The Urge - Part 11

Miguel stopped and bent down to examine the ground beneath his feet. He couldn’t see anything through the mud, but he knew what he had heard. Miguel cursed under his breath. He was already sour about the rain, and now he was going to be irreparably muddy. 
Miguel thought about coming back at a later time, but decided to bite bullet and knelt down on the wet grass. Using his hands, Miguel started to clear away as much mud as he could. He very quickly realized that the wood underneath was no accident. As he wiped the mud away, he found the distinct outline of a door set with large metal hinges. 
He continued to clean the door until he found the handle, a cut in the wood just big enough for his hand. 
Miguel looked around to see if anyone was watching. Content that he was alone, Miguel sent a quick prayer for protection, and lifted the handle. 
The space beneath the door was dark. Through the small amount of light that came through, Miguel could make out a set of stairs. They were very steep; Miguel would have to crawl through the opening for the first bit until he was able to stand. The stairs led down at an angle that seemed to wrap around the reservoir above. 
Miguel pushed the door all the way open so as to give himself as much light as possible, and started down the stairs. 
As he suspected, the cave opened up considerably once he was inside. A few steps down, and Miguel was able to stand fully erect. However, Miguel was now unable to see anything in front of him. He carefully made his way down the stairs, feeling each step before committing to place his weight on it. 
Miguel kept his hands out to either side so he could feel the cave walls. He could tell the stairs crept slightly to the left as they descended following a wide spiral. 
After a few moments, Miguel was fairly certain he was just underneath the cave opening having made one full revolution. As he took his next step, Miguel felt his face strike the end of the passage with a resounding thud. Miguel let out a small yelp. He placed his hands on the cave wall and felt more wood. 
Miguel fumbled to either side seeking a handle. Miguels hand finally fell on a metal doorknob on the right hand side of the door. Miguel gasped and excitedly turned the knob. 
As the door swung open, light poured into the stairwell. Miguel pushed it all the way open. 
He had hardly taken a single step when he was met face to face by a man. Before Miguel could defend himself, the man swung a giant club and Miguel’s world went black. 
Miguel landed on the floor in a heap, out cold. 
The man grasped Miguel’s wrists and pulled him into the room. 
His captor quickly grabbed a torch from the wall and started up the stairs. The man ran up the stairs to the top and stuck his head out of the opening. Seeing no one near the entrance, the man closed the trap door and hurried back down to the chamber below. 
The man closed the door behind him and stared at Miguel lying on the floor. 
“Well.” The man said to himself. “I did not expect this”

Yspaddaden - Chapter 9

 Cara

Tabari, College.

Cara woke abruptly, though not violently.

Her eyes opened, and stayed that way. She stared at the ceiling for a full minute, as was her practice, and then swung her feet to the side, bringing them down onto the cold floor. She flung the blanket to the side and glanced over at her sister, lying on the bed next to her. Cherise lay prone on her stomach, snoring loudly. Her blanket lay half on her and half hung to the floor, her bare feet sticking out into the cold air. She seemed unaffected by the cold temperatures. Cara could feel the frost trying to seep in through the windows, attempting to conquer the land that had been denied it throughout the night. Cara stood and, though the cold stone floor bit at her bare feet, she ignored it and walked over to the window. She traced her finger against the pane and created a small man, dancing about. She placed a hat on his head and a stick of fire in his hand. Now he looked exactly like the Dancing Minstrel of children's tales.

There was a thump, a grunt, and a smile on Caras face. Cherise had wakened. Cara turned to see her sister lying on the floor, still half asleep. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. She sat there for half a second more, before realising where she was and leaping up with a cry. She hissed and cried out as her frozen feet danced on the floor, then finally leaped up to the soft bed, where she wrapped her legs up in the blanket. She sat shivering for a moment before noticing Cara. Cherise glanced down at her sisters feet, firmly planted on the floor. She looked up and they locked eyes.

"Why?"

Cara did not need a translation. She and her twin sister had been inseparable since birth and they shared many things. Among one of those was a proclivity to understand exactly what the other meant, even if given only a few, or sometimes zero, words. She shrugged and walked solidly back to her own bed.

"I find I strengthen myself when I do not indulge in activities that hinder or weaken my natural functions."

Cherise merely nodded and pulled her blanket closer.

"And I find that I am more comfortable, and therefore, more happy, when I indulge in my weaknesses."

Cara sat upon her bed but did not pull her blanket up. She crossed her legs as her sister did.

"Sometimes, one must needs be weak, to then become strong."

"And the weak, though appearing strong, will nonetheless still be weak."

They both smiled at the lines that they had recited to each other every morning for the past thirty-nine years. A sort of ritual between them. After doing so, they both slid out of bed and began their morning rituals.

Cara walked over to the washroom and poured a basin of water. She took a small piece of homemade soap and laid it next to the basin. After rinsing her hair, she began to rub the soap into it and wash it out. She had her ritual all set up, going through it with rigid, absentminded determinacy. Drawing her purple/brown hair over her left shoulder, she rubbed and rinsed, rubbed and rinsed. Then again on her left. Then on top. After all the soap was gone, she dried her hair and walked over to her closet of clothes. She reached in and picked out a simple blue shift, brown overdress, blue leggings, and wool socks. She tried to never wear shoes, though in the winter she was forced to don the socks. After exchanging her nightwear for them, she walked back out into the bedroom. She could hear her sister splashing her water about and Cara smiled. She then walked over to the window that opened up to a balcony and pulled open the door. She was hit with a blast of freezing air and she stopped, closing her eyes in the cold. After acclimating herself somewhat, she stepped out on to the balcony. It was not quite cold enough for snow, but she could tell it would probably come within the week. The dawn was grey, not drearily so, but bitter, with a hint of romance in the frost air. She glanced down to her right, over the wall that her room overlooked. The wall was a complete circle, traveling maybe five to six miles around. The tower that her room sat in lay directly over the wall, and her window straddled it. To her right was the ground, not ten feet below. The valley stretched for miles, ending at the horizon, nothing in sight save farmlands and a road. The tower did not seem too high from the ground, and it wasn't on that side. It wasn't until one looked to the left when the wonders began. For there lay the City of the Kind. The Library as it was called by most people, or College. The vast reaches being underground, hidden by secret tunnels and caves, this was the one spot where the splendor of the City could actually be seen from above ground. The ground dropped away to reveal a pit that had giant walls, a hundred feet high at least. The pit was dotted by holes that led to the tunnels, at varying spots and heights. The pit was awe inspiring. Though no one but the Kind and Wizards had ever laid eyes on it. The wall encircled it completely, and no one had ever tried to breach the wall. To get to the City, one had to travel for a full week over the vast, yet unforgiving landscape that surrounded it in all directions. And on top of that, there were never less than fifteen or so Pairs living in the Library. And this place could easily be defended by less than five.

