Excerpt from 'Lost Hearts'

The ship rocked back and forth throwing her against the wall with great ferocity. Water rushed over the sides soaking her through her thick clothes. She held the rope tight, her muscles aching with every bone rattling jar of the waves. She could no longer see her mother or father, and could only pray that she could hold on until the storm passed. But another hard wave hit the already splintered ship and she felt herself go over. The cold of the water was relieving to her aching muscles and instead of fighting she let the darkness of the water take her.

“Marina, wake up.”

Marina sat up with a jolt. It took her a moment to realize her surroundings. Lana sat next to her in the wagon her face a mask of utter concern.

“You were breathing pretty heavy, than it just stopped. I thought you were going to die on me in your sleep. Was it the same dream again?”

“Yes.”

It had been seven years since that fateful day when the ship her and her parents had been travelling on sank. They had been going back to New Alba after five years away and couldn’t wait to be in the company of old friends. The storm had put an end to that. Even after so many years she could not keep the nightmare at bay. Her parents were never found and were assumed to be lost to the cruel sea. It was Lana’s grandfather that had seen her in the water and pulled her to safety. They had taken care of her ever since. Lana’s parents had passed when she was young from a bout of sickness and her grandmother passed shortly after from the same. Lana and her grandfather only had each other. He passed away a fortnight ago in his sleep.

With grandfather gone, the town people started to talk and the men wouldn’t keep their comments to themselves. It was no longer safe for the two women to reside there, so two days ago they left. They sold what they had and packed what they could carry, than hired an old farmer to take them as far as the next village. They were headed to the only place Marina knew to be safe, the tower village where she had been born.

“How long do you think it will take?”

“I don’t know. It’s been a long time since I have been there. We can ask when we get to the next town. Perhaps someone there will know.”

But the next town was nothing more than a few ragged buildings thrown up for the protection of the elements.

“This is as far as I go in your direction ladies. I suggest that you not linger here long. Take the north road out and follow it for two days. You will find someone there to help you to your destination.” They took their belongings from the wagon and watched as Kren, the kind farmer who offered them a ride towards their destination, rode away.

Marina looked around and found that he was right. This was not a place for them to be. Laughter and loud voices could be heard coming from one of the dilapidated buildings. The air was rancid with the smell of sewer and mangy dogs walked the empty streets searching for food.

“Come on Lana. We need to leave this place.”

They followed the northern road until nightfall than they tucked themselves out of sight among the trees taking turns to watch and listen for any unwanted company. The next morning they continued on walking until the sun was high above them.

“I’m tired. Can we rest and eat some before going on?”

“Of course we can.” Marina led Lana off the road and into the woods. They sat on a tree that had fallen and tore pieces off of the loaf of bread Marina had purchased before they left.

Marina watched their surroundings while Lana ate. She was never comfortable in unfamiliar territory, even if they were hid well. It didn’t help that she needed to look out for Lana too. At sixteen, Lana was still young at heart. She had grown up in a somewhat confined manner and didn’t really understand what was out in the world. But at twenty and one years, Marina had heard too many stories and seen to much hate to believe in a safe environment. Men would be men and take what they pleased.

The sound of horses had Marina jumping from her seat and dragging Lana down to the ground into the cover of the bushes.

“Quiet.” She told Lana when she seen her protest coming.

They stayed crouched down as the ensemble of men passed them on the road. It was a burly bunch, dirty from many days ride she could see. When they were far enough away and could no longer be heard, Marina and Lana stood.

“We should go now. The faster we get there the better. I think we should follow the road by way of the forest. At least it will give us some cover.”

They travelled for three more days before coming upon a small village. There they purchased more bread and cheese for there journey and found a family of four to take them two days towards their destination. They offered a place for the two girls to stay for the night, on the floor of their rented room, but would not take the coin Marina tired to give.

“Please let us at least share our food. My name is Marina and this is my friend Lana.” Marina broke the bread into sections and passed it out to the family.

“My name is Gwyn and this is my husband Drake. Those are our boys Dari and Kale.”

Marina stared at the boys. Both had brown hair and brown eyes and were about the same age. “They are twins?”

“Yes. Dari was born two minutes before Kale. They are both ten but Dari is always reminding Kale that he is the older brother.”

The next day they woke early and began their journey anew. The day moved fast bringing night upon them once again. They pulled off the road and set up camp. Lana lay near the fire with the children to sleep while Gwyn and Drake took up the back of the wagon. Marina stayed to the shadows of the trees and watched over them. They were a happy family, like hers had once been.

Marina’s father, Gunnar, had been very attentive to his only child, giving her anything she desired. Her mother, Phaedra, had been so different. She cared for her daughter very much which was why she was so hard on her. She demanded that Marina be taught in the way of a warrior and learn the sword. So with the hesitant permission of her father, Marina was taught by Phaedra how to fight, and soon found she enjoyed it very much. Everyday was a new lesson in defense, until one day Phaedra exclaimed that there was no more to learn, only practice to make her better. So during the day, with a need to be the greatest flowing in her veins, Marina practiced. And at night she spent the time with her most loving parents. There was always laughter and joy among them, and praise from her mother on how excellent Marina handled her sword. They had travelled far to find her mother’s family and many times it was the sight of Marina with her sword that kept the thieves at bay.

The sound of crunching leaves woke Marina from her light sleep. She was quiet as she surveyed the area. There was no sign of movement, but she waited a moment to be sure it was nothing. She heard it again. It was foot steps, but more than one pair. They were surrounding the camp. She slowly stood sliding her back up the trunk of the tree. She gripped the hilt of her sword and slid it from its scabbard. They came from all around the forest, at least six, and she was sure it was the same ruffians they had seen on the road a few days past.

It only took seconds for them to rush the wagon. Three of the men went for Drake and Gwyn the others went after the children and Lana. Marina stepped from the shadows sword drawn as the children jumped from their beds and scurried behind her. One of the men grabbed Lana while the others came for Marina. But they were not expecting her expertise with the sword. She came down on them hard fighting them both with the strength years of practice had built in her arms. When she was done there was no breath left in either, but it was too late.

She heard the horses as they galloped away. Lana and Gwyn were gone, Drake knocked unconscious on the side of the wagon. She had to go after them or she would lose their trail. The children ran to their father, crying hysterically. Marina took the water from the side of the wagon and dumped it on his head. He opened his eyes to his scared boys.

“Pack up and head to the next town. Wait for me there.” She untied one of the two horses they had pulling the wagon and mounted it bareback, than rode in the direction the men had fled.