SciFi and Fantasy Stories: The Tales Of Fagelio - Chapter One - Part Four

“High King Alyannen the Second, decreed in the fifty second day, of the fifteenth season of the sun of his reign that should a man, woman or child be suspected of being of the race of the Fagelio the following should happen.

‘The person or persons, who discover reasons to suspect someone of being of the Fagelio race, should approach their respective authority figure. That person must then elect a member of his people of whom must be: unbiased, objective and fair, to oversee the following proceedings.

‘To the elected I bestow upon them the same rights and power of equal to, but not greater than, the Second Captain of the Royal Guard, to aid him oversee events. The elected must take an oath not to abuse his appointed power for his own or any other’s gain, and to relinquish all power after the proceedings have been concluded. The elected may deal with matters as they see fit but are charged with three duties.

‘Firstly, to confirm that undeniable proof is presented that the accused is indeed belonging to the race of the Fagelio. Whether it be a demonstration of magic, a physical abnormality consistent to that of the Fagelio race or the colour of their blood. If it is found that the person in question has been falsely accused, then their name is to be cleared in front of the population, with a public apology from the accuser. Thereafter no more must be said on the entire matter.

‘Secondly, the elected must give the Fagelio the choice of The Clip or cut, if applicable, to have any offending extremity secured, or sawn from their body. The elected must then inspect that the chosen method has been applied appropriately.

‘Lastly, the elected must ask the Fagelio if they have associated with, or have any knowledge of, any wizard living or practising in the local area. Any persons present should also state if they have any knowledge of these activities as it is a felony so severe that it will classed as treason in all seven kingdoms. The punishment of which is pain of death. The elected must then read out this decree to the people following the conclusion of the proceedings. Then, and only then, the people may decide the method to which the Fagelio will be put to death and can fear no authoritative retribution.

‘This is the decision, the will and the ruling of the High King Alyannen the Second and his six Kings.”

Fredrick rolled up the aged scroll neatly and turned to Theodore. “I will ask you once and once only Theodore. Do you know of, had dealings with, or associated with a self proclaimed wizard or a person of whom can perform an act of magic?” Theodore held the old man’s gaze for a moment then shook his head. The old man turned his attention back to the crowd. “The same question to you all. Remember, you all heard the High King’s decree and will suffer the pain of death if any of you are discovered to have told an untruth.” The crowd shifted on its feet, murmuring quiet ‘no’s while looking at each other suspiciously. “I will accept that as a no then. Theodore, you have been proven to be a Fagelio and so must face the consequences. May the Fates look kindly upon your soul.”

Grange barged the old man out of the way with his shoulder. “Now that formality’s done with, let’s get down to business!”

Theodore looked out of the window and saw the first dim rays of dawn peaking over the tops of the trees. Grange uncoiled his whip.

“Now, what shall we do with you Fagelio?” The last word out of Grange’s mouth shook with distaste. “Let me see…” He shifted his gaze across the gathered mob. “How many people has this Fagelio scum touched?” All but three of the gathered villagers jeered. “Well now! I think we can safely say tha’s most of the village!” Grange said ruefully. “A lashing for every person this piece o’ rubbish has touched,” he roared at the crowd as his whip cracked just behind Theodore. The crowd broke out into a ruckus of cheers. “But first,” he shouted over them. “But first! The women and children are to leave. This is going to be messy.” The men in the crowd grunted in agreement and turned toward their significant parties urging them toward the door so they may begin their business. The children ran out cheering “I wonder if he’s been yet? Maybe we can all open our presents now!” The mother’s all rushed after their children trying to came them down. Some women, even one’s with babes on their hips, made indignant noises before leaving after getting a sharp look from other men in the room. Grange looked out of the window to see everyone gathered there had turned and started wading through the snow to their homes.

“You have no right to tell us to leave Grange! No right at all! Tell him old man! It’s not in the decree so I can stay. Tell him old man!” The old woman pointed a jagged finger at Grange while she glared at Fredrick.

“You’re quite right Margaret. It doesn’t say that.

“Ha! I’m not going anywhere blacksmith!”

“However,” Fredrick interrupted her gloating. “The decree does state that the Fagelio will be put to death however the village deems suitable.”

“What’s your point old man?”

“Well, if it is deemed necessary that the women of the village have to leave, including you Margaret, then yes you will have to leave with the rest of the women and children.” Margaret opened her mouth to speak but Grange managed to speak first.

