‘Why don’t you take them when we leave for the Nest?’
‘Because it is important to memorize everything as of now. Aorians’ reactions, their opinions, what their faces express. I cannot notice everything in real time, I need to review the memories in detail.’
Saraf glided his hand over the backpack pocket, and the rods intertwined at his energy impulse, sealing it.
‘Aren’t you taking anything with you?’
‘No need, I will not stay longer than two days.’
‘Good, we may meet in Urfius-Menom and head back home together.’
Two thuds were heard outside. Falus and Fasus landed on the tower balcony, opposite their house:
‘Why is this bothering you so much?’ Afaris managed to seize Falus’s psychic waves.
‘Now’s not the time’ Fasus replied.
Saraf, too, was focusing and listening to the conversation. It was obvious that the two Nymphs had no idea they were listened to.
‘I don’t want you to be grumpy all the way. Anyhow, Afaris is pleasant company, we can have fun with him, too.’
‘You’re the only one having fun.’
‘Listen to me, knuckle-head, this may be the only chance we’ve got to prevent a war. Don’t blow it with your ego’ Falus said annoyed.
‘Yes, we should humble ourselves to prevent a war …’
Saraf stood up and urged Afaris to follow him and not say anything. They left the house and headed towards the two Nymphs, who suddenly stopped bickering upon seeing them.
Afaris was curious whether his father wanted to say something, but when he reached the pit edge he turned to him:
‘Have a nice journey!’
And then whispered in his mind so that only he could hear him:
‘And take care …’
Saraf turned to the two Nymphs and greeted them with a slight bow, then dived into the pit, out of sight.
Afaris, slightly stressed, started towards the Nymphs.
‘Ready to go?’ Falus asked him.
‘Sure.’
‘You know something’ Fasus said, ‘I feel too tired, you go without me.’
Falus looked at his brother crossed. Afaris sharpened his senses, but the two were not transmitting anything. They were just looking one at another, frowning.
Without further ado, Fasus took off as Afaris and Falus watched him getting farther in the sky.
‘Everything alright?’
‘Yes, he’ll come around. He’s the grumpy type.’
Falus bowed in front of Afaris who mounted him. As soon as Afaris took position, Falus took off towards the sky.
A couple of seconds they waited in silence. Afaris did not know whether he was supposed to say anything. Beneath them, the earth went farther and farther, and behind them the sun was setting. Falus was flying guided by the light of the energy pit of Urfius-Menom, which shone a slight aloof light.
As they got higher, the air became ever-colder, but Afaris was too pensive to notice. Looking around he saw the beauty which Aorians would soon be doomed to lose. The view was astounding, the forests, lakes, the ocean, the mountains, everything seemed drawings flowing down the ground. He could see farther than ever before, and the ground seemed to curve at the horizon.
‘Do you like it?’ Falus asked him.
‘It’s superb...’ Afaris answered in his thoughts, realizing that the air was too strong to be heard.
‘I’ll fly you at night. It’s much more beautiful when you see the town lights from above.’
Too curios to hold his mouth, Afaris asked him:
‘What’s going on with your brother?’
Falus kept silent for a couple of seconds, then replied:
‘He’s too proud. He thinks that if we fly you around, we humble ourselves.’
‘Nobody compels you to help us.’
‘I know, do you think I do it because Akdarosif says so? I don’t do it for us to get closer either, to prevent that war everybody’s talking about. I do it because I simply enjoy mocking you, since I can fly whenever I want and you can’t.’
Afaris started to laugh. Falus’s mean and even macabre honesty was funny indeed.
‘I’ll pay you back, don’t worry.’
Afaris influenced the air currents with his mind, which prevented Falus from flying straight, then removed all the air around them. Fasus spiralled down, beating his wings in desperation with no result, while Afaris was clinging on to his feathers smiling satisfied. Then, he stopped his energy influence on the air, allowing his friend to resume his flight.
‘You can fly whenever you want, but if I don’t want you to, you’ll stay aground.’
With his heart beating out of his chest, Falus replied:
‘You little rascal ...’
‘Anyway, I don’t want you to fight your brother because of me. If you wish, you can put me down now and I’ll mind my own way.’
‘My relationship with my brother is none of your business. We always fight and make up. I guess it’s the same for you and your brothers.’
‘I don’t stick around with my brothers much. They’re all too busy managing their towns.’
‘I see. That’s too bad, you can’t have the relation you have with a brother with anybody else.’
‘It doesn’t bother me that much. I pay them visits every now and then or they drop by, but we’ve never been too close.’
‘Maybe you’re lucky and the war starts and then you’ll have a chance to get closer.’
‘Yes, you are right, nothing would please me more than shred you to pieces together with my family.’
‘Wow, you are dreaming big.’
***
Urfius-Menom was catching form in front. As dusk set in, the round town, surrounded by tall trees, started to illuminate. Like Afaris’s town of origin, the streets were paved with energy stones which merged to its centre, at the mouth of the energy pit giving life to the town. Unlike Saraf-Menom, around the energy pit a tower had not been erected, but stone steps, on which the residents would sit to recharge themselves with energy or to meditate.
