Aella (manxman) - ON HOLD - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

I ran in a hurry, going as fast as I could. My back was hunched over and I continuously watched my surroundings. It was difficult to move quickly with the slippery rocks beneath my feet and the sound of the waves.
I felt weak, hungry, and thirsty. My only motivation was the hope that soon I'll be able to sit in peace with my Aella in the same den. I yearned for the days of tranquility to come back. Those days when we played all day in the sea. We ate whenever we wanted, we slept whenever we wanted, and I told him stories about life that made him gaze at me in awe with a delicious glint in his eyes.
I sighed when I tripped and fell. I had to focus and go back to him soon. The night was still dark, but it will soon be dawn and it will be dangerous for us to stay on this island.
Suddenly, I felt movement to my left. It was close to the forest so I ducked lower and approached the trees with caution. My instincts awakened and made me turn around to strike, but before I did anything, I was grabbed by the shoulder and pushed against a tree.
My eyes met those of an angry Aello who was breathing as heavily as I was
"You left him? You abandoned him!!"
"No, Alev-"
"WHERE'S MY SON!! You were supposed to protect him!"
"I didn't abandon him!", I explained after pushing him away from me. "I had to come find a raft to leave here as soon as possible"
He glared at me suspiciously and then looked slightly calmer, but the worry didn't leave his eyes. "Your guard is down. Anyone would've attacked you."
"...... Sorry". I was frankly too tired and hungry. Also too focused on finding a raft.
He sighed and then asked, "Where is he?"
"On the shore. About an hour that way."
"We need to get to him right away. This place is about to be searched"
"I know. Essylt told us."
"And where is that Aello?? I specifically told him to make sure you leave safely!"
"We ran into an Aella hunter on the way here. So we separated and he went to lead her away from us. He... He also said that you're the one who convinced Cailyn to let us go"
He scoffed bitterly, "Convinced. That selfish wolf was thinking about nothing but his own plans. I challenged him and I won. Your freedom is no favor of his"
I nodded. "Ceri is very worried about you..."
"......... Is he alright? I was told he-", he couldn't finish and I didn't wait for the sickening thought to settle any longer.
"He's strong."
"How did you find him? how did you know he was on this territory??"
He sounded almost regretful, probably blaming himself for not finding his son.
"I didn't know. I just followed my instincts"
He sighed and descended the rocks, walking towards the sea. I followed him and asked, "Weren't you imprisoned by Cailyn?"
"He cannot keep me from my son."
I almost smiled, "He'll be happy to see you"
"Let's go then."
"Wait! We need a raft! We won't be able to leave until...... we get one..."
My voice trailed as I watched him jump into the sea and pull out a raft from behind a rock.
"You brought one?"
"You won't find any in this territory. So I brought this one from the other side"
I jumped into the water and took his place to pull the raft. He let me and walked close on the rocks while watching our surroundings.
"Ceri will be very happy when I bring you back to him"
"Hurry and keep quiet. You never know who might see us here. First, we'll get to Ceri and then we'll get enough food and water for the sail"
With that, we hurried back, following the shore towards where I came from. The walk in the water wasn't easy, but I did the best I could.
I couldn't wait to see his face when he sees the raft AND Alev.
~~~
Ceri (about an hour or so earlier)
"N-n-n-n-n-no! Ithel?", I whispered desperately
He hugged my head to him before pulling my hands away from his shoulders.
"I'll be back very soon, I promise! It's almost dawn already and we don't have time. Just stay calm and-"
"I-I-I'll go with you! Please?"
He gritted his teeth, not from anger but from lack of options, "I can't carry you on these rocks and move quickly. See the way we both fell just now and I dropped you? I can't risk hurting you again-"
"I'll walk! I-I-I'll run! Please, d-don't leave me behind"
He released my hands, took a couple of steps back and I went to follow him. As soon as I put the slightest pressure on my foot, pain shot from my sole to my spine and I groaned and fell on my knees. Ithel looked even more worried now, pained even. He hurried back and helped me sit with my back against one of the big gray rocks.
