I just have to say I'm not done reading it yet, have like the last 3 chapters that you have up to go....but I am really loving it. I really like the addition of Danny the bard in training and how you tell the story. And the bit with Kama from the Temple of Shadows, that is very interesting.... I can't wait to see him pop up again. Very interested in seeing his great interest in Sparrow, maybe there is more of him in the last 3 segments you have up, back to reading, please keep them coming!

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http://alexisrose.mybrute.com/team/109037

goosebumps.....

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1 year on the forums and counting! Get it? Counting? Oh never mind...

Ok I'm done and can I just say....wow! I just love it! And the part with the Commadant....that sure does put a whole new twist on that person. I can't wait to read more to the story. Though I do have to say I miss Kama.....I kind of like the bad boys in the story, he was interesting. Now I can't wait to see what happens with the Commadant.

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http://alexisrose.mybrute.com/team/109037

Sorry for the double posting but I was thinking about something and now I'm past being able to edit....so.....

The Commadant, he's not really the mindless Lucien puppet I was expecting him to be. And what I keep going over in my mind, don't know why, but why did he take her to his bed, was he interested in her, keeping her safe from the other guys on the ship since she was knocked out....or the old saying "keep your enemies close" kind of thing? And I know once in the Spire he will try to break her and control her, and then of course try to kill her when she tries to get Garth out. Love your story, gave it 5 stars!

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http://alexisrose.mybrute.com/team/109037

Woo! I thank you all for reading and commenting! It means alot! Finally got the next chapter. Had to stay off my comp all day yesterday due to the virus scare, but now here is chapter 27!

Sparrow arrives at the Spire, but what awaits her could be too much for her to handle...

Chapter 27
-The Spire-


  The weeks went by slowly. Several of our crew fell overboard or were thrown by the Commandant. Everyday we were lined up on the deck and chosen either for commendation or condemnation. I did make one friend, his name is Bob. Says he’s got a wife back home that he writes to. We help each other out as much as we can to assure that the other gets to continue onto the Spire. If the journey is this cruel, I shudder to think of what awaits us there.
  Today I stand next to the Commandant who, for some reason, has mostly avoided me for the rest of the trip. He wouldn’t even look directly at me. Not that I really cared, I actually preferred that he kept his gaze on someone else. The wheel felt lazy in my hands as there wasn’t much resistance today. I could now see the giant structure of the Spire drawing closer.

  “Lionheart, we dock today.” The Commandant spoke gruffly. I just grunted to acknowledge his words and kept my eyes on the path. But then another thought came to me,”Sir, if I may ask, am I docking this ship?”
  “Don’t be ridiculous.” He snapped. I shut my mouth and looked straight over the water. The breeze tossed my long, salt-filled brown hair around my shoulders. I took a long deep breath and listened to the waves slapping the side of the ship. I must have had the goofiest face on as the Commandant raised an eyebrow at me and I quickly righted myself, going red.

  A little while later the Commandant relieved me and took the wheel himself. He ordered us all into the cabin to change and rest up before docking. I lay in my hammock, humming to myself and feeling the rocking of the ship. It began lulling me to sleep. Visions of Courage and Danny danced before my eyes. I could almost hear Hammer talking non-stop and offering me a drink...I sighed and rolled over into dreamland, though quite reluctant to do so without aid. I felt a pulsing in my chest, felt myself falling. I opened my eyes to a brilliant blue light beneath my feet, or at least, where my feet would be if I had any. Instead, there was only more blue light. I could feel the pulsing deep in my heart, radiating out through my being. I felt almost...as if I were home...This, wherever I was, was so familiar, so peaceful...But keeping myself together was strenuous and irritating. I let myself float apart into individual particles, shimmering and drifting upwards into bliss.....

  “Get up!” Came the voice of my friend Bob. I waved him away, bothered by the rhythm of his voice. It was off-kilter, different from the pulsing and quite irritating. “Hey...Lionheart....Wake up now! We’re here! At the Spire!” Bob shook me until I tossed out of my hammock. Luckily he caught me before I fell, for which I thanked him.
  “Come on, we gotta get topside! Commandant is lining people up again on the docks!”Bob explained and together we ran up on deck and down the gangway to the docks. I rubbed my eyes groggily as Bob pushed me along. Then there was that pulse again...I blinked a few times and looked around. What I saw made my jaw drop to the ground. We were inside the Spire alright. Dark walls surrounded us. There was no real ceiling, the darkness just seemed to extend to the heavens. In the center of the Spire there came a brilliant light shining from behind what seemed like a doorway. I squinted at this beautiful sight, feeling an intense desire to walk into that light. My eyes fixed on the spot. I could hear the Commandant shouting things, but couldn’t process what he was saying. The light was so...wonderful...
  “Lionheart!” The Commandant shouted at me. I squeaked and looked up at him. Several of the men snickered and I frowned. “You would do well to pay attention, Lionheart. Unless you’d rather find yourself at the bottom of this chasm?” He tilted his head and I shook mine furiously.
  “N-no, Sir! I’m sorry it’s just...” I looked back towards the light. He gripped my chin and turned my face back to him. He got closer. I could feel his intensely hot breath on my face as he glared deep into my eyes. I winced and braced myself for anything when there came a forceful pulse in my chest. I looked back over towards the light as did the Commandant. And there on the little stage-like floor, standing in front of the angelic light stood a most dish man.

  “Lucien...”I whispered barely audible. “Recruits!” The Commandant bellowed over the crowd,”To the front! You’re leader has arrived!” He looked back at me and clutched my arm tightly, pulling me along. I grimaced, his tight grip hurting my puny arm. I didn’t dare retort as he pulled me right up to the front before taking his place to Lucien’s right. I gulped and looked up at them both. I wanted to cry. I wanted to run and scream, leaving the place right then and there, but that would give me away directly and secure my death. So I sat and waited for Lucien to speak.
  Lucien was still time worn and heart-heavy since last I dreamt, only this time I really stood here in the physical. He whispered with the Commandant for what seemed like and eternity and the entire time I never looked away. Then finally, Lucien adjusted his cuffs and cleared his throat.

  “How wonderful it is to see you all here, standing before me, ready to serve this noble cause. It gives me hope that there are still those who wish for this world. Every man that stands here before me is hope for a better and brighter Albion. I won’t keep you long, but wish to let everyone of you know that together we cannot fail. All I will ever ask of you is obedience. Obedience is the key to this entire operation. But for now, what is required of you is sleep and rest! New recruits must be well rested before they can enter into training. So for now, rest...and...Sleep....”That last word echoed through my head and there came a sudden burst of light. Was it the light from behind him? But soon I didn’t care and fell into a long, uninterrupted sleep.

