by Dane Bagley
Tasha, who had been chatting rapidly with Daxton, spoke up. “I’ll talk with them. We’ll get this settled. You boys just got here and don’t understand things. No one’ll get hurt. Daxton, come with me. You’ll explain it, too. They’ll let it go this time, I’m sure. I’ll give them whatever they want.”
Mirinda nodded and Daxton followed Tasha reluctantly. Aiden watched as the dragon tattooed gang behaved obnoxiously towards them. After some time, Tasha opened up her purse and pulled out several bills of currency. She put them on the table but continued to talk. Daxton then talked for a few moments and then the two listened to the pudgy leader of the men. After some time, and some head nodding from Tasha and Daxton, he turned and looked at Jashion. Jashion was not paying as close attention as was the rest of the group. The leader waited for eye contact and then pointed squarely at Jashion with a menacing glare. He then slapped the table where the money was laid and snatched it up. He waved Tasha and Daxton off and began to divvy up the loot.
Tasha walked over with the air of a woman who had been once again vindicated in her life’s outlook, adding to her already abundant confirmation bias— ‘money can take care of or fix anything.’ Yet, there was some concern on her face, Mirinda noted. This encounter ended with the desired results but not as easily as Tasha would have liked. Still, there wasn’t going to be any more trouble tonight.
Jashion still had not touched anything other than the bread he had nibbled on. Myrtle had finished off most of the soup and another glass of wine. He sat there dumbfounded upon Daxton and Tasha’s return. After getting situated and enjoying a few bits of her salad, Tasha looked at Jashion and said severely but quietly, “no more dragon talk in public!”
Jashion looked at her with glazed eyes.
“This isn’t a joke, Jashion. Listen up. No more dragon talk, you understand.”
Myrtle began to giggle. Tasha and Daxton shot her a look. This only made her giggle more. Tasha looked over to Mirinda irritated and pleadingly.
“Myrtle, button it,” shot Mirinda.
Myrtle rolled her eyes and looked away disinterestedly.
“Jashion,” said Daxton. “That was no empty threat. That cost Tasha a fortune to keep you safe. You’ll be watched from now on.”
Jashion felt sick. He nodded slightly and then just looked down at his hands. So much for this being the promise land.
Tasha looked irritated as she opened up her purse and put more money on the table. This had been a very expensive night out, and an expensive group of boys. There was no other way out then past the dragon gang. They tried to not make eye contact, but the men called out at them and lifted their hoods showing off their hideous tattoo’s. The leader glared at Jashion all the way out boring holes into Jashion’s back.
The evening had a chill. It was good for Tasha, she needed some cooling off. She led the pack outside walking quickly with her short skirt and high heels clickety-clacking away. Daxton watched as he tried to catch up. Admiration was quickly morphing into attraction within him. Eventually he caught up but kept a little distance. With time, she closed the gap between them. Daxton put his arm around her. Again, they talked. Daxton was enchanted by this beautiful, powerful companion by his side.
“Why’d you call it a fortune?”
“What?” he asked.
“You told your friend that getting him off cost me a fortune. Why’d you say that?”
“You said so…” he said with wonderment.
“I said, ‘that was expensive,’” as she poked him lightly and playfully in the ribs. “Expensive is a far cry from a fortune.”
“Oh.”
“You were good, Daxton. You helped. If it’d been just me, it wouldn’t have gone so well. They’re crazy. Everyone likes money, though. Still, thanks.”
“What’s a fortune?”
“A fortune? That’s when…that’s when you have so much that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. When you don’t have to earn an income. When no matter what you spend, there is always just as much afterwards. You can’t carry a fortune as bills in a purse. A fortune means you can spend through the purse and just fill it back up again as often as is needed.”
“Does everyone here have a fortune?”
“No, silly. Having a fortune wouldn’t do you any good if everyone had one. You can’t get whatever you need if everyone has so much money that they don’t care about yours. You need people to work for you; to make your clothes, your food, fill your bath. Money’s only worth something if people want it and need it. If those crazy dragon worshipers had a fortune what good would my cash be to them? Why would someone put up with all they put up with running a pub if they didn’t have a want or need of money? They wouldn’t. Then you could have all the money in the world and you’d still have to do everything for yourself.”
