3Hey guys! I'm sorry that it has taken me SO SO SO long to finally update a new chapter. I was gone for a year and a half and I've been trying to figure out where I wanted this story to go after that. But now I have a better idea and I am also doing camp nanowrimo (the most amazing place to go for aspiring writers!) (the site is btw) but yes... I should be updating this story more frequently now. yay! Enjoy! And for whoever is reading this, if you have read it before... thanks for returning!
Chapter 3
I couldn't believe my luck. Not that it was good, just that it happened. My best friend saved my life. Literally.
In the time that I had gone with Bryant to retrieve the weathered down sword, an attack on the city commenced. It all happened so fast that, through the bursting open of a door, and the shock of a pinchmen appearing in the doorway, I almost didn't hear Bryant's strained yell for me to flee while he held off the disgusting creature. With every single fiber of my being, I did not want to leave Bryant there to fend for himself while I ran off like a little child. Yet, I could see the wisdom and the gentlemen-like qualities he held in that instance. So I suffered to wound the grotesque creature as a way of helping Bryant, while then proceeding to get out through the back door.
The town was in shambles. Shops were burning, and people were being hacked down like chickens in a coup. It was a horrific sight. Still, I knew that I had to keep going. I couldn't stop. I needed to find some help and now I had more reason to talk with the King than ever before.
Upon thoughts of my destination and the reasons for where I was going, I prayed for my father. Prayed with all my might that his blessed soul would be spared from the terrible captivity which the horrendous creatures possessed.
But, mid-prayer, without further adieu, I was thrust on my back by none other than that creature with which I had previously been thinking about. Dust caught the air, blocking my strained view of the creature for a moment. Moving from the dreaded spot, I whipped around to find where the pinchmen had gone. It was only mere seconds before I felt something slice my arm.
I cried out in agony, backing away quickly from the growl that escaped the Pinchmens throat. I knew that if I didn't do something quick, I would be dead-meat. And then I remembered, with great joy, that I now owned a sword. A sword which I still held in the hand holding my injured arm.
With a quick jab to the creatures throat, I twisted the sword once, and swiftly pulled out, jumping out of the way as the hideous body thumped to the ground. A fluorescent feeling of adrenaline trickled out of my body; and a vague inkling, like a wisp of a memory, tapped my mind. But the thought vanished as I looked upon my small victory.
Taking little care to notice the thick, hairy, brown hyde, and the way its face was scrunched together, I gave it one more kick for good measure; satisfying my surge of anger (caused by both the emotional and physical hurt that I felt). And as I moved forward, away from the gargantuas stench the creature emanated, away from the one home I ever knew; feeling the flames that warmly licked my back, only one thought caressed my mind. I now understood why the creature was called a Pinchmen.
It wasn't very long before I realized that my pace would not get me to safety anytime soon. I longed for a faster route away from the sight of the pinchmen. Away from the sounds and smells that were slowly beginning to ebb out, and away from the cold that was beginning to creep up inside my body. The beginnings of a fever were forming and I knew that the cause was the gash that the evil creature sliced on my arm.
I stopped where I was, so close to safety, but a mile away from it as well. I could almost make out the smell of the forest as my hand shakily covered the wound; trying to put enough pressure to hold the blood in, though I had no success in doing so. I felt so silly for not having brought anything with me to aid in injuries, and couldn't help but curse myself for being so careless.
Sighing in exasperation, I figured that here and now would be a good time to rest, if only for a little bit. I swayed as I sat on the ground, feeling clammy, unsure how I would pass the night. If anything, I was grateful that it wasn't the cold season. For if it had been, I would have been a corpse by the time the crystal dawn arrived.
I ripped a part of my long-sleeved, cream colored shirt. Enough so, that I would be able to wrap it around my wound. It was a difficult task, but one that I knew would save my life. Possibly, anyway. I cursed once more as I realized, after having made a clumsy show of tieing off my wound, that I hadn't actually retrieved everything from off my list.
I had no journal, no food, and I had no water canteen (of which I was feeling the effects of). If I had not water, I knew I was going to be doomed in a matter of days. One could not live without water for very long. So I managed to pull out a juicy-looking fruit from my dark leathered bag that hung down to my waist, taking a precocious bite, savoring the delicious juice it held captive. But as I did so, I more than nibbled it once I got a delectable taste. I scarfed that fruit down, quickly wiping my mouth when I felt something wet dribble down my chin.
