Cait 1: Chapter 1: What's so funny?

I've been working on critique circle and tried branching out here's hoping I did it right I wrote a first person story this is an opening chapter I want to see if I give enough information or too much

Cait 1

Chapter 1: What's so funny?

I stepped towards the six-sided hut. My heart started pounding.

I thought. "I really hope I'm mistaken about this. No, I can't

be wrong. I'm never wrong!" My heart slowed as I sighed.

"Please let my gut be wrong about this baby."

I started feeling this way about six or seven months ago.

# # # # # # #

It was the last snow of March. We were celebrating Dad's

an-ointment to Arbitter and my birthday. I didn't see a reason

to go all out with the decorations every year, but hey, what did

I know?

Cousin Tara had arrived from Revin and was staying in my room.

I was glad to have her staying. Out of all the Revin cousins she's

my favorite.

I pulled up my pants, slipped on my flat brown boots, stood,

and straightened my grey dress.

I spun around and asked, "See anything I missed?"

I stopped as Tara said, "No perfect. How about mine?"

She spun around but far more slowly. I took a moment to analyze

her.

Counting on my fingers I said, "Let's see, freckles, plus blonde

hair, plus that sleeveless floor length orange dress, plus those

stylish black sandals, equals better than perfect."

Tara smiled and said. "Thanks."

We walked out of my bedroom. Down the stairs, into the massive

dining room, slash, living room. Over a dozen folding tables were

lined up in four rows.

The four closest to the dining table were set aside. Two reserved

for the Gails and other stewards. The other two reserved for Chef

Kenny and the kitchen staff.

Arron ran passed us heading for the third kitchen saying, "Out of

the way sorry."

They distributed bowls filled by apples, chicken, fish, and cheeses.

Cups of goats and cows milk. Normally the dining table sat in front

of the fireplace had sixteen chairs. Now there were only seven chairs.

Mom shouted, "Hey Cait's here! Happy birthday!"

Everyone shouted, "Happy birthday!"

I smiled slightly waving back. My ears hurt a little. I smiled at Mom.

She sat at the dining table. She had two empty seats to her left for

us.

In the center Dad sat. An empty seat between him and my sister

-in-law Chloe.

Her great-aunt Morgan sat in the last seat to the right.

As we walked towards our seats I noticed the tablecloths.

Almost all of them were brown with a hollow green star pattern.

The cloth over the dining table featured a single large five-pointed

star. I also noticed most of the tables had no chairs at their heads.

I thought, "Strange, that removes a lot of seats. Wait, it increases

maneuverability, smart."

We passed one of the three maid's tables. They were talking among

themselves like everyone else. I always liked their white cloth covered

straw hats.

They looked at us placing their hands on their sternums. I raised my

hand and nodded as we passed.

Dad's new helmet was a thin layer of green metal. It had ear holes but

no facial protection. That was good. It let me see his slight smile before

it vanished.

His newly forged sword was on the mantle behind him. The sapphire

stone in the hilt made me happy.

Despite being unarmed, in his blue chain mail and shiny brown plates,

Dad radiated raw power.

Morgan waved saying, "Hello girls."

Tara said, "Hi Morgan."

Tara asked, "So when do we eat?"

Mom said, "Soon as Magnar gets back from the outhouse."

Trying not to smirk I said, "Like always."

We sat down. The chair was hard bit the seat was soft.

Mom swept me up in a hug and said, "I can't believe you're nineteen!"

She hugged me tighter, kissed my forehead, and stroked my hair rapidly.

"My little bug, my little buggy boo."

She squeezed me even harder, "Oh, I love you."

My lungs almost crushed by her I said, "Love you too Mom."

She let me go. I thought, " Have to breathe quietly, don't want to look

weak."

After a minute I got bored and scratched behind my ear. Another minute

went by and I was still bored. I looked at the bowl of apples at the head

of the table.

You know it's really weird that we call it that. No animal has two heads,

eight legs, and no tail. Well I mean I don't think so. And what animal

would chairs be?

They have one back, four legs, and two arms. The image of sixteen

freaky little monsters surrounding one large monster flashed in my

mind. I shook myself and noticed an apple was gone.

I looked around. Cliff, Dad's new guard from Collin was eating it.

