"And from here on, I banish you and your child from the fairy world."
a deep voice replied over the wailing cries. The speaker was sitting atop a
huge platform surrounded by his six fellow peers. The group of seven was
known as the Septal, the ruling oligarchy of the Fairy society. They
exercised ultimate control of judgment and sentencing, and their word was
the law of the land.
"Please! I'm begging you! Don't send us away! I swear I had nothing
to do with the crime!!" sobbed the middle-aged fairy mother, holding her
baby girl close to her. The child was crying softly, sensing fear in her
mother.
"Also, to ensure safety to those around you, you are hereby stricken
of your magical powers." continued the Septist speaker, closing his sore
gray eyes for just a second to try to escape the emotion he was facing. His
russet curly brown hair was tangled and messy, revealing the stress that he
had undergone for the past several days. He was obviously in pain, and
choked on his next word. The fairy woman sitting next to him stood up and
helped him sit down. She picked up where he had left off.
"Erenta Norwood," the new speaker's cold steel-like tone was
authoritative, "you are now forced to live as a human, without any powers
or chance of being a part of this established Fairy society. Your child,
will be stricken of her powers as well and will not be allowed to have any
recollection of her heritage," with that, the former speaker uttered a cry.
"Leave, now."
The mother looked up at the cold piercing eyes of the woman, tears
streaming down her own green eyes. She then stood up, her head bowed; she
turned slowly and walked out of the door. As soon as she walked out the
door, she found herself in the dark woods with nothing but moonlight to
lead her way. The room that she had just been in had vanished. This power,
(the power to create a judgment room and then simply vanish after the
convict was out of it) was only accessible to the Septal for sentencing
grounds.
Wolf cries could be heard in the distance. Panic gripped the mother
as she tried to hush her child. She wasn't afraid of the wolves that much;
it was ogres that she feared the most. She began running, blindly, not
knowing where she was going. Often she tripped over branches, or her bare
feet would get stuck in sticky mud. Hunger overtook her body, and her weak
limbs gave way as she collapsed. The mother looked at her child's
beautifully clear hazel eyes, and the chestnut-colored soft curl on her
tiny head, and seemed to gather strength from watching her baby. She began
singing softly to the child as she fed her milk.
"Sleep, my sweet, into the night,
For come what may and come what might.
But I will always watch over you,
So wait for day to form anew."
The baby girl gurgled at her loving mother and fell fast asleep to the
sound of the soothing maternal voice.
Each day passed with the mother running in what seemed like a never-
ending forest. Cold, disease and hunger swept over the poor fairy, but her
child's face continually motivated her to keep on going. When she finally
reached a tiny village on the border of Bast, she placed her child gently
on the doorstep of a tavern and pounded on the door, pleading deliriously.
"Please.. Someone come to the door," she croaked with the last ounce
of strength that she could muster. "Please, please.."
The next morning, in the frostbitten air, the door of the tavern
creaked open. A middle-aged man stepped out and saw a dead woman lying in
front of his tavern next to a baby wrapped in a thick brown blanket.
"My word, what is this?" he immediately went beside the woman and
looked to see if there was any sign of life. "Selene? Come here," he
called.
A plump woman in an apron came to the doorway and gasped. "Why
Richard! Is she."
"Yes. She's dead." He laid the lifeless body back onto the stone-
paved road.
"And the baby?"
"Cold, but alive. Let's bring them in and warm the babe by the fire."
"Is it a girl?"
He nodded. Selene carried the child in while the man lifted the fairy
and dragged her into the warm tavern room.
"She's a beautiful child," Richard replied, eying the girl.
"Not as beautiful as our Penelope," Selene quickly added.
Richard looked at his wife broke into a mumbling "of course of course. By
the way, what's the child's name?"
"I don't know. Oh wait, it says here on the blanket," she showed him
the stitched name of the baby girl.
He nodded in approval. "Tis a fine name. It even says the birthdate. Ahh,
she must be one year younger than Penelope."
"Well. what are we going to do with her?" demanded Selene.
Richard considered thoughtfully for a few minutes as he paced around the
room. "We could always. keep her."
"Richard! We can't afford to take in another child, especially during these
times! Ogres have been known to come into town and plunder innocent
citizens' houses!" She stopped in midair, and looked at her husband's face
as he watched the dozing baby. It was too late; she saw the love that had
already grown in Richard for the child. "I suppose. we could always
manage."
"Hurrah! M'dear, you are an angel!" Richard grinned from ear to ear and
kissed his wife in pure happiness. "I'll go upstairs to find more blankets
for the girl as it is getting colder." He ran up the wooden stairs
joyfully.
When Selene made sure she was alone, however, her face turned sour and she
glared at the child lying on the table as if the baby had ruined
everything. "We will take you in," she sputtered, in a low voice, "but from
now on, everything in your life belongs to me. Everything valuable that you
produce or discover will be mine. I will tolerate you only because of my
husband. You mean nothing to me."
And with that she swept out of the room with the babe, rushing up the
stairs, leaving the dead fairy on the floor near a warm fire. And not a
sound could be heard except for the faint screaming of the cold wind
outside against the crackling of the fire of the tavern room. Not a sound.
Chapter Two :: The Truth
Fifteen long years have passed....
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
The sun had risen bright and early in the morning, beaming
delightfully down upon the earth. The town of Akardia lay on the edge of a
large forest near Bast, and its inhabitants were already awake, very much
alive, and busy at work. The marketplace was bustling with customers as
well as peddlers from all over, bargaining and bartering many deals at a
time. Several rich aromas of freshly baked bread, warm apple pies, and
luscious berry tarts wafted in the air, clashing into each other and
drawing tiny children to their origins. A young girl of 16 was walking
through the crowd, enjoying the familiar atmosphere of her home and the
people who lived in it. She carried a basket under her arm and looked
around as she heard the loud voices of peddlers.