Sitting for a few minutes, I closed my eyes to rest; dreaming of fluffy animals, and feeling delirious, wondering how I was going to be saved. Nightfall was approaching and I prayed once more that safety would be my friend this night.
A little while later (couldn't have been more than a half hour), I was awoken by a snort. I instantly stumbled up, blearily trying to see who had caused the noise, briefly noticing that stars were my light. With a short look around the vast expanse, I saw a horse. Curiously, this horse looked as if it had been packed specifically for someone to go on an adventure. It was even saddled for someone to ride. But a feverish glance around told me that its owner was long gone. So, I opted to inspect the beautiful site.
I slowly approached the horse, its beautiful brown fur shimmering from the moons' light. It huffed a moment or so, shifting about on its fur-covered hooves, before settling down enough to let me pat its snout.
"There, there, good horse. Where did you come from?" I made my way towards the saddle, seeing what kinds of things were stashed away. Without having to take a look into the bags, I quickly noticed that a water satchel was among the belongings and immediately went to taking a swig.
My head snapped back as a strangled noise whizzed through the air, coming from the direction of the town. In my clammy state, I knew I was in no shape to fight those creatures. So, quickly turning towards the horse, I frantically tried jumping on, but found myself falling to the ground with a resounding "oomph".
Another howl wrenched the air, seeming closer than before. The light of the fire in the town was turning into cinders and with nothing left for them to rummage against, I figured they must have decided that they needed nothing else. Fear grappled my wits enough to get me to swing my leg high enough to get on top of the horse and soon, we were trotting towards the forest.
But our pace wasn't quick enough. Somehow, those Pinchmen knew exactly the direction I had gone, and I could hear the thud of their arms and legs hitting the ground. Gripping tightly onto the horse, I whispered "go, go, go!" to get him to move faster so that we were not outrun. I didn't need to give him much prodding, though, as I could feel his fear, and he began to move quickly.
The howl's were closer. I tried glancing behind me to see if we were, in fact, being followed (hoping beyond hope that they were headed in a different direction). And through my hazy gaze, I could see that I was correct. They were following me. For whatever reason, I knew not. But I knew that I had to get to that forest fast.
A fierce desire to live clung to my heart and I urged the horse to run as fast as it could. Even though I'm sure it was doing its best to ensure our safety. Another howl was wrenched through the air, seemingly closer than before, and I dared not look behind this time for fear that I was about to lose my life once and for all.
Clinging to the horse for dear life, I squeezed my eyes shut for a brief moment, wishing reality to be gone. I wished I was safe at home, with my father, snuggled up in my warm bed. And wished that we could be saved.
Heat pulsated through my body. Whether that was because of my fever running high or because it was so hot, I knew not. All I knew was that we were about to be crushed; and yet, even though I felt the horse stumble (a Pinchmen seemed to have caught its hoof with a loud snarl) and continue its pace, albeit with a bumpy limp, a quick feeling of peace encompassed me. A bright, silver light flashed all around us, giving me the assurance that all would be well. And as quick as we had been falling to the ground, I popped my eyes open to reveal a wooden bedroom.
Small in stature, though beautifully carved, the small bedroom (for I woke up to find myself on a bed, the only furniture in the bedroom) smelled of pine and dirt. The air seemed to have a damp feeling to it, and I shivered in response to the unfamiliar feeling.
"What is this place?" I thought aloud. I had never seen something so small, yet full of simple beauty. I moved to sit on the edge of my bed, taking note of the softness of the sheets laid on top of me. They seemed to be so thin, yet the warmth they held was of great value. As if heat were trapped underneath.
Taking a closer look at myself, I saw my wardrobe and noticed that someone had taken it upon themselves to give me a change of clothes. Not that I was complaining. In the short amount of time that I was gone, I managed to dirty up and bloody my shirt and trousers. With that thought, I quickly looked at my slashed arm to see that bandages were covering the injury ever-so nicely. I still felt pain, but the intensity seemed to have lessened.
"Careful with that injury. You almost died because of it. Wouldn't want to re-open that nasty cut if I were you." A small creature had appeared next to the closed door, causing me to jump with fright because of it.
