End of Book One

Whew!
World of Itad: Book One is now finished!

I hope you enjoyed it. I know I switched things up quite a bit during the writing. I enjoyed it though! I am now working on the second book. Soon I will begin posting chapters and information on that. I'm also working on a character database that should help to keep track of everyone I introduce in book two. Hope you guys stick with me and that I will be able to update more than I was able with book one.


~Thanks for reading and book two - chapter 1 will be posted soon as I can~

Anthea

Book 1 - Chapter 19 - Awake or Asleep?

November 7th 1,000




Night lay heavy on the land. Tink sighed, her arms already aching. She clung to Mila's shoulders, trying to keep her from hitting the stone floor. Aza held her legs.
"There's no way this is going to work,"
Dill whispered. He peeked around the sharp corner of the long hall.
"There are three guards ahead of us and who knows how many more to come. We only have two weapons between us all."
 Mari glared at him. In her open palm was a small puddle of water.
"Four."
Wisp crouched beside Tink. The stones felt cold to his unshod feet.
"What are we going to do now? There could be hundreds of soldiers once we get outside, if we get that far."
 She glanced at him. Her eyes full. Lashes wet.
"We have to try,"
 she murmured.

Book 1 - Chapter 18 - The Plan

November 7th 1,000

 Night had fallen over the prison cell an hour earlier. At the same time Mila had been returned from her tenth round of  'questions' as the soldiers called it. Orange sat beside her. In the dim light of the few candles his face  betrayed the feelings. His eyes were turned down, lips pressed together.
"She's real bad off,"
 he said. The others looked down on the them both. Wisp winced. It felt so final, now that it was said aloud. Somehow worse than he thinking it to himself.

Book 1 - Chapter 18 - Captured

1000 November 5th

~Near New Kintin~

 "Come on, I ain't got all day,"
Mila's captor yelled. She hung her head, watching from under her lashes to see how Tink and Wisp fared. Tink walked along as she did, slow without a fight or word. Wisp was flinging his arms out, biting, kicking and trying to run the opposite direction their captors were leading.
"We need some of those flowers in the first hall!"
shouted the blue coated man. Mila bit her lip. The flowers... she had seen them used once in her entire life. That had been when she was small. It was horrible. When the flowers were crushed they let out a sick-sweet scent that caused a man to lose his senses. In a word: insane. It induced insanity. The type of it though also halted all resistance.

Book 1 - Chapter 17 - Scouts

1000 November 5th

~Near New Kintin~

"Here it is! The river. Now if our sources are right there should be a camp around here with the big folk in it,"
Tink said. Mila shrugged her aching shoulders. They had been walking for so long... forever it felt like. Wisp had his sword drawn, just in case. Mila sighed.
"Are we hoping to find it today?"
she asked. Tink chuckled.

Book 1 - Chapter 16 - The Rumors

1000 November 2nd 

~Glittervale~

Mila wriggled in her seat. The candles on the table gluttered an instant then returned strong as ever. She looked from Tink to Los to Wisp. The last being the most annoying and cumbersome. Ever since he had joined the party she had been unable to get a moment alone. Not even to go to the bathroom.

Book 1 - Chapter 15 - Stalker

Year 1000 October 30th 

~Somewhere in Ponia~

Wisp stretched, his legs tingled with chill air blowing hard through his thin cloth pants. The entire world seemed to have been taken over by cold winds. He turned his eyes from the sky to the group below.
They were a scouting company, he had learned, and his goal stood out in the group with her black hair. All the others had either red or light brown locks. The horses followed the group in a meandering way, stooping to eat grass whenever they could. The lady who he followed  hadn't noticed Wisp yet, atop the cliff.

Book 1 - Chapter 14 - The War Goes Onward

~Wisp's Castle~

25th October Year 1000

  The months since the war's start had been toilsome. it was hard to find the food that used to be plentiful. Folk expected one to go out of their ways to ensure servants were happy and comfortable. Most days there was at least one person knocking on the gate begging for food or clothes. It was all so uncomfortable! Lila paused  before the balcony door. It was ridiculous, waiting here for nothing. It was about the same as wanting the enemy to come and attack.

Book 1 - Chapter 13 - Hopeful Trickles

SO sorry for not posting this yesterday. I said I would but I didn't. There is no excuse for that so all I will say is sorry.