"Cloth! Come look at the best Kyrrian cloth here in Akardia! The
finest quality!"
"Fresh fruit! Come get your fresh fruit, harvested at the perfect
time of ripeness and ready for your eating and enjoyment!"
"Jewelry! Handcrafted by gnomes themselves! Come look at the
exquisite workmanship!"
The girl stopped at the jewelry booth and inspected the variety,
including sparkling chains, rings, tiaras, and every other adornment
possible. "Such a pretty girl! You need a pretty necklace!" persuaded the
peddler behind the booth, intent on selling his merchandise to anyone
possible.
"Oh no thank you, sir. I'm just looking," she replied politely while
surveying the many items. She stopped at the small looking glass on the
edge of the table and saw in the reflection a girl with long chestnut hair
with a soft natural curl. Her hazel eyes gazed back, and there was a
sprinkle of tiny freckles on either side of her nose. She had a slender
body, fit from having run across the town for errands or such.
When the jewelry-seller saw her looking at the mirror and not his
jewelry, he dropped his kind act and grew annoyed. "Miss," he retorted
impatiently, "if you aren't going to buy anything, please move along."
The girl glared at the man, irritated at his rudeness, but she moved
on anyway. Finally, she came to the stand she had come for. Her eyes looked
hungrily at the crusty loaves of bread while the luring scent of butter,
dill, and rising yeast drifted from around the stand. Her stomach rumbled
in anticipation.
"Ah! Good morning Gabrielle! I see you've come for your bread!" A
round, good-natured man had just finished business with another customer
and had turned to the young girl. He inhaled the smell of his bread deeply
and sighed with satisfaction.
"Hello Henry! How are you?" asked Gabrielle, smiling at her friend.
"Fine, fine. Business has been good. How's your family?"
"Penelope is... well, her usual self," she paused as he chuckled,
"but Mother's okay. Her weak ankles are bothering her again, but she's
managing."
"Good! And how's your father?"
"Not so well. His cough is getting the better of him, and he spends
most of his time in bed."
The baker frowned. "I've always worried about Richard. Ever since
that sickness swept through our town two years ago, he never went back to
being the same person I knew."
"I just hope he'll get better soon. The tavern just isn't the same as
it used to be."
"Business been bad?"
"Horrible. Hardly anyone is coming anymore, and now we're not the
only tavern in town. Seems there's a new one, just opened, by folks who
just moved here."
"Ohhh, that's right! I remember it opening a week or so ago. New
building and all. I met the owner....err, can't seem to remember his name.
But his wife and he are about middle-aged. Two sons, I believe."
Gabrielle looked thoughtful, and began whirling her basket around her
arm. "Well, whoever they are, I hope they don't completely drive out our
business."
"I hope so too, for your family's sake."
She smiled in thanks, but then her stomach grumbled again. Henry
laughed heartily, and exclaimed, "Why, I suppose you haven't had your
breakfast yet!"
Gabrielle smiled faintly. "You supposed right."
"Well then, I can't just let young maidens go wandering around in the
marketplace with empty-stomachs! Here's a bit to hold you over." He tore a
loaf of his bread that had just come out of the oven, its insides yellow
from golden butter, and handed a piece to her.
She took it and tore a small piece from it, savoring the delightful
seasonings and the crispy crust. "It's delicious Henry. Thanks," she
replied, looking at him with genuine gratitude. "Actually, I need to buy
your medium loaf of regular wheat bread, for my family," she added.
He pulled out the requested bread and gave it to her. Placing it in
the basket, she took out the precious money that she had and slipped it
into his hand. "Thanks again, I'll see you later." Henry waved to her as
she walked off.
Gabrielle returned home to her tavern on the edge of town after a
short walk. As soon as she walked in the door, she heard a loud shrill
voice shout, "GABI! GET IN HERE THIS INSTANT!"
'What is it this time..' thought the girl. She was continually being
commanded to "do this" and "do that" and she grew sick of it more and more
each time. "Coming!" she called back as she put her shawl away.
As she walked into the kitchen, an older girl with bright blue eyes
appeared, brushing the tangly blonde mass on top of her head that looked
like it had the consistency of straw. Her nose was abnormally large, with
tiny nostrils contrasting it. "Where have you been???!!!!" the sister
retorted.
Gabi sighed. "I went to the market to buy today's bread, Penelope."
"You took forever!!" Penelope exclaimed with a completely exaggerated
tone. "Mother thought that you had gotten lost and Father was starting to
worry his poor dear head off!"
'Father? Is he alright?', Gabi thought, alarmed. Without a word, she
rushed out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her father's room. Bursting
in the door, she saw her father, pale and at a loss of blood, lying in his
bed with a towel over his head.
"Father.." Gabrielle walked in slowly, pained by the sight of her
father so ill and weak.
"Gabi.. my dearest," her father croaked, and suddenly choking.
"Father!" She rushed to his side and reached for his cold, lifeless
hand.
He began coughing violently, so Gabi brought over a glass of water for him
to drink. After drinking the whole glass and breathing in several breaths
of air, he began again. "Gabi, you're back from the market."
"Yes, Father. I'm here beside you. I won't leave you until I'm sure you'll
be okay!"
"My youngest, you know I love you dearly.."
"Of course I know!"
"And I know that your mother and Penelope have not had the best of manners
toward you.."
At that she was silent, not knowing what to say because she knew it was the
truth. Her mother had always been harsh and abusive toward her, favoring
her sister always. Penelope had constantly acted superior and selfish,
making Gabrielle work like a slave. The two had not exactly made her life
pleasant.
"..but you must know that your mother truly loves you."
'That's hard to believe', she wondered. "How do you know?"
"Because she accepted you. She allowed you to stay when you were brought
here as a baby, almost newborn.."
Gabrielle was bewildered. "What? What do you mean she allowed me to stay?
Father, I think you're growing delirious! You've always told me I was born
here."