The tiny, thin creature held a white staff that stood taller than it. The voice, obviously female, squeaked with a slight accent when she spoke. She seemed to be no taller then my foot, and yet, even with a squeaky voice, it was easy to tell she held great authority. Though her attire spoke volumes for her position. A white cloak covered her shoulders, barely concealing the long, opal dress that shimmered all the way down to her feet. One small sleeve covered her right shoulder, curving around underneath her left. It was lined with what looked like diamonds.
She had large ears, in the shape of a foxes ears, that seemed to flop ever so slightly. Her eyes were big and round, full of light and life, a nose that seemed to jut upward toward the sky and fingers that seemed rather large in comparison to her body. Her skin was a pale brown color, matching that of the wood in the bedroom.
"What are you?" I asked, as politely as I could. I meant no disrespect. I was simply in awe. The creature gave a soft giggle.
"I am what you humans call a 'Gnome'."
"A Gnome?" She nodded her head enthusiastically,
"Yes. My name is Rika. It is an honor to have you here." Rika gave a small nod to her head. I felt my face redden. An honor to have me hear? If anything, I was bad luck. "We have been waiting for your arrival," she said.
"What?" I reared back a little, "what do you mean?"
"We have known that you would be coming for quite some time now." A smile graced her lips.
"Why would you be waiting for me?"
"You really don't know?" She asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"All I know, is that you saved my life." I announced, gratefully. Rika pondered this information, studying me closely.
"My people will be very glad to see you. Come. We must get you something to eat." She turned on her heel and opened the door. I stood up to follow, grateful that my five foot seven height didn't quite touch the ceiling. Though I did need to duck just enough to be able to pass through the intricately detailed door.
We stepped into a long hallway, heading right. The hallway seemed to be the same height as the bedroom, and just as intricately detailed. Though occasionally, the hallway would have symbols embedded into the wall. The hallway curved around a bend, leading towards two doors opening away from each other. They reached from the ground to the ceiling. Curiously, they held no door handles.
Rika walked up to the doors, her large, bare feet pattering against the wooden floor, then stuck her free hand against the middle. A small light emitted from beneath her palm, and suddenly, the doors opened outward, bringing into vision a large, oval shaped room. The ceiling was larger than the previous rooms combined and a large light shined from a chandelier hanging from the very center of the room.
I walked in behind Rika, my eyes wide with wonder. This place, so simple, was so beautiful. Not only was there wood the color of dirt, a round table shimmered a deep mahogany. There were at least a dozen more Gnomes wandering around the room, as if dusting the place for company. The walls glimmered like they had crystals patted into their roots and yet, I couldn't help but think that it was a simple illusion caused by the brilliant light in the center of the ceiling.
Rika watched me as I entered, her lithe form posed gracefully. Before any word could be said to me, the first thing that I asked was,
"Where am I?"
"You have entered the Realm of the Gnomes." She responded, matter of factly.
"How did I get here?" I finally found the words to ask Rika about my presence in this magical place.
"You called for us," I glanced at her sharply.
"What do you mean?" Rika smiled, patiently.
"When you were about to be attacked by the Pinchmen, you sought help, did you not?"
"Yes," I answered slowly, "But how could you have known that I needed help so desperately?"
"You called for us." She repeated.
"But, how did I call for you?" I asked once more, feeling slightly frustrated. Rika simply continued to smile at me, taking a moment to give me an answer.
"That will come in due time. Come, you've been asleep for three days. It is time you had some food and drink put in your belly." She gracefully walked towards the table, where some of the present Gnomes were placing food. Walking towards one of the Gnomes (who was dressed similarly to Rika) she placed free hand on the other Gnomes shoulder.
"This is my daughter, Satoko. She will be here to aide you while you recover from your ailment." She then walked towards the table and sat at a chair that seemed to be the most embellished. I stood where I was for a few moments, still in shock at how long I had been sleeping. Satoko gestured for me to follow her towards the table and I obeyed, feeling like a million things were running through my mind.
As I sat at the table, with all the warm food wafting towards my senses, I discovered that Rika was right. I was very hungry and I could hardly wait to fill my stomach from its emptiness. I did my best not to scarf down the savory dishes, quite aware of the audience I had for company, and mid-meal I could hardly contain my questions from coming out. Though they were fairly simple at first.
