Heed My Warnings and Survive (Second Draft)

Chapter One

If I had known then what I know now I would never have gone to the witch, but I was foolish, and now that a year has passed, I realize not listening was the biggest mistake of my entire life. Let me tell you a story. In my village there was a witch who told you your fortune, her name is Aria, she has the eyes of the all knowing spirit, which meant she could see the future, and my little sister wanted to get her fortune told....

ONE YEAR EARLIER

“Come on Draven it’ll be fun,” My ten year old sister dragged me towards the witch’s tent, her excitement clearly showing in her blue eyes, and in the way she bounced as she moved forward, “Don’t you wanna know what’ll happen in your future?”She asked, pausing a moment to look at me. I chuckled lightly,

“No, that would take the thrill away Aster.” She crossed her arms, and scrunched up her nose. I raised an eyebrow. “Your not gonna convince me by getting angry Aster,” I told her

“You’re no fun Draven,” she pouted, looking at me with pleading eyes. I sighed, and rubbed my forehead. She always gets me with those eyes. I let out a sigh

Alright. You got me,” I said, throwing my hands in the air. Asterina jumped up and down with excitement.

“Yay!” She squealed. I smiled at the sight. “Let’s go,” she said, grabbing my hand, and continuing to drag me towards the tent. There was nothing I loved more than my little sister, and seeing her happy made my heart want to burst. If only I knew what was about to befall me, I would’ve held tighter to this memory.

After Asterina had her fortune told. She came out of the tent happy as ever, but there was something different, something in her smile had unconsciously shifted.

“Is anything wrong?” I asked in a concerned tone, taking her hand, and lowering myself to her level so as to see her eyes better. She looked at me.

“Nope,” she replied buoyantly., bouncing on her toes.

“What did Aria say about your future?” I asked in an attempt to banish the look in her eyes.

“She said that there are two paths, but that I am not in control of what happens, it depends on the choices of someone else.” I let out a small chuckle.

“Well I say don’t heed that, no one controls your fate but you,” I told her. She smiled wider. “Now I need you to stay here while I get my fortune, ok?” She nodded.

I entered the tent, not particularly wanting to, and sat at the small table that occupied the tent. The old woman sitting there studied me.

“You don’t like witches I see,” she said, after only moments of observing me, giving me a mischievous smile.

“No ma’am, it’s not witches I don’t like, it’s fortune telling,” I said bluntly. Then I rethought my tone “I don’t like the Idea that someone else knows my future before I do,” I restated, in a bit of a lighter voice, I was anxious not to anger this woman, I could sense something bad would happen if I did.

“Well why are you in my tent then?” She asked. She sounded genuinely curious, so I told her,

“My sister begged me.” I said quickly. I wanted to get this done, and over with as soon as possible. I had no intentions of chit chatting with this witch. Aria must have been able to sense my displeasure, considering she pulled out a small bag.

“Fine. Take the rola sticks and drop them on the table in front of you.” I did as she told me, haphazardly throwing the small pieces of wood, and waited a few moments as she read them. When she finished she looked at me solemnly.

“You have many negative sticks here,” she said gravely. “Therefore I shall give you these warnings, to prepare you for the long journey you are to take.” I gave a bored sarcastic nod. “Beware of A dying fire, Red hair in messy braids, a gray fox with silver eyes.” I resisted rolling my eyes as she continued. “The last autumn leaf on the tree, green eyes with tears, a storm, the old oak tree, a scar, a crying kiss,” she paused for a moment, and looked at me, but I couldn’t figure out why, it was a bit disconcerting. “Running water, a scrap of blue fabric, and the howling wind, heed my warnings dear boy, and live to tell your tale,” She told me.

I didn’t take her words to heart in that moment, and how I now regretted it. I thanked her begrudgingly, and got up, exciting the tent. The wind was rising a bit, hinting at a storm. I looked around for my sister, and when I didn’t see her. A panic started in my chest, before thinking she must have gone home.

I decided I’d find Finley. Zander was able to spend much less time with us since his marriage, as well as the birth of his son that came a few years later. It was sad that he could no longer accompany us to the forest, but of course I was happy for him, albeit a little sour.

I went to Finley’s house, and when I couldn’t find him there I decided to just go home, as well I should, seeing as the weather was worsening by the minute, and it was getting late.

