Haze of Dusk (A trilogy) Page 27

  My feet tingles. The sensation slowly produces overnight, all because of the plenty of antidotes, water, and Vaniele’s bitter herbal teas. She’s truly good with me. I don’t understand how can anyone be mad at her, she’s in fact, the kindest of all. I promised to be good with her, only with the condition she doesn’t talk to me about that woman. She approved, ‘anything to make me happy’ it’s what she said.

  “Are you sure you can walk? I can bring you the food to your room—”

  “I can do it, Vaniele!!” I cut in. “Please let me do it. I feel incompetent on the bed. It's been sixteen days. Goodness…” I walk to the dinner table with the help of two wooden crutches. She gets tense when I stop. Yes, I might just drop, since my legs wiggle, but I can’t show her frailty, so I continue until the end.

  Vaniele sits on a small round table with three chairs. For the first time ever, I get to see the instructor’s mealroom. A wonderful, organized room with hefty chandeliers, fancy round tables, and wall ornaments. She picks up a golden bell and rings it, an elf maid appears in a spark. I scoff. I’m blown by the personal service the instructors get. The maid bows,

  “Madam Vaniele, what might be your order today?"

  “We will require three of today’s special, please,” the maid nods and dissolves with a flimsy-illumination. Ronneto enters the room with a smirk on his face, and fully showered, I can tell because of his damp hair. He sits next to Vaniele and flashes me an awkward smile. “I see ye is better…finally. Using a high amount of powers is out of the question. Ye is not allowed to do so.” Ronneto reproaches again. Instead of complimenting my well being he reminds me of my dim act—he’s very different from Srogeri—uncaring. “I know already, and I said sorry. I was really sensitive and when I saw how many people died, it upset me.” I say anticipating compassion, but there’s no sympathy on their visages, only humor and disapproval.

  “I wanted to ask ye. How did ye know about Srogeri?” I frown. I can’t tell them I ran away. They’ll scold me to death. “I want to know why you all lied to me. Do you know how hard it was for me to find out that awful man took away not only my father, but my old man…” my eyes water as I speak of it. “I hate him so much…I never thought I would want a person dead so badly like I want Zorganther,” I hiss flushed with anger. My stomach hurts as I say his name. Their expression changes and there is unhappiness in both. I can see they’re bothered by my hatred. How can I not hate him? Even if I try not to, within me it has produced and nothing will take it away. Only the death of Zorganther Srovio will set me free. But I don’t want him to die in anyone’s hands, but my own.

  A rumbling racket wakes me. I can hear banging and screaming—it can’t be, after thirty-two days, it has finally happened. I instantly dress myself. After twenty days my legs became stronger, still, it hurts a crumb when there is too many motions, but I can handle the pain. I run out my room to find the many Doomsvell natives celebrating their survival by screaming,

  “We are back!” eagerly. I sprint to my friend’s room, but the emptiness springs my intestines. Either they haven’t arrived or they didn’t make it. I rush downstairs, shoving the hectic people that clutch like balls not leaving an open path. I encounter a few boys in a mustard hood, one of them with a curly ponytail similar to Ramuso. Doubtful, I take the boy’s shoulder, but a stranger turns and smiles at me.

  I grimace.

  “Hey, aren’t you—” before he can finish I hurry away. I don’t have time to spare. For one last time, I look around the large crowded hall. I stand in despair, could it be something dreadful occurred? I slam a hand on my pounding heart. “Zayras!” I choke on my gasp, for I see my best friend a few feet away from me, waving his hand on the air— my heart falls at rest. I dash his way and throw my entire body and soul to him, squeezing the life out of him.

  “Ah, you’re killing me! I’m going to die. Get off!” he can’t handle my embrace.

  “Dumb kid, I’ll give anything for Judy to be on me,” Onnet says from behind, next to him is Corr, Osys, and Ikumus. I run to Corr and throw my arms around him like a small child. He automatically replies, but it’s not only his embrace I receive, but all of theirs together…surprisingly, even Ikumus—he was pushed into the hug by Ramuso. I hear him shout, “get off me, nitwit!" “I’m going to kill you.” And even though I’m being squished, and I can barely breathe, I'm pleased, for my family is well.

