could as if his body was craving it. Once he had finished the first bit of food, he continued.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As I was saying, Voler won’t come after me, so you’re safe. Besides, he has too many other things to worry about, especially now that this young lady here has caused such problems within the town and also within Voler’s own ranks. But that’s only the half of it; if you were to get your people together and create a new plan of attack, I assume it would take longer than a week to organize it. By that time, it would be too late and your plan wouldn’t be set in place and the Envahir would definitely have the upper hand.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How do you know so much about the Envahir and what they are going to do? And how do you know anything about my people?” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Well first,” Blesser continued, “a lot of what I know about your people are just assumptions which I am making from what I happened to overhear; and also from who I believe you may be.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“And who do you believe we are?” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I believe, or at least it is my hope that you are a part of The Network. I have always hoped that the stories of The Network were true but I didn’t really put much faith into them until more recently. Are you The Network?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance remained silent for a little while, trying to figure out the best way to answer the question and whether he should or not; also deciding if Blesser could be trusted. His silence gave Blesser his answer. Creance realized this and answered, “Yes, we are a small part of the Network.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Blesser knew better than to ask more questions about the Network, he understood that they wouldn’t get answered and it would also make him look too inquisitive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Blesser continued, “The reason I’ve started to believe the stories of the Network more recently and how I know so much about the Envahir is sort of one in the same. When soldiers are on watch together, they like to talk and complain; they share a lot of information about things they shouldn’t. So, what’s a guy to do when he’s just hanging around but listen?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri brought Blesser more food and drink, which he enjoyed but ate at a slower pace this time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The Envair is fortifying Voler’s ranks, our town is going to become a gathering place for soldiers before they march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. In a few days, our town is going to have about three times as many soldiers. Once all of them have gathered here and have rested and been properly equipped, the plan is to march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. They are going to leave the majority of the soldiers in the outskirts of the city while Voler and a select few will go in and try to take the town peacefully, much like they did with our town.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What is going to become of our town?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They will use it to hold prisoners, if needed and to slow or block any assistance which may try to come through there to help <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. There has also been some talk that …” Blesser paused, “that they are going to destroy the entire town and its people; cutting off any access to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Blesser turned to Creance, “I understand that I didn’t come to you in the best of circumstances and I know that I can’t go back to the town; otherwise I would be questioned and they would kill me once they found out all the information they could about who helped me and where I was. I also understand your hesitation to trust me and I respect that but, I ask that you allow me the opportunity to repay the two of you for rescuing me and your hospitality. I do not expect you to trust me with sensitive information I only ask that you use me and my skills as you see fit and allow me to build my trust with you. If, in time, that trust grows and you allow me to be a part of the Network, then so be it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance pondered what he said for a few seconds “Very well, you may stay and we will make use of your services. We can always use someone in a fight. However, be aware that if we suspect that you are not working for our interests and we find you to be a traitor, none of us will hesitate to kill you on the spot.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Blesser shook his head in agreement and understanding. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I overheard one of the guards mention something which I wondered if there was any truth to.” Blesser said. “The guard said that the Network has no real leader. Is this true?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“There is a hint of truth to that. But do not be fooled, the Network is strong and well guided.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Blesser smiled, “Good.” As he lay back down on the cot and drifted off to sleep. Creance walked to the fireplace wrapped something in towel and walked towards the door. He stopped at the door and motioned for Kiri to follow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stepped outside with Creance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What do you think about the things he was saying?” she asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“He had some very helpful information and the news that he shared has caused our timetables to be moved up. If we had not come across this information, we may very well have been caught off guard. This information must be passed along immediately.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance called Leste over and spoke with her, giving her the information. A few minutes later, Leste grabbed her belongings and ran off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“She will pass the information to the appropriate people so we can be prepared.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Is it true that the Network doesn’t have a leader?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance explained, “It is true that at the moment, the Network does not have a single person leading them. The Network is currently controlled or led by a committee; their job is to keep the Network organized and running, making needed decisions and overseeing its operations until the true leader can be trained to take their rightful place. While the committee maintains the control needed to keep the Network running, there are many problems. Most notably, there is much indecision within the committee. Because of these problems, there has been much call for the rightful leader to take their place.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So there is only one rightful leader of the Network?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“And how is the leader chosen?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It is not so much as being chosen as it is a birthright.” Creance explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What birthright? So you’re trying to tell me that the Network is run by some king? What if that king wanted to make it a dictatorship and take over their own countries? What makes him and the Network any better than the Envahir?