Chapter Three: Special

         “Mama, Ethen won’t let me try!” Raelen yelled. “Mama!”

            Marianna came out from the house to see what was going on. She found her two children just behind the barn where Ethen had been practicing with the bow that Greg had made him. “What is it now?” she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

            “I want to shoot the bow!” Raelen said demandingly. “But Ethen won’t let me.”

            “She’s too little, Mama!” Ethen explained. “She could break it.”

            “I am not!” Raelen retorted.

            Marianna sighed. She loved her two children dearly, but sometimes they got to be a bit of a handful. She put a hand to her head and brushed back a loose strand of hair. “I need to get supper ready, you two. Play nicely and don’t pester your brother, Raelen.”

            They had been in their new home in a remote little section of the forest for only a year and a half. It seemed that the move had not helped either Raelen or Ethen. They had been taken from all they were familiar with and made to start all over. They had to keep a low profile where they were and also meant keeping a close eye on Raelen. This job fell usually to Marianna while Greg worked away in the forge built onto the side of the house. He had a quota to meet at the end of each week and that kept him busy enough. She was incredibly smart for her age and there was no telling what she would think of next. Marianna began to cut up potatoes for the stew she was making and began to hum quietly to herself. It was her way of keeping calm and keeping the fears she faced at bay. Her mother had often hummed while she worked and Marianna had found her self beginning to do it. Maybe it was all those nights of trying to sooth Raelen to sleep when she had first come to them that had gotten her into the habit.

            Back outside, Ethen was still practicing it with his bow. Greg had made it for him for his birthday just a couple days a go and Ethen was very excited to use it. He shot another arrow at the side of the barn. “Ethen, PLEASE,” Raelen said. “Why can’t I have a turn?”

            “I told you, you’re too small,” Ethen told her. “Plus it’s my special birthday bow from Papa.”

            “But you have been shooting it all afternoon,” Raelen said, crossing her arms. “Sharing isn’t going to hurt you, you know.”

            “But it could hurt my bow,” Ethen stated, drawing back another arrow and firing it towards the target.

            Raelen’s eyes locked onto the bow and she took a deep breath.

            Before he could loose the arrow from the string suddenly shattered in his hand, breaking in half. As the wood splintered and went in every direction, Ethen had a look of shock on his face. Raelen took and involuntary step backwards, knowing it was her fault. Ethen looked down at his hands, an uncomfortable look coming across his face. There was a piece of wood lodged in his hand from when the bow shattered. He looked back at Raelen, his face twisted with anger. “Raelen!” he shouted loudly.

            Marianna, hearing the angry yell, came out of the house and stopped short in her tracks. She looked from her children to the broken bow and then back to Ethen and Raelen. “What happened?” she asked.

            Ethen immediately answered, “Raelen broke my bow. She made it shatter.”

            Marianna gave him a hard look. “Ethen, Raelen isn’t strong enough to break a bow with her bare hands.”

            “She didn’t do it with her hands. It just shattered,” Ethen said, giving Raelen a look.

            Marianna didn’t know what to do or say. She and Greg and known this was coming, but not this soon. She seemed too young.

            Raelen looked tearfully at Marianna, not really understanding.

            Ethen cried, “Mama do something! That was my special bow.”

            Marianna picked up the pieces of wood and said, “I’m sorry, Ethen. I know that bow was special to you.”

            Ethen whirled around towards the tearful Raelen. “THIS IS YOUR FAULT. YOU’RE A FREAK,” he said,

            “Ethen, stop!” Marianna said. “Come inside.”

            Ethen followed his mother inside while Raelen stayed outside kicking at the dirt with her foot. A tear trickled down her dirty cheek. She hadn’t meant to break the bow, it just happened. Inside she could hear Ethen talking angrily to their mother and then came Marianna’s voice trying to calm her son down.

            Raelen could take it no more. Her little feet pounded on the ground as she ran for the stream. She was too little to climb the tree, but she sat at the base of it, hugging her knees to her chest. Ethen’s words echoed in her mind: A freak…a freak…a freak. However hard she tried, she couldn’t make any sense out of what had happened. A cool breeze blew, ruffling her hair as the stream trickled along its way. Suddenly something touched her hand.

