City of IF

[Geek_girl72]

Okay, I'll let the poll run for about five days, and get the third chapter up ASAP.

[DukeReg]

Voted and winning! Since I am the only person to vote so far, 100% for saying how he will survive on ship doesn't really mean much.

[Ravenwing]

Looks like I broke a tie.:D[/color]

[Geek_girl72]

Okay, the practical request of showing he can make it through ship life won. I'm finished with Rite of Passage now, so I'll have more time to work on this. I'll get chapter three up as soon as I can and hopefully it will still hold your interest.

Argo: As for the Darth-Vader cry, I haven’t seen ROTS yet, so I claim full exoneration from plagiarism.

[Argonaut]

Sorry Geek Girl, I didn't mean to insinuate plagiarism :)

Throughout history, characters in movies have been yelling "NOOOOOOOOOOO" at the camera for extended periods. However, that Darth Vader scene was so horrible it became hilarious. So now it comes to mind every time someone yells "NO" in the time-honored tradition of people who have lost their loved ones.

In any case if you haven't seen "revenge of the sith" I wholeheartedly recommend that you never ever do! It's garbage.

Sorry that was all rather off-topic...

[Geek_girl72]

I know what you mean. Looking back over it now it seems a little out of place, but I wanted to show a difference in agenda for Simon and Isaac and couldn't find a less melodramatic and prosaic way of executing it. Oh well, no more extended screams in future death scenes, I promise.

[Geek_girl72]

I regret that is going to take me a few more days to get the third chapter up and my first chapter for 'The Zealot' One of my younger siblings shut off my computer before I saved my work and I lost most of it.

[Geek_girl72]

Chapter 3: Conversation in ‘The White Shark’

Nate stared into Arron’s unblinking eyes and nodded shortly, as if some inner debate had been settled. The noise of clinking glasses and tipsy conversation easily covered the sailor’s low tones.

“Tell me how exactly you plan to get along once you’re on my ship? You’ll have to contend with all kinds of weather, stay hidden from the crew, feed yourself and your little friend without being noticed, and keep the captain from knowing about you. That won’t be easy; he’s got a funny way of knowing things.”

What would have been a smile on any other boy stole across Arron’s face. He leaned forward and answered without taking one moment for consideration.

“That’s it? I was expecting something grandiose. There is nothing simpler in the world. The channel is only ten miles across and the nearest real port is only two days away. Even if you do not stop there I could take one of the lifeboats and reach the shore with no great difficulty. So I need food and to stay hidden for no more than 48 hours. The food I can get from Maggie, she won’t think it strange that a wandering refugee asks for something to take with him. I am small enough that hiding places will be no problem.”

“But you haven’t said anything about the captain. He’s the one you’ll really have to worry about. Something’s not quite right about him, and he’s the last man I’d want to irritate.”

“Sir, I may be young, but if you knew what my occupation in this country has been these past five years you would perhaps give me that honored title.”

Nate narrowed his eyes and observed Arron with uncertainty. Either the kid was an excellent bluff, or something much more than a child of his age should be. He liked the boy, despite an air of repressed explosiveness that hung about him. Even so, he felt the need to understand what exactly he had thrown his lot in with.

“Out of curiosity, what is your classification? If you don’t mind my asking.”

The Ampera consisted of two different classes and developed their skills on a five tiered progression of skill, the first being beginners without a classification and the fifth the highest level of accomplishment and esteem in their respective category. The two classes were those with physical power or mental power. The first tended to be fighters, possessing super human strength or resilience. The second class was more rare, and often able to possess what would be called magic. This area was broader than the physical class and had many sub-categories to it. Ampera in this division tended to be incredibly intelligent and strong-willed, and some could even see past the physical world to a certain extent. Ranging from strategists to prophets, these Ampera were all the more valuable because of their smaller numbers. But there was a downside to it as well. The second class of Ampera, especially those who possessed second-sighted tendencies, found their power much harder to develop and control. Some who had rushed into their training had temporarily lost their connection to reality, or their sanity altogether. For this reason there was a smaller ratio of beginners to experts in this class than the physical class. The training of these people was handled with much more care and the students were taught to be somewhat timid with their abilities.

“I do not mind answering at all: I have no classification yet.”

“Ah, than you are still in the first tier.”

“No, third.”

Nate nearly fell out of his seat. It was true that most Ampera had a small amount of power in their opposite class, but to come so far and be equally strong in both was unheard of. The second thing that was highly unusual was Arron’s age. Most students didn’t even begin training until they were in their teens. If Arron was speaking the truth, he was years, almost decades, ahead of where he should be.

“But that can’t be possible. Most Third level Ampera are used for-“

“I’m an assassin.”

Something about the flat way Arron spoke the words caused a swell of pity to rise up inside Nate and soften his face. He looked sadly at Arron and shook his head.

“How could the Ampera allow one so young to be exposed to such a life? To steal a person’s childhood…”

Something flickered in Arron’s eyes almost to quickly to note any change. He studied his boots for a moment then spoke quietly.

“Believe me sir, the Ampera stole nothing. My childhood was over long before I came to them.”

Nate began to form a reply but was interrupted by the door of the Inn swinging open with a bang and revealing the figure of a man who crossed the threshold with the air of a pallbearer. Silence descended on the inhabitants of the bar, all conversation and laughter ceasing abruptly. As the man walked slowly into the room Maggie spilled the contents of her pitcher all over the floor and swallowed hard. She turned her back on the person with an effort and tried not to shake as she sopped up the mess with her apron. The man made for the darkest table the inn had to offer and passed briefly through the glow of a candle. Arron saw in that second the cause for the silence. It was not a face one saw every day, though the bar patrons seemed to recognize it well enough. It was a face completely blank of any emotion, with two empty eyes that seemed to be staring off into another world. But most unsettling was the left side of his face, which was a mass of horrible scars that made it look caved-in. He sat down without speaking to anyone or seeming to notice the silent crowd. As if the concealing shadows of the person’s chosen spot had released some restraint, the people of the bar slowly began to speak again and continue their interrupted revelry, and Maggie breathed a bit easier. Arron turned towards his companion and inquired softly who this strange man was. Nate shuddered and answered scarce above a whisper:

“That’s Eric C. Millstone, my captain.”



* * *



“And then I came here directly, the whole thing happened not 15 hours ago.”

Timothy finished his tale in front of the small group of his superiors, and awaited their judgment with the patience of a loyal student. The first to speak up was Shannon, a short woman with watery eyes and graying hair. She was the newest addition to the circle of fifth ranked Ampera, and was anxious to show them they were her betters no longer.

“This is the gravest news we have received in 20 years, if the king were to find out we would surely be blamed for it.”

A grunt emanated from the far corner of the room. Everyone turned his or her gaze to its source, a heavy man whose nose always seemed to be turned upwards a bit more than was becoming.

“What do you mean we? I for one had nothing to do with the boy’s instruction. Gregson was his primary, and-”

“Now, just hold on a moment there Mark.”

Another voice interrupted. It belonged to a man with dull brown eyes and a misshapen chin. He seemed never to say anything unless it was in the middle of someone else’s sentence, and had a rather deeper voice than one would have expected to come from one so frail-looking.

“Timothy is not to blame at all, it was Ann who recommended Arron’s going on this mission in the first place.”

The lady apparently called Ann looked sharply at the brown-eyed man and put up her hands.