Suddenly, the old man stiffened in his bed, his whole face frozen in a
tight, scared look. Gabrielle grabbed his arm and shook it; she noticed the
rigid ness of his muscles. "Father! What's wrong??" He didn't respond.
His body finally relaxed, but then he began slightly tossing back and
forth, his eyes locked in position on the wall. He began mumbling
strangely, as if he was in his own condition of mind. Gabrielle suddenly
realized her father was in some mental state of shock. "Father!" She shook
him, but he continued with his mumbling. Gabi finally stopped and listen to
what he was saying.
"My word, what is this? Selene, come here. Yes she's dead. The baby? Cold,
but alive. Let's bring them in and warm the babe by the fire."
'Oh my goodness! It's his memories and his thoughts!' Gabi realized what
was going on, and listened intently.
"She's a beautiful child. Penelope isn't prettier, but I must agree with my
wife. Of course of course. By the way, what's the child's name? Gabrielle.
Tis a fine name. It even says her birthdate. Ahh, she must be one year
younger than Penelope."
'This is the truth about how Father and Mother got me! But who is my real
Father and Mother??' Gabrielle's head began to spin, bewildered at what she
was hearing.
"What are we going to do with her? We could always.. keep her. I love her
so much already, from the time I first saw her. Hurrah! M'dear, you're an
angel!"
The mumblings began to end right there, but then Gabrielle's thoughts began
to stir. She suddenly remembered a memory that had never been recollected.
Random words being spoken to her, something like "take-you--in-everything-
your-belongs-mine-mean-nothing.." 'What do these words mean? I've never
thought of them before..,' she asked herself.
Gabrielle checked for her Father's heartbeat, and was reassured to find his
heart still beating and also at a normal rate. He was also breathing
normally now, in a peaceful dream. With that, she crept quietly out of the
room, and then ran down the stairs in a fury like she had never been
before. She ran into the kitchen where her mother and sister were seated,
eating the bread she brought from the market.
"Mother!" She shouted.
Her mother, exasperated at the sound of the girl's voice. "What is it,
girl?" But then she turned around and saw the hazel eyes ablaze and Gabi's
hair wild from dashing about, and suddenly she was seized with a feeling of
uneasiness and panic.
"Mother!" again Gabi shouted, this time in an even louder voice. "You lied
to me about my birth! Tell me the truth!"
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
Chapter Three :: Who Am I?
“What are you talking about???” her mother asked, glaring at her.
Penelope was chewing loudly, staring wide-eyed at Gabrielle and looking
very much like a cow.
“I’m talking about the truth!!! The truth about how I got here, and
who I am, and everything about my identity that you have hidden and
misinformed me about since I was a child!” shouted Gabrielle.
Her mother’s eyes dimmed. “How did you………”
“How did I find out?” Gabrielle finished the question in pure fury,
tears coming down her eyes. “How did I find out that I’ve been told lies my
whole life and that I haven’t the foggiest idea who I am? I’ll tell you who
told me! Father did! The only person who actually cared for me through my
whole life! The only person who has actually treated me as a real person
and not just some worthless creature to enslave and abuse!”
Penelope, her mouth full, retorted, “How DARE you speak in that kind
of tone to us!”
Gabrielle ignored her, speaking even louder. “Mother! TELL ME!”
The mother was staring at the wall, as if remembering past memories.
Then, she snapped back into attention and looked at her youngest. As if the
very sight of Gabi enraged her, she immediately hardened her will. “Foolish
girl,” she snarled. “Get out. NOW.” The mother rose up and came toward Gabi
as if to strangle her.
Gabi, tears streaming down her eyes, ran out of the tavern and into
the night. She ran, not knowing where she was going or who she actually
was. Finally, she came to a fountain where she sat down and just leaned
back, sobbing gently. She was alone and deserted. Not knowing where to
turn. The cold wind blew all around her.
Who am I???, Gabrielle thought, shivering as she hugged her knees.
Mother won’t tell me…… Father’s too sick to say anything… Penelope doesn’t
know anything at all. And now I can’t go home without receiving some kind
of punishment……
She looked up at the bright stars, forming the many pictures in the
sky. There was the constellation Vadia, the elf huntress, with the end of
her bow pointing north. And next to her was the unicorn, simply known as
the Great. Gabrielle traced the constellations with her hand, whispering to
herself the familiar childhood poem.
“Follow Vadia’s bow, swift and strong.
To the Great’s glittering horn.
And you shall never go wrong,
During your search of Bhoria’s Thorn.”
The poem was just jibberish, nothing but a chant that children would learn
as they were growing up. Gabrielle had no idea who or what “Bhoria’s Thorn”
was, but it didn’t matter. How can I be thinking of childish songs at a
time like this? She asked herself.
“Excuse me, miss. Are you alright?” a kind voice asked.
Gabrielle looked up, startled. She saw a young man with curly auburn
hair and kind blue eyes gazing at her from around the fountain. He was
wearing tan trousers and a white shirt with an olive green cloak overtop.
She quickly wiped away her tears and told him, “Yes. I’m fine thank you.”
“Oh… Well, you looked a bit…” he seemed to be searching for the right
word, “flustered.”
Gabrielle smiled faintly. “I’m fine now. It was nothing.” She
shivered in the harsh wind.
“Here, you look cold.” He took off his cloak and wrapped it around
her. The clock was warm and soft, of good quality wool, but not itchy.
“Thank you!”
He scratched his head. “I was just wondering what a girl like
yourself is doing out here at this time of night……”
“Just taking a walk. I was thinking about a lot of things.”
“I see.” Silence took over for a bit while both sat by the fountain.
Suddenly, he burst out, “I’m Phillip.”
“People call me Gabrielle.”
“Gabrielle? As in daughter of the tavern-owners?”
“Yes. Those are my father and mother,” she replied while thinking,
Well at least the people I call father and mother……
“Oh.” He looked around sheepishly.
“How did you know?”
“Well, my family just moved here, and we have opened up our own,
er……building.”
