Chapter 7 (Incomplete)

Cover my eyes, cover my ears
Tell me these words are a lie
It can’t be true, that I'm losing you
The sun cannot fall from the sky

- Tears of an Angel, RyanDan

“The consequences will be far less painful for those who speak up now, rather than later!” His voice escalades again, and the audience dares not make a sound in fear of his growing anger. “Because I will find out who did this! You can’t keep a secret like this forever.” And for a brief second, his dark eyes meet mine, and I turn away as they burn into soul.

He knows. He knows it’s me! I don’t know how he found out, but he knows that I was the one who set the creature on him, the one who devised a plan to end his life.

That’s when I glance over at Carwyn, trying to show him discomfort without words and without revealing my worriment to Donnell or the rest of the congregation. He looks fidgety as well, and he shifts a little in his seat, his hands clutching the edges as if…

“Stand up and confess!” Donnell yells. “If you don’t you are a traitor to this kingdom, and therefore, a traitor to yourself!

Carwyn looks at me again, his hands now on the seat itself, ready to push himself forward, his feet planted firmly on the ground. No… I think to myself, hoping that somehow he will hear my desperate internal pleas. Don’t! This isn’t your fault! It’s mine. I’ll take the blame! He lifts himself up a bit and I shake my head subtly.

“Come on!” Donnell roars, slamming his fist into the post beside him. It’s now or never. I must confess now, before Carwyn does, before he gives up a life that is actually worthwhile.

My own feet find the ground and right as I’m about to leap out of my own chair, Carwyn gives me a remorseful look and springs from his place.

“I did it.”

There is an audible gasp from the crowd as Donnell twists around, looking into the face of his advisor, his traitor. “No!” I scream, standing up, but my shouts are drowned out by the sound of the crowd carrying on. I see Carwyn’s family looking on in awe, tears leaking from his mother’s eyes as the guards seize him immediately, beginning to drag him forcefully away.

“No!” I shriek, and I run towards Carwyn, tears streaming down my face. “No, don’t take him! Please!” It’s complete chaos as I try to make my way over to him. Everyone is in disbelief as they were before, when Carwyn announced that he would challenge Donnell. Only this time, the congregation is in a state of absolute pandemonium. I try to push past the hoards of people, but I am unable to get through. All I can do is stand there and watch as my best friend is carted away to some unknown place… perhaps his death.

I feel myself sink into inevitable darkness as the horrific scene plays out before my eyes. “Carwyn…” I whisper, my throat throbbing from the pain of my screams. My eyes go blurry with tears and I don’t know whether to be glad or upset that I can’t see Carwyn’s face one last time.

“Wait!” The crowd quickly silent as their king yells out. I furiously brush away my tears, and the guards come to a halt, Carwyn looking thoroughly tousled and confused. “Don’t kill him.” What’s this? The king is showing mercy? It can’t be… He’ll take my life me for a crime my parents committed, but he won’t take the life of a boy that tried to murder him? For a split second, Donnell appears to be weak. But only for a second. He straightens himself out and proceeds with his orders. “Take him to the dungeons to rot, but don’t kill him.”