Cara looked and noticed that no one was out in the area that was exposed to the weather at this time. It was usually used as a training ground, students staging mock battles and flying back and forth. Though it seemed that no one wanted to venture out into the biting air at this time. Even Cara had to admit that it was quite cold. She backed up and closed the door behind her, breathing out a stream of frosty breath that could be seen in the warm room. Such a vigorous morning! She then walked over to the foot of her bed and opened up a trunk that lay there, pulling out a large book. She had a class in a few hours and she still had not read the required text that was expected of her. She flopped down on the bed and flipped open the book. Elvish words leapt up at her and she groaned. She was never very good at foreign languages. And Salayka was a tricky one. She summoned her courage and began to read.

Cherise

Cherise followed her sisters example and headed straight to her private washroom. But the first thing she did before washing her hair was remove her cumbersome nightgown. Walking about in nothing but her underwear, she began her morning rituals. Pouring water into the basin, she splashed her entire body wet, dripping onto the floor. After shaking off the shock of the cold water, she rinsed her hair once with the soap, then let it sit to dry. Unlike her sisters long brown hair, Cherise cropped her purple/blonde hair short. She found it was much easier to maintain that way. She rubbed her hand through it vigorously a couple of times to sling the excess water away. Then she crossed over to the closet that housed her clothes. She pulled out a pair of red pants and a yellow shirt. A red longsleeve undershirt and blue boots were added. After pulling everything on, she felt much warmer. She glanced over to the window and shivered just at the sight of the frost forming there. Thankfully the College was one of the most well funded places, and could afford glass windows where they were needed. She could not imagine having to live here if all they had protecting them against the frigid wind was a pair of poorly made wooden shutters. She glanced at herself in the mirror that hung on the inside of the closet door. People who did not know them would always assume that Cara and Cherise were alike in everyway. Simply because they looked alike? Cherise laughed. That was the only thing they had in common! Different hair colour, different style, different likes and dislikes. Cara was the more quiet one and Cherise the one prone to outbursts. No one who knew them well could ever call them identical. Even their hair, apart from the purple streaks they both shared, were different colours!

Cherise reached into a small box that lay on a small shelf in the closet and took out a large earring. The jewelry was in the shape of a Dragon, and when in her ear, wound from the tail at the bottom and the head peeked over the top of her ear, piercing it in two places. It was the one piece of adornment that she treasured the most. Most Riders sported nothing, or at the very least simple studs. Hoops and chains tended to get caught in the air and flaps of clothing.

She took one more glance at herself in the mirror and closed the door, exiting the washroom. She saw her sister, sitting on her bed, muttering random elvish words to herself. Cara resented Cherise somewhat her ease at which she completed her school work, and Cherise knew this. She wasn't haughty about it. The schooling at the College had always come easy to her. But it was Cara that was better at the training, flying and fighting. So they helped each other, Cherise tutoring her sister when needed and Cara being extremely patient when trying to show Cherise a new way to hold her crossbow. It was a symbiosis that both had become comfortable with.

Right now though, Cherise had no patience when it came to schoolwork. She hurried over to the bed and bounced down next to Cara. Cara gave a grunt of annoyance which Cherise ignored. She simply reached over and closed the book that held her sisters attention.

"Let's get out of here. I haven't seen our companion in days. I'm sure he's lonely by now."

"He's not lonely. He has his new friend, Hero, to keep him company."

"No one can give him companionship like we can, you know this. And as much as I love you sister, I am about to go crazy stuck in the room with you for one more day. Now, let's go before I drag you with me."

Cara's response was to swiftly place a hand under Cherise's leg and deftly flip her over onto the floor. Cara looked down on her as she responded.

"And I'm pretty sure that you could never lay a hand on me in combat, even if you were in dire need. I have studying to do."

Cherise lay her hands on the bed and rested her chin on her arm.

"You mean for the Salayka test?"

"Yes, and it's the last one. So please, I need time to study." She rolled over and lay with her back to Cherise.

"I'll do your test for you if you come with me."

It took Cara a full minute to respond, but she finally rolled back over and looked at Cherise.

"The entire test?"

Cherise nodded. She could see her sister visibly thinking about the prospect, but she eventually shook her head in finality.

"No, I want to finish this myself. Thank you."

"I've done half your work for you in that class this year. It's only fair that I finish out my hard work. If we fly around the pit, the wind wont be so cold."

Cherise shook her head one more time.

"It's cheating."

"Every teacher here knows us to be virtually identical. Most of them can't even tell us apart, despite our hair. We are basically the same person. I see nothing wrong with it. And it's not like we haven't done it before."

Cara hesitated this time. She glanced over at the window.

"Well, I guess I can take a break from my studying. And if I happen to accidentally leave my test lying about and someone were to vandalize it, I don't see how that's my fault."

Cherise smiled.

"Now you're talking! Grab your coat and let's get out of here!"

Cara slowly shimmied her way off the bed.

"Coat? No thanks. I'd actually welcome the cold right now. I'm still not quite awake."

"You never are. Let's go!"

Cara followed her sister out the door and they both began to jog down the hallway with excitement.

Yosh

Yosh woke violently, though not abruptly.

He wasn't quite sure why. Maybe it was the dream that he couldn't now remember. Maybe it was the venison he had eaten the night before. Had it gone bad? Maybe it was the cold. Whatever the reason, he found his head banging roughly against the stone and his body flipping off of his perch and falling toward the floor below. Fifty feet below. He did not panic. Once he realised what was going on, he curled up his legs, tasted the air, felt for the currents, and then spread his wings.

They jerked against the frosty air and immediately found the correct air pocket that he had felt. It jerked his body upward and his tail flew out behind him to make sure that he wouldn't flip completely over and dash his head against the rocks. He had known Dragons that had forgotten to use their tails at the right moment and died in the process. His tail, though pointed as most Dragon's were, had a small, extra spike that poked upward. It didn't do much good when flying, but it made him quite good at the popular sport the Kind simply called Tailfighting. It occurred when two Dragons would turn their backs on each other and fight with their tails, as if using swords. It was a fight that was only done among other, respected Dragons. Turning ones back to an opponent was considered a cowardly act, and that style of fighting was reserved for when ones honor was in danger.

He angled his wings and pointed his snout toward the sky, causing him to soar up and out. He aimed for the opposite side of the pit and, when reached, flew so close to the edge that he was able to grab hold of it with his feet and push upward, causing him to rocket toward the dark sky. It was morning, but the frost and clouds blocked the sunlight so that it appeared later in the day. He was fully awake now. The frost began to build up on his wings, yet he flew higher. He relished the cold, and felt alive each winter. He couldn't wait for it to snow. Flying in the snow was exhilarating.

As he reached the apex of his climb, he twisted around and pointed his nose toward the ground. He began to pick up speed, and the flakes of water that had formed into small bits of ice began to pierce his eyes, making him squint. He did not close his first pair of translucent eyelids, deciding instead to keep his eyes free, baring them to the weather. They started to sting and a few tears ran down his scaly cheeks. They sparkled in the dim light and reflected his purple scales. As he approached the pit, he began to let up, angling his wings so that he could pull out of the dive safely. There were some, older Dragons that could make a dive like that, then land with a tremulous thud on the ground. He had not yet been daring enough to try such a stunt.

