Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Scrolls ❯ Chapter IV : The Questions ( Chapter 4 )

A distant sobbing gradually became more audible; the sweet but upsetting sound seemed to kick my unconscious mind into reality. My eyes opened slowly to find Shelle weeping with her arms draped over my chest. I was in bed, and she was beside me with her head laid down against my body.
'Shelle?' I said in a low croaky voice. Her head shot up off my chest and with tear filled eyes and a look of extreme relief she yelled. 'Tone you're awake! You’re alright!! Thank goodness I thought you were going to die on me, you idiot! I would have never forgiven you!' She cried her eyes out as I stared at her bewildered and confused. I was so happy to see her, yet I wasn't sure what had happened. Why was I laid in my bed? Was all that just a big dream? It sure seemed too surreal to be all true, yet I wasn't fully convinced, I felt that what had happened really did take place... I know the difference between a dream and reality... but, still... I needed more answers.
'What happened Shelle? How did I get here?' I asked as I wiped the tears from her cheek with my fingers.
'You were taking so long Tone! I was so worried that I waited all night at the lakeside for you! And then the storm came and I was sooooo scared that I ran and got Woren, Leone and Gadoe to take the boat out and find you! Leone refused at first he said it was too dangerous to take out so I kicked him in the shin and threatened to make his life a misery if he didn't! I was so scared Tone! I was sooo scared!'
She screamed at me while thumping at my chest in a mad rant.
'And then! and then they found you unconscious slumped over a floating log in the water! If they hadn't found you who knows what might have happened! I don't even wanna think about it! You fool Tone! You fool!! You should have stayed on the Island!'
I finally got a word in edgeways. 'Calm down Shelle, I'm fine now aren't I? Please let me explain. I couldn't stay on the Island because I was chased off by a pack of Lutis wolfs, they were ready to have me for lunch, I swear I thought I was dead meat! Believe me if there were any other way I would have stayed on the Island until the storm subsided! And also... well, it's a long story...'
Shelle shrieked. 'What! wolfs!?! How could the Elder send you into such danger!! Ohhhh the old fogy is soooo gonna get a piece of my mind!'
I gently clasped my hands around her wrists in a bid to calm her as she was clearly about to fly off the rails. 'Shelle it's okay, really! I'll see him myself, also, there's someone else I need to see...'
Shelle widened her eyes and raised an eyebrow. 'You're not going anywhere mister! You’re staying in bed all day to rest; you were probably in the water a long time! How are you feeling anyway? You must be so sick!'
She was right, I can remember my body going numb it was that cold in the lake, and I did feel a little off colour.
'Well, my throat is a little scratchy, I probably just caught a chill that’s all, but its no big deal, I'm fine really!'
With that being said, I quickly jumped out of bed to prove myself, only to be faced with the most embarrassing revelation. I was stark naked. I looked down at myself in complete horror as my face turned redder than the fires of eternal damnation.
'WHY AM I NAKED!!!?' I squealed while trying to cover myself with my hands. Shelles face was probably brighter than my own; she turned around quickly holding her hands to her cheeks. 'Well, um! You were only wearing your shorts... and um, they were soaked.. I had to undress you and put you to bed... I um... um!'
I shuffled backwards across my room into my closet and closed the door, my heart was racing faster than when I was being chased off the Island, I began to laugh to myself and I could hear Shelle giggling from the other side of the door too. Oh boy, back to goofing around already huh, I sure missed her company while I was gone.
As I was fastening my belt buckle I remembered about my Mother, and seeing her as I was swimming across the lake. 'Shelle!' I shouted through the door. 'Is my Mum okay? I saw that she finally turned up when I was swimming away, she didn't wave or anything though which I thought was weird, where is she?'
A few seconds passed before Shelle finally answered in an uncertain voice as I opened the closet door. 'You, saw her?... Tone, she hasn't been back since yesterday, nobody knows where she is, Woren is out right now looking for her, he said he was heading for Estrain and then up to Fidel to see if his Dad has seen her, he seemed pretty worried when she didn't come home last night. Sorry I didn't to mention it sooner but I was more worried about you. Are you sure you saw her?'
I was pretty positive it was her, it's rather difficult to mistake your own Mother for somebody else, but... it was from a distance, maybe I was wrong after all.
'Err, well, maybe I was mistaken, if she came back somebody would have seen her right?' I said to Shelle.
