Read Cloaked Hours :: Chapter 1 - Fallen Bird

Dushiel grasped the shovel’s handle digging its head into brown soil ferociously. He would not mind working hard, if every gardener or servant received a fair payment, but instead all sweat and tears were just for two bronze pieces or “generous” leftovers from Tyvo’s kitchen. Adding salt to his injury, many other downtrodden families including his were now working for Tyvo in the pieces of land which were used to belong to them decades ago. Tyvo… of course, usurped their fields, and converted farmers to his gardeners or servants at his domicile, but yet as long as he could soft-soap Anglon, the chief of Yarrow Vale under mount Yulis, he was not challenged.

Suddenly, Dushiel heard a thud behind. When he turned around, found an arrow stricken swallow at his feet. “Little one, who did this to you?” Dushiel carefully picked up the bird.

He was yet alive, but breathing slowly. “Don’t worry. I think I can help you”. Dushiel yanked a shredded cloth from his pocket, and carefully placed the bird on it, but before any further action he heard a rustle beyond.

Just with a glimpse of lemon robes, he realized Siven, the son of Tyvo was approaching. Dushiel immediately hid the sallow in basket, and put the lid on. Siven and two servants rushed towards Dushiel carrying crossbows and quivers full of arrows.

“Hey you! Did you see a bird falling?”

“No” Dushiel answered.

Siven’s face darken and he took a step forward with a malicious gaze upon Dushiel.

“Hey! What sort of a peasant are you? No respect to at all? ” Siven thundered.

Even though Dushiel was unmoved by Siven’s glare, and he was not ready to provoke this lousy lord anymore and sacrifice his time to treat the injured bird.

“Forgive me … my lord” Dushiel knelt concealing his unwillingness.

“My lord, this boy is just a softheaded. The bird is worthier than him to pay attention” A servant beside Siven scoffed.

“Moron” Siven huffed and kicked Dushiel before marching away with servants.

Praying the bird to be alive, Dushiel promptly got on feet and dashed off after Siven and his crew faded. He ran through the street making his way home, and took the lid of the basket at the gate of his hut. The basket was not sealed thoroughly since he had not fasten the belt across the lid.

The miserable swallow was still alive, when Dushiel took the bird wrapped in cloth and rushed inside. As he was treating the bird, he came across a muddy bivalve shell in between swallow's toes, and he kept it aside for later examine. After a long treatment the bird was finally free from the arrow and it was finally on a cozy pillow.

Next, Dushiel poured water into a bowl and cleaned the shell. As mud was removed the sea shell glistened, and Dushiel wiped it with his sleeve. All of a sudden it happened to bounce and glow. Dushiel froze to the spot, but yet recovered soon to grab the shell from the table where he had kept it. Afterwards, he heard a subtle voice coming from the bivalve shell on his hand whispering “Silver Breeze”.