I thought, "When did he get here?"

Tara tapped my right arm and said, "Why can't we eat yet?"

Mom leaned over and said, "Because Kenny has a plan."

Tara smiled and said, "Ok."

A moment later Magnar and his guard, or should I say new armed

baby sitter, Mark came in.

My younger brothers pale red tunic was sprinkled with dark spots.

Presumably alcohol from the bottle in his hand.

I thought, "He didn't even get ready."

I shrugged and thought, "Oh well."

Mark supported him as well as he could.

Magnar raised the half drunk bottle and said, " Hey everybody!"

Tara waved back, "Hi."

I looked behind me. Dad face palmed, Mom was comforting him,

Morgan rolled her eyes, Chloe looked like she wanted to disappear.

I smiled and thought, "Great, now we can eat."

Mom said, "Come and sit."

They were doing great till Magnar stood over me on the table.

I looked up at him and thought, "This isn't going to end well."

He slurred, "You know my wife Chloe. We all love her. I don't

know how this happened, but she's pregnant!"

He took another gulp then shouted, "I'm having a baby!"

The crowd erupted with clapping, until he stumbled and fell.

He would have split his head open if Mark hadn't caught him.

Well, less caught and more absorbed the impact of the fall with

his shield. Still, respect to the little guy for trying. I looked at

them lying next to Tara.

I thought, "I don't understand his surprise. How did he think

it happened?"

After that everyone started speculating about the baby.

Would it have Mom or my wavy red hair?

Would it get Chloe or Morgan's straight black hair?

Maybe Magnar's light brown?

Cliff joked it might be little and bald like Dad.

Even Dad thought that was funny, little bald baby.

He didn't laugh but he did smile slightly before resuming

his adopted stoic expression.

I noticed that Mark kept glancing at Tara.

I thought, "Can't blame him, I would want children

with her blue eyes too. We are cousins, maybe they

will.

Wait... Tara's mother is my mother's niece. Ok I share

blood with her so that's possible."

My attention snapped to the left. Mom clinked her glass

with her spoon until the chatter died down. Dad stood

towering over us his helmet on the table.

He looked down and said, "Thank you Bonnie."

He held his cup of water. A solemn expression.

He said, "It was a hard winter but, most of us are still here.

You all struggled, bled, for my family. I will not forget that."

He made a fist and thumped his chestplate. "I wish I could

stay, but I have been called to serve Adan. It is my duty, to

our District. I will not ignore this, I will always do my duty."

With his right hand he motioned for Cliff to pull out Mom's

chair. Dad smiled slightly and held it this time.

"I will be gone for two weeks at a time. I have no doubts in

her ability to lead you."

Mom grabbed his shoulder, leaned on it, and said, "Besides

day to day, I do that anyway."

Laughter arose then slowly trailed off.

Dad said, "Anyway, I'll let you get back to eating but first."

He raised his cup of milk high. "Stronger together!"

They shouted back, "Safer together!"

Mom and Dad shouted, "Victory!"

All shouted, "Together!"

Dad shouted, "Bring out the cake and presents!"

Board games, card games, some people went outside and

had a snowball fight. It was great. I opened my presents.

Fresh clothes, shoes, a few books, and a back spiked hammer

from Uncle Mack.

The note read, "Hey little ranger, I just got a new hammer so

here you go. Hope you can lift it." -Mack. : )

I tried to pick it up and dropped it on my foot. There was a

crack. I winced and bent over. Using both hands I moved it

off my boot.

Mom grabbed my arm and said, "Are you ok?"

I slipped off my boot and looked at the bloody shattered nail.

I curled it and sighed in relief, "The bone's not broken."

Tara looked sick. I turned my head. Mom looked concerned.

I slipped it back in my boot.

Mom said, "Do you need anything?"

I stood addressing the crowd, Mom, and Tara, "I'm fine!

Just broke a nail."

Some chuckling, I said," Back to the fun."

I turned my head to Cliff. Pointing at the hammer.

I said, "Take this up to my room."

He looked to the left, presumably at Dad.

A moment later he nodded, "Ok."

After the party died down a little. I got a little bored. I

scratched behind my ear. I felt a wet sensation through

my glove. Must have popped a zit.

I turned to Tara and asked, "Hey, do you find Mark attractive?"