  “Huh?” I shifted and sat up in a bed so comfortable it almost hurt. I shook my head and looked down at myself. I was still wearing the clothes from the ship and my hair was more tangled than ever. But all of that didn’t matter. All I could focus on was how well I slept. I had never felt more rested in my entire life! I let myself sink back into the bed and covered my head with a blanket. Perhaps the Spire wasn’t all that terrible after all if this is how they treated their crew. I heard a swishing which I recognized as a door opening. I looked up to see a man standing at the foot of my bed.
  “Hey, you girl. First meal of the day, better get a move on. New recruits are going through orientation today. Gotta stay sharp.” He told me. I jumped up and noticed there was a mirror and dresser next to my bed. I looked in the mirror and fluffed my hair, trying to look half decent. Finally finding a nice enough style, I followed the man to the dining hall. Upon arriving I found plenty of room and got myself a seat next to Bob.

  “Well if it isn’t little miss rise-and-shine? Have a sleep then did you? Nearly missed breakfast.” Bob said as I scarfed down the delicious leafy greens and fruit.
  I swallowed and replied,”Sorry, beds must have been too comfy. So, I heard today we’re going through orientation? Any idea what that’s about?”
  Bob shook his head,”Nope. Guess we’ll have to figure it out together. Hope they give us a map though, I’m no at navigation.” He chuckled and so did I. So far the only bad things in here were Lucien and the Commandant, but besides them I was having a great time. If only things would last...

  “Recruits!” A rather large uniformed man yelled out over the crowd all lined up in rows. “Today is your orientation! You’d better pay attention too because this will NOT be repeated, nor will any of us help you if you start falling behind! This is not some little preschool for babies! You are men, I expect you all to ACT like MEN!” He roared, turning to a stack of clothes behind him.
  “While you are here, this uniform will be your responsibility! You will wash it, you will dry it, you will keep track of it! Now form a line right here and you will receive your own uniform!” He waved to his right and the first row lined up, followed by the second and so forth. All the men got a coat, pants, boots, gloves and a headband. Standard uniform. I stepped up to receive my uniform and the man handing them out stepped back a moment. “Woah...what have we here? You ain’t a guy. Hm...we ain’t got no girly uniforms.” He said, looking me over.
  “I’ll take what everyone else has, thank you.” I said holding out my hands. He just shook his head and looked through the stacks for small enough clothes. Finally he handed me my clothes,”There. You’re lucky we get scrawny guys through here every so often. NEXT!”

  I stepped back and followed the procession to the next room. In there I saw uniformed guards shearing the hair off of the recruits. My jaw dropped and my heart started racing. My hair! I didn’t want to lose my hair! I loved my hair, no matter how messy it got or how unruly it seemed.
  “You next? Get over here.” One of the men waved.
“Um, no thank you? I like my hair. I’ll just keep it like this.” I said clutching my clothes and backing away. He looked at me as if I were mad,”Listen, I don’t give a rat’s *** if you like your hair or not. You’re gettin’ shaved.” The man grabbed my arm and pulled me over to the stool, sitting me down forcefully. I dropped my uniform and tried so desperately to escape, but all I got was a slap to the face and I sat still. Silent tears streamed down my face as my precious locks fell to the cold unfeeling ground. I held my face where the man slapped me and sobbed more. This place was not so nice after all.
  After I was done being sheared, they hustled us to the next room. I saw men huddled around large drawings of something and realized it must be maps of the Spire. So I took a seat and studied them for a moment. For some odd reason I felt as though I didn’t need them. This place was so familiar. I chalked it up to me dreaming of coming here and decided to shuffle on the next room.

  This room was not like anything I had seen before. I had to shut my eyes quite tightly as I entered for there were naked men walking about and I became quite embarrassed. What on earth were they all doing? Some were dressing but others were walking to where an odd mist was swirling out.
  “Hey hey...I heard there was a girl lurking about. Too bad about your hair though. Why don’t you get that nasty rag off your back? I’m sure you look just lovely without it...”Said a rather handsome man. I turned a deep purple when I opened my eyes and noticed he was very close and very naked.
  “Um, I’m actually comfortable thank you! I’ll just change somewhere else!” I squeaked.
“Better get used to naked men, missy. There’s this thing called a shower in there...wonderful. Much better than a bath!” Said another man. I still shook my head violently and stood against a wall in the corner. The room felt muggy like the forest of Westcliff, but smelled much better. There was a floral scent wafting in from the next room with the mist.
  “I can escort you if you like.” The handsome man offered, smiling and holding out his hand. I still shook my head. “No thank you! I can go myself if I want!” I slowly inched my way over to the room to take a little peek at this “shower” thing that was so wonderful. When I looked inside I saw water raining down upon all the men almost like there was a small waterfall. I gasped and looked away. Perhaps...it couldn’t hurt to just sneak in there and take a quick wash. I set my things down on a nearby bench and removed my dingy shirt, tossing it to the ground. I carefully removed my underclothes getting cat calls and whistles from the surrounding men. My face went hotter than the air from the shower room as I entered.
  I covered my chest and shuffled into a secluded corner that wasn’t occupied. I watched the water falling from a spout jutting from the wall. I stuck my head under and felt the warm water wash over me. It felt so wonderful on my skin. I looked around and noticed small white oval stone-looking things. I picked them up and sniffed. They were fragrant! It was soap! Glorious soap! I promptly began washing furiously, wanting to leave quickly as I started gathering a crowd.

  After my shower, I dried off and slipped on my uniform which I was not too happy about, but then again, it was better than being naked. I swiftly left that room and wandered into another where I saw scrawny bruised men shackled to the ground and my mind traveled right back to Garth.
  “These are what we have brought you here to guard. These men, these workers are here for the sole purpose of constructing the Spire.” The instructing guard told us. I spotted Bob on one of the benches and took a seat.
  “Hey there, how was the shower?” He asked joking.
“I never want to see a naked man again....” I groaned. Bob just chuckled but I frowned even more as the guard continued describing our “duties”. It was awful what they expected from us. They wanted these men to be shackled to the ground and working on a wall anywhere, just so long as they were working. When they were not working, they were to be kept in prison cells, guarded by us at all times. Some went without food and starved to death. I could feel tears forming at this. I wanted to leave right now, but knew there was no way that was going to happen.
  After this we all headed for lunch, but by this time I was not hungry. I sat staring at my tray, not moving or speaking. Bob nudged me a few times to try and get me to talk. I just sighed and turned away. Finally the call for us to return to our chambers came and I eagerly left. I arrived back at my comfortable bed and collapsed. This day was NOT a day in the least. My hair got lopped off, I was forced to shower with naked men and I had to endure the thought of torturing or possibly killing the enslaved men that worked here. I was dreading tomorrow and loathing what I knew I must do. I buried my face into my blanket, thinking of Courage and Hammer probably having a time at the Sandgoose. Little Danny would be helping Giles out at the farm and Jeremy was probably sitting alone without me there beside him.
  Everything was too much for me. I began sobbing into my pillow and shuddered uncontrollably. I was all alone here, save for Bob, but far from friends I’d come to know and love. Then there came a warm hand on my back, so soft and soothing. I gasped and looked up. There was a slender man with big beautiful eyes sitting on the edge of my bed, looking down at my crying figure. I sniffled and sat up, looking back.