October 5, 1000

Los was a head taller than anyone else in the cave. His voice echoed throughout whenever he spoke all could hear him.
"This woman, she is the only one of you lazies that does anything worthwhile! I come and all the work stops. No work, no food. She will be the only one to get food today. The rest of you will get food in the morning if I see some work going on."
 He leaped off the barrel he had been sitting on to stand beside the girl. Jia.
Beside her stood Ami and Lich.
"Am I really a.. a hard worker?"
she asked. Her eyelids fluttered as she twisted a corner of her apron in one hand.
"Of course, I was ashamed of them on my return. You though, you kept on as if this day was like any other."
 Jia smiled. An emotion she couldn't name welled up inside until it couldn't be held inside. It burst out in the form of tears.
"Crying? What's the matter?"
he asked.
Jia shook her head. Los was seeing her cry! Anything but this, anything. She clasped Lich's hand in hers.
"Am I useful?"
she asked. Los grinned then nodded. He patted her on the back making a tsk sound in his throat.
"You're an amazing girl. Not once have you complained about things or refused to work as some do. You're parents would be proud of you."
 Jia glanced up from under her bedewed lashes. Proud. Yes, they would be.
"Thank you,"
she whispered.
Los handed her food wrapped in cloth. She made her way to her part of the cave. Isy sat on a straw bed waiting for her.
"Well, what did he say?"
she whispered to ensure the cave did not echo her words.
"He said my parents would be proud."
 Isy grinned. Her eyes crinkled in the corners.
"I could have told you that. You've been working for God right?"
Jia nodded and pulled Ami into her lap handing her a chunk of bread loaf.
"Yes, that's true."
 Isy leaned back against the cave wall.
"Well? Don't you think God is proud of you too?"
 Jia blushed. Her entire face, even her ears, felt hot.
"Him being proud is so much more... it means more, doesn't it?"
Isy asked.
Jia leaned over and grasped Isy's hand.
"Right. And I will keep on doing things as I have done. It's just nice for a human to notice my work as well."
 Isy shook her head, a frown appearing on her lips.
"God's approval means so much more than human. Isn't it said that if you reap the reward on earth it won't be given again in heave?"
she asked.
Jia nodded.
"We can't be hung up on praise and rewards here, on earth. If you do you're sure to get burned at one time or another."
 She twiddled a loose strand of hair between her index and thumb.
"Now, let's eat! We've had nothing but moldy bread for two days."
 Jia shared her bread. Inward her heart thumped over the reminder Isy had given. She was right, of course, one couldn't live for human praise alone. There was so much more to life and the world. If only she could step outside into the fresh air and blue skies. Then the day would be perfect, a gift from God as it were.
She bit into the bread. It tasted, oh so good! It was fresh, not warm but made that same day.
"I wonder who made all this bread?"
Isy asked. Jia shrugged, mouth full.
"Can you see it? Men standing around the campfires or ovens all discussing just how their wives used to do it and how they can copy it? See them burning it to a crisp before finally, finally, getting it right? All the while Los looks on laughing at their vain attempts."
Jia giggled around her bread. IN her mind she could see it all. The men huddled all trying to piece together how to bake bread.
It was good to laugh. How little she had done it since arriving at the cave! Laughter- nature's medicine to those who are losing heart and hope.

Book 1 - Chapter 12 - Uncertain

ALERT:  I'm experimenting in POVs. I look at this blog as a place to experiment so... this post will be in third person limited Mila POV. If that confuses you, I AM sorry but I'm a fledgling writer and have yet to find out what POV I'm most comfortable with.

23 September 1000

~ Abandoned Building~

  It was the third night since that man had shaken Mila's entire world. Each night since she had sat, wherever she was, and thought. Never did the subject of her anxiety change. Her chest heaved as her heart pounded thinking again on what Wisp had said. Nobody dared disturb the young woman. She fingered her hair, it was growing out again, almost long enough to push into an elegant bun.  In a few weeks it would be possible to look the part of heir. Mila sighed, craning her neck to look higher, up to the stars, through the window.

Book 1 - Chapter 11 - Being Strong

ALERT:  I'm experimenting in POVs. I look at this blog as a place to experiment so... this post will be in third person limited Jia POV. If that confuses you, I AM sorry but I'm a fledgling writer and have yet to find out what POV I'm most comfortable with.

