Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Ozzy’s POV*

WAKE UP

I bolted upright, taking off a few inches into the air, complete with sheet, before I got control of myself.

DANGER

Bugger! I was too bloody old to go to war, to save the forest. The feeling in my head wouldn’t abate, however, which meant it was an immediate threat.

I’d known this was coming, could sense it, but that didn’t make me any happier about it. My whole body ached from the strain of what I was carrying. Even so, if the situation was as profoundly bad as I thought it was, I could be the only chance the Wild Ones had of a warning. I didn’t imagine all the carefully laid back up plans for an alert would mount to anything.

I tumbled out of bed, taking only as much time as I needed to dress and arm myself. This could very well be a last stand, and I wouldn’t go without a fight. I had to protect the little scrap of hope I had inside of me.

I strapped my old scabbard on. Not the floofy dress one, today I’d wear my old fighting buddy. With a cursory glance of inspection, I sheathed Black Sabbath and took off out of my door, towards the Village center, at the fastest pace I could muster.

My joints pained me terribly after only a few strides, and a mild headache started. I muttered to myself, “Just get me to Lem, to the howlers, help me out here, bloody rubbish…” Then I spotted perhaps the one thing that I truly needed. A ride.

Eliza, the bullishly strong, hybrid Night Watchman, was tearing ass towards me on the path. It was a little intimidating to see such a large woman moving so quickly. That she was both awake during the Day, and without Andrew spoke volumes. She spied me and started shouting, “Elder, I-“

I cut her off; there was no time for pleasantries. “-I know. Quickly, I need you to carry me to the Council Chambers.”

Grateful for not being asked why I was acting like a frail, old woman, Eliza hoisted me up like a bonny bride. Feeling sheepish, I held on to her neck for traction as she took off for the Village, seemingly little bothered by my added weight.

She was panting from running, so I didn’t bother with conversation. I didn’t want to reveal the secret of the shard if I didn’t have to anyway. I trusted Eliza, but Lem might have a fit.

We passed by Billy’s sheep, but I didn’t see him. However, as we went past PJ’s herd of goats, I got her attention with a shout. “Hey! Arm yourself! Tell everyone!” With that, she was off like a flash to bring her goats in. I had a moment to wonder if all of them would die before the sun went down.


At last, we reached the end of the main avenue. I started bellowing, for anyone that might hear, “Arm yourselves! War is upon us!” Though my voice quickly grew hoarse, I caught Iggy’s eyes as he peered out of his masonry shop, and I knew that was all I’d need to get the Berserkers going. Iggy and Dee both knew that there would be no holding back when the time came, and it had arrived. Instantly, I felt relief.

I kept shouting, and I saw Sam the painter running back into his shop, doubtless for his gear. Good. I spotted George the tanner hearing my cries, and then Joe the locksmith.

As we approached the Chambers, I got Eliza’s attention. “Set me down. See that tower?” She nodded, too out of breath to speak. “The entrance is around the far side. The howlers there will respond to the signal just as they will by the Walls. Go sound them now! Go! Then go the Healer's Tent, tell them to wake Papa; I’ll take care of the rest of the Village.”

As a testament to her character, she didn’t ask questions or make sure that she wasn’t in trouble for being apart from Andrew. She just jogged off towards the tower as I ran as quickly as I fucking well could for the Chamber entrance.

Padge and Moose, two of the Council Guards, spotted me, and came running. “Elder Oz-“

Out of time, I cut them off. “-Moose! Go tell Lem the war is at our Walls! He’s likely at home. Padge, come with me!” I knew, as soon as Lem was awake, he'd mobilize the Assassins.

I stormed through the door as fast as I was able, Padge hot on my heels. To my relief, I found Angela immediately in the foyer. Just as I opened my mouth to tell her to arm everyone, that the time we’d feared was upon us, the howlers sounded.

Right solid girl, that Eliza.

Notes

*dramatic music plays*

note: the following chapters will contain a lot of gore and bloodshed, please be advised.