The Soldier and The Slave
Naythan & Fyra
Author's note: This scene follows on from "Devils Amongst Us?"
The chains felt cold in Naythan's hands from the bitter chill of the winter air around them. He didn't let them slack in his grip, but he did hurry his footsteps. It wasn't exactly the cold, nor even the orders of Lor'kan that caused his haste. Naythan didn't need to see or turn around to feel the burning red eyes of the Dryad he had chained burning holes into his back. It sent chills up his spine and he tried, but failed to suppress a shudder. He just shrugged his clothing tighter about himself and tried to make it seem it was just the winter air making him cold.
The two trudged through the snow and sludge of the Order of the Cloenaid's marching camp the laughter of the sergeants that made up the rank and file of the Order filled the air around them, though none gave them so much as a glance. Dryads made most men feel uncomfortable, though they would deny it, and so by and large they chose to ignore the two. He was surrounded by his fellows, and yet, in the presence of the Dryad, Naythan never felt more alone.
Gritting his teeth, he pushed such thoughts away. He was just being ridiculous now, the girl was chained, and her power was being suppressed by the Brothers of the Order interspersed among the regular soldiery, ensuring a blanket of suppression over the whole company. Besides, he was hardly defenseless himself. He was fine.
"Why did you do that?"
The words cut through the silence, the cutting chill of the Dryad's tone only slightly tempered by curiosity.
Naythan blinked in surprise and stopped as he looked back at his charge. She stood there, white dress, trimmed in red echoing the glowing red of her eyes.
Naythan refused to be intimidated and looked right at her. "Kay'sar is a good soldier, but hitting you was uncalled for. We're soldiers, not savages."
One of Fyra's eyebrows lifted slightly as did her chained wrists sardonically.
Naythan didn't flinch. "You're not human." Naythan said simply. "We chain up all our dangerous animals."
A predatory smile crossed the sorceress's face at this. "Dangerous you say? About this, you are correct."
Naythan didn't bother with a retort. He needed to get her to the surgeon and then bring her to Brother Lor'kan. He turned and started off again. He wondered what use the Brother had for the Dryad.
To be continued in Predator and Prey P1 & P2
About the Creator
Tomos Jackson
Stories have always been a source of inspiration. I aim to reproduce that in my own writing. Developing ideas of one's potential by reading it in the lives of others can be a powerful force to encourage bettering ourselves in the real world
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About Writing
Most people talk about things that bother them as a way to vent their emotions, another way is through writing. As I sit writing in my car, I ponder how much writing, in itself, has helped me become the person I am today. I have endless amounts of pages filled with poems, stories, and sometimes random blurbs. Writing is a window into your soul. The simple action of writing has benefited me; by helping me to achieve a better memory, helping me to learn and grow intellectually, and helping me to communicate my emotions.
By Sarah Wilcoxabout 23 hours ago in Journal
Comments (3)
I love the dynamic between Naythan and Fyra in this excerpt! The dialogue is sharp and tense, revealing layers of tension and power dynamics between the characters. Naythan's determination to maintain his composure in the face of Fyra's intimidating presence adds depth to his character, while Fyra's confident and enigmatic demeanor leaves readers curious about her intentions. The vivid descriptions create a vivid scene, drawing readers into the world you've created. Overall, it's a captivating snippet that leaves me eager to learn more about these characters and their journey. Great job!
Well, I have a question. Firstly though, this is a great microfiction. I have a sense of character and my attention is piqued which is what you want in your reader. I have one key question but am I missing this because I need to read something else to get context? Who has hit her because here, there is nothing in this to say that this has happened? I've read your comment to PJ Watts below and wonder if I should read Marcus as well?
This is really interesting world building. I like the images and how they evoke your setting. Is it part of a bigger piece? Nice images.