The table was full of cut up fruit. On plates were sliced crunchos, wedges of red citranges, palm-crunchos cut open in half, pink tangoes, and bunches of dark blue plops. Meats and breads were harder to come by, but it didn’t matter. Sweet foods were the best.

At the end of the table stood a company of 6 cups. Dark blue plop wine came and filled these pieces of ceramic, almost to their tops. Then little hands came about lifting them into place evenly around the table.

The feast was set. The little hands came again and lifted the cups in the air, not minding the sudden spillage.

“To your firstday, Rodger!” The six young kids called out and took their drinks. Well, at least they tried to take their drinks. None of them had ever had their first taste of poison before. Thomas and Tinsley ran outside to spit theirs out, Kwinsal spat his little sip back into his cup, and Adrian luckily hesitated, seeing his company’s discomfort before he could try it. Venturious and Rodger had themselves a good gulp. Good, before they could realize the atrocity they had just flushed down. All six kids wore faces of disgust, each of their features squeezing in, hoping to wring out any awful flavours that remained.

The gang was back at the spot enjoying their little celebration for Rodger’s firstday. The tableware had come from Venti’s mother. She supplied them when they told her that they had themselves a clubhouse. “A true clubhouse always needs plates and cups,” Gizelle would say. “For food and for poison.” Today that need was true. Gizelle also passed the kids some helpful advice telling them “Privileges are never free. Be responsible and earn your privilege.”

Venturious remembered his mother’s words in regards to the cups and thought to make sport of their current situation. He laughed. He saw his cup was the least full of the six. He and Rodger tried their best to hold their gulps of wine down, Venti bearing the burn of the brew, Rodger washing away the ill taste by eating a handful of fruit. Venti held up his cup.

“Damn shame to waste wine!” He repeated those words he heard from sea-men who came to his mother’s shop. Every sea-man said it. But Venti’s audience did not reply the same carouseful cheer those words usually called. The kids shied away at the thought of another sip. Venti re-emphasized the point.

“Come on, guys! We went through all this trouble for Rodger and the wine. We can’t waste it!” The boy spoke much loader than he should have. Hot cheeks woke the boy to the fact that the poison was working. Rodger held up his cup and levelled it with Venti’s. The two giggled and had another awful sup. Kwinsal not wanting to miss out tried another effort and gave a hard exhaust of breath.

“It burns!” The elf sighed with a hand to his chest.

Adrian had another sip and smiled.

“It’s not that bad.” The boy took another sip.

Rodger joined him and took another gulp. He said,

“Yeah. You kinda get used to it.”

The other five looked at Rodger who seemed to be enjoying it the most with a smile. Then they looked at their cups and tried again. Kwinsal tried another sip then gasped for refreshing air, Venti took his proudly finishing most of his cup then patted the elf on the back, Adrian sipped his calmly like a hot coffee, Rodger ate more fruit, Thomas and Tinsley looked at each other and braced themselves for the moment of truth. They took it down better this time and giggled, either at their accomplishment or at the strange new feeling.

“Why do grown-ups drink this stuff?” Tinley asked. “It taste yucky!”

“I don’t think it’s bad at all.” Adrian said. “It’s way better than rotten milk.”

“You drink rotten milk?” Kwinsal asked, astonished. They all burst into laughter.

“No!” Adrian replied. “I just tried some by accident when dad left the bottle outside. I didn’t know.”

“Didn’t it smell?” Venti added.

“I was thirsty and I was in a hurry.”

“This smells too, but he’s got no problem with it.” Tinsley laughed. They all found this humouress.

Adrian a little embarrassed tried to justify himself.

“I was in a hurry cause I was so thirsty. I’ll never forget that yucky taste. It was foul.”

Thomas managed to finish his cup and gave out a long breath as he slammed his cup on the table. Venturious recognized that familiar expression and lifted his own cup to see what he had left.

“Last one to finish has to wash!” and he threw his last gulp down. The rest gave an effort to finish, and did, except for Kwinsal who was still gasping for breath and chasing down his drink with fruit.

*DONG*

A huge bell rang interruptedly in the air. The kids stopped to listen. It came afar. It wasn’t the hourly bell. This bell was strong and was hit again and again, getting faster in tempo. It was from town. Something was wrong. The kids had never heard the bell ring like this before.

“I think something’s wrong.” Tinsley said. The rest giggled for a second, but that joy quickly faded to stillness. The bell was alarmingly loud. And each *dong* seemed to invoke fear into the children as they thought of the possible dangers.

“Are we in danger?” They wondered

“I’ve never heard the bell like this.” They realized

“What’s happening?”

Rodger tried to lighten up the mood.

“At least we’re here. Away from whatever’s happening.”

Venturious stood immediately, leaning forward on the table out of frustration and out of light-headedness.

“We have to go see what’s wrong!” He was replied only with the sound of the bell.

“Is it safe?” Rodger asked. “Maybe it’s better we stay here.”

“But we don’t know what happening there! What if we can help?” Venturious called back. He was much louder than he usually was. At least the bell would have been a good excuse for his volume.

The rest thought and understood his statement, half out of innocent bravery and half out of fear.