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“While that is essentially possible, it is highly unlikely. The committee looks out for that type of action and would not allow it. Once the leader has decided to take command of the Network, the committee’s role changes; it is no longer one that makes decisions but rather advisory and approval of the leader’s actions. They are able to overrule the leader if they feel their decision is not in the best interest of the Network. You must realize that the Network acts as a protector for the country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It is unlikely that the leader would do something such as what you are imagining because they are groomed for the position from a very early age. This is usually done through stories which teach the values of the Network and its leader. As the future leader grows older, they are often taken under the wing of the current leader and shown what the job entails; giving them the experience they need to do the job. Although this is not the case with the one who’s duty it is to become the leader. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The future leader is also usually given a protector, if you will someone who watches over them and guides them as needed.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But what is the birthright? What shows that this person is the leader of the Network?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance stopped walking. It was a second or two before Kiri realized this and she had to turn and walk back to him. Creance was standing there with his head bowed looking at the package in his hands. Creance slowly unwrapped the package. Kiri gasped as she saw the gleam of silver in the daylight, she recognized it at once.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That … that’s the sword from the fireplace!” Kiri exclaimed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, yes it is.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If that sword signifies the birthright to the leader, then what are you doing with it? Are you the leader?” she asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance laughed, “No, no my dear child, I am not the leader of the Network. I am merely the protector.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You? You’re the protector? Then, who …” Kiri’s voice trailed off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It is your birthright to become the leader of the Network.” Creance said kneeling in front of Kiri, extending the sword.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What!? No, I’m not a leader, I am only a barmaid.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri turned and started to walk away, overwhelmed with all of this new information.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Kiri stop. You are so much more than that. Look at how far you have come in such a short period of time.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I can’t even lift a sword and you’ll probably want me to fight with it.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You will not have that problem with this sword and we will have Sallan teach you how to use your sword.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri paced back and forth, her mind teetering between wanting to scream and run away and staying to hear more. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri turned to Creance, “Why me?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It is your birthright. Your father was the leader of the Network. He was grooming you to become the next leader of the Network which is why he taught you the stories he did. I suspect, if it were not for his untimely death, you would’ve been trained by now and had already become the leader.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Then what would’ve happened to him?” she asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“He would’ve taken his place on the committee to act as council as is the custom.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So there is a vacancy on the committee then?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, there is another.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Are you on the committee?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No I am not. Some on the committee are by appointment, other are by election.” he said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How did you become my protector then?” she asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That is a long and involved story which includes your father.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“If it is a story about you and my father, I would like to hear of it.” she said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance sat on a log near the stream; he wrapped the sword in the towel and laid it at his feet. He paused for a bit, remembering, “It is actually two stories but they are somewhat interconnected. I met your father many years ago, long before he ever came to this town, before you were even born.”</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-48816736541524851092008-01-17T21:31:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:32:26.262-05:00Novel - Day 27 - 138 / 20,268<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance was still not in the best of moods when Kiri awoke later in the day. They sat at the table drinking tea.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Your man is doing better.” Creance said, “I think just the water and the rest has helped him tremendously.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s good.” Kiri said, not wanting to stir up any more lectures from Creance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I hope you understood that your foolish actions have compounded many problems for us. We will probably have to leave here and find another place to live.” Creance said, “If they come after him and discover us, we may need to change our plans. Doing that may cost us this battle. We will need to get the others together and begin planning for an attack. They may try to weaken us before marching on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That won’t help” a voice said.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-52047416183551407732008-01-16T22:26:00.000-05:002008-01-24T22:27:37.817-05:00Novel - Day 26 - 1,761 / 20,130<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sergeant Gamin”, the new sergeant stopped in his tracks, “once you’ve organized your men, get to the weapons and equip them. We need to get order in this town and now may be the time we need to show some force around here and put fear back into these people.” Voler ordered.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir” Gamin said as he ran off to gather up his men.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler continued through the town, he spotted the Mayor arguing with a group of women. “Mayor, I want a word with you. NOW!” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The Mayor’s face turned white as he ran to Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Get your town in order, now, or else.” Voler said as he turned and walked away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s BS, that’s BS!” Voler heard a voice yell out. Voler walked in the direction of the yelling. Voler stopped short as he came to the center of the town. The watch fire had been put out and was completely cold, not even smoldering. Voler looked around for the guard that was supposed to be patrolling this area, knowing that he would be nowhere around. Voler looked up the pole that stood nearby and realized that it was empty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“WHERE IS THE PRISONER WHO WAS HERE?” Voler screamed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Voler looked around expecting an answer, not receiving one; he kicked the watch fire sending burnt wood and ashes spraying across the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler continued towards the source of the yelling. He saw two men, neighbors fighting and yelling.