Dralin

by Carroll, John H.

  “I was going to take you to Carnival to see some of the shows. They have jugglers, musicians, actors and all sorts of disreputable characters,” he told her with a wink. “I think you’ll like it and it’s not all that dangerous since the City Guard patrols it heavily. It’s the only year-round carnival in the world and people from everywhere are attracted to it, so it wouldn’t do to have it overrun with crime like the rest of the city.” Frath shook his head at the last part and sighed heavily as though it was a great weight on his shoulders.

  “The crime in the city bothers you; is that why you joined the Guard?” Sheela asked intuitively.

  “Yeah. I saw a lot of things while growing up here and didn’t like any of it. It would have been easy for me to fall into a life of crime, real easy. I even got into some trouble as a kid, but I was taken into the Guard’s Program for Criminal Youth, which gives children who get in trouble with the law a taste of what the City Guard is like.”

  “What trouble did you get into?”

  Frath stopped suddenly, surprised by the question. They were on the sidewalk near a park where birds sang cheerfully and squirrels scampered after each other. When she stood watching him, he dodged her eyes and glanced at his feet instead. “I . . .”

  “You don’t have to tell me,” Sheela reassured him quickly. “It’s none of my business.”

  “Yes, I do.” Frath looked her in the eyes. “I told you, I’m in love with you. You said the same to me. It’s important you know.”

  “Alright,” Sheela encouraged, afraid of what he had to say.

  Hair blew across her face and Frath brushed it aside. “I killed a man when I was twelve,” he confessed, the words coming from his mouth as though weighted with lead. Sheela squeezed his arm supportively in spite of the cold shock that flowed through her body. He explained, “I lived in an orphanage with a lot of other kids and the man was a city official. He . . . hurt . . . a girl there, one of my friends . . .”

  Sheela gave his arm an even tighter squeeze. “Go on.”

  “I stabbed him with a rusty sword some of the other orphans and I had hidden away. He died quickly. I was taken to court and the judge gave me the option of entering the Guard’s program or going to jail, where I most likely would have died.” The severe look on his face let her know the gravity of the matter. “I entered the program and loved it. Not only that, I did well and was invited to advance into further training. I stayed when I realized I could make a difference, even a small one.”

  “You’ve made a difference in my life,” Sheela told him urgently, wanting to reassure him after he opened his heart to her. “I didn’t know what it was like to have someone protect me or tell me nice things.”

  “Sheela, I . . . I murdered a man. If you want nothing to do with me, I wouldn’t blame you . . .” Frath said as though trying to convince her that he wasn’t worth her time. It was clear the incident had taken a deep toll on his spirit.

  Nerves threatened to tie her tongue into knots. Here he was telling her about something that had affected him greatly and he expected condemnation. She lifted a tender hand to the side of his cheek. “I have no right to judge you. It sounds to me as though you tried to help a friend, but I wasn’t there. I know the man you are now, at least I know how you’ve treated me.” She moved closer to him, requiring the feel of the arms he wrapped around her in an unconscious gesture of need. “I believe you’re a good man: compassionate, warm and you care for people. Those are good qualities in my eyes.”

  He pulled her tighter and kissed her again for an instant before remembering her previous reaction. Sheela didn’t return the kiss but didn’t pull away, only looking at him vulnerably. He kissed her forehead gently before offering his arm again. She took it willingly and they walked in silence awhile.

  The old stately manors gave way to a mixture of stone and wooden buildings that didn’t match at all. It was as though different architects had a contest to see who could be the most unique. None of it was anything like the poor farm where Sheela had grown up.

  The people were just as varied as the buildings. There was the occasional merchant, peasant, worker or older person sitting on steps or talking to each out of upper level windows. Other people bustled about and Sheela had no idea who they might be or what business they might have. Frath waved a hand at the eclectic mix. “This is the Mosh District. It was named after a wizard who saved the city from a horde of ravenous defbats centuries ago.”

  “That sounds terrible. One of those took our cow a few years ago,” Sheela told him with a shudder. “I don’t understand how they fly with wings like webs and such an oversized head. The sickly brown color of their skin made me sick. I was terrified when I saw it.”

  “I’ve never seen one myself. They don’t come into the city. That one time was unusual,” Frath admitted. “Anyway, a lot of odd people live in the Mosh District. Many of the performers from Carnival have homes here and there’s always a party somewhere.”

  “It sounds like a lot of fun.” Sheela listened to the murmur of people talking and the occasional shouts and laughter of children playing. There was so much noise in the city as opposed to the oppressive silence of the countryside where she grew up. At times, it had seemed like even the birds weren’t thrilled about blessing the farm with their songs. Sheela didn’t see the look of worry Frath gave her when her smile turned down at the memories.

  She shook off the gloom and took a deep breath. In the district where the Shining Shield Inn was, men and ladies wore perfumes, the gutters were kept mostly clean, and smells were mostly gentle. In the Mosh District, odors became stronger, people wore twice as much perfume in place of taking baths and the streets weren’t filthy, but they weren’t clean either. Most of the people seemed to be happy and friendly though, even tipping their hats or nodding in greeting to the two of them on occasion. Frath would always nod back seriously while Sheela smiled and even waved a little bit. It felt good to smile, but odd at the same time. She worried that someone might catch her doing it and tell her she was being insolent.