“Yeah. My dad must be looking for me.” Said Adrian.

“Yeah.” The kids thought of their families. Venti thought of his mother, then of everyone else in town. Then he thought of if the poison was blowing things out of proportion, but soon forgot that notion as the town bell rang on. What’s happening over there? the boy thought to himself. It’s too noisy for a fire alarm.

“We have to do something! We must go!” He looked at each of them, but didn’t meet Rodger’s eyes. “You guys stay here if you want. But I have to go help.”

Rodger stood up, surprisingly, with a look of understanding. Kwinsal stood next, understanding as well and spoke.

“He’s right!”

The loud bell didn’t stop. The rest eventually stood.

                Outside, Lucifer’s light was setting in the distance. The sky was like fire, a complete shade of amber if not for some of the clouds. The leaves of the trees and bushes all drooped slowly, as if sighing at the fading of light. Distant trees and hills were just silhouettes behind the sinking star, and shadows now stretched their darkness much further out. Night was soon to come.

The six made their way to Hindon, who still called out with her screaming bell. What was the bell calling for anyway? There was no help close enough to town to come in time. This kids emerged from the trees and peered down at their port town. There wasn’t any major smoke, but the hope of it being just a common fire was long forgotten. Small groups of people could be seen escaping town, running north to Lucifer’s light Boats that seemed filled were moving further out in the bay. Safety ships they were. People were running from something, but what?

Venturious continued towards Hindon. The rest were not far behind. It was not an easy walk. The boy wondered where he found his tempered courage to go into town because as he got closer he saw the townsfolk fleeing. Fear slowed his pace. He began to regret his assertion. I should have let the other stay back. What if something happens to them? When he turned to see if they followed, there were right beside him, hesitant, but beside him. Rodger put a hand on Venturious’ shoulder.

“I wonder what happened.” Rodger spoke.

“There’s only one way to find out.” Venti moved forward to inform the rest. “Let’s be careful, alright?”

Everybody looked scared, but they also looked ready as they nodded back to him.

As they entered through the main road on the west of town, a man and a lady were running past. The lady called out,

“No, Children! You must leave. You’ll be killed.” That stopped the six in their tracks. ‘You’ll be killed’ was not something you heard at a quiet place like Hindon.

More townsfolk ran past, fleeing to safety from whatever lurked in town. The children watched the lady in her panic until her man pulled roughly on her arm telling her to go. “Please run, Children!” and she was tugged away.

The kids paused. They looked at each other, unsure of direction. Venturious was still sure about going in to help. The others may not have been. He called out

“I’m still going. I have to know where mom is” and continued into the slightly darkening town.

More people fled, warning the kids to run away. The kids moved much slower after each passing escapee. The shadows of the buildings camouflaged their short stature from some of those who passed. What’s happening? Venturious noticed much of the ruckus came from the direction of the town square, so that’s where he went.

From a street up a head there were cries.

“Runnn!!! Run I tell you!” and a few men ran out from the street corner. The kids got to the corner and looked to see what the men were running from. Walking all too slowly were three men in dark colours, dressed in what seemed to be city attire. Thought they looked expressionless they were moving too slowly to be simply walking in a town full of panic. They looked almost comfortable. The three peered towards the kids, probably wondering where the running men disappeared to. One of the three shrugged his shoulders and they continued their awkward stroll.

Are they the killers? Venturious wondered. They were too out of place to be innocent, to be just walking comfortably in this chaos. And there dress was quite city like, with trousers, dark shirts that buttoned up the front, and black cloaks. It made them suspicious. What’s with all the weird people today? These guys are up to no good Venti decided to himself. He set back to behind the corner to evade their vision. The other five did the same.

“Who are they?” Kwinsal whispered. The others all shrugged their shoulders.

“I think they’re killers” Venti added. “Maybe that’s why everyone is running away.”

Rodger thought for a second.

“But there is only three of them. I’m sure someone coulda stopped them. Are the really what’s wrong?”

Rodger was right. Three men who seemed unarmed shot not have caused the whole town to panic.

“I don’t know” Venti said. “But there’s a lot of weird people in town today.”

“A lot? Like who?” Adrian butted in.

“Like the man with the big hood over his head, and the old man.”

“Old man?”

“The old man in the weird robes.”

Adrian gave a puzzled look. The others couldn’t help but imitate the expression.

“He was with the hooded guy.” Venturious told. He looked for a sign of agreement, but couldn’t find it. “We bumped into the afternoon.”

“Oh,” Adrian then said. “I remembered the guy with the hood. He was scary.”

‘Yeah!” They all agreed.

“But no scary old man.” Adrian told.

“What? But he was with the hooded guy.” Venturious explain. There was no understanding. “What about that guy in the olden-day armour?”

“I don’t know if it’s time to be playing right now.” Thomas told him.

The five looked at Venturious like he was insane, growing uncomfortable with it. He even felt insane. Venti realized that he might have been the only one who looked around at that time and saw the armoured man. But the old man was clear as day… It was not the time to be seeing such strange characters. And right now there was no time to worry.

“Somebody’s coming” Tinsley whispered to the confused bunch. “Look!”

