Page 4
For Kyle, one day turned into two weeks of recovery. He did not have the gold to pay a healer. The only reason he had a place to stay was because the owner of the inn was the also the one that hired him. The Owner felt bad at Kyle's loss of his companions.
He still hurt, but at least he was healed. He had a lot of time to think about what went wrong during that last combat.
They had gone up against worse odds and survived. This time, he was the only one to live. He had shed his tears over his companions while he had been recovering. Now, is the time to exact revenge, he thought. I know of others who do not deal with the pleasantries of getting rid of the people doing this. The crypt will be destroyed. During the day. If they do not have a place to do their spells, they will have to find some where else to play. And the townsfolk be damned if they think they can stop me. I do not care if a god is buried there.
The bedroom was a grand hall in itself. Several closets lined the walls. The servants had drawn the dark curtains to keep the sun out as she slept. There was a desk and a table in the center of the room. The bed was canopied and beautiful, done in various blues, blacks and purples. A padded chest sat at the end. It was as wid as the bed. She then went to bed. She had to pull off some of the down quilts. It was a bit too soft for her to slept on, although it was like sleeping on air. She slept well there. Dreamless and at peace. Perhaps the fears are fading, she hoped. When she awoke her clothes had been cleaned and smelled like wisteria blossoms. The holes that were on her outfit had been repaired as if they never existed. There was also another outfit appropriate for dancing. She took it as a suggestion as to what Xathas wanted to do tonight.
Xathas must have some very nice friends. This is not just a house it is a mansion. Vaulted ceilings, arched doorways and gold leaf. The floor was black marble, her boots made a lot of noise on it as she walked, which echoed in the halls. She had an entire wing to herself. Which is far more than she needed. She just needed a bath and a bed. The bathing room was bigger than her bedroom at the temple. The servants were filling it as she walked in. She thought that having a warm bath with flower petals and oils in it, is an experience everyone should try at least once. The bath room smelled delightful. She dipped herself into the scented water. It was warm and soothing, helping to alleviate the aches of combat. It was the most luxurious bath ever and very possibly the longest. Afterwards, the servants came in and dried her off. It was a bit awkward, she never had such things done for her before and it was a bit uncomfortable. But they knew their job and that helped eased the tension she felt.
True to his word, she did not see him at all during the day. She was mildly disappointed, but it made her glad that he would trust her enough to be here.
Food was brought to her shortly after she woke up. Which was some time after noon. She tried to inquire about where Xathas was, or if she could talk to him, but the only response she received was that the master was busy and would not be available until after night fall. So, she told them which library she would be at, and went to see what she did the night before compared to what the books had to say. She could not just sit at his house and wait.
She did not get much research done for the day. She just could not stop thinking about Xathas’ initial reaction when she told him what she was doing. He seemed fine after a while, but she hoped that the dress that he left for her was not a final token of farewell. It will be dark soon and she found herself waiting in anticipation as to wether or not he would actually show up. Time goes really slow when you are anxious .
He showed up as she walked out the library doors. All smiles and in a very dashing black, red and purple outfit. They spent the night dancing and drinking fine wines. It would seem that the night before did not effect his opinion of her.
She returned to her temple a several hours before dawn. Her face flushed from too much wine and the crisp night air. Shovan was pacing the hallway by my room, looking a bit distressed. When he saw her approaching, he rushed to her and looked her over checking for injuries, she guessed.
Her prayers to Kasala had healed any visible wounds. When he saw none, he asked, “You are well?” She nodded slowly. Wondering why he was acting in such a way. “You did not come back last night. I was concerned.”
Now that is odd. I used to go on long excursions all the time. Why the worry now? “I had a long night. And on our way back to the city we were attacked by some gnolls who decided that we looked like easy prey. I stayed at Xathas’ place because I did not feel like finding an inn. You never had a problem with my spending a few days out before.”
He seemed uncertain as to what to say. “You slept alone?”
What in the name of the seven hells kind of question was that. “Not that is should matter, but yes,” she told him getting a bit flustered. “I thought you liked him? You liked him before, did something happen to change your mind?”
“I just worry about you,” he said, like he was giving in. “You have been through a lot and I just want to make sure you are following the right path of conquering your fears.” He paused a moment. “Your friends came in asking about you last night. They had not seen you in a while and wanted to invite you to go out with them. You should not neglect your friends just because of your other interests.” He was referring to Xathas. She on the other hand, had not been admonished like this since she was child. He was right, but it did not make her feel any better.
She sighed. “I am not trying to displease you, Shovan. I feel comfortable with Xathas and he supports my studies and even seems to understand them a little. He makes me feel like I am alive when I’m with him. Which has been rare since everything happened. You are right about my friends.” She bowed her head respectfully to him. “I will talk to them today and make amends.”