“Wow. Do you have a fortune?”
“You bet!”
“Do people hate you…because of it? Because they have to work hard and you don’t?”
“Hardly! They love me, they love my whole family. They might be jealous. But what would Cardsten be without my family. We’d be one of those villages that your friend Dromreign likes to light up. People work hard, not just to get by here, but because they want what I have. They want power, luxury, leisure, and if they get enough money, well, then they can have a taste of that. Where you lived, did anyone have a fortune?”
“No. Not at all.”
“Did people work hard? I mean really work hard?”
“No, we had sufficient. People worked, but not real hard.”
“Did you ever imagine that you could have worked yourself into a fortune? To have it all?”
“No, not until now.
“You see, seeing my fortune gives you a vision of what is possible. People love that vision. Because I have it, it means that it is possible. If one person has it then it is possible for someone else to have it, or maybe a portion of it. It gives them something to work for. But it’s more than that. If everyone has just enough to get by…to eat, for simple shelter, basic clothes, then there is so much that can never be. You’ve seen the exquisite architecture of the buildings here. You’ve noticed the outfits that my friends and I are wearing. I mean look at these shoes, how do they make my legs look?”
“Great…”
She smiled, “What are you doing checking out my legs?”
Daxton reddened slightly.
Tasha turned to him and reached to hold both of his hands while peering into his eyes. She leaned in and they kissed. Daxton felt his insides melt. Her red lips felt warm, soft, and perfectly moist. All that Daxton had experienced, and how much his eyes had been opened upon meeting Aiden and Jashion, paled in comparison to how meeting Tasha opened his eyes. He was a new man in every way.
“What were we talking about?” she asked, just inches from his face.
“Uh…”
“I think you were just telling me how beautiful I look in this outfit.”
“Yeah, I…”
“Good, ‘cause it cost me a fortune!”
“Tasha, you’re the most beautiful, wonderful girl in the whole world!”
“I’ve been told I’m a good kisser. I must still have the touch.”
“No, well yes…but, it’s everything about you.”
“Daxton, you’re not so bad yourself…now that you’ve bathed and cleaned up a bit, that is.” Daxton smiled. “You’re worth spending on. You and your friends sure are expensive, though. Do any of you have any money, yourselves?”
“No, we don’t have any.”
“So, you figured you’d just walk into Cardsten and meet the prettiest, richest girls around and have them take care of you?”
“When you put it that way…”
“Thought so.”
“I don’t think we thought through it at all. We didn’t know what we’d find when we got here. I guess Cardsten isn’t so scary when you’ve survived a couple of winter’s in the dark forest…”
“What?”
; “Well, we didn’t all survive. Marcus, Terrence’s older brother, my cousin, he didn’t make it…”
“Oh, I’m sorry. But, I mean, you aren’t serious about the dark forest?”
“Yeah, we spent the last year and a half or so there. So after that, I guess, we figured Cardsten wouldn’t be hard to survive in.”
“But, that’s not possible. People can’t survive the dark forest. You’re not dragon hunters are you, spies from Agedon or anything?”
“No…”
“Jashion wasn’t serious about all that, was he?”
“Yes, he was…”
“Daxton, you listen to me carefully. Are you planning on staying here? With me? In Cardsten?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then listen: I don’t want to hear any more about the dark forest, about dragon’s, adventures, or anything else. I don’t care about your past. Do you understand? Whatever it was, whatever craziness you’ve been up to, or your friends think they’re up to. I like you. But if you’re planning on being here, with me, then that’s the past and it’s over. Those days are over. This is your life now. I have a fortune. We won’t have to want for anything. You can have a life like people only dream…imagine. But you can’t have it both ways. I’m not going to sponsor any Agedon nonsense. No dragon hunts. No dark forest craziness. The good life or I’m done with you and your friends. I don’t want to be embarrassed ever again in a nice establishment. I don’t want gangs spying on us. I don’t want any accusations, or any government officials looking in on my family’s affairs. You’ve got to understand: this stuff you’re talking about is over. It’s done.”