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“…my damn pig Scott!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I didn’t do it. That’s BS George.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The two men yelled at each other, screaming profanities and blaming each other. As soon as it seemed like one may give up, the other would bring up something from the past and it would just add fuel to the fire. When there was enough of a break in the yelling, the two men would start to wrestle. Voler just stood there and watched. The wrestling wasn’t really wrestling at all; Scott would try to attack George. George would then drive Scott’s skinny frame backwards into his own yard; causing him to fall on his back, his bald head landing in a pile of pig shit. Scott would scramble to his feet and tackle George sending both of them to the ground. George would get up, grab Scott by the ankles and drag him through the yard covering Scott head to toe in pig manure. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler continued to watch, enjoying the humor of the situation. As soon as George let go of Scott’s ankles, he began to kick and jumped up and started to throw the manure at George. This lasted for a while until some of the manure missed George and hit Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“ENOUGH!” Voler bellowed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“He started it!” Scott yelled, pointing at George, “It was one of his schemes.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t care who started it, I want it to end.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But he took my pig.” George said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I did not.” said Scott.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It was in your yard, so you took it.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You stole my tools. I saw them in your shed. go look in his shed Voler, you’ll find my tools. Go on, go look.” Scott encouraged.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler raised his hand to silence him. As he surveyed the situation, Sergeant Gamin came running up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sir, we have a problem. The weapons are gone; they have been replaced with these.” Gamin said as he produced a sunflower plant.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“My sunflowers! You did this.” Scott yelled, looking at George, “You stole my tools and then you cut down my sunflowers, that’s how your stupid pig got in here, you left him behind. This is BS, this is BS Voler. Look at this.” Scott walked to his shed and swung open the door and all of the missing weapons fell to the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“There’s the weapons!” shouted Gamin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sieze him” ordered Voler, pointing at Scott.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Gamin raced towards Scott, motioning for another soldier to help. The two soldiers grasped Scott’s toothpick thin arms and proceeded to usher him towards Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ah come on Voler, this is BS, this is BS Voler. This is just one of George’s Farming schemes. He set me up, this is BS.” Scott whined.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Bring the prisoner; I’ve got the perfect spot for him” Voler ordered the soldiers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Gamin and the other soldiers dragged Scott, who was now refusing to walk, behind Voler, coming to a stop near the watch fire and the pole.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler ordered, “String him up! This is what happens to those who defy the Envahir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The soldiers bound Scott’s thin hands and tied a rope to him lifting his skinny frame to the top of the pole, leaving him hang there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Ah come on Voler, This is BS. Do you know the ratio of the strength of this pole to that of a human body? It couldn’t possibly support that type of weight for an extended period of time. Come on Voler, come on.” Scott cried out as Voler and the soldiers walked away. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now that you have your weapons Sergeant, equip your men.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler walked back through the town, heading to the guard station for the main road at one end of town. He heard people yelling to be let out, who appeared to be locked inside of their homes. Others on the outside were struggling to open the doors. The smell of the town had begun to grow stronger as the sun began to warm the streets. All Voler could smell were the animals which were still roaming the town. Although it did seem that the farmers were beginning to corral some of them, there were still a few stubborn ones which children were still chasing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>There was food splattered in front of houses and rain barrels which had been propped in front of people’s doors which fell inward when the door was opened; spilling their contents into the homes. Everywhere people were either; screaming, crying or fighting about their situation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler arrived at the guard station at the main entrance to the town only to find it abandoned, he didn’t need to inspect the other posts, he knew they would look the same. Voler turned back towards town, looking for Sergeant Gamin, to order him to get men stationed at each of the guard posts immediately. Before anyone is able to enter or leave the town without being noticed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler reached Sergeant Gamin and issued his orders which were acted upon immediately. Voler noticed, with some satisfaction that Gamin was beginning to get the men organized and starting to make some headway with the town even though it had only been a few minutes. Gamin gave a few orders and the men jumped to their duty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>With the smell of the town, with its rotting meat and roaming animals beginning to get to him, Voler decided to go where he could think and make plans. Voler left to go to the small storefront which he now made his office. As he opened the screen door, he didn’t notice the rope that was pulled; causing two buckets of water to spill their contents over him. A very soaked Voler screamed as he kicked in the door of his office.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>It was late in the morning when a very worried Creance saw someone coming out of the woods towards his hut. It was obviously Kiri but she had something slung across her shoulders. It wasn’t until she was closer that Creance realized that it was a person she was carrying. Creance ran to her and relieved a very tired Kiri of the load.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“We have to get him inside.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Who is he?” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I’ll explained later.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>They took the man inside and laid him on a cot. Kiri began to remove what was left of his shoes and clothes. Creance washed his face and tended to and inspected his wounds. He gave the wounded man what water he could take but, it wasn’t long before the man would choke on the water. The man slipped out of consciousness and fell asleep. As they looked upon him, Kiri said, “It has been a long but fulfilling night. I believe I will retire myself.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri started towards her bed, laying her belongings on the stand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“First, I would like a word with you, outside.” Creance whispered, not wanting to disturb the wounded man, as he turned and walked outside.