by P. G. Thomas
“Are there any other words you can add about this town?” inquired Alron.
“Beyond expensive and poorly managed, not much. Make sure you take your passes if you leave. The underpaid guards are easily bribed, but fair warning, they are picky about who they let in, being even more greedy than the mayors.”
“Please tell us about the mayors,” requested Lauren.
“There are six. The first is an old dried out man named Riblo. We believe he has the heart of a good man, which he keeps on a bookshelf in his office. Hoyle is a short, thick man with the personality of dog droppings. Bad, mean, arrogant bastard, but those are his good points. Bince is last; a spoiled rich brat who is more arrogant than Hoyle.”
“We heard they have weekly town meetings,” Lauren interrupted, “When’s the next one?”
“Tomorrow, but get there early since more show up than can fit. Those three are the major wealth behind the town, who hold the most shares. They also make all of the hard decisions. The other three happened to be in the right place at the right time, acting more like limited partners, forced to deal with all of the people and their grievances. They are Camius, Mane, and Lo. Camius is an older man, but we think a mule kicked him in the head. Lo and Mane are good men, and I get the impression they disfavor what is happening here; the way people are treated, the high taxes, the evictions. They would probably like to make changes, but the three bullies block anything and everything that could make a difference.” Gayne took a drink, “Right now, the only recent news is the Royal House fort to the east. It seems the plague infected the soldiers, and they went mad and attacked themselves, burning the place to the ground.”
“Why did they build that fort there?” asked Lauren.
“They wanted to keep the plague from spreading to the west.”
Finishing their meal, more wandered into the dining hall. Pintar had decided at the last minute to raise his prices, knowing the town had been dry for too long. He also knew that purses were still heavy with gold, and he wanted to help, to help lessen the heavy burden they carried. Half of the people that entered left, complaining that if he was going to rob them, he might show enough decency to wear a mask. The other half stayed, sipping their drinks slowly to prolong the sweet sensation. Some still had outstanding tabs, which Pintar was quick to point out, serving those who paid, chasing those that sought charity into the street.
Gayne pointed to the door, whispered, “Riblo, Hoyle, and Bince are here,” and he was right about them. Riblo looked like he had passed out in a sauna, and if wrinkles were a currency, he would be a very wealthy man. One look at Hoyle, and you immediately knew he was unlikable: though shorter, more colorful words would best describe him. If there had been a decent bone in his body, it probably withered and died of loneliness a long time ago. Bince was younger, holding a silk handkerchief over his nose and mouth, like he thought the air was contaminated with a virus. Walking in, they took a table against the far wall.
John watched Pintar after the three mayors had entered. Without inquiring about their order, he walked over to the bar, but his face was not one that was welcoming friends to his fine establishment. John briefly heard what he said as he walked by, which involved animals and procreation.
When Pintar, now smiling, walked back, he carried a pitcher with three mugs, but when his back was once again to the three, the scowl had returned. He then returned to the table of his new guests. “The three bastards, I mean, the three mayors. I was hoping they wouldn’t hear about my new supplier. They insist on drinking for free, being afraid that any coins they pay will only be paid back to them as taxes, and they will be pissed to see so many people in here. They now know they will be unable to evict me this month.”
Alron looked at them, “I see they share a pitcher together. Out of curiosity, do they also share the same heart?”
“Last night they did, as the inn two streets over cooked one up for them. Tonight, the best that I could offer was fresh brains, but they said they were not interested.” Pintar left to serve his paying customers and to chase out the deadbeats.
An hour or more had passed where everyone was engaged in their own individual unimportant conversations. Then John stood, going over to sit beside Mirtza, and tapping him on the shoulder, he asked, “Can you ask Gayne if he can teach me?”
He had a surprised look on his face, “Teach you what, Magic?”
“You said he was one of your teachers.”
“Tomorrow we will visit him and ask then but not right now.”
At the end of the evening, Mirtza bid Gayne goodnight, and the twenty went up to their rooms.
Chapter 9
Alron had been watching Lauren for about an hour. It had been early in the morning when she had wandered down to the kitchen, borrowed some orange roots, and headed out to the stables to feed the horses a treat.
She called out to him, “I was wondering what we do now? I’ve been trying to figure out how to show them the truth. You know, push back the shadows. I was hoping they would’ve been expecting me. Earth Mother said the children would listen to me, would follow me, but I don’t know what to say to them.”
Alron had been watching to make sure that nobody was spying on them, his sensitive deer ears scanning to make sure that nobody was listening to them. “Lauren, you do not have to rush. Time is still on our side.”
“No, time favors neither side, it’s impartial. He who waits to move last loses. Gayne said they were already talking about what happened at the fort, and from what he said, Mother’s children will be present. I suggest that we go to the town meeting, advising them that we stumbled across the burnt fort. That we found a slaughtered army that looked like they were preparing to attack. As it is, some of those who lived in that shantytown will’ve already made their way here, and rumors will’ve already started. We may as well try to get in front of them, seeing if we can control their direction.”