“Tasha, when I awoke this morning I didn’t know what this day would bring. I’ve been on an adventure for a long time now, and I have experienced more than anyone could ever imagine. But, until today, I was just along for the ride. I’m home now. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I’ve found it. I’m happy to spend the rest of my life in this world, in your world, with you, forever. There is nothing outside of these walls that I want, need, or ever care to see again. I’m with you!”
“Good.”
Tasha leaned back in and they kissed. Aiden and Mirinda walked by and Aiden tapped Daxton on the arm. Daxton broke from Tasha and looked over. Aiden just smiled and winked and then turned back around and kept walking. Daxton turned back to Tasha who was looking at him expectantly. And they began to kiss again.
For some time, Terence and Tira walked along silently. Terence had his hands in his pocket and Tira walked along nearby but without trying to directly connect to him. Emotions and thoughts ran quickly and fiery through Terence’s mind.
Finally, Tira broke the silence, “Will you be leaving here soon.”
“Huh, oh. I’m not sure. These guys all wanted to come here.”
“Where did you want to go?”
“I better not say.”
Tira looked hurt. “Why?”
“Look, I didn’t know. Aiden told us that you and Agedon were at odds. None of us had been to either. I figured…I don’ know, I don’t want to get into trouble.”
“Go on.”
“I didn’t want to hide from the dragon.” He said dragon so quietly it was almost imperceptible. “I figured I’d rather join with those who would fight it, not hide from it.”
They walked silently for several steps. Terence began to regret opening his mouth.
“You think we are trying to hide, here in Cardsten?”
“I don’t know. I don’t really know anything about any of it. It was just my vote. Here I am, it’s fine. But I didn’t like that place.”
“What place?”
“Back there, where we ate, ‘The Dragon’s Lair,’ or whatever. I hate that filthy creature.”
“You mean the dragon?”
“Yeah.
“So, you have seen it?”
“No, I haven’t. But I’ve seen what it’s done. There is something evil about those filthy creatures in the dark forest and that Dromreign. I guess I like the idea of going after them. Between Aiden and I, and even Jashion, we can take on just about anything. I thought maybe we could help. I don’ know, I’m sorry if I’m offending you.”
Tira smiled. “I was more offended that you weren’t talking to me before. At least I know what’s on your mind.”
“Sorry.”
“Terrence, Agedon isn’t going after anything. They’re fools. If they really do try anything, Cardsten will stop them. If we let them they’d just get themselves killed. But, worse, they’d rile up the beast and he would just destroy more and more villages. It may seem like we aren’t concerned about the death and destruction of so many villages, but it’s not entirely true. Some might think like those idiots back at the pub, but most don’t. The best way to stop the dragon is to protect against it with barriers; to not get it upset. We’re trying to show the world how to protect itself and trying to not anger it further. All Agedon will ever do is cause its own hurt and the hurt of many others.”
They walked for a while in silence again.
“Terence, I don’t mean to tell you what to think. You can do as you must. It’s just…I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Terence looked over and saw that her deep brown eyes were in earnest.
“Thank you,” he said, softly and sincerely.
“Can I ask you a question?” he asked.
“Sure.”
“Please don’t take this the wrong way.”
“Okay?”
“How do you know?”
“Know what?”
“Know all that you just said about Agedon, about the dragon, and everything. I mean, that’s what people here think, but how do you know? The people in Agedon can’t really all be a bunch of fools. They’re a big successful people, too. They see it all differently. If you lived there, wouldn’t you just see it the way that they do?”
“So, when you said ‘don’t take this the wrong way,’ what way exactly is the wrong way to take it?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Please stop saying that.”
Terrence and Tira stopped and looked at each other. The moon was full and the light brushed softly off of her face. Terrence began to drink in her beauty and delicacy.