From tallest to shortest, a totem of heads leaned out from the corner, peering at the new arrival.

A bold crew of five men stormed up towards three city clad strollers. These five meant business. They were wrapped in leather jerkins and mail, held swords, clubs, and wore smugs and smirks. Even though these new men seemed more ordinary than the other strangers from today, there were obviously bad eggs. Violent attire and a lack of panic old wreaked trouble. Who are these guys? Are they here to save us?

Faster than the trio, the five walked past just a step until on the five then spoke.

“It’s not a good time to be just walking around.”

The five stopped to face the city walkers, but the three simply walked on, minding their own business. No one likes to be ignored, especially after speaking loud enough to be heard. The man in the leather jerkin spoke again.

“I said, ‘It’s not a good time to be just walking’! Someone might get hurt.”

With sneer laughs, two of his men seized the closest of the city men and held him still. A man on each of his arms. The city man’s company did not realize their friend had been arrested until the captors turned their hostage towards the first speaker in leather. He must have been the leader. His voice was too loud, attitude too proud. He gave his hostage a smile.

“I told you, didn’t I?”

Watching the occurrence, the children gasped.

“Did they catch the bad guys?”

“Who are those guys?”

“They have swords. They’re here to save us.”

“Are they really the good guys?”

Questions filled the air around the children, like bubbles of innocent curiosity. But all they could do was watch.

The trio’s reaction was awkward, as was everything about them. They did not seem worried, only annoyed that their little walk was interrupted. The held man struggled as the leathered leader spoke on.

“Now, you look wealthy. Let’s see what you have to offer.” And he began to pat about his prisoners dress.

“And how about you lot?” The rest of the five called to the other two city dressed men.

Are they robbing them? What is this?

An abrupt sound paused the moment.

*Pff*

The restrained one spat on his inspector’s face. The leathered man wiped off the spit. He had had enough. He raised his sword. Then he stabbed his captive in the gut.

The two idle henchmen behind their leader in the jerkin turned to check on the other city clad men. But the other two city men were too quick. Both dug a knife into each of the foes holding their companion. Their blades lodged in the spot between the neck and shoulder.

Before they could realize it, the two city men jumped forward to the next two hoes. The city men held an arm around their enemy’s shoulder and stabbed them in the side of their guts. Not once, but several times as confirmation. The leather jerkined leader was stunned, before the city trio and the scatter of fallen comrades. Before he could even say a word, he found a blade straight through his throat, the wounded man who was his captive, holding the blade’s other end.

It all happened too quickly. Only when it was all over did the observing children feel the horror. Pulling their heads back, they shied away from the corner. The next thing to do was run, and so they did.

The kids now joined the townsfolk in their escape. Murder. They saw murder. Cold blooded murder. Did they kill those five? Venturious was still unsure if what he saw was true. They didn’t even look like the felt anything. Neither of them. The boy expected men to have a certain reaction before death. Fear at least, like the running children now felt. Those three dangerous men didn’t feel a thing, and if they did, it was nowhere to be found.

The kids ran on, panic stricken after the realization. Now they knew what danger had come to town. Now they knew why everybody ran. All six watched it firsthand. There were robbers. And there were killers. The kids turned a corner to the main road. There, they spotted people they knew, Kwinsal’s light skinned mother and his hard faced father. It was a relief. The elven parents would look after the kids.

The two adult elves demanded the children to follow them, and quickly grabbed their hands. The mother holding Kwinsal and Tinsley, the father with Adrian and Thomas.

“I promised your mother I would find you two and bring you to her!” Kwinsal’s father mentioned to Thom and Tins. The kids were lost for words. They all continued to flee for safety.

Venturious then stopped in worry.

“Where’s my mom?”

“I don’t know” the elf man spoke, his accent strong. “We must got, boy! Quickly!”

Fear surely fuelled Venti to escape, but something inside encouraged him to stay, encouraged him to find his mother. He knew it was foolish, but it didn’t stop him. Venturious turned back in the direction of the town square. There was still a loud clamour in that direction. He had to be sure.

The rest noticed his halt. Everybody knew what the boy was thinking and demanded he stay. Venturious explained,

“I have to go back. What if my mom is there? What if she needs me?”

“Don’t be stupid, boy!” The elf man looked more serious that his already stern face. “You come with us, now!”

What if someone needs me? Venturious still felt it was okay to go, even if he knew it was foolish. He didn’t know why, but he just did.

“I’m sorry.” And the boy ran off.

Rodger, himself felt he need to join Venturious. He need to be brave, and so he followed.

“NO!” The adults cried. “COME BACK, NOW!” But it was too late. The two boys did not look back. With the other four children safe in their hands, the adults could not do anything else but bring the children to safety.

As Venturious ran towards the town square, the noise grew louder. There were definitely screams of terror, screams of rage, screams for help. It was more than enough to frighten a little boy, yet he kept going.

“Venti!” a voice called from behind. Rodger tried and caught up. Venti was glad to see him. He knew Rodger was not the bravest of boys, so it was a surprise to find him following. Yet, he was grateful a friend had come along. Any company eased the weight of fear.