Gabi stared at him. “So you’re the family who owns the other tavern!”
“That’s us.”
“How has business been for you?” Gabrielle asked politely, not
meaning to sound competitive.
“Fairly good! My mother’s currant bread is quite popular since she is
known for it, and Father’s ale has received many compliments. How about for
you??”
“Oh……um…… it’s been alright.”
He seemed a bit embarrassed, and then added, “I’m suppose to be
looking for my older brother.”
“Any luck?”
“No. He goes about often, coming home late and worrying Mother.” He
sighed, and then turned his head in the direction of voices. Squinting, he
whispered to Gabi, “Oh no…… there he is now.” A young man was seen shouting
down the streets with a group of friends.
“Why! There’s my brother over there right now! PHILLIP! Hey Phillip!”
the young man bellowed, coming over and slapping his younger brother hard
on the back. The older brother looked similar to the younger in stature
(both being tall and well-built), but with blonde hair with more waves than
curls.
“Hello Luke,” Phillip greeted exasperatedly.
“Whoa… you’ve certainly outdone yourself this time little brother,”
Luke yelled for everyone to hear while staring at Gabrielle. “She’s a real
beauty! Where’d you find her?” His friends snickered behind him, but
completely agreed as they stared at the maiden.
Phillip turned about five shades of red before answering, “I didn’t
find her! We just met here near the fountain!”
“Well, whatever happened, nice choice!” Luke then turned to
Gabrielle, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. “If he gives you any
trouble miss, I’ll always be available.” He winked at the astonished girl.
“I am Luke, at your beautiful service.” He bowed low.
Gabrielle smiled and curtsied. “I’m called Gabrielle.”
“Ahh! Gabrielle! The name of angels and beautiful women! It’s a pleasure to
meet you!” Then turning back to the furious Phillip, he asked, “Now Phil, I
heard you were looking for me!”
“For the past three hours! Where have you been????”
“Enjoying myself like any sensible person at my age does! Lady
Pherosonine was great fun. While my boys were distracting her, I was able
to teach her talkative parrot some delightful phrases in Elfin such as ‘Kur
mund ules ommek nix vorje’ or ‘Yos ol gasdl kun.’ It was quite amusing.”
The friends began laughing at the phrases.
“You speak Elfin?” asked Gabrielle, intrigued.
“Korh il naqu,” he answered with a boyish grin. “Enough for me,” he
translated after seeing Gabrielle’s puzzled face.
Phillip asked, “What do those phrases in Elfin mean?”
The friends began chuckling again hysterically and Luke looked both
pleased and thoughtful. One friend called out, “You don’t know?” Phillip
and Gabrielle both shook their heads. “The first phrase means ‘My mistress
smells like rancid milk,’ and the second,” he was doubling up in laughter,
“is not appropriate to be uttered around a young maiden.” Luke laughed so
hard until tears began running down his face.
Phillip was attempting to keep a straight face, but was not succeeding. A
combination of smile and frown formed on his face, but he decided to change
the subject. “Mother wants you to help her with cleaning the cellar.”
“Pshaw. Tell her I send my love but I’m too busy at the moment. Wait,
y’know what’s a great idea though? I’ll just entrust my work duties with
you!”
A friend of Luke’s called, “Luke! ‘Urry up! We’re gonna leave!”
“I’m coming!” he answered. “Okay Phillip. I’ll be back soon! G’night
and sweet dreams Lady Gabrielle,” he told Gabrielle charmingly while
kissing her hand.
“But Luke! Father wants you to come— ”
“G’bye!” Luke had run off with his friends leaving a speechless
Gabrielle and an enraged younger brother.
When he was out of sight, Gabrielle burst out laughing, something she
didn’t think she would be doing on such a day, but she couldn’t help it.
Her clear and bright laughter resounded in the night air, and Phillip’s
scowl managed to slightly subside. “I’m sorry,” she explained, “but your
brother is so……” She searched for a word.
“Rude? Uncouth? Vulgar?” He rolled his eyes. “Or perhaps all of the
above?”
She laughed again. “Hilarious.”
“He’s always like that. Father calls him the Jester of All Living
Things because he can get along with anyone and anything. Probably even
ogres if he was up to the challenge.”
“How old is he?”
“Nineteen last time I checked. Two years older than me.”
Her lovely smile flashed. “I like him,” she declared decidedly.
“Everyone does. You can’t be mad at him for more then two minutes,”
Phillip sighed, as if referring to past experience. “Well, now that I’ve
found him, I had better go tell Father and Mother. Shouldn’t you be heading
home? It’s getting pretty dark.”
Gabrielle’s mind snapped back to reality and her horrible experience
at home. She didn’t want to tell Phillip anything though. “Don’t worry
about me. I’ll be going home,” she replied quickly.
“Okay then. I hope to see you soon. Farewell! Or as the elves say (in
the only Elfin I know), ‘Vib ol pess waddo!’ ”
“Farewell!”
Phillip turned and ran in the direction of his tavern. Gabrielle sank
back down around the fountain, knowing the truth that she wasn’t going back
home unless she wanted a thrashing or some type of brutal punishment.
She couldn’t stop thinking about the two brothers, though. They were so
different, yet both extremely likable (especially Luke). Phillip’s serious
and caring personality contrasted Luke’s charm and charisma completely.
Meeting the two brothers had taken her mind off of the dreadful morning,
but now she was alone. I can’t stop running from the truth, she thought. If
Mother won’t tell me, I’ll have to find out myself, anyway possible.
She looked up and again found herself gazing at Vadia and the Great.
Vadia’s bow pointed to an unnamed constellation. It seemed like a cluster
of seven powerful and bright stars. One of the stars was on the edge of the
cluster, next to a dimming star. Suddenly, a tiny twinkling of a new star
appeared by the pair just as the dimming star completely ceased.
