The Lute Quest

Prologue & Chapter 1

PROLOGUE

September 1742

It was hysterical.

Everybody was running around, bumping into each other vigorously, trying to save themselves from the disaster happening before their eyes. The families stuck together; mothers held their children protectively, fathers trying to fight off the creatures that were attacking them without any mercy, children crying fearfully.

In the midst of burning fires, screams and yells, and the sound of swords clashing, sat a widow, holding her young girl between her arms. She ran for shelter, but she kept getting pushed by a massive number of people running and pushing, not aware of anyone standing beside them, in front of them or even behind them! Tears ran down her cheeks. Her husband had died and left her all alone with her five-year-old daughter.

“Oh, God! Please send your mercy down on us! What have we done? All we ask for is your forgiveness and haven. Please, God. If I die, what will happen to my little child? Where will she live, how will she find shelter? The people have no hearts, no mercy…” She cried, hugging her daughter closer to her. “Sabella, you listen to me. If I die, tell them the name of your Aunt Jodie. Just say her name, they will take you to her.” She told her daughter, unsure whether or not her daughter would fully understand, or even hear, amongst the immense noise.

Sabella blinked confusedly. “How do you die?” She asked.

Her mother seemed startled. “When I leave this life, and go on to the next one. I will no longer be by your side, you will no longer see me before your eyes. But I will be in your heart, with your soul. I will be in heaven––”

“There is no such thing as that, Momma. Our life is heaven. We’re not like them,” she pointed at the people around her. “Look at how they use iron!”

“What?” The mother tilted her head, and stared at her daughter for a while, deep in thoughts. “What are you saying? Who are we like, then?”

“We’re like them.” To her mother’s shock, Sabella pointed at the enemy. She blinked involuntarily, and let out a chuckle in disbelief.

“How is that? How do you even know? This is the first time we’ve seen this––this creature! Human beings with wings and powers? You must be kidding, and this is no joke.” She said, her tone serious.

“Yes we are––”

“Cut it out, Sabella!” Her mother stood up, and picked her up on her way. “They’re getting nearer to us. We have to find shelter.” She said nervously. Sabella started struggling and moving within her mother’s arms. Eventually, she broke free, and started running back. Her mother called at her, and started running. “Sabella! Sabella, get back here now! Sabella!” She cried.

Her daughter was suddenly hidden behind a clump of dust and… sparkles. The mother stood, her heart pumping loudly. Sabella.

And then, her daughter was standing before her eyes, touching one of the enemy’s hands. Her mother was far too shocked––she didn’t know what she could possibly do with this disaster! The enemy softly smiled at Sabella, to her surprise. There was obvious communication going on between the two.

“Mrs. Lerondale,” came an unexpected voice. Mrs. Lerondale turned around, and found one of the men staring at her in disbelief. “What is this nonsense, this––this inanity your daughter’s doing?”

“I––I don’t know! I tried to stop her, but she insisted! She seems to be convinced that she’s one of them,” she gulped, “and now she’s communicating with their kind. How am I supposed to stop her?” She asked nervously, biting down hard on her lips. She could taste the blood, the saltiness of it. “Can you try?”