“Let’s take a vote then. For the women to leave say aye.” Smirked Grange knowing that he would get his own way as the majority present were men. Margaret shot Grange a dark look as she hobbled out of the cottage. Grange exaggerated his laugh by holding his belly just to ruffle her some more.

Once all the women and children had left the cottage and all the doors had been locked and the curtains drawn once more Grange announced to the men of the village present “Now this is a good number. A good bunch of strong lads too! Hear that Fagelio! I think I’ll start!” The glint in his eyes made his thoughts all too obvious as he stood, feet apart, behind Theodore. He raised his muscular right arm directly above himself. The whip flicked upwards, clipping the ceiling, causing bits of dust to fall, and then brought it down with all the strength he could muster onto one of Theodore’s shoulders and across The Clip. “Tha’ one was for me!” He repeated the cruel act once more. The whip cracked, flesh tore, metal clanged. “Tha’s for my wife! An’ this one’s for my village!” The whip cracked, tearing flesh with the sound of The Clip resonating for seconds afterwards.

Grange stood there panting, sucking air through his teeth. The men in the room all stood facing Theodore with every mouth gaping. “He… he… only winced. He looked like he only stubbed a toe,” Pike’s voice shook with nerves.

“Tha’s the pain threshold but don’t worry we’ll break him yet. Let’s see how much he can take!” Grange brought the whip down hard again. “I’m being greedy now ain’t I? Pike, you’re up, give ‘im all you’ve got then pass it ‘round. I’m thinking a lashin’ for every member of your family boys. Extended family too if your feelin’ energetic!” Pike exchanged places with Grange and took the whip while he eyed Theodore wearily.

Leienagh would not have been sure that the whip had actually hit her father if it had not been for the clang of metal, which she guessed came from the metal attached to her father’s back. She could not make out what the metal was as she could only see glimpses of it. Her father did not cry out. He did not even moan. Not for the fisherman who walked away sweating. Not for the second man who walked off panting and slumped himself onto a chair. Nor for the third or forth who moaned at the force they were using. The fifth walked away slowly rubbing his whipping shoulder. A countless number of times the same pattern happened: the crack of the whip, the sound of flesh tearing, the clang of metal and another tear fell down her cheek.

Just when she thought she could not take the torment anymore the voice of her father found her again and surrounded her in the cupboard. It sent a sensation that embraced and comforted her. ‘Do not worry my sweet. Everything will be fine. I will do what needs to be done. Be at peace petal.’ The shimmering silver curtain in front of her changed and shifted into an image which made her heart leap.

Her father sat next to her on the side of her bed, singing her a lullaby, just like he did every night since before she could remember. All other thoughts left her mind. Her father stroked her hair. She lay down in her bed and he pulled the blanket over her and tucked it in to both sides of the bed.

With that Leienagh fell into a disturbed dreamless sleep. All tensions and worries melted away like cold bones in a hot bath.

It was well after day break when Leienagh finally awoke and found herself curled up in the bottom of the cupboard on a pile of coats. The shimmering cupboard curtain had returned to its original state and bright daylight shone through the gap in the cupboard. Shielding her eyes Leienagh shuffled toward the gap in the cupboard and looked past the shimmering curtain into a living room she barley recognised. As the memories of the night before came flooding back, as well as her tears, she thought that the rest of the gathered men must have dispersed throughout the night. Everything in the room was a mess. The table and chairs were turned upside down, books scattered across the floor. The only people still present were Pike, Grange and her father. Leienagh was not prepared for the vicious crack of the whip that struck her father and it sent a shudder through her too.

Grange lifted the whip weakly, exhausted, and brought it down only for Pike to catch his wrist. “Think he’s had enough, don’t you?” He kicked Theodore in the ribs. “I know a way to finish him off. Let’s go.” Pike turned from the two men and walked out of the door. Grange dropped to his knees behind Theodore and pulled his head back. “Don’t think that this will save your precious little girl,” snarled Grange as he pulled a small, palm sized, knife from his belt and sheathed it between Theodore’s ribs. “She’ll ‘ave the same ‘quick’ release you’ve had,” he twisted the blade. “An’ tha’ I promise you.” He twisted the blade again as he pulled it out. Theodore drew a sharp breath then fell face first on the floor as Grange stormed out.