Tara shrugged. "He's cute, but I'm not really looking for

anything right now."

I smirked. "Ok, I get it, I can just feel he's a good guy."

Tara looked intently at me. Her eyes narrowed. She brushed

my hair back.

Her eyes widened as she said, "Cait, don't panic."

I flatly said, "What is it? Tell me."

Tara remained silent and showed me her bare hand.

It was covered in blood and by the metallic smell... My blood.

Looking at it I felt happy. I could still taste the cake.

I said, "Huh. Well, go wash your hand. I'll take care of this."

I put my hand over her mouth and said, "Don't panic."

Tara was stunned but obeyed.

From behind I heard Mom ask to touch Chloe's stomach.

I have no idea why, it was too early to feel anything.

As we passed heading for the bathroom Mom requested.

"Cait, come on feel this."

I felt a little uncomfortable but said, "Uh, ok."

I took my glove off and saw a little blood on the tips.

I tucked it under my arm, hoping no one would notice,

and reached out.

That's when I felt it.

A feeling of absolute dread and horror surged through

my veins. A wave of despair barely contained below the

surface of my skin.

The last time I felt anything like this I almost got crushed

by a falling frozen tree branch.

Too bad Jack couldn't feel it coming...

I pulled away and tried not to think about it... Any of it.

Once in the bathroom I pulled back my hair. Tara started

cleaning the blood.

I asked, "Where is it coming from?"

Tara wiped again and said, "Oh your earlobe."

I lied down on the concrete and said, "Put pressure on it."

The clotting took effect, a minute later I sat up.

Tara asked, "Are you ok?"

I partially lied. "Yes."

I was scared for Chloe's safety but I was going to try

and not think about it.

I succeeded. Mostly. Until today, that is.

# # # # # # #

It had been two or three months since Dad was made

the Arbitter of Adan District. It was Magnar's seventeenth

birthday. He thought he was in for a party. He was, but

Chloe also had another plan.

Tara and I were helping Mellissa wash out some bowls in

the river. We washed them out in the shadow of the bridge.

Mellissa said, "Saw the fighting pit's opening next week at

Lone's. Want to come watch?" Tara said, "Sure."

I heard something and looked over my shoulder. Arron was

coming down to the riverbank.

Arron bowed, "Miss Cait. Lord Grant, Lord Bonnie, and Chloe

told me to find you and tell you to come up to the spire."

He shrank back, "Hope I remembered that right."

I said, "Don't worry about it."

I asked Tara, "Follow me?"

We headed up the hill towards the fence's gate.

We passed through the gate.

Tara said, "What's up with Arron?"

Confused I stopped moving and asked, "Elaborate?"

Tara said, "It's like, it's like. He's an anxiety disorder

wrapped in a panic attack."

I said, "Well yeah... What's your point?"

Tara said, "Forget it, never mind."

I shrugged, "Ok."

We walked the path passed the purple and blue plants.

Up the porch, through the dining room, up two flights,

then up the spiral staircase to the steeple.

There in the six-sided tower they stood and sat.

The windows combined with the mirrors illuminated the room.

At the two-seater desk Dad sat, his head in his hands. He

rubbed his eyes with gloved hands.

Mom stood to his immediate right. She wore her favorite

long-sleeved faded green dress. It cut off around her knees

the rest of her legs covered by brown pants.

Her sword was in front of them on the table in its wooden

scabbard.

In the other seat barely showing, Chloe wore a loose blue tunic.

Mark stood in his red padded armor with white undershirt. His

short sword on his belt and his shield in his hand. When he

saw us he got that dorky grin.

Mark said. "Hey Tara. Miss Cait."

I looked side to side knowing. I put my hands behind my back.

"What are you going to do to Magnar?"

They looked surprised except for Chloe who laughed.

"Nothing he'll like but it's what's best for him."

From behind me Tara said, "How?"

Chloe said, "What else would we all be meeting up here to

talk about? Taxes?" That got a laugh even from Dad.

Tara said, "Yeah sorry. Where is Magnar anyway?"

Mark said, "He's still passed out, Cliff's watching him."

I said, "So what are we talking about here, exactly?"

Chloe said, "He's always drank but he only started drinking

like this after I told him."

