by B. W. Catt
He handed her a bag of silver. Sebial squeezed the bag, causing the coins to rattle within. She went to question him but knew better than to. Slowly, she headed down the hill with the girls.
Woldiniar stayed behind, glancing back he looked at the field. Letting out a sigh. “Magic doesn’t last forever now does it.”
The lilies were wilting just as quickly as they had appeared. He watched as the flowers turned to nothing, leaving the field barren once more.
Looking forward, he watched as the girls enter the bustling village.
Four
Woldiniar walked down the hill, approaching the guards post. Three guards sat on a bench outside the door wiping their swords. There uniform grey and wrinkled. He shook his head in disgust.
“You young gents look bored. Maybe you should scout your surrounding lands more instead of leaving the work to old men like me?!” Woldiniar said angrily while approaching them.
One of the guards stood up unsheathing his sword. His face flushed red. “Old man, you shouldn’t speak down on us! We protect the likes of you!”
The guard approached Woldiniar. He poked him in the chest before turning around to face the other two guards laughing.
“What an old fool,” said one of the guards sitting down.
“I agree!” the third guard said. He stood up and reached into his pocket. “Here take yourself back to a pub where you belong!” He removed his hand from his pocket and threw two bronze coins at Woldiniar. The guard sat down and chuckled. The other two quickly joined him in laughter. The coins bounced off of his chest and hit the ground. Woldiniar bent down and grabbed the coins.
Woldiniar began to carefully rub the two bronze coins in his hand before covering them with his other hand.
“Such a measly amount of coin! I guess you expect your elders to drink only the bottom of the barrel!” Woldiniar flicked the two coins at the sitting guards, hitting one in the throat and the other on the forehead, knocking them out.
He looked at the guard who poked him in the chest. “I will show you how to poke someone since apparently you guards cannot even show strength. No wonder there was slaves in your forests!”
The guard chuckled nervously. “Like you could harm me like the others. I have been a guard for...”
Woldiniar walked forward while the guard rambled. He gently placed his finger against the guard’s chest and smiled. The guard stopped talking to look up in fear at Woldiniar who stood easily a foot taller than him. Woldiniar released a small blue spark from his finger, the guard flew back grabbing his chest as he fell on top of the other two.
“Now that our fun is over, I need to speak with an old friend who should be inside!”
Woldiniar opened the door to the post. A large man with graying hair sat at the table in the back of the room. His uniform unkempt, the stitching coming undone from too much weight. The man looked up; his eyes met Woldiniar’s. His lips curled into a tilted smile, unable to smile fully from the scar running down his left cheek.
“Welcome Woldiniar! It has been years since I have graced your sadistic face!” He went to stand up but struggled getting his gut away from the table.
Woldiniar began laughing hysterically. “You have become nothing but an old pig Yarrin! Very unbefitting of the village’s commander! So just stay seated old man before you break something.”
“I am not that frail!” Yarrin wiggled a little more and managed to squeeze free of the table and chair. “I have just enjoyed too many gifts over the years from the townspeople!”
“I was not worried for you, I was worried for the poor trees sacrificed to become abused by a fat old pig!”
Woldiniar walked over to the table. He rubbed his hand along the grain of the wood. “Thank you for your sacrifice.”
Yarrin wiggled a little more, the chair scraped along the floor as he managed to push it back enough to be able to stand. He walked around the table to Woldiniar. “It’s lovely to see you haven’t lost your kind touch.”
They interlocked their forearms. Woldiniar chuckled.
“I must say, you look good. It was wrong of me to call you a pig. Since you have put on so much weight, I can say with pride you now look like a healthy young dwarf just coming of age! Even though, a dwarfs arm has more muscle than yours!” Woldiniar laughed at his words.
Yarrin glared at Woldiniar while walking outside to see his beat-up guards. He shook his head. Walking back into the room he shut the door behind him. His face became serious.
“This has been fun but why are you really here?”
