Hidden Conflicts

By VR Janis

"How could you? What is wrong with you? These are living creatures! Were living creatures!"

Do not speak to me as if I am a child to be chastened.

"You act like a child, throwing a tantrum for atten

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inked Scroll Press
• Release date: Oct 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9780991134236

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The whole world was crashing down around her and no one seemed to notice. The constant pounding of her head was a well known companion, even if it was unwelcome.

She did not want to tell the healers about the headaches, everyone was already hovering. She knew if she pointed out that something was not right with her, her friends and the elders would overreact.

Her memories did not make any sense or go together in any order. Happy memories smashed together with memories that made her heart wrench. The lost of loved ones and the laughter of friends and family spun around her head. She grabbed her head as she squeezed her eyes shut. She would almost prefer no memories.

Papakoosigun was confused about both her past and her future. All she had were the minutes of each day staring at her in the face.

All she had were people expecting things from her. She was not sure she was up to the tasks they wanted her to do. All she wanted was to curl up and sleep the rest of her days away. To ignore the flashes, headaches, stares, whispers and dreams.

Ishkode was her rock. He has helped her in so many ways. Her memory was an annoying, fractured thing, but thanks to him, she could try to fix the puzzle of her mind. It was a beginning at least.

Papakoosigun sat at the table in the great tree home in the center of the forest elf village. She stared across at Ishkode and knew there were some things that she was happy she remembered, he was one of them. But to remember the death of a love one was like losing them all over again.

She remembered, the giant Biboon, her teacher and friend being frozen alive by the evil ice elf, Mikwam. She remembered the race to hide the token that would change the lives of her people forever.

The token had already changed her, but she still could not figure out if it was good or bad.

She remembered Aki and the elders announcing their betrothal. She was going to have to figure out what to do about that. She remembered jumping in the river, and the Wabashkiki who took her in and cured her blindness. She blinked her eyes a few times, it was weird to remember being blind and then having her sight returned. She relinquished the sight of the leaves, the flowers, the sun, and the stars.

Ishkode, do you think I will remember everything again?

It is hard to say, you are stubborn so maybe your memories will be stubborn too.

Papakoosigun watched the smile form on his lips, Who are you calling stubborn, donkey?

He laughed, I think the memories depend on a lot of things. Everything has a purpose so I think that if you have need of those memories, they will be there.

I guess we have to leave it at that for now.

She shoved her chair back and walked to the door determined to spend the entire day outside. She wanted to explore, to remember who she was, and to forget what was troubling her. She had memories, but she still felt like she lost a piece of herself somehow. She needed to find herself again.

Are you coming? I want . . . Papakoosigun slammed into a shimmering wall that she did not notice in her attempt to look back to see if Ishkode was coming.

Her attention was captured by the wall. She ran her hand over the smooth surface, walking along the wall. She came face to face with a fierce display of sharp teeth.  A voice whispered in her mind.

Do you remember me, little one?

I think so, I remember flying. I think. . .

Zhimaagan roared in delight. Eya! Yes, that is right. I am glad you remember your first dragon flight.

I would image that you are hard to forget. Zhimaagan, right?

Well, I can hope anyway. Come ride on me.

Papakoosigun jumped on her back, laughing as she swayed with the motion of the dragon’s walk. Zhimaagan stopped on the edge of the lake.

Hold on, little one.

Zhimaagan flapped her wings and jumped into the lake, taking Papakoosigun with her. When they came up, Papakoosigun was sputtering and laughing.

That was not fair. Did I look like I needed a bath?

No, but maybe smelled like it, a little.

Hey!

Zhimaagan rumbled in laughter and dove again. After a few minutes of going under and coming to the surface, Papakoosigun loosened her grip and swam for the shore.

I was wondering when you were going to get tired.

Zhimaagan came from under Papakoosigun and pushed Papakoosigun toward the shore with her nose. Papakoosigun flopped on the shore, unconcerned with the rocks that littered it. She sat up and watched as Ishkode jogged over to them.

CHAPTER 2

He grinned and she could not help the grin that spread across her face.

He laughed, I was wondering if you were ever going to leave the tree, or I would have to drag you away.

Papakoosigun smiled, Yeah, well. It does feel good to be out in the fresh air.

I have been waiting out here while you took your swim. Your guard dogs would not let me follow you. How was it? He nodded to the side of the door. Papakoosigun leaned around him and looked to where he nodded. Aki stood there, arms crossed and glowered in Ishkode’s direction.

Papakoosigun laughed, Don’t tease them, they are here by the orders of the elders. The swim was refreshing, you should have jumped in. Come on.

She grabbed Ishkode’s hand and started to drag him toward the lake.

Aki tried to stop her, My lady, maybe we should take a quiet walk to the library.

Papakoosigun stared at Aki, You can if you want to, I will not tell. We are going around the lake.

She started to run with Ishkode in tow, both of them laughing. Aki, Bikwak and Mitigwaab ran after them, but they could not catch up.

Papakoosigun skidded to a stop at the edge of the lake, Hurry, grab a canoe.

Ishkode grabbed a canoe and pushed it into the water as she released all