Untittled Ch. 1 The Gypsy

Ch. 1 The Gypsy

The wind whipped at her clothes, she soared parallel with the clouds and the tops of snow peaked mountains. Atop an emerald blur, she was carried across a great distance. The blissful ride ruined, fire had begun to pour down from the sky like rain. The emerald blur sank low to the ground, landing amongst many dark figures some winged and other resembling men. All were armed heavily for war. Commands by billowing voices echoed through the frigid air.
There was a silent fear masked with false courage shining in each persons face. The falling fire had reached a flank of soldiers still suiting up. She watched in terror as every other one fell to the ground a burning corpse. The ones that survived showed no remorse nor shed a tear for their fallen brethren and kept suiting up, falling into place with blank expressions.
On the far horizon she could just make out the specks of more deadly flaming arrows being prepared. They appeared as tiny candles of light on the far plateau. She saw the foreign enemy archers take aim. “Take cover! Quickly! Get under you shields or something! Hello? Can’t you see?? You’re under siege!!” She screamed frantically trying to save them from the fiery attack. Her frantic cries of warning were lost to the chaos. No one took shelter; no one appeared to have heard her.
Aila, she heard her name buzz in her ear. Aila, her dark brow hair gently blew across her fair skinned face as she looked quizzically around for the owner of the wispy voice. Aila!, the voice more persistent. Aila swung her legs to where she could slide off of the tall animal she had been straddling. The ground was only a mere six feet below her perch. Sliding down the scaly side of the creature she felt the rush of falling through space and time. Tossing back and forth as the vague scene around her slipped away she found herself falling through a black abyss. The last vision in her eyes was flaming arrows a few feet high of the soldiers’ heads and her own.
“Aila chil’, get up u silly girl; it is nearly dawn!” exclaimed Tatiana.
Her eye lids flashed open revealing her two ghostly blue, orb like eyes. She looked at her aunt dazedly.
“Aye Auntie, I am up” she groaned, sitting up to stretch.
“Hurry, get dressed, if we do not leave now we will not make it in time to the market” Exclaimed Tatiana.
“Oh heavens no, god forbid we be late” she smirked rolling out of the bed. She waltzed over to the small wooden night stand. There she washed her face in the water basin and pulled her untamed mane of long silky hair from her face. Leaning on the basin’s side she examined her reflection. She had a cool, fair complexion, long silky dark brown hair, angled facial features. She hid her narrow elegantly pointed ears underneath her hair and her eyes twinkled like stars reflecting in the river.
She pulled off her night clothes, slipping into a loose fitting plain tunic, green chaps, and leather work boots and made sure the precious leather chain and pendant was secure around her neck and tucked below her tunic. Her loose tunic and form fitting chaps showed her off her petite, strong build. Grabbing her quiver of home made arrows and crudely crafted bow she bounded nimbly down from the loft into the main room and out the small wooden huts door. She saw her aunt Tatiana struggling to hitch the horses to the wagon.
“Have patients Tatiana, at this rate of motion you’ll do two things; one you’ll never get Gilead and Durango into the hitch and secondly you’ll throw out your back.” Shaking her head Aila stared into the face of her aged aunt.
Tatiana was a short old woman, with dark wrinkled skin, and flighty thin hair loosely strung into a bun on top of her head. Her body held itself tall, straight and proud. Every wrinkle in her face held a tale from her life, she treasured each little one. Her face was set off by dark eyes that shown with the wisdoms that come with age.
“Chil’ listen here I may be old but that don’t slow me down none; I can hitch these horses just as well as you can; now run on into the barn and saddle up Tankio” stubbornly replied Tatiana with both hands on her hips, head bobbing left to right.
Rolling her eyes and shaking her head Aila took long strides into the barn. She lifted the saddle and makeshift bridal and reins off of its place on the shelf and carried it over to Tankio. Tankio, a beautiful grey stallion with a snow white main and tail, fifteen and two hands tall stepped a large hoof over to the edge of his stable compartment and waited patiently for Aila to come see him.
“Hey boy” Aila cooed in Tankio’s ear stroking his long face and sturdy neck. She laid the saddle across Tankio’s bear back then settled the bridle and reins over his strong head. Aila stood stroking Tankio’s neck examining him, making sure he was suited correctly for travel. She mounted Tankio and rode him out of the barn. She smiled as she saw her aunt sitting in the wagon impatiently tapping her foot.
“Well, we ain’t got all day now chil’ let’s get a move on” with a snap of the reigns the wagon pulled away with Aila and Tankio in tow.
