The maiden tucked the child away, hiding him in her arms, putting her scrawny palms upon his eyes. Her long ebony hairs had fallen like worn-out silk on her shoulders. The golden pin who kept them attached, laying on the ground, near her knees. The wind, fierce, rushed the cold of winter inside the broken house, tangling strands of her curls. The child observed them with attention, knotting and flattening themselves. They danced, black on her white neckband, similar to the threads he was knitting a moment ago. The handy-work was still in his hands, a half-ended pattern of a horse. The child loved horses. He was barely able to stay on them, but their profound breathing was a calming sensation under his frail body. And their kind eyes, reflecting the world as mirrors, told him he was safe with them.
This cheerful and childish idealism will cease to be this very night, the woman thought with dread.
She was warm against him. Too warm. He tried to get his head out of her collar, but she kept tightening her arms around him, not letting go. Her face was pale, with a faint smile on her fragile lips. Her rouge has drool, painting some surreal marks on her throat and chin. Her ivory and golden clothes, so ample, covered them both almost completely. Her hands were trembling, underneath her sleeves.
They shouldn't have come here. She shouldn't have brought them here… Not at this time of year, where the ghosts, the demons, the monsters were rummaging the land in search of souls. As hungry as the humans, but even more pitiful, cut out from the cities by walls and weapons, doomed to starve slowly and painfully.
Winter was hard on all creatures. Even the most shameful. She should have known. And now, it was too late.
Terror. Screams. Bodies on the floor. Rivers of blood outside, on the streets. And a freezing, unnatural rain, falling like thunder, drowning every noise, making puddles of sludge on the ground. The young mistress let out a frightened whine. But the child couldn't understand the situation clearly. He held onto his piece of unfinished embroidery while looking up. His big eyes searched for answers on the face of the maiden.
"Where is my brother ?"
The woman sighed with a strange anguish. She caressed the head of the child, slowly. Palming his cheeks before kissing them with desperation, tainting them with a flushed pink. Letting her fingers slip on his neck, she started brushing his skin playfully. The child pushed her away with a gasp.
"It tickles !"
"I know, young master. I know."
"It's not funny. I still want an answer, Shaa. Where is my brother ?"
"Outside. Somewhere. Safe, I promise."
"Safe ? Why ? Is he not safe already ? Where are the guards ? Not with him ?"
"Oh, young master…"
"Aren't we safe ? It's true you're shaking… But it's cold. It's the rain who makes you shake ? I can keep you warm. I don't care about the rain. I'm not cold.", he said with his chest rising proudly. "I'll protect you from any harm. Even the weather."
Soften to the core, Shaa was about to answer sweetly when a roar pierced the air. So near ! Too near ! Behind the hay bed, hidden in the dark, the maiden laid in sudden silence, dissimulating the small body of her young master with her own. Praying with all her might that the monster doesn't find them… The child choked for air in her embrace, his eyes suddenly lit with stars.
"I heard a horse ! It was a horse neigh ! Why are we hiding from the horse ? I love horses."
"Young Master… It's not really a horse… It's just fake being one…" Her breathing created a small cloud in the air. All around, ice and water were slowly invading every nook and cranny of the place. Infiltrating the wooden furniture, making everything creak like the bottom of an old boat hull. She gulped loudly. "Young heir, what do you know about the Water-horses ?"
The child shook his head. Uncertain.
"What the hell are water-horses ?"
"Language." She clicked her tongue and the child smiled, contrite. She shook her head and continued without halt. Time was flying. "Dangerous and horrible creatures, who ambush humans and eat them whole after drowning them… Making cities sinks and villages disappear."
Another growl. Another scream. The growing tremor of the massacre sent a chill down the spine of the maiden. She looked over the bed, only to see the infamous play of misery, down the street. The door of the house has been snatched from its hinges after the first attack. Leaving the place open wide, only illuminated by a dim blue light coming from the entrance. The kitchen was a battlefield of broken glass and mutilated cadavers. A foot, alone, was lying in the middle of the living-room. Like a bad omen. The shadows of the water-horses, gnawing at the poors commoners left with nowhere to run outside, drew a horrible scene on the floors and walls. The maiden turned her eyes away.
"First, crawl under the bed. And drape yourself with my coat. Then, I promise, I will tell you the story of the water-horses."
"I don't want to leave you ! I don't want them to find you !", grumbled the child.
"But you want to hear the story, right ? Please, young master. I'm staying right beside you. I'm not going anywhere. They will never find us here. Trust me."
The child frowned, thinking hard. But his desire and trust won over his worry and after taking the cloak and rolling into it like a quilt, he pushed himself in the narrowed space under the straw bed. It was warm and comfy. Only his eyes were visible. Dark lights pulsing with envy in the shadows. His muffled voice whispered.