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri followed Creance outside.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Where the hell have you been and who is that?” Creance asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri, being that she was rather tired, gave a short version of how she had staged the town and the mayhem she had caused and that she had stayed on the outskirts of the town to watch the excitement but decided to leave as two men were throwing pig shit at each other.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They had this poor man strung up a pole.” Kiri explained, “I saw him hanging there and if that wasn’t bad enough, I over heard a couple of soldiers talking about him. They said that Voler strung him up here because he was trying to put out a fire.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Creance only looked at her with a quizzical look.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The only fire they have had in town was my bar.” Kiri continued, “This man was trying to save my bar when it was burning and Voler hung him there to punish him and to prove a point. I couldn’t let the man just hang there and die after all; he was trying to help me and I felt that it was my duty to help him. So I cut him down and brought him here, I knew you would be able to heal him and it’s nothing more than you did for me.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The blood rushed to Creance’s face, “What you did this morning could have destroyed everything we have worked for, everything the Network has planned. By your selfish actions, you could have brought the Envahir right to our doorstep! How do you know that he isn’t someone who was planted there just for you; or how do you know that he isn’t loyal to the Envahir and as soon as he is healthy enough he will leave and tell them exactly where we are and any plans he overhears?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I hadn’t thought of anything like that, and I guess we will have to deal with that and any other issues that may arise when the time comes. Because now it appears that it may be a bit late for any lessons on when to leave a person hang and die.” Kiri said sarcastically.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-78664161368989980182008-01-15T22:24:00.000-05:002008-01-24T22:26:21.949-05:00Novel - Day 25 - 719 / 18369<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>He pulled the pillow over his head, it didn’t help to block out the noise; he through the pillow to the side. Half asleep, he rubbed his hands over his face and resigned himself to waking up; the anger rising in him. He stood up and began to dress and walked to the window; throwing open the window; he looked out at the chaos that took over the town.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Spotting a young boy, Voler shouted, “You there what is the meaning of this?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">The boy froze in his tracks, “Me, Sir? I don’t know, there are just animals everywhere. I’m just trying to AAHHRRGG…” The boy’s words were lost as he was clipped by one of the animals and drug away; the boy was never more relieved.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Damn simpleton farmers.” Voler said as he left the window, “Can’t even take care of their own livestock with out causing an uproar.” He grabbed his sword and went to see for himself the source of the commotion; swearing that if he found the farmer who caused this, he would be punished. Voler opened the door, the smell was much worse down here and the sound was louder which didn’t help his growing headache. Voler walked off of the porch and stepped directly into a pile of horse shit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“AAHHH!” Voler screamed in anger.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler scraped his boot clean on the edge of the porch. He turned and looked around him and down <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main Street</st1:address></st1:Street>; everywhere he looked all he saw were animals, people and fights and arguments. Kids were chasing the animals trying to corral them. People everywhere were fighting or arguing. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>A young soldier was running by, Voler grabbed him by the arm, causing him to lurch forward as he was stopped in his tracks. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Where is your sergeant and the rest of the soldiers?” Voler questioned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The … the sergeant is over there sir.” the young soldier stammered pointing at a group of men in the midst of a brawl. “I …I don’t…I don’t know where the others are sir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You remain with me.” Voler said to the young soldier as he walked towards the brawl.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir.” The soldier said as he followed Voler to the fight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler walked into the brawl, throwing the first few fighters he came into contact with away from the fight and onto the ground; the fighters quickly got up and ran away. Voler reached the sergeant who was fighting with another soldier. Voler drew his sword and placed it at the sergeant’s neck. It had the desired effect, the fighting stopped immediately.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What may I ask are you fighting about?” Voler asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“He stole my cask of beer, sir” the sergeant said pointing at the other man, not daring to move for fear of Voler’s sword.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Is this the cask of beer?” Voler asked nudging with his sword, a small cask which lay on the ground near the two men.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes sir, that’s the cask he stole.” the sergeant said, thankful he was able to move; satisfied that Voler will end the fight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>With one swift motion, Voler swung his sword breaking open the cask and spilling its contents upon the ground.<span style=""> </span>“Now you have nothing to fight about. The beer can be fed to the cattle and assorted animals which are roaming freely throughout the city.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler turned to the sergeant and with the blade of his sword resting upon the man’s neck, the sergeant froze again. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Voler asked, “Is this how a sergeant in My army is supposed to act?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No sir it is not; I’m sorry” the man said, afraid of the consequence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>With one quick flick of Voler’s wrist, the man lost his stripes. “Pick those up and hand them to me.” Voler said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The bent down and picked up what was once his sergeant stripes and handed them to Voler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You!” Voler shouted, “What is your name?” he said to the young soldier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“My … my name? My name is Gamin, sir.” the young soldier said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Here, take these.” Voler said, slapping the stripes into his hands, “You’ve just been promoted. You are now the sergeant, I want you to get your men together and get this town organized. If any other soldiers are fighting and don’t follow your orders, kill them!