The Chrama Chronicles: the Curse

By Breanna Wilson

Zara is a blacksmith surrounded by family and villagers who all believe her to be cursed. At first she refuses to believe she is cursed but the years pass on and none of her betrothals ever last long, their paths always leading away from her towards death or into the arms of another, leaving Zara standing alone time and time again, she accepts that she truly is cursed. Zara has finally resigned herself to her fate, until one day when a nomad comes to visit her brother and she begins to question it all, embarking on a journey that will change everything shes ever known.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Mar 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479777372

Breanna Wilson

Hi I’m Breanna Wilson, born and bred Australian. I have been writing for over fourteen years. I am currently studying at the University of Newcastle completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient History and Writing. The inspiration for my writing comes through life experience, from what is going on around me, to what my mind creates when my imagination takes flight. I have lived in Newcastle all my life. Recently I ventured out into the world travelling overseas to the UK where I enjoyed relaxing in Scotland’s poignant country side. I am passionate about reading books, watching movies and television, my friends and family. The idea for this series came to me one afternoon when upon finding myself dissatisfied with the available entertainment my imagination became encapsulated with a world of gods, heroines and warriors. You can follow me on: dabr3.wordpress.com

Book preview

PROLOGUE

"H e is handsome,"

He is a klutz, Zara countered sitting down looking out at her brothers with her betrothed.

Zara’s brothers look confident and proud men, it shows in the way they hold their bodies and parry with swords. Whereas Zara’s new betrothed is the complete opposite; he trips over his own feet, stabs himself with his own practise sword.

Zara be nice, Her Mother Ursa cautioned.

Well he is, Zara pouted He doesn’t even know where to put his own feet.

Bray is young; he will find his feet and confidence. Ursa reassured It is like that with all men.

Xenon for example,

Zara couldn’t help but laugh at Kate’s example, her bother Xenon did take a while to get use to his body and find his confidence. But once Kate moved in she inspired him to find it all.

Maybe Bray needs to be inspired, Zara mused standing up feeling her wolf do the same.

Leave the men to train, Ursa instructed.

I’m leaving, Zara called back as she broke out into a run going far away from the house and everyone there.

This is her fourth betrothal since she turned fifteen, but it is almost double that since she became a woman at thirteen. Zara understands that women of the village get married and start their families straight away. But for her it seems a higher power is saying ‘no he will not do’.

Parents pulling out their prospective son for better offers for wife. The guy catches a deadly fever, or goes on a journey only to never return and so on.

Zara slowed down to a walking pace until she was in the middle of the field of flowers. Falling back feeling the crush of flowers underneath her, sneezing several times before the pollen passed. The daisies made brighter by the summer sun. Zara likes coming here to be alone and to think. But she is not alone her wolf right beside her resting his head on her stomach. Zara’s fingers tangled in his soft fur, closing her eyes from the direct sunlight.

The birds chirping. The cattle mooing and baaing in the nearby fields. The feel of her wolf’s breathing near her. All lulled Zara into a sleep.

Easy boy it’s just me,

Zara stirred hearing a warning growl, opening her eyes and turning towards the commotion. There stood her brother Xenon, his hands out showing he is unarmed, the sun reflecting from his shaven head.

Zara sat up stretching out the tautness in her back Xenon what is it?

Ma sent me to find you, Xenon replied taking a step closer when the growling stopped helping Zara to stand up.

Well you found me, Zara said dusting off the flowers from her dress.

Come on, Xenon said walking towards the house. Zara followed keeping three steps behind.

What do you think of Bray? Zara asked looking out at her wolf scaring the cows.

Did Ma pick him? Xenon asked waiting for her to walk next to him.

She always does, Zara replied.

He is a klutz, Xenon commented giving his little sister a side hug as they kept on walking Not right for you,

Try telling Ma that, Zara mumbled.

Xenon laughed I’m not going to,

When they arrived back at the house, it is almost empty except for Kate, her Mother and Bray.

Here she is, Ursa said standing up Zara why don’t you walk Bray home.

Sure, Zara said staying by the open door.

Maybe your companion can stay here while you go for your walk, Ursa suggested.

Zara shared a look with her wolf then looked up at her Mother Night can go wherever he wants. Zara stated.

A wolf makes people uncomfortable Zara, Ursa pointed out.

Well if Bray is going to marry me, Zara paused doing an internal cringe at the thought Night is a part of me,

I like dogs, Bray said softly before Ursa could say another word.

Xenon’s muffled laughter followed by Kate elbowing him in the stomach gave Zara her chance to escape. When she looked behind Bray followed almost falling on his face in the process.

If Zara continued the silence it wouldn’t bother her but somehow her Mother always finds out.

How was sparring with my brothers? Zara asked as her wolf ran off into the forest.

Sampson is very determined, Bray replied Does he always train with his hair all loose?

Zara nodded He is all proud of his hair, has been growing it as long as I can remember.

Zara, Bray stood in front stopping her from walking.

Bray, Zara said noticing the way he tried to make himself look taller. When he didn’t continue Zara just had to wait What is it? She asked when his direct eye contact became too much.

There are performers in the village putting on a play. Bray explained I’m not sure what it’s called.

Yeah I heard it’s a comedy, Zara said knowing what he is talking about Xenon and Kate went to see a show yesterday, they said they enjoyed it.