“But that’s not fair Cyril, you all had to approve it before it was allowed.”

This started a burst of heated discussion from everyone at once and for a few minutes Timothy stood before the semi-circle completely forgotten. The argument continued until an old man who had remained quiet until now closed his eyes and shouted in a booming voice:

“Silence, all of you!”

Immediately the chatter ceased and the whole group looked at the speaker in half-ashamed meekness. The man, who looked more like a brick wall than a person, still had some black hair that hadn’t grayed and sitting down his head was higher than Timothy’s. For a moment he just sat there, eyes closed and mouth tight as if trying to beat back anger. At length he breathed deeply, opened his eyes, and turned their blue light round at his companions.

“Arguing about who is to blame for this will do nothing but waste time, and time is the one thing that may save us and Arron. Gregson, do not let yourself feel guilty about this, you did your duty, and that is all that could be asked of you.”

Timothy sighed sadly and gazed at the floor.

“ With all due respect Sir, I’m not sure that’s true.”

The group looked at the dejected man in surprise and more than a little confusion. The man addressed as Sir furrowed his brow and spoke gravely.

“You do not mean to imply any negligence on your own part?”

“No Sir, that’s not what I mean. I was just thinking of something Arron used to say. Something about duty not always being enough and no honor in only doing what was demanded. I did everything I was supposed to in his teaching and on this mission, but looking back I should have done more than simply what was required of me.”

“That does sound like him, he was always saying odd things like that. Come now Gregson, don’t despair yet, it still may be possible to find Arron and bring him back.”

At this Mark jerked his head upward and spoke up in a high, almost whining voice, displaying his astonishment.

“You don’t mean that you’d actually accept a traitor back among us? After disobeying orders, aiding an enemy of the crown, attacking his guardian, fleeing from the authorities…”

The glare in the man’s blue eyes silenced Mark’s tirade.

“You seem to forget Mark: Arron is a child. A powerful and strange one yes, but a child nonetheless. He could not be expected to understand such a difficult aspect of the loyalty we owe to the King and this land. Sparing that baby may have been an act of disobedience, but it was also one of mercy, and when we find him I for one do not intend to punish him to severely.”

Timothy knitted his brows and opened his mouth to say something, but glancing around at the group in front of him seemed to think better of it and remained silent. The old man caught this, cleared his throat, and addressed his peers.

“It is useless to continue this conversation, the best thing to do now is to begin the search. Each of you pick a handful of students whose discretion can be trusted, and make sure they are at Arron’s level, we don’t want anyone getting hurt is he resists. Have them here as soon as possible, that is all.”

The four scampered off to obey this request and soon Timothy was alone with the old man. He rose from his chair and approached Timothy in a more relaxed air than he had previously possessed.

“Now my friend, what is it you wouldn’t say in front of them?”

“It’s not that I don’s trust them Andrew, but they are already so set against Arron…”

“I know. The others can be a little… over zealous sometimes, but they do mean well.”

“What I have to say you may not like, do I have permission to speak freely?”

“Of course, you need to ask?”

“Call off the search, Arron is lost to us as surely as if he were dead.”

“Timothy, with our people scouring the country he couldn’t hide for long, and every thing will be done to bring him to his senses once we have him.”

“You don’t understand, Arron has practically been my son for the past five years. I know him through and through. I don’t know why he decided to sacrifice his future here for that monstrosity, but he has, and he will die before he gives it up. I’m not so sure that the other students could take him even if they do find him.”

“But out numbered and without allies…”

“You talk as if he were an ordinary boy, we both know he isn’t. It’s not just his power Andrew, or even his personality. There’s something about him, something…that shouldn’t be. I can’t give it a name but it’s there, and I’m not certain it’s good.”


* * *

Eric Millstone sat, shrouded in shadows, and letting his gaze wander about the room. He hardly ever ordered a drink or food, and never spoke to anyone, but whenever he felt a fit coming on he sought out crowds to drive it away. The presence of others around him provided a check to his thoughts, it was easier to divert them from dangerous courses with noise and activity to distract them. It had taken years for him to regain any kind of control, and it had come at a price. At first he had simply locked himself up, but the isolation only aggravated the situation. He had not been strong enough to overcome the fear and panic, and had eventually forced himself into a deep apathy. If he did not care whether or not his life continued, the threat of it ending was more bearable, and the threat presented itself in many surprising forms: The face of a stranger, an unexpected noise, the shadows dancing on the wall of his cabin, even a chance word dropped by a friend, and the whole spiral of suspicion and fear began. Was that them outside the door? Are they in this room? Is he really one of them in disguise? It must be them this time, come to get the one they missed.


He had to force himself into a middle ground of indifference to life or death; it was the only thing that kept him from constantly searching for enemies and danger out of the corners of his eyes, the only thing that gave him any semblance of rest. It didn’t always work though; sometimes he had to seek other means of keeping his head from fantastic fears and elaborate plots. Here at the Inn he felt safe. The worst thing that ever happened here was indigestion. They had never gone inside the Inn, which was the only reason he was alive. As he glanced from face to familiar face, his gaze came to rest on the form of a young boy, holding a baby in his arms and staring him straight in the eye. Millstone flinched. For a moment he had the curious sensation of looking into a mirror.

Arron turned back towards Nate and lowered his voice:

“What time is your ship leaving?”

“Tomorrow at noon if all goes well.”

“What is the name of it?”

“The ‘Kraken’”

“That gives me plenty of time to be ready, look for me in the cargo hold an hour before you sail.”

“But what if someone sees you sneaking aboard?”

“They won’t.”

Maggie approached the pair of conspirators, arms full of empty glasses, and eyed Nate warily.

“Arron, would you mind stepping into the kitchen with me for a moment?”

Nate rolled his eyes and picked up his drink. Arron slipped off his stool without comment and followed the young Innkeeper. As the kitchen door swung closed, Maggie let a sigh escape her lips. She sat her burden down on the nearest counter and faced Arron with tender concern etched on her face.

“Listen boy, I know you just met me and I aint your Ma, but you should be more careful who you warm up to in a place like this, didn’t anyone teach you not to talk to strangers?”

Arron pushed down the irritation caused by Maggie’s condescending tone. He knew she meant well, and figured he owed her for helping him out.

“He did not seem dangerous to me.”

“People are not always what they appear to be, the sooner you learn that the better. I’ve seen all types come through my door and I know most of those fellows in there better than they know themselves. Nate is not a good sort; in fact he’s bad news to anyone within a hundred feet of him. You’d do well to steer clear of him.”

Arron didn’t answer, and Maggie, hearing her customers begin to clamor again, grabbed another pitcher full of some intoxicating substance and head for the door. She eyed Nate again as she passed his stool as if warning him. She had taken a liking to the little boy and his companion, and believed him far to innocent to benefit from the likes of Nathaniel Barrow. She walked a bit quicker past Captain Millstone’s table, relieved he hadn’t called for anything. In her best moments Maggie did feel a bit sorry for him, after all, his very face was evidence that his life had not been a happy one. But there was a look in his eyes that filled her with horror. Not fear that he would harm her or commit some desperate act, but that there was something missing from him, something that left him less of a human being. The sound of hoof beats drew her attention. There was a muffled commotion of dismounting and conversation with the doorman, than three persons marched through the front as if they owned the place. Maggie had never seen these people before, and couldn’t say she liked the look of them. The three men had a sort of pinched expression as if entering such a place were beneath them. They all were tall and well built, and Maggie saw the telltale ripples and bulges under their cloaks that bespoke of multiple weapons. They glanced around the room for a moment, than fell to earnest whispers. At last they strode up to Maggie with forced politeness, and one with a cleft in his chin deigned to speak to her.