  “Don’t be alarmed, my dear. I’m only here to comfort you.” He said softly with a warm smile. Normally this might alarm me as it was almost the same tone Kama would give me, but this one was pure and I knew he meant it. I sniffled a few more times and looked around at all the other men in the room. I noticed they all had common traits. They were mostly skinny with gorgeous eyes or acted in a feminine way. I tilted my head curiously and looked back at the man who had comforted me.
  “Who...who are you?” I asked shyly.
The man smiled again and held out his hand for me to take. I took it and he lay his other hand on mine. “My dear, my name is Stephan. What is your name?” He asked. I wiped my eyes and replied,”Well, I am called Lionheart by some of the others around here, but you can call me Sparrow if you like.”
  Stephan pulled me into a hug. I was so startled by his behavior, this was almost...motherly? Sisterly kind of behavior? What was he getting at? After he let go I gave him quite a quizzical look and he just laughed loudly. “Oh my dear that is precious. I take it you haven’t met many gay men before?”
  I nearly choked on my spit,”G-gay?! Well...um...that explains a lot?” I felt very awkward now and looked around at all the men.
  Some of them had been listening and came over,”Stephan, are you scaring the poor thing?” He put his hands on his hips. Stephan turned to him and slapped his arm,”I’m trying to comfort her.”
  “Oh!” The other man looked back at me,”It’s a girl then. Well my, my, I haven’t seen any women here. You must be very brave, coming here with a Spire full of men. My name is Hayden.” He held out his hand for me and I took it.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be so rude. I’m just used to men ogling me wherever I go.” I sat cross legged and faced them both.
  “Oh, well you shouldn’t worry about that here in this wing. You see, we’re all sorted based on our physical condition as well as many other factors. One of them being sexual orientation.” Stephan explained.
 I thought a moment and looked around again,”So, all of you guys here are gay?” I asked.
“Not me!” Came the disgruntled voice of a man on the opposite wall. The others chuckled or all out guffawed at this, including me. “Oh, you will be when we’re done with you, honey!” Hayden joked. I found myself laughing again. At least I didn’t have to share my sleeping quarters with those who might sneak into my bed in the middle of the night. In fact, I may be the one sneaking around, but only if I have a bad dream. Stephan rubbed my arm comfortingly. As I watched the men, some of them were removing the coats and what I saw made me drool slightly. They were quite to look at, even if they were not interested in me, it didn’t hurt just to look. I wondered how Bob was getting along. He was the rough and tumble type of guy, so I figured he would be with burly macho men like himself.
  “Are there any other men like yourselves here?” I asked. Stephan shifted and thought a moment,”Well, not exactly like us. I do know that I saw some rather muscular men in the shower and they seemed rather interested...” He trailed off into a daydream and Hayden rolled his eyes.

 I got up off my bed and walked around saying my “hello’s” and “how-do-you-do’s”. Once I felt comfortable enough with everyone there, I returned to my bed and removed my coat. I had a cloth wrapped around my chest instead of my old bra and removed the bulky belt from my pants. They fit fine without it and I kicked off my clunky boots before flopping back on the bed. This day was an emotional rollercoaster!
  “Resting up, dear?” Stephan asked sitting on the end of the bed. I nodded as my eyes closed.
“Dinner will be in a few. Can’t wait for it. I didn’t eat lunch, couldn’t bring myself to eat after that little demonstration...” Again I nodded and sighed. I wondered what we would be having, and also what would happen tomorrow. I noticed odd collars around the necks of the current guards. Would we be getting those as well? And what were they for? Only tomorrow would tell.

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My closest friends are in my head!

ReaversSparrow:

Had to stay off my comp all day yesterday due to the virus scare, but now here is chapter 27!

Please tell me you didn't fall for that one...? You fell for that one, didn't you? Well nothing bad happened...at all. I was actually disappointed.

Anyways, still reading through it. So far it's...interesting.

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update...great story



and kit, I just got your sig...I've read that book and seen the movie countless times, but just got it... quote.

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Off through the new day's mist I run, out from the new day's mist I have come. I hunt, therefore I am, harvest the land, taking of the fallen lamb

Liked the last update, I'll be checking back for more to come. They are great, you are very talented.

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http://alexisrose.mybrute.com/team/109037

So sorry I haven't updated yet. Some things have come up and I am currently getting artified. I am working on commissions at the moment and now a contest that is super important! I am writing when I can, just wanted to let you all i ain't dead! Much love to you all!

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My closest friends are in my head!

why should you be sorry? your the one writing this story, take as much time as you want, besides you update your story really quickly anyway so a lapse in writing for you is relatively short compared to some writers on this forum...

luck with the contest!

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1 year on the forums and counting! Get it? Counting? Oh never mind...

Whoa, incredible story. I can't believe how much time you put into it. So well done!!! Make more

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-Fable is the way to go,-
-For all your precious needs,-
- bad , who knows,-
-All on a disc!,-
-Let's go!-

Stupid poem created by: Me!

What happened to this? It was amazing.

Cubed_Gherkins:

What happened to this? It was amazing.

didn't you read her post? she's preparing for an art convention (well I'm pretty sure it's an art convention anyway... what kind of convention is it exactly ReaversSparrow?), I'm sure she's not given up on us yet!

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1 year on the forums and counting! Get it? Counting? Oh never mind...

countdowntoxmas:

Cubed_Gherkins:

What happened to this? It was amazing.

didn't you read her post? she's preparing for an art convention (well I'm pretty sure it's an art convention anyway... what kind of convention is it exactly ReaversSparrow?), I'm sure she's not given up on us yet!

I'm not dead >_< And it's not an art convention, it's an art contest, but I have been on Gaia Online doing commissions for a while. I'm very nearly finished with the next chapter! I just got one last super huge project I'm going to work on, but I do add to the story when I can. Chapter 28 coming soon I promise!

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My closest friends are in my head!

lol my bad

I'm performing in the school musical in a few weeks so I'm going through the same sort of thing... except I don't have as many fans relying on me to post lol (that was a comment just so you know )

looking forward to the next chapter!

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1 year on the forums and counting! Get it? Counting? Oh never mind...

You should become a narrator tbh, the "adaptation" of the entire childhood sequence was .

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OMGOSH!!! this is an amazing story! I staid home from school just so I could finish reading it. I love Jeremy, Kama and the commadant. I have a kind of thing for bad boys... so I was like omg when she woke up in his bed But it's very well written, write more soon please. I'll check back every day! luck

any chance of an update soon?