'Right, I'm sure someone would have noticed, it's not as if this Village is overflowing with people. Maybe we should ask around... But, are you SURE you're okay? You really should be resting; you've been through a terrible ordeal.'
I nodded confidently. 'Yeah I'm fine, really, I feel as good as new. Thanks for taking care of me Shelle.'
I walked towards her and stroked her shoulder and smiled. She blushed and smiled too while looking down at the floor. 'You're...welcome...'

It looked pretty cold outside my window. I could see the trees swaying in the wind as the last few golden brown leaves blew from the twisting branches, one by one.
'We should probably put our coats on if we're going out.' I informed Shelle.
'Yeah, it's been windy and raining on and off all this morning.' She replied.
I had to see the Elder and ask around about my Mum, but also, I needed to see Gadoe, alone... I wasn't sure how I'd get rid of Shelle for a while but I'd think of something. I just had to ask him about the past, and if the things I saw were true. Is Shelle really the child I was told about by the Keeper of the Scrolls?... what a creepy guy.
I had a feeling today was going to be another long day. My Mother is missing, my Brother's out by himself looking for her, and if this stuff about Shelle turns out to be true, then... well I'm not sure what will happen next. I just know I wasn't going to rest until I got to the bottom of things. But first things first, we had to see the Elder.
'Oh Shelle, the needle! Did I still have it on me when I was found?'
Shelle nodded and looked surprised as she revealed how I had it grasped tightly in my hand when they found me unconscious.
That's right, I was still holding it when I jumped into the lake, how did I not drop it? Strange...
Shelle turned and picked up the needle from my bedside cabinet and looked at it with her nose all scrunched up. 'You risked your life for this crappy thing?'
'Yep, but you won't believe what else happened on that Island!'
We both headed outside and made our way to the Elders house, along the way I told Shelle all about the strange voice and my journey through the woods, about coming across the statue of an Angel, the trees parting and the wolfs turning up. I think she thought I was crazy at first, just dreaming up all this supernatural stuff, especially the part about the wolf turning to ash when I struck it with the needle. I thought Shelle of all people would take me seriously; she's the one who believes in Magic and all that Lore junk... for the first time in my life I think I was more persuaded about its existence than she was. Considering all the events I’ve been through it's hard not to believe in anything like that now, I was convinced.
I didn't tell her about the flashbacks and the whole revelation about where she came from just yet, I needed to confirm that with Gadoe first... plus, I wasn't sure how I'd even explain that to her, it was huge, she barely believes me about what I’ve said so far, and that's definitely true. I was scared of upsetting her, deep inside I was actually wishing that I was wrong, and I did dream it all up. If only...
As we crossed through the Village square towards the huge house at the other side, I noticed a few of the decorations from my party were still around. Ribbons were wrapped around fence posts and a few were tangled in the branches of the surrounding trees. Confetti and paper plates were turned into mush on the wet ground, and even a couple of tables and chairs were still outside, although overturned by the wind. I guess the storm hit before things were cleaned up properly around here. I'd have to help out later, it was the least I could do.

We walked up the Elders garden path and I knocked on the old wooden door. I looked at Shelle who had a scowl on her face. 'Uh, Shelle? You’re not really gonna tell the Elder off are you?'
She turned her head ever so slowly and looked up at me, still holding the angry expression firmly in place. 'Damn right I am! You could have been killed! And for what? Tradition and a crappy lump of stone? Well screw that!'
I backed up slightly. 'But I'm sure he wasn't to know what I'd be faced with, and the storm came out of nowhere, nobody predicted that, it's hardly his fault now is it?'
Shelle grumbled under her breath as the door handle turned with a creek, the door opened. It was Leone who answered, he stood there with an incredibly smug look on his face, oh what now.
'Ah Tone, you're awake and walking I see, glad to see it. You can thank me for saving your pitiful life later, you should have seen me, I was SO heroic, so valiant, so gallant, a beautiful sight to endure indeed! An ambience of sheer brilliance engulfed this magnificent visage, the man of the night I was; many a tale shall be told throughout-'
'Do you ever shut up babbling?' Shell interrupted. 'As a matter of fact, Woren informed me of your heroic WHINING about the cold and rain the whole time you were out there, now stop lying and take us to your Father unless you want your other shin kicked!'
Leone fell silent and looked to the ground in shame. Shelle certainly knew how to beat a guy down.