“Pardon me miss, but where might we find the master of this establishment?”

“You’re look’n right at her.”

The cleft-chinned man arched his eyebrows in surprise.

“You? Isn’t this a bit of rough work for a lady?”

“Now who said I was that?”

Maggie did not do her character justice with this statement, as nearly every man in the bar would have told the casual inquirer in frustration. But she liked making these unpleasant persons uncomfortable, and the way they blushed was particularly satisfying.

“Ahem, well…We are searching for a certain person, and have reason to believe he may have passed this way.”

“I’ve had a lot come through here today, who you looking for?”

The man glanced about him and lowered his voice.

“He’s a dangerous fugitive, an Ampera.”

Maggie’s eyes widened and she stepped back. She cast a gaze around the familiar faces of her patrons and bit her lip. She felt a twinge of guilt for toying with her guests.

“By all means, just tell me his name and I’ll do anything I can.”


Who do they ask for?

[Argonaut]

Very cool chapter, I love the character of the captain, very intriguing.

Strange decision point... let's see, they could be looking for the captain, add some truth to his paranoia. However if he was ampera, Arron should have noticed that already. It's to early for anyone to be after Arron, but maybe they're after Nate. Maggie might actually turn Nate in since she dosn't seems to like him. Then of course Arron will have to help Nate escape (although it seems Arron really dosn't need his help to get on a boat).

[DukeReg]

Nice chapter GG. It's good that you have given us more of an idea of Ampera hierarchy.

Remember to break up your huge paragraphs.

This decision point is interesting. I don't think it can be the captain, because Arron would have known. And Nate seems to keep himself to himself and stay out of the way of Ampera attention. I don't think it would be coincidence after the Ampera leader ordered that Arron be found, that people come looking for a dangerous Ampera fugitive.

They will ask for Arron, by description before name probably.

You don't ask for what the response is, but I will suggest anyway. Since they don't have any way of knowing for sure he is in this particular establishment, if Maggie chooses to palm them off by saying she's never seen him, they will probably just leave to search elsewhere. Maggie might not even believe the dangerous-Ampera-criminal-who-happens-to-be-just-a-child explanation. She probably thinks there is some other reason.

Just a thought for if they do ask after Arron.

[Geek_girl72]

Good ideas, I'm still debating how big a part Maggie or the captain might play in the rest of the story. Its true Arron doesn't seem to need Nate's help, but he realizes the value of having an accomplice if the crew starts to get suspicious. Also, it was a good way to find out about the crew and captain, now he knows what to be careful off. I guess that these people could be looking for a third party Arron hasn't encountered yet, that could take the story in a whole new direction.

[Chinaren]

I am liking this story more and more GG. Nice work with the new characters. Liked the Captain, there is a story there, and I enjoyed the bit of politics within the Ampera.

The DP is possibly a little weak, but I forgive you for that, ;) it isn't easy to do a good DP every time.

They could be looking for the boy, which was my first thought, Nate as well for something 'bad' he has done, or maybe the Captain. However I that doesn't feel right. Of course, it could be another Ampy altogether, but that strikes me as a bit too much of a co-incidence.

I say Nate, just to see what you come up with. :D

Look forward to more.

[Chinaren]

I have decided to award you my HOT NEW SGame award GG!



Congrats. The award is on display in Chinaren Hall of Heroes.

[Shady Stoat]

I think it should be Nate as well. He's the most likely to lead the plot in good direction from here... although perhaps not in a way we expect :D

Love the new chapter, GG. Good stuff :cool:

[Smee]

Hey Geekgirl,

Good couple of chapters, I'm enjoying this story.

I agree with what has been said so far - a new character would be too convenient, and by the reaction of the ampera council renegades just aren't that common to have a third. Arron did have 15 hours head start, it can't be him just yet. Nate it must be.

I look forward to the next chapter,

Happy Writing :D

[The Powers That Be]

I think they ask for somebody else, but I don't think there is somebody else. I think our Ampera can't have failed to notice the newcomers, and probably have some ability to manipulate what they say in order to protect Arron and/or Nate. However, the fact that one or both of them are being hunted may have an impact on what happens next between them.

Ok, so much for the DP. On the chapter: overall, I liked it a lot, especially the new character of Millstone. The multiple POV shifts are a bit dizzying - I haven't decided if I like them or not. The one thing I definitely didn't like was that big clunky expository paragraph about the Ampera rankings. I feel there must be a more organic way to get that across.

Looking forward to more!

[Geek_girl72]

I thought that part was a bit clunky too; I'll probably change it later on. One thing I didn't think of right away but might work for a third person choice: Arron didn't and Nate didn't notice more Ampera when these people entered, they could be lying, trying to find someone who really isn't an Ampera by creating panic.

[Geek_girl72]

Just waiting on a tie breaker...

[Chinaren]

Consider it broken. ;)

[Geek_girl72]

Sorry I haven't been here for a while, I've had the worst wek of my life(don't even ask, you wouldn't believe it!) but I'm back now and the chapter should show up in about three days or less.

[Geek_girl72]

Okay, sorry I've been gone so long. Personal problems afore mentioned escalated and kept me occupied until now. I've returned to planet earth though and will try to have the chapter up on Thursday, no, really.

[Geek_girl72]

Chapter 4: Captain Millstone

The hooded man leaned closer to the agitated Bar Maid. His hood slid back a little, allowing her to see he was Nadorian. He licked his lips as if relishing Maggie’s state and paused dramatically before whispering.

“His name is Nathaniel Barrow, he goes by Nate I believe.”

Maggie started and put her hand to her chest. She had never wasted any favor on the rough sailor, in fact she disliked him greatly, but this was unexpected to her. Maggie, although in many ways a good woman, was the all to common sort who fear what they don’t understand. She shuddered inwardly at all the times she had Nate in her establishment, all the times he could have killed her as easy as…

“The man you want is sitting at the bar, the dark haired one. I’m sure he deserves whatever you’re here to give him, but please don’t carry it out in here, the last thing I need today is a scene.”

“Of course madame, we would hate to stain the reputation of this fine place of business.”

The man spoke with a decided sarcastic air mingled with contempt and made a show of bowing with mock politeness. The three men observed the place where Nate sat, his back was to them and he hadn’t noticed their entry. They moved as a unit slowly forward, not making a single noise. The sounds of the bar patrons seemed to come from far away as they closed in on their victim, not even the argument over a wager broke their concentration. The hooded man slowly reached into his cloak and pulled a small knife from within. Nate did not hear his attackers approaching, and gulped down his drink without a care in the world. The sluggish way he held his mug bespoke that this was not his first drink, and his senses were not at their sharpest. The three moved forward, the candlelight dancing on the blade’s edge as it came nearer its mark. When they were within a foot of Nate’s spot, he stiffened up and began to hoist his half sober self from his seat, but it was to late. The tip of a very sharp knife was in his back, and his adversaries blocked him on all sides. His shoulders slumped in defeat and he spoke with a tone of resignation.

“So it’s you three again. Does the word ‘obsessed’ mean anything to you?”