            “Oh!” she said, pressing against the tree in fright.

            Raelen looked down and saw a little brown rabbit who had a splash of white across his chest. The rabbit looked up at her with gentle brown eyes. “Why hello there,” Raelen said, reaching a hand out to the rabbit, who let her stroke his velvety ears.  “Well, aren’t you a sweet fellow.”

            The rabbit snuggled up next to he and it was almost like he understood her and knew how sad she was. “You don’t think I’m a freak,” she said stroking his soft brown fur coat. “I bet it is nice being a rabbit. No one can make fun of you and you can just be you.”

            The rabbit sat up and looked intently at her. You can too, came a soft little voice in her head. You’re special, Raelen.
            Raelen’s eyes widened. “You can understand me?”

            The rabbit nodded. I can indeed.

            “But how?” Raelen asked.

            The rabbit placed a paw on her knee. I told you that you were special. Not everyone gets to talk to rabbits. My name is Duncan by the way.

            Raelen gave a small smile and wiped away a tear.

Don’t cry, Raelen. Be brave, and be kind, the rabbit told her. You might be confused now, but one day it will all make sense. Trust me.

Quite frankly, none of what was going on was making any sense at all to Raelen at that moment, but she nodded.

            With that the rabbit reached up and touched his pink nose to Raelen’s before turning and bounding back into the bushes.

            Raelen’s tears had stopped and she was sure that she would always remember the rabbit who had told her it would be alright. “Thank you, Duncan,” she whispered.

            “Raelen!” a voice called. “Where are you?”

            It was Greg. Marianna had told him what had happened and when he had gone to look for their daughter, she was gone. “Raelen!” he called again, coming into the clearing by the stream where she was still sitting. “There you are! It’s not safe out here.”

            Raelen stood up slowly. “I’m sorry, Papa!”

            Greg pulled Raelen into his arms, holding her close. “It’s alright,” he said. “Your brother is pretty upset though. I can make him a new bow and told him I would.”

            “Papa?” Raelen asked. “Why am I different?”

            Pity welled up in Greg’s heart for his little girl. If only there was a way to help her understand. “You are special, Raelen,” he said at last. “You have always been our ray of sunshine and nothing will ever make us love you less.”

            He picked her up and carried her back toward home. She looked back to the stream and the tree, looking for her rabbit friend. She thought she saw a dash of brown in the bushes. She smiled and waved in that direction hoping the rabbit saw from his hiding spot.

            Greg sighed. What day it had been for them all. He couldn’t help but feel that sense of foreboding swelling in his chest. They would have to be more cautious then they were before. They were no longer safe and he would do whatever was necessary to protect their sweet ray of sunshine. 

Chapter Two: Found

          “Ethen!” Raelen called, coming out the little thatched roof house. “Where are you?”

            All that answered six year old Raelen was silence, filled quietly by the singing of birds. Her older brother was most likely off hiding somewhere where she would be able to find and pester him. He had promised her that he’d play with her after he had finished his chores. Well, it appeared to her that the chores were done and Ethen was no where to be found. “Ethen?! Raelen called out again, trying not to feel too disappointed. She knew her brother was busy, but she had been looking forward to playing with him.

            Hearing no answer, she turned back towards the house and intended to ask their mother where he was. But before she could reach inside, Ethen jumped out from behind the door she had left open, scaring her. “Boo!” he said.

            Raelen let out a small shriek which immediately turned to laughter. “I was looking for you!” she informed him, crossing her arms. “You said that we would play when you were done with your chores.”

            “Well, I’m done now,” Ethen replied. “What would you like to play?”

            Raelen thought very hard for a moment, trying to decide.

            “Well?” Ethen asked, trying to be patient with his little sister.

            “I know!” she declared. “Hide and seek!”

            Ethen smiled. “Good pick,” he said. “Do you want to count first or shall I?”

            “I’ll count!” Raelen said excitedly.  

            Twelve year old Ethen grinned. “Alright,” he said. “NO peeking.”

            “I won’t peek! Raelen insisted as he wandered off. “I never peek!”

            “You’re peeking now!” he teased.