Woldiniar sat near the liquor cabinet and looked at Yarrin.
“I am a guest. I require a drink after such a long journey before I begin to speak. Or did you lose your hospitality during your dwarven transformation!?”
Yarrin sighed. Shaking his head he walked over to the cabinet, opening the door he pulled down two round bottles, handing one to Woldiniar. Walking back to his table he sat down and opened his own.
“There you rude guest, quench your thirst and start talking!”
Woldiniar popped the top and chugged the drink. He glanced at the bottle before setting it down. He looked to Yarrin. “One thing before I begin, it is proper etiquette to tell a friend when they have become cheap! A warning is always welcome,’ he raised the bottle towards Yarrin, swirling it. “But nonetheless, thank you for the flavored water.”
He took another sip. Yarrin scowled while gulping his down.
“I am here to tell you about the corruption that has fallen on your land. I found my student in an old cottage to the east of the hills. She was found there with other girls being enslaved by bandits. Have you knowledge of such a trade taking place in your village dwarf?”
Yarrin didn’t answer. He looked towards the window, taking another gulp of his drink.
Woldiniar flashed in front of Yarrin; he jumped from the warlocks sudden appearance. Woldiniar slammed his hands down on the table causing the wood to dent. His eyes flashed a dark hazy green as he looked at Yarrin. “I demand to know who would do such heinous things and who would dare cross I by taking my student!?”
Yarrin’s face turned white. He knows Woldiniar’s power was not something to be toyed with. “I...I have heard of things from my guards. They never tell me where they received the knowledge from. I just thought they were listening to the idle concubine’s gossip.”
Woldiniar stood up. Rubbing his hands together he walked to the door. “This concludes our talk then friend. Shall I find out you withheld information from me, then I will make you sing like a fat pig getting its last meal.” Woldiniar smiled and walked out of the post.
He stopped to look at the three guards. “Still sitting there wasting time I see. Well then, maybe you can help me more than the old lard in there.” The guards were leaning on each other; half out of it. He leaned down towards them. They quivered. “Where is the shadiest pub in town where even the strongest of guards fear?”
The guard who poked him earlier pointed straight ahead; his hand shaking. “If you walk straight th-that way you will e-eventually smell what you’re looking for. It’s an unmistakable smell of liquor, urine, and...and uh filth.”
“That sounds absolutely perfect! Just the type of place a kind old man like me is looking for!” Woldiniar’s eyes lit up. He began to whistle an ominous tune as if beckoning death to wreak havoc as he walked away.
Five
Approaching the inn, the girls could feel the gaze of the villagers staring at them with disdain. They kept their heads low to avoid making eye contact.
“Look at those girls, look disgusting. We should keep our distance so we do not get plagued by whatever they have.” A very well-dressed lady wearing layers of jewelry spoke to another, loud enough for the girls to hear over the noise of the town.
The youngest girl began to sob after hearing those words. Sebial gently hugged the little girl before letting her go. She stormed over to the lady. Her eyes widened at the sight of Sebial being so close.
“HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU HAD JUST ESCAPED THE GRIPS OF DEATH!? OF COURSE, WE ARE TATTERED AND BRUISED!” Sebial paused, her hands balling into fists. “OUR HEARTS STILL REMAIN STRONG!”
The lady stuttered, standing there frozen. Sebial mockingly curtsied to the lady, grinning before turning back to the girls.
The little girl grabbed onto Sebial’s waist, hiding her face in what was left of Sebial’s dress. “It’s ok little one. I am here and you are here. Now let’s go get cleaned up and eat like we have never eaten before!”
The little girl smiled, releasing her grip on Sebial’s dress. Sebial walked ahead, entering the inn with the girls quickly following behind.
The air heavily wreaked of ale and food. The dark inn lights gently illuminated the tables. Sunlight peeked through the crease of the curtains. The tables, packed with rowdy men eating and drinking. The girls’ stopped at the entrance, their eyes widened in fear from seeing all the men.