She rubbed her stomach bump. "I'm concerned that maybe

he thinks he's not ready to be a father. If this keeps up he

may be right."

She crossed her arms. "I have tried talking to him about it

but he just tells me he's fine and I shouldn't worry."

Chloe slammed her fist on the table. Mark started massaging

her shoulder with his free hand. Chloe relaxed her fist a little.

Tara and I glanced at each other than back at her.

Chloe took a deep breath and said, "Sorry."

I put my hand on my sternum and said, "No problem."

Dad looked at me and I at him. Realization flashed inside

my head.

I asked, "You're worried, because of grandpa?"

With those words, he looked as though I had broken him.

He closed his eyes and nodded.

He said, "I won't let it happen again."

I thought, "Is he crying? No, he can't be."

I looked up at Mom and said, "Tell me the plan."

Mom said, "It's simple we will face Magnar as a group and

beg him to cut back."

I said, " Ok good luck." I turned to leave motioning for

Tara to let me pass.

Behind me I heard Chloe say, "I thought maybe you would

be able to help but if you don't want to..."

Turning back I said, "Well it's not that I don't want to, I'm

just not sure it's my place."

I raised my hand, "On one hand he's my brother and I

don't want him to die or worse injure himself and be in

pain. On the other hand he hasn't hurt anyone but himself

and he's a happy drunk."

The image of him falling on top of Mark, barely avoiding a

serious head injury sent a surge of fear up my spine.

"On the first foot..." Mom, Mark, and Dad smiled. Chloe

chuckled.

I thought, "What? I ran out of hands."

I said, "You're right I'll help."

Then in complete seriousness I said, "If this fails maybe we

can lock him in a cage in the living room for a few days."

I looked around. Mark and Tara looked surprised. Dad

looked proud. Chloe and Mom slowly started laughing.

I shrugged, "What?"

The laughing spread to Mark then Tara. A little confused

now I through my arms over my head.

"What? It's a good plan. We lock him in a cage so he can't

drink."

Now everyone was laughing but Dad. Mark was on the floor.

I looked down at him and said, "What's so funny?"

Chloe calmed herself enough to say, "The way you said it

was, it was just so serious."

Seeing the joy I had brought, I laughed. We made jokes

for half an hour. All different versions of bad animal get

in your cage and on the first foot. I was glad to lighten

the mood, even if it was an accident.

I smiled and thought, "Why have I been avoiding this?

Even if I'm right, this is too much fun to avoid...

I'm going to miss you Chloe."

We decided to try it after breakfast but before the party

started. Me and Tara descended the two staircases.

Half way down Tara asked, "What was that thing with

your grandfather?"

I stopped. "From what Morgan has told me it went

something like this. After the Collin crusade. My grand

father drank himself to death. My Dad found his father

on the floor choking on his own vomit. Dad tried to

save him but his arms were too weak. By the time help

arrived it was too late."

Tara said, "Damn, that's horrible."

I sighed, "I think this Magnar thing is really screwing

with his head."

Tara said, "I can see why."

# # # # # # #

About two hours later. I was doing my daily five-mile

walk when my mind started wondering.

"Why is Magnar doing this? I mean why wouldn't he listen

to Chloe? Maybe everyone's over reacting. Maybe he was

drunk. I can handle this myself. I should handle this myself.

I will handle this myself."

I turned toward the house and walked through the front porch.

I found Tara sweeping the living, slash, dining room.

I said, "Follow me."

We made our way down the hallway. I stopped outside the

door of Magnar and Chloe's room.

Tara caught up to me and said, "What are we doing?"

In truth I wanted her here to be witness. To pull me back if

I lost control, if I got... Mad.

I opened the door and saw Magnar asleep on his bed. Mark

sat alone in the comfy chair next to it. The room was bare

boned, the window boarded up. Mark looked at us putting

his finger to his lips.

I whispered, "Oh, ok sorry."

I walked over to Magnar and bent down, "Get up!"

Magnar just groaned. I looked down at Mark and smiled.

"Mind leaving for a bit?"

Still in the chair Mark shrugged. "Can't it's my job."

I smirked, "I respect that. How about you just stand right

next to the door? Then you can watch and listen to us talk."

Tara said, "What do I do?"