22 September, 1000

~A Cave in the Mountains~

     Sadness flowed and ebbed like the northern oceans. In this safe place a person could feel it even when sleeping. The cave twisted and turned every which way. Holes periodically carved through to the outside world allowed natural light.

Book 1 - Chapter 10 - Fight or Flee

ALERT:  I'm experimenting in POVs. I look at this blog as a place to experiment so... this post will be in third person limited Mila POV. If that confuses you, I AM sorry but I'm a fledgling writer and have yet to find out what POV I'm most comfortable with.

September 21, 1000 - Early Morning

     Ponia had enemies inside it now. The people had lost four areas to the enemy. Mila had been to each place in the aftermath of the fighting. Battles continued to be lost. Something had to happen and soon if the war was to be won. Troops were spread thin across the mountains while those who were trying to overtake Ponia multiplied. Now Mila was scouting again for Tink, if it could be called scouting. It was a boring, no action order. Go in, ensure the place is empty then move out. A dog could do the job. Her breath came out in white puffs her nose was red. No matter how hard she tried Mila couldn't seem to coax the old excited feeling to light. A dog barked far off. 

Book 1 - Letters

ALERT: Whenever I have time I will put in pictures. I want to update this blog a lot more but taking pictures- I just don't have time for all of it. So I've decided to just write the chapters and then take the pictures at a later date. It won't look quite as good, I know, but it's better than no updates! Without further detaining you, the story.

TO: Captain TINK - Scout Team #1
FROM: COMMANDER LOS


DATED:  13 SEP 1000


Tink, how is Mila holding up? I just delivered the last of the cargo to our safe place yesterday. The village was attacked. Our people defended it bravely but I was forced to retreat. Please move on to the sabotage stage of the Grand Plan.


The girl doesn't know the reason we're giving them a safe house so don't worry. She'll find out within the week, though. She's smart even if she doesn't talk like it. I'm going to move everyone farther inland next month just to be on the safe side. When I do this you and your team will be second in command. Tell Mila I'm caring for her people.


Make sure Mila stays safe. Without her there is no way we can continue our mission. Be careful what you say around her. She is a cannon waiting to be lit by any small spark. We must wait until just the right time to light it.


I'll see you as soon as I can. Keep the Grand Plan in mind when doing anything and everything!


Los

Book 1 - Chapter 9 -Goodbyes

September 12, 1000(POV: Jia)

     Tonight everythin's silent, for once. How long it's gonna last is anybody's guess. These days it's never more than two days.

Ma is upstairs, resting. When I last saw her she was a sittin' tryin' to hide her strains.

Book 1 - Chapter 8 - Feverish

May 10, 1000

 

Hot. For days I had been too hot for words. Writhing under a single light blanket, sweating so much my body seemed to run out of water entirely.

Book 1 - Short 1 - Them.

In a camp near the start of one of two mountain passes....

 They come. In my mind I hear it, even when I sleep.
Sometimes I half fancy I can feel the ground shake from the hooves of their horses. How can this be? Am I imagining it all or is it real?
For a time fancy and real blur into one long dream.
Then, like a candle being lit, I tell the difference between the two. Life rights itself once more.
"You had a fever,"
they tell me.
Is that why I had such thoughts? Or are these thoughts what is to come?
I am still confused.
Could I still be ill? All those about me say I am healthy again, aside from loss of energy.
Energy. How I wish I had it! As it is I can hardly walk from end of the camp to the other. I am not alone in this. The fever spreads one by one until all have it or have had it. There are few healthy enough to tend the sick. What will become of us?
Nobody told me scouting would be like this!
Los did not mention that I would come close to dying of fever.
In the future- oh, the future! What will become of us all?
Does Tanri really have a plan for us?
I hope so. I shudder to think of a world without Him! What would we do when feeling hopeless? There would be nothing but to give into the feeling!

Book 1 - Chapter 7 - New Recruit

May 1, 1000

   I shift in my seat. Outside things are eerily silent. It is mid-day, the time for naps, or rest at the least. Nobody stirs except me and Los. 

"Glad you came,"

Los says. A smile makes his face appear unnatural. I wish he stuck with the serious expression.

Book 1 - Chapter 6 - Mistake

  I blink at the mirror beside the door. I still grin when I see my new look.
Is it really me? My hair has been shorn like a boy's. I still wear the dresses I purchased.

