Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness ❯ Home ( Chapter 3 )

Meanwhile, the two strangers pushed their way through the market square to an inn on the other side. The shorter one glanced up at the other, who was tall and wore his dark purple hair in a ponytail. His mouth was covered by a high shirt collar and he silently observed the villagers with his dark eyes. The other opened his mouth to say something then caught the look his companion gave him. He held his tongue for a few moments then prodded his companion's arm.

"So what are you planning, Darkima? I know there was something at the smithy that caught your interest," the shorter man said and his companion glanced at him.

"I want to get some more information about the visitor," Darkima replied in a soft but cold voice. "He intrigues me."

"Are you going to kill him? You usually don`t kill unless you`re being paid for it. Do you think he's on someone`s list?"

"I'm not sure. I need more information on him. He's obviously got some money so there's a motive to kill if I need it. I don`t think I`ll need a motive, however…"

"Just don't forget we have business elsewhere. You don't normally get consumed with something but when you do, you lose track of everything else. You still are indebted to me, you know."

"I paid that debt off a long time ago so don`t try to pull that on me. If you want to prepare for the next job, go ahead. I think I'll do this on my own. I have this feeling that you wouldn't understand and I`m not wasting my time explaining it to you. I`m going back to observe him some more."

 

“Just don't get caught. This next job is a big one. It wouldn't do for you to get into legal trouble here.”

 

“You're underestimating me, Shyern. I'm not a novice in this line of work,” Darkima said and walked back through the market square. His eyes narrowed when someone bumped into him. He was in no mood for careless people and he didn't want a lot of people knowing about his presence in Athonia. Because of his line of work, there were numerous people that would love to attempt killing him.

"I'm terribly sorry. I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention," Estore said and bent over to pick up a package he had dropped.

"You've got a lot of packages. Are you expecting a disaster? Do you know something the rest of us should know?" Darkima inquired and Estore shook his head.

"No nothing like that. You see, I tend to my master who lives up in yonder mountains. I cannot get into town much because of his condition so I stock up when I can."

"I wasn't aware that anyone lived up there. The trail looks quite dangerous."

"It wasn't always like that but because of its treachery, most people are not partial to visiting which makes my young master quite lonely. Many years ago, we used to get numerous visitors but things have not been so bright as of late. Again, I apologize for running into you. I am not normally so careless. I hope I can make it back to the smithy without incident."

Darkima watched Estore make his way out of the market square then swiftly followed him. When he neared the smithy, Darkima positioned himself in the doorway of a shop across the street and watched Estore prepare the horses then walk up to the front door. The door opened and Jetai stepped out. After a few moments of casual conversation, Rhyan appeared in the door way and Estore took his hand. He gently led Rhyan down the stairs and Rhyan paused.

"Is something wrong sir?" Estore inquired and Rhyan shook his head.

"I just get the feeling that I'm being watched. I experienced the same sensation when Jetai was talking to a few of his clients. I hope nothing sinister is waiting for us," Rhyan replied as he walked towards the sound of his horse breathing. He laid a hand on her side then felt around for the saddle.

"I don't see anyone, my lord," Estore said as he steadied his master's horse.

"Well perhaps I'm imagining things. You can untie her now, Estore. I'm on."

Darkima watched Estore get on his horse then glanced back at Rhyan whose ears were twitching intently. So the young master was blind, Darkima observed as the two began their ride back up the mountain trail. Stealing from him would be easy. He was a sitting duck just waiting to be roasted. Darkima slipped out from his hiding place and made his way back to the inn. He was not about to let such an opportunity pass him by.