"I'm not leaving you, Ceri. I will never! But like I said, Essylt went to divert the attention of that Aella hunter who almost saw us, and I need to go get a raft quickly. Aellos will be swarming over the place very soon and we need to get out of here. I will never let those Aellas catch you and throw you into a snare ever again." He kissed my head and pulled away, "I will be right back, please hide and don't go anywhere no matter what!"
Ithel...
I watched my only hope as he quickly moved away. He was very tired, and yet he ran and jumped from one rock to the other until he disappeared.
Don't cry... stop being so pathetic... he'll be back soon,
He'll be back soon,
He'll be back soon...
I didn't cry. Tears would do me nothing good and I didn't think one could feel any more ashamed than I already did. Also, despite the water that I drank earlier, I was still thirsty and didn't want to lose any water to wretched tears. But I couldn't stop my legs and hands from shaking. I pulled myself closer against the rock and watched the sea. The waves moved without care to the world. They looked soft under the moonlight and I envied their calmness.
After Aello Essylt and Aella Trin helped us escape and explained that it was the only possible way to keep Ithel and me alive, we were now supposed to sail away from this island. But for that, we needed a raft and there was obviously none on the Aellas' side of the island. Ithel said that since the black and red fire was still lit, Cailyn was still hoping for more Aellos to join him. Which meant that there will be many rafts on this islands' shores. We needed to find one in order to sail.
We descended the huge rocks that were by the sea. He left me here and went to follow the shoreline and find a raft. But the Aellos' territory was still far... How long will it take? I hope he finds one quickly. Then he won't sail without me. N-no, he'll come back to get me
He'll be back soon,
He'll be back soon...
"This is your only chance to escape," Essylt had said an hour ago before we parted ways, "Cailyn is furious about the Aella hunter who saunters on his territory without fear. An Aella on the other side of the island is not only a challenge to his authority and to our laws, she can also cause havoc between Aellos hungry to mate. Besides, the Leader is raging because an Aella so simply grabbed a man and took him back to this territory. Even though said man isn't really one, the news is starting to spread and the Aellos can use this as an excuse to break the law. So Cailyn has been searching for this woman for a couple of days now, the Aellos hunting her on our territory and the Aellas on theirs. But the old fox is yet to be found. Cailyn is certain she's hiding here, maybe even getting help from other woman hunters. He decided to send his men at dawn. The Aellas will be forced to retreat to their mountain and we're completely taking over these lands whether they like it or not. So you need to leave right away. If the other Aellos catch you, Cailyn won't help."
Priorities... Not Ithel nor I had malice in our hearts, and yet we were getting punished one way or the other. Because peace between the clans is more important than the lives of two Aellos. And to accomplish peace, order and strength were necessary. And Cailyn is trying to assert exactly that with his actions.
I didn't really get the idea of leaving at first, but now I understand that there's no other way. Ithel said so, so it must be true. My greatest regret is that.................. Alev...... the last time we spoke we argued and I acted so disrespectfully towards him that he sailed to another island. Somehow he got caught by Cailyn. Aello Essylt said that he spoke for my sake... I didn't get how it happened. I mean, he was angry and on another island, when did he get back here?
Or... maybe it was that weird fire that Cailyn used. Did my father come back when Cailyn called? Does that mean that he forgave me or not? And if not, .......... Would he still be my father?
A-am I fatherless again??? B-but he already claimed me! So even if he doesn't want me anymore, I...
I sighed. Ithel said that Alev wouldn't discard me or hurt me in any way, that he'll always be there for me no matter what. I believe him, but...... Alev did leave me and sail without a word when I angered him. And now I won't know if I'm still in his heart or not, if I'm still his son...
I groaned as my body hurt. My only solace in this was that they were going to catch her. She can't escape from Cailyn because he's too strong. He's the Leader of the whole tribe, and he's even stronger now that he called for his trusted men. He decided to take control of all the island. I didn't know how long he intended to keep such control. Maybe if he was using the chase as an excuse to invade the Aellas' territory. Ithel said that our Leader was a good one, but that he always had his own goals in mind. Ithel is so wise and smart.
And he'll be back soon...