"How long was I asleep?"
"You have been resting for nearly four days," Satoko responded in a lower, squeaky voice then her mothers'. A coughing fit wracked my body for a moment.
"Four days!
"Nearly, yes."
"What about my horse? Where is he?"
"We've been keeping up well nourished. He is stationed in a room close by. A place well suited to his needs." Satoko gave a small smile.
I contemplated this small information, relieved to know that the horse was in good hands; and soon enough, my stomach was filled to the brim.
I sat at my spot on the round table, leg shaking, waiting to ask my questions, anxiously watching the Gnomes walk smoothly around the room. As I watched the dozen or so Gnomes walk in and out of a door just to my left, a small door opened, revealing Rika who walked towards me with a well worn, leather-bound book. The leather was a dark green color, with gold colors having faded long ago with mostly an imprint of the title able to be seen.
When she reach the round table (book thudding as it was placed down) Rika stared at me with her large eyes.
"What is it that you wish to know?"
"Well," I said, surprised, "how did you know that I needed help so desperately?"
"You called us." She responded simply.
"Right. I don't understand what you mean by that."
A small smile perked Rika's lips, "You used magic." It was almost as if she was tickled at the thought that I had no knowledge about this (seemingly to her) basic topic.
"Magic? But that's impossible, isn't it? There's no such thing as magic."
"Then how do you suppose we knew about your predicament?"
"You heard me yelling?" I asked, hopefully. It wasn't that I loathed magic, but the idea seemed so ridiculous that I couldn't wrap my mind around the thought. But Rika simply shook her head, all-knowing.
"Dear girl, you have an ancient magic held within your veins. A magic that I haven't seen for hundreds of years. You remember the silver light?"
"The silver light?" I asked, eyebrows bunched,
"Yes. It's because of that silver light that we were able to reach you in time. If it had not been for that, I fear we would not have made it in time to come to your aid."
I pondered her statement, vaguely remember almost being run down by the Pinchmen, as well as the fear pulsating between us both. Another thought came to mind of a few days ago when they had received the news about Michael missing and how one of the men on the Hippogriff were carrying the book 'Origins of Magic'.
"Alright. I believe you. About there being such a thing as magic, that is." I announced, watching Rika's reaction. She smiled at me with her large eyes, as if knowing I would consent. "So, I called you during my time of need. You mean to tell me that that silver light was like a portal?"
"Of sorts," Satoko spoke up from across the table. All ears in the room were listening intently to my conversation with Rika. "You see, because you have magic within you, and because you were in such a desperate time of need, and because you had the most pure intent within your heart, your magic responded in a way that was able to help push you forward and faster to us.
"Though, to you, it would seem like the blink of an eye. You simply traveled at a faster pace while the force of your power knocked over a large tree and crushed those vile creatures. That poor tree. It fought well for you." Satoko's eyes, full of life and light like her mother's, were staring straight at me. I couldn't deny the powerful feeling that welled within me as she spoke, not noticing for a moment that my entire body was glowing with a sliver light that seemed to outline my entire body.
All the Gnomes in the room were grinning proudly, as if my coming to terms with my power was something to be celebrated.
"What I don't get," I continued, "is how you could have known about me in the first place. That would mean that you wield magic yourselves."
"That is correct," Rika said, "we do wield magic. Though it is not as powerful as what is hidden within you, we have the ability to see what is to come."
"You're seers?"
"We are," Satoko said matter-of-factly, "and it's because of this gift that we knew you were coming and would need our help. But it is you who helped us figure out the 'when' once you called out to us."
"So, do you know everything that's going to happen in the future?"
"The future is not set in stone," Rika answered, "but we can see events that could come to pass depending on every creatures choices. Particularly those with magical abilities."
A multitude of Gnomes had come to stand around Rika, Satoko, and I, their little bodies beginning to glow slightly. Rika reached out to touch my hand. "For instance, as I am reading your future right now, I can see that if you keep going down this path that you are headed, you will have many hard obstacles that will seem nigh impossible to overcome. And you will be hurt many times," she paused, her eyes looking at nothing yet seeing everything, her mouth hung open slightly, while the Gnomes around them were glowing just a little brighter.