“Lower your voice or I’ll be forced to break my word to a lady, you wouldn’t want that now, would you?”

“You raise questions of integrity Frank? Now I’ve heard everything.”

“Enough of that, get up slowly and come for a walk with us, or-”

“I know, I know, or you’ll kill me here and now. But if I go with you and tell you were its hidden you may let me live. Well, I don’t see as I have a choice, you’ve got me out numbered and unarmed. Still the same old courageous lot I remember.”

This seemed to strike a nerve with Frank, and he restrained the urge strike his enemy down right there. But the many eyes floating about the room checked him, and the three stepped back to allow Nate to walk in front of them. The group headed out the doorway, and passed a table were a man with an impressive array of scars on the left side of his face sat brooding. But Nate paid his captain no attention; he only focused on finding some means of escape from his predicament. It was a useless attempt. As soon as the door had closed behind them Karl’s two cronies each grabbed an arm and hurried him past the inn and into the woods behind. They increased their speed at the forest’s edge, and rushed on until long after the sounds of the small spot of joy on so many sailor’s lives disappeared. Eventually they halted and tossed the breathless man to the ground at their feet. Frank drew a shiny sword from inside his heavy cloak and placed the tip lightly under Nate’s chin.

“Now Nathaniel, I’ll give you one chance: Were is the chest you stole from us?”

Nate burst out laughing

“Do you mean to tell me you’ve been chasing me half way across the world for three years and think I’ve still got it? Really, I’d a thought you’d know me better by now.”

Frank tightened his grip on his sword and his face reddened

“You lost it already?”

“Lost? Hardly, I’ve had the time of my life; you wouldn’t believe half of it if I told you. It’s gone, all used up here and there. Why else would I be aboard a two bit ship again if I had a king’s ransom in my pockets?”

“Then we’ll take it out of your hide!”

Frank took a step towards the defenseless Nate then stopped abruptly, and scanned the surrounding woods in suspicion. Was that a person who had darted behind that tree? He assumed a defensive stance and nodded to his friends, who instantly did the same. The person in the brush must have realized he had been discovered, and slowly stepped from his hiding place as naturally as if out for a stroll. Frank and his companions relaxed.

“It’s just a kid. Get out of here now boy, if you know what’s good for you.”

Arron made no reply, but kept walking towards Frank slowly.

“Are you deaf? I said get out of here…what are you doing?”

Arron had stopped in front of the three and gazed at them critically. He then drew his knife from its sheath and tossed it to the side. Frank lost his patience. He dropped his sword arm to his side, and raised his fist as if he thought nothing of striking a child one-third his size. But his blow never fell. As easily as thinking Arron dogged to the side, with more speed than Frank thought possible. He grabbed his attacker’s arm before he could retract and jerked it forward, causing Karl to stumble to his knees. Arron twisted the unfortunate man’s arm as he fell, then placed a foot on Frank’s back and pushed him downwards. Frank’s arm gave a sickening crunch, and he cried out. Arron pinned Frank’s sword arm down with his other foot, then grabbed a hold of his head and snapped his neck as easily as if it were a twig.

Frank’s companions stood frozen in stunned silence. The whole thing had taken no more than five seconds. Arron stood to his feet again, fixed the remaining two thieves with a level gaze, and began walking slowly towards them. They stepped backwards; one of then tripped and fell to the ground with a thud. The other thief grabbed his shoulder and pulled him up, and then both turned tail and ran like the cowards they were. Arron shook his head at their retreating forms and turned towards the spot they had tossed his slightly inebriated friend. He was gone. Arron searched the edges of the clearing, and called Nate’s name softly a few times. But he was nowhere in sight or reach of sound. Nate had abandoned Arron in the middle of the scuffle. For the second time that day Arron let a weary sigh escape his lips. His shoulders slumped as if a heavy weight rested on them, and he headed back towards the Inn feeling very tired.


* * *


Maggie sat in the kitchen rocking Jovie nervously. The baby had begun to cry softly, and the bar maid had no experience with this sort of thing. She glanced around for that odd little kid that had dashed out a moment ago, muttering something about trouble. When Arron finally walked through the back door, he had an agitated expression on his young face, as if something were bothering him. However, the moment Jovie’s cry fell on his ears, he seemed to forget everything and quickly took her from Maggie’s frustrated arms. Immediately she stopped crying, and her eyes began to drop back into her disturbed sleep. Maggie crossed her arms and observed the pair with curiosity.

“It appears you have the touch, spent much time around babies?”

“I had a little sister once, but she died.”

Arron didn’t change his expression as he spoke, a fact that mad Maggie feel all the worse for brining the subject up.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“Don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault.”

Silence reigned for the next few minutes while Arron tended to his charge and Maggie twiddled her thumbs and felt guilty. Presently Arron sensed her was making his hostess uncomfortable, and removed himself to the dimly lit room beyond. The crowd was beginning to thin out, some staggering homeward and others being carried, but a few still showed no signs leaving. One of these was Captain Millstone, who continued staring at nothing as if it was incredibly important. When he saw Arron cross his field of vision though, once again he had that strange sensation of looking into a mirror of himself. Half roused from his brooding, he eyed the boy and tried to figure why he should have such an effect.

Suddenly a realization swept over him. That face! He had seen it before, years and years ago, on a stormy beach with cannons roaring all around him. His hand went trembling to his scars, and his breath came a bit quicker. He gave Arron a harder look now, and was engulfed in confusion. He was younger then the person he remembered, and it had taken place so long ago, it couldn’t be the same one. But the resemblance was uncanny; he had to know who he was. Pete was bussing a few tables nearby, and the captain waved him over discretely. Pete was far too apathetic to be afraid of the strange man, and approached him unperturbed.

“Yeah? Whatcha want?”

Millstone spoke in a hushed voice rusty from lack of use.

“That boy over there, do you know anything about him?”

“Uh, some refuge or something. I think I heard him say his name was Arron.”

A momentary disappointment flitted across Millstone’s face, followed by confusion.

“Peter, would you ask him to come here? I would speak to him.”

“Sure, whatever. Hey kid, come ‘er would ya?”

Pete jerked his head towards the captain, and left as if no further explanation was required. Arron stepped over to the captain’s darkened corner in half suspicion, not knowing what to expect. His teachers had instilled in him, or rather attempted to instill, an infinite respect for anyone more than ten years older than himself. It had only succeeded in convincing him his teachers were a bunch of idiots. So when he approached Millstone he showed none of the servile-like deference most children in his station would have, and simply looked him in the eye and waited. Millstone peered at him for a moment before speaking.

“I heard your name is Arron, is that true?”

“It is.”

“Is that the name you were born with?”

“I don’t see how that is any of your business, or why I should answer such an insinuating question.”

Millstone jumped a little at this unexpected defiance in one so young. Something that could have conceivably been a smile crossed his face, and he leaned back in his chair to get a full look at the boy, shaking his head.

“Incredible! If you weren’t so young I could swear you two were one and the same.”

“Two?”

“You happen to look remarkably like a man that did me a good turn once, if not for him I wouldn’t be around to tell how I got these battle scars of mine. For a moment I mistook you for him.”

Arron thought quickly: He needed an ally if he was going to get out of Malya; he hadn’t the resources to escape on his own. The Ampera would begin looking for him soon, he didn’t have much time. This strange captain was his best chance to get out of the country and he looked for any chance of using his resemblance as an advantage. He knew perfectly well who Millstone had mistaken him for, but thought better of disclosing that information. He’d have to find another way. Fortunately he didn’t have to try very hard. Millstone took a more serious attitude and lowered his voice even farther.

