Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 13 ) Preparations Coming Together

As earlier that same day, the wind  picked up and more snow fell. Liora and her men had gone to her friend Usha's, for the barrels of ale. Usha had still been keen on the idea of putting a sleeping potion into their drink, but Liora was adamant she didn't want to harm anyone...not even Bracus, however bad he'd been.

Each man carried a barrel on his shoulder to Clear Wing Valley, where the atmosphere was one of a cold discontent, the children were freezing and miserable, though some of the younger boys had quite forgotten where they'd come from and felt confused, they all stared as the two women entered the camp with their helpers. Liora's men placed the barrels down close to where Bracus was camped. As they approached, the guards announced to their leader that the two women had arrived.

Bracus appeared limping from his temporary shelter, his black teeth showing through his leering grin. “Well...well...well, so you managed to get here with the ale then?” He had an air of authority, while surrounded by his followers and feeling in control.

“We said we'd deliver and deliver we have,” replied Liora, wondering where Varden was. She pointed out her men to Bracus, then made it clear to him that they were here to help build the cabins. “This is Jomei – Avner – Daimhin – Darroch and Dekel...they're hard workers and I'm sure you will have your cabins built in no time at all.”

Bracus was now in high spirits and looking forward to the rest of the day. “It looks like we'll have some celebrating to do tonight,” he announced, rubbing his hands together and feeling excited at the prospect of a drinking session, and in the company of new workers too. “Will you ladies be staying for food and drink too?” He asked Liora and Usha, eyeing them up and down. “You both look like you could do with some fun.” He gazed at his men waiting for them to react. The men laughed at their leaders remark, staring at the two females and agreeing.

The two women declined the offer knowing what these men were like, they had no intention of being man handled by anyone, but they also knew it was important they stayed in the background, ready for the release of Varden. “We've places to be and things to do.” Liora replied. “So!” she said, staring out at the camp and indicating to the prisoners. “We were promised that the children would be released, if I gave you these men.”

Bracus stared at Liora, suspicious as to why she was desperate to get them away. “The children will stay here tonight...there's no hurry. Anyway why are you so eager for them to leave?”

Liora had to think quick and replied. “We would like to train the children to become healers, teaching them about living off the land and the names of plants...it would be good to have more healers on the Island, as I'm the only one at present who can give treatments. I'm sure some of these children would make ideal healers, the quicker I get started at teaching them the better.”

Bracus considered what the woman was saying before replying. “I understand your motives...but there's nothing they can do tonight, so it's settled...tonight they sleep here...okay?” He rubbed his hands together and licked his lips in anticipation of trying the ale, then as the woman went to speak again, he told one of his men to get a tankard so he could taste the produce.

The guard sneered at the two women making a condescending gesture with his eyes, as if Liora and Usha were a piece of mess beneath his boots. He entered the leaders dwelling, then once again appeared, holding Varden by the scruff of the neck. The boy tried to wriggle out of the man's grasp, but to no avail.

“What's going on here?” Demanded Bracus, turning his attention to the guard, his expression one of disdain.

The gruff man spoke in a harsh way, pushing the boy towards his master. “Caught this nuisance trying to escape with this.” The guard produced a piece of flint, which Varden had used to try and cut the rope. The guard felt pleased with himself and smirked as he spoke. “He thinks he's clever, but he forgets I have eyes in the back of my head.” He laughed as he spoke.

Varden was feeling frustrated at the fact he couldn't get away, he felt his confidence was at a low ebb. “If I'm such a nuisance!” He uttered, with distaste for Bracus. “Why don't you just let me go...it's obvious I'm of no use to you any more.”

Bracus became wild with anger. “How dare you speak like that to me...you will do as I say and get back in my shelter! Do you hear?” He then turned to the guard who was awaiting his instructions. “Tie the boy up and gag him...perhaps that'll teach him not to speak in such a way to his master.”

The guard sniggered and grabbed Varden once more, dragging him into the shelter. The poor boy had no choice but to do as he was told, tears started to fall down his cheeks as he saw his chances of escaping once more disappearing.

After tightening the ropes around his ankles and wrists, the guard tied some deer skin around Varden's mouth, so he couldn't shout out. Varden lay down on his side finally giving up. He wondered how Cinnamon was doing, not having seen her since they left the tunnel.

His thoughts then turned at how Bracus had said he would be useful once they reached the Valley, but as of yet he'd done nothing and felt lost and alone. 'At least when I was in the doom chamber...I had my friends,' He thought to himself, tears filling his eyes.

Meanwhile Liora and Usha had witnessed everything, they felt so sorry for the boy. “We must keep an eye on Varden...he shouldn't be treated that way.” Liora turned to Jomei with a sad expression. “Thank you for doing this...you and all the other men will feast with me when this is all over.”

Jomei smiled at the woman and told her not to worry, they would keep an eye on the boy, and do their best to hold their tempers when given orders by Bracus.

The two women left the valley with heavy hearts and made their way home, arranging to meet up later after some food. It was quite late by the time Liora reached her lodge. The aroma of the food had her salivating, she didn't realise just how hungry she was till now. As she entered, the woman was pleased to see Jay and Ben and her good friend Derland.

“We waited for you!” said Jay cutting some meat from the carcass and offering it to the woman.

“You don't know how relieved I am to be eating. I had visions of returning to no food, thinking you might have decided to stay at your parents house.” Then Liora asked them about their day.

First they explained about how Kalina and Tariq had found someone down in the catacombs in a pit scarcely alive, and how they had a feeling it was Dawson, the man that Varden had told them about.

Liora chewed, taking in all they had said. She knew the catacombs, though going down there was another thing and not a location she would look forward to visiting. “There is nothing we can do at the moment...first we need to help the boy.” She paused, enjoying the food, before asking about the reunion with their parents.

“We couldn't stay,” replied Jay. “They are staying with Kalina and Tariq, but we would have returned anyway.” Jay gave Liora a warm smile, then asked her about her day. “We knew you'd be hungry after your long day,” he said. “So...how did you get on?”

Liora recounted the day's events as they ate. “I'm afraid their will be no sleep for us as darkness falls, we have a long...uncomfortable night ahead of us.” She was just about to chew on one of the bones, when Jay spoke.

“What are your arrangements for us tonight then?” Both Ben and Jay had hoped for another restful sleep, Ben yawned and rubbed his eyes not looking forward to a night of adventure.

Liora continued. “Well...Brigs the man we spoke to down at the jetty, he is going to get Bracus drunk on the home brew we took to the camp. He also has to get the guards drunk too, which will be a challenge, as Bracus has some loyal guards that will be keeping an eye on the children, but he seems confident enough. Once we have control, we must take the children to a safe place where we can hide them.”

Ben interrupted with a puzzled expression on his face. “Where will we take them? Is there such a place we can hide that many children?”

Liora looked at Derland and they both smiled. “Yes...I assure you that the children will be safe, once we get them away from Bracus.” She went over to wash the grease off her hands and mouth. Feeling full and ready for the night's escapade.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Fourteen ( Pt 1 ) Secrets and Celebrations | ABCtales