They were a few miles from the village of Sglavi or any other civilization for that matter. The villages were more sufficient when it came to matters safety yet the concealed forests and towering mountains Aila longed for when she was dragged away from them. Aila enjoyed the short stays in Sglavi her and her aunt took every summer. Sadly, Aila had been dreading this specific trip, as it is custom for every seventeen year old girl to attend the Sglavi meeting halls annual ball. Even the thought of this up coming ball repulsed her.
The ball signified the availability of the seventeen year old girls in Sglavi. Marriages were arranged, dowries were discussed and dates were set. Aila hated the thought of it. She thought marriage wasn’t to be rushed. Men and marriage, ugh repulsive might as well be the “sign your daughter up for slavery ball” if you ask me, she thought. She had liked guys from time to time but they usually ended up going away or mysteriously disappearing in the Hgatherin forest. She felt little compassion, other than friendship, for few men. Although she was eligible for marriage, she was known as a strong hunter, and tom-boy. She figured since guys were easily intimidated by here she wouldn’t be picked and could go on with her life.
The path way to Sglavi was a long one. Putting thoughts of that evenings events in the back of her mind her thoughts began to wonder back to the little bit she remembered of the dream she had that night. She remembered the horrific site of the burning corpses, the chaotic scrambling and the second round of flaming arrows ready to impale others and her in the head. Where was I? Why was there a war? Why couldn’t I be heard? What was I riding and/or flying on? Her head was filled with jumbling questions from the dream as she rode Tankio beside her aunt’s wagon in silence.
“Why so quiet dear? We have traveled at least two miles and you have not said a word, tell me what is troubling you?” her aunt asked with a pondering face eyes peering into the horizon.
“Nothing Aunt Tatiana, all is well and as it should be.” She replied smoothly. Telling her aunt of the dream was pointless; Tatiana thought dreams as nothing more than crazy adventures a young curious mind has while the body sleeps.
“I know what is on you mind honey, don’t worry you’re a beautiful girl; any family that doesn’t pick you as a daughter-in-law is crazy” Tatiana said.
“Thanks auntie” replied Aila. Hopefully I won’t be picked she thought to herself.
Half a mile further down the road Aila spied the smoke rising from the chimneys of the various homes and shops of Sglavi. She smiled, even though they were still another mile or so away she knew her best friend Meslinda was waiting in the tavern for her. Early that week she sent word by their hawk, Turnquin; to Meslinda to meet her in the tavern the evening of her arrival. She was eager to see Meslinda again, it had been many moons since they last had time to meet. Mostly they sent word back and forth by Turnquin, other than that it was silence between the two and occasional visits when there was extra time. They reached the gates to Sglavi at near dusk.
“Now you don’t get into any trouble now, I’ll be sellin’ the furs and goods from the farm. Meet me back here or if it’s too late, at the inn when you’re finished with whatever it is that you do while we’re here” she said handing Aila her sack of coins at the bakery. Upon receiving the coins she wished her aunt a far well and headed for the tavern.
She mingled at some shops before going to the tavern. She decided to make a quick stop at the blacksmith shop. She went into the blacksmith shop, but saw no one in site. She turned to leave when suddenly a course voice addressed her.
“Well, well, well I see the mighty huntress has decided to grace this shop with her presence” mockingly smirked the voice.
“Still an apprentice I see, Deleon; it’s funny you’ve been an apprentice since you were nearly seven” she smirked back.
“Alright you come ‘ere” he said gesturing a friendly hug with arms outspread.
Aila smiled, went and hugged Deleon and stood back examining some arrow tips that he brought from the back for her to look at. Deleon was a year older than Aila. At eighteen he was tall with tanned soot covered skin; he stood roughly five foot ten with strong sturdy arms. He carried at his side a large knife and hammer; he wore a leather apron so to keep him from being burned by rouge shards of metal while he worked. Aila and Deleon had been close friends since they had first met in the blacksmith shop eleven years ago.
“So you going to the ball girly?” he asked bringing back a box containing more arrow tips.
“Sadly, yes” she replied sighing looking dishearteningly down at the arrows in the box. Deleon looked at her with question.
“Sadly? I thought that’s what every girl dreamed of, why is it that you are not sharing this same dream with them?” he asked.
“I don’t want to be married this way, it just seems so ugh. I don’t care at all to married right now. Aunt Tatiana is just glowing that tomorrow I’ll probably get to be married off to someone” she said rolling her eyes.
