Seriously... think of something already!

“Your Majesty,” Afton stuttered.

Turning to Afton, the king was almost shocked out of his skin. Never before in the history of Isumton had it snowed but there, holding up the bed, was an icicle!

“What happened? The guards were lying on the floor when I came in. None of them knew who or what caused them to suddenly fall asleep. Tell me, Afton, who came?” the king asked.

“I... Please forgive me, your Majesty, I cannot say!” he cried, bowing as far down as was possible.

“You're not hurt, then?” the king asked, softening a little.

“No, sir!”

“Can you give me your report?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Come now, let us converse as friends. Meet me at the same room in ten minutes,” the king said.

“Yes, sir!” Afton replied, bowing.

The king walked back out of the room, muttering a little as he went.

Sighing, Afton slumped back onto his bed. At least, they had gotten away safe enough.

Gah! Ten minutes! Stupid me! Stupid me!

Flying off of his bed at a terrible speed, Afton was painfully reminded of the wound in his left thigh. His sharp cry brought the attendants running.

“Afton, how may we assist you?” an attendant cried rather anxiously.

“Crutch...”

****

Ten minutes later, Afton was in the same familiar room with the king.

Afton gave his report, omitting more than a few details.

He didn't mention the girl, the wound, he claimed came from a soldier when he was escaping. (Which was true) He said there were about seventy to eighty soldiers escorting refugees, nothing more.

“So, you didn't find out who the hooded figure was?” the king asked.

“No, sir,” Afton lied. (No one can really tell when Afton lies. He always keeps an emotionless face unless he's acting.)

“Hmm...” the king said, nodding his head.

I just lied... to the king.

“Afton,” the king said, suddenly turning to face him.

Was it that evident?

“If you're alright with it, could you find out who that person is? After you get well, of course, you can go to Chrision and blend in as a local. I can't send anyone else.”

Whew he doesn't.... Wait what?! Go to Chrision?

“Afton? I won't force you,” the king said in a rather expecting tone.

“Ye... Yes, sir!” Afton said, bowing.

****

“The kid's acting skills are good. He made it through three days with those guys without blowing his cover,” Mr. Silton laughed.

“A kid is still a kid. But, whatever, I don't care if he dies,” Mr. Hadrin snorted.

“Afton is a jewel in the dump. He really can do things many others can't,” Mr. Lifrank said.

“The kid just knows how to use his brain a little, don't exaggerate.” (Mr. Thrasgin)

“Lifrank, what do you have to say about his fainting bouts. Many a time, my soldiers came across his motionless body. They had to go out of their way just to drag him back to where he belonged.” (Mr. Hadrin)

“Let's change subject now. How are battle plans going?” (Mr. Lifrank)

“Not much now. The enemy hasn't made a move,” Jasker said.

“That's because they paused to get their civilians out,” Mr. Fonde commented, “they'll continue attacking soon.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention it,” Mr. Silton said, snapping his fingers, “the kid (Afton) wrote a letter to the king. He claimed to have seen a hooded person while scouting.”

“You can't trust everything a kid says,” Mr. Hadrin growled.

“The king believes it,” Mr. Silton added matter-of-factly.

“I'd believe it too if it was Afton who said it.” (Mr. Lifrank)

“If you all think he's that good, send him to be trained in the special forces. I bet he won't last a day without fainting every two hours,” Mr. Jasker snickered.

“If all we do is sit around discussing the works of an orphan, I'd like to excuse myself. I have work that needs to be done by this week,” Mr. Fonde said, rising.

The others followed likewise, muttering as they exited the basement.

****

A few months later found Afton back in the Orphan Brigade. He could walk without a crutch already, though not without an almost unnoticeable limp. It was time.

There had been a few new people but they were put into their place by our mute. Justice reigned whenever Afton was around. But now... he was packing.

All the necessities, clothes, toothbrush, comb, etc., were all packed neatly into his bag. Afton had no idea how the people of Chrision actually dressed so this was going to be a shot in the dark.