Her weary head rested gently on the side of the fountain, and she
shivered in the cold, pulling the olive cloak tighter around her. It
smelled of freshly baked current bread and several pleasant spices. She
shut her hazel eyes, and immediately fell asleep, dreaming of her unknown
past, the two brothers, and a family she could call her own.
In the middle of the night, a pair of strong arms picked the sleeping
girl up gently, and carried her away from the fountain and the cruel wind.
She was placed on a sweet-smelling bed of absolute softness next to a warm
crackling fireplace. And all through this, Gabrielle slept soundly, not
even stirring once.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
Chapter Four :: Free
The fireplace was so warm and cozy, and the bed was absolutely
heavenly. So soft and relaxing. Gabrielle snuggled into her pillow more,
enjoying the goose down. This is so comfy, she thought in pure bliss. This
must be some kind of dream.
Suddenly, she sat straight up, and jumped out of bed suddenly wide
awake. “Where am I?” she asked herself aloud in a hoarse voice, beginning
to panic. “How did I get here? Help!” She felt quite weak for some reason
and extremely hot.
A plump woman walked into the room carrying a bowl of steaming water
and towels. Her kind voice instructed, “There there now child, get back
into bed or you’ll catch cold!”
Gabrielle obeyed, getting back into snug bed. She watched the woman
soak the towels in the hot water and wring them out gently. The woman’s
blue eyes were so familiar… “Why, you’re—”
“Phillip and Luke’s mother? Yes, that’s me.”
“Your eyes are exactly the same as them! A beautiful bright blue.”
The mother beamed at her. “Everyone says that. My sons got my eyes, but
everything else is their father’s. Phillip does have that special
curliness, too. By the way, you can just call me Mother Rhea. My boys have
been up to mischief I declare, but they’re so adorable.” She sighed, and
then took up a towel and began wiping Gabrielle’s feverish forehead. “You
just can’t help but love them.”
Gabrielle couldn’t help smiling at the loving maternal figure with
her tender care and gentle caress.
The mother continued. “Now, that dear Phillip was a bit absent-minded
since he left you there by the fountain out in the cold, sleeping, I dare
say! And with only his thin cloak to warm you! But when I sent him to go
bring his brother home again, he found you and carried you back himself,
those gentlemanly wits of his finally kicking in.”
“He carried me back?”
“That he did, lass. He’s a strong one, and quite caring. His brother
would have done the same.”
I’m sure he would, thought Gabrielle.
“What is your name child?
“Gabrielle.”
“What a beautiful name. You’re a bit feverish, but you’re a strong
girl. Nothing to worry about, although Phillip was worried sick, and when
Luke came home, the two started arguing. You held on though, and I
reassured them you’d be fine.”
“I hope I haven’t caused any trouble ma’am…”
“Why of course not! Don’t you worry now. Although, I haven’t seen them both
this anxious since……why, I believe since Luke had the chicken pox.” She
laughed, remembering the fond memories. “Phillip was so scared of getting
the pox from his brother because Luke kept on telling him that the chicken
pox would all turn into little monsters that would come alive any time.”
She smiled, recalling the fond memories. “I must say, their father gave
Luke quite a scare when he told him that it was really true! My, you should
have seen the look on that young boy’s face! A sight to see!”
Gabrielle laughed, imagining Luke’s surprised face. They were interrupted
by the door opening slightly with someone peaking through. There were
sounds of snickering outside and stifled laughs. The door burst open
completely and in walked the procession of the two brothers with joyful
faces carrying two trays. They bowed deeply in minstrel fashion, careful to
balance the trays (one had a colorful little teapot while the other had
some delicious-looking food). “Lady Gabrielle,” Phillip came closer, with
an amused smile on his face, “we are completely at your service.”
She looked at both of them in gratitude while their mother poured the
fragrant tea. “Here, drink this, dear,” she urged, handing her a hot mug.
Gabrielle inhaled deeply, and took a sip. It was a delightful tea, the
spices blended perfectly as they tickled her nose. She could taste a hint
of lemon and mint combined with the flavorful essence of ambereye, a
distinctive spice used in many desserts. “It’s wonderful!”
“Phillip brewed it,” Luke reported. “He also made the cake, although he
didn’t know that I added some of that dragonwort that mother uses in her
Inferno Stew,” he added innocently, watching Phillip choke on the bite of
cake that he was eating.
Mother Rhea laughed, “I’d watch out, Luke. Phillip will get you back one
day.”
“Aww… Little Phil wouldn’t do that to his big older brother. Haha!”
Mother Rhea turned back to Gabrielle. “Dearest, I was going to just tell
your father and mother that you were here with a bit of a fever. I’ll
probably see your mother in the marketplace, right?”
Hardly a chance that she’ll be there, thought Gabrielle, but she responded,
“Oh! that’s alright. I’m actually suppose to… go to my… aunt’s house, in a
far-off town.”
“All right then. I’ll just let her know that you’re…”
“No!” she cried, Mother Rhea looking shocked at her response. Gabrielle
quieted down and spoke calmly, “It’s really okay. You don’t have to go
through all that trouble.”
“Hmm…” she was skeptical. “Okay. Here, drink some of this broth. It will do
you good.”
The broth was delicious and warmed her whole body. She yawned, beginning to
feel sleepy again.
“You should get some rest again,” the mother saw the signs of fatigue.
“Sweet dreams, Gabi,” Mother Rhea rose to leave. “And if you need anything,
we will be close at hand.”
“Sleep well!” Luke sang, following his mother. Phillip waved as he went out
the door.
“Thank you!” Gabrielle called after them. When the door was shut again, she
found herself missing their warm and loving company. And yet she also felt
pangs of envy, for the two brothers had the one thing she lacked: a true
family. Gabi settled down into her bed once again, feeling extremely weary.
She immediately fell into a deep sleep full of mystery and confusion…
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
Gabrielle was in complete delirium. Her mind was surrounded by so many
different voices. Then, two voices surfaced above the rest.
