-Callia-

  It felt strange after the hooded men attacked us in the forest. I was sure something would change, but nothing did. Dad didn’t alert the guards, Mom still spent her time caring for infants, and even my stupid brother seemed eager to hide whatever happened to him.

  I wanted to help him, but whenever I even hinted at concern, it would flood our connection with some kind of fear I didn’t understand. It was hard. I was faster, stronger, and tougher, but when that man threw his knife, I did nothing. Now not only can’t I share my brother's burden, but whenever my curiosity reaches him, it spikes another panic attack from him.

  I started spending more time away from him. I didn’t want to, but I could tell that whether I wanted to or not, my presence seemed to make whatever he was dealing with harder. More time spent with my future minions at the orphanage. At least that was the plan, but ever since the incident with Dad, Nixie and Reesia seemed to have realized I wasn’t an orphan, and for some reason they didn’t want to spend time with me! It’s not my fault I have a great family, but apparently I'm not good enough to spend time with them.

  Since they didn't want to be my friends, I'll find something else to do. I briefly considered going back into training and waiting to see if they might want to make up with me, but I'm not in the mood. While I might not feel like training, I decided to check my status.

  I look over my status with great pride. Even if I don’t have as many high-tier skills as Callen, I was still growing faster than him, cementing my authority as the big sister.

  My thoughts go back to my friends, thinking about how they chose to push me away.

  Despite that, with my great observation skills, I noticed it wasn’t just them; it was, in fact, a trend across the whole town. Wherever Mom went shopping, people quieted down and stopped greeting us, and Grandpa, who had returned to the town guard, would spend his shifts posted in remote locations along the wall.

  Eventually I ghosted behind Mom, listening to what the people were saying after she was out of sight. I was shocked when I heard a pair of women in the market.

  “That’s the cripple’s wife, right?”

  “Shh! It’s best if you don’t get involved with them. I heard a snatcher already tried to get them!”

  “Doesn’t she work at the orphanage? What if those poor kids are endangered by her!”

  “You're right! We should petition the matron to send her away until the husband isn't putting bystanders at risk!”

  “You know I heard there were snatchers in town just last week. They murdered the gateman while searching for the cripple!”

  “Doesn’t that mean they already caught him?”

  “I heard it was a near thing, but you know their family has that old man Renack in it. I bet they underestimated him!”

  I quickly left, running to the edge of town, standing at the top of the waterfall, watching it pour down into the ocean below. Dad was a hero! He was a knight who spent all his time protecting the people of this town! It was a callous betrayal, and everyone in this stinky town was in on it!

  I sat there gazing off toward the Wither tree’s island, letting the ambiance of the waterfall hide my sniffling. I was so caught up in my head I didn’t even notice as an arm came around me, gently caressing my back. The hand was stiff and wooden, so I relaxed and leaned into the embrace Dad was giving me. I don’t know why he was there, but I needed his presence.

  “Dad, I heard the ladies in the market! They were saying a bunch of cruel things about you!” He continued his gentle rubbing as if the question didn’t bother him.

  “Maybe they were being mean.” He calmly stares off at the horizon. “Doesn’t mean they were wrong. You see, my little archer, everyone has to work hard. Life in a small town like ours is often filled with all sorts of twists. The mean ladies were worried that people they care about could get caught up in trouble because supporting people who can’t contribute is. . . well, it’s a fine line. There are people who’ve helped me, like my friends in the guard, but there are also those who are willing to go to any means to protect humanity.

  Nobody in this town can stop these men because they are acting under the orders of a noble. However, the land is also ruled by strength. As long as the men who pursue me fail, I won’t get into any trouble for fighting them. Think of me like that tree out there.” Dad points to the Wither tree in the distance.

  “My spear was made from a branch of that tree. I collected it myself as proof for my knighthood. Nobody knows what level the tree is, but it’s highly valued because it's so strong.” He pauses and sighs before continuing. “Snatchers rarely ever get to a high level because they aren’t allowed to kill their prey. They intend to sell a high-level kill to someone else. Just like a branch from that tree, I’m worth a lot, but for now they think I can’t resist in a meaningful way. For some people everything has a price, and those men think I'm easy pickings.” Dad picks me up and sets me on his shoulders. I look out over Port Town from Dad's back.

  “Doesn’t mean they don’t have to prove they can snatch your Pa. I’m going to resist with all I have, and with these hands I’ll prove I’m not just a valuable branch to be sold!”

  I can’t help but giggle at Dad.

  “You didn’t need to go on that rant about the tree! Honestly, I thought you were going to make some profound comparison, but all you did was brag about your cool and expensive stick!” Dad sheepishly rubbed his foot into the ground but started carrying me back towards the town.

  “If you want profound from me, I’m sorry, but your dear ol dad is only good at poking people with his expensive stick.” Dad jokes, pretending like his dignity was hurt, so I banter back.

  “You are pretty good at poking, but you know, I think you also have some skill in the dad department!” I feel a sense of triumph as Dad is clearly pleased. Our banter continues as he strolls with me back home. The loneliness from earlier fades just a bit, and I resolve myself. If I can't help my brother, then at least I will be there for him. If he does end up needing me, I’ll be sure to help him and rub my big sister status in his face again.

  "By the way, Dad, how did you know where I was?" As we reached home, a spontaneous question popped into my head. Another voice answers before Dad.

  "You've been avoiding me and feeling down, so of course I would let Dad know! As for how I knew where, I've already learned all your favorite moping spots!” I switch my perspective to my irritating brother as he continues with his smug smile.

  “It seems I should’ve been the big brother since I have to take care of my little sister!”

  I am outraged! He knows that too, and there's nothing I can do for now. I squint my eyes at him and silently promise vengeance. This insubordinate and troubling little brother will learn his place sooner or later. This I vow!