"I'm ready. Tell me now !"
The maiden took a shaky breath before turning her face towards the roof. Water was slipping from the cracks and falling on her bare skin, making her shiver with something else than fear. Drops of sweat were drenching her face, memories of an escape made a moment ago. Everything was still clear in her mind. The sun was up and steady. Snow falling calmly on the village. The festival was colorful. Lanterns were floating around, lit by the eternal fire of the temple. Paper animals were sold on the street, artists painted mythical creatures on the skin of those willing. The smell of honey-flavored bread and flower essences were everywhere. And, also, these subtle and magnificent sugar sculptures, candies for the eye and tongue, sold on a far-away stand. The children's were walking beside her, playing in the snow. The older by a few minutes, got away playfully, mesmerized by the way light was caught in the jade-colored sugar of a confectionery. A beautiful Greater Green Snake, who's scales could have made the summer canopy of the South jealous. The maiden paid his escape no mind, as he took the sweet from the gifting hand of the shop-owner. The parading horses were sight-for-sore-eyes. It was a delight to see their shining robes gleaming in the daylight. From the most profound black, to silver white, steeds shown around wearing noble attire, head high… They stole the very breath of countless admirers. They were even more groomed than most of their caretakers. And they were the main reason for their presence.
Gifts of the war-goddess, indeed. They deserve their reputation as the best horses of all of Sidh.
These animals were a big part of the Samildanach history, the leading bloodline of the East Empire of Tairngir. These proud creatures were legendary gifts of the first ascent of the Samildanach : Eepona, the actual war goddess of conquest. For a belligerent nation, who's origins came from a tiny village, surrendered by burning flowers in spring and mountains of snow in winter, attacked by monsters all day, located in one of the most savage parts of Sidh… Their success as an Empire was all but to her.
She was once the most adored goddess in Tairngir. But with time and success, the Empire evolved. Losing it's old traditions and legends about war-gods, and horses created from Eepona blood and tears... Except for one village : Celosia. If the place has never grown much, despite the efforts of numerous instigators, it was probably because of it's desire to keep the tradition of the old Samildanach people alive. People who actually (unlike many self-declared specialists) knew their way with horses and were able to catch in the wild or breed, the most superb of all. Animals of rare beauty and strength with strong personalities and intelligence's. Steeds made for the Emperor and his most trusted generals. This place was once, one of respect and piety for this ancestral art. And once a year, in winter, was held the Great Parade, to pay respect to these wonderful animals without whom the Samildanach still will be low-life peasants and farmers.
Shaa was happy to finally show their most ancient heritage to the kids. She was unsuspicious. All absorbed by the atmosphere of the Eepona festival, intrigued by a black and white stallion. Its coat was pale, covered in black spots all over. Wanting a closer look, she approached the animal, whose mane was bred by red ribbons. Stretching her hand to touch his steady head, she didn't realize the slight changes in the creature. Then, it was a nightmare. The sudden heavy rain. The chilly breeze, becoming a storm. The noble black horse, snapping the hand of the guard who pushed her aside. In two bite, it was untied from his body. His arm was snatched from his shoulder. The mouth of the horse and his fangs were razor-sharp. The hooves of a hundred horses were suddenly full of claws. And flesh. Bloody flesh. The low laughter of the water-horse, it's fur painted in vivid red, its pupils like will o' the wisps, pushing against her skin with hunger… It was too much for her. And the scream. Oh, the pain in this scream ! She will never forget. The guards ran in front of her. But they were torn to shreds. Was it possession ? No. It couldn't be. Not so many. They were monsters. A colony of water-horses has replaced every single animal of the herd. The gods have forsaken them. This city was doomed. And… And…
It was a nightmare. Oh, no, no, no, no...
She was gonna die, wasn't she ?
Her teethes were clattering.
"Big sister ! I want my story. You promised !"
Her eyes turned towards the innocent boy under the bed. Indifferent to the ravaged state of the world, because she was there. She was his shield. But for how long could she shield him from the truth ? She has run, breathless, the palms of her hands upon his eyes, her coat upon his ears. She told him they were playing. He did not fall for it, she thought. He knew something wasn't right. But he trusted her. He trusted her so much... Swallowing hard, she dived her eyes in the greenish iris of her young master and started telling.
"Once upon a time, the world was a quiet and peaceful place where humans thrived. Only us. No threats. No monsters. No gods. No one to stop us or top us. We were known as wise and cunning. And we were able to communicate with everything and everyone. Even what we didn't know or understood, was just a future conquest, waiting. We were magician of science and reason. The best of all… and even the Corruption eating our land, was not something able to stop our rising."