He hid about seven switchblades and a pistol in his clothes.

Hmm... that should be all.

“Afton!” Alistair came, stomping through the room, “where are you going? You're taking everything... So you're not coming back here?”

Afton looked at Alistair. In just a few months, he had grown quite a bit already. Afton patted Alistair before taking out a sheet of paper and a pen.

He wrote a few sentences. “When you miss me,” was all he said as he handed the sheet to Alistair.

Alistair caught his hand, “Don't go,” he pleaded.

Gently pushing off Alistair's hand, he took his few bags and went out the door.

His heart felt heavier with each step.

Looking back, I think my life's been pretty easy. Now... My very existence is a lie. Goodbye, Alistair, I hope we meet again. Be it in the next life or this, I promise I will tell you how much you've done for me.

He began running away.

I can still hear you whispering in my ear. I can see those tears running down your cheeks as you stare out the window. But, Alistair, be happy... and... and forget me.

Afton stopped when he fancied hearing Alistair's voice.

I can't stop. I can't look back. I'm too cowardly to even smile and say 'goodbye' as I disappear.

“You ready to go, kid?” Mr. Silton said. Afton nodded.

Your voice is lingering in my head even when I'm miles away. I can't help it. I can't help losing someone again.

“I prepared a good horse. You know how to ride?” Mr. Silton asked, holding the reins to the black mare.

Maybe this will help. When I return, I'll be strong enough to protect you. And maybe... just maybe... I'd find my sister in Chrision.

Mounting the mare, Afton took one last look back.

Mr. Silton began giving a few tips and bits of information. “You'll take around two days on horse-back to get to the border if you take the shortest route. Once you're in there, you must keep one thing in mind in everything you do,” he said, “You're in enemy territory. Take as long as you need to find out any information that'll come in handy on our side.”

Afton nodded in response.

“Ok. I won't hold you back any longer, go whenever you're ready.”

Miles away, yet I fancy seeing our house. Don't wait for me, Alistair. I won't be back so soon. Big brother's going to be a hero.

With a light kick to the side, horse and rider started off at a canter.

Bye Alista-AIR!

Riding a horse with a hurting leg proved annoying. The horse was sensitive and turned at the slightest hint of a kick.

This is going to be the most ridiculous, heart-dropping adventure in my li-IFE!

****

Afton spent a couple of lazy days riding through the forest. It would be his last few days in the forest anyway, he might as well enjoy it.

The cool breeze in his face, the familiar smell of wood, he'd miss it. The white mushrooms that speckled the muddied floor, the pretty green of the trees, the dancing shadows...

****

Three days after the day he started, Afton was at the border of Chrision. Apparently, the horse had gotten used to his queer tendencies to nudge his right flank and he finally made it to Chrision.

During the journey, he had observed that the trees had begun to grow sparsely and there was more grass than mushrooms and mud. Still, the burning sun, hot winds, and overgrown grass came as a surprise to Afton.

That wasn't the only difference. Their houses were more brick than the wood kind in Isumton. There were few or no inhabitants in Chrision near the border, perhaps due to the war.

Afton stopped at one of these abandoned houses and kicked down a wooden door to one of the them, scavenging it for any edibles.

****

“Kaylie, Her Highness has requested of me to escort you to your new quarters.”

“Her Highness just means to keep me as a tool,” Kaylie muttered under her breath, following soldier #escort.

“You don't mind horse-back as a mode of transportation, do you?” soldier #escort asked, gesturing toward a couple of horses.

“I've ridden before,” she replied.

“Your new quarter is located near the border. It's more efficient for your job.”

****

Two hours later, Afton had started off again. There wasn't much to note. He only crossed a couple of people on the way to the central part of Chrision.

When he did reach Chrision, the scene had totally changed. The city was bustling with people. Streets upon streets of little shops paved the streets. Everything was very... organized and... neat.

Ah... Chrision is so full of surprises.

