Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Scrolls ❯ Chapter V : The Answers ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter V : The Answers

 

 

`You're a terrible liar Tone, did you really think I would fall for that rubbish excuse to get me out of the way?! I'm not that dumb!'

She walked up to me and tapped my forehead with her knuckle.

`I knew you were up to something so I just followed you here! And now I hear you talking about all this weird stuff with Gaddy!'

Gadoe and I looked at each other. `Gaddy?' we both mouthed.

`HEY! Look at me when I'm talking to you! Explain to me what's going on, what's all this nonsense I heard you babbling about? Queens and scrolls? And what does it have to do with me?!'

The look on Shelles face made my blood run cold, I've never seen her so serious and angry before. I was hesitant; I didn't think she was ready to know the whole truth. I could barely take it in myself.

`Let us go inside young'uns, this be no place to speak of such matters.' Suggested Gadoe.

`He's right Shelle… I think you'll need to take a seat.'

I looked at her anxiously, I didn't want her upset at me, I didn't want her to hold such a burden, but most of all, I didn't want her hopes and dreams of finding her parents someday shattered…

 

We all entered Gadoes wooden house through the back door, it led directly into the kitchen area where we sat down around a rectangular brown table. A half burned candle sat unlit in the centre. His house smelt foisty and made my nose twitch, it appeared he didn't spend much time indoors, or cleaning. A layer of dust covered pretty much everything and particles circled the air around us, they were made visible by a few shards of light breaking through the dirty window panes.

`So who's going to explain to me what's going on?' Asked Shelle in a stern voice.

Before I could react, Gadoe jumped in. `I will lass, theirs things you both still need to know, so sit tight alright? This won't be easy to take in.'

I wondered how Shelle was feeling and how much she heard already. I can imagine how confused she must be, I've never kept anything from her before. I wasn't sure if she'd even believe what was about to be said anyway. If I hadn't experienced what I did, I doubt I would either.

Gadoe drummed his fingers on the dusty table then sat back in his chair and stroked down his frizzy beard. `Okay kids listen up. I guess I better start at the beginnin' aye? First of all, I'll explain the mystery that be me. As a young lad I moved to the Royal City of Radwall where I studied at the university, The Lake Institution. I excelled in science and studied alchemy under the influence of a great man and scholar. May his soul rest in peace.

I became an aide to the Royal family, I was ordered to study a most fascinatin' manuscript. The Scroll of Creation. Few have seen its texts, less; have understood.

It took me 30 years to decipher and yet its strange powers still be a mystery to me. As ye' will have heard, it be one of five scrolls born into this world. Eons ago it's thought their powers were much more immense than they are now. A greater civilisation thrived with knowledge and technology due to the blessin's they emitted. But somehow, the scrolls powers were locked away, and all that was known be lost throughout the rivers of time.

It be known that if one was to possess all five artifacts, a power greater than anyone could comprehend would be unleashed. The Emperor of Talgaia, from the continent to the West, wrecked havoc upon the world in his greedy conquest to become a God. That all happened shortly before ye' was born. The both of ye's.

At that time I was finalisin' me studies on the scroll and I discovered a way to stop Emperor Travain. But unfortunately, at the cost of the Queens dear life. Irise Lake, the current ruler of Falore.

It be a very complicated solution and I won't bore you with the details, but it would only be successful if Queen Irise be pure of heart and willin'. She sacrificed her life to save the people of Falore, and; the world.

A seal was formed through alchemic transmutation, the law of balance had to be abided and her Royal vessel was deemed equivalent as our only path to salvation. Her body and soul were taken in exchange for the barrier, but; she was to be reborn, and that child would be the only way to destroy the seal, unlockin' the ability to gain the scrolls power if all five were to be possessed once more.'

Gadoe smiled at Shelle. The creases in his ageing face turned upwards and a look of a proud father came over him.

`Ye have the same eyes ye know… irises, as blue as the great lake.'