But, he thought as he entered the market square again. There's another reason why I must go up there. I felt something when I looked at him the first time. I experienced something in my heart that I have not felt in a long time. I must know why he stirs up emotions that I had thought died many years ago. I do not normally believe in fate but I must find out why I feel this way. Perhaps there is a reason why our paths have crossed. I hope you will welcome a late night visitor into your home.
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"Estore, when we get home, please make sure all the doors are securely locked. I keep having this feeling of danger," Rhyan said, once they had rode out of town. He had been feeling uneasy ever since Jetai had left to take care of his customers and he wasn't sure why. He had the nagging feeling that he had been watched like a hawk watches its prey, or at least how he remembered a hawk watching its prey, and he was not comfortable with the sensation. He raised his head slightly as a gentle wind blew free some strands of hair. He hoped no evil came up to his home because he had no desire to experience evil again. Estore took a deep breath and Rhyan raised his head in interest for he knew that Estore was about to speak.

"Jetai mentioned that his visit with you was interrupted by a couple of unsavory characters. I hope nothing disastrous happened," Estore said.

"They never came inside so I don't know what the problem was."

"Well I am glad that nothing happened to you, master. By the way, I ran into a nice young man in the market square. It's too bad he couldn't have come with us. At least then you would have had someone to talk to."

"I just wish that more people would be inclined to travel up to the mountains."

"Perhaps if there was an easier route, more people would visit. Let us not forget what the curse did to the main mountain trail.”

"I'm fully aware of what happened but thank you Estore, you've reminded me," Rhyan said and Estore glanced back at him.

"What do you mean, sir?" he inquired as a wild bird cried overhead.

"The cat that Myra found. It couldn't have come up this path. There must be an easier route somewhere. I'd like you to find it."

"My lord, animals find and use routes that are most inconvenient for us to use. The cat probably worked its way through the brush to get up where we live."

"You have a point. I thought that it could have been a possibility to get more people up here."

He sighed as he blinked his eyes and wished that he was rid of the curse. He had no idea what the outside looked like. He could hear every movement of the plants and trees and each step of the smallest birds or animal but he could not actually <I>see</I> it. He raised his head slightly when his horse stopped and took a deep breath of the air around him. They were home. He heard Estore dismount then slowly got off his own horse.

"Is the door near, Estore?" Rhyan inquired and Estore glanced at him.

"Take about three steps to your left then walk forward. It's not that far," Estore replied.

"Thank you."

Rhyan slowly walked in the direction that Estore had mentioned with an outstretched arm. He then grabbed onto the door handle when he felt it and opened the door. He could smell perfume near the door and knew that Myra was nearby. He stepped out of the doorway and listened for her breathing.

"Myra would you please help Estore with the supplies?" Rhyan inquired and Myra nodded her head.

"Of course but first would you like a drink, my lord?" she inquired and Rhyan nodded his head.

"Some wine would be nice. You've been cleaning, haven't you?"

"Well it was getting a mite dusty and I didn't want you getting a cold. Why? Is something out of place?"

"I'm not sure. The room just feels different somehow."

Rhyan took a step forward and began walking until he reached an adjacent room with a large armchair. He felt for the seat then carefully sat down. He then placed a hand on his chest and began unbuttoning the metal buttons of his coat.

"What is the cook making? It smells exquisite," he said and Myra paused to think.

"I believe it's a bird of some sort. Ardet did a little hunting while you were out with the horses. It wasn't a large bird, so don't look so upset, my lord. Besides, you have to eat, don't you? I'll be right back, master," she replied and walked off. Rhyan folded his hand in his lap and thought about the stranger Estore had met and wondered what he was like. Chances were, he would never hear of the young man again for no one dared to travel the dangerous path to his home. How could love break the curse if everyone was afraid to come to his house? He blinked his eyes as Myra entered the room carrying a wine glass. He listened to her walk up then flinched slightly when she took his hand and placed it around the glass.

"I didn't mean to startle you, sir," she said and he shook his head.

"I heard you coming. I was just thinking that's all," he replied as the front door opened.

"Where are you Myra? I need your assistance if you can spare yourself," Estore said and Myra drew away from Rhyan.

"Don't get so down, sir. Fate is bound to change everything sooner or later," Myra said and walked out of the room. He listened to her footsteps receding into silence then raised the glass to his lips.

Fate, huh? he thought as he took a sip of wine. If there is such a thing as fate then why haven't I been freed of this curse? I serve no more purpose on this world than if I were dead.