Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
Arisa held her sword before her, scowling at Gahwal with fury she could muster. Every moment of the last year led here. Her pain, her sweat, her loss, it all culminated in this moment.
And Gahwal laughed at her.
“Stop,” Arisa hissed, switching into a guarded position. “You’ve no right to laugh.”
“I’ve every right to laugh,” Gahwal said.
“I’ll still your laughter forever. Just as you did with so many others.” Gahwal charged, her feet flying quickly as she extended to pierce Gahwal.
He deflected her easily. Stepping forward, he grabbed her wrist.
Arisa jerked, trying to break free, but his grip held tighter than a shackle. Gahwal shoved her backward against a wall. At least she didn’t see laughter in his eyes. Gahwal shook his head wearily. Wrenching her hand upwards, he smacked it against the wall. Her nerves screamed until her hand opened and the sword clattered to the floor.
Drawing a breath, Gahwal leaned forward, bracing against the wall. “Despite what your teacher may have told you, I am not your enemy.”
“Yes, you are!” Arisa snapped. She twisted, trying to bring her knee between his legs. Gahwal slid sideways quickly.
“I am not.”
“You killed my family.”
“I did not.” Gahwal leaned down and collected her sword before stepping backwards.
Arisa dropped her arm but stood still staring at him. She was out of weapons. He was not out of aid. She knew his soldiers lurked beyond the door.
“Nor am I the one getting fools killed.” Gahwal’s gaze remained fixed on Arisa.
“Fool?” Arisa stammered.
“Do you think your teacher waited a single day before he began training his next ‘chosen one’?” Gahwal shook his head. “Chosen by desperation.”
Arisa shook her head, unable to find words to contradict him. Her teacher would not have done that. Her mind flashed to her chambers the first night in her teacher’s halls. A debris of items had still been strewn across the chamber. Items left by a hurried departure. Her own debris she’d left behind had matched.
“No, he wouldn’t,” she protested weakly.
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Be sure to check out the other Wednesday Words authors’ take on the prompt.
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