Often great deeds occur after the sun has fallen below the horizon; lives and nations saved, or destroyed, in the secret of the night. The sense of stealth and wonder encompass the hearts of those who choose to be night wanderers.
And there are places where those gather when they want to be in the company of others of their ilk.
These young people, wishing to face adventures in their lives, will caress the feel of the night to gather their hearts in a sudden rush of surprise and emotion.
They can fulfill promises of what they are to be when they wander into and out of the dark and have only superficial wounds to show for the exposure -- and thus they become more than they were.
That is how some become more than others.
Our story here will show how our young adventuring students are progressing in their journey.
They have not yet entered their night; they are only just beginning . . .
"Pet'r, do we have something to eat besides that rotten cheese we begged for in Pull'r," Geth'n asked, his face wrinkling with disgust at the thought of eating any more garbage.
"No. In fact, we’re almost out of water," Pet'r answered. He smiled looking at his friend's face screwed into such a shape. "I think though we should be arriving in Varspree by this evening. I'm sure we can get good food, drink and a bed. I believe we need them after this journey. We know, at least, we need some water."
"We'll find something along the way. Certainly in those hills ahead there should be a cottage where we might get more supplies," Geth'n responded.
He was in great spirits; it was a long while since he felt so good. Pet'r, concerned about his friend in those last days before they left Larilla, noticed the change and thought Geth’n’s new attitude much better.
"Actually, I think Varspree is just beyond that rise. We should be there within the hour or so," Pet'r insisted.
They had walked quietly for most of the day, each lost in his thoughts. Though not speaking about it, they both were experiencing a certain agitation and their dreams were adventurous. They couldn't imagine how such dreams were coming to them -- some were violent, some were pleasant, some dressed in grandeur, and others shocking.
Geth'n had another voice speak to him in a dream. This time he told Pet'r what the voice said. The messages amazed them both.
"There is much to be done. You must get to Varspree as quickly as possible. There you must find a young girl with flaming hair who will be of greater help to you than you will soon discover. You must find this girl and make her your friend; it is vital."
Pet'r did ask, “Flaming hair? What does that mean?
Geth'n shrugged his shoulders, “It's a dream. How should I know what it means?”
So they entered the city puzzled about what was to come.
Varspree wasn't very impressive, low rolling hills and a low valley with a broad street running through the center. It wasn't a city really but more like a large town.
The streets that extended outward from the center of the main street were all a pleasantly shady even in the daylight because of the overhanging roofs that seemed fashionable here. The town's claim to fame were the great cattle pens and slaughterhouses, spreading out to the west in long lines of fence rows. The moaning of cattle in the heat of the day, and the accompanying odors that hung in the air were particularly odorous.
Pet'r looked over the town and into the distance.
"It doesn't seem much like Larilla, so much larger, but at least there is a road here leading to where we want to go," he sighed, "and there isn't much here to make anyone want to linger."
“The only question we have about whether or not we linger very long has more to do with finding this girl than how far we go in the next few hours. I gather from the dreams and voices we both have experienced we should start our search quickly," Geth'n added.
"Sure," Pet'r added, "and whatever happened to our real reason for taking this trip?"
"Real reason?" Geth'n asked, "what real reason? I was going to Tariny to the great library to search for answers. Answers about those things that either were troubling me or were making you wonder what was in the northern countries. I believe we have to admit now -- assuming that our dreams are not just indigestion -- the answers are coming to us."
He slapped his friend gently on the back and started down the hill. "Come on, we have to find a place to sleep and there certainly seems to be a lot of fine places here."
"You've got to be kidding. Right?" Pet'r looked at his friend walking away. "This place is a dump -- and stinks to boot. I say we camp out here, look for this strange girl tomorrow, and hit the road early."
" believe we don't have that option," Geth'n yelled over his shoulder, pointing at the skies to the north.
Pet'r looked and saw only a great dust cloud and at its base the faces of the herd being driven directly toward them.
"Great! So we try to find this girl tonight," he shouted down the hill at his retreating friend.
Throwing up his hands, he ran after Geth'n.
"What do we do -- knock at every door?" Pet'r shouted as they ran.
"I believe we will be informed," Geth'n said to himself more than to his friend. "Besides I have more than one problem."
Pet'r caught his friend. "What is your other problem?"
"You, my wild-eyed friend," Geth'n laughed, "and I hope you contain yourself in this innocent place."
They both laughed, trotted along slowly, entering the town with a great deal of curiosity.
Several sets of eyes watched them as they sauntered down the main street. The town was notoriously riotous. The boys were unaware but the local clientele of the many taverns were in town with the cattle drives and felt obliged to allow their playfulness to wander into the wild side -- uninhibited frolicking and violence.
There was also a group there that intended to take advantage of the poor fools who might tarry just a bit too long in one place. The worst and foulest of all these wanderers who entered the town gathered here simply to steal what they wanted, or worse.