I leaned on my better side against the rock, feeling my exhaustion manifest into another wave of dizziness. Ithel will bring a raft and we'll sail together away from here. We'll go to an empty island where there are no monsters, no people, no snares.
That was a silly thing to dream of because the safest island in these waters, was this very one.
But we will sail and we'll get away from all these troubles. I don't know if I'll walk properly ever again, but I hope the pain in my body will be gone on this new island. However, the closest island to this one was a day sail but from another side of the island. From where we were now, Ithel said that our best chance was Zury, the southern island that was three days of sail.
I sighed as I watched the darkness of the night begin to dissipate and the waves slightly quickened their pace. Three days is way too much... we need to gather some food and water or we'll never make it. Ithel and I were both already weakened because of everything that happened to us-
"Trust me", a hushed voice said from somewhere behind me and I tensed, immediately drawing my legs and myself closer to the rock.
"I'm certain they're here somewhere", the voice said again.
It was an Aella! What was she doing so far from the mountain? Why was she on the shore?? I didn't recognize her voice, and the fact that she wasn't Sosanbra, Halina or Trin, alarmed me. But when another voice answered back, my heart almost felt like it gave up thumping.
"You better be correct. I have no time to waste. That wolf is sending his army to hunt me and I need to hide sooner than later"
"I told you to just go to you hiding already!"
There was a long moment of complete silence before I saw a foot step out from behind the rock and set right beside me. My breath hitched and stuck in my throat
"Not before I take what's mine."
"Drita...", I whispered in dread
She gazed down at me, her eyes checking me from head to toes. I didn't stare at her much because I simply didn't know what I was feeling. I was so confused, scared and hateful that my mind just went blank for a moment.
The other Aella came into my view. She was a hunter called Tyra. A silent and strong one, daunting and a bit of a loaner like Drita. She was one of those who never spoke to me before. I only remember her yelling at me and her children for getting near me. So I guessed that I shouldn't hope that she'd help me if I asked
"There", she said emotionlessly, "I told you I've seen them split up."
What? Was she the one we almost met with Essylt? But he was supposed to lead her away! And why would she call for Drita, that's so mean!!!
"Thank you, Tyra. I owe you"
"I'm loyal to you, Drita. Just remember me when you become Leader." I shivered at the idea but didn't utter a sound. Maybe this was another nightmare. Maybe I fell asleep while waiting for Ithel
Ithel... Ithel... please, I won't get caught again. This will be the last time, I promise! Please help me
I sent silent prayers to my protector and only hope. I looked around me, but... he wasn't there
"I don't care for that title and you know it", she said, and I still felt her gaze on me.
"Drita, you deserve that position and the Aellos' Leader must have no say in our matters. Many of the Aellas and even Elders are supporting you. All you need to do is make sure the others don't catch you. You can even come back to the mountain with me. We have to prepare to block their invasion. We'll defend our clan and put the Aellos back to their place."
Drita didn't answer her. Tyra seemed to understand that Drita wasn't going with her, so she bowed her head to Drita and smiled slyly to her, "I'll take you somewhere where no one will find you. Ready to go, Leader?"
Drita nodded at her. When she turned my way again, I had a quick remembrance of the last time we were face to face. It was only days ago, she was really angry because I tried to escape and I hit her.
"............ You healed...", I said, surprising her as well as myself because, for once, I didn't stutter.
"What?"
"The cut I gave you under your eye... It healed", I said in disbelief. The cut that I was so proud of was now nothing but a small line surrounded by a slightly darker skin, barely visible
"Ceri-"
"That's so unfair", I pulled myself to stand with the help of the rock behind me.
"Unfair??", she questioned and it angered me. So I raised my voice incredulously
"I don't know if I'll ever walk normal again! I have bruises and pains in EVERY part of my body and I'm certain my foot will forever look disgusting, yet the only cut you have is healed???"
Her eyes widened as she stared at me. She didn't look mad, she seemed sad and concerned. But I didn't want to know what she felt or thought. She whispered my name again and reached a hand for me, making me step away and snarl at her
"D-don't you dare touch me!", I shouted, trying to control the desperation in my voice
She sighed, looking more exasperated, "We must leave now-"
"I HATE YOU!!"