  The mealroom is packed with the survivors. Because of our victory, every member will receive the best meal of their lives. The cheering is pleasant to listen to, but with the cheering comes the mourning, for many lost their lives. To hear the painful cries my heart becomes unbearable. “We should pull your ear out for tormenting us like that.” Corr says resting his hand on top of mine. We sit on our dinner table, eating grains, beans, vegetables, and to those who love meat, a nice juicy lamb, our victory meal. “I’m sorry I troubled you all. Where is Azania?” I scowl. I stand and peek at the ribbons. Hands cover my eyes, by the softness in them I know who it is. “Guess who?” I recognize that tiny voice anywhere, “Azania!” I say relief. I turn to meet with the pretty elf. We hug. I’ve never felt so glad to see her.

  “I’m so happy you’re well. I cried so much because of you.” And yes, I do believe her. She’s truthfully a crier. Azania sits next to me. “Everyone was so mad at me. They almost killed me. I was so scared.” I giggle at her exaggeration.

  “You are silly,” I say.

  “Oh, but she is telling the truth. Headmistress Srovio was so angry, she sent Azania to our rank for us to care for her. They didn’t want to even look at her,” coming from Corr, I got chills. That witch cares? Of course, she wants my powers for her own selfish reasons. “Well, we are here and we are all well. I told you I’d returned." I say to her happily. She scoffs. I'm sure at my relax poise.

  “And she says it with such confidence. I heard you almost died. You really are courageous Judyala…first woman to prove me wrong.” Ikumus says taking a sip of his fruit juice. I stare at him with a smile, lately he is opening up. Although he doesn’t admit it, I know he cares for me. He’s my good friend; part of our family. Hyper-Ramuso stands on top of the table, startling us. He hits his wineglass with a spoon.

  “Excuse me, can I have everyone’s attention,” I panic. I’m worry he’ll get in trouble. Not an hour back and this brat already wants to break rules.

  “Get down!” I beg him, but he insists staying up until all attention is his. Past persistence, he gets what he wants. The room falls into silence, and Ramuso stands tall, all eyes on him. I’m panicking. I’m praying the witch doesn’t come.

  “I know many have died, and it’s an awful thing. Yet also plenty of us survived, and there’s a reason for that. A reason why we came back to Doomsvell so quickly… the reason… why many of us are here today is thanks to you…” he looks down at me. I look behind me, assuring I’m the only one he views.

  “Thank you, Judyala!” my heart accelerates to hear him say my name. “Because of your remarkable power, hundreds of arclaws came down, rapidly dying. You killed them…you saved us… if this continues, I have to say… I finally have faith this world will soon be free from those demons,” his words strike me in my chest, rapidly watering my eyes, “Judyala! Judyala!” they all chant. I can’t take it. His words don’t bring me joy but break my heart, because now I know I’m the one responsible for killing the arclaws, meaning… I am held responsible for killing beings who only seek freedom. I rush out of the room in despair, holding my tears from running down my eyes. I can’t cry in the halls. I can’t show weakness.

  I saunter down the passage, sniffing. I want to reach my room and whimper. Ask the skies for forgiveness, again, I have killed inconsiderately. Now, I don’t only carry the burden of killing that boy, but also the arclaws.

  “Judyala,” I hear a dim voice shout behind me. I miserably turn to Corr, who rapidly sees my pain. “Hey, what’s wrong, are you well?” He caresses the side of my head. I shake my head. I wish I
could share my secrets with him. He’s so good with me. I can’t help but still feel lovingly when near him.

  “Girly behaviors, it’s nice to have you all,” I utter. He chuckles.

  “It’s nice to have you here too. The boys care for you, in reality, we all do.” I inhale deeply. His companionship always helps me remove my burdens.

  “I…I need to tell you something…” he sounds tense. His hands are now on his pockets. His eyes roll all over the area. I confusedly look at him. He's portraying an anxiety it’s impossible to hide. “What is it, is everything alright?” He places his hands on my shoulders. His caramel eyes intently gazing at mine.

  “When I didn’t see you, and I thought you were hurt…” he starts, his hands firmly holding my shoulders. “I confronted the truth, Judyala…” he murmurs, suddenly a pale color obtains him. He locates his eyes to the floor. I daze, curious by his words. What’s he trying to say? “Corr tell me, what’s going on?” I worry.

