Popcorn Land
The Boarding Academy that Revolted
MATTHIS
We, the Leaders Three, of Popcorn Land, do hereby announce our independence from Oenus and its governmental bodies. If you wish to negotiate further terms, meet us at the Narrow before the sun goes down. If not… this is what lies ahead.
“Note was stuck to this.” The poor soldier handed the heavy woven bag over to the knight. The stench of death was enough for Sir Matthis to know what melon shaped body part would await him when he opened the bag, but he had to identify. He had to know for military purposes and matters of the continent, but deep down none of that mattered. He finally found his breath when he saw the sawed off head, in relief of who it wasn’t.
“The headmaster, Harven Loid. It’s a cruel prank. Notify his family, Donn. Don’t beat around the bush. They deserve the truth.
“I will but… It’s just his wife, Sir. Both his daughters are in… Popcorn Land.” Donn got quieter with every word as watched the lordly knight wince and his beard grow some strands greyer.
“Do not give a stone of legitimacy to any of this foolery by uttering their words. ‘Popcorn Land’ None of our greatest prophetic minds could have foreseen the bloody circus I’m expected to tame.”
“What… uh, what should I call it Sir?”
“You graduated just last year, did you not, Donn? What are the words written on the walls?”
“Naomi Estelle Academy.”
“Then that’s what we’re calling it. Because we live in the real world. After you’ve returned Loid’s… remain… to his wife, convene the elders at the Feirwell Estate, whoever is available. Tell them it’s an emergency. Their children’s lives are in the balance. All of our– Lords, I cannot believe this. I never believed they’d get this far. And the irony of it… We built their barracks, supplied them food and water. Only we called it a school, not a military base, or a fucking Popcorn World”
“Underestimating the young is often the downfall, even of the greatest leaders.” Donn remarked, sadly, before taking off with the head bag, toward the brightening sky. Sir Matthis closed his eyes and felt the warmth of the sun across his face. He opened them after it got blocked out by a dark cloud. A flock of birds flew directly above the open grassy fields and landed on one of the few trees in sight.
“Oh, Laina.” He whispered to the quiet morning air. “You see this mess from up there? I hope not. You’d only worry as I am. But I’ll get them back. I swear, I will get our children home safe. Maybe, wait to watch us ‘till then? Focus on your crafts, or watch a stranger across the world for a while. Whatever choice you have. I just don’t think you’d want to see what it will take.”
The wind whistled calmly as if to respond. Sir Matthis bowed his head. “I’ll bring them home, my love. I swear it.”