章節 17: Waisted days and waisted nights
"Before Aerion departed he told me that the worst thing one can lose is not one's self but the ones they love for the sake of duty".
I still do not understand why he told me this, yet the look on his mothers face said it all. The fear, the worry, and the sorrow all wrapped up in one as she cired, it made me feel as though this could happen to anyone, my sister included. She always sacrificed herself for duty not honor or wealth but for us, she never showed malice or sadness so how could she possibly lose herself. Her goal has always been to end the empire of ghis. Vhaera said it herself among other things. She believes that by doing this the Gods would show them new favor in avenging their dead and reclaiming they're home.
Aerion is no younger than him, yet the boy speaks with such wisdom sometimes it makes him feel inferior. Should he not be like his sister a leader who must be a step ahead of everyone? The thought leaves his mind as he is reminded himself that he should remain a child for his sisters' sake. She constantly reminds him of it and asks that he grows up in a timely manner. Her obsession with time puzzles him.
And for that, he does not wish for them to return home because it's been the happiest, she's been. Back home she was always angry, scared, and bitter, even a little lonely. I wouldn't mind staying in the shadow lands if it meant she could be happy. I've already gotten used to the lack of food, clothing and water, so seeing her smile makes up for all of it, but sadly I can't say the same about the others.
To make matters worse Redworm arrival in the inn has made everyone feel more anxious. With him so close it has been easier to train but the adults only speak in the old tongue now and we're expected to do the same. My sister has become more cautious around the strangers who visit the inn, that's why she demanded I bring along my pet with me to the sanctuary today, for protection it's the only way we are allowed to go outside unchaperoned.
I went with the others to retrieve an old story I found last time while the others try to find some of the older texts. I walked through the halls examining all the different parchments and maps surrounding the tables. If you wanted to sit down, you would have to move something. The tables were old and shaky and if you dare sit on the books they would fall apart. The hall is very spacious and extends to the furthest end one could walk. It's big enough to hold a thousand people, so it's perfect for hiding and telling secrets especially in the night.
One time one of the kids hid under the old books as we played hide and seek till daybreak. I laughed to myself quietly as I remembered the memory, our parents panicked and banned us from playing the game for weeks, and with all that is happening we are finally able to go where we want, not truly but we like to believe it so.
Our next adventure consists of who can make it to the doors fast enough. We raced down the corridors, clutching to the already old books, as we stepped outside. Our senses were a blazed the dusty air engulfed our already burning lungs. Breathing was difficult after a while, but we kept going.
"You cannot win".
"Says the girl who is behind me".
Daemond pet slithered down the stone paths without difficulty as the children bickered. He was behind them as always preserving his strength for the last strike.
"I did it. I won and none of you can deny it".
"Technically Daemond pet won this one but whatever floats your boat cheater".
"You're just a sore loser".
"Enough children", the elder woman said. I could hear you from across the street. Come inside we have much to do".
The children placed the books on the table as instructed as they helped the elder woman up the steps. "I will ask her of your intentions until then keep out of trouble Daemond". The boy looked abashed but tried to remain calm. The others teased him. "He was such a mama's boy", they said. With that the elder woman made them apologize it was such an insensitive act.
Valeanna took hold of the elder woman she was out of breath by the time the children decided to leave them to their engagements.
"Let's go to the port, I heard they will be giving away the fish they caught yesterday".
The children nodded to each other excitedly. Valeanna entered the room as she made sure the elder woman was seated near the door. She then returned to Vhaera. She had a few more braids to plat. Vhaera sat in the chair her posture relaxed and shoulders forward as she discussed their latest issues.
She nodded to the elder woman at the door before she begun to speak again. "It has already been a few days. Where are we on the items I requested?"
"The elder woman Claire and her sister Teresa spoke on the matter. "We have found an eligible blacksmith. His price is reasonable, and he claims that our steel and chainmail will take him about a year to finish".
"I suppose his search for the sturdiest of metal was what we paid for. When the chainmail is done let the children wear it during training, I want them to grow accustomed to its weight as quickly as possible".
Vhaera demands would be headed. "And, what of Cattle?" She asked.
"Our latest report have told us he was meeting with a fire mage near the market square this evening".
"Hmm".
"Valeanna", she called.
"Issa, what is it that you reacquire?"
"I'm splitting our barracks to different divisions. Ten people from each of our forty families will learn the secrets they keep. And in doing so we will figure out Cattle's plan. I will continue the practice of blood bending. While you will learn the ways of a shape-changer".
"They are able to use glamour magic to make another see the opposite of what is there. Their population consists of spell-singers, Ae-romancers, black alchemists, warlocks, God wives, nightwalkers, pyromancers, moon singers, inquisitors, torturers, poisoners, wizards, and necromancers".
"Each division has their own religion some consist of: Red God R'hllor, black goat, pale child bakkalon, and lion of night. My only hope is that they are not converted to false Gods. We have been here for so long it is time we break customs and buy suitable clothing for the children. We are still in mourning for our dead that still lay unburied and dead. So let us wear black in accommodation for the land we live in". Valeanna nodded.
She understood the need to use glamour magic. If she was not herself, it would be easier to infiltrate under disguise. Easier for Cattle to trust. And maybe the others would be able to contribute to the cause in some other way she has yet to understand.
She removed herself from Vhaera company, her hair was splendid and shined like the sky. Her plats laid behind her back almost reaching her lower half.
"I will inform the others of your instructions".
"Do they still find my leadership unwise?" I know what they think. I am too young, too small to command their trust. They do not like Alys visions and blame me for my indecisive thoughts".
"Give them time". "We still have many more years before we can discuss such things. They are only worried for their children. A child so young will be met with unease but you are doing a grander job than they. If it were not so then we should be worried. You may not be wiser, but you are braver. And that is what we need".
"In the end we will all have to live with our choices so will they". The elders agreed to Elder Claire advice.
"And, what of my brother?".
"He has given me a message. He would like for you to read him a bedtime story. He claims it is about the dragons".
"Very well. I shall do as you say. You're the only ones who truly know the weight on my shoulders".
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