            Raelen turned, covered her eyes, and began counting very loudly so that Ethen would be sure to hear her. When she was finished, she shouted out, “Here I come!”

            She began to look around the small farm, checking every spot that she thought her brother could be. He wasn’t hiding behind the door, or in the horse stall, or even out behind the house. When Raelen had nearly given up, something strange happened. She closed her eyes and heard him breathing heavily and laughing to himself, but he was no where to be seen. Startled, she opened her eyes and look around her, confused at what had just happened. Then, in her mind, she saw where he was and rushed off to find him. After a short ways down behind the house, she came to the little stream that ran past their house and off into the forest. After she had walked along its banks, she stopped at the foot of a large oak tree and looked up. “Found you!” she proudly declared.

            Ethen dropped down out of the tree, landing in front of his little sister. “How did you find me so quickly?” he asked. “This was supposed to be the best spot.”

            Raelen recounted to her brother what had happened.

            “You saw me in your mind and could hear me?” he repeated. “Raelen, that is impossible. You can’t read minds. No one can.”

            Raelen looked down at her bare feet, trying not to cry. She looked back up at Ethen and then glared. “How do you know? It is too possible! You just don’t believe me!” she shot back at him.

            With that she ran off back towards the house as fast as she could. Ethen sighed and sat down next to the stream, tossing pebbles into the still waters. Something within him wanted to believe his sister, but then another part of him felt uneasy. Besides the Tyrant, only the greatest of magicians had such ability and it was one that took many years of training to perfect. So therefore, it was impossible that Raelen had this same ability. After spending several more moments deep in thought, he got to his feet and walked back towards the house.

            Raelen was sitting out behind the barn, drawing in the dirt with her finger. “Mama wouldn’t want you getting your dress all dirty,” her brother’s voice came from behind her. “You only have one other that you already managed to tear when we were playing tag.

            Raelen ignored him and kept on drawing.

            Ethen went and sat down across from her. He reached in the pocket of his pants and pulled out a little wooden whistle he had been working very hard on. Their father had just taught him how to whittle little trinkets from pieces of wood. They sat there in silence until Raelen could take it no longer and looked up at what her brother was doing. “What is it?” she asked, watching as he carved away at the whistle.

            “This,” he said pausing and holding it up. “is a little whistle. Papa taught me how to make it.”

            Despite being angry at her brother for not believing her, Raelen was fascinated as she watched his skilled fingers work away at the wood. She had always wondered how such wonderful little things could be made from something as plain as wood. “There!” Ethen said a moment later. “It’s finished. Would you like to try it out?”

            Raelen nodded eagerly and he handed it to her with a smile. She held it up to her lips and blew hard into the end of it. All the sound that came out was a woosh of air, not the pretty sounds that she had expected it too. “I think it’s broken, Ethen,” she said, staring sadly at the little whistle in her hands.

            Ethen took it from her and said, “It’s not broken.”

            “It’s not?” Raelen asked.

            Ethen shook his head and blew softly into the little whistle. Out of it came the most beautiful little tune that Raelen had ever heard. She clapped and laughed with glee. “You can keep it,” Ethen told her. “It just takes a little practice.”

            “Maybe someday I will be able to play a tune as pretty as the one you did!” Raelen said. “Thank you, Ethen.”

            Ethen grinned and replied, “You’re welcome.” For being only six years old, Raelen was extremely smart and caught on to things very quickly.          

            Just then they heard their mother calling them to come in for supper. “I’ll beat you to the house!” Raelen said, jumping up and running as fast as she could towards the house.

            Ethen just laughed and raced off towards the house, managing to beat his sister to the door. “Aw, no fair,” she declared.

            “It is too fair!” Ethen replied back. “I’m older and bigger. Therefore, I am faster then you.”

            Raelen was about to say something else, but was interrupted by their mother. “What are you two arguing over this time?” Marianna asked, wiping her hands on a rag as they walked in.

            “Ethen beat me to the house…again…” Raelen replied. “He said he did because he’s older and bigger.”

            Marianna tried not to laugh. “Raelen, dear, I don’t think that that is something worth getting upset over,” she said gently. “Now go and wash up for supper you two.”

