Ember Rain

As Kyah promised a village rested on the lakes shore. We nearly ran to the embrace of other people, not to get away from each other but to know we aren’t alone. Kyah bought me a snow colored cloak, Masters wore colors that made them stand out, and the nights here were usually different than what we’re used to farther in the Kingdom. We sat down and ate, which was relaxing since we have been on the move for days. After we ate the sun nearly met the horizon, as we made our way to Lakes Inn.

The town stretched over the whole northeastern side of the lake. It was big yet quant, the people were nice to us. We walked into the small run down Inn, the walls stood tall and grey. With windows in every room, the windows made of black wood. The inside was smaller; every which way there was another table. Chairs scattered the floors, and the stairs led to the room. It made me feel like I was in the Wild West.

The old lady standing welcoming people and guiding them on their way had short white curly hair. She wore purple and white. She wore a smile, and seemed to know everyone there. When it came to be out turn Kyah simply said “A single room for two.”

“Well now, ain’t that a funny sight! Two young ladies like your selves traveling on your own! Wouldn’t be up to anything would ya?” The old lady sang.

“Ma’am we only want a room. Our business is our business.”

“Aw, ain’t you a doll. Well I bet your right. Hmmm tell me something dears, you wouldn’t be from the Castle would ya?”

“Ma’am where we go and where we once came is all our own. It is not for you to know our lives. A simple room please.”

Kyah was getting upset I could read it in her stance. If we aren’t to be known of she needs to calm down. Then again the old lady was getting on my nerves to. Kyah was right it was our business not hers.

“Ma’am, we need only a room. We traveled far, and we ache. My sister here has a short temper, and she is weary. A room that is all we ask for.” I told her. Concentrating on the words I was saying.

The lady looked dazed and shook her head in agreement. She grabbed a pair of keys and walked us up to room 12. “Here you go ladies,” The old lady said walking away.

Kyah shut the door. Looked at me in amazement, “What did you do?”

“I saw you getting upset and asked her to give up on the questions. You heard me.”

“No I didn’t hear you. I saw gold come out of your mouth as you spoke. Then her look became dazed and she did what you wanted her to do. What did you do?”

“I did what?”

“Lady Ember, I just told you what you did. The goddess must have given you more than just the sword and clue. She really touched you.”

“Well actually she didn’t touch me. She stood at the end of my bed. The only time we could have touched was when she handed me Phoenix.”

“Are you getting used to carrying it?”

“Yeah but there’s no need to carry it if I don’t know how to wield it.”

“Tomorrow we will buy horses and more supplies. Then we will leave then on the next night we will fence and practice fire.”

At that she bade me good night and she fell asleep. But again with what Kyah tells me I lay awake and think. Eventually sleep carries me away. Only to wake a few hours later with the rising sun, Kyah is still asleep at this point. I close the curtain and lock the door. I focus on my fire and in the palm of my hand a single flame dances. If anything I know I am in the right world. Maybe chasing odd riddles but I’m home.

Kyah woke up while I was containing my boredom. “Good job.” I jumped not expecting her to wake so early and my flame grew big then died all together. She started laughing at me. We got ready to leave, we got our things luckily horses will be carrying these from now on.

“Ember, the old woman is working I want you to talk to her. Do what you did yesterday; make her tell us where we need to go.”

I nodded and walked to her, “Good morning ma’am. Would you mind telling us where we can find horses? Our journey to our family is taking longer than either of us like. A horse should make it swifter, don’t you agree?”

She regained the same dazed face, “Yes dear. Near the banks of the lake there is a horse breeder. Walk a half a mile or so and you will find him.”

“Thank you very much.” Turning to Kyah, “Come on.” We started on our way, and we found the horse breeder. But a lot sooner than what she told us. We walked in to the barn.

“May I help you?” A deep voice asked.

“Yes we would like to buy two horses; they need to be fast and strong. We have many miles to cover.”

“Fine, what breed you looking to buy?”

“Anything worth buying.”

He showed a few mares but Kyah said they weren’t what she wanted. She ventured over to a stallion. He was black from tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. He stood thirteen hands high. “I like him.”

“He’s breed as a war horse.”

“How much?”

“One hundred.” He said bluntly.

“Including saddle, bit and harness?”

“Yes, all included.”

“I’ll take him. Lady, choose and I will assist.”

Sometimes she makes me feel like I’m a little kid. “Alright.” I walked over to the stables and I scanned the horsed. I noticed a mustang, twelve hands, her coat shinned like liquid fire, copper. She was beautiful. “Kyah,” I said. She walked over to me with purpose. She looked at the beautiful beast.

“She will do wonderfully.” Kyah said. “How much for the copper mustang?”

“Same.”

“I will take them both, two hundred deal?”

He nodded, “Agreed.” She handed him four coins that were as big as a golf ball. He walked over to the saddles and picked two that we’re identical. He brought the stallion out first and saddled him and took Kyah’s bags and hooked them to the saddle. Then he did the same for me. Handing me the reins to the mustang, and Kyah the stallions. “Take care of them; they are breed for wars not travel.”

“From where we are going and where we will return they might meet a battle or two.” Kyah said. We walked out of the store.

We quickly bought more bread and cheese and little fruits that wouldn’t parish in the heat. We refilled out water canteens and went on with our journey. The day had just begun and the sun shone bright in the day. The wind blew and hard and the clouds moved fast. A storm was brewing.

“What are you going to name yours?”

“Hmm, I think I will call him Beast. Since he looks like a big bad beast.” Beast moved his head up and neighed. He seemed happy with his name. “What about you Lady Ember? She is a beauty.”

“I think I will call her Sunfire, because she looks like a piece of liquid gold.” Sunfire didn’t react like Beast did. But I like the name and it suites her well.

But the time we end of the day it is raining too hard to go anywhere else. We tie up the horses on a branch of the tree we escape the rain from. We eat bread and cheese, and in the middle of waiting out the storm we fall asleep. Not caring about another thing, sleep takes us both prisoners.