“It’s a good question, Terrence. It’s fair, but it is a little hurtful.”
“I’m…”
“Don’t say it. I don’t know how I would see it if I saw everything from a different perspective. I don’t tend to go against the grain. I don’t tend to stand out. Maybe I see it that way because that is how I am supposed to see it.”
“Fair enough. And maybe I see everything the way that I do because I’ve had a really rough day, and I’m tired and cranky, and everything is so new here, and I just about got killed back there except for these really pretty girls that we just met.”
“Do you think I’m pretty?”
“Do I think you’re pretty? That goes without saying. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.”
“Thank you,” she said sweetly. “I think that I’m looking at the most beautiful thing that I have ever laid my eyes on.”
“Beautiful?”
“Yes, Terrence, beautiful. Ruggedly handsome, yes, and exquisitely beautiful.”
Terrence gave Tira his arm and she slipped her hand through as they walked along still mostly silent but no longer so separate.
At the front of the group, Mirinda began to question Aiden.
“Why’d you come here, Aiden?”
As was his custom, Aiden walked for a spell before attempting to answer. Mirinda, self-assured as usual, saw no reason to repeat herself. Finally, he spoke:
“If there is a Cardsten in this world, why wouldn’t I come to it?”
“You don’t fit in well here.”
“Yes,” he said and then paused for some time. “It is not in my nature to fit in. Neither is it in your nature to fit in. You are not simply a part of this world around you. This world is different beca
use you are here. I see the gravitational pull that surrounds you. You can’t be a part of what is—what is, in large measure, is because you are a part of it. Your presence is the defining aspect of wherever you are and whatever you do.”
“Are we talking about me or you?”
“Yes…yes we are.”
“I see. Yet, your friends have seemed the more impactful tonight.”
Aiden smiled. He was pleased with the conversation thus far. Without question his friends had been the more impactful, at least quantitatively. But Aiden knew that there was much more to being impactful than the amount of impact. What he was referring to was equally important in the qualitative sense. Any fool could have impact, bring attention to himself, or cause a fuss. Neither Mirinda’s nor Aiden’s presence could be characterized in this way.
“Yes, I’m afraid my friends have made quite the entrance into Cardsten.”
“Quite.”
“Perhaps the contrast is sometimes helpful.” He paused briefly. “Myrtle provides a valuable contrast for you.”
It was Mirinda’s turn to smile. This man was so self-aware, among all of his other qualities. But what was he doing here? He was no city boy. He was not afraid of the wild. Had he come to Cardsten to seek refuge within the walled city? Why is he here?
Mirinda was no hopeless romantic. Aiden had found her and was satisfied for now. Whether he had ever intended to find a mate or not when he came to Cardsten, he had found her. How long would he be satisfied with this? Here was a wild man from a distant tribe. A hunter, a warrior. Yes, a warrior. Cardsten has a powerful military, perhaps… But would this satisfy the mighty hunter. Keeping peace, keeping Agedon at bay, running drills, fancy uniforms, leading silly boys who knew nothing of the world at large. Here is a hunter who can walk into Cardsten and be right at home in a fancy pub, with the wealthiest and classiest women, who can be dressed in the fanciest attire and at once fit right in, and at the same time make them look like they are underwhelming compared to his presence. He would be equally majestic with nothing but his loins simply girded. The clothes did not make this man. How long could this last? A week? A month? A year?
There was no question that with Mirinda’s influence and Aiden’s presence and capacity, he could be given an influential position in the military. He was no businessman. He could be a general in no time. This would fit him better than anything else in Cardsten. Would it last forever? Could they settle down with him as a great Cardsten military commander and live happily ever after? Never before had Mirinda considered that the man of her choosing could ever be dissatisfied with her alone. But here she had found the only man that she could ever choose and she felt severely inadequate. But, what was he thinking? Maybe he thinks he’ll do the Cardsten thing for a while and then take me with him. As if I’d ever leave this place. There is no place in this world that would ever do. No place compares to Cardsten. If Cardsten isn’t good enough for him, if I’m not sufficient for him, then so be it. Still, what wouldn’t a woman do for a man such as this?