            As her children wandered off, Marianna sighed. She remembered what it was like that night six years ago when Raelen came to their family. She had felt panic, fear, and wasn’t sure what would happen. Yet now, she couldn’t not imagine their family without little Raelen. She brought such joy to them, and it was hard to imagine that she was the Tyrant’s child. She turned back to the table and started to dish out the stew that had been simmering over the fire.

            Just then the door opened and her husband walked in. “Hello my dear!” he said, coming over to her and greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

            “Greg!” she laughed. “How was the day in fields?”

            Greg sighed and his weather beaten face grew serious. “Not as good as I was hoping. The storm last week took out a whole section of crops,” he said, sitting down at the table. “We will not be able to harvest as much as I was hoping we would be able to.”

            Marianna sighed as well. Their little farm had been struggling lately, but they were managing to get by well enough. “It will be alright, my dear,” she told him.

            Just then, Raelen came bounding over. “Papa!” she said, giving him a big hug.

            Greg pulled her onto his lap. “How is my sweet Raelen today?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.

            “Good!” Raelen replied. “Ethen and I played hide-and-seek. I think I won.”

            “Did you now?” Greg replied.

            Marianna and Ethen took their places and they all began to eat.

            “She only thinks she won,” Ethen told them before shoving a spoonful of stew into his mouth.

            “ I did! I saw in my mind where he was and I could hear him!” Raelen stated.

            Greg cast a quick glance at his wife and then slowly set down his spoon. “That cannot be!” Marianna said quietly, feeling her heart sink within her chest.

            “It is, Mama!” Raelen said. “I know it happened.”

            Her parents looked at each other once more. “I am sure it was nothing, Raelen dear. Now finish your food,” Greg said as he picked up his spoon again.

            Raelen felt frustration rise within her little heart. She knew it was true and something gave her the feeling that her parents knew it was true too. “But…but….,” she started to say.

            “Raelen, not another word,” Marianna said, getting up from the table.

            It was after dinner and when the children were safely tucked into their bed that Greg and Marianna sat before the fire, staring into the flames. Raelen stirred and her eyes widened as her parents voices echoed within her mind.

            “What are we to do now, Greg?” Marianna asked, reaching out for his hand.

            “We go somewhere else and start again,” he simply stated. “Somewhere away from here and where they won’t be able to pick up our trail.”

            Marianna felt the same fear and panic that she had felt the night Bane brought Raelen to them rise within her heart once more. More then anything, she wanted them all to be safe and away from this ever looming threat that was constantly hanging over their heads and in the backs of their minds. She took a deep breath and asked, “When do we leave?”

            Greg turned and looked at her before replying, “Two days from now. We’ll go to the other side of the forest where it is secluded.”

            His wife sighed and said, “Well I guess that’s what it will have to be then.”

            Raelen shook her head to clear it and then sat up in bed. She was very young and yet she felt like this was all her fault. She lay back down and held her rag doll close to her as she tried to go back to sleep.

*                                                                  *                                                                       *

            The Tyrant’s bloodshot eyes widened and the shadows that were around him grew heavier. ‘SHE LIVES!” he shouted. “Kendrick!”

            Kendrick came stumbling in the room from where he had been keeping guard outside. “Yes, milord?”

            The Tyrant turned towards the window and said, “She’s alive, Kendrick and her powers are beginning to stir.”

            Kendrick tightened his grip on his sword. “Who exactly are we discussing?” he asked.

            The Tyrant whirled around, grabbed Kendrick and slammed him up against the as the anger gleamed in his eyes. “MY DAUGHTER WHO THAT LOCKSLEAF SCUM STOLE AWAY.”

            “Of course, milord,” Kendrick gasped. “How could I forget…”

            The Tyrant let go of his captain of the guard and moved away from him, clenching his fists. “If we are to succeed, we need her and more specifically the powers that she possesses,” he informed Kendrick. “I want you to set a watch near the little farm where she is. When the time is right we shall make our move.”

            Kendrick bowed and turned. He jumped back suddenly as the Tyrant materialized infront of him. “Don’t fail me, Kendrick,” he said. “It would be a pity to lose your fine services.”