Varspree was indeed a frontier town and was for centuries. There was little change in its appearance, manner, and generally offensive atmosphere since its founding.
The town had not grown very large because of the lack of interest. The residents were setting no example for others, so it remained as large as the need required. A business could change hands frequently often because the previous owner lost it gambling, lost it in a fight, or simply died at the hands of the new owner.
There was some competition between the taverns for customers, but there were usually enough taverns to provide a night on the town every night without conflict -- so an uneasy peace held the whole together.
The two young travelers finally noticed what seemed to be one of the cleaner lodging houses, contrasting with its neighbors strangely enough, near the center of the long avenue.
They walked into the lodge and the change from the outside surprised them. Fine elegant woods were used for the door and window frames. The floors were polished and glowed. There was pleasant aroma as they entered. The boys were a bit puzzled how such a place could exist.
At that moment, their questions were answered. From one of the hallways stepped a man, tall and distinguished, a man of money, with a young woman holding his arm. They were laughing as they exited the building, looking only briefly toward the two ragged young men.
The young men, looked at each other knowingly, walked into the room staring about the room as though looking for someone.
One of them noticed Anisah, standing with the mop held out, staring at them, and walked over slowly and asked her a question.
"Excuse me, Miss," Geth'n wandered up to her, "are any rooms available?"
She jumped back, flaming red hair flaring out, her eyes steeling as she raised the mop in front of her, looking as though she would easily swat Geth'n with it.
He extended his arms in front of him, raising his hands in an app
eal.
"Wait, wait! I meant you no harm. We just need a room," he added, pointing casually toward Pet'r who was standing behind Geth'n and grinning at his friend's new embarrassment.
Anisah realizing she was staring like an idiot and he was only asking her question about the lodgings, shook her head a bit
“I'm sorry, sir. I don't handle the arrangements. I mean, I don't handle the lodging rentals," she answered, "Mistress Farlen can help you."
"Well, thank you very much. I'm sorry if I frightened you." he apologized, smiling and nodding his head at her.
At that moment, Mistress Farlen came from the kitchen through a curtained doorway across the room, noticed the young men and walked over to them with a big smile.
"May I help you?" she asked, noting their rough dress but simple manner and seemed to be relieved they weren't ruffians from the street.
"Hopefully," Geth'n said. "We've just arrived after a rather long journey from Larilla and wondered whether you might have lodging here for a few days." He looked at Pet'r with a wrinkled brow, showing his concern, and looked back imploringly at Mistress Farlen.
She talked to them about rooms and rates, drawing them back toward the front of the hotel and the registry desk.
"Hm, maybe. If you don't mind a rather small room -- for the both of you -- I believe that you can stay in the loft. Otherwise I'm afraid we're full."
"We've been sleeping on the ground for the last few weeks, the loft would be a blessing. May we take a bath somewhere?" he asked, only half believing the last was possible.
"Yes, there is a public room on the fourth floor just below you. You can bathe there and possible freshen your clothing a bit,” Mistress Farlen added, looking at their clothes and general appearance with some amusing disdain.
Anisah stood for a moment after they drew away. She look down and realized she was still holding the mop in front of herself, quickly lowered her arms.
Something important just occurred. I don't understand what.
As they left the room, Pet'r looked back at her, wrinkled his brow as though puzzled by something. Then he smiled, nodded his head, turned and followed the others out of the hall.
Somehow these two seemed familiar, though Anisah couldn't remember ever meeting them. There was something about them, something she couldn't explain.
I can finish this in the morning.
She put her mop back into the tub. She walked through the door and out into the hallway, stopping just inside the great lobby, and watched the young men as they made their request for a room.
Mrs. Farlen had completed her little speech and had offered the boys a section of the loft and was about to take them when she saw Anisah standing at the dining hall door.
Pet'r was listening, but he had noticed Anisah lingering and was watching her. She was diligently scrubbing the floor, but seemed to more intent on gazing out the window and daydreaming. He thought she was certainly and curiously interesting, but he couldn't quite place his finger on why.
"Geth'n, we couldn't ask for better. How much?" Pet'r suddenly spoke up.
"Two farspen," Mistress Farlen answered. Turning to look at Pet'r, she smiled and noticed his attention was diverted, "and possibly I could get Anisah to help with your luggage, or show you to your room?"
Pet'r realizing she was speaking to him, reddened with embarrassment.
"I don't think that will be necessary," he blurted out, "we are traveling lightly and will just take care of ourselves. Right, Geth'n?"
"Yes. And thank you, Mistress Farlen," Geth'n answered. "We greatly appreciate what you are doing for us."
He looked at his friend and then turned slightly to glance at the young lady who accosted him earlier.
". . . find the young girl with flaming hair."
Geth'n looked back at Pet'r who too was looking at him, and they nodded to each other without saying a word.
"Come on, Pet'r," Geth'n said, "let's get some rest, we may be very busy tomorrow." He turned and began walking in the direction he thought Mistress Farlen indicated to get to the room, motioning for Pet'r to follow.
