Lost In The Blaze

IV. The Brewing Trouble

Trouble always rose high whenever there was peace in the air. Twilight fell over the town of Maratan, along with the heavy rain. Scattered townspeople hurried to find shelter under the maddening storm. Among the townspeople, Amin ran as he could despite the downpour. He had pulled his hood over his head. Drenched in icy water, Amin had felt his teeth chatter. He crossed his arms to keep himself from shivering. Suddenly, Amin slipped on a puddle of rainwater.  Pain shot through the left side of himself. A groan escaped the fire-starter's mouth. Amin squeezed his eyes shut. His tired face turned to a grimace. 

"Amin! What are you doing out here?" 

Amin heard a familiar rough shout. "Pisces?" moaned the young man. A soak-robed Pisces got down on his knees and grabbed Amin's arm. The shepherd put his friend over his shoulder. Pisces pulled his friend into a standing position. 

"You are alright. I got you, Amin," muttered Pisces. The two men gaited through the heavy rain. Thunder and lightning clashed in the dark sky above the land. Amin's legs were as slow as a sleepwalker. Amid the thunderous rainstorm, Amin heard the beats of a drum in the distance. "Drums? Where are they coming from?" asked Pisces, glancing around the town.

"I know those drums anyway," answered Amin, "They are coming from Sagitta's tavern."

His finger pointed at a nearby stone cottage. Yellow and orange flowed through the stained windows. Looking at the outside of the tavern, it seemed to be dull and dirty. A few patrons staggered when the heavy door swung open. The beating of the drums sounded in the cold air. Amin grimaced when he saw a couple of laughing patrons collapsed on the cobblestone. 

"That has got to hurt," murmured Amin. "Pisces, I can walk from here."

Pisces moved his head, up and down. The shepherd slid Amin's arm off of his own shoulders. Amin steadied his whole body before he gaited toward the tavern. Pisces followed his friend to the opened door. The friends were welcomed by the laughing noise and aroma of alcohol. It was a little more lively inside than outside of the tavern. The local townspeople occupied several of the round tables. Amin smiled while the two friends passed by the customers. Behind the bar, an older bartender in black robes served some silver goblets to the customers on the left. She glanced at the new customers: Amin and Pisces. The bartender smiled her toothy grin. 

"Amin, welcome back to the living." greeted Sagitta. "It has been a long time."

Amin nodded his head and spoke, "Hello, Sagitta. It has been a long time, indeed."

"Can we have what they are having, madam?" Pisces replied, nodding to a couple of customers who were a few feet away. The chuckling customers were drinking their steaming goblets. Cloudy breath escaped from their mouths. Sagitta scrunched her wrinkled face. She moved her plaited head from side to side. 

"That is Basilisk Iced wine. It will chill you to the bone," explained Sagitta. "You two are soaking wet. I think that you need something stronger."

The bartender ducked down. Pottery was clinging together under the bar. A small band in the back of the tavern. They were playing their music on the drums. All of those years, Amin felt like he was eighteen years old. An almost forgotten memory formed inside Amin's mind.

Booming music of the drums sounded inside the crowded tavern. Amin laughed while watching Oma dancing on top of the table. She was freer before the armor. Her black hair was in one braid. Oma wore long green robes that twirled under the torches. The girl's giggles clashed against the coarse laughter of the patrons. 

"Come on, Amin." cried Oma, "It is fun! Dance with me, brother" The young girl let a rowdy cheer as she continued dancing. Her steps were quick and swift as lightning. Amin laughed as he joined his sister on top of the table. Their dancing feet kicked some empty dirty dishes. Yet, the customers did not care about the clatter of the dishes.