            “I will not, milord,” he replied as the Tyrant disappeared.

            

Chapter One: To Save Another

          The night was crisp and cool as the young soldier rode with all his might through the woods, holding a small bundle to his chest. The castle was behind him at this point and he was nearing his destination. A certain stillness seemed to have settled on the air and was hanging heavily over his head, just like the dread that was welling up in his heart. He knew that his mission was of the utmost importance and it seemed like the whole kingdom was depending on him. He also knew that it was only a matter of time until the guards caught up with him. Bane glanced down at the little bundle in his arms. The baby girl had just fallen asleep, her cries no longer piercing the stillness of the night. As he watched her sleep, so innocent and so unaware of what was going on, he felt a new strength and determination surge within him and he urged his horse on.

            At last after another mile or so, Bane saw the little clearing up ahead. He could see the little thatched roof house silhouetted against the night sky. When he reached the house, he dismounted and tied his horse up outside. He noticed a figure moved away from the small, lone window and sighed before going up and knocking on the door. A tall young man who looked to be a few years older then Bane’s twenty-one years opened the door just enough to allow himself to look out. “You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here,” the man said gruffly.

            “Please, Greg, let me in..,” Bane responded wearily. “It’s of great importance and urgency.”

            Greg stepped back, allowing Bane to enter the two roomed house. “What do you want?” he asked. “Money….food…?”    

Bane turned around and pulled back his cloak, revealing the small bundle he was carrying. “How?” Greg asked. “Is it…”

“No, it’s NOT mine,” Bane interrupted peevishly, making sure the door was secure. “I need your help, brother.”

            Greg’s face hardened. “Help you?” he snorted. “You who went off and joined the Tyrantists, the enemy; you, my own little brother, who betrayed us all.”

            Bane lowered his head and quietly replied, “There are things in my life that I regret, that being one of them.”

             Greg cast a look at the baby that was asleep in his brother’s arms. “So, if she’s not yours, then whose is she?” he asked, leaning back against the door frame.

            “His,” Bane replied.

            “HIS?!” Greg repeated.

            Bane nodded.

            Greg asked, “Does she…”

            Bane nodded again, his eyes flicking nervously towards the door.

            Greg shuddered and asked, “Then why…”

            “Because the fate and the entire hope of the entire kingdom rest with her,” Bane explained. “Greg, I know you are in league with those who are against the Tyrant.”

            “Oh of course you would know,” Greg retorted.

            “Please just let me talk!” Bane shot back.

             His brother fell silent.

            “Take her in and raise her as your own alongside your son. Protect her at all costs, even if it means your own death. This is no small matter,” Bane said.

            “Are you mad?” Greg asked, jumping to his feet.

            “Greg! I am going to end up dying for this baby and the cause that we all stand for,” Bane retorted. “When I return to the castle, they will catch me and I will hang.”

            Greg sat there in silence for a moment, staring at his brother. Bane was no longer the immature teen boy he had been only just a few years back. Not only was he more mature, he was taller and more muscular in build. He also had a bit of a beard coming in. “Please,” Bane asked again. “My time is running out. You know how the enemy works.”

            At last Greg nodded and said, “Alright, fine.”

            Bane felt relief wash over him. “Thank you, Greg. Thank you,” he said. “Her name is Raelen by the way.”  

            He handed the sleeping baby to his older brother and ran a hand through his long brown hair before turning towards the door.

            “Wait,” Greg said. “Aren’t you afraid to die?”

            Bane turned back towards his brother and it was then that Greg noticed how weary his brother looked. Bane was silent for a moment and rested a hand on the hilt of his sword. “No, Greg,” he finally replied. “I don’t think so.”

            The two brothers just stood there for a moment before Bane broke the silence, saying, “I need to go. You are in enough danger as it is.”

            “There isn’t a way…”

            “No, not for me.”

            Bane looked one last time at the baby girl he was risking so much for and said to his brother, “Take good care of her. Don’t let my sacrifice be in vain.”

            Greg hesitated and then held out his hand to his brother he had been so hardened against. Bane shook it and said, “Don’t worry, Greg. I’ll be alright.”