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1 year on the forums and counting! Get it? Counting? Oh never mind...

yes, please? I've become a huge fan of your fanfic. and I really think you're a more interesting writer than some of the 'bestselling' authors out there. update soon please

Hello! You all are not forgotten! I love you all for reading and commenting! I finally got the new chapter! Chapter 28 is alot darker. From now on, the story will be bloody and dark. There may be a few whimsical moments, but it is definitely darker in nature. Poor Sparrow She goes through alot.
Anyways, without further adeu...

Sparrow learns the meaning of pain and obedience...

Chapter 28
-Obedience-


  Dinner went well and so did my sleep. I had no wine to drink, but I had no bad dreams. In fact, I didn’t dream at all...This was a bit unsettling, but I was grateful at least for the peace of mind. I slowly pulled on my new uniform, groggy from having to wake so early. My mind was in a fog as I peered around the room. I yawned deeply, stretching and trying to wake myself up. Hayden took me by the shoulders and hustled me out the door with the rest of the gang. Our instructor stood at the front of the line, parading us down the long corridor.
  “Recruits! Today is the day you officially become guards! Or...at least some of you will.” He cackled lightly to himself. “You must pass two more tests before you are able to become the men we need you to be! Through these doors lies.....”
  But I stopped listening. There, in the cell to my right, was Garth. The second we locked eyes we both got a look of surprise on our faces. I gasped loudly so that I made Hayden stop and look as well.
  “Hm? Come on, Sparrow, we’re falling behind!” He pulled me along. Just then I heard Garth speaking, but it was in my mind like when Theresa would speak to me.

 “Sparrow, what are you doing here?! You’re jeopardizing everything by coming here...”Garth told me. I just shrugged and shook my head.

  “I don’t know! Theresa told me to come here to rescue you!” I thought desperately hoping he could hear my thoughts.

  “Do you realize what is going to happen to you right now?” He asked. His voice was fading as I walked further away.

  “No? Why what-“ But my thoughts ceased as I heard a loud, heart wrenching scream echo through the darkened halls. I gasped and looked in the direction I heard it erupt from. All the men in line were bowing their heads or shaking. They were bracing themselves, preparing themselves for something that lie ahead. What was it? What was it that had these men cowering like babes in the woods? I could no longer hear Garth in my head, I supposed we were too far from each other. I had no clue what was going on but then again, I don’t think I wanted to know. One by one the line moved forward, and one by one I got ever closer to discovering what had the men so frightened. Finally I was just close enough to glimpse through the door where they were leading the men and my eyes caught such a terror to the point I thought my brain would shut down or explode.
  The walls were splattered with blood and there pools of crimson underneath chairs that were stained red. Inside were men wearing masks speckled the same deep red and I could smell the horrible rotten stench wafting through the open doorway. What on earth were they doing in there?! It was now that I began to tremble. I turned away as other’s were ushered inside, looking frightened, trembling with uncertainty. I peered down the line at the unknowing men wondering with innocent curiosity as to why all the other men were shaking. They would know soon enough as more shrieks rang through the dreary hallway. I jumped at every wail, imagining terrible things happening inside.

  “Next ten!” The guard roared out of the room. Nine others stood before me. I was the tenth. I was next. Now more than ever my heart was pounding, my mouth arid and my knees buckling as they pulled me forward.
  “Please remove your uniforms unless you want to upset the Commandant with your disgusting blood soaked attire! And I wouldn’t upset the Commandant, ‘specially not lately!” The guard barked at everyone. My jaw was trembling, my teeth chattering as I removed my warmth and security. I placed them with the others on a safe shelf and walked back over to my chair. This time no one took notice of my nakedness, no one even cared. I looked over to Hayden who was now being strapped down to a chair. His frightened eyes glanced in my direction before his head was strapped down as well.
  “Hey...you’re a girl....well, you best hop up there now. Don’t want to slow things down. Go on, get up there, I’ll strap you down...” The masked man spoke calmly. My eyes watered as I climbed up on the still warm, bloody chair. My lip quivered as the doctor or scientist, whatever you want to call him, strapped me down tightly with leather bonds. There would be no way to protect myself now...

  “Just relax. It’s always better if you’re not so tense. I can give you something to loosen you up, but nothing for the pain. Sorry...” The doctor pulled out a large glinting needle, flicked it a few times and stuck it in my arm. It stung as the liquid filled my veins. There came an intense warmth spreading all through my body. I felt all my tension slip away and I became lethargic, stupid...slower....
  Adrenaline no longer coursed through my veins, but sweet, sweet calm. A big smile spread over my face as the doctor held up a large metal rod. If he was talking, I couldn’t understand. It was as if someone had shut off my ears or stuffed them with cotton. I felt joy and bliss, almost as if I had been extremely drunk, but quite aware of it. Then came the unimaginable, excruciating, burning pain in my chest. My throat became sore. I supposed I was screaming, but couldn’t hear anything. I felt the icy hands of the doctor, felt the piercing cold of something foreign in my chest, my shoulders, my back. It burned with ice. My brain was on fire, it didn’t know what to make of it all. I felt warmth blanketing me, but with horror realized it was my own blood pouring forth in waves over my body. I felt something being fitted around my throat, just as icy as everything else and then came the most terrible pain I had ever felt.
  Sharp spikes drove themselves deep into my neck, somehow managing to avoid my spine and my throat. Again my throat became sore and I could begin to hear more. I heard screams, distant, but there, even my own seemed far off. I struggled against my bonds, knowing it was futile, but the pain was so intense I felt as though I were tearing apart.

  Once more I felt the sting in my arm, the burning, the warmth. “This will help you sleep...you passed the test young one. Now sleep....” Were the last words before darkness. Darkness I somehow hoped would never end. And then came the humming.

  “Hey...Sparrow...wake up...” Came the hoarse voice of Hayden. He must’ve made it through the pain as well. My neck was still in excruciating pain, my throat sore and my arm stung where the needle had penetrated.
  “H-ha......”I tried to speak. I felt his warm arms holding me, felt him fussing with something and realized he was dressing me. I didn’t mind, just so long as I could retain some warmth.

  “You look like you had a...*cough* excuse me..a rough time in there....you lost a lot of blood. The...doctor working on you...nicked an artery...lost...a few men...but I’m glad you survived.” Hayden spoke softly and sadly. His hands were trembling over me. I still felt that calmness, that sleepiness, but no longer felt scared. I blinked a few times, focusing on my breathing. Hayden finished dressing me and sat me up. I felt a little dizzy and had to get my bearings. We were back in our quarters. I looked down at myself or at least I tried. There was something obstructing my movement and it hurt terribly.