“Is the child awake?”
“No, she’s still sleeping. She doesn’t know anything yet.”
“When will he reveal himself?”
“He is biding his time. She is not ready to meet him.”
“I don’t think she will ever be ready, after all that happened? Such a
frightful event. The poor child…”
“She’ll have to accept it.”
“But I thought the ruling was clear.”
“I don’t know… I just don’t’ know.”
Gabrielle woke up again, sweating. The voices immediately ceased, but
she could barely remember what any of them had said. The fireplace was out,
and the room was extremely cool even under the thick blankets. She felt a
rush inside of her, and so she dashed out the door and down the stairs to
the loud voices in the tavern room. Gruff men were feasting on platters of
food while drinking tankards of ale. Many of the drunker men started
singing songs while making a mess.
“Gabi?”
She turned and saw Phillip wiping his hands on a towel. “I’m awake,”
she replied.
“I can see that,” he smiled, “although, you look a bit pale. Do you
need some fresh air?”
“I’d love to. That’s just what I need.”
“Great! I’ll meet you outside in a little bit. You might want to wear
something a little bit warmer though.”
“All right. Hold on for a moment.” She went back to her room and
found a clean dress lying on the bed. It was a lovely forest green, soft to
the touch, and a perfect fit. She also grabbed Phillip’s cloak, hugging its
warmth.
Gabrielle went outside, and found him sitting on the doorstep
munching on an apple. His kind blue eyes were staring straight ahead.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “Oh, and here’s your cloak.”
“Keep it. You’ll probably need it another time. Plus, I have
another,” he told her as they began walking.
“Phillip…” she paused as he handed her a red russet. “Phillip… I just
can’t tell you how much your family has done for me. I can’t even begin to
express my gratitude.”
He looked sheepish, and then responded, “It was mostly Mother. She’s
a wonderful woman.”
“Oh! But not only her! Luke is so charming and lifts my spirits. You
were the one who carried me back. And all of you have taken such good care
of me!” Gabi didn’t seem like she had convinced him enough since he kept
his eyes downcast. Finally, she stopped walking, and kissed him lightly on
the cheek as a way to express her appreciation.
He blushed. She continued and began walking again, “I just want to
say how grateful I am. I will miss you all so much.”
Phillip’s eyes looked alarmed. “You’re leaving?”
“Yes, tomorrow. I must.”
“Why so soon?”
“It’s… important for me, and plus, it’s a long story. I hope I’ll be
able to tell you someday.”
“I hope so too.
There was silence as each gazed at the starlit sky.
“Phillip?”
“Mmm?”
“What do you plan on doing… I mean, after your family settles down
here with the tavern?”
“I’m not sure exactly…”
“Do you want to stay with the tavern?”
He shook his head. “I’ve always had a dream to travel to all the different
cities and meet all sorts of creatures. Learn about culture. That sort of
thing. What about you?”
“My dream… is to just… discover myself.” She was hesitant in telling
him, unsure if he’d understand.
But he nodded, without saying a word, and she felt as if she didn’t
need to explain for he already knew what she meant. For some reason, Gabi
found herself communicating with him in a way that she had never felt.
Phillip finished his apple, and threw the core into the nearby woods.
“When will you be coming back?”
“I… don’t know.”
He paused, his crystal blue eyes looking straight at her. “Well, Gabi. I
hope you’ll be happy, wherever you are.” He sounded disappointed.
They returned back to the tavern, and Phillip walked to her room with her.
“Tell your mother, father and Luke that I am eternally thankful.”
“I will.”
“…good bye, Phillip…”
“G’bye…” He looked as if he was about to say more, but then he turned
around and ran down the stairs.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
The next morning, before dawn, Gabrielle was up and ready, completely
recovered. She had written a thank-you note on her bedside, explaining her
abrupt leave. When she made sure of everything, she crept out of the tavern
and into the streets where it was basically deserted.
She had decided the previous night that she would visit her father
before she left Akardia. It didn’t matter how long, she just had to see
him. She would climb through the bedside window and spend a few precious
moments with him.
As she raced back to her house, she made sure that she made no sound
as to wake anyone. Her strong arms and legs enabled her to climb the sturdy
tree growing next to their tavern, and so she was able to enter in fairly
easily. Her father lay in his room, still on his bed and closing his eyes.
He looked paler than before, tittering on the edge with death’s fatal grip
closing in. Gabi waited for a few moments to make sure no one was around,
and then she quietly slipped into the room.
Her father’s breaths were thin and uneven, as if he were struggling
to breathe. She knelt by him and took his hand, feeling the coldness in his
thin fingers. Tears were streaming down her eyes, and she wept over the
fact that she probably would not see her father ever again.
For some miraculous reason, the father’s eyes fluttered, and then
opened to see his youngest daughter weeping. She felt his hand move. “Oh my
goodness…” Gabi hugged the hand even more, trying to give some of the
warmth of her hand into his.
“My daughter…” he croaked in pain.
“Father,” she explained soothingly, “I’m leaving. I must leave… to
find out my past. I only came back to see you once more. I know you’ll
understand…”
“We… will…see each… other… all in good…timing…” he whispered, leaning
back his head and closing his eyes.
Gabi wiped away her tears, and kissed her father’s hand. “I love you
father…” She arose and walked to the windowside, preparing to leave.
“Gabi…” she heard her father say with all his strength. She turned
back and found her father looking at her with teary eyes. “Before… you
leave… look in the… bottom drawer…” he trailed off.
She looked around and came upon the bedside table. Yanking out the
bottom drawer, she found it empty. “Trap… drawer…” the father murmured.
Gabrielle examined the drawer, and found the outside dimensions too
large for the inside size. Somehow maneuvering around, she found a small
latch which she lifted off, revealing a trap drawer underneath. Inside, was
a thick, brown blanket with the name “Gabrielle” etched in. Beside it lay a
pure silver ring.
