Blood Poetry

By Kyle Jantjies

A little red book contains his emotions

His sword is stained with blood.

And his heart is on a mission.

 

Reed uses poetry to contain his emotions. But when Cadan's father is killed he rages. When Haley expresses interest in him, he is lovestruck. When Hannah is kidnapped he becomes a leader. 

 

If you enjoy dystopian fantasy series, with deep emotional poetry, clean romance and action packed scenes, then Blood Poetry is for you! Click the BUY button to get your COPY and inside is another book included!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kyle Jantjies
• Release date: Aug 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201690380

Book preview

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Chapter 1: Attacked

T

he deer stood by the bush eating. Its ears rose to hear the slightest sound; always aware of its surroundings. The sun shone slightly through the canopy of the Tagannine forest. Its rays hit the soft ground covered with dead leaves. A single bird chirped in the trees above while a slight wind blew, causing the trees to rustle.

Reed rubbed his arms slowly, "I should’ve brought my coat." he thought.

He was flat on the ground watching the deer and he began creeping forward slowly, pulling himself forward with his arms. His muscles contracted and relaxed as he inched closer to the deer. His breathing was slow and careful. As he came closer to the deer, he reached behind his back to untie the short bow strapped on it. He took one of the arrows out of the make-shift quiver tied onto his leg and then reached into his chest pocket and took out a tiny container. He opened it and dipped the arrow into the liquid inside. It was snake venom; a mixture he obtained from one of his many expeditions in the bush. He packed the container back into his pocket and set the arrow in place. Keeping his bow steady, he aimed at the deer, trying to make sure that he would hit it.

As he aimed the deer looked up and stared in his direction, "Did it hear me?" he thought.

Reed! Reed! shouted a voice from behind him.

The deer immediately turned and ran. Reed let the arrow fly; it whizzed past the deer’s head and stuck in a tree. Reed threw his bow aside, hurried to his feet and began to chase after the deer.

I’m going to kill Cadan for this! he thought as he sprinted after the deer.

He slipped two knives from his belt and held it ready. The deer sprinted skilfully through the forest, taking sharp turns and avoiding trees without slowing down. Reed had no way of keeping up with it but a soft smile crept on his face.

The deer turned a corner and its feet tangled into a thin wire, stretched along the trees, a metre from the ground. The deer fell to the ground, its feet buckling beneath it. As it struggled to get to its feet Reed dove over the wire, knives outstretched and tackled the deer to the ground. The deer fought desperately to escape his grasp but he held it tightly with his left arm and used his right hand to stab it in the chest. The deer struggled even harder as Reed’s stabbing continued. It’s kicking became slower and weaker. Reed held the deer tightly as it stopped kicking and then finally stopped breathing. He let the deer go and stood up from the ground. Blood stained his hands and sweater as he stood over the deer smiling at his victory.

Reed! shouted Cadan approaching from behind him.

Reed turned to face Cadan. Nice job! Cadan smiled tapped him on the back.

He held Reed’s bow in his hand and had two small axes strapped to his belt. He was shorter and younger than Reed but he was physically stronger. His muscles were big, stretching the sleeves of his sweater.

Reed ground his teeth before punching Cadan in the face. Cadan staggered backwards and held his jaw. He wiped some of the deer blood from his chin that was on Reed’s hand. He looked back at Reed, who glared at him. Cadan clenched his fist before laughing.

What was that for? he asked flexing his jaw.

Are you stupid? You made me miss my shot! Reed answered.

I told you to wait for me, Cadan replied, I went to fetch my axes and when I came back you were gone.

Reed turned to the deer and bent down to look at it. He moved the deer slightly with his right hand; it was definitely dead. Blood oozed slowly from its chest creating a puddle between the dead leaves of the forest.

I wanted to be alone. Reed answered, You would’ve slowed me down.

Cadan walked towards the deer’s head and looked at it.

Everyone is not going to slow you down. I could’ve helped. Cadan said.

Reed enjoyed being alone. There were times when he couldn’t imagine being without his friends but most of the time, he preferred to do things himself. That way, if something happened, he could only blame himself. It was safer that way.

Eh, Reed said shrugging off the comment, it’s over now. Plus, I have enough meat for the rest of the week, are you joining me for dinner? asked Reed.

You know I am. I could do with a good meal.

Reed smiled at him. Cadan was predictable. All he had to do was offer him from the spoils of his victory and Cadan would forgive him.

Good, now help me carry this back to the village. Reed said.

Fine. Cadan handed Reed his bow.

Reed strapped the bow to his back and gripped the back legs of the deer and Cadan took the front. They lifted the deer together and started walking back to the village at the edge of the forest.

I got a question. How did you even set the wire up? Cadan asked as they stepped over it. How did you know where the deer would run?

I didn’t, Reed replied, I made a circle around the deer a kilometre long, just in case you showed up.

