A Garden of Glass Blades by M. A. Morales

Author:M. A. Morales
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: central american fantasy, mexican fantasy, princess mononoke, environmental fantasy
Publisher: M. A. Morales
Published: 2023-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Ilian panics as a slim ray of sunshine hits his face. He springs out of bed, wondering how he fell into such a slumber with his nerves. The promise he made to himself set the terms he’d close his eyes for no more than a few seconds, but like a shadow falling over him the weight forced his eyes closed. In a sprint, he throws on his uniform jacket and pants, finding his way to the bathroom to take care of his hygienic needs, all which had fallen behind on his journey. With a fine comb, the soldier slicks his black hair back. He observes his reflection, hoping he could not see himself trembling from the outside. With a deep breath, he heads for the kitchen.

The smell of the food does not greet him as it once had. No beans nor eggs lay out on the table when he arrives. No coffee in a mug, the rising steam a warm welcome after waking to the cold morning air. But the necessity for such warmth and comfort disappears as the luxury of his home proves sufficient, no apparent discomfort, drafts, or hunger to meet him. The bug bites scab over, and his muscles relax in knowing they will not be exerted in the day to come.

Ilian sits at the dining table and runs his fingers along the flower design on the tablecloth. Lilies... The soldier grins.

“Do you want breakfast before heading to the palace?”

Ilian turns to see Alidora standing in the doorway, her child tied in a burgundy scarf onto her back. Her crusted, swollen eyes force a guilt on the soldier. He averts his eyes, wishing to forget the sight, but realizing many images would never be cleansed from his mind.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

“What do you plan on saying to the Governor?”

“I plan on telling him the truth.”

Alidora bites her lip and wraps her arms about herself. Correcting or advising her brother may be improper, given his position in their society in comparison to her own. She bows her head as the tears flow once more.

“I’m terrified for you. I do not wish the gods to punish you so.”

“If I do not act, the gods will punish us all.”

“Those with faith will be saved. Trust in the Governor. The answers will come to you.”

“If I wait for an epiphany of sorts, many will already have suffered. I trust in the Governor, as much if not more than you. I will express my concerns. His Grace, in his intelligence and divinity will lead us in this. He’s the only hope I can think of.”

“You’re convinced this will be the end?”

Ilian opens his mouth to respond, but his voice fails to find him. He licks his lips and, with a deep breath, he nods. Alidora wipes the tears away and rushes to embrace her brother. In his seated position, Ilian moves his hands to stroke his sister’s arms around his neck. As she loosens her grip, Ilian stands and looks her in the eyes.

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