Leienagh’s ears pounded with the sound of her own racing heart. She waited a few seconds before leaving the cupboard just to be sure she did not mistake her heartbeat for footsteps. She ran straight to her father. Her red swollen eyes watered as she gagged at the sight of her father. There was not a patch of unbroken skin on his back and a lump of metal lay a little away from his body attached by a trail of lumpy, torn, bloody loose flesh. He lay pathetically in a puddle of his own shimmering blood. Green blood? “Father are…”

‘There is no time for that now my sweet’ he interrupted without moving his lips. He could barely breath and with a wheezing cough a green snake sneaked its way down from the corner of his mouth. A deep wound on the side of his back gargled and bubbled green blood with every breath. His eyes held the only mobility. Just as the night before his voice found her mind. ‘You must leave now child’ Leienagh moved toward her father as if to help him up. ‘No my sweet. You must go alone.’ Leienagh screamed, crouching on the floor clawing at her eyes and hair. The dying fireplace suddenly raged like a furnace. A wave of warmth flashed over her, from her father she knew, reviving some strength in her limbs and control over her mind. ‘Do not worry little one, all will be well. Remember, the Fates are kind and you will always have my love. Now go.’

“Daddy?”

‘Go!’ Tears welled in his eyes as his voice screamed in her head. She hesitated for a second as she starred at her father’s back and then into his eyes. ‘What’s going on? Why have they done this? What’s wrong with Daddy’s back? Why green blood?’ Her father’s eyes screamed of urgency and brought her back to her senses.

Before she realised what she was happening she had crept around the ajar front door, ran down the pebbled garden path, down the lane and crouched behind the village well. “What am I doing? Where am I going to go?” She scorned herself with a shaky whisper. ‘Do not fret my sweet. I am here keep going.’ An out of town hay cart lazily rode by toward the village centre. ‘Go Leienagh! Get on that cart. Hide in the hay until it stops at The Mill. It should stop at the edge of the village where the river is. Do you remember where we go to feed the ducks? Then run. Just keep running along the river until you find somewhere warm to sleep.’ With that he was gone again.

Leienagh ran behind the cart, praying to the Fates that she was not seen by anyone, then threw herself onto the ledge of the cart. She crawled deep into the hay until she knew she was well hidden. She lay face up looking through the hay into the winter sky and the snow covered trees from what seemed like hours. Shivers took over her. Her breath came out in white steam. But Leienagh did not notice as her mind was churning over the events of the previous evening. Finally the cart came to a stop. The sound of ducks quacking and a female voice came to greet them.

“Hear you had a trouble down ‘ere last night?” said the inquisitive voice of the old outsider,

“Oh! You don’t know the half of it! Come inside and warm yourself. I’ll tell you all about it,” the woman replied wearily. When she was sure they were gone Leienagh crept out of the hay cart and started sneaking toward the back of the mill and the river.

A smell so foul reached her nose and made her stop to be sick. She heard strange noises coming from behind her. A crackling and… she was not sure. When she turned to see what the noise was she screamed. A plume of smoke rose above the trees in the direction of her home. The noise, she realised, were her father’s agonising screams. They were burning him alive.

“Now you shouldn’t be playing out here young lady. You’ll catch your death its so cold.” The outsider had come outside to investigate. Leienagh froze looking at him mouth gaping. “There are many dark creatures out at the moment and there are some things a young girl shouldn’t see.”

“So that’s what they did in the end. Who are you talking… Get Grange! Get Fredrick! Get anyone from the village!” shrieked the miller woman.

“Any why would I want to do that Margaret? They’re all a bit pre-occupied at the moment I think!” He mocked.

“It’s… It’s… Leienagh!” The man still looked blankly at Margaret’s stuttering. “Theodore’s… The Fagelio’s child!” The merchant turned with horror on his face.

Leienagh did not wait for the old lady to explain and she was already heading for the river. The events of last night made her head swim. The smell of wood burning and her father… burning… made her stomach lurch. Tears blurred her vision. The shouts and threats of beatings from her two older pursuers filled her ears. Her heart beat made her head throb.

She was so terrified that she did not see the river appear before her feet. As the water came to meet her everything slowed near to a halt. Everything went black and white. All sound was muted. Her mind saw her body fall into the river. She was falling into blackness. Falling. Coldness. Wetness. Choking. Stillness. Nothing…