“Mother, I’m back,” I called from the door. “Did Aster come home?” I asked My mother didn’t respond, so I went into the kitchen, where I could hear some noise, and where I found her crying. “Mom? Is everything ok?” My mother shook her head, tears falling down her cheeks.

“The weather looks terrible, and your sister hasn’t come home yet,” She said mournfully. My eyes widened as I looked out the window at the rising winds. My mom came over and kissed my forehead.

“I fear the worst,” She said sadly, turning, and leaving the room. I dashed out of the house. I could hear the wind howling, as it whipped through the trees. I didn’t even know where to start looking. I tried yelling her name over the wind, but it was too loud. I remembered the river where she liked to play. But I shook that thought away, Aster knew not to go to the river alone, she knew the dangers, so I looked everywhere else I could think of, until the river was the last place left, the final stone left unturned. I dashed into the woods in the direction of the small brook, panic had started blossoming in my chest.

As I ran something on one of the tree branches caught my eye. I stopped running to investigate. As I inspected it closer I realized it was a scrap of blue fabric that matched Asterina’s dress perfectly, Aria’s warnings were becoming all too real.

“No no no. ASTER!” I yelled, continuing to run in the direction of the river.

I reached the river, and began frantically searching the bank.

“ASTER!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!” I cried out. The river was only knee deep to me, so I could easily wade through it, which I proceeded to do. At this point tears began forming in my eyes, and it was obstructing my vision. And with the slight rain that had started, my eyesight was quite poor

“Aster,” I said quietly. I almost collapsed to the ground, before remembering I was in the water. Please be ok. I thought, or rather, I prayed. A few moments had passed before I heard someone yell.

“DRAVEN OVER HERE!” The shout sounded destreced. I looked around until I spotted Finley crouching over a little girl in a blue dress. My eyes widened. Panic, and fear gripped my heart, as I wiped the tears from my eyes, and ran over as fast as I possibly could. As I approached them it became increasingly apparent that it was Asterina, the fear, and panic grew, until my heart nearly stopped. I fell to my knees next to them. She was drenched in water, and all the color had left her face, her little body looked pale, and lifeless. Panic threatened to freeze me, making me useless to her, but I steadied my breathing, and looked at Finley.

“Is she breathing?” I said quietly. One look at his face should’ve answered my question. But I took him by the shoulders and shook him. “IS SHE BREATHING FIN!!” I yelled, he shook his head, there was guilt, and terror in his eyes. Even with an answer I couldn’t accept it. I bent down over her, and listened for a heart beat. My stomach twisted as the only thing I heard was silence

“No no no no no no…..” Tears started to fall once more. Dread squeezed my heart, “Aster, please wake up. Please……. Please……… No……….” I held her in my arms, rocking back and forth, the lump in my throat grew bigger, and bigger until the only thing I could do was scream, and yell. I could barely even speak coherently. I stayed there, heart throbbing, and throat corse, my chest was knotted, and I couldn’t bring myself to move, until the wind died down, and the rain stopped. Finley was there the whole time with a hand on my shoulder, shaking, But I couldn’t tell if it was from the cold, or from anguish.

It was in that moment that I remembered the warning Aria had given me, ‘Beware running water’ I cursed myself for not listening. This was my fault. Aster is dead because of me. My brain kept repeating that same sentence over, and over.

“Draven… I have to tell you something,” Finley said. I didn’t respond. All I could think to do was pick Asterina up, and bring her home. “Draven.. I told her I’d come with her. I was supposed to be watching her. It’s my fault she drowned.” I didn’t hear a word he was saying, all I could think of was how I didn’t make her wait for me, how I had heard her fortune, and should’ve read into it more. Stupid Aria, stupid fortune teller setting up in our town. Why did she have to settle here anyway? There was nothing special about this town. We were perfectly happy before her. My thoughts were running wild, and I didn’t have the restraint to stop them. In fact if I were to be truthful, the town I lived in was one of the most well kept villages on this side of the country, and it had lost some of its allure since Aria arrived.

As I neared my house my steps became sluggish, and I started to dread facing my mother, but I had to do what was right, I had to tell her that her daughter was dead. I stumbled as the reality of those words hit me, and I nearly collapsed again, but I regained my composure, and continued

“Fin go home, I don’t want you to see this,” I said, my voice unsteady. Finley nodded reluctantly, and turned away

“Let me know if you need anything,” he said, then left. I wish I had known I wouldn’t see him again for months, I wouldn’t have been so cold if I had.