Looking at her father, she realized that these were hers. She didn’t
know how or what their meaning was, but she knew that they belonged to her.
Suddenly, she heard voices coming from the hallway coming closer. While
slipping on the ring, Gabrielle kissed her father on the cheek, pushed the
drawer back in and climbed out the window just in time.
While climbing down the tree, she saw a 3-wagon train begin moving
down the pebbled road. Gabrielle raced after it and called out to the
driver.
“What do you need, lass?” the driver asked her gently.
“Where are you going, good sir?”
“We travel all around, miss. Our first stop will be Ayortha.”
“Would you happen to have room for another passenger?”
He stopped and thought, looking at her. “All right miss. Hop in.”
She jumped into the last wagon with her belongings, and the wagon-
train started once again. And when Akardia gradually became only a dot in
the distance, Gabrielle kept on thinking, I’m free… I’m finally free…
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
Chapter Five :: Ehana
It was five days since the wagon had left Akardia, and Gabrielle had
begun wondering when they would ever arrive at the designated destination.
She began to feel slightly suspicious of the band of men she was traveling
with. They would constantly talk in an unknown language (it sounded like
Ayorthaian) and look at her in a critical way. She made no attempt to
befriend them since they often became drunk and violent with each other
while yelling curses, but as they were her only way out, she had to
tolerate it all.
“Anori …ovwku ebinu??” a man slurred his words, clearly drunk, and
stretching out his hand to Gabrielle.
She looked at him, confused. When she didn’t answer, he became angry
and started cursing, eventually kicking a man who was sleeping nearby. The
man yelped and woke up yelling at the other. The two started wrestling on
the floor angrily, gritting their teeth and then biting each other
viciously. Gabrielle backed away to avoid the scene.
“He was asking you if you wanted to dance,” replied a voice with a
thick accent from behind the tree. Out stepped a gruff-looking man with a
twitchy mustache.
“Oh… um… well, I see he’s too busy to dance now…” Gabrielle saw the
man make a face, a half-frown half-smirk. “Is everyone here from Ayortha?”
He nodded. “We’re natives of the tiny village called Arverdu near the
Ureuda Mountains.”
“How long will it take to get to the nearest Ayorthaian town?”
“Shouldn’t take too much longer, just as long as we don’t run into
any ogres or monsters. Mayhaps a day or two?”
She sighed. Another day or two with the crazy drunken band. Well, if
it was only one or two days till she reached true freedom, she would bear
it. “Could you….teach me.. some Ayorthaian?”
His mustache twitched. “Why?”
“If I’m going to be in Ayortha, I might as well know some of the
language.”
He stroked his chin. “No.”
Gabrielle stared at him for a moment, and then turned away. She
stopped when she heard his voice ask, “Why are you walking away girl? When
I say ‘no,’ you should say ‘ipujsi’ back to me. That’s your first lesson.”
Turning, she asked, “What does that mean?”
“Please.”
She smiled. “Ipujsi.”
“Ojetsu. That means okay. We’ll begin with the basics. Yes. No.
Greetings. The whole bit.” His mustache twitched again. “And we’ll add in
some insults just for the fun of it. I’m sure they’ll come in handy around
here,” he glanced around.
They walked to the wagon and sat down near it, Gabrielle repeating
after him. By the time evening came around, she had learned the basics and
was starting to learn questions. “You’re a pretty fast learner,” he
admitted.
“I never knew I could do this kind of thing.”
“Well, now you know.”
Silence took over, but then Gabrielle laughed out loud. “What should
I say if another one of the men ask me to dance?”
“Hmm…. Say ‘arivu oqinti unemi.’ It means ‘you smell like grime,’ or
more like ‘get away from me.’”
Her laughter filled the air, knowing that she probably wouldn’t want
to say something as direct as that unless she wanted to become part of a
wrestling tournament. The camp was gradually becoming quieter and quieter
until the man and Gabrielle were the only ones awake.
“Here, take this. It will help you.” The man handed her a thin dusty
book.
She looked inside, turning the onion-like pages with care. “It’s an
Ayorthaian dictionary!”
“Unem (“Yes”). Since I’m in no need of it, this will probably help you
more.”
“Erviji inoha!” (“Thank you!”)
He grunted. “We should get to sleep if we want to reach Ehanu tomorrow.” He
walked over to the second wagon and jumped in.
Gabrielle leaned back against the wagon wheel, closing her eyes and
repeating the things she had learned in Ayorthaian over and over again in
her head. After a few minutes, she opened one eye, and called out, “What is
your name?”
A curse was heard in the wagon, since it sounded like he had hit his
head on the wagon side. “Aoli.”
“Good night Aoli.”
“Good night…”
“Gabrielle,” she finished for him, climbing into the empty third
wagon. Soon after, all were peacefully asleep.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
THUD! “Ouch…” Gabrielle hit her head on a wooden crate lying next to
her. She sat up drowsily, and saw that the three wagons were traveling down
the bumpy dirt road. It was a bright sunny day with trees surrounding the
path. To the right were the great Ureuda Mountains, known for their
sparkling brooks and waterfalls, and straight up ahead, when she squinted,
she could see… “Ehana!” She worded breathlessly.
The town could be seen coming closer and closer. They would be
arriving anytime that day. It looked beautiful from here, a peaceful town,
and a starting point for her journey to find her past. Gabrielle leaned
against the wagon side, feeling the bumpiness in the path. She glanced at
her ring, it’s smooth silver shape glinting in the sun’s rays. Taking it
off, she twirled it in her hand; it spun around, growing faster on its on
accord and catching the light beams as if absorbing them.