“Boy, er, Arron, what exactly is the trouble you’re in?”

Not many things took Arron off guard, but this did. Millstone was not an Ampera, but had seemingly read exactly what he was thinking. Millstone grinned wryly at his surprise.

“Don’t look so taken aback. I heard somewhere that Ampera can recognize their own with a glance, well, they aren’t the only ones. You’ve been through something, something terrible.”

“You can tell that?”

“It’s plain to those who’ve been there. You may be young, but you’re no stranger to tragedy. In fact, I’d say you’ve suffered the worst kind: seeing everything important to you taken away, just like me. I’m not the only one with scars, and it shows just as plainly to me as mine do the rest of the world.”

Most people would have been uncomfortable at their deepest sorrows being so nearly touched on. And Arron had even more cause, since his life could hang in the balance, but he never wavered for a moment. He realized there was no point in bluffing, and he was not the sort to lie, so he took a leap in the dark.

“You’re right. I have seen things, and I am in trouble. But I would request that you don’t ask about it, my safety or freedom could be endangered if anyone knew.”

“Fair enough. I wouldn’t speak freely about my troubles to a stranger either. But, it may sound sentimental, but I’d like to offer aid if you’ll accept it, if only because you remind me of my old friend.”

At this offer a thought occurred to Arron, ever since he had parted company with his teacher things had worked out in the most extraordinary ways. First he had managed to find a town in an area he had never seen before. Maggie had felt no qualms about taking in a stranger even though a war was on, Nate had warmed right up to him, even if he had abandoned him later, and now when he despaired of escaping another man he had never met was coming to his aid. If Timothy had been with him he would undoubtedly have called it the workings of Fate, but Arron did not believe in Fate and never wavered in his convictions for a moment. He thought only that he must have more influence over people than he had realized before. Throughout his short life Arron was aware that those around him seemed to gravitate towards him despite his peculiarities. He did not know if it was connected to his power as an Ampera or something independent of it in his nature, but it was a valuable asset as the current situation proved.

“Sir, I would not turn down an offer for help, especially in my present problems, but I think it only right to warn you. My presence will be a danger to those around me as long as certain people believe me to be alive. Are you sure you want to take that risk?”

Millstone arched his eyebrows and observed Arron gravely.

“Am I sure I want to take a risk? How do you think I got this face in the first place?”


* * *


Timothy stood outside the large gates that separated his home from the rest of the world. Ampera settlements didn’t usually have names unless they were near a large city or had something else noteworthy about them; Timothy’s was hidden so far away from anything that even most Ampera hadn’t heard of it. The search parties were beginning to congregate around their respective leaders and discuss strategy for capturing the fugitive. It made Timothy uncomfortable to see the expression on their faces as they talked about Arron; they seemed…too eager about it. It was as if all that concerned them was the excitement of it, the thrill of chasing something and the excuse to show off. Arron had always maintained a certain coldness around other Ampera in his village, at the time Timothy had thought his charge was a snob, and now he saw there was reason behind it.

Something nagged at Timothy about this whole business. It went beyond Arron’s rebellion or the preservation of that child. There was something beneath the surface that Timothy couldn’t quite grasp, something that made him doubt himself. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, and he wasn’t sure it was just with Arron. He watched as Ann spoke to her huddled group about the threat facing them and felt even worse. But he refused to let himself follow that train of thought and approached her; this was going to be hard enough without dwelling on mutual grudges. He waited until the slightly graying woman had dismissed her troop to make their preparations, and cleared his throat. She pretended not to hear or see him at first. Timothy sighed inwardly: She wasn’t going to make this easy.

“Pardon me Ann, may I have a word with you?”

“Words are not necessary Timothy.”

Timothy felt a slight tingling sensation in his head and tried to keep his temper. Ann could just barely make out the thoughts of a person, and it usually took her longer to gather information than plain speaking would, but she still lost no chance of using it. Timothy held back his frustration with an effort. He didn’t have time for a war of nerve; he had only a little while before the search began.

“Ann if we could dispense with…”

“Shh!”

Timothy calmed himself and put up no resistance to Ann’s intrusions. After a moment he felt her pull away, and saw something he didn’t expect from her: a look of sincere pity. The thing about the mind class Ampera who could read thought was that they often saw things in their subjects neither of them intended. It only lingered on her face for an instant though, and was quickly pulled behind a mask of superiority. When she spoke, one would never have guessed she saw anything worthwhile in the old man before her.

“You know very well that we have to travel light on this mission, I couldn’t take along another person even if I wanted to.”

“But I know Arron better than any of you, I could be useful in tracking him down.”

“You are a soldier, your skill is combat, not subtlety.”

“I taught Arron well enough.”

“You honestly take credit for all his abilities? I watched him growing up, some things he picked up nearly without training, and better than his teachers. In the brief times he was with me I never had to show him something more than once. He has a natural gift unlike any I’ve seen. If he’s on the third tier now under you, if I had had the full training of him… “

“Ann, please don’t make this about past disagreements. Arron can still be saved, and I think he might listen to me where he may not listen to someone else.”

“I never approved of how you raised that boy, you let far to much slide and how he acted towards you proves it. What makes you think he’ll behave differently a second time?”

“Because it is not his Fate to be a villain, I can’t believe that it is.”

“On the contrary I’d say he has all the early symptoms of it.”

“What does that mean?”

“Think about Timothy, he lost his parents when he was very young, never fully submitted to those over him, lived a violent life in his tender years, and finally turned his back on his own when we needed him most. Those are all things Jarrell went through, how do you know Fate hasn’t been working against you all this time?”

“…If it has, I’d like to be there to see for myself.”

“Perhaps you should come, it may be the only thing that opens your eyes to your own mistakes.”

Timothy thanked Ann, and hurried to gather provisions. He was grateful Ann had consented, even if it was only to watch him squirm later. An hour later five search parties scattered in different directions, convinced the Fate of the world rested on their shoulders.


* * *


Millstone’s men had found it strange that a cabin boy was added to their crew at the last minute, and one that had a baby in tow as well. But the Captain always did strange things from time to time, and they dared not question his actions even among themselves. They made sure not to harass the new crewman like their usual custom was, if the Captain had taken an interest in him the boy probably held no small amount of favor. The last thing they wanted was the wrath of the sole survivor of Jarrell’s last stand. It made them shudder to think what he must have seen, what destruction he must have lived through. Only legend and tall-tale had trickled down to the general public, and given Jarrell’s famed power little of it was not believed.

Arron saw his charge safely sleeping in the bunkhouse and went about his work for the few remaining daylight hours. The crew left him to himself, which suited Arron just fine. He kept looking around for any sign of Nate, but he hadn’t reported back that afternoon. The few words he had with Captain Millstone had seen him sunk back into his state of brooding reflection, so he didn’t press him. He wanted to learn more about the man Millstone claimed had saved him, but decided to try when he was in better spirits.


When the day’s work was done and all the men not on watch shuffled into the bunkhouse, Arron sat on his bed holding Jovie until long after everyone else was asleep. He didn’t know what he was watching for, some sign of a threat or danger. After the chorus of snores convinced Arron he was the only one awake, he carefully placed Jovie between the wall and a pillow so she wouldn’t roll off the bed in the night, covered her with the thick blanket, then curled up without blanket or pillow and slept on the floor.