Would you like to go see it with me? Bray said rocking onto the balls of his feet looking away.

Zara gave a small smile I would like that,

Bray’s smile lightened up his face as he stepped aside Do you want me to pick you up?

Zara shook her head How about we meet outside the blacksmith’s?

Okay, Bray said swaying his walk to avoid a large rock on the path.

The rest of the walk ended in silence, the distance between the house and the village is a long way. It’s not too bad on horseback for those that prefer it.

See you tomorrow, Zara said as they stopped outside the bakery What time?

After lunch, Bray replied opening the door to the bakery Bye Zara,

Zara waited until Bray was inside to leave. As she came near the blacksmith’s, she stopped. It doesn’t look right boarded up when the rest of the village is booming with trade activity.

Zara’s brothers do not have the metal talent her Father use to say. Xenon has an understanding, but he cannot create only fix.

It makes her sad to see her Father’s legacy boarded up closed. If she stays standing here any longer she will begin to cry.

I want to open up the shop, Zara said stirring her spoon in the porridge.

Now why would I let you do that? Ursa questioned pouring a ladle of porridge into another bowl You are fifteen not old enough to work,

But I’m old enough to be married, Zara countered How is that fair?

I said no, Ursa stated sitting down at the table with her bowl.

Zara sighed not agreeing with what she said but instead ate her breakfast in silence.

Kate and Xenon couldn’t stop talking about their plans for the day. Zara tuned them out. Until the door opened and in came Frederic and Sampson with their wives and newborns, there was no escape into silence again. Once Zara finished her breakfast she played with her nieces trying to make them laugh.

Zara are you coming to the farm with us today? Frederic asked taking his daughter out of Zara’s arms.

I have other plans today, Zara said shaking her head and standing up.

Frederic and Sampson kissed their wives and children then their Mother goodbye.

Xenon came over to Zara getting her into a hug. What no one else saw was the passing of the shop key from Xenon to Zara.

Go for it, he whispered.

Zara smiled at her brother hiding the key behind her back. When she was sure no one was looking at her, she put the key in her dress pocket.

One of the babies started crying.

Zara get rid of that monster, Jaime yelled over the top of her baby’s cry.

Jaime is always yelling at Zara, telling her not to sing that song or about Night being in the same room.

Zara has learned not to attack like her teenage self should. She just doesn’t understand what Frederic sees in her to marry her.

Zara left the house tapping against her leg for Night to follow, she doesn’t have to be anywhere until after lunch. Once she put her hand in her pocket touching the key, she has an idea. The shop is where she will go.

Night stayed right by her side all the way to the shop. Zara said hello to villagers that gave her morning greetings, even if the wolf did put some villagers off.

Once inside the shop, Zara began letting light and fresh air in. the fire looked so wrong not lit. Zara remembers her Father always making sure the fire stayed lit no matter what the weather.

The whole shop looks to be in good need of some care and attention.

As Zara cleaned, she remembered all the times she spent here with her Father. Watching as he worked a piece of metal into something beautiful. The patience he showed with his wife, when all she does is yell his ear off for exposing her only daughter to such barbaric labour.

Zara has to wipe away some of tears that have escaped. Her stronghold on her emotions are falling.

A knock at the door brought Zara away from the past.

Zara are you here?

Yeah, Zara replied walking over to the door.

Bray stood in the doorway holding a basket Are you hungry?

Zara has to think for a minute, time really did go by so fast with all the cleaning. It’s lunchtime. Her stomach started to growl, laughing she replied I guess I am,

Bray smiled shyly and started listing what he has in the basket. Zara closed up the shop then followed Bray outside the village to a field nearby.

Zara stood watching as Bray laid out the picnic blanket and the food.

Do you hear that? Zara asked listening out for the sound that halted her from sitting down.

Bray stopped to listen as well I don’t hear it,

A bull bellowing echoed closer. Then Zara saw a bull whiter than snow, bigger than a loaded cart, horns so long they are almost scrapping the ground as he moves.

Zara couldn’t move the white bull has her entranced. Night’s growl put some sense back into her.

Bray we need to leave, Zara said quietly.

But we haven’t eaten yet, Bray said standing up.

That triggered the bull, tapping its hoof once before charging straight for Bray. Bray panicked trying to outrun the bull; Zara stayed still watching it all unfold so quickly. Some part of her knew the bull wouldn’t attack if she stays still.

The white bull’s large horn ripped through Bray like a hot knife through butter. His blood lost within the red of his tunic. A ripe smell followed the wind right to her nose, the smell making her gag.

When Zara could move her eyes from Bray’s still body, the bull looked right at her. His white pelt spotted with red, fabric and body part wrapped around his horn.

All Zara could think is that she is next. Closing her eyes she braced for her fate.

But nothing happened.

The bull has disappeared.

Zara found her feet running over to Bray, kneeling in the sticky grass trying to wake him. Come on Bray wake up. Zara said choking on the words.

Nothing just his lifeless eyes staring back at her in fear.

Zara tried to take a few deep breaths without tasting the smell of death on her tastebuds.

Help, She yelled at the top of her lungs.

CHAPTER ONE

The wind bites at the exposed skin as Zara wraps her cloak around herself. The weather has taken a turn for the worst, already Night is whining to be released from the house. Looking down at her best friend