He did not seem totally satisfied with her answer, but he nodded his head and left her alone.
Oddly, her left arm still ached from the combat the night before. She had healed it with spells, so it should only be a dull throb, not the pain she felt now. Perhaps it is just the tension about arguing with Shovan. Some rest and it should feel better. Tomorrow I will spend time with my friends. I hear there is a carnival in town. Sounds like fun.
She took the day off from study to join the festivities. Exotic food, jugglers, the freak show, various magic displays and anything else they can think of to find ways to convince people to spend money on. It seemed like a third of the city also took the day off.
Kida and her friends spent the day entertained and eating food that they would probably not eat if they knew what it was made of. She had not spent a full day at the carnival, since she was not sure when. And she had never been to the carnival at night.
“What do you mean, you’ve never been to a carnival at night,” Galorian exclaimed. “If you go at all. Nighttime is the only time to go.”
“I was 15, I think the last time I went. And Shovan brought me,” she told him. All three of them gave knowing looks. “I was lucky at the time to see the freak show.”
“Shovan says that you have been spending a lot of time with that guy from the tavern,” Dalana said trying to be nonchalant. From the looks of Jheda and Galorian, they did not want her asking at all.
She smiled. “Perhaps.”
“There’s no ‘perhaps’ about it my dear. You haven’t been hanging with us. You are never at the temple when we try to visit. And you’re grinning like a dragon who just ate a knight. So, something is going on and I for one want to hear all the sorted details.” She was never one for being subtle. Despite the guys displeasure at her asking, they sure seem intent on what Kida had to say.
She shook my head back and forth slightly and said, “So far, there are no ‘sorted details’ for me to tell. Not that I should tell you if they do happen. You blab to everyone. And then I get a lecture from Shovan about proper conduct.”
“You are avoiding the question,” she said.
“There’s nothing really to tell. I enjoy his company and he enjoys mine”
Dalana put her hand to Kida’s forehead. “Feels a little warmer than it should. It could be serious.”
“I certainly hope so,” came Xathas’ voice. Smiling, he sat down next to her. He seemed to have come from nowhere, surprising all of them. Startled, Dalana yanked her hand back. There was a moment of silence. “No need to stop talking just because I showed up. Please by all means go on.”
Galorian’s tongue loosened with the big brother act. What’s up with everyone. “I know we brought you two together, but I just want to make sure your intentions are honorable. We are concerned about her. Normally, she tells us what’s going on with her and you have been a mystery. When she is in town generally we see more of her.” His words seemed to echo Shovan’s in meaning. “She seems real happy with you. I just want to make sure she doesn’t get hurt.” She knew Galorian can hold his own, but after seeing Xathas in action, Galorian would never stand a chance against him.
Xathas, amused by the concealed threat, smiled broadly. “Why anyone would want to harm such a charming woman is beyond me. And if all I wanted to do was take advantage of those charms I would have done so already.” Xathas paused, and looked Galorian in the eyes. “And then gone on to the next one.” He extended an arm to Galorian. “We have never been properly introduced. My name is Xathas. I apologize for not realizing that I was keeping her from her friends. To make it up to you, I will treat you for the evening. I hear the evening magic show is not one to be missed. And I know that the gypsy wine they sell rivals the finest elven wine.” The hand shake was slow and measured, as if testing each others strength. Xathas’ offer seemed to lesson the tensions around. He was very open to her friends prodding questions. He was charming and forthright.
The magic show was fantastic. It is amazing what bored wizards come up with. And the wine was absolutely divine. Her friends convinced and full of food and wine went home to let them spend the last part of the evening together.
Every carnival seems to have a fortune teller. Kida had never been to one, preferring not to let so called fortunes influence her actions. Xathas told her that he felt the same but it amused him to hear what they came up with. Well, it could be at least different.
They were lead into a multi-colored dim, draped room. Beads and charms hung from the ceiling. The only light in the room came from several candles and a crystal ball placed in the center of a round black table. An older lady with long red curly hair was sitting opposite of them. She motioned for the two of them to sit down, her hands covered in jewelry.
She looked at Xathas, then at Kida. She raised an eyebrow as she peered at the crystal ball and held her hands above it. The grey mist inside the ball swirled, then changed to a pale violet. Her expression as emotionless, as it was when they entered.
“Your path will be successful
with unexpected consequence.
Showing meaning to a soul
long thought lost in a barren land.” She said the words as she looked at Xathas, or more through him. His expression seemed unimpressed.