I arrived at my doorstep sooner than I was ready for. I didn’t want to fulfill the daunting task ahead of me, but there was nothing else to be done. I took a deep breath, and entered my house.

“Mom!” I called, my voice sounded hoarse and broken. My mother entered the room with a concerned look on her face. As soon as she saw Asterina in my arms, her face immediately changed into a joyful smile, and she ran to me.

“Draven, you found her.” She sounded so happy. I looked at her tearfully, and I brought myself to tell her the news I myself didn’t want to believe

“She-” I took a deep shaky breath. “She’s dead mom,” my voice broke on the last word. My mothers expression changed, from overjoyed to furious in seconds. She didn’t look at me,or speak to me, but I could tell she hated me. Aster had always been her favorite, and more often than not she would cast me aside, but I didn’t know she disliked me so much that she would do what she did next. She took Asterina from my arms, and sat on the couch. “Mom, I’m sorry. I should have been watching her. It’s my fault,” I said sorrowfully, seeking the comforting words only a mother could give, that I had heard her give to Aster whenever she was tearful, but alas she truly had in seconds learned to hate me.

“You’re damn right it is,” she said venomously. “Get out of my house,” she practically growled

“Mo-” I tried to comprehend the words she had just said to me, but she cut me off

“GET OUT!! I NEVER WANNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN!!!! YOU SHOULD’VE DROWN IN THE RIVER. NOT MY BABY!!!” I was taken aback by her sudden outburst, and when I didn’t move, my mother put Asterina aside, and grabbed a knife from the kitchen. “GET OUT YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING RAT!! GET OUT!!!” she shrieked, coming towards me with the knife. When I was still too stunned to move, She came as close as she dared without being within my arms length, and slashed me with the knife. I cried out in pain, as I grabbed my throbbing arm, just under my shoulder where the knife had hit. I stumbled backwards out the door, and ran. I didn’t really know where I was going, but my feet went a path they often went, and I found myself at the door of an old friend. It was consequently the farthest house from mine, which I was thankful for.

I went up and knocked on the door. It was opened by A tall man with blond hair, and blue eyes, he was so much different then Finley. I thought it was a little funny how that small man could be such good friends with Zander who in all aspects of the word was perfect. He was tall, and well built, his bone structure was impeccable, it was no wonder she chose him. But all that aside, even with the look of concern he wore, I was thankful, and relieved, to see my close friend’s face.

“Draven? What happened,” He questioned, voice full of concern, referring to the deep gash on my arm. I shook my head signaling to him I didn’t want to and also couldn’t talk about it. He nodded, and let me into the house.

“Niereida I need your help!” He called, as I sat close to the fire. A beautiful young woman came down the stairs, her lovely tightly curled hair bouncing as she came, my heart warmed as I saw her. Her beauty lit up the room.

“What is it Zander?” Her beautiful silky voice uttered a question, but the answer was found upon further investigation.

“Draven needs our help.” Niereida’s exquisite golden eyes looked at me, then my arm, which was now streaming with blood, despite the hand placed over it, my heart fluttered as our eyes met. She gasped, and put a hand over her mouth. But at that moment, as I looked at her, my pain was forgotten. Once she got over her shock, she set her face with a determined look.

“Zander, could you get a bucket of water?” she said sternly, but kindley to her husband. Zander nodded and excited the house. “What happened Draven?” I didn’t answer. In truth I really couldn’t, my throat hurt too bad from crying, and running, and yelling. All I could get out was a pitiful.

“Water.” Neireida’s eyes widened,

“Of course, I’m so sorry.” She got up and went into the kitchen, and a few moments later came back with a cup of water, and clean cloth, which she used as a temporary bandage. I took the water, and gulped it down quickly.

When I finished I leaned back on the couch. “Do you wanna talk about how this happened?” she questioned, indicating my shoulder.

“Lets wait till Zander gets back, I don’t wanna explain it twice,” I told her, a hint of exhaustion in my voice. Neireida nodded. I hadn’t been alone with Neireida in such a long time

A few minutes later Zander came back with a bucket of water. He handed it to Niereida, as he sat across from me.