  “They tell us....they’re obedience collars...they make sure..we...obey...If we don’t, something bad happens, but they won’t tell us what. Only...”Hayden paused to catch is breath before continuing,”Only dared us to...find out....”

  Silent tears dripped from my eyes as I looked up at Hayden. His eyes were no longer cheery, but sullen and darker. I could see the massive bruising and swelling where the collar had been fitted. In the chest piece I noticed it was glowing red. I sat still, the pain too much in my neck to try and turn my head and gaze around the room, but I imagined the same had happened to all the others, even me. I was so completely at Lucien’s mercy. Truly and finally, I realized the grim truth of what Garth had warned me. I was stuck in here, just like the slaves and just like Garth. I was a prisoner in his dark sea fortress.

  For several days we were all attended to as we lay in our own agonizing hell. The medics treated infections, though not all successfully. I saw a few men carried out on stretchers. Luckily I had Hayden by my bed to keep me occupied. His friend Stephen wasn’t too far away. We’d lie awake in pain for hours just trying to joke and laugh, occasionally telling each other a bit of life before the Spire. One such time it was my turn. I told them of life in the gypsy camp. I wouldn’t dare tell them my plan. Any chance of my cover being blown and I would be dead, along with Garth.
  As soon as we began feeling better we were informed of one final test of obedience. Everyone groaned and complained, but became silent as the Commandant made his presence known in the room. He examined each of us, walking by every bed and seeming to scan us for any sign of fear. When I saw him draw nearer the only thing I found myself thinking about was his face. What lie under that mask...Finally he approached my bed and I saw a flicker of surprise in those wild eyes. He stopped, nodded at me and continued. What was that? Was he...actually happy to see I had survived? Or was that more surprise?

  “Recruits, today is the day you become soldiers. Guards to Lucien’s cause. You will be escorted to my interrogation chamber to prove your loyalty once and for all. Though some of you may try and act cocky, I assure you, you do NOT want to disobey. You will highly regret that decision. Now...” He jerks his hand towards us and his guards start yelling for us to move.
  I wince as I am hauled to my feet roughly, by a guard. Hayden and Stephen jump to their feet having healed properly. As we are all shuttled out once more I feel my patience and stamina waning. I felt like I wanted to scream or hit something. I felt the edges of my sanity and balanced on a delicate line, as if walking a tightrope.
  The men before me marched in unison towards the Commandant’s chamber, the men behind ushered me on. I trudged along with them past prison cells where starved men lay dying, their hungry moans echoing through the hallowed halls making the Spire sound haunted. As if it weren’t haunted enough by the shadows filling every corner. Though some light did shine deep within a few, I found comfort in this fact and continued on. Finally we came to a halt and once more I found myself on the end of a line I sincerely wished I hadn’t been.

  “Alright, first one in, there ya go.” Came the voice of a rather angry guard. He sounded agitated as though he wished not to be in this particular place at this particular time. But I wondered what things then he might enjoy? Was it the barking orders at weaker men? Perhaps the whipping of those he felt were beneath him? Or for an entirely different reason, did he detest this area because he himself was once in this line, awaiting his turn to be sworn into an army whose intentions were black as the very shards around us?
  It seemed my very thoughts were already beginning to betray me. The inner workings of my mind were clouded by doubt and repressed by fear. Again I heard the screams, only now they were proceeded with severely bloody, beaten men. Bones were broken, sometimes piercing through the skin, and flesh was purple and swelling. There were deep cuts in others where it appeared the Commandant had slashed them open with his jagged sword. My mind was ablaze with questions. What on earth could drive a man to such things to another? I was quite perplexed at such an aberration of humanity.

  “Next!” Shouted the guard again and again. One by one they all entered and left, wether walking or being carried. Hayden took my little hand and held it tight as his turn neared. I gripped back just as hard, wondering what the last test held for us.

  “Next!” Hayden walked forward, slowly, but was shoved forward and into the room where I saw the Commandant, blood spattering his dark uniform. My heart pounded out of my chest for him. I silently prayed for Hayden to be alright. I could hear his screams resonating off of the walls of the dark chamber. Every yelp made me leap and I could hear him sobbing and pleading. There came a thud and then silence. My heart stopped and I clasped my hands to my mouth. He couldn’t...
  The death doors opened before me and I craned my neck to try and see into the room. Hayden lay there on the floor motionless. Guards ran to him and turned him over and tears began filling my eyes. He couldn’t be, I wouldn’t accept it. The guards picked up the limp body and the pain must have shown on my face, for the Commandant marched from his chamber and stomped over to me. His shadow engulfed me and I looked up at him with fear and anger.

  “He passed...”Were the only words he spoke to me before motioning for me to follow. My eyebrows furrowed at these...kind(?) words he spoke gruffly. All the guards looked on as I walked after the tall, depressing man. I knew not what he did to all those other men, but knew that I would soon find out. As soon as those large spiked doors closed I let loose.

  “What the hell are you doing to those men?! What did you do to Hayden?!” I shouted in a fury as the Commandant merely adjusted the grip on his massive sword.
  “Shhh...” He merely hushed me. I looked at him with disbelief. “And what if I don’t? What if I want to yell and to scream and shout?! What if I am sick and tired of this god forsaken place already?!!” I screamed at him, my belly filling with fire. He turned to me and those hellish eyes burned deep into my soul once more. I wavered in my stance, something I should not have done. I showed weakness in front of him, showed weakness because of him. I regained my footing, but the damage had been done. It was then I felt the wave of pain wash over me. It was hot like scalding water, yet stinging like that of a thousand bees. I couldn’t even cry out because the surging caused me to jerk and fall to the ground. There I had a fit and tossed around silently on the ground, my face screwed up in agony until finally it stopped.
  And tears followed, with whimpering at the relief. I closed my eyes and felt the vibration of the Commandant’s boots getting nearer to me. I was hoisted to my feet roughly by him. His d eyes glared at me and I just let him hold me up. I knew he was angered by my tears, angered by my sobbing, but what else was I supposed to do? I couldn’t hide myself...