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes, yes sir.” Gamin said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-53934728863282680082008-01-14T22:23:00.000-05:002008-01-24T22:24:21.994-05:00Novel - Day 24 - 0 / 176480 wordsRob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-33807248231381176332008-01-13T22:22:00.000-05:002008-01-23T22:24:09.770-05:00Novel - Day 23 - 577 / 17,648<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri was going over in her mind, the layout of the town and the location of the guards. She was beginning to devise her next plans. It was decided, mostly by Creance, that she would not go tonight, even though Kiri had put up a fuss and was eager to attempt some more mischief. Creance felt that it would be best to wait a day so the guards were not suspecting something to happen. Although Kiri at first did not like the idea, she was now thankful for the opportunity to plan. Along with planning, Kiri spent the next day training with Leste and Sallan. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>When the night finally arrived, Kiri was excited to be able to try out her new ideas. She prepared her weapons and tools for this night much in the same way that she had for the first. The only difference was when she left; she took with her two buckets of water. Kiri walked through the woods quietly and without a trace, listening for any unwelcome visitors. When Kiri came to the edge of the wood, she hid the buckets of water where they wouldn’t be found. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Slowly and quietly, she worked her way into the town. She was not as apprehensive tonight about entering the town as she was the night before. She now knew where the soldiers were and what to expect from them. She realized that discussing her first night’s adventure with the others helped her to better understand the soldier’s movements and actions. The day spent planning also helped her to know what to expect.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As she walked through the town, she stuck close to buildings and homes, staying in the shadows. At first she tried to avoid windows but then she realized that all of the windows in town had their shutters drawn. She felt this was odd for this time of the year but then, she figured it was either ordered to be this way or just done out of fear. Either way, it worked to her advantage and gave less opportunity for her to be spotted. Although she figured that with the curfew, not many people stayed up past dark and were awake with the sun. This was also good for her and the job she needed to do. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri went through town taking things which obviously belonged to certain people and put those items near other people’s homes. Knowing that they would either be found or someone would be looking for the belongings. As tempting as it was to cause damage to the belongings or homes of the people she didn’t like, Kiri felt the townspeople had already been through enough; even the people she still didn’t like. But that didn’t stop her from using those people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>George and Scott had been neighbors all of their adult lives. Neither had ever liked the other, this entire time there had been a feud between them. George was always bothered by Scott with his endless talking and silly philosophical questions. Scott was always jealous that George had hair and muscles and felt that it wasn’t fair. Kiri never liked George at all and was just generally annoyed by Scott so she thought this might make for an interesting morning. Kiri took a prized pig from George and placed it in Scott’s fenced in yard behind his house; she filled George’s shed with Scott’s tools. She smiled thinking about what was to come. Kiri opened pasture gates.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-22624782853178030582008-01-12T22:21:00.000-05:002008-01-23T22:22:51.651-05:00Novel - Day 22 - 1,181 / 17,071<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“This could be fun!” Kiri said, “I can get back at everyone I don’t like.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Be careful Kiri”, Creance warned, “You don’t want anyone discovering that it may be you who has become the thorn in their side. If this is discovered, then your skills will become ineffective and they will know how to fight against you. That also means that they will know how to capture or use you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>You are to be nothing more than a thorn in their side. Doing this will improve your skills and cause tension in their ranks. You are not to attempt everything in one day, spread it out over several days, so the tension will grow.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Also, while you are within the town, you are to keep your ears and eyes open to gain any information that you can; anything which you feel may be of value to the Network. You are to bring back and report to us, no matter how small or trivial it may seem to you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Now go, prepare what you need and take some time to rest for you begin tonight. In the beginning, I want you to go only at night, as you become more comfortable, you may need to go during the day. Do you have any questions?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No, I understand.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri prepared for her evening, she gathered her weapons and a few small tools that she felt she may need. She spent some time practicing with her weapons and skills which Leste had taught her. She also made sure the weapons were sharp and clean. It quickly became obvious that Kiri was trying to burn off nervous energy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Go, rest. You’ll need your sleep.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri set aside everything else and laid down on the cot. She laid there for sometime with a million things running through her mind, feeling that she will never get to sleep. It wasn’t until Creance was waking her that she realized that she had fallen asleep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It’s time.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri got up and slowly grabbed her weapons and tools. She took a quick look around to make sure she had not left anything behind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Any last words of advice or instruction?” Kiri asked Creance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Just to be careful and be quick. You don’t want to overstay your welcome, otherwise you will get caught. Remember, there is always another night for mischief. Tonight is mostly for you to learn how the Envahir move within the town.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Very well, I will see you soon.” Kiri said as she walked out the door into the dark night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri looked up at the moonless night, “Perfect” she thought. Kiri moved quietly and slowly through the woods; remembering her training, not wanting to raise any attention. Kiri reached the edge of the town and watched. As she watched she began to see how the Envahir guarded the city and where the patrols were. There was one guard at the two small roads leading out of the town. On the two larger roads, the stations held two guards. Each of these stations had a watch fire burning. On the main street of the town one guard patrolled back and forth along the street; a watch fire was placed at each end of his patrol.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri watched for awhile before deciding what to do and how she wanted to accomplish it. Kiri slowly moved toward one of the guard posts. As she approached and came within a few feet of the guard she stopped and watched him. Kiri’s heart was beating so fast and so loudly that she was sure he would hear it, the guard made no move. Kiri quietly arranged things near the guard station, moving at times within inches of the guard. She was proud of how well she was able to use her new skills. As she moved away, she hoped that what she planned will work the way she hoped. She moved to each of the outlying guard stations, preparing each of the stations for her mischief. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>While she was at the last of the larger guard stations, a small twig dropped from her hands, landing on a rock, causing the guards to take notice. Kiri immediately froze. The guards stood with the fire to their backs to shield their eyes and looked out into the woods. Kiri remained crouched, unmoving and barely breathing; willing her heart to slow and beat more quietly, afraid that if she were to move the guards would spot her. Kiri remained in this spot for sometime before the guards finally relaxed. It was a while later when Kiri finally felt safe enough to back away. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri knew that guard station would be the perfect place to set off the trigger for her little mischief. She set up the trigger and left to a safe place to watch the action. As she watched from her vantage point near the woods, she heard in the distance her trigger being set off. She could imagine the guards springing to their feet and rushing forward to see what the sound was, unknowingly setting off a trip wire which caused debris to fall into the fire. Kiri saw the fire at the first guard post go out and the guards yelling at one another. As the other guard post began to hear the commotion, they too sprung to attention, preparing for attack. Kiri watched and laughed quietly to herself as their fires also went out. She could see from the distance that the guard patrolling the center of town could not decide where to go first. Several guards came running from unseen barracks, pulling on their clothes and weapons preparing for an attack as the guards at the post began to realize that something wasn’t right. They guards began to clean the debris and tried to get the fire started again. Kiri could see groups of soldiers trying to explain what had happened. She decided that the excitement was over for the evening and turned to head back to Creance’s hut.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri made it back to the hut; the fire was burning low in the fireplace. Kiri placed her belongings on the table and found her way to bed. The next morning, she was greeted by Creance, Leste and Sallan who listened intently as she related the events of the evening. Leste paid particular attention when Kiri told of the guards almost catching her and she had to freeze. All of them had a good laugh about the soldier’s surprise when the fires went out and were quite proud of Kiri’s ingenuity. Creance was interested in the guards, their posts and how long it took them to respond when the commotion began. Kiri tried to guess at their response time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Had I known I was going to be quizzed, I would’ve paid closer attention.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“It is these types of things which will help you on your excursions into town, it allows us to continue to train you properly and will also help the Network for the work they must do.” Creance explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-26200621455249304822008-01-11T22:20:00.000-05:002008-01-23T22:21:26.619-05:00Novel - Day 21 - 1,288 / 15,890<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So, what’s the point of all of this?” Kiri asked, “How am I, one person going to get the Envahir out of town and what’s going to keep them from coming back or worse killing me? I can’t even fight them, all I can do is use a few small weapons and sneak around. Granted, I now know more about them than before but how is that going to help? What good is it really going to do? What are we really getting out of this? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Are we doing this just to get my bar back or to save the town? Who cares about my bar, its gone and I can just move on now; and the town can fend for itself. I figure the town didn’t fight to save themselves, so they deserve what they got. If they want to be saved from the Envahir, they need to stand up and protect themselves and drive the Envahir out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>So what good does it do even if I could kill all of the Envahir? What do I get out of it? Is the town going to claim me a hero and rebuild my bar? Why would I want that, this could be my chance to leave this town without feeling any regrets?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The others looked at one another. Epier glanced at everyone and laughed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I will let you handle these questions. I must return before I am missed. Kiri, it has been a pleasure training you; and to the rest of you, as always, it has been equally a pleasure” Epier said as he shook everyone’s hand and turned to leave.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You have been training for and become a part of the Network; a group of committed countrymen who have sworn to protect the country at all costs.” Creance said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That’s an old fairy tale that parents tell to get their kids to fall asleep at night. My own father would tell me the stories.<span style=""> </span>There is no truth to that! Now you want me to believe it?” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Your father would tell you stories of the Network. And, no, they are not fairy tales. The stories many are told are usually actual events that have happened, some of which have grown in stature over the years; which groups like the Envahir cannot keep quiet. Although, I happen to know that the stories you were told were not necessarily events but instead lessons for you to learn.” Creance explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How would you know what stories were told to me and what do you mean they were lessons for me to learn? What lessons?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Because I happen to have known your father for some time and I know what stories he told and why he told you these stories. Why do you think your training has proceeded so easily? The reason for the lessons will be explained in due time. I have said too much for now.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“You knew my father? What happened to him? Why did he leave? Where did he go? Tell me what you knew about him.” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I can answer all of these things and I will answer them for you, but not at this time. It would not be beneficial for you to learn the answers to these questions now. In fact it will harm your education.” Creance said, seeing the anger rising in Kiri’s face he continued, “You have waited this long to find answers; what is a little longer when it is in your best interest? This is how your father would want it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Creance could tell that Kiri was not completely satisfied with the explanation but he could also tell that she was willing to accept it for the time being.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Now as I was saying”, Creance continued, “You have been training for and become a part of the Network; a group of committed countrymen who have sworn to protect the country at all costs. You were chosen to join the Network almost from birth; this was your father’s decision. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>The job of the Network is to protect the country and its people. The network is not just the four of us it consists of many people throughout the country. These people of the network stand and fight to protect the country at any cost. They are not just here to protect our little town here; but they protect all of the towns and ports throughout the country and most importantly the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“They aren’t doing a very good job at it are they?” Kiri said sarcastically, “If you haven’t noticed, they have taken over port town, our town and now they are working on taking over <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“That is all by design. We decided quite some time ago that if we were to defeat the Envahir, we would have to do it in such a way that they would collapse and not be able to regain strength. Since the Envahir did not normally fight and use strength to take over a town; we felt that we would have to fight them in there own way. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Since they manipulate people, using their fears and the skeletons in their closets, to control them; we felt that if we tried to fight them in a traditional way, using force, they would control the people under them using them to amass a huge army.<span style=""> </span>If they were to do this, we would easily be defeated. We decided that the best action would be to fight them using their own tactics. We will cause them to fall apart by attacking them from the inside.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“But that still doesn’t explain why it hasn’t worked yet. If this plan of yours works so well, why have they taken over the port town and now our town?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The decision was to allow the Envahir to believe they had control of the outlying ports and towns before they attempted to move on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. As they moved closer to Capital City, their hold on the outlying towns would crumble; when they discovered that they couldn’t take Capital City, their strength would fail and the people who they controlled would flee leaving only a few of the true Envahir. Those few will then be taken into custody or killed.” Creance explained. “As we are speaking, the Envahir is beginning to lose control in the outlying towns such as <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Port</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placetype st="on">Town</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Small things are beginning to happen which are causing them to lose their grip and the people to regain their own power and dignity.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“How do you know they are not going to take <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>? And what does all of this have to do with me? What’s my part in all of this?” Kiri asked</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“As they march on <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Capital</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, they will be fed false information; this information will have no power for them and therefore no control. They will also be chasing people who do not exist. As they continue to grasp for this power, their power behind them will crumble completely.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As for you, at least for now, your job is to weaken them from the inside. You do not have to achieve drastic things, as a matter of fact, the more subtle the better. All of your skills will come into play at this time. You will enter the town and cause as much havoc as possible, a little at a time. It is imperative that you go every day at different times including in the daylight, so that you are not predictable and the problems you cause will both befall townspeople and Envahir. It is important that the townspeople are affected because this will cause disruption and weaken the Envahir.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri only smiled at Creance’s orders.</p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-32026498834825641652008-01-10T22:19:00.000-05:002008-01-23T22:20:05.714-05:00Novel - Day 20 - 0 / 14,6020 wordsRob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9073724137487041450.post-1606279699361749662008-01-09T22:17:00.000-05:002008-01-23T22:18:50.391-05:00Novel - Day 19 - 1,662 / 14,602<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri spent a few hours training with Leste. She was shown the basics of how to move quietly and quickly without being noticed. Kiri noticed that Leste was a young woman about the same size and build as Kiri. This made it easier for Kiri to learn, she simply mimicked the style and movements of Leste, allowing Kiri to quickly pick up the skill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“When you are training with your weapons, you must learn to keep them as quiet as you are.” Leste said. “You will find that is not as easy as it appears and you will not be able to copy someone else’s style. When Sallan trains you, he will not care how quiet you are, only if you can use and kill with the weapon.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Leste stood Kiri in the middle of the field and blindfolded her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Your job is to pay attention to your senses and raise your hand when you are aware of my presence. I suggest you try your best to use all of your senses.” Leste explained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri stood trying to listen when Leste taps her in the forehead.<span style=""> </span>“Quit trying to use this and instead use your whole body.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">This exercise continued for a while, Kiri started to notice Leste before she was right on top of her and slowly began to improve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>After a while, Leste left Kiri to train with Sallan.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Remember, you are to practice your skills at all times through your training. I will be watching and testing you.” Leste said as she left.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sallan looked over Kiri. “What is your weapon of choice?” he asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“What?” she replied.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What weapons do you use?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">“Usually my rolling pin and I can throw a knife pretty well when someone is trying to skip out without paying their tab.” She said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">Sallan rolled his eyes, “I don’t know how much your training with the rolling pin will help but the knife throwing we may be able to prefect. With me, you will learn how to fight, both with and without weapons. Your training will be fast but efficient. The weapons you use will be small hand weapons and you will also learn to use anything around you as a weapon.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">“Will you be teaching me to use a sword?” Kiri asked, “Because I doubt I could lift one, let alone fight with it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">“There are many types and designs of swords and there could be found one to suit you and your needs; but, to answer your question no, I will not be training you to use a sword. You are not ready and there is another who will train you for that.” He said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">“Who will train me for that?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">“I am not at liberty to discuss that and now is not the time.” Sallan said as they walked around the hut.