A few hours before daylight he awoke with a start, the sound of cannons blazing and voices shouting filled the air. Arron hurriedly gathered up Jovie and rushed outside. The scene that greeted him was worse than most he had ever faced. An enormous ship was firing on Captain Millstone’s vessel, threatening to reduce it to timber. Everywhere he looked Arron saw flames and bodies falling overboard. The blasts from enemy cannons rocked the ship, nearly throwing Arron off his feet. Crowds were rushing all over the deck, some barking orders and others screaming in panic.

Rapidly he took in the situation looking for a way to fight back or means of escape. Normally he wouldn’t think about retreating from any fight, but he had others to think of now. He forced his way through the confused crowds in search of the Captain, and stopped suddenly like he’d hit a brick wall. His eyes gave a slight twitch and his free hand went to his head. He turned in the direction of the ship and uttered one word softly:

“Ann.”

His Jaw set and determination flooded his gray eyes. He knew what he had to do, although it didn’t appeal to him, it was the only defense he had at the moment, and more than one life hung in the balance


* * *


Aboard the ship firing on Millstone’s frantic men, Ann and Timothy stood at the railing regarding the small ship as if it were the only thing in the world. Ann was still too proud to admit that Timothy had been invaluable in tracking Arron down, and persisted in treating him as if he were a nuisance to be barely tolerated. It hadn’t been difficult for her to single out Arron even at this distance. His presence was stronger than the non-Ampera he traveled with, masked only temporarily by the creature he guarded. The instant she felt it she locked in on him and did not attempt to hide what she was doing from her subject.

An hour before, when the two Ampera rowed up to Millstone’s ship in a lifeboat and asked permission to come aboard, he had refused. In response they had returned to their own vessel and opened fire. Now Ann searched Arron’s mind for any weakness in his resolve, any signal that he could be persuaded to come back. At least, she meant to. A moment after she locked on to Arron a surprised expression crossed her face. She narrowed her eyes and gripped the railing tightly, focusing more energy on her task. Finally she released the rail with a gasp and stepped backwards. She turned her face towards Timothy with unbelief written all over it.

“I never taught him that…”

She murmured softly, her breath coming a bit quicker. Timothy creased his forehead and glanced back and forth between the offending ship and his baffled colleague.

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“He…he resisted somehow, broke my hold.”

“How could he know how to do that? Students aren’t allowed to learn how to resist until they are fourth level at least.”

“Wherever he learned it he’s about to get more than he bargained for.”

Ann gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, kneeling down on the deck and folding her hands as she did so. Timothy bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair.

“Ann, you won’t hurt him too much, will you? You wont do anything permanent to him?”

“He has to see we mean business.”

Timothy protested anxiously until he saw that Ann’s awareness of her surroundings had left her. The seconds dragged on as he waited for her to end her work. But it was not Ann who put a stop to it. She began to twitch and totter a little. Her face contorted as if some struggle ragged within her. A gurgled cry escaped her lips; her eyes snapped open and her hands went to her head. She continued gasping as if in pain and doubled over on the deck. Timothy stood to shocked to move.

“Ann?! Ann, what’s happening?”

“Arron, st-stop it, please…”

The old woman shook her head violently from side to side in desperation, crying out again. Timothy knelt beside her and grabbed a hold of her shoulders, trying to find some way of freeing her from whatever held her in this state. The cannons let loose another volley and Ann sank in on herself.

“Arron please! Let me go!”

A thought struck Timothy and he leapt to his feet. He shouted for the crew to hear him over the din of the battle.

“Cease your fire!”

The men didn’t hear him. Another volley thundered and Ann nearly screamed.

“I said Cease fire!”

The cannons stopped and the baffled men stared at the old soldier. Ann’s arms fell limply to her sides and her eyelids half closed. She breathed a tremendous sigh and fell forward, crashing to the deck in a dead faint.


* * *


Millstone and his crew gazed in bewilderment at the ship that had begun and ended its assault so abruptly. It made no sign of shying off however, and they had the feeling this wasn’t over yet. Millstone struggled to his feet from the spot a close blast had thrown him, but except for a gash above his left eye nothing appeared wrong with him. The battle torn group parted and Arron pressed though to Millstone’s side. He breathed heavily as if he’d just run a marathon, and the light burden in his arms seemed to heavy for him. Dark circles were under his eyes, and he opened and closed his mouth a few time before speaking.

“Captain Millstone, you can’t keep me here.”

“What do you mean by that? We’re in the middle of the ocean.”

“That ship came because of me, you are all in danger because I’m with you. I thought I could hold them off but I can’t as I am. It is not right of me to ask you all to forfeit your lives for mine, and that could very well happen if you don’t surrender me to them now.”

Eric Millstone glanced from the boy in front of him to the silent ship, a suspicious gleam forming in his eyes.

“What have you done that someone wants you this badly?”

Arron hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat.

“I’m an Ampera, I disobeyed an order and ran away from my guardian. Now they think I’ve gone rogue and mean to get me back by any means necessary.”

Eric’s mouth dropped open and he took a step nearer the boy. He started to speak but thought better of it. His brow furrowed as he looked from the battle ship to his tattered men, and then to a face that reminded him of another seen so long ago. He believed he knew what the right thing to do was, but he couldn’t look at that face and not remember he owed one like it his life.

[Chinaren]

A nice chapter GG! Good plot movement, and now we understand the title too! :D

One slight comment. You tend to shift Point of View (POV) from one character to another very easily. I think perhaps you should stick to one characters' POV and what he/she sees/thinks.

For example, if a character was walking past another, thinking of something, don't switch to the other character and what he is thinking. You could make reference to the other charcter through the first one.


Geek Girl walked past him, wondering how she was going to eat all those cookies. The man barely saw her. He was thinking of the next chapter of Garden, which he was halfway through.

Instead, maybe:

As GeekGirl walked past, wondering how she was going to eat all those cookies, she glanced at the man, who appeared deep in thought.

It's a bit lame I know, but hopefully you get the idea. ;)

Anyway, what to do? It's a doozy. Can the smaller ship outrun the larger one? Should he risk all, or should he let Arron go?

Perhaps Arron could confuse the crew of the larger ship somehow, whilst the smaller one makes a getwaway, or even fires the cannon and attempts to disable the other, maybe firing on the rudder or somesuch.

I am not too good with nautical things!

[Shady Stoat]

Good chapter. Watch out for 'too' and 'to' though. You're getting them mixed up quite a bit. And 'rouge' is make-up, 'rogue' is renegade (my fingers make that slip all the time - I type too fast) :D

One thought that occurs. Ampera seem to grow up extremely quickly. Arron was virtually an adult by the time he was five. Is there any chance that the super-Ampera, even though it's a baby, could be communicated with, told that its life was in danger unless it helped save the ship?

Perhaps Arron could tap into its power, or guide it to do the right thing. It's an option worth considering anyway, because I'm not sure the captain's going to give up his new cabin-boy. He doesn't seem the surrendering sort to me :D

[Geek_girl72]

Thanks for pointing those out shady, I can't believe I did that!

Oh, china, about the POV changes: I promise they'll stop shortly, but I needed them for the first few chapters or the story won't make sense later.