"No. Wait, Sirs," a young voice came from the other side of the room, "you need to go through the next door to your left." It was the red haired young woman.
She seemingly felt no embarrassment at her own boldness and certainly no longer appeared to be angry.
"Perhaps I could show you the way?"
"Ah . . ." Geth'n began.
"Yes, please, if you would," Pet'r answered her.
Mistress Farlen raised her eyebrows at Anisah's actions, but decided to let the girl do as she seemed to want.
"Anisah, would you please take these gentlemen to the loft in the east hall?"
She gestured to Anisah to come nearer. She also gave her a stern look indicating surprise Anisah was there at all.
"Yes, ma’am," she said and just stood there for a moment. She was frozen to the spot. But, with a small jerk of her head, she turned and walked toward another exit into the hallway.
She only nodded at the young men and led them down the long corridor, turned to the left, leading them toward the east wing, not looking back to see whether they were following. But, she knew they were.
Finally she turned back to the right, stopped, and pointed at the ladder that disappeared into the ceiling.
“This is your room. The bath area is just down that way and down the stairs," she suggested, again pointing down the hallway extended to their left, "it's four doors down on the left."
She turned, smiling as she did, and walked down the hallway and stopped, looking back.
“I hope you have a restful night.”
"Thank you for your help," Pet'r spoke up, smiling back at her.
Standing there, she gathered the courage to look at their faces and gazed into what she thought had to be the deepest and most haunting eyes she had ever seen. And both looked back at her, their eyes strong but almost gentle, and smiled, thanking her.
She curtsied, turned and walked back down the hall. As she turned into the connecting hallway, she stopped and looked back at them again, thinking she should, needed to, say something. She couldn't and walked away.
"Do you think that's her -- the red-haired girl?" Geth'n asked, watching his friend intently.
"Well, she certainly has that -- and there's something else I can't quite decide about this whole business," Pet'r answered, "why are things happening so rapidly. Why are these answers coming to us so randomly, or is there a pattern here?"
"I think the last is true," his friend answered. "I believe we have been and are being led along some preordained path, but I have no idea why. Come, let's get some sleep and, maybe on the morrow, we can decide what is coming to pass." He turned back to the ladder and climbed into the loft.
Pet'r looked down the hall again, nodded his head in agreement, and followed his friend upward.
Looking around the corner again, Anisah watched the two young men climbing into the loft. She knew it was going to be necessary to learn more about them. There was something that drew her to them as though some hidden need existed to do so.
How could I? What can I say that won't make me seem just another stupid girl, asking stupid questions?
As she turned away, she noticed the taller one still watching her and he smiled again.
What is happening to me? What is this strange feeling?
She walked quickly to the lobby, turned into the dining hall; the mop still sat in the bucket.
How strange, this feeling. Who are these men? She stopped and stood staring at the mop.
She suddenly turned toward the kitchen, went through, and started up the stairs to her room.
"Where are you goin'. Have ya finished . . .?" Mercy started, watching as Anisah walked by her and left the room without responding. "What could be wrong with that girl?" she mumbled, shook her head and went back to work.
Anisah, though only a few moments before was dr
agging herself through all her movements, ran down the hall to her room, her heart beating madly. She jumped on her bed and stared out the window, watching as the moon rose over the plains, the light shining through the window, brightening her room.
The moonlight light washed over her, cleansing her, and she couldn't believe the great joy she felt. She had no idea why she felt this way at this moment, but she believed now she understood what happiness might be. The troubles experienced over the last few months seemed to disappear from her thoughts. She could feel something more important than all she had ever experienced was going to take place and nothing was going to be the same again. Yet, she still could not comprehend why she was having this overpowering sense of well-being.
She wanted desperately to go to Tariny but she was afraid to leave the lodge. If she left the safety of the hotel she was concerned about the awful men outside in the streets causing problems she didn't need and she still worried Sumt'r might find her.
Her trip and eventual position here at the lodge was part of a hard fought battle -- she had few fond memories of that effort.
She lay in bed for a long while and soon nodded off to sleep but not before deciding she would find a way to talk to these two, maybe tomorrow.
My god, this is wonderful; I hope this dream never ends.
Across the street, a beggar looked at the lodge with an approving smile. Nodding his head under his great robe, he began to amble down the street. "Alms for the poor. Please alms for the poor. I am a poor beggar and would be grateful for your gift," he pleaded into the night.
A loud clank sounded from his cup he actually was disregarding. "Bless you and thank you," he shouted at the back of the stranger.
Looking into the cup, he saw a finger recently severed from some misbegotten soul's hand, turned to look at the black stranger departing and frowned , but looked around again at the lodging where the three young adventurers were resting.
"The time is upon us, my young friends," he spoke softly, "be wary."
Bowing his head even more, a small smile came to his face just before it disappeared again into the darkness under the hood.
"Alms for the poor. Alms for the poor."
He walked down the street and evaporated into the night.
DECISIONS