As he coasted over the compound, he could faintly hear his name being called from one of the wall sections. The wall that ringed the pit was wide enough for a Dragon to sit comfortably on, for many was the time that spectators came to watch the mock battles that took place there. He glanced down and noticed a pair of humans, standing on the battlements, waving and calling his name. His sharp eyes could just make out the shiny purple streaks in the girls hair, and knew them for who they were. He couldn't help but show off now.

He turned once more to fly alongside the wall, then banked so that he was flying directly over top it, following its path. The girls stood two sections away from him. He touched down on top of the wall, pushing off with his feet, bounding high into the air. He catapulted over the top of one of the towers that sat in the wall and twisted in midair, somersaulting. He touched down on the next section of wall and leaped again, attempting to replicate the move a second time. But he misjudged the distance and his spiked tail clipped the top of the tower. It wasn't much, a few shingles fell off into the pit, but it was enough to throw him off balance. His head hit first, face smashing into the stone. He flipped over onto his back, wings flapping all about, feet scrabbling, trying to find a hold. All he heard was panicked squeals from the girls, and a yelp of frustration from his own mouth. After he stopped bouncing on the wall he found his footing and pushed himself to stand up. Then turned to his companions.

Both of them were on the stone floor, curled up against the wall. Cara gave him a look of disapproval, while Cherise's face showed nothing but laughter.

"What were you trying to do, impress us? You know, as much as I love you, I don't really go for two ton guys with wings. I'm more of a human kinda girl."

Cara glanced at her sister in agitation.

"Be quite Cherise. Are you hurt?"

Yosh shook his head after mentally examining himself.

"No, I think I'm alright. My pride is the only thing that got damaged."

Cara began running her hands over his outstretched wings, checking to make sure what he said was truth. Cherise stood by and watched with a smirk.

"You know, I'm not sure I want to be Rider to such a clumsy Dragon. Are you sure you can guarantee my safety while in flight? What if a beautiful elf happens to be walking below? Are you then going to turn us over in to the sky to try and win her heart with your aerials?"

Yosh just snorted smoke in her direction as Cara finished with his wings.

"Cherise! He didn't mean to fall. It was an accident." She looked at the Dragon. "However, I think we may need a training session later to work on that . It might actually be possible to turn it into a good attack move, if we can perfect it."

"Transforming my bumblings into fighting moves. Only you would think of such a thing Cara."

Cara smiled sheepishly and patted him on the shoulder.

"It's my pleasure. Now, do me and my sister have to ask for a ride, or are you going to fake some injury just to get a rub down?"

"When have I…I never…why…!" The Dragon kept on rambling nothings as the two twins winked at each other and climbed on top of his back. They sat as they always did, Cara in-between his third and fourth spikes, and Cherise nestled just behind her, arms around her sisters waist. Yosh was still rambling as Cara gave him a firm pat on the neck. He protested, but shuffled forward to set his forelegs against the side of the wall.

And then, with a push, they were airborne.

Riverstone - Chapter 7

‘Old Man Jackson’ showed up earlier than normal Sunday morning and almost wore out his horn honking for me in the parking lot. I hurried as fast as I could and by the time I got out our door, three people were standing in their open doorways cursing Mr. Jackson. I hopped in, wishing by then I would have stayed in the room and walked by myself. Now some of Mom’s residents might be upset at me because of ‘Old Man Jackson’.
          I didn’t dare ask why we were in such a hurry. We hardly ever talk coming or going to Riverstone. I was his ‘burden to bear’ as I heard him say once, and I was definitely not a friend to talk to. But this morning he surprised me.
          “If you’re wondering why I’m so early, kid,” he stopped talking as he turned the corner, “I wanted to try to beat your hippie friend to church and see if I can discourage him from joining us today at Riverstone. From all the talk around town, I don’t think he is quite wanted here. He…he needs to move on somewhere else.”
          Somehow, I got a sudden boldness and spoke to Mr. Jackson for the first time in several weeks. “What is everybody’s problem, sir? Does everybody hate welders or something?”
          “You talk back to me like that again, son, and that will be the last time I pick you up at your cheap little motel. Do you understand?”
          I understood. I understood that I would no longer be a ‘bus kid’, and that it was going to be my decision, not his. I would never ride with him again, summer or winter. Rain or sunshine. I was through with Mr. Jackson. He stopped in front of Ricky’s house, one of the other ‘bus kids’, and honked once. He didn’t wait twenty seconds until he drove off. I looked back and saw Ricky flying out his door waving at us. I didn’t say a thing. I felt sorry for Ricky. He hadn’t been to Riverstone in over a month and now he gets left behind the first time he tries to go.
          The parking lot was almost empty when we got there and I snuck in a side door. If I followed ‘Old Man Jackson’ in the front door, he would see me and make sure I didn’t hide behind my special door. I made it through the side hall and the front lobby without being seen. I looked at the clock on the wall and realized it was still a full half hour before Sunday School started. I had a lot of time to stand here and listen.
          One very old man walked in. Stumbled in would be a better way to describe it, and greeted ‘Old Man Jackson’.
          “What got you up so early, Jackson?”
          “You were gone last week. Did you here about the trash that visited here?”
          “Nope,” he said real loud. He doesn’t hear very well. “I’ve been at the house all week. Haven’t talked to a soul.”
          “Well, this trashy looking couple that are shacking up together at the Sunset came last Sunday morning and plopped down on the front row right in front of Inez. She wore less than most do on their wedding night. He had tattoos from head to toe, and looked like some dope dealer. And get this. It was our illustrious new pastor that invited the both of them. He ‘amened’ the pastor the whole time and I heard Sunday night he scared some lady walking in front of the front row. She turned the corner and there he was just laying there. Scared her half to death. He claims to be a welder. Nobody believes that. She has been a ‘hoochi-coochie’ dancer up in New York City. Willard James said he was going to call for a special called business meeting this Wednesday to see what we could do about the situation. Some have said they want a recall vote on the new pastor.”
          “So, why did you say you were here early?”
          “Somebody has got to steer them away if they show up again, and it might as well be me. We can’t have all kinds of ‘motel trailer trash’ showing up here making disturbances.”
          “But isn’t one of those kids you pick up from the Sunset?”
          “I’m through with him. I warned him this morning when he smarted off to me, but I’ve decided already I won’t be picking up any more of those…kids.” I know he wanted to say something more than just ‘kids’, but was scared to use a curse word here in church. The old man walked around the corner toward the church office.
          Several families came in the next few minutes and headed toward the classrooms. I peeked out the small sliver of window and saw Willard James coming up the front walk. ‘Old Man Jackson’ met him at the door.
          “Are they here yet,” Willard asked.
          “No. His truck was still at the motel when I picked up the ‘kid’.”
          “Well, shoot-fire, Jackson. It’s not even Sunday School time, yet. Do you think a couple like that would show up for Sunday School or just church service? You might have wasted your time showing up this early.”
          “Of course you’re right, Willard. I don’t know why I was thinking they would show up this early. I will try to leave class a little early to see if I can confront him.” The two men walked off as other families came in the front door. Just as I was about to slip out of my hiding place, I looked through the small slit again and I saw Jake and the whole Anderson family walking up the front walk. I stepped out quickly and stood at the two glass doors. Jake looked and gave me a big wave and a smile. Ron reached for the door and let them and two other families enter.
          “Hey, bud. Good to see you. I’m sorry I have been too busy the last few days. I’ve missed you.” He gave me a nice hug and so did Pastor Ron. Mrs. Anderson said ‘hi’ and Ronnie Jr. waved as he headed to his class. Ron kissed his wife and she walked off. Ron and Jake walked off and went to the pastor’s office. I went on to class.