A lot of interesting things could happen in this DP. I don't think Jovie can do anyhting yet, except maybe mask Arron somehow...that could confuse Timothy and Ann. Maybe Arron leaves but makes Millstone take Jovie with him?

[DukeReg]

It's a tough one.

Arron didn't seem like he was asking permission. I think, as usual, he was saying what he had already decided to do. He will have to be convinced before embarking on plans of fighting off the other ship.

The captain would recognise his tone and say:
"Answer me one thing: will the two of you be safer if you go with them than if you fight with us?"

[Argonaut]

This story sure moves fast :) I think Arron is going to have to be conviced into not surrendering, but finding some trick to use to escape will be better than just fighting to the death. Unfortunatly I can't think of a good trick just now...

[The Powers That Be]

Wow, you've certainly got a lot of balls up in the air here. I like it.

I'll throw in my one obligatory grammar comment: you have many many run-on sentences in this chapter.

Ok, putting myself in Millstone's shoes right now. This isn't like back in the bar. He's on his own ship now, and he's in charge. I don't think he'll let Arron go, and I don't think he'll see it as Arron's call.

[OldJoe]

Ahm all caught up. Ah reckon Mr. Powers has the right of it. The Cap aint going to take no talkback from some young 'un.

Spit in their eye and fight says me.

[LordoftheNight]

The boy obviously wants off, and it doesn't seem worth the Captain's while to keep him aboard. Doing so will only endanger his life, that of his crew, and that of his ship - I'd say let him loose if he wants it.

[Geek_girl72]

Okay, wide varity of ideas here. Any more before the poll goes up?

[Geek_girl72]

Forgot to say, the poll will run for about a week starting today.

[JezSharp]

This is a really great story, have just cayght up and it was worth it :) .

I'm not really sure what should happen next:

1) Hand him over: Aaron says he's not ready yet - however he doesn't believe in Fate which seems to be working in the background. The fact he's suddenly been able to Master control over Ann that has put a stop to the fighting indicates that he is meant to continue on with the voyage.

2) Keep the baby...Very bad idea, the baby would be left alone on a rough sailing vessel with no carer.

3) and 4) Better options. Clearly they have inferior fire power so running is the only option. A better option than it first sounds as fate seems to be wanting Aaron to stay on the ship and he's already shown he has power over Ann - so it's unlikely that Timothy will risk opening fire again.

[Chinaren]

Sorry, missed the vote going up somehow!

Voted for the fight back option.

[OldJoe]

Ah reckon yer should put up a fight. Voted fer such.

[Mother Goose]

Outrunning seems a good idea if it's possible (and it should be, with Arron's luck or fate or whatever). If Jovie can mask Arron from Timothy and Ann, so much the better.

[Geek_girl72]

Sor far fighting back is in the lead, cool! I'll let the poll run a few more days to make sure everyone who wants to can vote.


EDIT: So it looks like out run 'em won. I'll try to have the next chapter up in a week at most.
________
C111

[Geek_girl72]

ARRG! Just figured out why my computer wasn't working, my friend actually took a vital part out so he could play some dumb game on his without even telling me...

Anyway, the point is that's why the new chapter isn't up yet.
________
Girlfriend Deepthroat

[dragon_fire372]

Just caught up, nice story going on GeekGirl!

Looking forward to the next chapter, where I can actually say something meaningful to your story. ;)

[Geek_girl72]

Chapter Five: A Place of Refuge


?Arron, I will have you know that I have never once sacrificed a comrade to save my own skin, and I don?t plan to start now. We may be outgunned, but this ship is lighter and faster, we can easily outrun them.?

Arron said nothing, he was too exhausted to either agree or argue. Millstone called his men to assemble, and addressed them with the gravity only a sea-Captain was capable of.

?Men, the enemy has ceased firing on us. We do not have he numbers or the resources to return the attack with equal force. Our best course of action would now be to hoist sail and head for the nearest port with all the speed we can muster.?

The men were only to happy to obey. Before an hour passed the enemy ship was only a speck on the horizon. It had given chase but proved far to heavy and slow to offer any threat. Arron had maintained his silence during this time, sitting on the deck perfectly still, watching the crew run back and forth. His mind wandered to Timothy and Anne, he knew his actions would cause a bit of a stir. After all, no one had taught him warfare beyond physical techniques. He knew also that this would be taken as another sign of his fall from honor. The other Ampera would use it to say that he?d grown cruel by tormenting one of his own, never mind they?d been ready to blow a whole ship of civilians out of the water to find him. He thought about his last argument with Timothy, about what his teacher had said about Fate. It reminded him of another conversation they had had in happier times. The boy closed his eyes, and could almost see the place he and his friend first touched on the debate that had culminated in their violent separation.

It had been mid Autumn, but the air was cool enough to show up the breath of the two combatants. The late afternoon sun glowed only as it could in that season, piercing the transparent leaves fluttering in the wind and tinting the whole clearing in a heavenly illusion. In the middle of this ideal scene, a casual observer would have seen an old man and a boy, a very young boy, engaged in a lively contest with wooden swords. Advancing, retreating, leaping this way and that, the battle grew faster and more intense with each passing second. Until finally Timothy stumbled back and half laughed, half gasped his words.

?Alright, that?s enough Arron, defeat acknowledged.?

Timothy displayed no shame in being bested by such a young student. On the contrary, he seemed pleased. But Arron?s brow creased gravely at his teachers words, indeed it seldom seemed to relax that expression, and regarded him as if concerned.

?But Timothy, I slipped on the last thrust. My form was all wrong.?

?Oh, don?t let that bother you, it would have killed me all the same. It?s enough that you realize it. Most students older than you just blindly hack away and act surprised when they win a match.?

?Could we please try one more time? I?d like to get that right before today is over. I don?t want to get sloppy habits with something this important.?

Timothy leaned against a tree to catch his breath. He smiled at Arron and saw the boy wasn?t nearly as taxed as he. Arron wasn?t even perspiring. Clearly he had amazing stamina and strength. And the importance he placed on his studies was remarkable too.

?Son, I wish I had your drive. Never once have I seen a student so determined. It wouldn?t surprise me if you?re destined for great things.?

?Destined? I?m not destined for anything.?

Timothy stopped and looked hard at the boy. He was perfectly serious.

?You don?t believe in your own Fate??

?I don?t believe such a thing exists at all.?

?And why not??

?It doesn?t make sense, that?s why. It nullifies good and evil.?

??That doesn?t make any sense.?

?No, it does. Would you say Jarrell was Fated for evil??

?I can?t see how such a man could have been meant for anything else.?

?And what is evil??

?Acting upon Malice for all.?

?You?ve just proved my point.?

?Arron, please just say what you mean for once.?

?What I mean is this: You?ve said to be evil is to act on your own malice, and there is no way Jarrell could have done otherwise. If a man behaves a certain way because he has no choice, he has done nothing wrong. Also he can do nothing right if it is forced. If we allow Fate to exist, not only is every action futile, but we lose the ability to admire or judge.?

?Talking with you is more tiring than fighting with you.?

Arron seemed not to hear anything, but kept on his train of thought.

?And that doesn?t even touch on the biggest question Fate brings up. Why? What is all this for??

?Son, you?ll have to learn that in this life there are questions without answers.?

Arron?s checks turned red and he looked sharply at his teacher as if he?d just been slapped in the face.

?I don?t believe that either.?