“I shall arrange as you suggest, but what distracts you?”
“The Earth Mother said that Mother would guide me, speak to me. It’s been months since she told me that, and I haven’t heard anything, not since we left the Ironhouse Mine. I was wondering if I’ve pissed her off? Perhaps she favors somebody else now. She went to a lot of effort to bring me here and now nothing. It makes me wonder, that’s all.”
“It was your actions that brought us here. You led us through the lands that the black-clad army controlled, and you defeated the invasion at the river. Mother has chosen you well.”
“Something doesn’t seem right. That’s all I’m saying. It just doesn’t feel right.” In silence, they walked back to the inn for the morning meal.
John was like a small dog that had too much water to drink, having nobody around to let him outside. Pacing around the dining room, as he waited for Mirtza to come down the stairs, one hand caressed his cell phone inside a pocket. Remembering him talking about hearing magic, not once had John heard a noise that he would consider the origin to be magical. Numerous times, he had heard Mirtza mention his talent, and while uncertain of what it was, he was sure it was one gift he lacked. However, there are many forms of magic, so this morning John had checked his cell phone. The previous year in science class, he had built a solar charger for it (he received a B+, as the teacher was expecting a much more elaborate effort from her star student). While he was healing in the woods, he had Gingaar retrieve his backpack, and charging the cell phone, he was able to play games and listen to music. When he checked it that morning, it still held the last charge.
If Gayne were going to test him, John would need a method to re-program the situation, like one of his father’s heroes: Captain Kirk from Star Trek. In particular, the Kobayashi Maru simulation where Kirk altered the program, so it was no longer a no-win simulation. He needed a way to pass a test that he was sure to fail, but fail was a subject that he never liked.
When Mirtza finally did make an appearance in the dining room, he was more interested in a hot breakfast, followed by a
warm bath. So John suffered in silence, watching him start his second plate of food, and when he did go for a bath, he was in the tub longer than Lauren was. Finally, Mirtza advised Alron and Lauren that he was going to visit Gayne, and John had asked to tag along. As they left the inn, Alron signaled to the Dawnfalcons to keep an eye on them.
Upon arriving at the east gate, the two headed north, following Gayne’s instructions. Luckily, they found him sitting on the porch of a large building, being almost the same size as the inn. As Gayne and Mirtza talked about the old days, John fidgeted in his seat. Eventually, Mirtza put him out of his misery, “Gayne, can we go inside to talk?” John followed them into a large, sparse study with bare walls and barren bookshelves. From the outside of the house, John expected it to be more luxurious.
“Gayne, my young friend would like to learn magic. I doubt if you have all that is necessary, but he is very intelligent and keen to learn. Do you think there is anything that you could do?”
“Well, it depends on whether or not he has any talent. We cannot accept just anybody, as it would be unfair to raise his hopes, and then throw him into the street like wastewater.”
“That seems fair,” Mirtza replied, but he was also doubtful that John would be able to pass the test to hear magic, proving he had the talent.
When they both looked at John, he was ready with his cell phone in hand. “Gayne, I’m not from these parts, and my magic may be different from yours. I may not pass your test, but I know I have a talent. I seek to understand your magic, seeing how it differs from mine. Maybe then, we’ll be able to learn from each other.”
“An interesting proposition. What do you suggest?”
“I’ll show you what my magic can do. Should you agree that I’ve a talent, you can teach me yours. I’ll then help you to incorporate my magic into yours.”
“Well, impress me.”
John held out his smart phone, “This is a magic item where I’m from. When I find myself in a dark place, I can make light.” He then activated the flashlight app, pointing the beam at the dark ceiling. “I can also control the light.” He then switched to the strobe setting, changing it to a speedy succession of flashes, “I can also capture pictures of those who I meet.” Switching to the camera app, he took a picture of Gayne and showed it to him. They were both very impressed by this unknown magic, and as Gayne began to speak, John switched on the voice recorder.
“John, that is impressive, but I never heard any magic. I am uncertain of your talent, but I do not think that I can teach you anything.”
Holding up his finger, he pressed the play button. John, that is impressive, but I never heard any magic. I am uncertain of your talent, but I do not think that I can teach you anything.
“You can show me this magic?”
“If you show me yours.”
“Mirtza, it seems your friend has some talent…,” advised Gayne.
“But what?” asked Mirtza.
“Well, a teacher of my status should receive a certain amount of compensation for the transfer of knowledge.”
Before Mirtza could answer, John started, “It’s possible that my magic is stronger than yours. If so, I should be the one receiving the compensation. Give me a one-week trial period where you show me what you can. In the end, you can assess me, and I can assess you. At that point, we can both decide upon a financial arrangement.”
“Friend John, you intrigue me. We will give it one week. Be here tomorrow morning after the first meal, and we will start.”