Even though it was the youngest town on Aora, it quickly caught form and life. Many Aorian wanted to start a new life here, due to the beauty of the area. The town was situated amid several lakes which were connected through rivers. The vegetation was much diversified, ranging from hundreds of varieties of flowers and plants to tall and strong trees. The children were spending their time outside the town, climbing trees, swimming in lakes transparent as the air, adorned with multi-coloured fish and playing all sorts of innovative games.
However, the main attraction of the town was the Sound of Life, a waterfall, or better said, tens of waterfalls falling from the cliffs to the north of the town. This hill, even though quite small, was a unique spring on Aora. From its top flowed down a crystal clear water stream, warm as ground on hot days. The water spread in several directions, meandering down the hill, all heading south to Urfius-Menom. What was even more interesting was that at various heights, from the cliffs to the south of the hill other springs were coming out, smaller or bigger, which either intertwined with the water coming from above them or directly hit the rock beneath or the water pool at the hill’s feet. The water flow kept changing intensity, thus sounding like a never-ending melody, composed of millions and millions of notes which only nature can create. That was how the waterfall had earned the name of the Sound of Life.
‘Where do you want me to drop you?’ Falus asked Afaris.
‘At the pit would be perfect. My brother’s house is near it.’
Falus started slowing down and descending slightly to town. His eyes were scanning left and right, mesmerized by the scenery. The setting sunrays reflected in the lakes around the town in which Aorians were bathing and in the waterfalls.
‘You can have all the power in the universe, all the imagination in the world and be full of luck, you will still not be able to create all the beauties nature creates’ Falus said enchanted by the vi
ew.
‘I sometimes wonder whether nature is a creature, an entity. As you’ve said, her creations are too magnificent for anyone to believe they’re random.’
‘The answer to this question is either hidden among Saraf’s countless secrets or not meant to be known.’
Falus landed softly at the end of the stairs descending form the town’s energy pit. Afaris jumped off his winged friend’s back:
‘Ouch, my legs are crammed.’
‘You know what I fail to understand? How come Urfius selected this incredible place to erect his town? How come nobody chose it before him?’
‘Every town is surrounded by a unique scenery, a unique aura. My brothers chose towns according to their hearts. It seems Urfius’s heart chose this place.’
‘If I’m not wrong, there’s only one unoccupied energy pit left, your future town. Not much choice for you, it seems.’
‘That’s right. Honestly, I haven’t even yet seen the place. I don’t know anybody who’s seen it. My father alone knows of its whereabouts. When Urfius first came here, he immediately knew this was the spot for his town.’
‘Exactly what I was saying earlier, Saraf and his secrets. Anyway, it seems it’ll be a surprise for you. I hope you’ll enjoy it and you won’t be forced to live your life in a place you hate.’
Afaris smile, surprised.
‘Is it just my impression or did you just wish me well?’
Falus bowed his head close to Afaris’s face and, staring him in the eye, told him:
‘It may be my special pleasure to pull your leg, but this doesn’t mean I don’t have a heart and care for my friends.’
His words moved Afaris. Such a simple compliment, coming from Falus, was, indeed, a gift from the heart.
‘Hey, Afaris!’
Afaris turned around to see who was calling him. Urfius, together with his spouse, Vilinda, was strolling towards them with a broad smile.
‘I had no idea you’d visit us. Particularly not together with a Nymph.’
‘Am I glad to see you, Brother!’
‘Likewise. Who’s your friend?’
‘This is Falus.’
Falus bowed his head slightly.
‘Did you fly here with him!?’ Vilinda asked, surprised, and Afaris replied with a self-explanatory smile.
Vilinda was shocked. She placed a hand on her chest and asked him:
‘Were you not afraid? I, for one, would never dare fly.’
‘You’ll get used to it after the first two or three flights.’
‘What does our settlement look like from above?’ Urfius asked. ‘It looks great, doesn’t it?’
‘That’s what we were talking about, the beauty of this place and the nature’s talents to create such wonders.’
‘Speaking of miracles, we were just getting ready to go to the waterfalls, join us!’
‘Sure’ Afaris replied.
‘I’d love to join you, but I need to go, I have business to attend to with my brother …’
‘Can’t you stay at all? Is it that urgent? Can’t you be a little late?’ Urfius asked him, slightly bothered that he was refusing his invitation.
Falus watched Afaris, his eyes asking for his help. Afaris raised his hand and softly caressed his chest feathers.
‘Don’t worry, we’ll come back again and we’ll all spend some time together.’
Urfius frowned, but said nothing.
‘When are you going back to Saraf-Menom?’
‘Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. You don’t need to pick me up, if that’s what you have in mind.’
‘Are you sure? It’s not a problem for me. We could leave after sunset which will make the flight even more interesting.’
‘We’ll do it on another occasion. Go spend more time with your brother.’
Falus nodded.
‘Well then, I hope I’ll see you soon. Urfius, I owe you one.’
‘No problem, it’s not as if the waterfall moved away. Have a pleasant flight back!’
The four greeted each other, then Falus stretched his wings and took off, slowly disappearing to the sky.
