“Clal…” Rythe nudged him. “It’s morning.”
Clal blinked. He sat up rubbing his head then stood up and wobbled.
No sign of Ansa or Gree or Mina.
Turl was readying the wagon and hitching the horses.
“Come on, Clal,” Ansa came trotting by. “I’ve got some cheese and bread for us to eat till we get to Eldan Vyum in a few hours.”
Clal and Rythe rolled up their sleeping blankets and odds and ends then tossed them into the back of the wagon and climbed in.
Turl flicked the reigns and they were off.
When the cart started moving again Clal returned to his thoughts about what had transpired in the past twenty-four hours. They have left Lyrune for who knows how long, mysterious gifts from parents they’ve never met, Rythe and his story about the RISHK and Talon. Then, the gifts from Gree and Mina, the strange fire, and the woman in the reflection. What’s next?
The clip-clopping of the horse’s hooves on the wooden planks of the bridge they were now crossing added a new sound to their adventures. Clal smiled at the sound of it.
Soon they reached a clearing as the forest gave way to flat lands. They rose over one last hill then reached the top to reveal a wide view of the landscape they were approaching. “Eldan Vyum,” Turl announced. “There it is.” Rythe said in his deep voice. “The Elder City.”
To their right set on a hills was the great castle of Eldan Vyum. Almost from it’s entry there were buildings that fanned out from right to left.
Though Clal and the others had been there before to sell apples at the market, the vastness of the city was always a topic that came up months after they arrived back to Lyrune.
Turl increased the speed of the horses, as he too was excited to set up their wares. They always met the most interesting individuals and heard the most extraordinary stories.
Ansa was less talkative today, Clal noticed as they continued to drive on through the country side. She was looking at the smooth road as it passed under them like the water of a mountain river.
They were all three huddled together again when Rythe looked up at Clal then at Ansa who was staring at the road.
“Ansa, you alright?” Rythe asked her.
She smiled but it slowly faded away. “I think so.”
“Hmph.” Rythe nodded. “Right.”
There was silence for another few minutes then Rythe spoke again.
“Really?” He said.
“No.” Ansa replied.
Ansa leaned forward toward Clal and Rythe.
“I had a dream.” She said quietly.
“A dream?” Clal smirked. “You never remember your dreams. And you remember this one?”
“Yes. I can’t seem to stop thinking about it. Actually, it seems as if it won’t leave me alone.”
Clal squinted then said, “Is it about animals?”
Ansa gasped, “Clal? How did you know that?”
“I don’t know. It was just that your story…your stone, they were both about animals and that was the first thing that came to mind.”
She smiled slightly, “Yes, it was about animals. But not any I really have thought much about.”
“Like what,” Rythe said, head tilting to one side.
Ansa hesitated. Then looked as if she was going to say something. Then blinked rapidly as she looked at Rythe then Clal.
“A snake.” She said cringing at the thought. “Not the most likable creature.”
“A snake? What kind of snake?” Clal pressed her.
“It was a red snake but it wasn’t a real snake, only a, sort of…on fire.” Immediately Clal thought of how his imagination had created the scene with the two figures in the fire last night.
“Fire?” He said in disbelief.
“Ansa, what else did you see?” Rythe’s tone became more serious as he was intrested in understanding what this all meant, a very unexpected turn of events to their journey which, he thought, was unfolding in ways he had never imagined.
“The others,” Ansa gulped in some air and was feeling different, her heart was beginning to race, “they were made of stone instead and didn’t move.” She sat up straightening her posture and brought her hands in front of her. “The snake was alive and I followed it as it just moved straight on ward for what seemed,” She squinted one eye, “days.”
“The other animals…” Clal said.
“They were, they were a eagle. And, there was a very large turtle.”
“Then,” She smiled, “The strangest thing,” She paused and lifted her hands, almost like she was in her dream again. She cupped her hands and created an arch out of her arms. “There were dolphins. I don’t know how many but so very many. And they, sort of climbed onto each other and made this arch.” She broke out of her trans and looked at Rythe and Clal. “But they were stone.”
Rythe was rubbing his chin vigerously at this point. Pausing ever so often, then starting his thinking ritual as before.
