Samuel Haley

(Five days previous to the events surrounding the Red Mark Street Massacre)

Samuel Haley tromped through the great pined forests that expanded from West Port to the northern Borders of Bartholomew’s kingdom. He had been traveling for quite some time and was beginning to wonder when the Prophet would reveal himself. He came to a small creek and paused from his great journey to get a drink.

The water was cool and refreshing. The peaceful breeze eased the warm, spring sunlight. The pines on the trees bowed and lifted as the wind blew through their branches. Samuel sat down on a large stone that had been smoothed by years of rushing water. He took off his pack and rubbed his shoulders. He then removed a bundle containing flat bread from his pack and munched on a piece.

“What a beautiful day.” He thought as he chewed. “I actually feel… relaxed. I haven’t felt this way for a long time. Ever since the Holy Kielranny (Seekers) told me the Prophet wished me to report on my progress, I have been a little irritated.”

“Eewww!!” A childish voice screamed out from behind Samuel.

Samuel shot up from his seat and put his hand to the hilt of his long-sword, which was at his hip. He twirled around to face the source of the voice.

A young girl stood only a couple of yards from where Samuel was originally sitting. “How can you eat flat bread plain like that?”

Samuel scanned the girl and then let out a whole-hearty belly laugh. He then took his hand from his sword and sat back on the rock. “I eat it plain, little one, because I spilled my Gray sauce (one of many slightly alcoholic, tangy sauces that one may dip flat bread in) a few miles back.”

The little girl giggled. “How did you spill it? Did you make a mess? I hear it stains.”

Samuel was fairly amused by the girl. “I did get a little bit on my sleeve… see.” He held his sleeve up and laughed a bit. “I figure if I get hungry later, I will just take a little lick.”

The girl continued to giggle for several seconds and then looked up at Samuel. “I like you. You’re funny. I am not angry at you anymore.”

Samuel laughed at her final comment. “And why were you angry at me, little nymph? Did my flat bread really offend you that badly?”

The girl’s smile fled her face. “I was angry because you almost lost my friend.”

Samuel’s smirk moved to a half smile. “Oh, and who was your friend?”

“Her name is Tristy… and she gets sad when people hurt her, and she got hurt by some people and it’s your fault.” The little girl’s eyebrows furled and her lips formed a large frown.

Samuel stood up again from the stone and scanned the young girl. “Who are you? And what do you know of the whereabouts of this Tristy character you accuse me of hurting?”

“You did not hurt her, but it’s still your fault. You were supposed to keep my friend safe from the bad men who want my treasure.” She slowly backed up towards the woods. “Don’t look for her anymore. She is at my house now.”

Samuel Haley’s smile was gone. He drew his sword and tromped toward the little girl. “Where is Tristy, you little rat? Where is your home?” He seized the girl by the wrist and threw her into the creek. The girl splashed about in the shallow water, until Samuel pulled her out by her cherry blond hair. He then dragged her to the rock he had been sitting on and put the edge of his blade against her belly. “I am going to give you to the count of three…. One …two … Aaaggh!”

Samuel Haley fell forward onto the little girl, but was soon pulled back and tossed lifelessly into the creek by a cloaked personage. Six other ghostly personages rushed to help the little girl up. “ARE YOU WELL, MASTER?” they all said simultaneously.

“I…I don’t know.” The little girl said teary eyed. “I think I’m alright. I think he just scared me.”

The personages helped the girl to her feet. “WE SHALL BURN THE HERITIC’S BODY, MASTER.” They all said.

“No, don’t do that. I don’t think he knew who I was.” She wiped her face and tried to force a smile. “And don’t call me master anymore. You are all my friends. Just call me Tamy.” She turned to one of the group and embraced him. She then began to sob again.

The group looked about awkwardly. The member being embraced gently moved the girl to the rock. “MAS…” They all paused and then continued. “HANSHELI IS DEAD. HE COULD NOT FUNCTION WITH HIS AFFLICTIONS.” All the personages rose. “IT IS WRITTEN THAT WE MUST HAVE EIGHT. SEVEN LESSER, AND ONE KING. FOR THE PROPHET SHALL CHOOSE THE NEXT KEILRANNY.”

The group backed away from the girl. She sat alone on the rock starring at the ground for several minutes. Her tears stopped. She then stood up and faced the group. “We need to go back to West Port. I want you all to come and meet my best friend.”