'Err, yes... this way then.' He muttered as he limped through the hallway into the living room.
The walls of the house were covered with painting Mrs. Martwi had created; she's quite a distinguished artist and makes a pretty penny selling them to nobles across Falore. Mainly landscapes and battle scenes from the Great War, I liked them a lot, I wish I had such a talent, all I'm good for is digging holes and planting seeds, which gets us by.. But still, I could only dream of living in such a house as this, it was huge.
As we entered the living area the Elder was stood waiting by an open fireplace, heating his hands by the flickering flames as they crackled and danced.
'Ah, Toneal my boy, you've awoken. I was worried about you, such a turn of events was not foreseen, I am glad you are safe.'
Before I could reply, Shelle jumped in front of me and said her piece. I was half expecting her to anyway.
'What do you think you were doing sending Tone off to that dangerous hell hole!? I thought it was some fun tradition with a little swim and fetch involved! He risked life and limb fighting big scary wolfs you know! They almost ate him for dinner! That’s why he was in the water during the storm! It’s all your fault! You sent him to his death for a crumby little needle! How could you?!'
The Elders face lit up as the wolfs were mentioned. 'Is it true Toneal? Wolfs you say?... but how can that be... the Island was inhabited by Raboles, those pesky little critters must have been eaten by the Lutis... This is terrible; please accept my humble apologies Toneal, if I had known I would never have sent you on the perilous quest! I am so relieved you're safe and well.'
'It's okay Sir, you weren't to know, it was quite an adventure anyway, I'm not complaining.' I replied. 'And please excuse Shelle Sir, she is very protective of my well being, she knows it wasn't intentional, nobody was to know of the seriousness of the dangers.'
Shelle turned her head in a huff. 'Hmph!' she really wasn't in a great mood.
'But anywaaaay... here, I got the needle you asked for, I guess I did pretty well considering the extra trouble huh?'
The Elder smiled and looked incredibly proud as I handed him the stone object. 'Well done my boy, you passed the test with flying colours. If it had not been for the storm I'm sure you would have make it back all by yourself, victorious.'
'Thank you for your faith in me, I believe I have come back stronger from the trial, although some events are still unexplained. If you don't mind Sir I would like to go speak with Gadoe before you ink my tattoo.'
'Very well.' He replied. 'Gadoe should be in his workshop, I think he was expecting you anyway.'
'Why do you want to see Gadoe?' Asked Shelle.
'Um, well... I just wanted to thank him for last night, you know, taking his boat out to find me and all?'
'Oh yeah... well, I wanna thank him too, I'll come with you!' Said Shelle enthusiastically.
'NO!... I mean, no... err, can you go and pick something up from home for me please?'
Shelle looked at me funny. 'Pick what up?' She asked.
I hadn't thought that far into it, time for some quick thinking.
'Err, my... Wallet! I thought that we would.. visit.. Fidel! And um, try find Woren and hopefully my Mother! Yeah that's what I need it for!'
'Oh, okay! That could be fun!' Shelle exclaimed gleefully.
Phew, nice job Tone, you almost didn't convince yourself with that one, how did I ever pull that off? I could see the look on the Elders face, he knew that wasn't the reason I needed her out of the way while I visited Gadoe, but it didn't matter, this was important.
'Okay well I'll call back later Sir, then we can complete my ascension ritual before we head off to Fidel. Is that alright with you?'
The Elder nodded his head slowly. 'Hmm, very well. Leone! See them out please that's a good boy.'
Leone was stood in the doorway behind us the whole time listening in. 'Father, please don't talk to me like I'm a small child, I'm all grown up now you know. Didn't I tell you of my heroics last night?'
Somehow I knew the Elder didn't believe a word he said. Leone wasn't exactly the brave type, he was all talk. I kinda felt sorry for him; the Elder barely had any faith in his own Son, maybe that was why he acted the way he does. Who knows... I'm sure one day he'll prove everyone wrong.
As we left the house I turned and thanked Leone, even if he didn't do much last night he was still out there searching, and I was thankful, despite the idiotic way he portrays himself.
Shelle on the other hand threw a few more insults his way just to rub salt in the wound, I couldn't help but laugh, she cracked me up.
'I'll meet you back at the house okay Shelle?' I informed her.
'No, I won't take long I'll come see you at Gadoes, I still wanna thank him myself.' She replied.