Book 1 - Chapter 5 - Rebel Leader

April 21, 1000

 Outside all is dark. It must be one in the morning by now. The moon is full. Not a soul stirs in the entire inn. A chill air flows with a regularity that is driving me slowly insane. What is that?  

Book 1 - Chapter 4 -Alone

April 20, 1000

  It had began raining hours ago. Mud appeared after half an hour. My slippers, not made for hiking, rubbed against my heel and big toe.

Book 1 - Chapter 3 - Furious

~April 20, 1000~

  

The library is empty. It almost always is. It is where I go when I desire to be alone. It is where I can cry and wail without worrying anybody.

 Today I wailed like never before.

Book 1 - Chapter 2 - Midnight Fears

~April 17, 1000~

 

 Mila sat with eyes closed tight. Her stomach boiled within. A single strand of hair itched her neck.
 How could Mam decide such a thing? I just do not understand...
Her thoughts trailed on in circles. They seemed to return to disbelief every few moments.
 Footsteps tapped on the tile in the hallway.

Book 1 ~ Chapter 1 ~ Runaway

One year after the finding of Ponia there came a prophecy. One that spoke of great pain and fear among the entire country. Above all, it spoke of evil in the village of Lim. As the centuries turned the foretelling was lost in the ages. Not a single soul knew of its existence.

 ~April 17, 1000~

The Finding

 Vala glanced north. Her stomach rumbled like some wild bear.

  A waterfall hammered down to form a large lake there. Before it countless trees huddled.

  In the South were more mountains. There also a tall hill that watched over the entire valley.

 In the west a gap could be seen if one looked. The trees seemed to be longing to get through the gap. They all pushed each other for sunlight.

 "Is it good enough?"
she asked. Her brother winced behind her. He rubbed his aching body.
 "I don't know. What do you think?"
 Vala sighed. She thought over what a village would need.
 Fresh water, game, shelter, protection from invaders, and, what else? Vala frowned. Her entire face screwed up as she thought.
"I think... this place is perfect."

Brother and sister looked about them. Mountains offered protection. The waterfall and lake water. The forest seemed to be bursting with wild game.
 "We should check the water first,"
Vala said.
Her heart stirred. Was it the feeling of belonging? Vala sighed. For over ten years her and her people had wandered. Over seas and land both they had gone. Not once had they stayed in a place longer than a few months.  What was it like to have a home?

"Vala?"
She snapped out of her reverie.
"Let's go!"
she said.

  The two ran as much as they could.
"It's going to take days to get there!"
Doik said.
He panted, leaning over. His shield almost touched the ground as he gasped for breath.

"Oh, ho! What's this? Is my big great brother out of shape? I think you've been spending too much time with the babes and not enough with the scouts!"
 Vala said.
She pushed her brother from behind. He fell forward, sprawling on the ground.
"Hey!"
Vala giggled.
"Catch me if you can!"

 

 Vala's feet hit the ground hard. 

Her legs pumped. Wind blew over her head covering. She laughed aloud. Behind her she could hear Doik gasping like a fish.

"We have to get there soon!"

she yelled over her shoulder. It was true, she thought. The chief expects us to return by tomorrow eve. If we're late he'll put us on water and bread rations!

  The two young ones ran as never before. They ignored all pain and lack of breath. Their bodies protested. They refused to listen. Leaves brushed past. Sticks and brambles stuck in clothes and hair.

Five long hours later they arrived. The waterfall.

It thundered even from across the lake.

 

 Vala and Doik stood on the bank.

 They stared. So much water! Vala's eyes remained wide despite the sun reflecting off the water. A fish splashed farther out.
"Tis lovely!"

  At the waterfall they could see birds flying past.
"You think they nest there?"
Vala asked. She thought of roast bird over a fire..
"Doubt it. Too wet for their young."
 Doik smiled. He knelt and put a hand to the water. It was cold. He tasted a bit.
"It's lovely,"
he whispered.

  Ever on the waterfall grumbled and roared across them. Falling from unknown heights to crash into the lake.

From the lake a river wound its way through the valley.

"This is like heaven on earth,"

Vala said.

She hugged her brother.

"We have found our home!"

The strange stirring made Vala giggle. It feels wonderful, she thought, to have a home. A place where we belong. We shall have houses! Land... farming!

 Vala turned her face to the way they had come. What would this land look like once it was settled with houses built and all?

She smiled.

How she wished she could see that day!