I yelled with all my might. My voice couldn't get too loud because of my fatigue and thirst, but it was packed with enough animosity to make Drita go still and Tyra take a couple of angry steps towards me.
One angry Aella, two angry Aellas... what's the damn difference.
Drita motioned for Tyra to stay back before she spoke calmly, "I know I pushed you too hard-"
I held onto the rock with my right hand and limped backward and away from her, "I don't want to hear it! I-I-I don't want to hear the many reasons that justify you burning me."
Her eyes squinted, looking as if she was just hit in the stomach.
"I went too far with your punishment and I get that now. But you pushed me to it. You have to know that I NEVER meant to hurt you! Ceri, how could you not understand-"
"NO! No more explanations!"
"Ceri-" she reached for me again and I slapped her hand so hard that my shoulder hurt.
"How dare you!" Tyra started at me, but Drita held her arm and kept her from... whatever she was going to do. Beat me? Insult me? I didn't care. I was too tired, too lonely, too fed up with all of this
"Drita, let me shut him up, this ungrateful worm-"
"He's mine to deal with, Tyra!"
I scoffed. She was still claiming me like property and I was feeling uncharacteristically challenging. Maybe I wasn't afraid anymore, maybe I was too terrified to care, or maybe it was because of the days of hunger and fatigue. Whatever the reason, it didn't matter
"What? What more will you do, Drita? You said the next time the consequences will be more severe. Nothing is more hurtful than what you already did, nothing can be more h-h-humiliating!"
My voice constricted and I felt a sting at the back of my eyes. I wasn't even talking about my aching side or shoulder or my foot. I was talking about that weird thing that she did when she......
"How about she cuts one of your limbs? I'm certain that will teach you respect!"
Tyra's threat managed to dampen my courage and scare me. No, terrify me! I didn't want to lose a limb! I'd bleed to death!!!
When my breathing accelerated, Drita noticed and turned to push Tyra back. "He's not yours to scare so leave him alone"
"Wha-... Drita! He's being so disrespectful! You should kill him, not defend him!"
"HE. IS NOT. YOUR CONCERN! I will deal with him."
Tyra reluctantly took a step back and I did the same when Drita turned to me again. I made sure not to fall. The only thing I didn't need right now was to show weakness
"Ceri, I thought punishments would make you reflect and understand. I know you're hurting, but if that stupid boy didn't take you away, I was going to feed you and take care of you until you become healthy and happy. I'd never let you suffer. Don't you understand? You're m i n e..."
I shook my head and took another shaky step back, my hands parting from the safety of the rock. "No, I'm not!", I said almost pleadingly
She sighed and smiled sadly, "Yes you are. I was wrong to think that you changed. It wasn't because of you, it's just your body going through a phase where it seeks dominance. That's why you're attempting to defy me. But in reality, you're still the same. You haven't matured enough to take responsibility for your own actions. I should've understood that from the beginning. That's my own mistake. But I'll make it right. From now on, I'll take all responsibility. All you need is to be a good boy and do as I say"
There she goes again with the 'obey me blindly' requests. I didn't even understand how it was possible for her to ask such a thing, it was so creepy and way too controlling! I needed to get away from here. If she took me, I'll never see the sun again! I-I-I-I'll never s-see Ithel!!!!
I retreated more, planning to get away from her. I looked behind me to find a footing on another rock beneath me, but when I turned, Drita was right there in my face. I gasped and shut my eyes closed. I intended to run or fall or whatever that would keep a distance between us. But she was fast as she grabbed my left shoulder, making me groan in pain. She then held the back of my neck and my whole body shivered with sickening disgust when our skins met.
"N-n-n-no, don't touch me!"
I panicked. My breath accelerated and my heart pounded harder in my chest. I fought against her frantically until her hand jerked my neck roughly making me go still and open my eyes. She stared right into mine as she whispered,
"Do you have any idea how much I've given up for you? How much you mean to me?"
She had so much hope and promise in her words. Her eyes dropped to focus on my mouth and it made my skin crawl. I shook my head, unable to keep the tears back anymore
"I-I-I-I don't care"
"How can you say that-"
"You were supposed to be my friend!"