“Why did you come?” Venti asked.

“I couldn’t let you go alone. I have to help.”

Venturious was glad he wasn’t the only one daft. Their anomalous courage fused, side by side. Venti understood his friend more than his friend was away. He knew Rodger wanted to be brave and was glad Rodger always tried.

The two reached the street where they saw the great felonies. The peered from the same corner. The three city-like men were nowhere in sight, but the evidence of their crime lay clear in the dirt. The boys did not move for a moment. They were not sure how to take in such a sight.

“Are they really…?” Rodger whispered.

“I don’t know.” Venti did not want to sink into thoughts so he stood and made his way to the bodies. He had to make sure. Rodger could not bear the sight, but he really couldn’t bare being left behind.

They boys stood before the 5 slain men. Why do they have armour and swords? Were they really robbing those others? He used that sword… Venturious tried his best to divert his mind. He did not want to accept what was coming. He need more curiosity. Why did they come to town? What’s with this gear? Is there a war? Why is his head missing?

And there it came. A shrieking misery that sank deep beyond their stomachs, twisting and winding more than physical pain. Realization. These men were dead. Truly dad. The realization was a foul awakening. Venturious and Rodger shivered at this new truth. And there they stood.

Rodger gasped. Venturious snapped out of his dismal trance and knew why his friend panicked. He knew Rodger noticed the missing head. The screams in the distances were clear again. They frightened yet alerted Venti to move.

“Come on.” He pulled Rodger away and start to the towns square. The boys were not so hasty this time. The two moved carefully, along the side of buildings in the darkness of shadows. What happened to the daylight? Lucifer had finally sunk and his light no longer warmed the land. Night had come.

Venturious and Rodger were getting much closer to the town square, they knew. Hindon was their town. The blare was coming noisier with every step closer. Moving close along walls, the continued. At a tiny darkened alley, Rodger stopped. Venti almost continued without him until he noticed Rodger’s heaving breathing didn’t follow. Venturious found his buddy silent in the dark.

“What’s wrong, Rodger?”

His friend did not move or reply. Even a hand to his shoulder did not get any reaction. Rodger was stupefied, and Venturious did not know what to do. What could he do? He was merely frightened, himself. But he needed Rodger to move. They were in the middle of town. Killers were about.

“Thanks for coming. It really helps that you’re here.” Venti said.

“No, it doesn’t…” Rodger finally replied.

“What? What do you mean it doesn’t?” Venti assured him. “It really does.”

“I don’t know if I can go on.”

“You can. Just follow me”

“And do what? You saw what those guys did.”

“Yeah. But I have to make sure mom is alright. What about your Mom and Dad?”

“They’re alright. They must be. There were lots of safety boats on the bay.”

Rodger had a point. His parents would likely be safe. But what did that mean for Venti’s mother. Her shop was near the Hindon Square. What if she was still in the middle of the chaos?

Venturious thought about his mother. He knew she was a brave woman. She always stood up and kicked out the bad drunks.

Then Venti grew more worried. She would likely stay back and fight the trouble makers. He had to make sure.

“I have to see who’s left here. My mother…”

“See and do what? We’ll get killed.”

Venturious was vexed by the interruption, especially while he gave his explanation.

“What if my mom’s still there?”

“One of them was missing a head!” Rodger was shaking his head at nothing, eyes vacant. “You saw it too!” The boy began to murmur to himself.

Venturious had had enough of this. His worry about his mother was a bigger concern. Now, he had to be strong, just like his mother. But could he leave his friend behind?

“I know. I saw it. But we can’t stay here. We have to see who’s still here and help if we can. I know you can help too.”

“No I can’t.”

“Then why did you come with me?” His voice grew stern.

“I don’t know.”

Venturious said nothing. What could he say?

“I was scared,” Rodger told him “But I had to go with you. I think the wine made us crazy.”

Now that he thought about it, Venti was a little wilder than he should have been. He laughed.

“I think so too. I feel a bit crazy. But at least you came.”

The mood seemed to ease. Venti went on. “And we’ve already gone this far. Let’s be strong.” Venturious was already taking back his words in his mind, but he pushed himself to his claim. Rodger said nothing for server moments. He then replied,

“Okay.”

The intermission was over and Venturious knew it was too late to go back, especially after pushing Rodger. They stood and moved on, Hindon Square just ahead. The two moved along the wall of the bakery building until they could stick their heads out and peer into the square.

It was bad. The boys saw there were still many townsfolk who remained, but they were not alone. Patrolling the town’s men and women were a band of about 30 goons armed with swords and clubs, armoured much the same as the five men before.

Further up the hill, past the town square, a big group of armed men were making their way up the road to the mayor’s estate. There were about 30 of them as well, with swords in hand shining off the torches they carried. Back at the town square, right by the town hall were wagons full of what seemed to be seized goods. Ornamental pieces of furniture and steel ware, barrels of what must have been wine, sacks of grain, and chests that must have held gathered riches. A pitiful loot from a small town. It was clear to see, these armed men were the bad guys. They were bandits, and they were here, robbing the town.