*****

          When I got to my class, I sat in my normal chair. The teacher is always late, so we have a few minutes to talk.
          “Yeah, I really like him. It’s sad he won’t be around long,” said Mollie.
          “Who are you talking about?” Chasity asked.
          “The new preacher,” Mollie said. “Didn’t you hear? People all over town are saying he’s probably not going to last as our preacher.”
          I stepped on in. “Do you mean he’s going to quit or get fired?”
          “My dad said, ‘Whatever it takes. We don’t need his kind as our pastor.’ But I told my dad I hoped not. I do like him,” answered Mollie.
          “Why don’t people like him?” I asked. I knew why. I had kept my ears open all week long.
          Marissa, who is one of the nicest kids in the class added, “I have no idea. There is supposed to be some lady who got robbed and had nothing, and the pastor’s wife gave her clothes to help out. I thought that was nice.”
          “You are so ignorant, Marissa. My dad says that if a church hires a pastor, and pays for a pastor, and even gives them a free house, the pastor should take care of the people that helped get him there. Not some man and lady living together or that look like they do. My dad thinks he sells drugs.”
          “He’s a welder,” one girl said. I was glad someone else knew the truth.
          “That’s his cover-up.”
          The teacher walked in and the room got very quite. The teacher was clueless to what had been talked about.
 

*****

 
          When I left class and walked through the lobby toward the auditorium, there was ‘Old man Jackson’ standing there looking for Jake and Collette. I picked up an order of service and pretended to stand there reading it.
          A young lady walked up and started talking to him. “Mr.Jackson, you’ve been standing here for almost an hour and a half. Are you waiting for someone special?”
          ‘Normally I would say, ‘none of your business’, but I will say, I am looking for that new couple that caused such a stir last week. I’m ready to put them in their place.”
          “If you’re talking about Jake, the man who is staying out at the Sunset, you’re too late.”
          “What do you mean?”
          She turned and pointed to the doors leading to the auditorium. “He’s right up there on the front row. He’s praying. You might try it sometimes.” She turned and walked off before ‘Old Man Jackson’ could say what I’m sure he wanted to say. He looked mad. He stormed in and I followed. Just as we did, I saw Jake and Pastor Ron stand up at the very front of the church and once again give each other a big bear hug. ‘Old Man Jackson’ looked like he wanted to spit nails. He sat down in the closest seat available.
          I went and sat in my usual spot. I would have liked to sit with Jake, but sitting on the very first row would have seemed a little weird. Also as usual, Inez sat on the second row, two rows in front of me. Chad and Winnie Wascom sat down beside me which meant that Jimmie was going to be in the nursery again today. Margie and Roseanne Scott sat on my left. The Holman’s sat in front of Chad and Winnie.
          Jake turned around and waved real big at Winnie. She leaned over and sort of whispered, “Thank you for the other night. Jimmie seemed to really love having you there.”
Mr. Holman turned around and asked, “Was he over at ‘your’ house?”
“Yes he was,” she said with a smile. “He helped weld something on the kid’s mini-bike and Jimmie fell in love with him. Jake is so good with kids.”
“We sat and visited at Dairy Queen Tuesday night,” added Margie. “He has such a heart for others, and for God. I had such a good visit with him.”
“That’s good,” said Chad.
The music started and all the people that were still standing and visiting started to sit down. On the last verse of the song, I looked up and saw Inez walking forward. I felt sorry for Jake the first time he met Inez. But now I think he will do OK if she is rude. And she lived up to my expectations. As soon as she sat down, her mouth opened. And loud.
“The Mrs. didn’t make it this morning? Took too much time painting up, huh?” I think the whole church heard her. Some giggled. And some acted like they wished they could kill Inez right where she sat. Jake turned around quietly and put his hand right on her left knee. She jumped when he did. He didn’t answer as loud as she talked, but I heard him.
“Ma’am, If you’re talking about my wife, I have none. If you’re talking about my mother, she died twelve years ago. If you’re talking about the young lady I brought with me last week, a few rude people ran her off.” He turned around and dropped his head like he was praying.
Inez sat up so straight, she reminded me of a peacock. She was not used to people talking back to her. She looked uncomfortable the rest of the hour. Come to think of it, she looks uncomfortable a lot of the time.
For some reason I seemed to listen to what the preacher was really saying in his sermon more than usual. I don’t know if it is just because he is new, or he is a better preacher than the last one or two. It also seemed to me that people were whispering more than usual, but they were doing it closer to each other and I hardly heard any of what they were saying. Or then again, it might have been because I was trying harder to listen to Ron.  
Anyways, after he was finished and they started to sing what they call the ‘invitation hymn’… Let me explain, I think an ‘invitation’ is where the pastor invites people to come forward and join the church. Most of the time, nothing happens. We sing two, sometimes three verses, someone prays, and we leave. Once every six months or so a child will come up and join the church and then get baptized a few weeks later. Today was a little…well… a little different.
As soon as we all started singing, Jake got down and knelt on his knees and prayed facing the front pew. Right there a row in front of Inez. She looked forward a little and then spoke so loud I thought Emmy was going to stop playing the piano.
Inez said, “What’s the problem? That cheap motel not provide beds to rest on?”
          Some people behind me laughed out loud. I heard something to my left that I thought was a laugh, but I didn’t think Margie Scott would laugh at something Inez joked about. I barely looked her way and noticed she was not laughing, but crying. She stood up and patted her sister on the shoulder so she could let her out.
          I thought she was leaving early or going to the bathroom or something. Instead, she started to walk to the front of the church. When she got directly in front of the pulpit, she got down like Jake and cried there on the front pew. She got pretty loud and I heard a few snickers around me. I thought it was sad. She must have been really sad about something, and people were laughing. I know what it is like to be laughed at. I’ve been laughed at much of my life.
          After a few minutes, Pastor Ron came and knelt down beside her and prayed with her. I noticed that Emmy was getting tired of playing the same verse over and over and finally changed songs. Then Mrs. Anderson stood up and joined her husband and Margie on the floor. They cried and prayed there for another two or three minutes, and finally the two ladies got up and sat on the front pew beside Jake, who was now sitting down. Pastor Ron started back up toward the pulpit. He got about half way and Inez spoke up.
          “You don’t have to do that, honey. That is what we pay your husband to do.”
          Mrs. Anderson turned around and gave Inez a look that said to me, “Lady, please stay out of people’s business that don’t concern you.” She turned around and put her arm around Margie’s shoulder. Emmy finally finished playing and Ron stood up to speak.
          “I hope,” he stopped and wiped a tear from his cheek. “I hope everyone felt the presence of God in this place like I did today. God is so Good. Let’s all come back tonight and see what else God has to say to us. Chad Wascom, may you please close this service with a prayer?” I looked over and Chad nodded. He prayed softly and very quickly. Everybody started to move out of their places to the end of the aisles.
          When he finished, Pastor Ron waved and started to say one last thing. “May God go with you all and may he…”
          “Pastor Anderson!” I heard someone yell from the back. It made everybody stop. I looked around like everyone else and saw Willard James pushing through the crowd. “Pastor Anderson!” he yelled again. “May I have everyone’s attention?” By that time, he had it. He walked right up to the pulpit and motioned for everybody to sit down. He then looked down at Ron and Alisa who were sitting on the front row with Jake.
          “Pastor Anderson. Members of Riverside. Being the Chairman of the Deacons of this congregation, I or your pastor, either one, have the right to announce a ‘specially called business meeting’. I call for such a special meeting this Wednesday night at the time of our normal mid-week service. All voting members should try to be in attendance.” He was sounding real professional and dignified in the way he talked. I knew he didn’t talk this way normally. He wasn’t that formal.
          Chad raised his hand. “Willard…um…Mr. James. May we ask what the meeting will be about…so we can pray about it?”
          “That’s a good question, Chad. I and several of the deacons got together yesterday and discussed the rather bizarre week we have had around this church and this town. It has been a rather…how will I put it? …a rather unorthodox first week for a new pastor. There are several sensitive issues to be discussed.”
          “Such as?” Hubert Holman asked.
          “I didn’t want to get too detailed, but let me put it this way. We will discuss a certain ‘strange’ relationship between our pastor and his wife, and a few unwelcome individuals that have made their way into our town lately. Most of you, I’m sure, can probably guess what I am referring to. We talked about having a meeting next Sunday night, but in light of the bizarre goings on right here just a few minutes ago, I feel it expedient to not waste any more precious time. So I officially announce this ‘special called business meeting’ of the members of Riverstone Baptist Church. 7:00pm, Wednesday night. You are all dismissed.”
          I looked over at the Andersons. Alisa was starting to cry and Ron looked like a Mack truck just ran over him. I could see Jake wipe a tear off of his face. As Willard walked past the Andersons, I heard him say, “I hope ya’ll haven’t done too much unpacking.” Alisa put her face in her lap and really started crying. Ron just stood there.

