Chapter 2 The strong and weak

Chapter 2: Strong and Weak

Ten years had spun by in the secluded valley of Aethel. The twin boys, Noal and Healnor, were no longer wailing infants but sturdy young lads, their presence a constant, yet separate, element within the village’s rhythm. The initial awe and uncertainty surrounding their birth had settled into a carefully maintained distance. They grew up aware of their unique status, a distinction that set them apart from the girls their age.

While the young girls of Aethel played their own games – weaving flower crowns, enacting ancient stories, their laughter echoing freely – Noal and Healnor were often observed more than included.

They played their own rough-and-tumble games a short distance away, their wrestling and mock battles watched from afar by designated ‘baby sitters’ – older women tasked with their care and, more importantly, their observation.

Interaction with the girls was gently but firmly discouraged, a subtle yet constant reminder of their distinct future roles.

One sunny afternoon, as they were chasing each other through a patch of tall grass, Healnor suddenly tripped over a gnarled root, his thin frame hitting the ground with a thud. A sharp cry escaped his lips, and tears welled in his pale eyes. He clutched his knee, his face contorted in pain.

Noal, who had been a few steps ahead, immediately turned back, his brow furrowed with concern. He knelt beside his brother. "Healnor! What happened? Let me see."

Healnor continued to sob, his voice thick with tears. "My leg… it hurts, Noal! It really hurts!"

Noal gently tried to examine his brother's knee. "Big brother," he said, his voice firm but not unkind, "it's just a scrape. See? Not much blood. It will be alright. No need to cry so much."

Healnor flinched away, his eyes wide with fear. "But it does hurt! You don't understand, Noal. Pain… it's awful."

A thoughtful expression crossed Noal’s face. He sat back on his heels, looking at his twin. "I don't think so, Healnor. Pain… it tells you something is wrong, yes. But it also shows you are strong enough to feel it, to overcome it. It makes you tougher."

Healnor sniffled, still holding his knee. "But I don't want to be tough if it means feeling this."

Noal shook his head slightly. "But you are tough, Healnor. You just don't see it yet. You always think so much, you are clever. That's a different kind of strength."

Healnor remained unconvinced, his lower lip trembling. Seeing his brother’s continued distress, Noal sighed and then, in a surprising move, turned his back to Healnor. "Come on," he said. "Get on my back. I'll carry you."

Healnor looked up, his tear-filled eyes widening in disbelief. "No, you can't! I'm… I'm very heavy. And I'm your big brother. I should be the one carrying you. Shouldn't I?"

Noal chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Are you sure about that, big brother? I think I'm taller than you now." He crouched lower.

"Besides, your leg hurts. Just sit. Let me help you."

Healnor hesitated for a moment, a flicker of his usual thoughtful nature returning despite the pain. "But… you'll get tired."

"Nah," Noal said confidently, flexing his young muscles. "I'm strong. You're lighter than a sack of grain. Now, hop on."

With a little struggle, Healnor clambered onto Noal’s back, his arms looping around his brother’s neck. Noal stood up easily, Healnor surprisingly light on his back. They walked slowly back towards the edge of the playing field, Noal’s steady steps a contrast to Healnor’s earlier stumble.

"See?" Noal said, his voice slightly muffled by Healnor leaning against his neck. "Not so bad, is it?"

Healnor leaned his head on Noal's shoulder, a small, shaky smile finally appearing on his face. "Thank you, Noal."

"Any time, big brother," Noal replied, a hint of affection in his tone.

The scene shifted. In the central meeting hut, bathed in the soft glow of late afternoon sun,

the designated baby sitter, an older woman named Mara, was reporting to Chief Elara. Her voice was calm and measured as she recounted the events of the boys' afternoon.

"Healnor tripped, Chief Elara. A minor fall, a scraped knee. But he cried… quite intensely."

Elara listened, her gaze steady. "And Noal?" she prompted.

"Noal helped him up. He was… dismissive of the pain, suggesting Healnor was being overly sensitive.

Then he carried Healnor back." Mara paused, her eyes thoughtful. "The younger one is physically stronger, Chief Elara. It is becoming increasingly evident."

A deep line etched itself between Elara’s brows. She sat in silence for a moment, her gaze distant. "So," she finally said, her voice low, "this is how it unfolds." A faint, almost imperceptible evil smirk came on her face .

Chapter 2 ends

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***