Five more came to the square clutching two men the boys recognized as farmhands. Their armed captors threw them to the dirt before everybody and began to beat and kick the two. Seeing the older man of the two get kicked in the face started Venturious inside, but he didn’t know what to do.

That instant, somebody came to block off the thugs from the helpless man. Arms out in front of these armed men, Venti’s mother stood, defending the victims. Her hair tied and eyes serious, Gizelle looked formidable before her foes. It seemed her hands could magically keep the bandits back as they did not approach any further.

There was relief upon Venturious to know where his mother was, but that soon vanished. She was right in front of danger and that was not a good place to find her. The five oppressors began to surround the brown haired woman, kept at a distance she seemed to maintain with her hands alone.

“Oh no…” Rodger accidently let out. It was enough to set Venturious off. The boy no longer seeing reason to hide, ran down the town square to his mother’s aid. Rodger soon trailed after him. Moments passed until it seemed one of the five found a way to break through Gizelle’s spell and stepped towards her. This could not be happening. They stabbed the other guy. What will they… Venturious was filled with panic and fear. His mother was in danger, and he was too far to help.

“MOM!” He yelled as loud as he could. Gizelle noticed his voice in an instant and glanced his way. But the bandit’s hand found its way to Gizelle’s throat. He grasped at her neck, and the beautiful lady tried her best to scream. Her little boy’s face was in horror at the sight of his mother being hurt. It seemed Venturious’ yells from where he was were mute before this evil sight, his run too slow.

The next moment was strange. Somebody casually walked to the bandit choking Gizelle and laid a hand on the ruffian’s shoulder. The bandit turned in confusion to see a pale, expressionless face stare back at his.

“Can’t you see I’m busy? Who in damn are you!?” Gizelle’s attacker spat.

The blank face leaned closer to the bandit and spoke.

“One of your men hurt my friend.” It was a man dressed in a dark cloak. City attire, like the three killers before. Venturious stopped at the sight of him. This man was an absolute danger, and he stood near Venti’s mother.

“Who?” the ruffian questioned, not that he cared.

The dark cloaked man nudged his head behind him, indicating someone who appeared suddenly out of the blue. It was the city man who was stabbed earlier. He held a hand to his wound.

When did that guy get there?

The bandit stuck his stuck his sword up to the dark cloaked fellow while keeping a grip on Gizelle’s throat. Noticing the injured one, he spoke.

“So what? Want more sword to help with that?”

Some of the other armed bandits moved toward the city dressed fellow, who now had another three men dressed like himself right behind him. When did they come? Nobody knew.

The city dressed man at the front stepped a little closer, the sword’s edge pressing his neck.

“Your man and the rest of you must pay” he said.

“Who? What man?” the bandit spat back.

The city dressed fellow lifted a severed head before him. This sight caused the bandit to let go of Gizelle’s neck. The bandit clearly recognized the face on that head. It was the leader of the five from earlier. Venturious did not know what he found more shocking. The fact that the pale man drew the head out of nowhere, or the fact that he now had 20 other city dressed fellows behind him. How did they…  Who are they?

Gizelle’s attacker gave a shout and slashed at the head bearer. The city man use the head as a shield to block the blow. Practical yet sickening. The rest of the armed robbers patrolling the townsfolk noticed the revolt and ran over to the now 30 men in dark city dress. When did they…

The attacker’s sword was stuck in the severed head. An attempt to free the blade was met with 4 new blades pierced into the sword wielder. The city dressed men moved and flooded the town raiders. It was war. Venti lost sight of his mother as the fight broke out before them. He and Rodger too, were frozen by the sight of more deaths. The first occurrence had not toughed them to the reality, and this was the same disorder, only excessively magnified. After the first five bandits were defeated, the city dressed men prepared themselves for the approaching charge of swords, clubs and armour.

Behind the group of dark clothing, Venti’s mother appeared, searching for her son. The boy saw her and almost ran to her arms, but this meant he was to move close to the murderous bunch. He hesitated until the group moved forward to anticipate their foes. It was clear to run to her. And what a relief too. The two sides battling were clearing focused on each other and could not have cared less for the townsfolk.

To his side, Venti saw a few of the city dressed me take swords and clubs to the shoulder or to the head. He would have been stunned at his, but the panic of losing a chance to reach his mother gave more momentum.

Venturious finally made it to her side. In her arms, he was a boy again. His mother held him tightly, protecting him from the strife behind. There was a real comfort for the two of them, to know that the other was safe.

Hindon had never met such chaos before and her people did not bear it well. The townsfolk seeing the two sides clash took the opportunity to escape. Most ran passed Venti and Gizelle. Rodger came to their side. When Venti noticed his fried about, he then let go of his mother in a quick reflect. A male’s raw affection, especially towards a female, was not for another’s eyes to see, and definitely not that of a friend. Venti hardened his façade and turned to Rodger. The boys lost their attention to the fighting that soon ended with a yowl from one of the armour fit raiders.

The city dressed men stood, still vaguely expressionless. Only 5 or 6 had fallen, while the rest were wounded or well. Some took hold of their fallen friends, some assisted the injured and some scavenged the gone. A bizarre bunch as their disinterest was contrary to their regard for their company.