Clal was dumbfounded. He shook his head, “This is amazing, Ansa.” He smiled, just the kind of thing he liked to think about because, it meant to him, adventure that awaits those who seek to unlock the unknown. “It proves you…wait.”
Clal too began rubbing his chin.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Ansa replied. “I too don’t believe these kinds of dreams come by chance.”
She shifted her weight and tilted her chin up straightening her posture even straighter.
“I don’t know why it’s come to me, but I honor the gifts of this world with an oath to fulfill whatever it is I’m supposed to do with this.” Ansa said, “Even if I have to weave it in between my daily work as a seemstress’s aprentice.”
Ansa giggled as she considered the witty way she was able to craft her creative statement.
Clal chuckled too.
Rythe only continued to rub his chin. He waited for several minutes then spoke.
“What happened at the very end of your dream?” Rythe asked softly, then looked at Ansa, eyes squinting.
“There were,” she hesitated, “chains.”
Rythe raised his head with eyebrows raised, “Did you say, chains?”
“Yes. Many chaines. On a floor made of many stones.” She continued. “It was dark and they some of the chain links were broken.” Ansa was looking off into the distance with a straight face.
“I don’t understand any of it.” She whispered. “And the feelings it made me feel, I’ve never felt them before as long as I have lived.”
Her eyes began to fill up with tears. “I don’t know whether to be excited or afraid.”
Clal reached over and rubbed her back. “You know what I think?” He said. “I think special dreams come to special people.” He pulled her to his side and put his head on hers.
“Clal, if ever I had a brother, I’d want one just like you.” Rythe broke free from his contemplative serous look and laughed roughing up Clal’s hair in the process.
They all three smiled then Rythe continued. “I think this is something, Ansa, that you’ll understand over time.” He smiled. “Just don’t give up on it.”
“Okay. I won’t.” She said, smiling still held by Clal.
The remainder of their journey from countryside to city entrance remained uneventful. Soon they were rolling in through the gates, pulling up to and stopping at the location in the market where they would set up their booths. Then they all jumped down from the cart and began moving apple barrels and setting up tables and canopies.
Once everything was unloaded Turl turned to Clal, “Clal, we’ve got the rest of this. You and Ansa have enough to worry about.” He leaned over and rolled a barrel to Gree and Mina who pushed together to move it to their spot.
“Why don’t the three of you head out.”
“Well, I suppose…” Clal started to say.
“Thank you, Turl.” Ansa hugged and kissed him on the forehead. “We would like that very much.” Winking at Clal she ran to to where Gree and Mina were working and hugged them long enough to let them know she would miss them both.
Clal too walked over and gave them his best wishes. He embraced Turl.
“You’re what made me who I am, Turl.” Clal pulled away looking at the only oldest brother he’s ever known.
“You are who you are, Clal, because of your birthright. Nothing can change that.” Turl smiled, then Clal turned and walked to catch up to Ansa and Rythe who was already walking toward one of the main streets.
After walking for only a few minutes Rythe spoke. “Do either of you know where the seamstress shop is?”
Clal smiled. It didn’t occur to him that he would need to know where it was since Turl was driving the cart earlier. “No.” He said.
They walked a few steps further down the busy road, some shops open and some still dark. Rythe walked over to one of the shop owners and asked, “Hello there. I’m looking for the royal seamstress and thought you might be able to tell us which road we should take?”
The man was old and wore a long robe. He smiled and simply pointed in the direction they were already going. Then he spoke in a quite, scratchy voice, “Gwynn, everyone knows her. Nice lady. She lives down along the second street to your left. Just take that road, second street then turn on the first street…turn right.” He finally said.
Rythe whispered to himself. “Second street on the left then first street on the right. Easy enough.”
He turned to the man and said, “Thank you, sir.” Then paused looking at the tables he was beginning to set up. “Before we go is there anything we can do for you here?”
A wide smile replaced his puckered lips which revealed a mouth full of teeth except for two. “Oh, how nice. No. No, I’m fine today. Just have a lot to do to prepare for the people who come every year for Advantis. Exciting, isn’t it.”
“Yes. It is.” Rythe replied. “You sure we can’t help you with anything? Do you have anything heavy we can lift for you? You’ve given us some valuable information that we truly needed.”
