DORULL STORIES - SERVANTS OF THE PRIMEVAL ROT
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CHAPTER 1
Shy flickering of the flames coming from a small campfire, cast a faint light over six frightened faces, gathered around. One woman, two girls and three boys. They were Tomens, the tribe of halfling fishermen. The woman was their tutor. She was taking care of them today, while trying to teach them some fishing skills. She was good with kids, and even better in catching fish. But now, as they found themselves in this predicament, she doubted her ability to keep them safe.
They were heading back from the river bank, after a day of fishing practice, when someone attacked their village. They found themselves cut off from their homes. Their only option was to try and escape. And they were fortunate for doing it immediately, because many had no chance even to try. Horrific death cries, coming out of the village, told them they made the right decision.
They were running for more than five hours. Until they couldn’t anymore. Until, they stumbled upon the cave, in which they decided to seek rest. Sundown was upon them, and they were all at the end of their strengths. The cave was stretching fifty paces inside the round, rocky hill. It curved into an “S“ shape, ending in a small cavern, some twenty feet wide. The woman sat them in a semicircle, as she begin building a fire in between them.
Possible pursuers could spot the smallest of sparks in the dead of the night. And they'd had no trouble in sneaking up to them. Catching them in their sleep. There was no escape from this cave, if that was to happen. But just one glance over the tired and scared faces of these starved children, was more than enough reason for her to build one. Besides, they caught some fish earlier. It would be a shame to let them go to waste.
“Miss Irbina, who attacked us?” one of the boys asked.
“I don't know, Linnan.” The woman whispered.
“Did we deserve it?” Linnan continued.
“Deserved it? Why wo...” Irbina's voice trembled “Of course not. Why would you even think that?”
“Well I don't know, miss. Why would anyone attack us for no reason?” Linnan asked again.
Irbina had no answer for that.
“Who could've attacked us?” the second boy asked.
“I think they were the Sumens.” the third boy said.
“How could you know that, Merrin?!” one of the girls yelled.
“I heard our warriors shouting,” he replied.
“You must've heard wrong!” the girl said “They were not Sumens!”
“Why not?” Merrin asked her.“Is it because you met that Sumen boy last summer?”
“You know I have some relatives there.” the girl angrily snorted.
“And what great relatives they are, Arybin.” Merrin teased her “They could’ve at least warned you.”
“These weren't Sumens!” the girl screamed, lunging at Merrin.
“Arybin! Merrin! Stop it, this instance!” Irbina stepped between them “This is not a time for such behavior.”
“Yes, miss.” Arybin bowed her head.
“Of course, miss.” Merrin's voice gave away shame.
“Now, sit.” Irbina said calmly “The fish is done.”
She carefully handed them the pouches made out of palm leaves, taking the last for herself. She sat beside them, and gently unwrapped one side, letting the hot steam to escape. Then she did the same with the opposite end. Pleased to notice the kids are doing the same, following her example, she broke off the tail piece. The meat separated from the tiny bones with ease. It was perfect. It melted in her mouth. If the situation in which they found themselves was only a tad better, perhaps she could even enjoy this fish. But with every next bite, she could only wonder, will she ever have the opportunity to enjoy anything, anymore.
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