-BROKEN STRINGS- ch1

Instructions

TW- War, bl 00 d Orion. That’s my name. I’m 14 years old. I’m part Greek, part Trojan, though my dad insists he’s Greek. I’ve grown up in Sparta all my life, though I’m no soldier. I’ve always been the quiet type. I hunt, provide for my village. It’s okay. Although I can’t say I wouldn’t like something else… But I should be careful for what I wish for, shouldn’t I? Because something else- that definitely isn’t waking up outside Troy (which is currently in thick of war). I came round in a bright forest. Sunlight filtered through the trees, and the echoes of war echoed faintly in the forest. I turned to my left to hear sobs. Someone- a girl, maybe two years younger than me- spluttered, “Where- where are we, Felix? Where’s mom? And dad?” “I dunno, Katie,” a male responded, “But this certainly isn’t England.” I crept through the forest and watched them through the undergrowth. They looked 12, and had red hair and hazel eyes. The girl- Katie- was covered in freckles and the boy- Felix- constantly looked like he was about to crack a joke. Katie looked seriously upset, but Felix seemed to be a bit calmer. Felix glanced up at me, and said, “Oi, don’t think we can’t see you, mate. Your eyes are that green they’re practically glowing from under that bush. Oh, and the blood. You’re wounded. You do know that, right?” I leapt out the bush, bright pink with embarrassment, “Of- of course I did!” I stammered. Truth was, I hadn’t. I’m… not the most observant. “Who- who are you?! And why are you in that?!” Katie yelped, gesturing vaguely to my clothes. I responded, “What’s wrong with my tunic?! I should be asking you the same question!” Felix raised an eyebrow, “You’ve never seen a T-shirt? Right, let me guess… you’ve either been living under a rock or you’re a very, very dedicated cosplayer.” I frowned, “What in Hades’ name is a cosplayer?” Felix huffed, “Great, he’s delusional.” “You’re not from here, are you? You don’t look like Greeks or Trojans.” I said, taking a step back. “Huh?” Katie stammered, “What are you talking about?” “You definitely aren’t from here,” I repeated, stating the obvious, “You were sent by the gods, weren’t you?” Felix blinked, “Eh? Gods? The Greek gods aren’t real, mate?” I glanced at the ground, embarrassed, “They- uh- they’re very real. Hermes- you know the trickster god- he’s like, my best friend. My only friend, really.” Felix huffed, squaring up to me, “Look, mate, this is not 2025. I don’t get it. What are you talking about?” I raised an eyebrow, feigning calmness, “What, are you from the future or something?” Katie smiled, “We are! At least, I think…” I bit my lip, “Yeah, there’s some divine intervention going on here. The long and short of it is that there’s a really big war here, and if the soldiers find you, they will take you. So, uh, maybe run?” Katie blurted out, “You’re from round here, right? You could help us!” I laughed awkwardly, “I’m no help. I’m more of a hinderance.” Felix huffed, “Hinderance or not, mate, that hunting knife is all we’ve got for defence. You’re coming with us, whether you like it or not.” I rubbed the back of my neck, “If you insist… I suppose I’ve nothing else to do.” I cracked a weak grin, “So I guess we’re stuck with each other now.” Katie grinned, “Then it’s decided! By the way, what’s your name?” “Orion. My name’s Orion.” I couldn’t help my smile. I don’t know what’s going on, but at least I’m not alone.