  “Disobey, and that is what will happen to you, understand?” The Commandant’s cold voice pierced me. I did not answer, but frowned as more tears escaped. I was now angry at myself for betraying my thoughts. The Commandant dropped me and I fell to my knees.
  “Stand.” He ordered, walking briskly over to the large open window. Slowly I made it to my feet. “. Now, come over here.” He ordered again. And so I walked towards him.
 “Very . You show promise young one. Recruit 273. That is your name from now on, and it is not random. That is because I have broken 272 recruits before you.”He explained.
  “Broken?” I asked in my stupidity. The Commandant turned back to me, his bloody eyes smiling,”Yes, Lionheart, I am going to break you.” There came a flash of steel, a whisper as the blade missed my ear by inches. My eyes widened in terror and I held my breath. Tremors shook through me and I couldn’t even utter a cry. There would have been no time to react if he’d wanted to kill me. I felt the Commandant’s firm grip on my throat as he turned to face him. He fit his sword into a sheathe and chuckled lightly under his cloth mask.
  “Oh dear...What am I going to do with you if you can’t even see that coming?” He sighed and reached up, pulling his mask down. Again my eyes shot open. This shocked me, as he was quite protective of himself before. The Commandant stretched his jaw and I got a look at the inside of his mouth. It was glowing so much more in the darkness of the Spire, more enchantingly blue. Steam poured forth from the hellish man’s mouth and he smiled at me. I swallowed hard as he looked at me. My eyes drifted from his mouth to his eyes and then for a second I saw something else. He looked sad.
  I was flung to the floor faster than I could blink and I groaned as my bruised shoulder collided with the hard floor. “What...hrr...what is WRONG with you?!” I yelled up at the Commandant. He had replaced his mask and pulled his sword from it’s sheathe once more. “What...is...what’s...wrong...”But I couldn’t think as he stood above me, sword glinting off what little light there was in the room.

  “Recruit 273. I am going to hit you, and you are going to thank me, understood?” The brooding darkness returned to him as he looked lovingly at his battered sword. And now I understood why all those men came out battered and bruised. Bones broken and limbs twisted. They were beaten into submission.
  “And...what if I said....no?”I pushed myself up off of the ground and scrambled to my feet, trying to stand straight. The flare jumping from the Commandant’s eyes would have scalded a weaker man, but I stood strong. He was a bully, nothing more than a big bully. I told myself, thinking back to the time Rose stood up to that boy in the alley. The boy who beat on Courage, the one I beat back and won.
  “Trying to be brave will not get you anywhere in here, young Lionheart...only bring death faster.” The Commandant growled low and lifted his sword high. He swung swiftly and I felt the blunt force to the side of my head. My brain pounded and my skull ached as the ground flew up at me. This time I let out a scream and held my face, looking up at the terrifying man with anger and fear.
  “Now...thank me.” He spoke casually, turning the sword over in his hands. I shook my head, wincing at every movement. “I said...thank me!” The Commandant shouted and again the wave of pain surged through my body. Hot tears streamed down my face, dripping onto the cold stone floor. When the pain ceased, drool was oozing out of my mouth. My eyes had rolled back into my head and I was sweating profusely.
  “Don’t make it happen again. You will soon realize that resisting is futile. Do it enough and you will lose yourself to the pain and become a perfectly obedient drone. Mindless, ruthless, merciless. The perfect killing machine. Who knows, if you disobey enough, perhaps you will become the next loyal servant to Lord Lucien. Mad from pain....” He sighed deeply as he whispered to me. I saw his eyes wander to a place I could not reach.
  I waited for him to say something more, when he did not, I spoke up.

  “Thankyou....”I said hoarsely. Not to his hitting me, but instead to the small glimpse of humanity he showed, wether he was aware of it or not.
  “. Now...again...”He kicked my ribs with his steel-toed boot. They were still fragile from being broken in the Crucible and I heard a crunch, followed by tolerable pain. It was less than the pain I would feel having disobeyed.
  “Thankyou...”I whimpered at his feet.
The Commandant knelt down to me and tilted up my head with his gloved hand,”Very , recruit 273. You learn quickly. You have passed.”

 With those spoken words, the charcoal doors swung open wide and the guards ran through, prying me from the floor and dragging my painful body from the room. I was not broken. I would not obey every command. But I would not go mad from pain, nor mad with power as Lucien and his faithful lackey have. I would bide my time slowly and wait for the opportune moment to strike. Garth and I were both getting out alive. I swore this.

---

My closest friends are in my head!

god I wish I could write like this, then I might get a few more comments .

For a moment there I thought the commandant was going to do something a bit naughty but that would be out of character.

Great job!

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1 year on the forums and counting! Get it? Counting? Oh never mind...

It's to see you're back in the game with another chapter that's better than any in any best-selling authors, or otherwises, books. I'll be checking in every single day now for more. Thanks for writing this. It's a real pleasure to read. : )

I absolutely loved that chapter! Even though it was gruesome, I enjoyed it immensely! I love how you made the commandant a little more human in my eyes. Keep up the great writing! I can't wait till your next post!

I just read the whole thing, and can only say one thing...AWESOME!!!!! lol keep up the work.

Yay! I'm happy everyone is reading! Got a new chapter here for you guys. Just a warning again. This chapter gets pretty intense at the beginning. The Spire is a bad, bad place to be...

Chapter 29, After an attack, Sparrow is sent down to the docks to help unload and receives quite a shock!

Chapter 29
-Surprise-


  “So how are you liking the new position?” I heard Stephen ask as we were sitting in the cafeteria. My face was blank, unreadable. I sat staring at my food with a million things running through my mind.
  “Not hungry, huh?” Stephen asked concerned. Hayden nudged me,”Hey! Wake up! I know you said you haven’t been sleeping too the past few weeks but, really. If you’re falling asleep at meals...”

“It’s not that.” I said blandly. I looked down at the steam swirling up, dancing around the carcass of some dead bird that lay on my plate, fried and dripping in gravy. I had been forced to eat this slop for three weeks now. Three weeks I had been a slave to Lucien’s Spire, and his soldiers. I had to guard prison cells, though I knew not why if escape was impossible. I had to listen to men wasting away from starvation. That kind of thing starts to wear on your mind after a while.
  Hayden at his food silently along with Stephen and Bob. They were my only friends in here, but I was very grateful to have any. I stood, picking up my tray and walked off through the cafeteria. Everyone looked as I did so. A few of my superiors watched carefully as I began to head for the exit with tray in hand.
  “Hold it there, Recruit, where you think you’re goin’?” The man asked. I just replied stone faced,”I need to take this to someone.”
  “Can’t leave the cafeteria with food. Those are the orders.”He told me, shoving me back a bit. My eye twitched as he did this.
“I have to take this to someone.” I told him again, but the guard shoved me backwards.
“You’re going to sit back down and eat your grub, else I’ll report you. As well as you’ll get a sound punishment from the collar...”He told me.
  “I have to-“ JJJJJJJZZZZZZZTTTT!!! The tray flew from my hands as I twitched in pain, the shock traveling through my body. This time I was able to stay my ground. I had been shocked several times over the past month and had become accustomed to the pain, though it still hurt like hell. Soon as the pain passed, the guards took my roughly by the arms and held me in place as another struck a blow to my stomach and knocked all the wind from me. I lay limp in their grip, grinding my teeth at the sudden assault on my senses. I knew what came next.