“Can you tell us what happened?” She asked, as her beautifully delicate chocolate brown hands began cleaning my wound. I let out a deep sigh, trying to prepare myself for the dreadful story I must tell. I was about to start talking when the door burst open, and Finley came into the room.

“Draven, what happened? Did she do that? You should’ve told her it was my fault, maybe she wouldn’t have slashed you.” He was rambling at a pace I couldn’t follow at the moment, and it was hurting my head.

Zander got up, and grabbed Finley’s shoulders.

“Calm down Fin. We’re not even sure what this is all about. Let Draven explain.” Finley slowed his breathing, and nodded. I rubbed my eyes with my good arm, and sighed again.

“This will be difficult for me to recount, so be forgiving,” I said solemnly. Zander nodded. “This morning Aster-” My voice broke for a second, and I almost broke down crying again, as the pain, sorrow, guilt, and anger I had momentarily forgotten returned to my chest. I took a deep breath “This morning Aster wanted to go to Aria’s tent, to get her fortune told, and she begged me to come with her, so I did. What I didn’t realize was that she wouldn’t wait for me, so when I got out of the tent I went home to see if she was there.” I took a few more deep breaths. “ it turns out she went to the river, and-” I couldn’t say it out loud, again, my heart was already on the verge of breaking. I looked to Finley, who nodded.

“She drowned in the river,” he said quietly. Hearing those words broke me. I put my face in my hands, as the tears started my heart ached, and all I wanted to do was scream as loud as possibly could, but I held it in, not the violent sobs however. Luckily at this point Niereida had finished bandaging my arm, so I wasn’t being a nuisance to her.

I curled my knees up to my chest as I longed for my lost family, my sister was dead, and my mother had cast me out. Finley dropped to his knees, he was like a brother to me, so he was feeling her loss almost as much as I was. Finley placed a hand on my shoulder,

“I’m sorry…. I’m sorry… I’m sorry,” He kept repeating this under his breath.

“Draven, I know you’re hurting, and I’m so so sorry, but I need you to finish the story,” Zander said calmly. I was breathing rapidly, trying to stop the flow of tears that had started.

“Deep breaths you two. Deep breaths,” Niereida said calmingly, placing her warm hands on our shoulders. I did as she said, and by the sound of it Finley did too. I uncleanched my arms, and legs, regaining my composure, and continued.

“A- anyway. I got back home with her in my arms, and my mother went crazy, yelling at me, and telling me she never wanted to see my face again, and when I was too shocked to move, she got a knife, and, well I assume you can imagine the rest.” Zander nodded, and started pacing back, and forth.

“What are you gonna do?” He asked. I shrugged, and placed my head in my hands. I had been asking myself the same question, and I had come to a conclusion.

“I.” I paused, thinking for a moment. “I think I have to leave.” Zander stopped dead in his tracks.

“What?” He said disbelievingly. I looked at him seriously. “Draven you can’t possibly-”

“I think he’s right Zander,” Finley cut in. Zander looked at Finley, and laughed incredulously.

“You can’t be serious you two.” He protested.

“Look, as much as I hate that it has to happen, he’s only going to be tormented by his mother otherwise,”

“Niereida do you think he should leave?” he asked, seeking the agreement of his wife. Niereida thought for a few minutes.

“As much as I’d like to say no, I have to agree with Finley,” she said. Zander scoffed.

“He can stay here,” he said resolutely

“Zander, if he stays here his mother might come, and I will not have a crazy woman yelling at Draven in front of my son,” she said in a tone that was final. Zander rubbed his forehead, and continued his pacing.

“I think it’s the only way,” I said. Zander sighed, and sat down in an armchair by the fireplace, and nodded.

“At least let us give you supplies,” Zander said.

“Alright, but no more than that. I don’t want my mother coming here and blowing up on you, and Niereida.” Zander nodded. I won’t bore you with explaining how Zander, and Niereida rushed around getting things ready. But they finished quickly, and handed me the satchel. I swung it over my shoulder. I was about to exit, when I turned, and said.

“I probably need a horse.” Finley shot up.

“I have one outside. Take her, she likes you better anyway.” I smiled sadly.

“Thanks Fin.” I patted his shoulder, then left. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted so badly to stay. I didn’t look back, I knew that if I did, I would turn the horse right around. instead I went straight ahead. Not knowing I would never see that place again. At least not in the state it was currently in.