This city was nothing like the last one. In fact, I’d almost confuse it with a trip down an old street in the middle of London - at least the ones I’ve seen in movies. The buildings seemed to be made of something that was similar to bricks, plastered, with stained glass windows on every home. The narrow pathway into the main city square proved to be a bit of a trial. The stones that made the ground beneath me were charcoal in color and by no means were they smooth or laid neatly. In awe of the buildings around me, I must have tripped and stubbed my toes a half dozen times. The boots made it a less painful experience.
The main square was beautiful. There are garden boxes laid about with colorful flowers, the shapes of which I have never seen. The flowers that glowed a little red reminded me of candles, I almost thought that if I touched it I might get burnt. Giggling at the thought my atte
Day Eight What was that sound? I lean up, creaking in the cot as I do, to try and listen again. It sounded like crashing...and screaming? The candle that Gecko had lit to keep the bugs away was barely surviving in the night, but I was still able to faintly see. I get up and find my way to Corvu, who was sleeping above the blanket. It is a warm night, but I can’t imagine ever sleeping without a blanket myself. I nudge his shoulder gently, “Corvu.” I whisper. His eyes open as if he weren’t sleeping at all and leans up on his elbows. Perhaps I’m a little too close to his personal bubble but the noises concerned me, “I think something’s happening outside.” Without speaking he stands up beside me. Giving him room to go around he walks right up to the window. I’m not sure what he expects to see this l
As we get closer to the next village, I notice more people on the paths. They’re just not heading in any particular direction.“We’re here, we will just stop for food then keep going.” Corvu states. I nod, but looking around I don’t see any walls, gates or guards. In fact all I see is woodland covered completely in moss. The only thing that wasn’t covered in moss was the dirt path which some ago had turned into mostly sand. I watch Gecko riding in front, looking very excited to be exploring new lands. I put a hand to my chest and felt the amulet sitting beneath my tunic. I can’t believe such a small piece of jewelry causes so many problems. “See that boy?” Corvu asks me, pointing into the forest. I couldn’t see what he was talking about at all. “Look at the boulder.” He says. That’s when I see him. The boy in question looke
The ride leading out of the village was quiet, but that still didn’t help me feel uneasy around the Skelly. Every now and then they would stop eating moss and look up at me with their dead eyes. If I grew up in a village like this one, I would have moved the first chance I got. Perhaps that’s why Corvu left. Looking at him beside me I wonder if it would be rude to ask why he left the family that loved him. It isn’t my business, it really isn’t.“Why did you leave that village?” Smooth, Tia. I really don’t know how to just butt out. He is momentarily surprised by the question but otherwise he sighs and responds,“Aside from very few others, I was the only one that wasn’t human. I just wanted to be somewhere else where everyone was different.”
Corvu had spent a little longer than half an hour teaching me how to keep a grip on my sword, but I was otherwise left with more bruises than when I had fallen off that cart last week. I was here for so long already. It meant I had missed a few shifts at work as well, so surely someone would have noticed I was missing by now. It’s not that I expected anyone to come looking for me, I just didn’t want to be forgotten. Maybe I should have tried harder to make more friends. I’d hate to think I’d go completely unnoticed. I do have a good friend, we grew up at the orphanage together. She was adopted though, but we never lost touch. She calls me once a month and visits every few months or so. She lives in New Jersey so the subway ride can be a little long. I miss her.It’s night, and even though we don’t have to worry about Skelly’s anymore I’m still worried a
Day SixteenCorvu found a place that was less like an inn, more like a backpacker’s lodge for us to stay that night, we were just lucky that the extra bunk in the room was empty for the moment, so we had the time to ourselves.As I look around the room, it’s obvious that all sorts have occupied it, especially with all the unusual markings, cuts and stains spread amongst the walls. Completely grotesque. Luckily I had other things on my mind to occupy myself. The lodge had a bath, so instead of taking a bath in a lake I jumped at the idea to use hot water, so I told the boys I would be back shortly.In fairness, I’ve never had to boil water for a bath before. I had dunked most of my foot in too early so it felt really sore by the time I’d finished, but at least I was f
Day SeventeenThe next morning when I wake up, I decide to let the boys sleep a little bit longer. I wouldn’t normally venture out on my own like this, but I just wanted some fresh air, and a little extra time to practice.Dawn had barely broken through by the time I got to the back of the lodge where I was only surrounded by our horses under a made up shelter, hay and an empty cart. It was kind of Corvu to get me a rapier to protect myself with. Buckling myself up properly I decide to unsheath it and practice my footwork, lunges and retreats. Corvu told me it was important to keep distance from my opponent but just as important to strike when the opportunity arises. The dry dirt makes small dust clouds as I lunge forward and pull backward. I’m actually starting to enjoy the idea of swordplay, I can also see that my fantasy novels didn’t
Dusk crept up on us quickly, but Corvu had managed to find the entrance to where the giant dwelled. In front of a huge hole in the middle of a mountain, surrounded by dead vines and ash. This was not a tourist destination. Corvu appears to be emptying a few items from his backpack and replacing them with others. Dismounting the horses, we tie them up beside a distant tree and enter the cave.Corvu has his slingshot in hand, although I don’t imagine this to be as easy as the story of David and Goliath. Either way, it was better than trying to use my rapier against a giant. The cave wasn’t as dark as I expected, there appeared to be bits of light shining through a thick ceiling of vine and mud above us. I wonder how that works? I thought this was a mountain? Perhaps the giant had built it himself.Step by step we get closer to the sound of hummi
By the time I’ve picked up enough wood, Corvu and Gecko have made their way to me. I’ve become used to picking good vantage points for campsites, and preparing places for fire. If there’s ever the opportunity, perhaps I will actually go on camping trips when I return home. Gecko decides to sit against a tree trunk, wanting to keep out of the way. I knew he was in a lot of pain, at the very least it looked like his arm was broken, but the deep gash on his forehead and shoulder really needed tending to.“Hey Corvu,” I speak up, “, how far is the next village from where we are?”He thinks for a moment before answering, “If we leave at first light, we can probably make it before dusk.” That was a long ride for a child with a broken arm. Corvu looks at Gecko, noticing exactly why I asked. “I&rsq