  “Take her to the Commandant. AGAIN. Oh, he’s not goin’ to be happy to see you.” The guard grinned at me as his lackeys carried me off into the hall where they shoved me to the ground.
“Ha! You’d better learn better, stupid ***!” One of the men shouted, kicking me as I tried getting to my feet. “The Commandant ain’t forgiving as me.”
  “Hey, maybe we should help her learn some proper manners.”The other one chuckled. I crawled forward, trying to get back on my feet and on my way to the Commandant. The men, now unsupervised, began taunting and jeering.
  “Hey, where you goin? You’ve got some time, don’t ya? I’m much better than the Commandant...I won’t hurt ya, I promise.” The first man grabbed my collar and jerked me backwards. I yelled at the jab to my throat from the collar’s barbs and winced.
  “Hey, hey, now careful. Don’t break her.” The second one said.
“I’m not going to break her. Not yet...”The first man smirked down at me. I glared back and the both of them laughed. Then they reached down and began grabbing at my clothes, the first one dragging me towards a dark corner.

“NO!” I screeched, hoping someone would hear my cries. “LET ME GO!” I cried out, kicking and flailing, but the men pulled away my scarf and began undoing the belts on my coat and pants. I kicked hard at the man in front, hitting him in the chest, but he barely flinched. I couldn’t move my arms as the other had them pinned back. I tried to scream again, but the man in front reached forward and stuffed the scarf over my mouth, having his friend tie it securely. I yelled, but now was muffled and my heart pounded faster than ever. I started to kick and flail about, making it more difficult for them to get a hold on me, but the man in front hit my collar making it jolt all through me. Evidently they had learned how to trigger the collars without having to be commanding officers. I lay still and whimpered as the man finally unbuckled my pants, the both of them pulling off my coat and starting to take off my pants. My heart was beyond frightened and my mind felt like it would burst with the thought of what was about to occur. This couldn’t be happening to me. It wouldn’t.

---

The Commandant knelt before Lucien who again sat at his desk thumbing through some papers.
 “It shall be done, my Lord.” the Commandant said, keeping his spiked head bowed.

“Very well....um...hm...”Lucien furrowed his brow and blinked as if trying to clear something from his eyes.

“My Lord, is something wrong?” the Commandant stood and looked at his master.

“Near the cafeteria....something....feels wrong...I don’t know. Go and look into it. Could be an escaped prisoner or something Be quick about it. You have other things to attend to.” Lucien said darkly, sounding tired and drained for the day.

  “Yes, my Lord.” the Commandant bowed swiftly and left the room without a moments hesitation. Lucien sprang from his chair and ran into the bathroom, pouring cool water from a large silver pitcher, into a black marble basin. He cupped the water with two hands and splashed his sullen face. He held his stomach and shut his eyes as if he were in pain. He whispered something under his breath and looked up at himself in the mirror. His face grew even more pale by the day, his wrinkles deeper and his eyes bluer.
  Lucien steadied himself against the sink, but felt another wave of nausea and scrambled for a bucket, heaving into it. He wiped the bile from his mouth with a shaky hand, the sweat beading on his forehead.
  “Damn...”He managed to say, picking himself up off of the floor. He looked around for a towel, pulling it from the rack and wiping his face and hands of the mess. This has been happening for several weeks now. The nausea, vomiting...He couldn’t continue this way. And his dreams were clouded, darker now and filled with that glorious humming. He felt at peace with that humming...it was, perhaps one of the few things that gave him comfort these days. He was beginning to forget, her. His Helena...and...his little Amelia. Their faces became a little more fuzzy with every waking breath. The madness of the Spire was creeping, digging it’s devious little claws into his skull and aging him far beyond what he had expected.
  Garth had warned him of the effects, told him not to meddle with things that should have stayed lost. But he, Lord Lucien, was so very close...everyday, to the completion of the Spire. Then....well then he would fix everything...

---

I struggled against my captors as they ran their hands over my flesh, enjoying the feeling, preparing themselves for their pleasure and for my pain. I screamed, though futile, trying to loosen the scarf so that I could yell for someone to help. But then I felt the familiar vibration of boots on a cold stone floor. I held my breath as I felt them draw nearer. The men touching me and feeling me could not sense it, but I knew what was coming.
  “Oh, yeah....you feel gooooood.” The man in front of me said, grinning at me and undoing his own belt buckle. I just glared at him, wishing I could use my Will fire, and wondering just why it wasn’t working. Slowly, the man removed his belt and dropped it to the floor. Everything was in slow motion.

  And then came the shadow, the darkness that blackened the night itself. The Commandant stood just behind the man about to ravage me. The man holding my arms let go and backed away. I grabbed the scarf from my mouth, happy just to be able to talk again.
  “Hey what gives?! Gary, what the f-“But he never finished his sentence. The Commandant had thrust his sword down through the man’s sternum. Blood poured from the fatal wound and he gurgled before his eyes rolled back and the Commandant removed his sword from the man.  I looked up at the Commandant, his fury beyond anything I had seen before.

  “Aww jeez, look at....what?” The other man, Gary, twisted his face in fear and confusion. The Commandant stomped towards him with increasing anger. I pulled my clothes to me, still watching the Commandant corner the feeble little man cowering in the corner. The Commandant lifted his blood soaked sword high above his head, an ominous aura rising around him. My eyes widened and the Commandant let his word fall upon the man, splitting his head like a melon. I gasped and jumped, disbelieving what I was seeing. Again he struck the man down, blood spurting from the split in his head. I backed up, gasping with every blow. I stood up, just barely and pulled on my coat, trying to pull on my pants. But I couldn’t manage anything with a dead body to my right and another being brutalized right in front of me. I slipped in the fresh blood and began to lose it.

  “Stop!” I screamed,”Stop it! He’s dead already!” I begged, running to the dark executioner. He ceased bludgeoning the carcass in front of him and turned to face me, tears streaming down my cheeks. I had flecks of blood decorating my ankles and portions of my face. My feet were covered in crimson and I stood before the Commandant sobbing. Weeping like a child, half naked and shivering, I could only cry.
  The Commandant looked to me, then at the two men he’d just slain, then back to me. He let his sword fall to the ground with a loud clatter, walking over to me.
  “Lord Lucien told me there was trouble. Should have known it would be you....”The Commandant grumbled. I still stood there cowering.
  “I-I-I’m s-sorry...s-s-sir....Was...j-just on....my way to see you. S-supposed to....”I could barely speak, not wishing to arouse his anger lest he unleash his fury upon me as well.

“Again. Always, you continue to defy. Continue to disobey. Did I not warn you-?” I cut him off.