The Underworld Queen - Chapter 2

Boron felt the coins in his pocket as he walked through the city streets, careful not to jingle them too much. The urchins and pickpockets would target him in an instant if they heard the music of the coin and they could probably take them directly from his fingers if he was distracted well enough.
Three left. Just enough to purchase a snack for the walk home and have one left over for his savings jar. He paused in front of his favorite shop and eyed the wares through the gemstone window. The ruby glinted in the light and gave everything inside a red tint. Directly in the middle, perched on a pedestal, stood a book. Boron had eyed the book for years and had his heart set on purchasing it soon. It was made from real paper. He had only ever seen one other like it, as a child, visiting the Mayors house. The trees that grew in the caverns Below were extremely rare and were usually harvested for their fruit rather than made into paper. It had a genuine leather cover, made from the skin of a goat. He wasn't even sure what sort of story or history was printed inside, but he didn't care. One day, he would own it and spend hours going over its text.
Boron sighed and turned away from the shop. He meandered down the street slowly, trying to take his time. It was a cool evening, as most were. The glow worms were still active for a couple more hours and lit the city well, casting their light down from the series of stalactites where they lived. He paused in his step and looked around gently before moving on again,even more slowly than before. He had grown up in these streets, knew them and their workings like the back of his hand. Something was off. There were more Sniffers out than normal. Usually the special Delvers roamed one at a time, making rounds like the police of old. But today they moved in pairs, alert, sniffing along the way. They were looking for someone.
He stopped at a sweet shop and perused the shelves carefully, before finally giving in to his habits and grabbing two pieces of wormwood and paying for them. He entered the street again and turned toward home as he opened the first one. The chocolate melted in his mouth and the bits of glowworm inside turned the candy into a crunchy goodness that gave off a soft minty taste. He chewed slowly to savor it but his attention was once more drawn to the Sniffers that roamed. They were frantic, warey. Their bright eyes shone in the waning light and their noses were never still. Every now and again one would perk up and close their eyes, sniffing furiously in the still air before grunting in frustration and moving off.
Boron finally reached his little home, carved into the stone wall inbetween two taller buildings. He reached for the door and paused. His welcome mat sat just askew. He was always very careful to keep it just so. There was a chance someone walking past had disturbed it but this part of the street saw very few passersby and he doubted that was the case. He bent down and adjusted the mat, before taking a deep breath and walking inside.
“Boron”.
He yelped in response, the soft voice from behind the door startling him. He spun and the door slammed shut. His candy went flying as he made fists, ready to defend himself. It took a moment to finally recognise his friend and sigh in relief.
“Craksia, are you mad, scaring me like that? What if I had hit you?”
“You would never.”
Boron straightened to his full 4'3” hight.
“I've hit people before.”
“Jumping on Hilde in school doesn't count.”
“She made fun of my shoes.”
“She should have, they were hideous.”
Boron grunted in anger at her and spun on his heels, bending to pick up his food and walk back toward the kitchen.
“What are you doing in my house, hiding behind the door? You can always come by work, walk home with me.”
He reached to grab a glass and fill it with water and turned to ask if she wanted some as well. He finally loked her over completely.
“What happened to you?”
Craksia was covered from head to toe in a sickly green grime, which smelt horrid. Her shoes were missing and she stood oddly in the middle of the room, not resting but standing at attention, as if she was about to run at any moment. He forgot his question and simply poured them both some water. She took it greedily and asked for another. As she gulped down the second glass, it dawned on him.
“They're looking for you.”
She paused, slowly lowering the glass.
“The Sniffers. You're who they're looking for.”
She set the glass down and nodded, gesturing to her dirty clothes.
“The glowworms are the only thing they can't smell through.”
“What did you do?”
She seemed hesitant to tell him.
“Something bad.”
He rolled his eyes.
“I gathered that. What was it?”
“Boron I came to you for help, there's no need to be sarcastic.”
“I'm not trying to be. You broke into my home, pursued by Sniffers. I am entitled to know what specifically it is you've done and what you want from me. Now talk.”
Craksia sighed.
“I stole the Queen's Necklace.”
Boron stared at her, trying to decide whether or not he was imagining this entire thing. That was...impossible.
“The Queen's Necklace.”
Craksia nodded.
“The one she wears around her neck at all times.”
Another nod.
“The magical amulet she claims can give her the ability to teleport anywhere she wishes and treasures above anything else?”
“I know it sounds crazy.”
“It sounds insane.”
“It works.”
That stopped Boron cold. The fact that the Queen had a necklace that she wore at all times was common knowledge. She was constantly bragging about it and talking about how she was able to travel anywhere Below simply by thinking about being there. But no one had ever seen her do it. Most of the people believed it was simple drivel that she had decided to believe herself, but of course it couldn't work, that's crazy. But Craksia was no liar.
“What does that mean? Is that how you got in my house, you teleported?”
“No, I used your extra key.”
“I don't have an extra key.”
“It's under the second flower pot out front.”
Boron had nothing to say to that.
“You're talking crazy Craksia! What is this, some big joke? Where did you get that, it looks fake. Those stones on the side aren't real. Fine, it's funny. Is that what you wanted me to say?”
“Fralson is dead.”
Boron stared at her.
“That's not funny.”
Craksia's voice cracked.
“I'm not trying to be funny Boron!”
She burst into tears, collapsing. She didn't even aim for a chair, simply sat in the middle of the floor, tucked her head inbetween her legs and sobbed. Boron had no idea what to do now. Craksia would never joke about something like this and those were real tears. He crouched down next to her, unsure how to proceed. He put a hand on her shoulder.
“I'm so sorry.”
She looked up at him, a small smile on her face.
“He looked after me and my brother after Father died. Mother obviously couldn't take care of us, the way she was. I loved him very much.”
She tried to catch her breath, the tears still flowing. Boron patted her shoulder gently.
“Craksia, I understand you must be devestated. But there's something still you're not telling me. And I'm scared of what it might be.”
She sighed heavily, dabbing at her cheeks.
“It's probably best if I just show you. I don't think you'll believe me if I don't.”
Boron nodded.
“O.K. Show me.”
She stood, wiping the last tears from her face. She put out her hand. Boron hesitated, then took hold of it.
“Don't be scared.”
He gasped as the room dissappeared like smoke. Then nothing but black.
Boron instantly found himself standing in a dark cave. The disorientation of the travel made him heave and he vomited in the dirt. He felt a hand on his back.
“You'll be fine. Sorry I couldn't warn you.”
He wiped his mouth and turned to Craksia, eyes wide.
“The necklace. It works?!”
She nodded.
“How?”
She pointed to the small gems set in the sides.
“My father had one and Fralson had another. Without them the nekclace is useless, another piece of pretty jewelry. The Keys are what cause the teleportation.”
Boron shook his head in disbelief.
“I'm not sure I believe it.”
“We're well outside the city now and it only took us a moment to get here. If you don't believe that, then you'll never understand what I'm about to show you.”
“There's more?”
Craksia nodded and motioned for him to follow her farther into the cave. It grew almost pitch black before they turned a corner and a small fire sat in an alcove, warming and lighting the area.
“You built a fire, very impressive.”
Craksia ignored him and merely pointed to the side.
There, lying up against the rock wall, was a small boy, curled up asleep. Boron stepped closer for a better look.
It was a human.

