(an excerpt from the story “So there we were”)
Notting was rummaging through his cabinets, throwing cans and tough breads into his traveling sack.
“I don’t see why it’s that big of a deal if he comes along,” you were still trying to sway Notting’s unyielding opinion. All attempts have proved useless thus far.
“Of course you wouldn’t understand why, you barely know him. I’m his brother. I know very well that bringing him along would be a poor decision. He’s just too restless!” Notting was so solid in his last statement that now, instead of throwing food into his bag, he was cramming it.
You faced me with wide eyes and moved your hands stiffly from me to Notting mouthing, “Help me.”
“Well…,” I said the first thing that came to mind. “We didn’t think going with you to Redisha’s was a good idea, but it turned out ok.”
“Right,” you moved towards Notting and nodded your head eagerly. “And you didn’t even want to come with us. Fiørik does, and he will help us.”
Notting was not backing down.
“This is your worst argument yet. I’m sorry, but it would be better if it were just the three of us.” Notting was done talking. He grabbed his sack and headed out the open door. We followed him out and stopped to watch him disappear in the bathing chamber.
“I’m sorry, I tried.” I shrugged my shoulders.
The loss seemed to be hurting you more than me.
“Ughh,” you heaved a frustrated sigh, “I’ll just have to go and talk to Fiørik…”
I was ready to see the ending to this and followed behind you as you left to search for Fiørik. I felt like this didn’t really involve me, but I found the conflict amusingly entertaining.
It took awhile to find our missing Fiørik. We checked everywhere in Lorhuu: the cavern, the bathes, and even outside the Queen’s cambers, but Fiørik was nowhere to be found. We soon decided that we had no other choice but to check the forest floor and I was not looking forward to the trip. But soon enough you had persuaded me to climb into the balloon basket once more and tug the rope to signal our descent. The basket lurched and then we plunged into the depths of the hollowed tree trunk, faster than usual.
“COULD WE SLOW THIS DOWN A BIT?!” I bellowed towards the seemingly bottomless pit. Our drop did not slow. A sharp fear prodded its way into my mind and for a second (as the light from the end of the tunnel glowed) I saw my life flash before my eyes. The funny thing is, also because of the fear, I could not remember what had happened in my life… so really, nothing flashed before my eyes. Just as I thought the ground below would mean my certain death, the basket came to a bone shattering halt and preceded to easy its way to the earth safely. We stumbled out of the basket trying to catch our breaths.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were Joseph,” Fiørik stepped out from the rope which controlled the pulley. “One tug means the free fall.” He examined us with bright eyes and smirked affably as only he could. When I had finally regained my demeanor, my eyes narrowed, “Never…. Again….”
“Oh, come on. You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that.”
You chuckled. Fiørik put his arms out as if expecting a hug from each of us, although I don’t think that was his true intent.
“So what brings you two ladies to visit me on my guard duty?”
I scanned the area. There was an ale keg and three soiled plates scattered in the center of the trunk, it looked like A LOT of work was going on.
“Fiørik, I’m afraid I have some bad news,” you blurted out suddenly and moved on with no dramatic pause, “Notting says no.”
Fiørik gave a pleasant sigh and ruffled his hair that shimmered of gold in the midday sunlight. “Well, you tried and it warms my cockles.” Fiørik then reached into his pocket and pulled out two lifeless clam shells. My eyes crossed automatically.
“Do you even want to come with us?” I asked, frustrated that Fiørik didn’t seem to take anything seriously.
“Well sure I do… Hot diggity dog!” Fiørik looked around with a goofy stare. I eyed the keg suspiciously. You walked up to Fiørik, put your hands on each of his shoulders and asked, “Do you know where you are…?”
Fiørik chuckled mockingly.
“Alright,” Fiørik pulled down his kelly-green tunic and smoothed back his hair. “As soon as I’m done here I’ll go talk to him myself.” And that was that.
~~~
We had finished packing our bags later that afternoon, after an agreeable snack. And since we hadn’t heard word from either of them, we went to check the brother’s progress. Sadly, things didn’t sound to be going very well.
We could hear raised voices even before we entered the threshold. By the sound of it, all of Fiørik’s hard morning “working” was causing a ridiculous yelling match.
“Remember when mom let you take care of that baby snarky and you ended up dropping it from the Lorhuu lookout?!”