            And with that, he walked out of the house, mounted his horse and disappeared into the shadows. The baby stirred in Greg’s arms as he stood there, unable to move or speak. He was four years older than Bane, and yet tonight, he had made him feel very young. “Greg?” a voice called. “Greg?”

            A young blond haired woman walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Was that your brother’s voice I heard?” she asked.

            Greg nodded, keeping his back towards her.

            “You didn’t tell me he was here. How is he?” Marianna asked. “Greg?”

            It was then that Greg turned with tears in his eyes and managed to reply, “He’s alright, Marianna. He’s going to be alright.”

*                                           *                                            *

            Bane rode back towards the castle with a heavy heart, keeping to the shadows as best he could. So much was at stake and so much was at risk and he asked himself if it would really be worth it all in the end. Would it be worth the sacrifice?

            He was about a half a mile from the castle when the dark figures emerged from where they’d been hiding on either side of the road. “Well, well, well,” their leader, whose name was Kendrick, said. “Looks like the traitors returned. Where have you been, Bane? You’re not at your post.”

            The other Tyrantists snickered.

            Bane calmly replied, “I was out on a mission.”

            Kendrick hit him in hard in the stomach and Bane fell from his horse. He grabbed him by the hair, jerking his head back so he could look him in the eye. “You fool!” Kendrick spat. “I know where you’ve been and what you were doing. Everyone knows. He knows.”

            Bane had expected this and made struggle as his hands were bound behind his back. He was forced to a standing position and Kendrick dragged him towards the castle. When they reached it, he shoved Bane through the gate and to the middle of the courtyard where the gallows stood. He stopped Bane and before he forced him up the stairs, he had his men remove his armor so that all he was left with was his pants, boot and white shirt. Bane made no reaction and just stared into space. Kendrick looked him in the eye and asked, “Ready to die, traitor?”

            Bane lowered his head, making no reply. “Answer me!” Kendrick replied, hitting him across the face.

            The other Tyrantists joined in and Bane fell to the ground beneath their blows. As much as he wanted to yell, he didn’t. I will not give them that satisfaction, he thought as he bit back another scream.

            “Cease!” a voice that sounded as cold as ice said. “Stand him up.”

            Kendrick dragged Bane to his feet and made him face in the direction the voice had come from. A figured cloaked in black stood there and everyone drew back in reverent terror. Bane raised his head slowly, blood dripping from his mouth and nose, and found himself face to face with the tyrant. He felt a sharp pang of fear as he looked into the cold, cruel eyes. It felt like he was looking into his very soul. “Carry on!” the Tyrant ordered. “Let an example be made of him.”

            The Tyrant looked at Cedric and said, “I will win in the end. There is nothing you and your little group of rebels can do to stop me. Therefore, die without any hope of victory.”

            In spite of his impending death, Bane smiled and as the Tyrant turned and began to walk away, he said, “You’re quite wrong about that.”

            The Tyrant stopped in his tracks and turned back toward his helpless victim.” I have more hope now then I ever did before,” Bane continued. “This is not the end of hope, tonight hope begins.”

            Kendrick hit him hard in the stomach and Bane doubled over, panting hard. “Shut it!” he said, pushing him roughly towards the stairs of the gallows.

            The Tyrant turned away and disappeared with the flick of his hand, his laughter echoing long after he was gone.

            Bane’s legs buckled and he fell to the ground. “Keep moving,” Kendrick ordered.

            Bane struggled to his feet and climbed the stairs as he leaned on the railing. At last he reached the top of the scaffold where the gallows awaited him. Kendrick stopped him over top one of the trap doors and then pulled the noose over his head, making sure it was tight before going back down the steps and to the front where Bane could see him. “Bane Lockslief, you are charged with high treason and desertion. Therefore, you will hang by the neck until dead.”

            Bane felt an overwhelming sense of calm come over him and he wasn’t afraid. “Any last words?” Kendrick sneered at him.

            Bane raised his head and gazed at the morning light that was just beginning to peek over the edge of the horizon. He bowed his head, remaining silent. Kendrick crossed his arms and nodded to the executioner who reached for the lever.

             Bane closed his eyes and took one last breath as the floor beneath him gave way.