  Noise grew louder when they neared Carnival while the smell of a myriad of food wafted under their noses, drawing them forward. One moment they were walking between buildings and the next, brightly colored tents and banners ruffled in the light breeze.

  A garishly dressed performer walked by them on his hands while juggling three multicolored balls with his feet. Sheela turned and gawked at him as he traveled into the Mosh District they had just come from. He somersaulted to his feet and caught all three balls before walking away. She turned to Frath with a wide grin on her face. “Did you see that?” He was watching her reaction joyfully, causing her to blush in embarrassment.

  “There are all sorts of performers like that who perform tricks for a copper or two,” he explained.

  “Oh, should I give him a copper?” she asked in alarm, looking back for the figure that had disappeared in a crowd.

  “No. Don’t you dare spend your coin right now,” Frath admonished. “Keep it for something you really want. Most performers know who can afford a coin or two and often enjoy performing more for those who don’t have a lot. It’s not always like that, but for now you keep what you have.”

  “Alright,” Sheela agreed readily, glad she didn’t have to give away the coins. They passed more performers who did their acts on small wooden stages placed at random intervals. Whenever Sheela found one that was particularly fascinating, they would stop so she could watch. Frath seemed to be enjoying himself as much as she was.

  Vendors sold all sorts of wares in canvas booths. Sweet treats and specialty foods were common items for sale. Frath bought her a sticky bun and a vegetable shish kabob, both of which she thoroughly enjoyed. Many hawkers sold jewelry, perfumes and incense or outlandish clothing. They shouted about their wares from in front of their tents unless they already had customers. Frath steered her away from the some of the more aggressive salespeople who tried to grab her arm to convince her to try a nice skin crea
m or to get her ears pierced.

  They came to a small theatre dug into the ground in a half bowl shape with forty rows of gradually descending, curved benches. “Here we are. It’s crowded, but I think I see some seats.” He pointed to the right hand side of the bowl and led her in that direction.

  A couple of men glared at Frath when he wanted to sit about halfway down into the theatre. He took the hint and moved on. At Sheela’s questioning look he shrugged. “Not everyone likes the Guard. I’m not going to spend our date creating conflict. I think there’s a better seat anyway.” He pointed at a clear space in the tenth row that was closer to the middle.

  The people sitting on the bench moved their legs so they could get through and a moment later, the two of them were sitting in excellent seats with a clear view of the stage. A brightly dressed woman with multiple piercings and tattoos, who sat on Sheela’s left, nodded politely and went back to talking to her friends.

  Frath positioned his sword so it was comfortably at his waist, but he could still get to it. Not thinking, Sheela reached out and touched a small design on the crossbar. The steel felt cold against her fingers and light rippled through the design. She jerked her finger back, looking guiltily at Frath.

  The expression on his face was unreadable. He reached down and touched the design, causing the light to ripple again. “It’s the crest of the City Guard, a hawk holding a sword in one claw and a wand in the other. All swords carried by the Guard have a touch of magic. Dralin has more wizards and magical items than anywhere in the world, so it’s a necessity.”

  “It sounds so dangerous.” She wanted to touch it again, but realized it would be inappropriate. “I think you must be very dangerous, too, to be in the Guard, no?”

  “Yes, I am . . . very dangerous,” he admitted with downcast eyes. Then he looked up. “I promise I’m not dangerous to you. I’ll protect you with my life.”

  Sheela returned the gaze intently. “I know. I’m not afraid of you. In fact, you make me feel safer than I’ve ever felt in my life.”

  “Ladies, gentleman, women of ill repute and rogues from dark alleys. We welcome you all to the Gilded Lilly Theatre!” The audience hushed as a foppish actor with an enormous hat and booming voice announced the start of the show.

  “May I put my arm around you?” Frath whispered in her ear. Sheela nodded and snuggled close to him. The feel of his thigh and armored side sent a thrill through her. She idly noticed that his leg was more than twice as thick as hers before paying attention to the actor again.

  “Today we have a most wonderful show for you. Originally we were going to perform a terrible show, but decided against it at the last moment!” His words drew laughter from the crowd and Sheela joined in as well. Frath’s rumbling chuckle fell pleasantly on her ears and she could feel it through his chest too.

  Leaning down to her, he said. “Some of the humor is bawdy. I didn’t think of that before . . .”

  “It’s alright,” she assured him, although she didn’t have any idea how she would react to it. The thought of watching something bawdy sent a thrill through her veins.

  Sheela blushed numerous times throughout the show and laughed loudly even more often. A couple of times, Frath told her they could go if she was uncomfortable, but she just told him to hush so she could listen. A little over an hour later, the show was done and Sheela had a large grin on her face while her cheeks ached from laughter and were heated from blushing.

  They spent the rest of the day strolling around Carnival, watching various performers and snacking on treats that Frath bought for her. Sheela was thankful that she didn’t eat a lot so he wouldn’t spend too much money, not knowing how much he could afford. As the sun lowered to the tops of the buildings in the west, Frath suggested they head back, not wanting to have her out at night when Carnival became more dangerous along with the rest of the city.