“Do not look at them but look at what they are enjoying. We will be doing the same!” Sebial stated to the girls.
She headed over to the bar, waving her hand at the bartender to get his attention. He set down a full glass of ale to a patron before heading over to Sebial.
“What can I get started for you miss?” He leaned onto the bar and gave her a flirtatious smile.
“I need a room big enough to house three girls for a few days. I will also like to pay for the food they will eat over those days as well.”
The bartender looked over at the girls standing by the door.
“I see, and what about a room for you?”
“I will not be staying. I am on a journey and found them along the way.”
He rubbed his hand against his forehead before scratching the top of his head.
“I usually do not allow young patrons to stay by themselves, but since we are the only inn in town, I have no choice. In return for keeping them safe here, can they help work? I just lost my best bar keeper.”
Sebial nodded with a smile. “Of course they can! The youngest one can probably help best with dishes and the others could easily do other tasks for you.”
“In that case, let's make a deal. Three silver coins will cover boarding and food for them, normally it's eight silver coins.”
“Thank you so much.” She reached into her pouch and pulled out the coins to set on the bar. He slid the coins off the bar, placing them in his pocket. Turning around he grabbed a key from the shelf.
“Here you are miss, it's up the stairs at the end of the hall. Since they will be working with me, I gave them one of the best rooms I have to offer. My name is Ellius. If you would like something, I will more than happily accommodate you for just a smile from that beautiful face of yours.”
Sebial blushed at the Ellius’ offer. She quickly grabbed the key from his hand “Thank you.”
She opened the door to the room, walking in ahead of the girls she glanced around at the odd placement of furniture. The beds were large with hand carved posts, its bedding was mismatched pieces; old but clean. A dresser leaning to the left stood near the window, it seemed unsafe to use. Sebial walked over to the window, she slid the yellow tattered curtains to the side and looked out. The townspeople below seemed happy.
The girls could make a life for themselves here if they do not know where they came from. They would fit in. Unlike I. No one would ever accept a silver haired freak like me.
She ran her fingers through her hair, glancing down at the silver strands as they fell off her hand. She sighed and shut the curtains. Sebial walked over to the doors on the right side of the room. She opened the first one and noticed a small closet with a broken bucket sitting on the bottom. She shook her head and closed the door. Walking to the next door she opened it to find a small bathroom. The tub was shallow and made from old metals welded together. A small bowl sat on a table with a few stiff looking towels beside it.
“It is not the prettiest place but it is home for you three for now. You all should wash up; it will make you feel better. Throw your garments into the trash. I am going to go get some better dresses for all of us. In the meantime, just wear the blankets until I return.”
The little girl grabbed Sebial’s dress as she went to leave the room. Sebial turned around, kneeling before her.
“Do not worry, I will return. When I get back maybe you will tell me your name.?” Sebial smiled softly.
Six
Sebial walked out of the inn and headed towards the center of town.
Stopping along the way to glance at the various pop-up stalls to see what dresses they had to offer. All of the dresses were beautiful but none practical enough for her and the girls. A sparkling sign caught the corner of her eye as she was about to approach the bustling town center.
“Dresses for Mythical Wishes”
That’s a unique name for a dress shop, maybe they will have something that will suit our needs.
She struggled to push open the rod iron door of the shop. A cold burst of air hit her body making her feel weak. She cautiously stepped inside grabbing her wrist, wishing for her bracelet.
This place feels off. I should leave.
Before Sebial could leave a voice called out from behind hanging fabrics. “What is it you seek to find here young lady?”
Sebial let go of her wrist and stared at the woman who walked out from behind the fabrics. Tall and slender with long flat black hair.
“I need clothing for myself and three others. Can you assist me?”
The lady walked closer, looking up and down Sebial’s body.
“Are they like you?”
“Well no, one stands at my waist and the other two are just short of my chin.”
She chuckled. “That is not what I asked, silver hair lady from the land of Pasuria.”