Arron stalked out of the clearing with his eyes blazing. Timothy stayed leaning on his tree and watched Arron go, completely perplexed. The wind died down, the sun sank behind a cloud, and the paradise-like illusion vanished.


* * * *


It was dark. Almost pitch-black. Arron came to himself with a start and instantly looked down to check on Jovie. She was gone. Before this information could even register Millstone?s voice cut the through the cold night air.

?Don?t alarm yourself, the child is sleeping in my cabin. I thought it would be better than a noisy bunkhouse. I?m astonished it didn?t occur to me before, but I?ve never had a head for details.?

Arron rubbed his sore neck and stood to his feet. Millstone was standing a few feet away with a lantern in hand that cast an eerie glow over his mangled face. The left side was almost unrecognizable as human, but the right was free of any blemish. It was not a very old half a face, no more than thirty years could be read in its unmarred brow. Both eyes were unharmed as well, though few could stand to look in them. They were frightening in a way difficult to describe. They held no hint of malevolence or anything threatening, but there was still a darkness spilling from them. A darkness that had nothing to do with evil, but was just as unnerving. When one looked into the Captain?s eyes they caught a glimpse of something that ran so deep, was felt so intensely, but yet so impossible to give name to, they panicked. He was a bottomless pit of all things overwhelmingly foreign to normal experience. Arron looked into these eyes, but not a ripple of distress showed on his face.

?Thank you sir, that was kind of you.?

?I came to tell you that land is in sight a good deal sooner than I expected. We should be docked before dawn. Do you have any place to go once you get there??

?No, not yet. I know Nadoria is hostile to people like me, but the alternative was much worse.?

?It?s possible that I can help you with this. I have a friend who is a bit?displeased with the state of things in Nadoria. He?s been known to give refuge to Ampera before. If you are willing, I can lead you to him.?

??Sir? May I ask you something??

?Anything you like.?

?Why are you doing this? You are not an Ampera, and most normal people hate us. Why is it that you don?t?

Millstone made no reply at first, but walked over to the ships rail and gazed into the inky sky. His enigmatic eyes clouded over with memories.

?I remember the war against Jarrell in ways few could. When he made his last stand, he retreated to a small fishing village on the coast and took the whole population hostage. When the Ampera cornered him instead of backing off, his response was to begin slaughtering every man woman and child the town held. It was a way of spitting in the Ampera?s face, doing something they couldn?t stop before falling to them. The few Ampera that survived that battle were never the same.?

?But Jarrell was an Ampera too, a second generation one at least. The destructiveness of that battle is what made most people afraid of the Ampera.?

?If I did fear them, it would be ingratitude. I was living in that town when Jarrell attacked. I was just a boy, not much older than you. These scars were inflicted by Jarrell himself.?

At this point Millstone paused. His eyes closed and his whole body shook silently. With an effort he mastered himself. When he finally spoke, it was in a very still voice.

?I remember seeing my whole family cut down in front of me. As plain as day I can see myself trying to run. I don?t know exactly what Jarrell did, he didn?t seem to move. But a pain beyond description shot through my whole being and I could feel my body distorting. No wound was inflicted on my person, but I?m sure the pain itself would have killed me if the Ampera didn?t get through at that moment. A group charged Jarrell himself, ignoring his men and going for him directly. One man got to me somehow and dragged me away from the fighting. He carried me to the inn and told me to wait there. I was losing consciousness, but his face is burned into my memory. It was like yours.?

?And he died in battle as well??

?That is something I?m not quite sure of. I could have sworn I saw him through a window after the shout went up that Jarrell was dead. But afterwards he was counted among those killed. I must have imagined I saw him, I wasn?t myself at the moment?and I never really have been since. People are afraid of the Ampera because of Jarrell. They think they have bad tendencies, especially second-generation Ampera. But I?ve seen them give their lives to save one insignificant person, who could do nothing for them in return. That?s the height of nobility in my eyes?

Arron stood silent after Millstone finished his tale. There was nothing to say in response to it. For a long time the Captain just stood gazing out to sea, his face a bit more peaceful than Arron had yet seen. At length Millstone roused himself and turned toward Arron.

?Well, I?ve settled your curiosity, are you willing to do the same for me??

?I?ll answer if I can.?

?Why is that little girl so important to you? I would be daft if I didn?t understand that she?s one of your kind, but why are you so attached to this particular child??

?Because I see myself in her. We were both brought into a world crashing down around us, in one way or another.?

?That doesn?t explain things well, but I?ll leave you be if you don?t want to expound on yourself. Goodnight son.?

With that Millstone turned and retreated with his lantern into the dark. Arron stood, the word ?son? ringing in his ears. No one but Timothy had ever called him that, and it gave him a strange relief to hear it now. In my opinion it was at this time that Millstone and Arron truly began to be friends. A thing especially noteworthy, not simply because it influenced future events, but because neither party ever formed such ties easily.

The next day saw Arron by Millstone?s side on a busy deck. The port they had landed in was far larger and more successful than the one they left in Malya. The crowds and noise agitated Jovie, and Arron had his hands full appeasing her. The crew of the Kraken dispersed quickly, looking forward to their time of shore leave while the battered ship was being repaired. Millstone lead the two children away from the bustling docks and down narrow winding streets thick with the sights and smells of an overcrowded seaside town. When they reached the town square there was more room to breath, but little to see to ease the mind of a fugitive. A gallows stood in the middle of the square with a body swinging in the noose. A group of spectators watched in morbid curiosity while two men attempted to determine if the criminal was truly dead. Arron turned from the sight in disgust. No such thing would have been done in Malya.

A line of rough wagons seating even rougher people lined the edges of the streets in front of shops and other various places of business. Millstone scanned these carefully, as if looking for something he recognized. He didn?t have to look long. A young girl in tattered clothes, roughly Arron?s age, sat on the curb with her knees tucked beneath her chin. When Arron and Millstone passed her, she sat bolt upright as if an ice cube had slipped down her back. She jumped to her feet and looked directly at Arron. The girl was an Ampera. A relieved expression crossed her face when she saw Millstone next to him, and without a single word she darted quickly behind a corner. Millstone followed slowly and motioned Arron to stay where he was. The boy waited patiently in the shelter of a shop doorway, until Millstone appeared in the street again and walked rapidly towards him. The girl darted out in the opposite direction a moment later, sprinting down the street despite the stares of passerby. Millstone was visibly anxious, and seemed to need to catch his breath before he spoke.

?I have bad news, but more for me than you. My friend, Jim Warden is his name, was discovered and arrested just this morning. Everyone knows what he has been doing for the Ampera and the punishment here for shielding them is death. They have him in the jail and plan to execute him at sundown. He won?t even be given a trail. I have to act immediately if I wish to save him, and I could use your help.?

?I?d be happy to do anything I can, but what about Jovie??

?I can have her taken to the refuge I spoke of by that girl you saw a moment ago. We?re to meet her in a safer place in a few moments. She would come with me to save Jim, but she fears some of the guards would recognize her. Your help would be invaluable in this, but I?ll understand if you want to see to the child yourself. If you wish, Abigail, that?s her name, can show you both to safety. Think for a moment before answering, this could be very dangerous.?

Arron did think carefully about this choice. He did not like the idea of leaving Jovie with a stranger at all, even if she was an Ampera. On the other hand, Millstone had done so much for him, and Arron felt a growing loyalty for him. How could he abandon him when he needed aid?

What does Arron do?
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Iolite Safety