She froze for a moment, guilt filling her eyes more and more as I continued. "I trusted you. I trusted everything you said, but you betrayed me. You hurt me more than anyone else. You are without honor, I hate you!"
She gazed at me in disbelief. Her eyes filled with tears and I saw them run down her face for the first time in my life.
"Ceri...", she pulled my neck, forcing my face to be buried in the crook of her shoulder, "I'm sorry. I'm...... I know you better than anyone! And I know your little heart responds to kindness more than fear. I know how hopeless you feel now, but trust me, it will be alright. You'll heal and you'll get back better than before. As your mate, I will take care of you. I will feed you and protect you."
"Wha-"
"Just bring back the you that I know. The obedient boy who smiles softly and loves to play"
I pushed her back despite the pain in my body and gritted my teeth, "I'm not a boy!"
"Stop being so stubborn! That's what got you in trouble in the first place!"
"No! You're the cruel one who hurt me in so many ways! You took me away from my father and from-"
"I told you, Alev sailed away and abandoned you!", she growled and the anger in her voice sent ominous chills down my spine.
"I'll get him back-"
"That is nonsense. We'll talk about this later. I'm taking you back and I'm going to give you a good life. I'll take care of all your needs. You just shut up, be a good mate and STOP RESISTING!"
When she pulled me and started dragging me, I pushed my feet on the solid rocks and struggled against her. My body, especially my foot, hurt so badly. Yet all I had in mind was the horror of that moment in the dark cave when she was too close to my body, straddling me and reaching down to scratch at my member.
"Drita! Hurry, someone is coming!", Tyra yelled from where she was standing on a rock higher than ours and closer to the forest. Her warning only made Drita more determined to leave faster, with me thrashing and trying to free my strained body from her determined hold.
"Drita! Y-y-y-you can't! I-I-I-I won't-"
"I can and you will", she answered decisively. "I'm not leaving without you and acting like a stupid child will only get you in more trouble! Now stop moving before you really piss me off because you haven't seen half of what-"
I couldn't listen to more threats anymore. I just couldn't. I was physically and mentally drained and I didn't deserve any of this. Ithel said that I didn't do wrong and that none of this was my fault. He said that I was brave. Whenever I belittled myself, he'd say that I had more strength and courage than what the eyes could see.
I've tried to be strong before, I tried to challenge Drita more than once, but I only failed. Ithel, however, would never surrender. He was so strong-willed and wise that failure didn't break him. He told me once before that I was bound to fail, but that I was smart enough to try again.
Ithel believed in me.
He said that being an Aella made me very kind and special.
He also said that being an Aello was my right and not a favor.
And right this second, there was no one to help me but myself. And I had only two choices.
Be kind and get dragged by this heartless hunter and die, or be the Aello that I always strived to become and make Ithel proud of me.
The choice wasn't that hard... Ithel, it will always be Ithel.
With a new resolve in my heart, I turned to the arm that was surrounding my middle in a death grip and I sank my teeth into the flesh, gritting into it and shaking my head like a wolf would do to tear a prey.
Drita snarled loudly and dropped me. Taken by surprise, she glared down at me in disbelief and then looked at her bleeding arm.
I wanted to run and get as far away from her as possible. But in my heart, I knew, that she won't let me go. She'll always chase me. She'll continue to take me away from Alev and Ithel, to beat me, burn me and claw at me.
So instead of crawling away from her, I reached to her hip and grabbed one of her weapons. It was a sharp piece of wood that she used to let me play with. It was actually her who taught me how to hold it properly and use it.
She didn't even notice my movement or what I had in my hand. Maybe she never thought I had it in me to be this desperate. So she started shouting insults and promises of the worst punishments. At the same time, she angrily gripped my right arm and pulled me to stand, intending to resume dragging me away.
Little did she know that I already made my choice. And just like she taught me, I raised the weapon and then thrust it forward with all my strength and without hesitation. Drita gasped and released a deep groan. She let go of me, but I didn't. I grunted and pushed the weapon deeper.
For a second, Drita didn't even attack me. She just looked at the wound on her chest, beneath the shoulder.