“Why haven’t you two escaped? Didn’t you hear the bell?” Gizelle scowled at the boys. The bell had stopped. Did that mean it was over? The boys looked to the men remaining and fear came again. The city dressed men’s indifference was frightening. Even Venti’s mother began to notice their manner. “Let’s go now, while we can.” Gizelle took the boys by the hand and started for safety. Is it over?

There was commotion sounding in the distance. Turning to see, Venti remembered a crowd had made its way to the mayor’s estate. Likely more bandits. Behind, the city dressed men were headed the other direction. Did they come to save us? If those fellows had come to help, they would have at least talked to the townsfolk. But like their faces, there was not a sign of concern. That meant they did not care for the mayor’s estate or whoever was heading there. Venturious stopped, causing his mother and Rodger to a halt.

“What happened, Venti?” Gizelle asked her son.

“The mayor’s house. What if there are people still there?”

“Don’t worry about that right now. Bad men are here. We must leave!”

“But what about Sana? The mayor? They might need us.” The boy stepped in that direction.

“You can’t save them, Vent” his mother told. “We’re lucky those strange men came. Let’s go while we can.”

“But I have to try. Sana might be there.” The boy was still fuelled with foolish courage, even after all that happened. And now a girl he knew was in danger. As he knew his mother was fine, his priorities were altered.

Gizelle tried to pull him back, but the boy escaped her clutch and ran for the mayor’s. Rodger saw his friend’s rush and quickly followed. Gizelle was outraged. Their disobedience had her screaming.

“You come back here right now, Venturious!”

His mother’s call had a heavy pull to it. She always said his name properly when she was serious. It held him for a second, but something inside knew he wanted to go on. Some sort of defiance. She called again and he tried his best to ignore it. The boy called back in apology.

“I have to go. I’ll be fine, Mom” and he ran faster to escape her invisible hold on him.

Turning a corner, Venturious knew he was free. Guilty but free. Rodger tried his best to catch up, not wanting to be called on by Gizelle. He may not have had the strength to resist her words, even if she was Venti’s mother and not his. The boy turned the corner to find Venti standing and gasping for breath. Rodger took the opportunity himself.

“Why are we going? How do we help?” Rodger asked his friend. Venti was still trying to catch his breath. Did a short run really exhaust him?

“I don’t know. Why did you come?” He looked up to Rodger.

Rodger smiled back. “I don’t know. You still wanna be crazy, don’t you…”

Venti answered with a smile.

The two made for the mayor’s estate. There was silence on their way up. Room for thoughts. But Venti had to interrupt.

“I’m scared Sana’s still there.”

“Me too.” Rodger sighed. “Do you think they left already? They should have been on the safety boats.”

“We have to check. We should hurry.”

The two picked up the pace. Running uphill was tough, but it was not the time to complain.

At the mayor’s mansion the gates were wide open. The sky was now dark and it was not easy to see, except for the torch light and the glow from the building. Movement could be seen through the windows of the double storey house, but also near the front. A high pitch rattle of shattering glass rang the air. Indisputably, people were still here, but they were not friendly. Venti and Rodger eyed each other in silent discussion. Were they to proceed or not? Venti looked at the front of the mansion and saw wagons were being loaded by a few of the bandits all revealed by the torch light. Is anyone even left?

In a careful manner, Venti bobbed down and stalked closer to the building. Rodger followed his lead and the two crept in the shadows. A sudden yell from inside call the two to a halt.

“There nothing!” A man’s voice called through the air, full of worry and desperation. “Nothing, I tell you!”

“That’s the mayor” Rodger whispered. Venti turned to Rodger. More silent discussion. If the mayor’s here, that means Sana might be too. It might be too dangerous. But we can’t leave her. The boys gave each other a nod and continued to the mansion.

They were lucky they knew a back way to get inside. It was where Sana would sneak out from when her father didn’t let her go. But she was only able to if she was escorted by one of her housemaids named Eren. Eren was the nicest of all the house. She always said hello to the boys when the others would not.

The boys got to the back door, which was also the door for the kitchen. It was not locked. And so the boys snuck inside. There was plenty of light in the kitchen but no one in sight. Venti did not know his way around the house so he pointed forward for Rodger to lead. As they crept out of the kitchen the sound of people was clear. A few could be heard by the dining area, but more were upstairs. It seemed the raiders were done with what they wanted on the lower level.

Rodger was unsure where to lead them next. Upstairs meant danger, but where else was there to go? So, Venti pushed him ahead towards the stairway that was clear in the foyer. Their pace was slow as Rodger’s lead was extremely cautious, jumping at every sudden sound such as falling furniture or footsteps along the floor upstairs.

Almost at the foot of the stairway, creeping just behind it, Rodger jumped again. This time was excusable. A drumming of footfalls hit the upper floor landing and steps of the stairs, revealing a troop of the armed bandits heading down. Their arms were full of fencible goods. Paintings and mirrors in grand frames, candelabras and vases, chests were carried by pairs, and one even had an arm full of dresses that must have been of some worth. The boys were not noticed as the troops moved out the front door discussing amongst themselves.