The Urge - Part 10

Wilma placed her broom back in the corner and sighed. It had been a long day and she was tired. Although it was barely mid afternoon, Wilma was done with her work at the bakery. She would spend the rest of her day fixing dinner for herself, preparing lunch for the next day, and going to bed early. She always had to be up before down in order to begin cooking for the day. 
Wilma put on her jacket and picked up the left over bread she had collected in a basket and started for the front door. Wilma was almost out when she remembered the rubbish bin underneath the counter. She groaned in protest, but knew she couldn’t let it sit out overnight. Wilma put the basket back down and gathered up the trash. She carried it out through the back of the kitchen to the alleyway were she could dispose of it without worrying about mice working there way into the kitchen. 
Wilma opened the back door and poured the bin out into the compost pile she had going. As she turned back for the door she was startled to see Andrew standing in her way. She let out a slight yelp and fell back onto the pile of refuse. 
“Andrew!” She exclaimed “Why, I nearly died! What are you doing here?”
Andrew stepped forward to help her up and quickly turned to look behind him. He had a look of fear on his face. 
“Andrew? Are you alright?”
Andrew turned back and looked at the older woman as if he had already forgotten she was there.
“What? Oh! Yes. I mean…” Andrew’s voice trailed off as he turned to look over his shoulder again. 
“Andrew? What is going on?”
Andrew turned back to her again. “I’m sorry, Mrs Wilma. Can we talk?”
Wilma didn’t want to talk. She wanted to go home. But, she had never refused someone help before, and she wasn’t about to start. 
“Of course, dear, come inside out of the rain.”
Andrew followed Wilma inside but held the door open for a moment peering out. Andrew eventually closed the door behind him and turned to Wilma. 
“Andrew, something is not right.” Wilma led him to a pair of chairs that sat in the corner of the kitchen. “Now, tell me what’s on your mind”
Andrew looked at her as though he were trying to decide whether he could trust her or not. 
After a moment, Andrew lost control and a tear ran down his face quickly followed by a full breakdown. 
“Oh, dear” Wilma got up quickly and grabbed a rag from the pantry. “Here you are, dear. Now take a big breath and talk to me.”
Andrew sat crying for a moment but eventually pulled himself together. 
“It’s Dorn. I think he…” Andrew’s words trailed off as he drew the strength to speak. “I think he knows something about Ellen, about…The Urge”
Wilma was now fully taken aback. “Ellen? Andrew, I have been in this village my entire life, and I have known Dorn since his mother called on me to be the midwife at his birth. There is no possible way.”
“But, Wilma, who could be causing all of these things? Dorn, he…he’s an atheist!”
Wilma was about to speak but stopped. What could she say? Dorn was different then the rest of the village. 
“Andrew, Dorn does not go to church, nor does he fear God. But that does not mean he is any kind of murderer. It also does not mean that he is working with the devil. The good Lord knows Dorn does not honour him. We must have faith that the Lord will call Dorn in his good time.”
Andrew just stared at the rag in his hands. “Wilma, is Dorn going to hell?”
“Oh, Andrew God made Dorn just like he made you and me. You really think God would send him to hell just for being a little lost? No, child. God loves Dorn too.”
Andrew wiped his eyes one last time and handed the rag back to Wilma as he stood. 
“I’m just not so sure.” And with that, he left.
Wilma watched him go. Wilma took the rag and threw it across the room in frustration. Andrew was beginning to get on her nerves. 

Yspaddaden - Chapter 8

 Kadyriath

Kady woke slowly to the smell of cooking food, the sounds of birds chirping, the touch of warm grass underneath her, and the feeling of freedom all about.