"I see that if you keep on this path, you will learn many great things about yourself. I sense the purity of your heart. Oh! What gloriousness you have within you!" Rika pulled back, taking in a small gasp as she did so, and the surrounding Gnomes began to dissipate their glow.
"You are a great human being, Sariah. I am honored to be in your presence." She bowed her head. And the rest of the Gnomes (including Satoko) did the same.
I couldn't help but shake my head in embarrassment, hands waving slightly.
"No, no. There's no reason to bow to me. I'm only on a quest to save my brother."
"Ah, but we do not bow to who you are now. We bow to who you will become."
A little unraveled, and a tad spooked, I stood up. From this height, Rika and her kin looked so small; yet, I could sense their power even from where I stood. Then, upon remembering something strange that had happened a few days prior to when I left my home, I spoke my ponderings, knowing they would not be mocked.
"I, uh, had a question that I think you might be able to answer."
"Alright," Rika said, unabashed an my affront. I then began my tale, albeit a little hesitant.
"Well, a few days prior to the mess with the Pinchmen I came across some men who worked for the Royals. Unusually, they carried with them a book. It was entitled "Origins Of Magic". Obviously it must contain everything that magic is about, right?" To this, Rika and Satoko nodded, "I was wondering if it was possible for me to learn more about what is in that book." I stood rigid, waiting anxiously for their reply.
Rika held her staff straight, pondering my question. I almost expected them to say no for the amount of time it took her to answer, but soon, she looked me directly in the eyes, her shining brilliantly.
"We have heard what you ask, and we accept the invitation to teach you about magic. We cannot, however, directly tell you its origins, for that is up to you to find out for yourself."
"Where do I go to find that out? Is there more than one book of 'Origins Of Magic'? If so, where can I get it?"
"The one and only book that contains the deepest secrets of magic are held within that book that you saw on one of the kings men. That book stays at the royal house. If you desire to know for yourself what it is that makes magic work, you must go there."
"A trip to the castle?"
"It is not too far from your main destination," Satoko offered.
"Is it not?" I pondered this information, "Then I should stop there as part of my adventure," I announced more to myself, thrilled to know that it was possible to understand magic.
"Come," Rika turned to face the circular wall. And then proceeded to walk towards what looked like a crack in the wall, "we will take you to our library. For there you will be able to learn more about what magic can do for you."
"But I thought-" I stopped mid-sentence as I watched Satoko opened up the wall. Only to realize there was a door there, and that the only way she opened it was through using magic of her own.
I felt like a giant amongst this small group of Gnomes as we walked through the intricate hallway. And before I knew it, we were curving around a bend (the torches lit against the walls illuminating the darkness of the underground), stopping next to a wooden frame (though no picture inhabited it).
With a small movement with her fingers, Rika soon blew on her open palm and we watched as the inside of the wooden frame slowed creaked open, as if it was opening into a hollow tree branch.
As we stepped in, my mouth nearly fell to the floor. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! We must have been further underneath the ground than I had ever imagined because the room was large. Incredibly so. And like the dining area, also round and yet, the bookshelves lined against the walls seemed to curve with them, as if made out of the wall itself, beginning from on side of the door all the way to the other. And yet, the dome like area was only half filled with books. Above the bookshelves, the ceiling seemed to created a sense of an open area. Being able to do whatever you want without worry of consequences.
The Gnomes and their elegant essences walked into the library, turning to look at me (just standing in shock in the doorway).
"This room is incredible!" I finally announced, "I mean... look at the ceiling! There is so much detail woven into that ceiling." Rika turn to look where I had pointed my finger, smiling happily.
"Yes, we've lived here for centuries. Those writings and details you see above tell stories of the past."
"They do? What language are they written in? What stories do they tell?" As I looked up, I could see now, how it could be turned into a story. It seemed appropriate for a library to have the ceiling tell a story as well.
"It's written in Gnomadian, as you humans would know it. They tell stories of happier times above the ground. And they also tell of simple heroes."
"Simple heroes?"
"Yes."
"What exactly is a simple hero?" This time it was Satoko who answered.
"That is something that you will need to find out for yourself." she smiled, bowed, then walked out of the library; along with all the attending Gnomes, apart from Rika.