Cadan only clicked his teeth in reply.

Reed chuckled at him. Cadan was 4 years younger than he was but he was always good company. And he was Reed’s best friend, even though Cadan always complained that Reed didn’t share much. He enjoyed keeping his thoughts to himself, mostly because he didn’t know how to share them. And many times, he didn’t even know what they were. That’s why he tended to go hunting alone, it was a good time to think, to feel. Cadan was the only one of his few friends that he would actually allow to accompany him on hunts but that was a rare occasion in itself.

Hey, are we training tonight? asked Cadan breaking his thoughts.

Reed looked up at him, Yep, he answered, when we get home, I’ll start the fire. You go and tell Haley and Wade to meet us at the training grounds after six.

We’re all training? asked Cadan surprised, Okay, cool.

Yeah, it’s been a while hasn’t it? Reed answered.

They reached the end of the forest and walked down to the village just ahead of them. It was a small village; quiet and peaceful but the villagers were strong and tough. They were a tightknit group of people, everyone knew everyone. A few children ran past them playing as they entered the village. An old man sat outside his home. His real name was known only to a few people, everyone simply called him Sage, on account of the fact that people would often go to him for advice. He was smoking a pipe and smiled at them as they passed by him.

Ah boys, it’s good to see you. I see your hunt was successful. Very impressive, there aren’t many men your age who can hunt alone. He said smiling.

Good afternoon Sage. greeted Reed, Smoking again? That’s not very good for your health.

Hahaha! Sage laughed loudly, Always the smarty pants. Worrying about health is a problem for young people. How old are you now, twenty-one? When you get to my age, things like that don’t really bother you. Ah, and Cadan, I see you caught up to Reed huh?

Yeah, though I was a bit late. He glared at Reed.

Reed smiled at Cadan and then turned back to Sage, We have to get going. It was nice speaking to you again but I have to skin this thing before it starts to rot.

I understand my boy. Sage said smiling at him. Enjoy your meal.

Thank you! He and Cadan said together as they walked away. Sage smoked his pipe watching them attentively as they walked away.

MOVE YOUR BODY! YOUR arms aren’t the only body parts you have! Reed shouted.

Reed held a metre-long wooden pole as a sword and Cadan held a pole which was broken in two to act as dual axes. Reed had advised him that axes might be the best weapon for him. His stocky build allowed him to fight with heavier objects. They had been training for almost two hours now and Cadan was tired.

He fought hard. He stepped forward and swung the pole in his left hand at Reed’s head and the right one at Reed’s body. Reed ducked underneath the first pole and used his own pole to block the second one. Cadan’s stance was weak and Reed kicked at his feet. Cadan staggered backwards and Reed continued with his attack. Reed rose up quickly and swung his makeshift sword towards Cadan’s head and Cadan ducked underneath it. Reed used the opportunity to stomp kick Cadan in his chest, knocking him down to the ground.

You’ve got legs, use them! Step back, jump, block, kick, do anything! Don’t just ignore them! Reed instructed as Cadan stood up again.

I’m trying! answered Cadan as he fought back.

Reed swung his sword at Cadan’s head quickly. Cadan blocked the attack with his left pole and then swung the right one at Reed’s head. Reed ducked and performed a sweeping kick at Cadan’s legs. Cadan jumped over the kick and brought his poles down towards Reed’s head. Reed rolled out of the way and smiled up at Cadan.

Good job. he said looking up, Now try and stop this!

Reed ran in and gave off a barrage of kicks. Cadan dodged and tried counter-attacking. Reed dodged and swung his wooden sword at Cadan’s head. As the pole neared Cadan’s head an arrow sped past them, knocking the pole out of Reed’s hand. Both Cadan and Reed stepped back in surprise and looked at the pole lying on the ground with the arrow stuck in it.

Are you crazy!? Reed shouted, turning around with a red face.

He spoke to a young woman. It was Haley; she was 21, the same age as Reed. Haley walked towards them smiling. She held a bow in her right hand and an arrow in her left. On her back was strapped a quiver with multiple arrows in them. She wore tight denim shorts with a black pouch strapped to her leg. She was beautiful; her skin was clear and smooth. Her hair was tied up in a bun with a single strand hanging in her face. Reed watched her as she walked towards them.

You know, for a beautiful girl you have the ugliest mannerisms. Reed said.

Really? She asked sarcastically, You were just about to hit a 17yr old with a pole in his face and I’m the one with horrible manners?

It’s called training. Reed said, I’m making him stronger.

By hitting him? she asked walking up to him, that’s not very nice.

Reed smiled, Who said I’m a nice guy? He asked flirtatiously.

Clearly I was mistaken. Haley said standing in front of him.

Cadan walked up to them, Thanks for the help Haley, but I can handle myself.

Haley smiled at him, I know, she said pouting and squeezing his cheek with her left hand. He pulled away as she babied him. I just don’t like it when he bully’s you. Reed is pretty mean.