  “I realized, Judyala…” he halts. He loosens his grip, and pulls his hands away. He strains a laugh. I gawk, baffle by his strange mood. I can’t determine his anxiety,

  “I realized that I care for you. You are one of my closest friends, and I want you to know that if anything goes wrong, I am here for you…to always protect you.” I'm touch by his words. “I care for you too. You are one of my closest friends. Thank you for letting me know I can always trust you.” Great, now I really want to tell him my truth. I lean forward and press my lips on his cheek. As I pull away his mouth rise from a side. “Well, I should head back. I’ll see you later,” he says. He kisses my hand and nonchalantly leaves me smiley. I don’t have the energy to go back to the mealroom. My legs hurt, and I seek seclusion.

  I head up the stairs thinking of Corr’s strange mood. Something is indeed odd about him. Could it be something happened between him and Casandree? He has to stop loving that woman. She is obviously in love with… “Khysso,” I pant. My cheek rapidly reddens. My heart accelerates. I feel as if I will tumble down the stairs any second now. The memory of our kiss flashes in my mind. How I want his full lips on mine. Khysso’s eyes stare in obscurity. He looks cold, mean… like his usual self.

  “Khysso I—” he walks by me before I can demonstrate my joy to see him. He leaves me and does not look back. His ignorance pulls me down from life, drains my happiness. I hear my breathing— my chest inflates with such a speed I fear fainting. Casandree awaits him down the stairs, together they depart. I smack a hand on my mouth. The shooting pain in my heart destroys my inner peace. I run to my room, lock the door and throw myself to my bed. I hug my pillow. My chin trembles. I don’t want to show weakness, especially for a man, but I can't help it. His rejection creates in me a penetrating sensation of hurting I’ve never stumbled upon to.

  I don’t understand what’s going on. I thought things would be different. He said we belong with one another, and our kiss... It was if we were one. Why is he still with that woman? She’s his friend… nothing more but then, why did he ignore me? Could it be he lies and feels nothing for me? A silk blue band gradually glides down the ceiling. I take it and carefully read the words that appear in a golden script.

  “You are granted a pass to leave Doomsvell for fourteen days, congratulations.” I scoff. The news temporarily removes Khysso from my mind. I skip out of my bed and walk to my friend's room, although contented I will soon see Jorsay, Khysso's rejection still torments me. I walk in the room to find my friends celebrating; they too received a ribbon. I don’t understand the ribbon concept, so Osys explains rank sway and amid survivors are allowed to go back home for fourteen days. I grimace.

  “But… I exchanged it with Azania. I belong in rank lowest. Why is permission granted to me?” I say. They gape perplexed. No one has an answer. Instead, it gives us something to think about.

  I seek answers, and there're only two people that can give it to me. It can’t be Vaniele, her witch…I mean her goddess arrived so I’m sure she’s busy serving her. So I head to Ronneto, who’s always in his small headquarters. A room filled with books and bells, lots of bells. It’s obvious the old man has an obsession with regulations.“Can we talk?” I ask barging in his headquarters.

  “No,” he says looking at a manuscript. I stand close and throw the ribbon to Ronneto’s desk. “Why is permission granted to me if I gave my rank away!?” He lifts his head, and sighs irritated by me. “Don’t ask questions, and go visit ye’z family.” Ronneto says exasperated by my curiosity. He takes the ribbon and tights it on my wrist. He explains the ribbon lets me out of the castle, and in fourteen days it’ll teleport me back to Doomsvell. The ribbon evaporates in my skin.

  “Ye is ready to go. Enjoy the time with ye’z family, young one.” I partially smile. My eyes still set on my wrist. I poke my skin, searching for the ribbon.

  Where did it go?

  He stands.

  “Before ye leave, I have something for ye…” I smile, finally some compassion from this old man. He takes a few manuscripts from his bookshelf, and hands it to me. I gawk. “Study it. Try to expand ye’z knowledge. I will test ye in fourteen days.” I open my mouth ready to nag. “Say nothing and please leave my headquarter’rs. I’m much occupied.” I sigh depressively. Why bother reproaching? He’ll end up winning. I accept the books and say good-bye to Ronneto, but there is no smile, just an effortless gesture that leads to our parting.