  Before they reached the Mosh District, Frath drew her into one of the stalls selling jewelry. It wasn’t expensive, but not cheap costume jewelry either. “How much for the silver feather chain?” he asked the skinny vendor, pointing at a sturdy but feminine chain with a small feather dipped in silver.

  “That’s a bargain at eight silver pieces,” the man replied. He was so skinny that Sheela thought he might turn into a skeleton if he didn’t eat soon. She gasped at the mention of the price, thinking how amazed she was at having two simple coppers, each worth only a tenth of a silver piece.

  “Oh,” Frath replied with the enthusiasm gone from his voice. He looked guiltily at Sheela, and then back at the necklace.

  Both shock and joy jolted her heart as she realized he wanted to buy it for her, followed by panic that he might actually do so. “Frath, no . . .” she told him, putting a hand on his chest. “You’ve given me the most wonderful day of my life. If you wasted that much money on me, the day would be ruined by guilt.”

  “Here now, you’re a pretty girl and it’s not a waste!” the vendor exclaimed in concern at the thought of losing a sale. His voice rose an octave. “I’ll lower the price to six silver, a bargain, but just for you!”

  Sheela ignored him. “No, Frath. Please. I am so happy just to be with you.”

  “Five silver, that’s my final offer!” the vendor bargained desperately.

  “You made the day worth living,” Frath told her. “I’ve enjoyed this day more than any other in my life too. Someday I’ll buy you jewelry worthy of your beautiful neck.” He offered his arm to Sheela again and they continued on their way as the vendor followed them out of the stall, insisting they take the necklace for four silver.

  ***

  They went through the gate into the garden, back to the spot where they had started that morning. Frath held her hands and looked into her eyes. The emotion in them was deep and filled with meaning that had no words. Sheela understood what those eyes communicated because her own were telling him similar things.

  “I’m scared . . . but you can kiss me now . . .” Sheela whispered.

  Frath didn’t move right away, causing her to wonder if he would or not. She wasn’t sure which she hoped for more. Then he put his right hand on her cheek and his left around her waist. When his lips lightly touched hers, lightning shot through every nerve in her body.

  It was a short kiss that seemed to last an eternity at the same time. When it ended, he placed his forehead against hers for a few moments while she digested the emotions she was feeling. Once again, Sheela froze during the kiss, but this time she had been ready and enjoyed it. Wanting to experience more, she tilted her head up to him.

  He responded by kissing lightly again. This time she returned the kiss tentatively and liked it even more. After another, they sat on a nearby bench and talked about the day at Carnival. One of the servants came out and lit scattered lanterns in the garden as daylight faded the rest of the way. The two of them continued to talk, interspersing conversation with the occasional kiss. Sheela became more and more comfortable with it.

  After Purla walked by the third time and coughed in their direction, they stood reluctantly. “Can I visit you again?” Frath asked hopefully.

  “Yes, I get every third day off like today,” Sheela responded eagerly. “And you can visit for a few minutes any other time. Purla says you’re a good man or else she wouldn’t allow it.”

  “Then I’ll be back next third day and maybe a few times before then for a kiss . . . If that’s not too bold.”

  She shook her head vigorously. “I like kissing now.” To prove her point, she gave him another. Then he walked down the path to the gate, turning and looking back a few times with a foolish grin on his face. “Be careful!” she called out to him, suddenly nervous about him going out into the treacherous city alone at night.

  When Purla put her arm around Sheela’s shoulders, she jumped. “He’ll be alright. I’m guessing the two of you had a good time today?” the matronly woman asked in her kindly voice. Sheela’s only response was to nod and grin like a fool. “I thought as much. Wi
ll he be visiting again next week?”

  “Yes, on the third day. Can I have it off again?” Sheela asked hopefully.

  “Of course. You let me know if his day off changes and we’ll see what we can do,” Purla reassured her, leading her back to the inn. “You get some rest now if you can. I don’t want you making mistakes because you’re all doe-eyed,” she admonished good-naturedly.

  “Yes, Purla,” Sheela agreed seriously. She picked up her favorite cat, Smokey, who was looking for someone to let him through the door. Before going inside, Sheela took one last look over her shoulder, still worried about Frath’s safety.

  Chapter 3

  Small snowflakes drifted through the crisp morning air, leaving a dusting of snow covering the ground, but it wasn’t enough to disturb anyone. Winter was knocking, paying no heed to the few remaining faded leaves that clung stubbornly to branches and the dim glow of the sunrise peeked through a break in the cloud cover.

  Two weeks had passed since Frath had taken Sheela to Carnival. He smiled happily at the memory of that day in addition to the three evenings he had been able to make it back for a few more kisses before Purla would chase him off. He truly couldn’t stop thinking about Sheela and had even taken extra lumps in drills due to lack of focus. Sheela made him happy and Frath had never been truly happy before.

  He knocked on the back gate to the garden. The guard let him in and gave him a friendly smack on the shoulder. Then Frath eagerly went to the small area where Sheela would be waiting for him. She immediately ran into his arms and they held each other for a moment.