Fiørik uttered a defense, “He HAD a parachute!” We followed the sounds of the argument up the spiral staircase which led to Fiørik’s room that was set apart from the rest of the dwelling. I hoped we could break things up before they got too out of hand. As soon as we entered the lofted room, we could clearly see Fiørik’s blazing eyes and Notting’s face flushed with anger. They took no notice to our entry and you said something but I was distracted, because now Notting had driven his pointed index finger into Fiørik’s chest, like an accusing dagger.
“YOU’RE not coming!”
“YES!” Fiørik’s rebuttal was a two-handed thrust to brother’s broad shoulders, “I AM!” There was a pause, obviously Fiørik had gone too far. Less than a moment later and at the same time, the brother’s lunged towards each other, grabbing whatever appendage they could find. Fiørik ended up with a fistful of Notting’s hair and Notting with Fiørik’s muscularly trim neck wrapped in his mannish hands. I wasn’t quite sure what to do. Either Fiørik’s neck was about to receive an extreme Indian rug burn or Notting would loose some of his gorgeous hair: this was terrible. I looked towards you knowing that you had a bit more experience with this kind of conflict, having two brothers and all…
You had taken Fiørik’s sheathed sword in hand and were taking turns poking each of the brothers. Your pokes got harder with each swap.
“STOP IT BRITTANY!” Notting finally uttered.
You were not backing down, “Let go of each other first!” Notting dropped his hands from Fiørik’s neck and shoved him away but, unfortunately, he had done this before Fiørik released his hair. There was a sickening ripping sound and Notting quickly placed his hands over his head with a gruff yelp. Tangled in Fiørik’s hand was the same fistful of Notting’s curled hair.
“Woops…”
“Ugh!” Notting was staring angrily. I was afraid the fight was about to start all over again, but to my surprise Notting finally caved.
“FINE! HE CAN COME! JUST KEEP HIM AS FAR AWAY FROM ME AS POSSIBLE!” and he stormed out of the room whipping past my shoulder. Fiørik glanced down at the yellow strands in his hand and shrugged, then looked up with a satisfied grin.
~~~
We were leaving in the morning and Notting had arranged a private room in the tavern for our use. It was the ideal setting to make plans for a journey. The back room in the tavern contained a long table that could seat a small gathering of six or seven. Candles that lined the walls and a grand chandelier illuminated the room, giving plenty of light to view the maps that were rolled up and placed in cubbies at one end of the room. There was only one window, it had three panes and reached from floor to ceiling. Through the window is a breathe-taking sight of the entire wood. You and me arrived before the others and had time to view the spectacular sight. The window faces a break in the leaves of the great Laagorian village tree, revealing miles of tree tops and the Chårred Mountains beyond. The scene looked like a brilliant painting, using soft browns and yellows for the rocky mountain tops and cool shades of orange for the setting sun.
There was a gentle knock at the door, and my eyes were torn from the striking display. Fiørik entered, grinning openly.
“Good evening ladies,” he lifted his eyebrows and bowed, mocking his own charm. “Notting should be here soon along with Gavenlaw.” After seeing the curious looks on our faces Fiørik added, “… the map interpreter.”
“Oh,” we chimed in unison.
“Were you enjoying the view?” Fiørik said as he walked towards the window, his lime tinted eyes darting to enjoy every piece of the ample picture. “What more could I ask for? Two beautiful girls and stretching landscape just waiting to be explored, it is all I need.” He placed his arms around both of us, which was incredible awkward but kind.
Before Fiørik had released us, the door opened again and Notting entered the room.
“Getting comfortable already, Fiørik?” Notting said coolly.
“Oh come on big bro,” Fiørik put on his most innocent smile. “I was just being chummy. We’re all friends here, after all, right?”
Notting showed no sign of wanting to answer. There was another knock at the door and Notting turned all too quickly to give the newcomer entrance.
It was Gavenlaw, I assumed. He had a small black writing box under one arm and several maps and scrolls in the other.
“Good evening all. You must be Brittany and Ricci, it’s a pleasure,” Gavenlaw said giving a subtle bow. We returned the gesture and everyone took a seat at the waiting table.
Gavenlaw was an old Laagorian, his hair was white with the slightest ting of yellow and wrinkles fell softly across his face. He pulled a pair of reading glasses out of his writing box, along with a quill, ink and a blank piece of parchment.