Urfius joined Afaris and put his arm around his neck:
‘Am I glad you dropped by! After all the stress Father is inducing to you, I’m sure you need a hot and relaxing bath at the Sound of Life.’
‘Oh, you have no idea …’
Vilinda cleared her voice, drawing their attention:
‘I’d better go see my friends and have a chat.’
‘What!? You’re not coming either?’
‘Well, you don’t see much of one another. I’ll leave you two talk in peace.’
Urfius was watching her amazed and pensive:
‘Yes, I think you’re right. What would I do without you…’
Vilinda smiled warmly, revealing her flawless white teeth. She kissed Urfius tenderly, while Afaris took two steps back and looked away, embarrassed.
‘Have fun, boys!’
Vilinda turned around and headed the other way, to the town’s little streets, waving her hand under the white cloak as she walked away, humming a song at the pace of the music produced by the Sound of Life, which could be heard muffled in the distance.
Urfius once again put his strong arm around Afaris’s shoulder and urged him along.
‘So, what brings you?’
‘I’ve come to let you know the Nymphs’ tournament is reaching its finals and we’re all invited.’
‘What do you know! When and where will it take place?’
‘In the Nest, 22 days from now.’
‘In the Nest!? No way!’
Afaris smiled amused:
‘That’s right. The Nymphs will help us get there if we cannot cope alone.’
‘I’ve always wanted to visit the Nest. I must say, I’m astonished with this strong link between us and the Nymphs. Praised be Saraf!’
‘Yes, indeed, despite all difficulties, he’s managed to unite us.’
‘You know something? I say we should not be concerned with I don’t know what wars or twaddle. Together with the Nymphs, we too are entering a new age I find very promising.’
‘You’re right, yet you must not overlook the existence of those energy pits.’
‘Yes, yes, training is going great here, we all use mental shields successfully and easily, so we’re not bothering about it. As for fight techniques, we’ll get there, too. Anyway, I hope our father will quickly identify a solution. It’s extremely frustrating to have to shout to somebody instead of conveying messages mentally.’
‘He will, I’m sure.’
As they were walking on the town streets, they came across numerous residents who greeted Urfius with their eyes, then watched Afaris with curiosity. He had been in the town seldom. Actually, he had seldom left the area of Saraf-Menom.
From the countless glances he came across, many belonged to girls his age. Warm, superb looks, accompanied by a charming and attractive smile. It seemed to him he was more attracted by girls from Urfius-Menom than those from Saraf-Menom. He felt slightly embarrassed, but could not look away from them. He studied them, they were more developed than most he had met. A thought made him smile: if he was to look for his half, this was the place to start.
Urfius noticed his smile and said:
‘This place’s got more riches than you thought, hasn’t it?’
‘Indeed …’
A girl coming from the other side, cloak waving, long and curly haired, raised her look and regarded the two. Her eyes seemed to be shining. She noticed Afaris, weighed him with a look, then smiled with her red and luring lips. On reaching them she greeted them, with a soft and musical voice:
‘Hey.’
She then looked down and resumed her way.
Afaris, as if enchanted, could say nothing anymore, words stuck in his throat. He looked after her and watched her go away. Then the girl glanced behind crossing Afaris’s gaze, at which time his heart came to a halt. She smiled at him and moved her
hair over her ear, turning her head.
‘If you think the Nymphs’ tournament is bloody, you should see the battles waged for her heart. I reckon you’ll enter the game, too.’ Urfius said with a cunning smile.
Afaris looked down embarrassed and Urfius slapped his back in a friendly, yet stout manner, making his bones crack.
‘That girl is courted by all lads in the town, but I must tell you she’s not looked at any as she did you. If you don’t start talking to her, I’ll take you by the hand and lock you up in a room with her.’
‘Do you know you’re way too straightforward? Where’s romance gone? The game of courtesy?’
Urfius laughed out loud:
‘You’ll die alone then, after a boring life.’
‘We’re immortals …’
‘The worse for you.’
Chapter 13
The Sound of Life
Afaris and Urfius went past the trees standing tall around the town. While walking among them, Afaris understood why they had been planted like that. The Sound of Life, even though a beautiful, charming and relaxing song, was now clearer and more intense. Were it not for the trees to muffle the sound, life in the town would be unbearable, driving one out of his minds. Eventually, anything beautiful stays so if it comes in small doses.
Walking on the plain full of multi-coloured flowers to the waterfalls, Afaris looked around and admired the view. Everything here seemed different from Saraf-Menom. It seemed the link between Aorians and nature was much stronger. Even the air felt stranger, finer, next to the flowers’ luring scent.
On reaching the pond beneath the rocks, Afaris stared up at the crystal-clear water flowing down on the rocks. It changed course faster than he expected. The water pattern changed ceaselessly.
‘Is it true that it’s never the same song?’ Afaris asked, fascinated by what he was seeing, hearing and feeling.
‘We’ve learnt in time it’s not a simple song. It’s a story.’
Afaris looked at him in surprise:
‘How come?’
‘Living here for so long, I’ve come to understand the voice of this spring. Sounds are not random, they tell a story. Close your eyes and just listen.’
Afaris: Shadows on Aora Page 12