“I’m sure that I can get you a commission in the military. Of course, you’d earn it yourself, but I could get you to the right place, to the front of the line.”
Aiden nodded emotionlessly and they walked on for some time, hand in hand.
For Jashion, Myrtle’s drunkenness provided some relief. At least her mirth and giddiness came across as more fitting her state and less mockingly towards Jashion. She left the establishment somewhat quiet and distant from Jashion. With every other couple paired off it didn’t take her long to begin to hang all over him. She muttered, not entirely coherently, and seemed to hold onto his arm not just for form but for actual support. This softened Jashion’s heart to some extent and he shifted so as to give her the needed support. He could not have retold a word she had said, until she said this:
“No boy stays with me for long…” She then belched impolitely and began giggling. Jashion was still fearful of uttering a word in her presence.
“They all look at me as though I’m the most beautiful girl in the world. Except when Mirinda’s around,” hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, snort. “Then they treat me as though I’m worthless. But I can always get another guy. I can have any guy I like.” The giggling and the laughing stopped and she was quiet and even serious for a few moments. “You looked. You looked at me. You even looked past Mirinda and just looked at me. You liked what you saw. Now you don’t even like me. We could ignore each other tonight but then it would be even worse. So, since you looked, you have to escort the poor, foolish, drunk girl home. Don’t worry, I won’t bother you tomorrow.”
Jashion was confused but his heart was pricked. “If ye want me with ye, why do ye laugh me to scorn?”
Myrtle put her hand up and giggled. Jashion didn’t redden but his heart began to harden again. Myrtle could sense the body language then.
“I don’t laugh to scorn you. I laugh because it makes me happy to hear you talk. It’s funny. I like it. I like it when a guy makes me laugh. You’re charming.”
“I hate the way I talk. I know ‘t’ain’t right but it’s how me people speak. My friends try to help me, but they don’t mock me.”
“Okay. You’re very sensitive Jashion.”
“I suppose ye’s right. It’s been a long day for me, it has.”
“Why’d you make up that story about the great dragon back there? That was pretty foolish.”
“Tasha said to not talk about that anymore.”
“It’s just me. I’m not going to attack you. I might giggle though.”
“I didn’t make it up. I did see the dragon. Dromreign destroyed me people. Just me and a littl’un made it out. A littl’ lass, Jemma. We escaped by headin’ into the dark forest, we did. We left her with Terence’s and Daxton’s people. We lost all we’s family and friends to that beast that day. All those who me hadn’t lost before. Why’d they want to eat and drink in that beast’s name? Why’d they want to imprint him on their own heads? Why’d they want anyone who’s seen the beast to die? I don’t see why they’d not want the beast dead, too. If he could get through the defenses here he’d kill them too, he would.”
Myrtle knew nothing of death or destruction. Serious conversation and subjects such as these made her feel down and she avoided that feeling at all cost.
“Tasha’s right, you shouldn’t speak of these things. You’re here now. You’re safe and you can have everything you could ever imagine here. Cardsten is a wonderful place. Ye not so silly as I thought ye was?” She let out just a light giggle.
Jashion even smiled.
“Friends?” she asked.
Jashion paused and looked over at the silly, drunk, blond beauty by his side. “Aye,” he said as she embraced him, squeezing so tight that she kept him from breathing. When she let go, he breathed in so rapidly that she thought she’d made more of an impression than she had. It made Myrtle happy and Jashion didn’t mind.
The women led the men to their apartments. Daxton, Jashion, and Terrence entered in while Aiden stayed outside still holding Mirinda’s hand. Jashion looked questioningly at him.
“I’ll escort the ladies home.” He spoke assertively so as to make it clear that he did not want the others to come. They had become accustomed to Aiden’s regular disappearing acts. It could be hours or even days before they would see him again. Cardsten was not the dark forest, but still, sometimes Aiden’s best work was done alone.
Chapter 13