I reached over and placed my hand over Shelles. `I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner… But I needed to make sure it was true first. I didn't want to mess with your feelings if it was all my imagination, please understand…'

Shelle continued to stare blankly ahead towards Gadoe, her eyes completely glazed over with shock. She eventually turned her head and looked at me, she blinked and a single tear fell and rolled down each cheek. I felt my heart fall just as fast as she pulled her hand from mine and ran out of the house.

`Shelle!' I called out as I got up from my seat. `Gadoe, I have to go after her, I will see you later. Thank you again.'

`Aye lad, she needs you right now. Go, run!' he shouted as I bolted out of the open door. I looked around frantically trying to see where she went, I couldn't see her anywhere. I decided to run back down towards the square, almost tripping as I shuffled down the muddy embankment behind the elders' house. Man, Shelle was a fast mover when she wanted to be. Where could she have gotten to?

As I made it into the square I spotted Kara and Samuel playing with a ball just outside the school entrance to my right. I jogged over to them in hope that they saw where Shelle headed.

`Hey guys!' I panted as I approached the pair.

`Toooooooone! Hiiiiii!' They shouted simultaneously as they jumped at me and clung to my legs.

I patted the woolly hats on their heads. `Hello, you two! Hey did any of you happen to see if Shelle came past here?'

They both looked up with huge grins on their rosy cheeked faces. `Yeahhhh! She ran thatta' way.' Pointed Samuel towards the farm.

`Noooooo it was thatta' way!' Corrected Kara as she pointed towards the lake.

`Okay guys, which way was it?' I asked again politely trying to stay patient.

`That way!' They both pointed towards the lake sniggering.

`Are you sure? It's very important that I find her.' I said more firmly.

`Whyyy, is she in twouble?' asked Kara curiously.

`No no, um… Her dinner is ready and it's gonna get cold, I must tell her or it will be ruined!' I answered hesitantly.

`Ohhhh! Well she needs to eat her dinner to become big and strong, that's what my daddy says.' Informed Samuel proudly.

`She went that way Toooone!' They both pointed towards the woods.

`Are you sure this time?' I asked them again.

`We promise!' They both yelled while jumping in the air.

`Okay thanks so much! You guys are the best!'

I waved and headed towards the woods to the East of the Village. I should have guessed really. I think I know where she is now; she's probably at our tree, the one we played around and climbed in when we were younger. Me, Shelle and Woren.

Every time we got upset we always went there, it was our hiding place. Our secret sanctuary.

 

It wasn't too long before I was there, it wasn't very far from home, I just hoped Shelle did head this way.

I pushed my way through the thick shrubbery, I wasn't the best tracker in the world but it looked as if she'd been here not long before me. I peered through the browning bushes and brambles towards where our tree stood. Surely enough there she was, sat below its thick outstretched branches, on the ground holding her knees. She looked awe-struck, puzzled, and deep in thought. I called out her name as I broke through the undergrowth and walked towards her.

`Shelle… I found you…' I said worryingly.

She tilted her head and looked up at me. She gave a little smile along with a frown. `Hi…' She whispered.

I sat down beside her with my back against the hard bumpy trunk.

`How'd you find me?...' Asked Shelle in a quiet voice.

`Kara and Samuel saw you run in this direction… Why did you run away Shelle?' I asked.

Shelle shrugged her shoulders. `Why do you think? I just learned the truth about where I supposedly came from. I have no parents out there, and I'm a danger to the whole world apparently… I needed time to think. It was too much information at once, I couldn't take anymore… I'm sorry I ran out, I just… Sorry.'

I put my arm around her and pulled her close. `It's alright, I understand. It's hard to believe all that, but I doubt Gadoe would just make it all up, why would he? And the things I saw too… it was the same.'

`What things?' She asked.

`Oh, nothing that can't wait… You've heard enough for now.' I told her.

`Okay…' She replied quietly.

 

We sat beneath our tree and time passed us by as evening drew closer. The birds sang out and began to nest while we talked of past times when we were kids. Just for now, all that had been revealed was forgotten. We talked and enjoyed each others company in our favourite spot like nothing had changed. I would always treasure these moments, for I had no idea if there would be another.