“Oh, is that all? Well, what do you have to worry about then? You’re very intimidating and scary to use big strong men who stand next to you and are cowering in your shadow. A guy would be crazy if he and his family picked you” Deleon replied jokingly.
“Ha, ha very funny mean thing, gee thanks” She replied smiling a little, yet still dreading in the back of her mind the ball.
“Always glad to help” he said smiling, rubbing her shoulder he added; “hey don’t sweat it; if you go and don’t get picked then you don’t have to go again. Just go try to just be yourself. Your beauty is unmatched but your reputation pricks like a thorn”
He continued, “I’ve heard talk when I’ve been in the tavern; most of the guys want a damsel in distress not a mighty hunter. So just stop thinking about it” taking her chin in his textured hands.
“Oh alright I guess” Aila replied looking into Deleon’s flashing brown eyes.
He released her chin and said, “Weren’t you and Meslinda suppose to meet in the tavern as soon as you arrived?”
“Yeah, but I had to see the most unwanted bachelor and longest apprentice without promotion in history first.” She joked smiling.
“Hey now, go on, git outta here” He said playfully kicking at the air.
“Hold those arrow tips for me would ya?” She commanded rather than asked as she headed toward the door.
“Alright, alright then miss bossy” he said taking the box to the back.
Aila flashed him a smile before walking through the door. The tavern wasn’t far off and she scolded herself for wasting so much time while striding down the dirt road. The tavern set a building from the center of town in between the tailor and the apothecary’s home. She strode in the swinging doors and smiled to see Meslinda settling down at a small wooden table in the corner of the room. Instantly, once Meslinda had scanned the crowd, she spotted Aila just barely in the door way. She flung her hand in the air and waved it just to make sure she had gotten Aila’s attention.
Aila made her way through the steadily crowded tavern over to her best friend; Meslinda laid her hand down on the table. They each smiled warmly at each other. They were the closest thing to sisters each other had. Although there was no blood bond between them they were closer than blood, they seemed to complete each other in a way no one could fully understand.
“My evil half how is the dark side these days?” asked Meslinda smiling broadly.
“Eh about the same as the light side, full of work to do” Aila said beaming.
Meslinda and Aila sat and chatted about usual daily happenings. Meslinda sat across from Aila. She was of average height small, deceivingly weak looking build, she had fleshy peach skin, and light short brown hair which she kept tied back messily. She wore a long, brown, simple sack dress tied at the waist with a leather rope belt. She wore plain cowhide slippers and a long shell beaded necklace Aila had gotten during a fur trade and given to her.
“So did you see Deleon yet?” Meslinda asked.
“Yes, I saw him on the way in. He’s still not married I see” she commented.
“Well that’s just the way of things” Meslinda shrugged and took a sip from her cup.
“At least me and you will be able to go the ball and suffer through it together and Aunt Tatiana says since I worked my hardest all fall and winter we can go through with our plans of me staying with you for the most of the summer” Aila said with a smile thinking at least she wouldn’t be there all alone and her and Meslinda could finally spend time together. At that Melinda’s eyes redirected themselves to a spot the table and looked uncomfortable. Concerned Aila was afraid to ask but went on and did, “What is it?”
“I can’t go to the ball” she replied with a small voice and continued with her eyes down. Aila didn’t understand so Meslinda continued trying to make it clear without saying it herself, “It’s only for eligible seventeen year old girls”
“But you’re -” Aila started to protest as the truth had dawned on her.
Meslinda was to be married.
“How could you not have told me about this before?” Aila questioned almost demanding like.
Distress slammed her in the chest while she sat in silent shock as Meslinda told the story. Durkin, a rich merchant from a port city called Ocaen, had traveled to Sglavi on business a month ago. He was looking for a wife and hoping to expand his business inland. When he saw her in the market, selling the assorted kitchenware’s her mother and she had made, he knew that’s who he wanted as a wife. He spent the next week wooing her and impressing her parents, lavishing them with gifts. She went on to tell the rest, Aila sat listening barely able to breath.
“-and it has been arranged that I am to go with Durkin to Ocaen tomorrow shortly after dawn.” She finished, her eyes searched for approval from Aila but found none. Aila’s best friend was leaving her and there was nothing she could do to about it.
“Oh, and there will be no wedding; Durkin’s fathers decision” she said solemnly.
The conversation stopped dead in its tracks, the two girls were clams tightly sealed. My best friend is getting married and I can be there to see, Aila thought feeling the tears well behind her eyes.