“Gavenlaw will help us find the best way to reach our destination and will draw us each our own map for the journey,” Notting told us.
Gavenlaw had the same joyful position of most Laagorians but in the present setting his face was as serious as a business man’s while discussing a transaction. He began to unroll one map and showed us the main areas of interest and hence we decided on a plan and direction of departure.
~~~
The morning sun rose too quickly on the day of our leave. There was an early spring shower that seemed to match the mood of our good-byes. A group of Laagorians were gathered by the basket which descended from the tree top. We approached them with our traveling packs, supplies, and newly drawn maps in hand. Several girls had already approached Fiørik, there faces streaked with tears. He gentle soothed each one of them and I saw your gaze follow in resentment.
After most of the Laagorians had a chance to shake our hands or give us a swift hug, I scanned the green eyes only to find someone missing.
“Where is the queen?” I asked Notting.
Notting peered over my head at the queen’s chambers, “She talked to me earlier this morning. There is something she is working on that she cannot leave. But she is assured that we will meet again.” I looked back as well and heard you close to my ear.
“That’s a bit odd.”
“She’s a bit odd,” I replied. “But I hope she’s right. I hope we will see this place again.”
“Ditto,” you added.
I was in a tad of a rush now, wanting to leave before I had the chance to miss our newly-found home. But as soon as I stepped foot into the swinging basket a small voice cried out.
“Wait!” It was Fare, she was running towards us with more flowers in her hands. I heard you grunt in distaste. Fare first went to Fiørik and Notting, making them each lean down and receive a purple-flowered necklace. Then she turned to us and placed crowns of yellow carnations on our heads.
“Thank you,” I wondered why this girl insisted on treating us. She smiled her sweet smile and ran back into the crowd.
Notting and Fiørik left to move down the stairs and we stepped into the basket. When we found ourselves in darkness once again, I could already tell you had taken the flowery crown and balled it up, shoving it into your pack.
~~~
I am now very grateful that Gavenlaw had drawn us our own maps. It helped solve many quarrels between Notting and Fiørik. Anytime there was a question of whether to go right or left, or north or south, I could pull out my map and institute my own guidance, while Notting flashed his knowledge and Fiørik replied with sarcasm. Of course, we each had our own maps incase we were separated (they also showed meeting spots along the way), Notting and Fiørik choice to fight over anything and everything anyways.
By the second day of traveling, you and I had worked out a system of keeping one or the other of the brothers distracted and content. Presently, we were both traveling along either side of Fiørik, with Notting peaceably strolling in the lead.
Fiørik had taught us a Laagorian children’s game that was similar to “I spy” but involving singing and rhyming. The time was passing quickly and easily with it.
“I see beyond the tree, a pair that’s not a pear.” Fiørik loosely strung together a verse and sang it in grandiose. Holding back a laugh I scanned the tree Fiørik was facing and before I saw what I was to be looking for, you won.
“Cherries,” you said with high-pitched voice.
Fiørik could not hide his amusement.
“We should stop now.” I said and then repeated your high tone, “I’m scared to hear Brittany sing again.”
We were all sent to laughter now, but just then our horses had frozen beneath us. I looked up to see that Notting had halted a few yards ahead. He was looking down at something that seemed to be blocking the path. I got down from Sawdust to join Notting in the front.
“What is it?” I called out on my way over, you and Fiørik right behind me.
Notting turned to answer, but I was already next to him and could now see for myself.
On the ground near Evey’s front hooves I could see a gray pigeon with a green arrow buried deep in its feathers. I felt you stop behind me and take a distressing breath. There was a torn piece of parchment tied to the bird’s lifeless leg with weaved twine and a corner of it revealed familiar handwriting. Fiørik, with no courtesy towards the pigeon, clasped the withered paper and opened the folded sides. He first read the message silently to himself and then looked up at you and me. We already knew what it said, and we also knew what it meant.
The message never got to our general. Notting asked for an explanation but I was distracted by a flash of white behind a nearby willow tree. The wind pushed the swaying branches aside once more to reveal a small field covered in white. Snow? In mid-spring? I left our party, where were now explaining what had happened, and walked towards the willow tree. I did not believe my eyes more and more the closer I got. White flakes were floating softly to the powder-white forest floor. It was not snow. My eyes soon discovered that it was actually the white blossoms of over five dozen crab trees.