I said, "Start sweeping this room and the hallway."

By the lamp light I leaned back in the comfy chair.

I stretched and said, "Talk to me Magnar."

Magnar sighed, "About what?"

I sat up leaned forward and said, "Are you scare to be a

father? Or worried you'll screw this kid up? Do you just

have a dreadful feeling? Maybe this is all a coincidence

and you've just turned into a party animal at the worst

possible time. So come on."

I clapped, "Talk to me Magnar." He raised up and rolled

onto his back.

Facing away he huffed. "Do you care?"

Now I was confused. I stood up and looked down at him,

"Why wouldn't I care?"

He said, "You hate my baby."

My eyes widened, "Uh, what?"

He reached under the blanket and pulled out a bottle.

He took a drink and sighed, "Since I made a fool of myself at

your and Dad's party no one has let me live it down. I didn't

have to think and everyone gets a laugh. Win, win."

I looked over my shoulder. Tara swept trying to listen discreetly.

Mark looked at a floor board then Tara then back to the floor

board.

I thought, "I have no idea what he's talking about or what this

has to do with the baby."

I said, "But, hating your baby?"

Magnar lurched to an upright position and slurred, "You've been

cold and distant to Chloe since I did that. Now you're mad,

ashamed, of me."

Part of me wanted to beat him half to death. I hate that part.

Instead I tried to take the bottle before he could take another

drink. He held on with both hands.

He said, "Let go!"

He kicked me in the stomach. I held fast not reacting and...

He kicked me in the chest.

I'm mad now.

I grabbed the collar of his red tunic, hauled off and head-butted

him. He let go of the bottle. Flopping back on the bed. I pulled

him up and grabbed his head between my hands.

Behind me I heard Tara say, "Cait stop! Get off him."

I knew I had went to far but it hurt.

I screamed, "Enough!"

Frozen silence bathed the room.

A few moments later I heard Tara say, "Do something."

Mark said, "This is a family matter. There's no way I'm getting

in the middle of that."

I glared into Magnars eyes and asked, "How petty do you

think I am?

At the same time Tara said, "Your supposed to protect him."

Mark said, "Not from her."

While all this was happening I thought, "Tara clearly believes

I was wrong, I was. She did nothing to stop me except beg.

I'm so proud. Proud she tried non violent methods first. When

I refused to listen she asked Mark to fight on her behalf.

Disappointing but respectable. It would have shown more

bravery to stop me herself. Yet I can't deny she took the

smarter choice."

I said, "Listen and listen good. I will never, ever, hate your

baby and I don't hate you. I'm not mad at you for the party,

I'm mad at you for stressing out Chloe and scaring Dad.

Do, you, understand?"

He sniffed, "Yes."

I let go of him and said, "Good, sorry I head-butted you. I'll

pay for it later."

Magnar rubbed his face and said, "I know. Sorry I kicked

you."

I sat on the bed next to Magnar and said, "But non of this

explains why you drank so much in the first place. Tell me?"

He said, "The truth is you were right before."

I asked, "Really? What did I say?"

He said, "I was feeling stressed, so I took a drink to deal

with it. Then I started panicking and took another. Then a

third. After that I blacked out. But when I woke up I needed

to make the headache stop. I had another drink but that

time it felt great."

Magnar said, "I need to stop but it felt so good I didn't want

to, I still don't."

I said, "I understand but Chloe wants you to cut back and

Dad's scared. Please? For them?"

He took a deep breath and nodded.

I thought, "I did it."

I stood, smiled and pulled him to his feet. "You will and if

you can't, I'll lock you in a cage in the living room."

Magnar laughed, Tara and Mark just looked at each other.

Magnar said, "Good one."

I thought, "Why does everyone think that's funny? I'm

serious."

Magnar placed his hand on his sternum and said, "I

promise, to try."

I said, "Good."

I looked across the room and motioned for Mark and

Tara to come closer.

I looked down at Mark and said, "You're a great guard."

I smiled, "Nicely done."

Mark almost beamed with pride as he said, "Thank you."

I looked to Tara and said, "Sorry I scared you. I reacted

poorly."

She said, "No problem, I'm fine."

# # # # # # #

It had been six or seven months since Dad was made

the Arbitter of Adan District. After I saved Magnar Dad

would always bring me a book when he got back. Last

week Magnar relapsed.