I couldn't really say anything to that, at least I had bought some time to ask a few questions and get some answers.
'Alright then, I'll see you soon. Don't rush alright? I'm not going anywhere.' I told her trying my best to buy more time.
'Okay see ya then!' Said Shelle as she skipped across the square towards home.
I turned and ran up the pathway just behind the Elders place leading up towards the Smithery. I wasn't sure what I was going to ask or even say, I guess I would figure that out when I got there, all that really mattered was if it was all true or not. How was I supposed to break that kind of news to Shelle? That she never had any parents, that she was born from some kind of Alchemy experiment, that she holds so much power within her that bad guys could come looking for her at any second!
It was heavy stuff, that’s why I needed to find out the truth first before blurting all that out and turning her world upside down.
As I jogged towards the workshop I could hear the loud clank of metal beating against metal. He must be busy making something, Gadoe mostly made pots and pans these days, he's very good at what he does. Another skilled person I envied... maybe I would ask to be his apprentice one day.
I walked around the side of his small wooden house towards his workplace around the back; I shouted his name trying to be heard above the racket he was making.
'GADOE!! GADOE!!.... GADOE!!!' He couldn't hear me. There he was in his dirty green overalls hammering away at an orange chunk of glowing steel. 'GADOE!!!!!' I shouted again about a foot away from him. He threw his mallet in the air and jumped backwards in shock. 'Darn it lad! Ye almost game me a heart attack! I'm not deaf ye know sonny!'
Could have fooled me, he was as deaf as they come.
'Sorry Gadoe!' I said loudly. 'I didn't mean to make you jump, It's just I was calling you but you didn't hear me because of all the banging!'
'What is it ye want lad? Can’t ye see I'm busy? People need pots; if I don't make the pots then nobody gets the ports ye understand? I gots to make me pots!'
'Right, your pots yeah, sorry, I just need to speak with you about some things rather important.'
'Aye?' Asked Gadoe curiously.
'First of all thank you for coming to my rescue last night; I appreciate what you did for me.'
'Aye lad, don't think nothin' of it, just glad ye safe and sound. That Shelle lass be a feisty one, she came screaming blue murder! If I didn't get out me boat and search for ye, she threatened to kill me! And it's a good thing I did as well, it should be her ye thankin' not I, she's a special lass that one, you wanna be looking after her!' Explained Gadoe loudly while tampering around with his tools.
'Gadoe, I have something to tell you, I don't have long so I'm just gonna come out with it, please excuse me if you think I'm crazy, but I need to know the truth. While I was on the Island, a voice was guiding me, a voice that I later found out to be the Keeper of the Scrolls of Judgment. He showed me visions, visions of the past. I saw you Gadoe, I saw you with Queen Irise Lake right before she was, sacrificed.'
Gadoe put down his tools and turned his head to look at me, he stroked his thick white beard before smirking. 'Ye don't say? And what else did ye see lad?'
'I.... I saw many things, all events from the Great War that you used to tell me about so much. Gadoe, is it true what happened to Queen Irise that day? Did she sacrifice herself? Is... Shelle really, the outcome?...'
He stared at the ground still playing with his whiskers; he said nothing for a while, like he was contemplating what to tell me.
'Aye... tis' true... There's no point keeping it from ye any longer, ye were bound to find out someday lad. That keeper sure does pick his moments, haha!'
My stomach was in knots, so it was true... all I had seen was real, I could hardly believe it... It seemed like he expected me to ask about it someday, he didn't try to lie his way out of it at all, he confessed all too easy... I wonder why.
'So it's all true? Shelle really is the key to unlocking the Scrolls power?... How did you know the Queen? Why was your accent different back then? How come you seem so familiar with that creepy scroll guy from the future? Where are the others who were meant to watch over Shelle?'
'Whoa there lad, slow down will ye? One question at a time! I can't answer all those so fast I'm an old man; I’ve forgotten what ye asked me already! bwaha!'
I just had so many questions that I wanted answering before Shelle arrived, what should I ask?
'Sorry! It’s just, well I haven't spoken to Shelle about it yet and she will be here soon, I need to know some things, a lot of things...'
'I'm already here...' Shelles voice came from behind me, my face turned white as I turned around to see her standing there.
'Shelle! How.. long have you been here??' I asked in a panic.
'Long enough...' She replied.


To be continued...