Wishing all of you the happiest of Fridays! I wrote another short little story called Too Quiet. I hope you enjoy it!

Too Quiet by Adam Wright

The sky was an open blue expanse only marred by the occasional wisp of clouds. Brandon wiped the sweat from his brow. He gripped the hilt of his sword automatically, ready to draw at the first sign of trouble. His brother walked next to him, a soldier already tested in battle, James was a slayer of kings and often thirsted for blood.

“Keep your eyes sharp in your head, you never know what’ll come from man or heaven,” James said.

“You expect trouble?”

“Nothing we can’t handle. Still, I don’t like the look of the sky. Not enough there.”

Brandon had no idea what James meant by that so he kept walking. After an hour they crested a hill, the tall grass up to their knees billowing against them. James held his hands up and Brandon halted.

“Listen. Do you hear that?” James asked.

“I hear nothing.” Brandon gripped his sword once more all the same.

“Exactly. It’s too quiet. I don’t like it.”

They continued their march through the day only stopping for short breaks to eat a bit of dried fruit and cheese. Further on Brandon remembered some bread he had stuffed in his bag and ate greedily. James didn’t notice. 

“There’s no wind,” James said.

“What’s your point?”

“Could be nothing. Keep your wits about you.” 

Brandon nodded as if he knew exactly what his brother meant. His hand never left his sword.

They reached a creek bed with the water low and the soft sounds of waves hitting against rocks. 

“Be careful as we cross,” James said.

“Will it be safe?”

“As long as you look out for danger.”

The brothers hiked up their pants, letting the cold water run across their ankles as they waded through. Just as they were about to reach the other side a creature that seemed to be all fangs and bright white fur snarled at them. Brandon had his sword out and made himself look as large as possible to scare the creature away. James was faster than Brandon and had already wrapped his arms around the creature’s neck. 

Just as Brandon was about to leap onto its back and rescue his brother he heard the sound of a voice from behind. The only voice that could bring an end to their battle.

“Boys, what are you doing? Get out of the mud and would you let the dog go? Honestly, I don’t know why we let you run around with those toy swords of yours,” their mother said.

“But ma, we’re just foolin’ around.” James let go of the dog and Brandon did the same.

“Now that you’ve had your fun, it’s time to get inside and wash up for dinner. Get a move on.” She pointed toward the door, a sure sign that she meant business.

As the brothers sat at the table trying to mind their manners Brandon leaned over to his brother.

“I don’t like the looks of this,” he said.

“Me neither. Too quiet.”