The Gallows – Part 2

“Come along and don’t fall behind,” the stranger said. “This place is dangerous if you don’t know where you’re going.”

I was too exhausted to ask any questions, so I placed my feet beneath me and pushed myself to stand. It was then that I took my first real look at this South Island.

A fog surrounded the entire shore, as far as I could see. A few feet in front of me, the rocky beach formed into a large stone wall. I followed the stranger along its perimeter until we came to a wrought iron gate. 

My guide turned and looked me in the eyes. “Once you pass through these gates, I’m afraid we cannot allow you to leave.”

I nodded once. What other choice did I have?

…

The stranger gave a series of whistles, and the gate creaked open. Inside was no utopia.

The fog was thinner here, but still left the air with a dank feeling. Ramshackle houses were crammed inside the walls with thin dirt paths winding between them. All of the buildings were made from wood and clay, as if they had used the islands only rocks on the wall surrounding the town. 

Even the people were dressed in patchwork clothing that looked handmade. They used crates for tables and ate off of earthenware plates and jugs. The food looked bland and simple.

At first, my heart sank. This was no way to live. But then a gaggle of children ran through the streets kicking up dirt, and I smiled. They didn’t look around for soldiers. There was no fear on their faces. They were free.

…

“I better give you a tour of the outside, for your safety,” my guide said after I was shown to an empty shack where I could live. I had no belongings to place inside, and no tour was necessary, as it only had one room. 

“I’m Brayden, by the way,” he said as he led me back out the gate. 

“I suppose I owe you thanks for the rescue, although I do wish it had come before I spent all that time in a cell.”

“Best we could do, I’m afraid.” Brayden cracked a grin at me. “Well, you’re going to want to stay close to the walls,” he said as we walked along. “The woods are full of creatures, so you’ll want to be avoiding them. Some of us go up to the edge of the woods in a group to chop wood and gather things we need, but other than that, we all avoid the area.”

I nodded, but I was unsure what he meant by creatures. I would expect bears and the like, except I’d heard tales of monsters on this isle. 

“Over here is the well. You’re fine to go there on your own, as long as you stick to the wall on the way.”

I heard a loud rustling come from the direction of the woods. I turned to see a monstrous creature rip forth from the tree line. It rapidly dug up the dirt ground between us with its claws as it charged forward. I barely had time to think before the ground shook as its massive furry body flew closer. Fangs as big as my hand appeared as the monster opened its mouth.

I should have chosen the gallows.

…

What do you think of the story so far? Do you think Aleryn should have come to the South Island? What do you think will happen to him? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to be notified when we post part 3!

Thanks so much for reading!

-Clever & WTF