Suddenly, the ring began glowing and radiating a brilliant light. She gaped
at the sight, watching her ring transform. It hardened for a moment,
slightly growing hot, and then it ceased its form, becoming a silvery
puddle lying in her hand. Fascinated, she tilted her hand slightly,
watching the silvery liquid flow around. It was thick fluid, cool to the
touch yet quite light. “Amazing…” She began to wonder, This ring is
definitely mine, but it must have some sort of magic in it! I wonder what
it can do…
The ring, as if responding to her thoughts, began to form shapes in her
hand, transforming from centaur, to a tiny book, and even to a figurine. It
seemed to have a mind of its own, trying to show off its abilities. She was
astonished. What was this magical ring? How did it relate to her past?
Again, the ring transformed to the questions in her thoughts. It became a
flat, thin rectangle, and silver forms began to float on top, as if it were
a moving picture! She saw seven figures, and then an eighth figure join the
group, standing next to one of the seven. But then the pictures began
moving too quickly and she was completely bewildered. “You’re going too
quickly!” she said to the ring, but it continued going the same pace.
“Well, that didn’t help. I don’t know how I am to use you!”
The ring flashed a blinding light, and then began to glow a dazzling
yellow. Then, the radiance just died down and in her hand lay a tiny
parchment. She read,
“Greetings oh possessor of the Vornor Ring! Know that the ring has
limits: It cannot change into food, drink, nor living flesh. Only
objects. It can also show an image of any persons that the commander
wishes to see. This ring will only react to the will of true
Vornorians. BEWARE all those who use this ring that are not of the
Blessed Descent, for they will endure the pain of a thousand deaths.”
Gabrielle just sat there, staring at the parchment. Vornorian? She was
a Vornorian? “Well that’s nice,” she thought, “but what’s a Vornorian?” The
ring lay there, not moving. Nothing happened.
“That’s weird…” She wondered. But then, suddenly remembering what the
parchment said, she spoke, “May I see Father??!!”
The parchment became its liquidy form and changed into the same rectangle.
She saw a clear picture of her father, lying on the bed. He was calling
out, but no one came. The old man reached his hand out, but it dropped
because he was just too weak. Gabrielle was pained to see him struggle, but
she couldn’t do anything since she was too far away.
She was interrupted by Aoli jumping abruptly into the wagon. “Gabrielle.
We’re arriving in town now. Get ready.”
“I’ve been ready.”
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
What a spectacle! Ehana was such a beautiful city with towering stone
buildings and dangling grape vines weaving around them. There was a tiny
river that cut through the middle of the town with a beautiful bridge and
children playing in the clear, sparkling water. But what was the most
amazing thing of all was that everything was rather quiet, considering the
circumstances. The marketplace was full of the bartering, bustling people,
and yet it was not the normal chaos as seen in Akardia. It was a much
calmer atmosphere, and the beautiful language of Ayorthaian could be heard
all around.
Gabrielle was fascinated with the beauty of the city. She picked up a
couple words that she heard as they passed by children and immediately fell
in love with the language that seemed to have a soul of its own. “Abensa
utyu anja ubensu Ehana…” she breathed.
The wagons rolled over to the end of the market. There were a few men
leaning on the wall of a building, who smiled when they saw the wagons come
closer. They shouted in greeting while the driver smiled back at them. The
wagons stopped, and soon all the men began conversing. Gabrielle walked
over, listening to the talking, hopefully picking up a few words. All she
could understand were “uvoni” (“girl”) and “ikanno” (“good”), and the
driver was pointing at her while the other men nodded. She noticed Aoli
wasn’t within the group. “What’s going on?” she called out, while looking
at the faces with sinister grins on them.
The men ignored her and continued talking. She moved closer and asked
even louder, but before she could say another word, the men surrounded her
and grabbed her arms, locking her in place. “What are you doing????” she
shouted, struggling.
The driver smirked and said in a mocking tone with his thick
Ayorthiaian accent, “Why, little girl! You didn’t think that your journey
with us would be free, did you?”
“What are you talking about??? Get off me!”
“Calm down. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new life with your master…” he
laughed evilly.
“Master? I’m a servant??? How dare you sell me! I’m not property to
sell!” She screamed, kicking him in the face. More men came and held her
legs down but with great difficulty.
The driver rubbed his bruised chin and glared at the girl. But then
he smiled sweetly, and spoke with dripping sarcasm, “Well, they don’t know
that now do they? And since you don’t know any Ayorthaian, you won’t be
able to tell them. Awww… poor girl…”
“Arivu oqinti unemi!” she shouted, spitting in his face.
He wiped off the spit, his eyes ablaze with fury. “Stupid girl…”he
muttered, but then smiled, “A feisty one. Her new master will have fun with
her.”
Gabrielle’s head turned violently, her brown locks thrown all over the
place. “AOLI! Aol--” The men covered her mouth.
The men started dragging her away, but then Aoli suddenly appeared.
He jumped off the wagon and saw Gabrielle. His eyes widened, and he began
asking the driver questions. Soon, they were in a fierce argument,
disturbing the peacefulness of the town. They stopped midair when they saw
townspeople looking at them strangely, and then continued their argument in
Kyrrian.
“Whoever gave you permission to sell the girl?”
“I found her so I have the right to sell her!”
“She could be useful to us!”
“Exactly! She’s being useful right now!”
“I won’t stand by watching while you—”
The driver, grabbed Aoli’s shirt, pulled out a dagger and thrust it
at his throat. “One move Aoli, and I’ll be able to slice your flesh neatly
and feed you to the gryphons,” he threatened, whispering.
Aoli struggled to breath, the blade nearly choking him.
“You….wouldn’t…”
“Watch me.”
Gabrielle watched the two men in fear, and the men dragging her had
stopped to watch as well. The driver called out in Kyrrian, “Well don’t
just stand there you oafs! Her master is waiting! Bring her to the place
while I finish business! You know where it is!”
The men grunted in reply and continued dragging her down the road. She
tossed her head and tried to break loose, but then something hard hit her
on the head, knocking her senseless. Her limp body was easily carried away
to her new fate.
The arguing had ceased; in its place lay a dead man with a pool of
blood laying around him. And the streets of Ehana became peaceful once
more…