I pushed my way through the swinging branches of the willow tree and entered the remarkable haven. The thick crowd of white-crested trees created a barrier between the field and the rest of the forest. The bright sun above shone down on the pure white petals, which completely covered the ground, and reflected back into the misty air, making me strain to see the fullness of it all. Out of habit, I checked the tree tops near the area for chigcos. I hated to distrust my eyes but if I did not I could be in trouble. To my great relief there were no green faces showing themselves from the foliage above.
“Ricci?” Now the others had realized my disappearance, but I was unwilling to move from the heavenly setting. Notting was the first to pass the through the willow tree entrance where I had came. Without speaking a word I could tell that Notting’s reaction was the same as mine. He peered at the white blossoms and the stunning ground then quickly glanced at the tree tops.
“They’re none there,” I said. Notting looked at me. You and Fiørik had just appeared and without any amount of caution, Fiørik practically skipped to a tree. He pulled a branch of flowers and handed them to you with a low bow. You did not cover a gag and accepted the flowers which you quickly added to the heap of them that already covered the earth.
“What is this place?” you asked now that Fiørik had returned to frolicking
about. I shrugged; there were no clues to why an area would be obviously set aside for such majesty.
Fiørik was now sitting in the petals, imagining that they perfectly reflected his own stunning features that he was so keen to be proud of. Notting looked over at him and back at us. His eyes showed more irritation than ever and I glanced over to find you with just the same look of annoyance.
“Do you have to be such a child?” Notting asked Fiørik in his most authoritative tone.
“What? We don’t all have to have a stick up our ass.” Fiørik flung himself back on the ground but turned in pain, clutching the back of his head.
“What’d you do? Hit a stump?” Notting rolled his eyes and moved next to the now kneeling Fiørik.
“I don’t know, there’s something hard here,” Fiørik said as he cupped his hand a pushed aside the ankle deep petals.
“Dannie?” Fiørik was staring down at something black. I took a few steps towards him and saw that he had revealed a black stone showing a name carved in bold letters. An idea came to me, I began searching the ground, pushing back more and more petals. Yvey. Luke. Jeremy. Emma. This was… a graveyard. I stood up, staring at the last name. Micah. There had to be over a thousand more unrevealed names.
“What happened here?” you questioned, also looking down at a gravestone you had uncovered. The mood of the field now changed considerably. I wanted to move, I wanted to get out of there but there was a mystery we could not avoid.
“Look here,” Notting was across the field and found a small gap between crab trees. Fiørik, you and I ran over to him and all found ourselves peering into the remains of a town. Notting led the way, stepping onto the deserted dirt road. The opening in the forest was filled with hundreds of empty shops and houses. There was unity in the buildings, each one like the other, but some were covered in ash and black stains that tarnished roofs and doorways.
“This was a human village,” Notting now had his map out and was reading Gavenlaw’s small handwriting. “Aribac.”
“What happened here?” Fiørik turned his nose up to the charred houses and wreckage.
“Maybe we should have a look around,” you said and already started moving towards the first building.
“Yes,” Notting agreed. “But stay close.”
We all moved into separate buildings and shelters, avoiding the ones that could collapse with the slightest disturbance. After searching half the village we found nothing more useful than a jar of peaches and some wool blankets that flames had not touched.
Notting and Fiørik were ready to leave after about an hour. They did not find any sentimental value in the ruins of a mediocre town, but you and I were filled with memories of our childhood homes. I embraced a yarn-faced doll in a smaller cabin I had been exploring. It was just like the one I had when I was five-years-old in Corvetose, I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss my homeland. I held the doll in my hands for some time but then something else caught my eye. There was something red behind a fallen bookcase. I edged closer and found that it was a leather journal covered in a red sort of paint. I rubbed my hand along the binding that was bent and cracked. This was special to someone, why would it be left behind? I opened the front cover and read:
Today is my 20th birthday. Papa made this journal for me to record the history of newly founded Aribac. I will be moving there in a week. I have a job as a blacksmith and my dream is finally coming true.
I stopped, feeling bad for invading someone’s privacy, but I did not put the book down.
“Ricci? Come on, we should get back to the horses,” you had poked your head through the doorway of the cabin. “And Fiørik and Notting have starting fighting again.”
I took one more look at the depressing dwelling, got up and followed you back towards the graveyard which we had entered, the diary still clutched in my hand.