We did sleep out here once; I was about 12 years old at the time. While I was cleaning the dishes at home, I accidentally dropped them all and they smashed everywhere. My Mother went absolutely ballistic and grounded me for a month. I was so upset that I decided to run away to make her worry and regret punishing me for the accident. I told Shelle my plans and made her promise not to tell where I was going, she tried to talk me out of it of course and insisted on coming with me, so we gophered Woren into covering for us instead. We told him to tell our Mum that we had run far away and would never come back, when actually we had just come here, to our secret hideout, fully equipped with no blanket, food, or anything for that matter. I guess our survival skills weren't up to scratch in our adolescence. We sneaked out of our bedroom window at night and came here in the dark. We weren't scared because we had each other, plus we knew the area pretty well since we played here all the time. As night progressed it became increasingly cold, I made a feeble attempt at making a fire, but failed miserably. We had to huddle together to stay warm, and by morning we'd already had enough of life on the road, so we sneaked back in my window just as dawn broke. Heh, I guess being grounded wasn't so bad, at least I had a warm bed.

We had many fond memories together; Shelle and I talked about them often. I just hoped that we would have many more to come.

 

`So Shelle, you still wanna go to Fidel?' I asked her.

`I guess we really should, I'm worried about Woren being out there on his own, I hope he made it okay. I wonder if he found his Father, and your Mother for that matter.'

`Well only one way to find out. Come on, we have to get things ready if we're going. We might make it to Estrain before nightfall if we hurry, it's not too far.' I tapped her leg as we got up and started to walk back to the farmhouse to prepare.

 

Estrain was a small fishing Village to the Northeast of here, I sometimes travelled there grocery shopping for, well… Fish. They also had the BEST grape juice in the world, it was so sweet that you could almost feel it dissolve your teeth as you drank, but it tasted so good it was worth every sip. Shelle hated both fish and grapes so I suppose she didn't like the place as much as I did. She was more of the savoury type. Did I mention she was a fantastic amateur baker? She makes the BEST doughwheels I've ever tasted! Man, I'm making myself hungry just thinking about them, I need to stop.

 

We called at the elders on the way back, I really didn't fancy having a needle stuck in me today so I asked if we could do it when I came back from Fidel. I explained to him that we had more pressing matters to attend to. He wholeheartedly agreed there was no real rush, I suppose I could remain a “child” a while longer, as I still hadn't officially completed my ascension into adulthood. Oh well, I'll use this time to savour my youth. Plus, the size of that needle scares the bloody crap out of me!

 

We finally made it back to the farmhouse after our short diversion. We headed to our rooms to pack a few essentials, you know like a change of clothes just in case we got drenched in the rain on our journey. I picked up my wallet as well, since Shelle didn't fall for my mastermind of trickery earlier and fetch it. There wasn't much inside, sales of our crops hadn't been very high this year, the climate change was effecting their growth, it's a nightmare. But… I did have enough for our food and a few nights at the Inn at Estrain and Fidel if need be, so we should be alright.

I put on my tall brown boots and thick trousers; I decided to wear my heavy poncho too just in case it was freezing. Better safe than sorry, I'd spent the last day half naked, I couldn't put on more clothes now if I tried. Maybe too many actually.

I was all set, I was just about to grab my backpack when I spotted the gleaming sword Gadoe had forged for my birthday poking out from under my bed. I knelt down and slid it out by the hilt. I remembered the wolfs from the Island, I sure could have used this back then. I strapped it to my backpack, I didn't want to risk being attacked unarmed again, it could come in handy. Also, I felt cool holding it.

Alright I'm defiantly all set now; I left my room and called for Shelle. `Hey! Are you ready yet? We have to hurry it's getting pretty late, come on you slowpoke!' I shouted through her bedroom door.

I jumped and turned around as I felt a swift boot hit my backside.

`I've been ready ages you dork, what took YOU so long?' Shelle said smugly with a big grin on her face.

