CS-07 — reverse1999

CS-08 →

Thus the Decision Is Made


Iglika	I returned to that little border village, and I rebuilt that woodcutter's camp.
Iglika	I even lived in that old gatehouse—this time, though, it wouldn't be a makeshift hospital.
Iglika	We had new medics, far better than me at healing.
Iglika	And I... my duty was to hold the border, to keep out the enemy.
Iglika	My heels were caked with soil, from east to west.

The evening sun slants through the doorway. Iglika's guard, leaning on the frame, dozes off.
Inside, Iglika is embroidering a cloth already crowded with patterns.
Then, a noise shatters the quiet.
Iglika	What now?
The guard jolts awake, straightens his back, and steps aside.
Shadows stretch long in the sunset as a group marches up, hauling a bound young man to her door.
Angry Soldier	Captain!
The little gatehouse can't hold them all. Two soldiers drag the prisoner inside.
The rest crowd the doorway, peering in.
Iglika	What's the issue? Did he stick his thumb in your breakfast?
Iglika sets down her needles, eyeing the prisoner.
He's caked in mud, blood drips from his brow and lips, already beaten half to death. Her face hardens.
Iglika	You overdid it.
Angry Soldier	He's a vampire!
At the word "vampire," the crowd presses closer, eyes widening.
Iglika	Is he?
Angry Soldier	We caught him drinking cow's blood in the barn!
She shifts her eyes down to the kneeling youth.
Iglika	Raise your head.
Bound Youth	I am.