She then looked through Kida. “Old friends cross new paths.
Something lost, but much too be gained.
Truth is found. Is it too late?
Reap the rewards of everlasting dreams.”
“You may ask one question of me. Be warned not all knowledge should be known.
Xathas gave her a half smile. “What does what you said mean exactly?”
“That you must figure out for yourselves. The words come to me, but I understand it not, because they are not about me. Now come dear,” she said as she reached her hand out to Kida. “Come with me and ask your question.” She hesitated, but Xathas, amused as always, waved for her to follow.
She led Kida into a smaller room filled with the smoke of incense and a dim blue light. The effect was almost euphoric. She lightly held both of Kida’s hands and then closed her eyes.
Kida was not sure what to ask, but her tongue seemed to know. “Will my fears subside?”
Kida felt a tingling where the gypsy’s hands were touching hers. She looked down to see that the gypsy’s hands were actually hovering below her own. Not touching as she thought.
“A change in faith could mean a change of thought.”
Xathas waited patiently for Kida to come out. He always found the gypsies a fascinating people. For they worshiped no god, were highly superstitious, and somehow had powers and various magics. He actually did research on them when he could. The theories he found were interesting. That their powers came from nature like a druids. Some say that their powers come from a nameless god. Or that many gods grant their abilities. Saying that many of the gods watch over and even protect the gypsies. He did not believe those. The theory he liked was that a gypsy’s power came from with in herself or perhaps from their long line of ancestors. He could feel their power whenever he was around gypsies. A gypsy’s power was passed on from generation to generation keeping the gypsies a strong people. People is not quite right, they are more like a family.
This particular gypsy, he could tell, was old school. Her words suggested she was older than she looked, perhaps as old as himself. Her fortunes were obscure and he could feel the power within her words. Some of her words reflected his opinion of his task, but the rest of what she said made no sense. Maybe she mixed predictions with whatever to make it more interesting. Even Kida’s fortune lead him to believe that his endeavors has been so far successful. The rest of her fortune could mean anything.
Kida came from the curtain looking a bit disturbed. Not a good sign. Well, I think I can convince her not to listen to silly fortunes. I believe I have built up that much trust.
The gypsy came out and took Xathas’ hand. Then led him into the smoke filled room. He grinned, he recognized the smell of the herbs that filled the room. He knew this particular incense makes one more susceptible to suggestion. As the curtain closed he gave her a gypsy greeting. She gave the proper response, smiled and said, “You know our ways. What question burns within you, Child of the Night?”
Interesting title, he thought. She was good but not all knowing. He knew his question, for he always asked the same one. “Who is my true love?” he asked. The answer, he knew, would say that he had none. It was enjoyed catching a fortune teller with untruth.
The gypsy gave him a half smile and looked deep into his eyes. She fell into a trance. He could feel her draw a great power deep within herself. Her energies touched his briefly.
A voice not of the gypsy’s spoke. “There is a woman, dark eye’s, white hair, tan skin, wearing deep purple robes. Her faith is as strong as her love.” The gypsy grew limp. Xathas caught her as she fell. What?
As her eyes fluttered open, he helped her to her feet and said, “Madam, you must be mistaken. My fate has long been foretold by one more powerful than you. I am incapable. That is why I was chosen...” He caught himself. He realized his voice may have gotten loud enough for Kida to hear.
“The words speak themselves. Whether they are cryptic or clear, they are meant for you. You can choose whether they are truth or test.” She told him quite sternly.
He took a deep breath, regaining his composure. Something he rarely lost. Bowing slightly, he said with a smile, “My pardons. The incense you have here must be getting to me. Thank you for the answer.” And he exited the room. He knew a gypsy was not one you wanted as an enemy. The words bothered him nonetheless. He would have to consider her words after his head cleared.
“Are you alright?” Kida asked.
“Of course, Milady. You do realize that the incense in that room, is there to make you more willing to believe what she says.” Xathas told her as they exited the tent. “It even had me convinced for a moment. It’s almost a hypnotic effect. Remember Kida, you make your path. Just because someone says something that could happen does not mean that it will.” His smile was irresistible and catching. She realized that perhaps he was right. And enjoyed the rest of the evening trying not to give it a second thought.
Shovan noticed that Kida had been upset and distracted since they argued. He was not trying to come off as the upset father, but it some how ended up that way. He had been having disturbing dreams for the past week and felt maybe there might be some meaning to them. She hasn’t spoke to him for a couple of days. She will come around. She always does. He just hoped that she is not paying for the mistakes of his past.
Sorry, this will be it for a while. You can throttle me if you want , but if there is a chance for publishing. I dare not to put any more down.
---Audrey