At the approach of night, little lights began lighting up the streets, casting lovely glows on the cement road. It was truly a joy to feel the warmth of the lights as he walked down the street, looking into the shops. Restaurants, clothes shops, inns, the city seemed to have endless rows of them. There was also a baker's shop whose fragrant produces drew Afton a little closer.

However, he soon left empty-handed, for he hadn't a cent to his name.

So this is what Chrision is like. It's so warm, yet cold. So inviting, yet repulsive. Even during the war, they're doing well. This is the new place I have to blend into.

Afton made his way back out of the city. He went out of the main road and into the overgrown grass to pass the night. Promising himself to find a job first thing in the morning.

****

Two little children sat at the bank of a lake. The little girl had her legs dipped in the water, the boy was hugging his knees, sitting right beside her.

“Stars are pretty, but the moon is the prettiest,” the little, blue-haired girl told the little boy.

The little, dark-brown-haired boy followed her eyes to the sky.

“Do you know why?” she asked, then continued without a reply, “It's 'cos the moon is alive. The stars are just the dead, gone to the after-life.”

The little boy looked slightly confused, but he kept quiet and let her continue.

“The moon is a deity. She's an immortal being that only appears to her children in dreams,” she said.

The little boy looked at her face. She was wistfully staring up at the moon when she continued, “She cries tears of blood. That's why, tonight, she's a little to the reddish side. I wonder which of her children is hurting.”

“I know a moon's child,” she said, smiling, “I actually know quite a few. I came from a land full of her children. In fact... I'm her child too.”

The little boy stared down at the reflection of the moon on the lake, looking slightly disappointed.

The little girl noticed and quickly said, “Well, even though you're not the moon's child, you're my best friend, my little brother, and my shadow! Even if the moon doesn't cry for you, I will. So don't you worry.”

The little boy bit his lip and smiled a little.

****

Afton awoke to the sun in his face.

Already? I want to... oh yeah... the job.

Afton mounted his horse and rode to the city. This time, he left the horse outside while he roamed the streets on foot.

I have a feeling that I'm going to be talking a lot more from now on.

He asked in at a few stores, but they weren't low on workers. By noon, he was sweating and almost dehydrated. Still, he pressed on.

Finally, one slightly more thoughtful store-owner directed him to sign up to join the army.

In the end, I still have to push myself into the face of danger.

After contemplating for a few hours, Afton went to sign up.

Better die fighting than starving.

“Kid, no one can just join like this. Where your papa?”

“My father's dead.”

“Mama?”

“She's dead too. Both died at the hands of the enemy.”

“So that's how it is... how old are you now, son?”

“I turned seventeen a month back.”

“Hmm,” the recipient muttered, “that's a ripe enough age.”

Afton swallowed. In reality, he looked little more than fifteen... at least in height.

“Why do you want to join, actually?” the guy asked, putting his hands together.

“I want to join to end the war. I want to join so no other kids end up like me.”

The guy nodded and stamped a few papers. “Go to the next room, I'll get someone to show you to your quarters.”

In the next room, Afton took a seat on the sofa. His thirst had not been quenched, neither had his hunger (he had been used to going without much food so it didn't really affect him that badly). Looking around, Afton caught sight of a water dispenser.

Sweet relief!

He got up and practically flew to the water supply.

No one's here... I'll just take a sip.

He picked up the whole bottle and let the water run through his parched lips. It even filled his stmach a little. He let his guard down for a bit while drinking...

“Kid! You ever heard of cups?” came a slow voice.

Dunking the water dispenser back into its place, Afton sheepishly turned to the voice.

“Just take a cup,” the janitor said, pointing at the paper cups stacked beside.

Nodding, Afton took a cup and filled it with water. He downed its contents in less than ten seconds and threw the cup into the bin. Before he could make another mistake, he was called.

“Nissan, I'm here to escort you.”

This... is giving me a headache. Everything is happening too quickly.

****

“This... Afton,” the king thought aloud, “he's either hiding something or he's a unique child. This mission should show his true face. Who he is and what does he stand for exactly. I shall find out everything.