Tyra was yelling at us to run and I heard shouts from afar, but I didn't let my focus drift away from this. If I did, I knew I might lose the state of mind that I was in; I might go back to being my old frightened self. So I ignored all voices, thinking only about ending this. Once and for all.
Drita peered down at me in pain and disbelief. No, it was a look of blame... she thought I betrayed her!? I immediately pushed that insane thought aside in fear of being consumed by doubt. This wasn't the time for hesitation, I thought, while still reaching up and holding the weapon with determination to hurt her more. Red liquid seeped out of her wound and slid down the weapon and on my hand, while another stream dripped vigorously down her body and on my chest.
I didn't get to see if she'll stab me for this or cut one of my limbs as her friend suggested. And she didn't have time to retaliate. Before Drita even moved, we heard a loud yell. Aella Tyra ran down the rocks and pushed me back making me release the weapon, before she delivered a vicious punch to my nose, sending me flying.
I found myself falling helplessly down the rocks, rolling and banging against them repeatedly until I was engulfed with the sweet coldness of the sea.
Before I could even gather my wits, my head collided with the ground beneath me and I went still.
I was suddenly unable to move. My heart pounded so fast and my vision swirled with dizziness. But even through the water, I could see Drita hitting Tyra. I could hear her furious snarl. She turned to look at me, making me wonder if she's ever going to die and let me win. And then I saw a beautiful silhouette, the epitome of manliness and strength, roaring and charging into both hunters.
I was too powerless to see sharply, especially with the shifting water. But I wanted to applaud that person. He moved like a tiger, managing to push back both hunters so skillfully. More bodies entered the scene, but the tiger was the most valiant. I wanted to keep watching him. Something in my heart yearned to be by his side, to learn from him and admire him.
But the dizziness took over me rapidly and the lack of air painfully squeezed my lungs. Time seemed to slow down and an eerie calmness came over me.
And right before the end, the sweetest thing happened. In the moving waves, I saw the face of a woman. Beautiful long dirty blond hair fell in soft locks on her shoulders, eyes green and vivid like the grass of a fresh meadow. Everything was swaying with the water but her. She looked down at me, the sun becoming stronger behind her, making her seed magical. The beautiful woman smiled and I felt immediate warmth cuddle my heart despite the coldness of the water.
Ceri... she whispered gently without moving her lips, making me smile
Ceri...
"Ceri!!!" A frantic cry broke the silence and hands traveled through the beautiful woman and reached to grab my arms. I was pulled out of the water, suddenly aware once more of the excruciating pain in my chest.
"Ceri, breathe! Please, breathe!!"
I coughed violently while looking around me. I realized with confusion that the beautiful Aella wasn't around anymore and that Ithel was now holding me.
"Say something, please say something!"
Before I could calm my coughing, another voice called from above the rocks. A voice that I recognized too well.
"Go, now!! The Aellos will arrive soon. Take him and leave"
"But... Alev, come with us! Let me help you with the hunters and we'll go together-"
"No! Take him to safety! I'll find you!!"
I focused and saw Alev fighting Drita and two other Aella hunters and keeping them from attacking us. Ithel released me, but I didn't fall in the water again. I peered beside me to find that I was on a raft and Ithel immediately started rowing.
I looked back to the shore that was getting further by the second. As soon as my coughing stopped, I propped myself up with my hands
"Father!", I called, but he didn't answer, too busy defending our lives
"FATHER!!"
I kept trying but my voice was too raspy and weak to reach him. But I didn't surrender, and I continued to call and call until I watched as Drita fell limp on the rocks after Alev sung something at her.
Then more people arrived, but we weren't close anymore. So I couldn't who they were or which was my father.
"Ceri?"
Ithel said after a while. I was just sitting there, staring at the island as it slowly disappeared into the horizon.
His arms reached around me and he brought my head to rest on his shoulder.
"It's over now. We'll be alright. We're free and we'll make the best of it wherever we go"
With my last shreds of strength, I buried my face in his neck and hugged him.
"It's alright, my sweet Aella. You'll be alright, I promise. Wherever we land, we'll find happiness and peace.
We'll find a new life"