AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is meant to be a “What if…?” sort of tale. It is inspired by, but not the same as, Janna the Heart’s Neet the Scarf Woman (who will not be in this story). Thanks so much for the inspiration, Janna!
The idea is if, the night Anniera and Castle Rysen were invaded, Nia went after Esben instead of Artham. Esben stayed behind in the castle, desperately trying to protect something from the Fangs, and Nia is torn between her husband and children. She finally convinces Artham to protect her children, when she goes to find her husband. Before he can go after her and his brother, Leeli is viciously attacked by a Fang, and Artham tries defending her. In the process, Leeli’s leg was twisted and Wendolyn was killed. Podo returns not long afterward, not knowing whether Esben or Nia are alive, and with his wife dead. Before they lose anyone else, Artham and Podo leave Anniera to cross the Dark Sea with the jewels.
And that, my friends, is where the story begins.
Enjoy!
*
Artham Igiby woke to the sound of the Black Carriage.
Its wheels creaked, its chains rattled, and its horses snorted as it crept down the road. And it wasn’t growing fainter, it was growing louder, edging closer to the cottage.
Kicking his quilt off, Artham alighted softly on the floorboards, careful not to disturb his father-in-law, Podo. The old pirate was still heavily snoring in the bed beside him, his arm under his head and with his pillow clutched to his chest. His peg leg was leaning against the wall beside the bed post, its buckle gleaming in the moonlight.
Artham pulled their bedroom door open, its hinges croaking in response. He winced, unsure if he woke any of the children or not. Janner was an especially light sleeper, and Nugget was prone to bark at any shadow creeping about the cottage. When everything was silent, he closed the door behind him with a soft click and padded down the hall.
The kitchen was bathed in a silvery glow, and the shadow of a crow flew across the floorboards every so often, followed by a screeching caw. The windows had been left open to invite the fresh night air, and the stained curtains fluttered in the soft breeze.
The Carriage was rattling ever closer.
Glancing out the windows to be sure there were no prying eyes, Artham pulled aside the rug beside the fireplace. He wiggled free the loose floorboard and pulled out a sword wrapped in rags. He set it on the floor and uncovered it, and pulled the gleaming sword from its sheath. Its sleek blade shimmered in the light, and glinted with fond and sorrowful memories. It had belonged to him nearly all his life, and it was the same one he carried across the Dark Sea from home. Thankfully, none of the Fangs had found it all these years.
Artham gripped the hilt tightly and peered out the kitchen window. He could see the Black Carriage strolling through Glipwood across the bridge, too close for comfort. He clenched his jaw when the horrid thing finally stopped in front of one of the houses.
Relief and guilt collided in Artham’s chest when the Carriage stopped. Another child was being taken, but thank the Maker, the jewels were safe for another night. He made a promise nine years ago when he fled his burning home.
And by his life, Artham would keep it.
Once the Carriage lurched forward and left Glipwood’s borders, he breathed a sigh of relief. He sheathed his dusty sword and carefully wrapped it again. When he was sure the floorboard was secure and the rug was in its proper place, Artham returned to his bed. Sleep evaded him again as he lay beneath his quilt, staring at the worn boards in the ceiling, recalling fire and Fangs.
Artham didn’t seem to notice that a curious pair of eyes were watching him.
Intriguing! I could see Artham saving that sword after all those years
That was really good! I like it!
Woooaaaaahhhh... I should be studying but a what if? situation can pull me away from anywhere. That was great! (... There will be a part 2... right?)