“He always wants ta do fings alone. Would be nice if he appreciated me effort.” A bandit complain.

“Yeah. I fink he jus wants ta show vat his a independent leadah.” Another mentioned.

“We all know his not!” Another butted in. “Why is he get da cannon?”

The bandits seemed to be complaining about something, which helped the boys hide. Once they bandits were gone, the coast was clear. Rodger did not proceed. He whispered behind him,

“Do you think it’s safe?”

“They all just left.” Venti reassured him. “We gotta check on the mayor. Come on!”

“But what about the cannon?”

 “What cannon?”

“They said one of them had a cannon.”

Venti rolled his eyes. “They didn’t bring a cannon here. And there’s no way they brought it upstairs.”

“Then what were they talking about?” Rodger looked back to Venti.

“They’re thieves. Why would they need a cannon here, in a mansion? Let’s go!”

A young girl’s cry blared from upstairs.

“Ahhhh…  Daddy!”

It was Sana. Venti didn’t wait for Rodger. He knew her screams came from upstairs, and he darted right up. There were more cries from the girl. “Stop! I don’t know.” There was a pain in her voice and the evidence of struggle. Venti had to hurry.

He made it up stairs. No raiders around. He could hear the mayor’s voice arguing with another’s. They were straight down the hall. The boy ran to them, passing different rooms with broken windows, broken furniture, and other things scattered all over the floor. By the end of the hall, there were two doors on each side wide open. From the light coming from inside it seemed there was movement in the room on the left.

Venti jumped in front of the doorway, hoping to see Sana and the mayor. The room was huge, with a huge bed, huge windows, and all these other huge assortments. It must have been the mayor’s room. Inside were two men ravagingly searching drawers of a wardrobe. No Sana, and no mayor. The two turned and saw the boy standing by the door, eyes wide with anguish. Venti knew he was in danger. He took steps back to make for an escape until another scream screeched from behind. It was Sana. Her blue eyes were pained and teary about her roughed-up dark blonde curls. Venti saw she was held with an arm around her neck by a lean man with long hair and a short moustached beard. He was not dressed in armour, just an old white shirt. But he held a short sword, which was all the more a threat. You could tell he was in charge or some sort by his demanding face, and how he ordered his two other armoured goons holding a well-dressed man who was the clearly mayor. The mayor was held down on his gut upon his study desk.

“Well?” The bearded man asked the mayor.

When the man in the suit did not reply, the bearded bandit gave a nod to one of his men. This goon gave a good punch to the mayor’s side.

“Daddy!” Sana called out for her father. The Bandit’s captain pulled at her, indicating for her to be quiet. Venti realized the even in the other room and ran in.

“Sana!” he called, grabbing the whole room’s attention.

“Venti!” the girl cried, only to be silenced again. The mayor eyed the boy in a wide eyed desperation, calling out an order.

“Run, boy! Quickly get help!”

The captain coughed sarcastically. As the mayor tried to warn Venti more, “Please!” his holders struck him silent.

The bearded bandit turned to Venti and grinned.

“You must be the hero, come to save the little girl.” He pulled at Sana.

“You let her go! Or I’ll fix you up! What have you?” Venti felt a desperate rage roaring out of his voice. The situation was terrible and he did not know what to do, or what to say.

“Me?” the bandit captain chuckled. “You’re quiet a man to come in here and threaten me.” His grin widened more, then…

*SMACK*

Something hit Venti at the side of the head. As the boy stumbled, he saw a bandit behind him, hand open, revealing the attacker. The boy had forgotten the other two in the other room. They picked the boy up and held him on the desk near where the other goons held the mayor. Could things have gotten any worse? Venti was in a daze, but he still managed to understand what was being said.

“Such a big house for a big man, and no big safe?” The bearded bandit captain asked.

“I’m just the mayor of Hindon. This is a small town. We don’t have lots of money.”

“Oh, but you do have lots of money” the bandit went on. He slowed his voice to make sure he was clear. “You just don’t want to share it.”

“Really. I don’t. You’ve taken most of the riches. Just let us go.” The mayor demanded.

“But the safe. Your safe. You’ve not shown me your safe”

“What good is a safe if we don’t have money?”

“A safe is where precious things are kept” the bandit captain explained. “I can see your clothes, Mayor. You are a man of business. How about we trade?” The bandit chuckled again. “Something precious for something precious?”

Venti understood that. The bearded captain pulled his arm again, causing the little girl to yelp. How dare he! Only a vulgar being would have treated pretty little Sana so roughly. Venti let out a burst of frustration.

“Let her go! You’re not a leader!”

Startled and confused, the bandit captain grew cross at that and nodded to one of his men, causing a punch to Venti’s gut. It hurt like hell. The boy coughed in pain.

“Let the children go, damn you!” The mayor called out, until he was hit again. “Please. My daughter…”

“I will, do not worry.” The bearded captain smiled his ugly grin. “But first…”

“I have nothing you want! I would have given it to you already.”