“Yes! Yes, you warned me, okay?!” more tears came and I could no longer look at him. I was tired and felt horrible, disgusting. I turned away from the Commandant and tried pulling my pants back on once more. I managed to fit my legs through and pull them up. I looked around for my belt. I reached down, having spotted it, but the Commandant had grabbed it first and handed it to me. I took it reluctantly and fit it on me. I then pulled on my boots and tried to wipe away my tears.
  Then, there came a loud bustling and all the men from the cafeteria began flooding out of the doorway. There were gasps and curses. Men backed away and some started heaving as they saw the two dead men laying on the floor. The Commandant shot them all a nasty look and shouted,”Get on with it! Move! This is no time to dawdle, unless you want to end up like these two!”
 That sent all the men scrambling over each other to leave as quickly as possible from the area. I just watched them all tripping over themselves, slipping in the blood. And then I saw Hayden and Stephen’s faces in the crowd. They looked very concerned and scared at what had happened. All I could do was shrug and try not to cry. Soon they were all gone from the hall and the Commandant had replaced his sword in it’s hilt.
  “Come. We will leave this mess for clean-up. You are coming to my chamber.” He gripped my collar tightly and lead me through the halls and up flights of stairs towards the room where I had often been called.

 We entered and the heavy door shut behind me. The Commandant marched up to the window overlooking the docks and clenched his right fist. With his other hand he rubbed his right wrist and pulled his glove tighter. I could see that something was bothering him, but knew it best not to ask what.
  “Come over here.” The Commandant growled almost calmly. I obeyed and stepped up over the ledge and joined him at the window. He pointed down below to where new ships were coming in. I could see new recruits shuffling down the plank and being herded by the guards. My heart sunk, knowing what awaited them. I also saw several men unloading a fresh load of supplies.
  “Go there. Help unload. That is an order. I will have one of my men escort you. Ah-....rrr...”The Commandant coughed into his mask and I backed up. The large black door opened and some men entered. The Commandant composed himself once more and waved towards me. The two men grabbed me by both arms.
  “Take this one to the docks for unloading duties. Make sure she puts her sweat and blood into it. I want to see her work hard for the two men she just cost me.” The Commandant ordered the guards.

I opened my mouth to protest this, but was swept away before I could speak my mind. Probably best at this point. I soon found myself at the docks, tripping over my own feet as I climbed aboard a large supply ship. There were many men already unloading and I was pushed on by the Commandants lackeys. “I’m going alright?!” I yelled back and trudged into the cargo hold. I was met by a large crate toppling towards me and a shout of a very familiar voice.
  “Oi! Lookout there!” I grabbed the crate quickly and held it steady.

“Thanks..sorry!!! I’m just new at this...”I heard young Danny speak. I gasped and my eyes bugged out of my skull.
  “Daniel! What are you doing here?!” I yelled at him.

“Sparrow! It’s you! Thank ness! I thought I was gonna get another lashing...” Danny looked up at me with a smudged face and I hugged him to me tightly.

“Oh, Daniel you little bugger! You don’t know how happy I am to see you!” I squeezed him and then conked him on the head.
  “Ow! Whatchu do that for?” He rubbed his head and scowled at me.
“You dolt! Do you have any idea what kind of place this is?! I warned you didn’t I?! I told you not to come! Are you stowing away? Trying to sneak in here? Do you know what they’ve done to me?” I bombarded him with questions while my eyes welled with tears. I now feared for poor Danny’s life. If they caught him...
  “No, no. You don’t understand, Sparrow. I’m a crate boy! I went back to Bowerstone, snuck away from my dad o’ course, but I knew I had to get here somehow to make sure you were alright. So I got a job loading and unloading crates at the docks. They said I could come this time. They were short handed. Told me if I did a job I could help more often.” Danny explained to me and I hit him again.
  “Ow! Would you quit doing that, please?” He furrowed his brow.

“Hey! What’s the hold up down there! We gotta keep this freight moving!” I heard a guard shout.

Danny jumped and grabbed the crate, lugging it along. I grabbed one as well and followed him closely. “Danny!,” I whispered to him,”Danny, listen. If you want to help me, just stay away from this place! It’ll give me less to worry about while I’m here alright?” I told the boy who was clearly not listening. We set down the crates and went back for more.
  “I’m sorry, Sparrow, but I can’t. This is something I know I just gotta do. Here.” Danny held out a small piece of parchment and I snatched it up, stuffing it into my trousers.
  “What is it?” I whispered.
“It’s a letter, from Jeremy. He wrote a long letter. Told me to give it to you when I could. He misses you something terrible, Sparrow.” Danny answered as he grabbed another crate. I lifted a rather large one and carried it out.
  My heart was fluttering with the news and I couldn’t wait for a moment to rest so that I might read it. “Danny. If you do this, you have to stay a crate boy. You can’t ever, EVER become a guard here. Do you understand me? Do you see this collar? They do terrible things here...they have done horrible things...I’m..scared...” I told him as we set down our crates.

  “Don’t worry. I gotta keep this job so that I can ferry letters back and forth. Hammer says if Jeremy can get you letters then she’ll start writing too. Just stay alive, Sparrow. We’re all counting on you.” Danny wanted to hug me once more, but he was called back to the ship. “I gotta go now. We’re heading back to the mainland...I’ll be back. Why don’t you try writing a letter so we can all know how you’re holding up?” And with that, Danny hopped back aboard the cargo ship. I waved bye to him once more and stood there as the ship departed. It wasn’t until I could no longer see the ship, that I finally turned and began walking back to find the Commandant’s guards. They had taken off somewhere and now I found myself quite lost.
  I walked on past working men, past guards who whipped them and up several flights of stairs. I tried to find a place that looked familiar, but the only trouble was: Everything in the Spire looked the same!
  “Well isn’t this just perfect! Now I’m lost! How the hell am I going to get back? Oh...the Commandant isn’t going to be happy about this...” I began to worry as I felt even more hopeless. I wandered down deserted hallways and empty chambers. There was no one in sight and my heart was racing faster and faster. I turned back, but found myself even more lost than before! Where was I going? There wasn’t a wall there a second ago! My mind was racing just as quickly as my heart when just then. A ray of hope.
  “Sparrow?” I heard Garth’s wonderful voice in my head and hot tears met my eyes.
“Oh, Garth! Where are you?! I’m lost I can’t find where I am!” I called to the darkness.
  “You are close enough to me. Try following the corridor to your right. It should lead you right to me. There is a guard in front of my cell, so be careful. Act normally.” Garth directed me.
I followed his instruction and soon saw a whole row of prison cells with a guard standing watch in front of one. There I knew was Garth. “Thank you, so much.” I thought, knowing he would hear it.
  “It was nothing. Now how about you relieve this guard of his duties and we can talk a while?” Garth told me. I was puzzled, but again, did as I was told. The guard looked new, like me. I still approached him with caution.
  “Yes, may I help you?” He asked. His voice was still kind and untainted.
“Commandant says I’m to relieve you. Go..do..whatever it is that you’re supposed to be doing now. I’m taking over.” I tried to sound convincing. The man just tilted his head and shrugged.
  “Alright, I don’t wanna piss off the Commandant.” He left me there, with Garth.

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My closest friends are in my head!