Sebial took a few steps back, stopping when she hit the door. Her eyes widened in fear.
I do not have the power to fight her. I need to leave before she captures me.
“Young lady, do not fear me.” She stepped closer to Sebial, leaving no gap. She looked down at Sebial. “I am from Pasuria and only the royals from those lands have hair like yours. I served the late king and queen for many years, before them, I served the late queens’ mother and her father.”
“Who are you?” Sebial asked sternly. “Why are you here and no longer serving the kingdom? Are you an enemy of Pasuria?!”
“I am Shalerie, the former modiste for the queen. I would make the king's attire for royal balls only. I left my homeland after the late king and queen were slaughtered by the queen’s younger sister. I refused to give such loyalty to an evil woman like her.” Shalerie’s eyes softened, she reached her hand to Sebial but Sebial leaned back pressing her head against the door. Shalerie let out a soft sigh. “I know there is no way to prove she is the one but I lived amongst them for over a century and I could sense her bloodlust. I know she even killed her nephew and hid his body to ensure he would never take the throne!”
Shalerie reached out to Sebial again, this time touching her silver hair. Sebial went to swat her hand away but Shalerie withdrew before Sebial could touch her.
“I should stop talking terrible things about the royal family, since it appears I have one before me. Yet, I cannot place you. Who were your parent’s my lady?”
Sebial looked to the ground and back to Shalerie. She stood tall and began to speak firmly. “My name is Sebial the 10th. The late king and queen were my parents.”
Shalerie took a step back. “That’s impossible, they had a son! His name was Sebi!”
“I am, was Sebi. My parents kept my gender hidden. They did not want the other royals to find out there was another wielder born. Only one wielder can live at a time. I am the next wielder. I was born shortly after the death of my grandmother, the previous wielder.”
“I can’t believe Queen Sebial the 9th kept your gender from me! She k
new how badly I was hoping for another princess to dress! If what you say is true, then where is the bracelet showing you are indeed a wielder.”
Shalerie glared at Sebial’s wrist, she looked back up and stared intently into Sebial’s eyes.
“Are you lying to me young lady? I do not enjoy games. Yet, I can see in your eyes you speak the truth. So how is it you are here without the bracelet?”
“It was taken from me. I ran away from Master Woldiniar. Shortly after, I was captured. They stole my bracelet.” Sebial kept eye contact with Shalerie in order to prove her words are not that of a lie.
“I am so sorry Princess Sebial, you must feel weak without it. I know from Queen Sebial the 8th that it keeps magic flowing into your body since your body doesn’t produce enough to stay alive for long without it. It’s the curse passed down from Queen Sebial the first after she failed to protect the flame of life over lust.”
Shalerie smacked her cheeks in an attempt to refocus. Putting on a huge smile she stepped over to the side of the room she pointed at a chair.
“Have a seat here my dear. We have talked enough over times left better forgotten. I will make you something on the house since I never got to be your modiste while we both lived in the castle.”
Sebial smiled and walked to the chair. She sat down and watched as Shalerie began to speak to the fabric. The blue fabric began to twist and hem itself. She called out to a few thicker pieces of fabric. Those pieces began to disappear into the blue piece. Sebial’s eyes lit up watching the piece of blue fabric slowly turn into a dress.
“I am almost done. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Shalerie headed into the back room, returning as quickly as she had just left, this time holding a stack of silver metal plates.
Sebial glanced in confusion. She went to open her mouth but Shalerie spoke first.
“Shh, don’t ask any questions yet my dear.”
Shalerie smiled and began to talk to the metal, it bent into numerous shapes. All of the plates taking the form of armor. Before Sebial knew it, Shalerie had made not only a dress but a full suit of armor. Shalerie yelled to the back room and a piece of blue amethyst came flying towards her. Before it could fly past her, she raised her hand and it stopped right in front of her palm. Shalerie pointed down to the armor. The amethyst flew above the armor, breaking itself apart before disappearing into the different pieces of armor.