“Mayor Mafone, you are talking to a bad man here. Bad men know the truth of things. The truth of towns and cities, the truth of the men who run them, and the truth of the things that keep them in power. You run Hindon. They jolly little Hindon. Do you expect me to believe you have nothing?” The bandit captain wanted a real bounty from the mayor, and Sana was now the leverage. The mayor should have just gave what he could.

The mayor groaned at this. His daughter was in danger and he had nothing to offer. Venti was growing furious inside. At what, he wasn’t certain. He was upset Sana was in peril, and that there was nothing that he or the mayor could do to please this man. But he was also upset at himself, and how foolishly he ran into the room, how foolishly he was trying to be tough. Now he was restrained. Now he couldn’t make a difference. He knew inside he should have been more smart, more clever and thought of a plan. Plans were always more effective. But what could he plan now? He had to free Sana. If only he was strong enough to fight off these bandits.

“I’ll give you one last chance, Mayor.” The bandit captain raised his sword to Sana’s neck. The girl screamed as the blade lay against her skin. “Quiet!” he ordered to his captive.

Venti watched as somebody he thought sweetly of, cried in pain. And yet, he could do nothing. He had just seen his mother close to agony and there was nothing he could have done then either. Indeed unpleasant.

The mayor remained still, considering what was left that he could do. Irritated by the mayor’s silence, the bandit captain cracked.

“Fine!” the bearded bandit exclaimed. “This was just a waste of time!” And he tensed, ready to slay the little girl. Sana felt him about to move and screamed in all her might.

“Please, Daddy! Just tell him!”

This stopped everybody in the room. It was motionless inside and not a breath was heard for a moment.

“What was that?” the bearded bandit captain leaned closer to Sana with his filthy grin. “Tell me what, Sweetheart?” When the girl did not answer he grinned at the mayor and brought his sword back to her throat. The mayor’s face was dark with regret. Venti saw this and was troubled. Is he hiding something? But what about Sana?

“Please…” the mayor cried.

The villain replied by holding the girls chin higher in the air to expose her neck. Just as the bearded bandit smutted his grin wider, something burst into the room.

“ARRGHH!!”

In a wild rave, Rodger came screaming into the room, sword in hand. His eyes were savage with push and uncertainty, but he appeared convincing enough to use the blade. Rodger looked about the room, quickly grasping the situation. Then he turned to face the bearded bandit holding Sana, giving direction to focus his accumulated energy.

“You better let her go, you!” Rodger screamed. “Don’t think I won’t let you have a piece of this!”

Sana’s captor stood back at the surprise until he realized it was just a boy.

“And what if I don’t let her go?” The bandit captain nodded to one of the goons holding Venturious. That bandit then picked up a sword and made his way to Rodger. Rodger, realizing his predicament, turned his blade in fear toward the now approaching foe.

What is he doing? Venti was glad his friend had stopped whatever may have happened to Sana. But now his friend was in grave danger. Holding a sword to another who held one back meant a fight to the death. Everybody knew that. Venti knew that Rodger, even if he fought, would not win. How did it get to this? Venti scowled to himself. He had just seen his mother close to agony, then the girl he fancied, and now his dear friend. And yet, nothing could be done. Why does this have to happen? Why can’t I change this? In the corner of his sight, Venti saw the bandit captain’s nasty grin. What an ugly expression it was.

“Run, Rodger!” Sana struggled. All the bandits began to laugh as the boy began to pace backward, until he tripped over some mess on the floor. Rodger dropped the sword. He stumbled to pick it up. His foe did not stop his advance and bent over to grab the boy. But then Rodger grasped the sword and swung at his foe’s extending arm. The bandit saw the attack and backed away, but was a little too slow and received a cut across his forearm. He gnarled and glanced at his cut, pleased he did not lose a hand. The raider had no reason to hesitate anymore. He raised his sword.

Rodger… Venturious had had enough of this futility. Something inside of him suddenly burst like cannon fire. Argh! He burned with pain.

“RODGER!” The boy desperately yelled and shook his captors off his shoulders. Strength raged within him and he was free. Free a little too easily. Venti then charged for Rodger’s attacker. The boy lashed forward like a whip of lightning. It was too fast for the eye to see. In an instant he met the foe with a shove of his shoulder. Venti had moved too quickly for his own good. He shoved the bandit to fly all the way and break a hole in the wall. It was unbelievable. But that was not Venti’s concern.

The bandit captain still held Sana around the neck. That made Venti furious. Venti charged for the bearded bandit. Once again, he turned to lightning, jumping and kicking the foe in the gut. The man flew back into the wall. This released Sana and startled the others in the room. Who could explain what had just happened? Venti felt his whole body surging with fury and heat. It burned like fire under his skin. But first on his mind was Sana and Rodger. Venti took Sana and Rodger, telling them to run for help. He was not finished with everybody in the room. The boy felt incredible strength in his body that jolted all over like a violent storm. He needed to use it. The boy turned to face the remaining foes who held down the bewildered mayor. Venti knew he could take all of them, right in that moment. The bandit he shook off his shoulder, the two who were pinning the mayor down, the one in the older day armour, all four of them.

*POWH*

A deafening explosion sounded. Venti felt all his power pour out of him like a pail that had been tipped over. The room faded to black.