As they were walking back to the inn, Mirtza had a confused look on his face, “John, you never told me you could do magic?”
“That’s not what we call it where I’m from, but here it would be considered magic. If I get a chance to understand what you do and how you do it, I should be able to master what you call magic. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong. If Gayne had planned to test me by your standards, then I would’ve failed. I needed to get him interested in what I can bring to the table.”
“Is it magic?”
“It is and is not. I’ll explain it next week.”
When they returned to the inn, Pintar advised that the dining hall would close early, as he wanted to get a good seat at the town hall meeting. Alron asked if his group could attend with him, and he nodded in agreement.
*******
It was several hours after the midday meal when Pintar headed for the town hall, followed by Lauren’s large group, less Erust who was guarding their possessions at the inn. Sitting on the steps of the hall, as the hours passed, the crowd grew and grew. As the first sun set, when the doors opened, people rushed in, and when the hall was filled, the doors closed. Lauren considered the design to be poorly thought out, thinking that windows would have made a nice addition; the stale air, close quarters, the unusual mixture of perfumes and body odors gave the air an almost unbearable texture. After an hour, the first five mayors arrived, Bince being absent. The clerk then called the meeting to order, or more truthfully, gave permission for the yelling to begin.
Riblo banged an oversized gavel to get the crowd’s attention, but it was his look that silenced the room. “If you want me to treat you like discarded dogs, keep up this rabble. Tomorrow, you will find yourselves on the curb.” As he sat down, the crowd quieted.
Hoyle then spoke, “Is there any old business from last week?”
The clerk replied, “Issues on sewage, the shantytown versus the wind, crime, and taxes are still on the minutes from the last meeting.”
“We are still discussing those issues,” replied Hoyle, “and at this point in time we have nothing to add to the record. Is there any new business?” When the crowd exploded into screams, the back and side doors opened, as town guards rushed in, and everyone slowly went quiet.
Riblo stood, “You people have no idea what it takes to run a town like this, in times like these. If you do not like it, go somewhere else. All of the mayors are getting sick and tired of the same crap every week. These are hard times, and we are trying to do our best with limited resources. For now, we are going to consider all old business closed. Should any of you wish to discuss it further, we will meet outside the walls tomorrow. Now, is there any new business?”
The crowd went quiet.
The town clerk stood, “Then I call….”
Alron groaned when Lauren stood, “The Royal House fort to the east. What news of it?”
“We have heard the stories, but we have not sent anyone to check on it at this time,” replied Lo.
“We went there to try to sell goods. It has been destroyed.”
Mane rolled his eyes, “We are looking into it.”
As the crowd took up the conversation, Lauren sat down, and somebody from the crowd called out, “They were overtaken by the plague. What are you doing about that?” With the crowd now shouting, angry screams bounced off the close walls, but buried in with them, the reoccurring theme of plague.
When Hoyle stood up, the crowd quieted down, “The mayors have discussed this, and at this point, we have no concerns about the plague.”
Everyone went wild again, but when Bince walked in, with a handkerchief over his nose and mouth, the crowd quieted once again.
“The bodies at the fort showed no sign of plague, and they died by steel, not by fever,” announced Lauren.
Camius spoke, “Nobody stole anything.”
The other five mayors lowered and shook their heads.
Camius continued, “If you want your crops to grow, you have to sow your seeds deeper in the ground. When you plant them too shallow, the wind blows them away.”
“We are concerned about this recent development,” replied Mane, “but at this time, we have not decided on a plan of action.”
Another round of screaming about the plague broke out.
Riblo started banging his oversized gavel, “You test my patience. This meeting is over.”
Lauren stomped her foot, “The time to act is now, not later. At least send someone to investigat
e. If they died of the plague, we need to raise a blockade, but if it’s not, we need to know.”
The crowd screamed in agreement.
Hoyle stood, “We will send somebody tomorrow. This meeting is over.”
Alron held Lauren in her seat until the hall was empty, and when the Earth Guards signaled all clear, he followed her out onto the street, wondering if there was a way to slow down the fourth sun from rising so fast.
*******
Concerned about the events at the town hall meeting, with his guests being the focus of it, Pintar wondered if they would make trouble for him. At the morning meal, setting down the plates, he slipped Alron the counterfeit passes. When they had returned from the meeting the previous night, Lauren had insisted on following the mayor’s investigation to the fort, and the sight of the passes made her smile.
As they were finishing the meal, Lauren asked Mirtza, Eric, and John to join her in the stables, “Alron, that leaves two, one for you, and one for a friend.”
Wanting four Earth Guards to protect Lauren, he was unclear why Eric and Mirtza were part of the assembled group, but he shot a quick glance to Panry, who fell in behind him. As they were saddling up the mounts, Alron cornered her, “Earth Daughter, why did you want Eric and Mirtza to join?”