Tori's Misfits

Chapter 14

Jace’s Pov:

I finished my training and am now heading to replenish the wood pile at the main building as instructed. I do not mind this chore because it allows me to think and plan as I work.

Approaching the main building, I noticed the carers had gathered all the children and were preparing for an outing. I stop at the corner and watch, wondering what is going on as this is not the normal routine. The carers, not noticing me, continue talking among themselves about the guest that arrived and their purpose here.

“I was told to show them to the office in the basement as soon as they arrived.” Carer Tiffany states while counting out baskets.

“I know Jayla and Mister Toben were told to report to the basement, after being done for the day,” Carer Faith informs her, “I wonder if Madam Kim knows about their special friendship?”

“I am not sure, but I wish things would return to normal, I do not like walking through these woods.” Carer Tiffany states watching the children with a look of disdain.

I watch as the children line up and she hands each two baskets, with one carer leading the way and the other at the end of the line they head to the berry patch. I wait until they reach the tree line and then head around to the back, hoping I can find out what is going on in the basement.

Stopping at the wood pile, I pick up a large arm full of the smaller wood, giving me an excuse to enter the basement. I headed down the stairs placing the wood in the wood box. I turn and look around, seeing no one, I quickly open the hall door and enter. I am now in the hall where the punishment room and office are located. I can hear a woman crying, as I continue, I can hear Madam Kim’s voice. Unable to make out what is being said without being closer, I glance around the hallway. Noticing a large cabinet between the two doors, the shelves on the bottom are large and one is almost empty, there is an open curtain that pulls shut. I squeeze onto the shelf and pull the curtain close, concentrating on what is being said.

“Lot two: includes the three boys pictured, they are close to the awakening age. We do not know what species, so you will get a bargain. They are healthy, work hard, and will listen without question.” Madam Kim drones on in a bored voice.

I shudder, realizing I am hearing her list the children as property. I must force myself to stay, wanting instead to run and take the children to safety.

After some time, Madam Kim stops and I hear another voice ask, “when will we know which lots are ours?”

“I will go over the bids and let each of you know by tomorrow, you then have until noon on Friday to collect your purchases or they will be given to the next highest bidder,” Madam Kim responds.

I pull the curtain aside seeing no one, I crawl out of my hiding space and quickly return to the furnace room. My mind is running through what I have heard, and I am getting angrier by the minute.

Returning to the wood pile, I start chopping wood. As I work, I try to figure out how to get myself and the children to safety. The youngest will be of no help, and the varying abilities of the other children will not allow any mistakes in the plan. I can no longer depend on Mister Toben, since he was in the basement during the meeting. I decided tonight I will shift into an owl, and go to collect the supplies hidden for the girls and deliver them.

Maybe the girls can help me with a plan, whether I succeed or not this will affect them. Success would mean that we then have the children to care for and transport to safety, failing would mean I could help neither group.

I glance up when I hear the ringing of the bell, surprised at how much time has passed. I put the ax away and walked to the main yard in front. Arriving I can see that the children are lined up with their carers, the warriors and trainees are still arriving. I go to my assigned line and stand facing the front of the building.

When everyone has arrived, the door opens and two warriors step out, loud gasps are heard throughout the crowd as Mister Toben follows his head hung down with cuffs on his wrist. They lead him to the middle of the yard, turning to face the house and wait.

Madam Kim steps out onto the porch pausing at the top of the stairs and glancing around the yard. Those gathered watch her closely trying to gauge her mood, she is obviously enjoying the suspense created.

Keeping her pace slow, she walked up to Mister Toben, while staring in his eyes watching for the fear she thrived on. She became angry when his eyes held nothing but a blank acceptance. She smiled wickedly and said in a sinister voice, “I find you have failed me. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Mister Toben raised his head, pulling his shoulders back and looked at the line of children, then into Madam Kim’s eyes. “There is nothing that I can say that will excuse endangering children or allowing them to be hurt. If my actions or failure in any way caused this, I accept the punishment.”

She raises her hands, clenching her fists and begins whispering an ancient curse. Then with a loud hiss, she pushes her hands out towards him releasing a ball of black light. As the light magnifies it covers his form, and his body starts twitching and jerking in pain, soon screams of anguish and torment fill the air. Suddenly the screaming stops and his body falls limply to the ground, as she closes her fists and turns towards those gathered around the light disappears.

"We have esteemed guests staying with us, and there will be more arriving in the coming days. To ensure their comfort, we will maintain the house and the grounds in pristine condition during their stay. On Friday, when they leave, they will be taking the child or children they have selected."

She gives the group a serious look and adds, "Children, keep in mind that I do not tolerate disobedience. Those who do not meet my expectations will face consequences."

Several voices respond in unison, "Yes, Ma'am," their fear palpable.