"Until the doors appeared…" Interrupted the child, a glimpse of annoyance in his stare. "And horrible demons, strange creatures and entire tribes, fell from the sky, or something… Then the war for the land destroyed everything… But we found out that magic and soul growth was a real thing, and some of us rose as powerful entities… Casting demons and other nuisances in the underworld with the help of kind populations… Keeping them at bay to this day... And building Sidh on the remnants of the dying world. Yadda, Yadda, Yadda ! I already know that. You told me. And it was a looonnnnng time ago. I don't care."
"Hush, young master. Do you want to hear the whole story or not ?"
The child pouted. But he agreed. The maiden sighed.
"You are right. It was a great war. And we won. But after all this, The Great Emperor of Mist, the most powerful of all entities, put everyone in its rightful place. Human's and magical tribes, creatures of endless possibilities, were given the middle ground. The earth. As guardians of the gate between Heavens and the Abyss. The Demons, blackened and fierce creatures, but not without logic or mind, were sent to the underworld, punished for having tried to rule all the realms. They still try to slip into our kingdoms... And the Gods, once mortals, now immortals, were seated higher than anyone else, as long as they were blessing the world with their good deeds. But… We often forget one last group."
"Which one ?" ask the child, his eyes suddenly round with interest.
"The monsters." she answered softly.
"The monsters !", the young master cried. His voice echoed around the empty house, getting as a reply a profound growl. Shaa pushed her hands on the kid's mouth, her blood boiling with dread, the tumbling of her heart in her ears. A large shadow divided itself from the bright light coming from the landing of the peasant house. Black on blue. A huffing and puffing were heard, as the sound of angry hooves scratching the dirt filled the place. After a moment, the longest moment of her life, the shadow disappeared. The maiden gasped for air and took her hands back. The child, arms crossed on his small chest, looked at her with an attitude.
"Why mention monsters, Big Sister ? They are nothing else than animals. Less, even."
He seemed unbothered by the event. The woman sighed once more. Her restless heart was beating fast.
"What makes you think so, young master ?" Her voice was shaky, but she found herself pleased to still be able to talk. The child pinched his lips.
"Mother is the best huntress. She always brings back monsters' heads and shows them to me. Brother don't like that, but I'm not as fragile as him. So I look. And I looked long enough to say that they're nothing more than beasts. All horrible and ugly. And they kill people, so, they are bad."
Shaa cringed. Great mistress, why show bloody horrors to your own child ? She rolled her eyes, taken aback. No surprise the kid was not afraid. He was used to the sigh of monsters. Even more, he was certain they couldn't hurt him. And he was probably right. His mother was likely rushing to get to the village, right now. Soon, if she could hide him just a while longer, they will be safe once more. And the only heads rolling will be the ones of the water-horses...
Just a while longer, she reassured herself.
"Monsters are beasts, indeed. But they are also our responsibilities."
"Why ?"
"Monsters are born from our emotions, young master. Our mistakes. While trying to master the seed of power we all have in our hearts and souls, it's common to leap from the good path. To lose ourselves. And our corruption is the source of the monster's energy. They nourish upon our worst sides. That's why it's our responsibility to stop them in their hatred and to be kind and merciful. But we can't all be so pure. I, for example, am totally unable to not harbor hate. Which is a need, when facing monsters. You have to be level-headed in your actions and thoughts. So you can slay them. The best of us, the powerful and wise people, like your mother… Are charged to do exactly that."
"But… There are a lot of monsters, right ? And not enough people to kill them all… When will it end ?"
"You can't count them, young master. They take every shape possible. It's an eternal task. And you are the next generation, who will be given this task of killing them. If you do this right, train your heart and follow your mother's steps, maybe you could change the world. Who knows ? "
"I ? Not my bro ?"
The maiden thought a while before answering.
"No. He is too…Unstable. And soft-hearten."
"Is it a bad thing ? To be soft ?"
"When chasing monsters, as well as reigning, the heart is not useful. You need to think with caution. And act restless. Show weakness and even humans will eat you whole. Never show weakness, young master. Be proud and stern. Do what's needed to be love. Do what's needed to be fear… That's how you will obtain what you want."
"I don't understand."
"You will one day. Just keep my words in mind and everything will be alright."
The child took his thumb in his mouth, biting it with anxiety.
"About the monsters… You said every shape ? So, even horses ?"
"Even horses."
"And water-horses are monsters too ?"
"The worst… They are… the worst possible !"
Shaa stumbled upon her words, before spitting them out. She wanted to be indifferent. She wanted to tell a story. But… But outside of here, just on the other side of the road, were laying still the bloody and torn bodies of so many innocents. And she couldn't help but wonder…
Will I die ? Will this child die ? Or worse, did he lose someone dear ?