I found it and put Sparky's cage in the living room. I

tried to shove Magnar in there while he was still out...

But Mom wouldn't let me.

Dad asked Medic Talon to transfer from Collin. She agreed.

I was sitting in my room playing a board game called Siege

with Tara. I was on defensive. I waited for her to make her

move. I looked around my room, at the closed window, at

my bed, the book cabinet against the wall, and finally the

closed pale yellow doors of the closet.

I looked down and realized she had moved.

I thought, "When did that happen? Think about your next

move, remain calm."

Behind me the door flew opened with a bang. Tara jumped

almost falling backwards out of her seat.

Panting for breath Arron's voice wheezed, "Chloe's in labor!"

Tara shot up and said, "Arron don't just barge into places!

You scared me."

Arron heaved, "S, sorry. Come on."

Tara rushed past as I stood, straightened my favorite grey

dress, and turned toward them. Arron slicked his brown hair

back.

Tara said, "My hat, where's my hat?"

I looked under the table knelt down and handed it to her.

Tara straightened the white straw hat and said, "Thank you."

I looked passed her to Arron. I tilted my head.

"You're out of breath. Why?"

Arron said, "Uh, Magnar told me to run up here and tell you."

I smiled slightly raised a hand to him and said, "Nice following

orders but there's no hurry. It'll probably take hours to deliver

that baby. Go get yourself something to eat and drink some

water."

Arron now a lot calmer and breathing easier said, "Thank you

Miss Cait."

Arron bowed as he backed out closing the door behind him...

Or is it in front of him? My stomach rumbled. I looked out the

window. It's lunch time.

I thought, "That was fast."

I looked down at Tara and said, "Want to get some lunch or

finish the game first?"

Tara looked surprised like Arron had burst back into the room

or something.

I asked, "Problem?"

She scratched the back of her neck and said, "You were so

calm when Arron came in. I showed you your own blood and

you didn't even blink. You confronted your brother by yourself

and it worked."

She advanced and got right up next to me. "You're about to be

an Aunt, your sister-in-law could die, your niece or nephew could

die, and you want to finish a board game?"

I looked down at her and said, "Well um, we don't have to finish

playing... We could get lunch first, if you want."

She gaped at me in shocked disbelief. She through her arms in

the air. "What is wrong with you?!"

Her arms dropped to her sides.

I blinked and tried to process what she just said.

The image of Jack's blood on the snow, his face frozen in pain.

I remembered that feeling of dread and horror and despair.

I remembered seeing the blood on my neck feeling nothing

but happy. I remembered wanting to beat Magnar.

I thought, "Is she right? Is, there something wrong with me?"

I shrugged, "No idea. You're right though, we should focus on

Chloe."

Tara sighed, "Alright, sorry." I nodded.

As we headed out the hallway and down the stairs she said,

"Arron said that you were summoned. Go, I'll stop by Kenny's

kitchen and get you something."

I couldn't help it.

I looked back at her and smiled slightly, "Understood."

I stepped through the second kitchen then out the side door.

I scanned the sixteen huts and nine storage sheds.

The birthing hut would have been the same as every other hut.

A small ten by ten six-sided building with one side being a pair

of double doors.

Every other hut was designed like this. A dark grey tile roof,

sycamore walls in some shade of brown. A short staircase lead

up to the door.

They stood on bricks that kept them a good foot off the ground

incase of flooding from the river.

The birthing hut was different. The tile roof was a pale blue.

The sycamore walls were a bright red fading in places. Morgan

suggested we change it to a ramp because ramps are easier to

walk up and more sturdy. Both vital for safe walking.

Filled by dread I cautiously approached the ramp. I put my boot

on it, trying not to run. Despite how much I wanted to.

I stepped towards the six-sided hut. My heart started pounding.

I thought. "I really hope I'm mistaken about this. No, I can't

be wrong. I'm never wrong!" My heart slowed as I sighed.

"Please let my gut be wrong about this baby."

Author's Note

I've been having issues with dialogue is it believable?
This is an introductory chapter and I wanted it to be funny in places. Humor is hard but did I pull it off?
any opinions, critiques, reviews are welcome I just want to improve my opening chapter