The man put his pinky to his lips as Rythe finished speaking. Then turned around and waved them into his humble one bedroom shop. He walked to a corner of the room.
“I have crates to carry outside. This is the only help I think I need today.” The man pointed with his hand to the crates. Rythe hefted one, Clal grabbed another, then Ansa found one and lifted it up, here eyes doubling in size as she pulled it to her chest to steady.
The old man also picked up a crate.
Outside in front of the small house there was a table which the crates were set upon.
“What are these?” Ansa asked the man when he set down his crate.
“I carve historical scenes out of river wood.” He picked one up and set it down on the ground. “Like this one…the battle of the old country.”
“Old country?” Clal said to himself but loud enough for the man to hear.
“When the winds changed their song, and the waves turned.” He smiled though distance was in his eyes. “The flame bent and the earth lay still.”
He smiled, “It’s just lore. But, you can never tell these days what truth is in it.”
“How much for this one?” Rythe dug into the crate he had brought and picked out a small flat piece of carved wood.
“Keep it young fellow.” The man pat Rythe on the shoulder. “I can tell you are a good one.”
Rythe looked at Clal and smiled slightly.
“We must be off,” Clal announced. “I am Clal of Lyrune. This is my sister, Ansa. And our friend Rythe.”
“I am Alden. Pleased to meet you all.” He smiled.
“We may visit you again if you’re not opposed.” Clal said.
“Friends today. Friends alas.” The man said.
“We wish you well in your sales this Advantis season.” Rythe smiled and held up his wooden carving.
“Thank you.” the man said and watched as the three stepped into the street then turned the corner the man had suggested.
They followed Alden’s directions passing houses and signs, shopps and eateries. As they continued to Gwynn’s shop, the homes increased in beauty and size.
“I liked Alden.” Ansa said. “Do you ever get that feeling that some people are just…I don’t know…good people?!”
“I do.” Clal said. “And, now we have a friend in the city. I like that thought.”
“Here we are,” Rythe said stretching out his arm. “Gwynn’s Sewing Establishment.”
Clal looked at the home and noticed some light in the window. Through the window two candles were burning on a large wooden table in the middle of the room. An old woman was needling away at some fabric. She looked up, noticed she had visitors, then stood from her chair and approached the door. She opened the door, then said addressing Ansa.
“Hello.” She waddled toward them a few steps. “Are you Ansa Winden?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I have been anxiously awaiting your arrival.” Gwynn smiled widely. Ansa hesitated. She looked at Clal. She was doubting herself at this moment unsure of what or how to feel.
“Gwynn,” Clal smiled. “Thank you for taking Ansa in as your apprentice. She’s a gem.” Clal winked.
“I’m sure she is,” Gwynn walked over and put her arm through Ansa’s. “Come,” she said, “We can shall get a acquanted before the nights through. Then start early in the morning.”
Clal broke free of Gwynn’s grasp and ran over to Clal. She embraced him as her tears started to freely flow.
“Why now, Clal?” She said through brief gasps.
“Time. Remember.” Clal pulled her away from her gently and held her in front of him. “It’s that time. Time to go. Time to grow…up.” Clal pulled out his carved stone.
“But…” he threw it up and tossed it. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back at week’s end to help Turl, Gree and Mina load up. And we can talk about that carved stone and the animals, all about your sewing and what was in that fancy wooden box our parents left for us.”
Ansa gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “I almost forgot about that, Clal. Have you opened yours?”
Clal shook his head. “Open it before we meet next.” Then, we’ll have too much to talk about, I’m sure.
She felt her pack, ran her finger along something hard and smiled. “Okay,” she said with a nod.
Ansa turned to Rythe, “Don’t forget to come see me before you leave Eldan Vyum, Rythe.” She said smiling.
“See you?” Rythe smiled, “I would promptly call my self a fool if I didn’t pay you a visit before I left for home again.” He winked and gave her a wave.
Ansa turned, paused, then ran to Gywnn’s side.
Gwynn wrapped her arm around her and said, “I have no doubt you and I will become fast friends.” Ansa smiled, “Oh Gwynn, I like you already.” Ansa turned and waved again to Clal then she disappeared behind the shop door.