Selfish, that’s what you’re being right now; be supportive she’s your friend be happy for her! She ranted to herself in her head. Aila chocked out a small, “Congratulations” and faint hearted smile.
“Thanks” Meslinda replied, still speaking in a small voice.
The tavern folk were filing out, a table or more exiting at a time but it was still comfortably filled. Meslinda and Aila veered the conversation to other subjects, less saddening ones. They talked about local gossip, apparently four girls, two of fifteen and the other two of sixteen, had disappeared from Sglavi during the full moon. There were search parties sent but not a trace of the missing girls was found. Soon, a servant man entered the tavern looking for Meslinda to deliver a message to her. Durkin had requested a meeting with her and no parents as soon as possible. Once the servant had delivered his message he turned and tromped out. Meslinda turned to Aila as she rose from her chair.
“I’ll write always, I promise; maybe you can be a guest in our house when you have time. Don’t worry nothing has changed between us. I’ll come see you tomorrow while I’m still in town.” she finished.
“Ok, can’t wait to hear from you; maybe we can go do something before you’re ….. gone” Aila answered. She felt tears swelling in the back of her eyes but no sign of it shown through them. Aila and Meslinda embraced in a hug, and Meslinda hurriedly tip toed to the door leaving Aila alone, a ghost amongst strangers. Aila, disheartened, topped off the last of her drink and solemnly walked out the door of the tavern.
It was late dusk and she figured her aunt was already at the tavern waiting for her. She headed down the dirt road dragging her feet on the ground like a child. Trying to keep her thoughts at bay, she would see and focus on small insignificant things just to focus on something else. Almost to the tavern she felt long skeletal fingers grab her wrist.
Aila’s body turned, free hand snatching her knife, ready to defend herself. A shriveled, bent backed, elderly gypsy woman stared at her with wide black eyes. Aila stared back at her; her face crinkled radiating her confusion. The old woman’s grip was strong, and trembling. She wheezed out a small statement that Aila could not hear or understand.
“What?” she questioned.
“What is your name” the gypsy asked eyes still wide.
“Aila, what do you want with me?” Aila answered.
“You are the old one!” she gasped covering her free hand over her mouth once it gaped open in shock.
“The old one? I am sorry but you must have mistaken me for someone else I am only seventeen.” She said trying to pull away but the gypsy’s grip stayed strong.
“Your aura glows ancient, and p—powerful” the gypsy stuttered releasing Aila, who took a few steps away.
The gypsy dropped to her knees and began praising Aila at her feet. The gypsy’s strange behavior had begun to draw wondering eyes. Aila felt each pair burn into her figure. The pressured burning of the eyes was unbearable, Aila fled as fast as her feet could carry her, to the inn.
Stumbling through the door of the inn Aila scanned the main lobby for her aunt. No sign of her. She talked with the clerk, he handed the spare key to her for the room. It was a silent walk through a narrow hallway of doors all except the light echoing taps of her foot steps on the oak floor. She reached the room, unlocked the door and went in. She still showed signs of her shakiness from her run in with the gypsy in her face. When her aunt asked her what was the problem she told her everything leaving the gypsy episode to herself.
“Well it’s not like she’s dead, you can always go visit and she can come visit as well” Tatiana said when Aila finished.
“Yes auntie, you do speak reason on this.” She said with her head sunk low in her hands while she stat on the bed resting her elbows on her knees.
“Don’t worry child, no one is taking your best friend and no one is changing the bond between ya’ll. All will be fine in due time. Now you must sleep for tomorrow is the big day” Auntie finished off glowing.
“Yes Auntie, good night” she said flipping over onto the poorly cushioned mattress.
Aila’s brain swam with unanswered questions. Worries clouded her thoughts as she struggled to rest her body. A picture formed in her mind with a smudged haze around it, a dream. Aila tried to be rid of the dream but it refused to be pushed from her mind.
A vague figure of a woman appeared to be smiling and happy. The blood slowly drained from her face as it turned into a face slimed with terror. The woman slowly backed away then began to run into the forest with the swiftness of a gazelle. The woman stopped and scanned the dark surrounding forest for the unknown enemy. She slowly backed up cautiously to a large birch tree. A gasp escaped the woman’s lips as she was jerked behind the tree. There was struggle and faint muffled sound of slurping. The scene in Aila’s dream went black then went to a full body shot of the woman lying dead in a pool of lost blood on the damp ground. Aila screamed aloud in horror. She was staring into the cold dead eyes of Meslinda