Where is his brother ?
The one that I abandoned ?
She chewed on her lips until her tongue tasted blood, while the young master continued his litany of questions.
"Why are they evil, Shaa ? Are they like demons ?"
"No. Demons are conscious of their actions. They think. And thrive to rule over us. Monsters are… Creatures with no souls. Cut off, of the path of reincarnation. Incapable of feelings and regrets. They are only driven by their emptiness and hunger. They are born from corruption. And water-horses are the worst of them. Because they can seem like intelligent creatures, they fool us and trick our minds until the right moment arises. Then, on a dreadful and rainy night, they strike. Only leaving corpses behind them."
"So mom is right to kill them. If they possess no souls, they are not even alive, they should not even exist. They are mistakes. And if we can't kill them all… They should be all banished somewhere, once and for all. Right ?", he said, as a matter of fact, still deep in thought.
"Or annihilated by any means.", retorted the maiden, and the young master seemed to snap out of his dream-state.
"But…Me ? Killing them ? I don't… I don't know, big sister. Mom can do it, but I… I… I don't have a solution…"
"You're good with problems. You will find something for this one too. It will just take a lot of time. But I know you will change the world. I always knew how brilliant you were. Always one step ahead. Feets on the ground. You will be a great ruler. I'm proud of you, young master. And of the man you will become."
"Shaa ? Why do you tell me all this ?"
Shaa did not answer. Her eyes were cloudy, full of warm tears. For, the shadow was back. Her stare stuck on the roof, she could only try to refrain from sobbing. As she was, her breath so still and her face so pale, she already looked dead.
"Shaa ?"
The monster's ears raised on top of his head. The hooves touched the interior of the wooden house, making the deck creak gloomingly. The rain was like the thumping of her heart. Flickers and drops of blood pumping through her veins like the water making puddles outside.
"Big sister, why do you not talk anymore ? What is happening ?"
"Hush. The time has come, young master. My story ends in a minute. Silence is required."
The monster took a step. Then two. His large body entered the destroyed space. His nostrils puffing large clouds of white in the cold atmosphere. Sniffing the air. Drool dripping from his open mouth. Shaa was unable to hold back anymore. The tears she accumulated finally started to flow on her cheeks. She gasped, incredulous, at her imminent death.The tickling of time, like a slow countdown, loud in her mind. Every second is a drop of blood. Every second is a heartbeat. Every second is a wasted thought… Every, damn, second, is a lost breath...
Tick. Tock.
The water-horse started following her scent.
Tick. Tock.
The horse goes around the bed.
Tick. Tock.
The monster was beautiful. White from head to toe. Similar in color, to the skin of the sick-ones, the skin of the starved and famished. Blemish and pure as snow. Pearly white. Pure, like death itself.
Tick. Tock.
Ah… At least, her death will be beautiful, right ? It's a luxury these days…
Tick. Tock.
The creature's attention falls on her. And the monster, covered in his pale glowing fur, takes a sudden stop.
That's it. It's the last moment.
She had to stay strong. She had to stay dignified.
"Big sister ?"
She turned her glare on the child. So small and harmless. So… Innocent. Too bad that this innocence stops right now. Seeing his panicked expression, she gave him a shaking smile. Her voice was horse from fear. But she talked. She screamed even. So, this moment will never fade in him.
"I hate them ! I will never forgive them. Tricksters, born from nothing, belonging to nothing ! May they all lie dead ! May they all die ! Be brave ! Be brave and kill them all ! Find it ! The solution I asked you for… Find it !"
The horse's mouth opened up wide. His head bowed, almost respectfully. And his teethes pierced the delicate and tender flesh of her neck. Upon the eyes of the young child, the screaming body was lifted up and shaken viciously. Rocking up and down like a vulgar puppet, until the head detached itself from the rest of the body. The piece of flesh flew across the room and hit a wall before it rolled down the floor.
The monster growled slowly in content. Ripping apart arms and legs, torso from hips. Limbs after limbs, he ate. Gulping them one after another, not even chewing.
The child observed. Silent at last. Cold in the golden draperies. The smell of Shaa, all around him. Protecting him from the sharp nose of the creature.
The horse swallowed the last part before looking up and shaking his mane. Hesitantly, he stayed next to the bed. His fur was up and shivering. Covered in red stains. He looked like a ghost. His eyes were blue. A very pale hue.
Did he know ? That he was here. Hiding in a mere piece of fabric ?
The child wasn't sure. Maybe the monster was just full. But after a while, he silently slipped out of the house, only leaving behind the forgotten head of the maiden.
And the red, teary eyes of a young boy.