“She’s going to do well, I would imagine.” Rythe said as they began walking along the street again.
“Ansa’s always been special.” Clal squinted remembering how many times she had saved him from his own shortsightedness or had quieted him just before he was sure to regret the words that were about to come out of his mouth.
“We’ve never been apart until this very moment.” Clal’s voice trailed off into a whisper.
Rythe nodded. Rythe led them to the end of a row of houses then they turned another corner. “So, you know where the blacksmith shop if from here then, Rythe?”
Rythe nodded. “You are good to her, Clal. A true friend.” He smiled.
Clal looked over his shoulder as they walked down another city street. Many other boys were running rampant with laughter and great excitement.
“It’s just up here on the left,” Rythe pointed.
They soon arrived and stood in front of the Talon’s shop. Rythe turned to Clal. “Something tells me though, Clal, that she’s made of iron, your sister. And that there’s more to her than what one might see from the outside looking in.” Rythe clapped Clal back with a smile then stepped up to the front door of the establishment.
“My, Ansa,” Clal whispered. He shook his head and chuckled as he stepped and joined Rythe then knocked on the door.
After a few moments Clal knocked again, this time louder.
By this time Rythe had invited himself to the window. Looking in for a moment he turned. “Clal, I don’t know if anyone his here.”
Rythe walked around to the other side of the shop as Clal followed. He peeked into another grimmy window while Clal looked over his shoulder.
“No,” Rythe said, “it looked so different from when I was here last.” Rythe reached out to touch the door handle. “And it feels different too,” he spoke to himself.
They investigated the premises further, all windows and all doors leading in and found them all to be closed and locked.
“That was the day that was agreed upon.” Clal said scratching the back of his head.
“Perhaps he just…I don’t know…maybe, out for a moment.” Clal said, though, when the words came out of his mouth he knew that Talon wasn’t late.
“Rythe, your story. The RISHK. The request from Renthar…”
“…I know, it kind of lines up,” Rythe said looking concerned, “Talon is in danger.”
Clal turned again to the door and ran his finger along the door frame. Then, he looked at Rythe. “This door was forced open.”
Rythe walked closer then looked at where Clal was pointing. He shook his head, “You can stay with me at the inn until we sort this out.”
“The inn?” Clal said. ”Yeah, don’t worry. We’ll make it work” Rythe waved Clal on to follow him and they started walking through the streets of Eldan Vyum. It was dark, though the city was still bustling with crowds and lights. They soon reached the inn. Rythe turned the doorknob of the front door and they both entered.
They spoke with the innkeeper and purchased a room with two beds for the night. There were boys everywhere, in the hallways, on the stairs and in the dining area.
“We must have taken the last available room.” Rythe said.
Clal and Rythe reached the end of a hall and stood by a door. Rythe unlocked the door with the key the innkeeper had given him. He opened the door and they both entered the room. It wasn’t long till there was a knock at their door.
“Who is there,“ Rythe said.
“Morry, the innkeeper.”
Rythe opened the door to the room revealing a short middle aged man with a round face.
“Pardon the interruption sirs, but one of you dropped your pack when you came in a moment ago?”
Sure enough, Rythe’s pack was missing. He was the one who talked with the innkeeper. He must have set it down.
“Thank you, Morry.” Rythe said.
“My pleasure,” Morry said. “I’ll be off now. Good evening.”
The door had almost shut when Rythe shouted, “Wait, Morry!” Morry’s head popped back in the room.
“Talon the blacksmith, have you seen him? Has he come to your inn lately?” Rythe said.
“Old Talon?” Morry said. “Oh, no. I haven’t heard a tall tale from him since...” Morry scratched his beard, “...since three months back. And he used to be my best customer, too.”
“Thank you,” Rythe said and Morry closed the door behind him.
“It doesn’t make sense,” Clal said. “It just doesn’t make any sense. How can I be an apprentice to a missing blacksmith?”
All Rythe could do was shake his head. He laid down, rolled onto his side and was breathing heavily in a moment.
Clal, on the other hand, refused to sleep. He remained sitting up on his bed looking out at the night sky. The crescent moon that hung from the star speckled sky reminded him of Lyrune, and he slipped away into dreams of Crescent Keep Mountain where the days were innocent and free.
*