  Not wanting to be in solitary I invaded my friend’s room. If the headmistress or instructors see how I do whatever I want, I’m sure they’ll lock me in. Rule 73, no female should ever be in a male’s room; accepted only the days of the ball. But rule breaking is no longer my concern. “So, I see everyone is ready to leave.” I walk in without knocking. They don’t mind, sometimes Onnet grumbles, but no-one pays mind to him.

  “Yeah, I’m going to miss you redhead.” Onnet says sighing depressively. I smile at him. He’s going to visit his aunt in his wolf town. “I’ll miss you more,” Osys says happily. His knapsack is bigger than him. Osys is going to visit his parents, who now live in an elf town. “It is only for fourteen days you dimwits. No one misses anyone in fourteen days.” Ikumus says, his only packing is his quiver and his bow. Ikumus’s and Corr’s town are close to one another, thus, they are going to travel together, visiting each other’s home town. To them, it’s more like an adventure.

  “Ah, why aren’t you packing?” I notice Ramuso sits using magic to lift the blocks. I’m surprised Corr is not saying anything. His harshness is calming. It’s no longer like before. “I have nowhere to go… or no one to visit,” he foolishly reminds.

  “I told you to come with me, you moron!” Onnet hisses. Ramuso gnashes his teeth. “Hey! I don’t need anyone’s pity. Just leave me the heck alone.” He seems sensitive. This is a Ramuso I’ve never seen before. I bite my bottom lip, an idea grows in me. “Why don’t you come with me? I don’t want to ride back home alone. What do you say?” Ramuso’s fox eyes widen to hear my proposal. As for the fellows, they scream “what” in union. Ramuso’s frown turns into a perfect smile. There is no questioning— no hesitation. He jumps on the bed like the fool he is. The blocks fall everywhere. I giggle at his silliness.

  “Judyala…are you sure you can handle this troublemaker?” Corr asks anxiously. They all seem fretful by my decision. Most likely because they know Ramuso will lead me to hell, but I can handle the wild kid. The real question is… can impatient Morgan handle him?

  The night falls quick, soon sunrise will arrive, and Ramuso and I will depart. I try to sleep, but the thought of Khysso with Casandree revolts my stomach. The sensitivity I’m feeling prevents my eyes from shutting. I sit on my bed, my eyes watering to think that I’m leaving without saying my farewell. Alright Judyala, you have to stop thinking of Khysso…do something else. I grab from my shelf the books Ronneto gave me to study, and I lay it on my bed. I sit on my bed with my legs cross, reading the lectures. I’m surprise it’s not arithmetic work he gave me, but lessons in how t
o increase the ability of my most difficult wisdom, besides arithmetic, magic rule time advance, reaching the sixty second. As I read the lectures of meditation and concentration, I think of Khysso, he’s great with it, and can reach the sixty seconds. He’s truly an amazing man. He reaches the level a ninety-year-old is still trying to achieve. My stomach grumbles and my heart aches to think of him.

  I shake my head,

  “stop thinking…read…read…” I tell myself. “Profound absorption and energy transfer are the keys to extending time…” I hesitate, those words remind me of something, but I can’t recall what. I miserably sigh. I look back at the book.

  “Tomorrow…tomorrow I’ll see you, Jorsay,” I whisper.

  “Talking to yourself I see…” a familiar voice says from behind me. I’m paralyzed by his voice. Now I remember, all this… it reminds me of that dream. My pulse accelerates. I gradually tilt my head. I gape overcome by his appearance. Khysso sneaked in my room by using magic. “Khysso…” I’m on my knees. He rushes to me, takes me on his arms and presses his lips with mine. I automatically kiss him back, I melt in his arms. He pulls his lips away, still brushing his scent with mine. “I’m sorry about earlier, the leaders called upon me. I don’t want to risk us.” He strokes my burning cheek. I’m wordless, lightheaded by his kiss. “We have to be more careful. They found out about our tree before I destroyed it. They’ve chosen me to explore it. We can’t let them know of our secrets.” He looks around fretfully.