Remind me why we’re friends again, Haley. Reed said sarcastically.

Oh, because you have a thing for me. Haley turned towards him.

Really? Reed scratched his chin, What about you makes you think that?

My natural charisma and charm of course. Haley said factually.

Reed smiled, I thought I was the one with all of that.

Haley laughed and wrapped her arms around him and whispered in his ear softly, Don’t play yourself.

Reed laughed and hugged her back. He looked over her shoulder at Cadan who rolled his eyes at them. He winked at him before ending the hug.

Let’s go back, Haley said, I’ve been shooting arrows for 2hrs straight. I’m sweaty and I stink; I need to wash.

You don’t have to tell me. Reed said holding his nose and pulled his face in disgust.

Haley pushed him away jokingly and Cadan laughed loudly.

Reed and Cadan walked over to grab their bags and weapons. Reed picked up his silver sword and placed it in its sheath. He tucked two of his daggers in his boots and a short sword on his back. Cadan picked up his two dual axes and tied them onto his belt. He put his hand axe onto his back and kept his hatchet in his hand.

Are you guys ready yet? asked Haley.

Yeah, hold on! Cadan replied.

What happened to Wade? she asked, You did call him didn’t you Cadan?

Yep, answered Cadan, He said he’ll be here. He was busy reading at the time.

He’s always reading. Haley said, Such a nerd.

Say what you want but he’s the smartest of us here. Reed said, He can speak 5 different languages and he knows the lay of the land better than anyone else.

Yes, but none of that matters if he can’t fight that well. Haley said.

He can fight well. Reed replied, You know that.

Haley looked at him, rolled her eyes and smiled.

Hey, can I sleep over tonight? Cadan asked Reed changing the subject.

No, Reed answered, I don’t think your dad would like that.

I don’t think he’d care, Cadan answered, He’s a drunk.

Hey! Reed said sternly, I told you about speaking like that about him.

Sorry. Cadan said quietly looking down.

Haley looked at Reed as they walked. Reed had lost both his parents in a bandit raid when he was 15. The villagers had managed to drive the raiders out but his parents had died in the battle. He’d lived for the past six years alone, learning how to fight and protect himself and those important to him. He hated bandits and raiders, and his hate for them had only grown over time. He held a personal grudge towards them. He hated the fact that they came into towns to steal and kill with no respect for other people lives. They were the scum of the earth to him. Whenever Cadan would disrespect his father Reed would get upset. He had lost his father and he wanted Cadan to appreciate what he had.

The sun was beginning to set as they walked towards the village. The red sun of the horizon burned the air. As they neared the village, they heard a familiar sound, the sound of fighting. Reed looked at Cadan and Cadan looked at Haley. They all knew what was happening. They ran towards the village and saw exactly what they expected to see. The villagers were fighting with soldiers from the upper country. This had happened quite a few times already.

Their region of land had successfully split from the main country that had been embroiled in a land war. They were safe from the general bloodshed of the war but the split had left a power vacuum in the countryside. There were no official leaders, only respected elders in each of the towns. The criminals were left unchecked and the villagers were left to protect their own properties. In the beginning it had been tough but the southern villagers had learnt to defend themselves. The northern villagers outsourced their protection to a man named Julius. He paid his men to protect the villages which paid him. Soon he had become their unofficial leader and aimed to extend his territory.

Julius wanted to own the entire countryside, north and south, and he sent his men to the south to attack them. If they wouldn’t submit to his rule, he would dictate them by force. He sent his soldiers to villages like Tagannine from the southern country to destroy the town and fetch him young girls to be his slaves. After the town was destroyed the people would have no alternative but to offer their allegiance to him for food. Whoever resisted were killed or injured.

Reed, Cadan and Haley rushed towards the village drawing their weapons. Haley raised her bow as she ran and fired off an arrow. The arrow flew through the air and pierced a soldier between his armour in his neck. She hid along the side of one of the houses and continuously fired off arrows.

Cadan ran forward and tackled a soldier to the ground. He smashed the soldiers head in viciously with his axe. He stood up quickly and made off further into the village. A cavalier on a brown horse rode in front of Reed with his sword drawn. The horse stopped right in front of Reed and the soldier swung his sword at Reed’s head. Reed dodged the attack swiftly and cut at the horses’ ankles. The horse neighed and shook, throwing its rider from its back. Reed lifted his sword and drove it through the soldiers’ chest. Reed pulled his sword from the dead soldier’s chest and called to Haley to move further into the village.

He looked around and saw Sage fighting a soldier with his cane. Sage dodged an attack and knocked the soldier down to the ground. Then he ran toward the next soldier. Reed smiled as he watched the old man in action, still holding his pipe in his mouth. They fought their way further into the village and saw the ground littered with dead bodies. It was a sight Reed had seen before