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Without warning, Sallan picked up a stick and swung it at Kiri, knocking her to the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What the hell was that for?” Kiri screamed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So that you will not forget that you must always be prepared for you never know when someone will strike at you.” Sallan explained, “Now while you are down there, look around you and tell me what you see that you could’ve defended yourself with.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri looked around hesitantly, afraid that he may strike again. “I…I could’ve used this old chair to block your stick.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What else?” he asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I could grab a stick and block it.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What else?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I don’t know, there’s nothing else here. I don’t have anything else.” she said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes you do, now think! Use your imagination, get creative or you’ll end up dead.” Sallan said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I could … throw a rock at you; or dirt, I could throw dirt in your eyes. I could duck or roll towards you so you couldn’t hit me and maybe knock you down. I could stand close to the house and use it to shield me, hoping you hit the house instead of me. I could block the stick with my arm or grab it.” Kiri said, excited.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Now you are getting the idea, all of these options when you have so little to work with. Always keep your mind open and look for options.” Sallan said, “Now get up, we are going to work with one of your ideas and expand on it. As the stick swings towards you, instead of grabbing it to stop it, just continue the action and follow through with the motion; this will cause your attacker to be thrown off balance and then half the battle is won.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sallan practiced with Kiri for a while showing her how to use the attacker’s momentum against themselves until she was able to grab at the stick and follow through and cause him to end up on the ground. While she was standing there proud of her accomplishment, something hit her in the forehead. She blinked and saw Leste standing in front of her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Always be on your guard and always aware of your surroundings.” Leste said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">Before Kiri could respond, Leste was gone in the blink of an eye; but, the lesson was learned.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Regaining her thoughts, Kiri asked Sallan, “I’m doing fine fighting with sticks but how many soldiers will be carrying sticks? I can’t grab a sword in the same way and what about a knife?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Sallan looked at her and said, “You will learn and understand all of these things and more but, we must take one step at a time. If today is any indication, you will learn quickly.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Over the next several days, Kiri continued her training with Sallan, learning quickly but she also made a few mistakes and had the bruises and scars to show for it. She learned how to attack quickly using both small weapons such as knives; also how to attack and defend herself when she has no weapons at all, using whatever is available. Her training with Leste also continued and improved. She could soon recognize when someone was approaching no matter how quiet they were being. She was able to do this in any situation, even when she was involved with another activity or even asleep. She also learned how to move quietly and without being noticed during the day or the night. Although she always preferred the cover of night for obvious reasons, she enjoyed the challenge of trying to move past someone during the daylight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>All was going well until the day the four of them were sitting outside eating lunch when Kiri stopped chewing and watched the woods. She put down her food and grabbed the spear which was lying close at hand. As she saw the figure emerge from the woods, she recognized the red tunic and shield of the Envahir. Kiri took off, quietly but quickly towards the lone soldier. It was a few seconds before the others realized what was happening and Sallan was right behind her. Kiri was able to launch the spear towards the soldier as Sallan tackled her to the ground. The soldier lazily raised his shield and sidestepped the spear.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Get off of me.” Kiri yelled.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Sorry about that Epier, we should’ve told her about you.” Sallan said</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“What! You know him?” Kiri asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Or you should’ve taught her to throw a spear better.” Epier joked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“And yes, we know him.” Sallan explained, “This is Epier, he is, as you can tell one of Voler’s men. But, he is also a member of the network who has infiltrated the Envahir. More importantly, he is one your new teacher.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“My what?” Kiri spat, “I won’t learn from him, he’s one of them.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“No” Sallan corrected, “He is one of us who is pretending to be one of them so that we can defeat the Envahir. You will do your best to learn from him or we have no use for you and all other training and support will end.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>As Kiri sat back down and continued to finish her lunch, Creance explained how Epier became one of Voler’s men and his loyalty to the Network. As they finished eating, Kiri slowly became convinced of what they were telling her about Epier and began to accept his presence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“So what is it you are going to teach me?” Kiri asked Epier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“I will teach you all about the Envahir, how they work, what they believe, how they move and how best to infiltrate them. I will even teach you about Voler and his skills and how he operates. When I am finished with you, you will know more about the Envahir and their society than most of them understand.” explained Epier. “But all of this you must learn and retain in one day. I cannot be gone long before someone will realize that I am missing.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“The first and most important rule is this: When I am in the town, I am one of the Envahir. If you see me there, I am another soldier and will act as one. If I see you I will report you. You will not get any special treatment from me. If you are captured and I am ordered to kill you, rest assured, you will be dead. Your actions and anything you say or do cannot compromise my position and I will not do anything to aid you in any way which compromises that position. My survival and that of the Network is more important than your life. Is that understood?” Epier asked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Yes I understand.” Kiri said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>“Good, now if you are finished with your meal, we will excuse ourselves and continue your training away from the others.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Kiri spent the rest of the day learning all about the Envahir and how they worked. Epier would question her about why some information was important and how could she use it. Kiri paid special attention to how the guards operated, how sentries were changed and what was watched and what wasn’t. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Rob Kinneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902878365532758641noreply@blogger.com0