When she had been rescued the day before, Yspaddaden and the unknown man had brought her to another clearing about an hours ride away and let the horses rest. She had been too tired to talk much, only thanking Yspaddaden for his heroics. After the horses had watered and rested, they lashed Kady to hers and set out again. Being tied to the horse allowed her to sleep a bit as they rode away from the soldiers. Hopefully they could ride far enough away before the soldiers recovered to make a sizable head start on them, if the men chose to pursue them further. Kady had slept until they stopped, then had woken only long enough to be pulled off her steed and laid on the ground where she could fall asleep again. She hadn't gotten much rest being captive and the travel was wearing on her. But now, as she woke to the sunlight and to freedom, she thanked the gods for allowing her to live. There were a few moments in the soldiers clutches where she had been unsure as to if she would live. But she had.

She rose slowly and surveyed the clearing where she sat. The trees around her rose high into the sky. The underbrush was dense and seemed impassable. The remains of a fire sat in the middle of the small glen. The sun was directly overhead, signaling the middle of the day. She looked down at herself and sighed audibly. She was a mess! Her dress was filthy and torn in places, her sash ripped, her bracelet and jewelry gone, her feet, still unshod, were caked with dried mud and grass. She could only guess at what her face must look like in a mirror. She reached up to her head and tugged at the tangled mess that sat there. Awful. She really needed a bath.

She glanced again around the quiet clearing. She could see no sign of Yspaddaden or the strange, unknown man that had helped to rescue her. Maybe they were going out to get food. As soon as she thought of food, her stomach rumbled and she groaned, placing a hand to her belly. She literally could not remember the last time she had eaten. The pains made her wince. She hoped to Adnan that's what they were doing!

She made a quick search of the clearing and found no packs or anything that could hold food. They had eaten the provisions that Yspaddaden had brought from the city long ago and had left Joyill's village too abruptly to prepare anything. She cocked her head and heard the sounds of running water. A stream nearby? Maybe she could get in a bath before Yspaddaden came back! But as she thought it, she heard another sound. Footsteps pushing their way through the dense brush. Kady crouched behind a tree to one side. You could never be too careful in these circumstances. But she needn't have worried, for out came Yspa, carrying a large deer slung over his shoulder, an arrow piercing the beasts heart. Kady smiled and rose, walking toward Yspa. He saw her coming and smiled as well, his pleasure at seeing her unharmed evident. She reached him and he slung the deer down on the ground. Impulse took over and she reached out, giving him a huge hug. He seemed to hesitate for a second, but then his massive arms encircled her. She melted inside his embrace. It was one of the happiest moments of her life.

She pulled back and looked up in his face. He smiled down into hers.

"Thank you again, for rescuing me."

"It needed doing. So I did it. Nothing more to it than that."

"Still. You didn't have to. I'm grateful that you thought me so valuable. It felt good."

He grinned sheepishly and leaned down to his kill, flipping it over onto its back. He pulled out a small knife from somewhere and began slicing the beast open.

"Talk of it no more Kady. What's done is done and you've already thanked me. Once is enough."

He looked up at her, surveying her, taking her in. She stood still, allowing him his pleasure. But what he said was not what she had expected.

"You need a bath."

She stared into his face, not sure whether to cry or laugh or scream. She chose neither and simply answered him with an equally straight face.

"Exactly the thought I had."

Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds. Then Yspaddaden burst into laughter.

"No, I mean you really need a bath! It's been a week long, at least, since you've scrubbed yourself of dirt." He walked over to a pack that lay hidden in the brush at the side of the glen. She hadn't seen it nor searched it. He pulled out a smaller bag from within and from that, a small piece of homemade soap. He walked back over to her and handed her the object. "Here. You need it more than I do. There's a small creek with a pond just through the trees, there. The horses are tied up there, but I promise that they are the only ones who will be spying on you."

Kady smiled and took the soap. She sniffed it and it smelled like flowers.

"Where did you get this?"

"A woman in the village. She makes soap for a living. She cooks the flowers directly into the liquid so it comes out smelling nicely. Quite smart actually. So not only will you be bathed, but you might just be better for my nostrils as well."

For that comment she slapped him on the shoulder playfully. He smiled and resumed his task at skinning the deer.

"Now go. Take your time. I'll have a fire and possibly some meat when you return. I want to start out again before nightfall."

She nodded and started to walk off in the direction of the creek.

"Kady."

She stopped and turned. He stood up and crossed over to her, sharp, bloody knife in his hand. If she didn't know him, and knew him to be the gentle, kind person he was, he could easily be mistaken for someone with much less care for people. He stopped in front of her and then crouched, grabbing her leg. He sliced once, then stood again, holding her anklet of bells out to her.

"Never again will you become someones slave. That I guarantee you, now."

It took her a second before finally reaching out and grasping the band of bells. They were something that had always been with her, for as long as she could remember. Her leg felt incredibly light, now that they were gone. She had no words for him, so she simply nodded her head in thanks and headed off again.

The creek had been exactly where he had said and the horses were hobbled a few feet from the pond that was created in a bend in the creek. She laughed aloud at the sight that was before her. There stood four steeds, three fine horses, two brown and one speckled, and one massive unicorn, black all over. His head rose as he heard her coming and his horn shone brightly in the sunlight. She recognised him instantly as the steed that Marus had been riding before. Yspaddaden had actually stolen the mans ride! She had to laugh at it.

She stepped into the pond and smiled when she realised how warm the water was. She rinsed her feet and then sat back, feet dangling, lying on the grass. It was a most glorious feeling. She sat there for several minutes, before sitting back up and reaching for the soap.

She took her dress and underwear off, soaking them in the water and scrubbing them, washing the dirt away. Once her clothes were clean she lay them in the grass to dry. Then she entered the water herself, at first slowly, then all at once, dunking her head under. It felt so good! The first few layers of dirt washed away instantly and once they were gone, she used the soap to scrub the rest of it off. It felt delicious, rubbing the sweet smelling soap over her body. When she was finished, she lay the soap aside and lay back in the water, head on the bank, just sitting, letting the water trickle over her body slowly. The sun shone down and warmed her, causing her to fall asleep at one point. A noise must have woken her, for she jerked her head up, looking all about for danger.

She glanced over and saw a flash of blue and gold. That could only be a soldiers uniform! She was half out of the water before she realised who it was. There stood the young soldier who had tried to talk to her while she was still captive, staring at her from across the pond. She calmed down for a second, then a thrill of embarrassment ran through her as she remembered that was wearing absolutely nothing. She fumbled for her dress and spun back toward him in anger, holding the cloth close to her wet body.

"What are you doing?! Do you never call out your presence? You should know better than to walk up on a woman unawares like that! What are you doing here?"

He shrugged.

"I'm sorry. I only came to check on the horses. I didn't know you were bathing."

"What are you talking about? Where are your fellow soldiers?"

He shrugged again.

"Not sure. Probably about two days back where we left them."

"'We'? Why do you say 'we'? Do you not travel with them?"

He shook his head.