`Wow that was fast, you're pretty quick for such a small person.' I replied sarcastically while rubbing my smarting derriere.

Shelle stuck her tongue out and winked at me; she then grabbed my arm and began to drag me down the stairs and out of the house.

`Come come, I'll race you to the Village gates!' She demanded jokingly.

`Oh alright fine, but I'm wearing pretty heavy gear here so don't get all big headed if you whoop me.' I said as we stumbled out of the front door.

`Ohh and you think I'm dressed in appropriate running gear?' chuckled Shelle as she curtsied.

I took a glance at her attire over my shoulder as I locked the house door. She was wearing long black knee boots, a thick tasselled green dress with a brown and red overcoat and brightly coloured scarves wrapped around her neck. Strange, but incredibly cute as usual. She always had a weird sense of fashion.

`Uh, y yeah well, still!!' I stuttered as I realised I had no excuse for losing.

Shelle stuck her tongue out again and shot off into the distance like a bolt of lightning.

`Hey you cheat! Hold up!' I shouted as I struggled to pull the key out of the door.

I chased her towards the entrance of the Village; my heavy boots sank into the wet soil as I ran as fast as I could. I laughed to myself at her cheeky ways; she always managed to get the better of me, the bloody swine! I never minded a single bit though; it was all good fun, for both of us.

Shelle easily beat me to the gate, as I quickly approached I saw her standing next to somebody, it was Gadoe. Why was he here?

I skidded to a halt as almost slipped on my butt in the mud. `Whoa!' I yelled as I regained my balance. `Hey Gadoe, how come you're here?' I asked as I caught my breath.

`Well lad, as I was just about to tell Shelle here, I've decided to come with thee both to Fidel, and also, there be somethin' you should know beforehand. I didn't get the chance to tell ye's earlier since Shelle did a runner.'

We both looked at him slightly puzzled.

`Toneal, the vision you witnessed in the scroll chamber of Radwall Castle, you recall seeing 4 other figures aye?'

`Yes, I do… That's something I wanted to ask you about actually, who were they?' I curiously enquired.

`Aye, well. One of those people, was your Mother. Lady Nicolaine Faw.' Revealed Gadoe to our surprise.

`Tones Mum!? Lady?!?' Shell blurted out shocked.

`Aye lass, she's been protectin' ya since we first found thee all those years ago. But, her recent behaviour worries me greatly. I request to accompany ye's both, I need to find out what her business is.'

`Okay Gaddy, you can come. Can't he Tone? I um… have things I still need to ask you anyway…' Said Shell softly.

`Uh… yeah, sure. We'd be glad to have you come…. My Mother huh…' I sighed.

What was she up to? I was more worried than ever now… She had kept all this a secret for so many years… I would have never guessed, I had no idea at all.

`It's decided then, haha! Let us depart, I already be prepared.' Laughed Gadoe.

He seemed pretty excited, I just hope his old legs could carry him; he must be what, a million years old!

`Mind if one more valiant adventurer joins your entourage?' Said a very recognisable voice from behind.

We all turned around to see Leone decked out in tatty travelling gear, rather different to his usual expensive clothing.

Shelle and I looked at each other bewildered.

`Well?' Asked Leone again.

`Why would you want to come with us?' I asked, baffled.

`My Father… I need to get away from his constant disapproval; I must affirm to him my worth. Please… Let this lone warrior accompany you. I promise to behave in a gentlemanly fashion, and I will not slow you down, these legs are as limber as the wind. Toneal, we're friends right? Come on, what does thou say?'

 

Shelle glared at me, I knew exactly what she was thinking, but… I guess he does deserve a chance to prove himself…

`Fine, you can come Leone. We're setting off right now, so are you ready?'

Leone smiled with a glint in his eye. `Indeed! Thank you…'

 

The twin suns lay low in the orange evening sky. Grey scattered clouds carried by the wind moved quickly above us. There were now four of us about to embark on our journey to Fidel. I could only wonder what events we might encounter on our way.

 

May the road ahead, be prevailing.

 

 

To be continued…