"No. I am to travel with you and Yspaddaden. I was the one who helped rescue you. I told you I wanted to leave them. Yspaddaden noticed me untying you that day and pulled me aside. He said if I helped rescue you, that he would allow me to travel with the two of you. He mentioned you are on a business journey to Epona."

Kady hesitated before nodding. Yspa must have been intentionally deceiving. The young man smiled and waved a hand at her.

"It's alright, you don't have to tell me what you and he are truly up to. I'm just happy to be free of that life." He closed his eyes and smiled, sniffing. "I taste cooking meat on the air." He opened his eyes and winked at Kady. "It sounds like Yspaddaden has prepared lunch. I doubt he will allow you to dine dressed as you are. Unless you are comfortable with all three of us being naked."

He smiled at her as he turned and walked off back into the woods. She grunted in anger and spat in his direction. Why had Yspa taken him along?! Did he truly trust him? He was so infuriating! Kady threw her dress back down on the grass and reached instead for her underwear. She had gotten it wet by hiding behind it. No matter. Her hunger was too great for her to worry about that right now.

Tylosse

Tylosse sat by the fire and chewed thoughtfully on the piece of deer meat he held in his hand. He glanced over to the silhouettes of Kady and Yspaddaden, watching them as they spoke forcefully to each other. He couldn't tell if they were angry, or merely annoyed at each other. Kady was mad, that he could tell. And he knew the reason why. It was neither her decision nor her desire for him to be with them on their journey. To be truthful, Tylosse felt a bit guilty about barging in on their time together. He knew not how long they had known each other, he guessed not long, but there seemed to be some sort of special bond between the two of them, and he didn't like coming in between that. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to see this quest through. Helping Yspaddaden and freeing Kady was simply a means to help his fearful self leave the life that had been planned for him from the start. He didn't want to be a soldier. He never had. It was boring to him. He found no joy in it. Maybe he would follow these people until the next town or village and make his departure. Maybe not. At the moment he knew not what his plans were. And sometimes it was good to not have any plans. To just go with how life flowed for you. Free as a bird in the wind.

He finished the meat and tossed it carelessly into the dying fire. Glancing back over to the bickering pair, he noted that they were still going at it. He smiled. Just like an old married couple. He admired them and their annoyance at the king. Most people Tylosse had met, and that included the soldiers that fought for the king, did not care for AethelBald. Many loved him, many hated him, but the majority of people simply tolerated him. His hatred and prejudice for people that sat on the outskirts of society were not hidden as they should have been. Tylosse felt guilty about some of the tasks he had been sent to do. Evacuating people from their homes, merely for being of another species. AethelBald hated elves and dwarves. If they weren't human, they didn't matter. He despised the Minotaurs, the centaurs, the pegasus. He was respectful of the Dragons and their Riders, but that was only decor, a respect built on fear not honor. His voice was never silent in dark corners and halls as he raged against the Kind. His hatred for them was probably the greatest. Except for his hatred of the previous king, AethelKil. Now that was a man the populace loved. Tylosse remembered him. He had become a training soldier in the time of Kil the Bold. The king had made it a point to personally greet and introduce himself to all the newest trainees. He told Tylosse he had wanted to know the men that might someday protect his life from enemies. Tylosse had been in the service for two years before he had ever met AethelBald, and that was merely a fluke. Marus had been training him in shield handling and Bald had been searching Marus out. To head up a mission to kill Yspaddaden, as it had turned out. When Tylosse had been introduced to the new king, Bald barely looked in his direction. Ah well. Tylosse led a new life now. One free of cares.

Or it would be free as soon as the mock husband and wife ended their quarreling. Tylosse looked up to the sky. It was almost evening time. He had to get up and do something. Maybe he would check on the horses again.

Yspaddaden

"Do you not understand what you've done here? It was a foolish, dumb mistake, and I don't understand how you could have made it. You've endangered the entire quest and we are even more in trouble now than before."

"More in trouble? You were kidnapped! They could have killed you! How is now more dangerous than before?"

"You have no idea who this man is Yspa. You've just met him. I don't even know him! He's a soldier of the kingdom! We have no idea where his true loyalties lie."

"He told me he wanted to flee that life. He said to me that he wanted no longer to be employed by the king."

"And you believed him? People lie Yspa! It happens! Do you not understand that concept?!"

Yspaddaden went silent and stared at the ground. He raised a hand slightly in defense.

"Yes, I understand the concept of lying. All too well. But I could tell that he wasn't lying."

"You could tell? How could you tell? Wait don't tell me. He said he wasn't lying, was that it? Was that all the confirmation you needed?"

"No that wasn't…listen, can we please just stop arguing about this? So I may have made a mistake. I don't know! Can we at least give this man a chance? Why are you so opposed to accepting him?"

"Maybe it's because of the reasons I've said before. He's a soldier. We don't know him. Was his name written down in some ancient prophesy? 'Soldier begins to travel with warrior and prostitute. Does not kill them. Courtesan however murders giant in his sleep.'"

Yspaddaden looked at Kady in awe.

"Oh. That's why. I understand now. You're jealous of him aren't you?"

Kady sputtered a response.

"Jealous? Of him? Of course not!"

"You are!"

"Why would I be jealous of that man?"

"Because I had to take you. I was forced to bring you with me, to fulfill the prophecy. But I chose him to come, I wanted him to travel with us. That's what you're thinking isn't it? Isn't it?!"

Kady looked at him in shock and awe. Her face had mellowed, but it was replaced by one of hurt and rejection.

"You didn't want me with you?"

Yspaddaden was not ready for that.

"What?"

"You didn't want me with you. The only reason you are bringing me with you is to fulfill the prophecy. That's all. I'm baggage to you. Another piece of your puzzle. Not a companion. Not a fellow traveler. Not a person. An object."

Yspaddaden's heart dropped to his feet. He had never meant to actually hurt Kady with his words. He was shocked that the argument had gone so far. He reached out a hand to place on her shoulder but she shied away from his touch.

"Why am I important Yspaddaden? I know the prophecy says I'm supposed to travel with you, but why? What purpose am I to perform? It can't be a skill of mine, I only have one. What is it? My blood? My hair? My heart? Is there some sort of sick sacrifice that you're supposed to make at the end? Why do you want me with you?"

He sighed and tried to think of a response.

"No, it's not like that. It's…when I finally reach the stone, I…I…"

He could tell his lack of words were just hurting her more. Her face fell and a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"Why won't you tell me?"

To that, Yspaddaden had no answer. He simply stared at her, trying to think of something to say. She finally nodded in finality and turned away, heading back toward the camp. Her bare feet shuffled along in the grass with despondency. Her shoulders were slumped and Yspa could hear her trying to shake away the tears that came. His own eyes began to water at his thoughts. The last thing he had wanted was to hurt her. But had not been able to answer her questions. He simply could not bring himself to tell her the truth. Why not? Why could he not? Would it be so bad if she knew? Yspaddaden lowered his head and turned, walking in the opposite direction.

He needed time to think.