Lost Fragments

Chapter 3: At Ease

After the unspeakable experience, both Aarman and Austin stayed silent as they ventured south, away from the castle. However, they were not able to go far because of Aarman's injuries. They momentarily stopped to rest as he laid themselves on the grass so that Aarman could heal his wounded body. Aarman groaned in pain while healing himself. The affliction was visible on his face. Meanwhile, Austin sat beside Aarman in a fetal position depicting his weariness.

Aarman's hand glowed with magic, then placed it gently on his abdomen. It inflicted him to quiver in pain. Austin glanced at Aarman to see what was happening. He saw a purple fire in Aarman's abdomen. Austin jerked and asked shockingly. "What are you doing!?" Aarman looked at him and gave him an aggravated expression. Austin confusingly stepped back and sat. He left Aarman alone to continue with his magic.

After a few hours of the agonizing process of healing, Aarman finally could stand to resume their journey. He hooded himself and looked at Austin.  He tapped him on his shoulder and said. "We should go." Austin, when he heard this, became worried. "But, you're not fully healed yet."-- "We are still quite near the castle so we must leave." Aarman grabbed Austin's hands and they continued on their venture. The sun had risen, and a new day had started. The castle was still in view, nevertheless, the guards were not detected in the area. For Aarman, the situation was a favorable sign for them.

Two chaotic days had passed then it seemed this day became a peaceful one. They continued with their travel with the inexistence of any intrusion. Regardless of the calm surroundings, Austin looked troubled. His head bowed down as he grasped his vambrace. Aarman was disturbed by the behavior Austin had exhibited as they strolled. Sometime later, Aarman could no longer tolerate Austin's demeanor. He sighed and asked. "What's wrong?" Austin quickly looked up at Aarman and confusedly answered. "Erm um, nothing?"

Aarman glared in annoyance and said. "I know when someone feels troubled by an unknown cause. Your action doesn't require any further explanation." Austin adjusted his posture and responded politely to Aarman. With a dreadful voice, he replied. "The general, when I punched her, I-I felt a strange aura from my vambrace. It was eerie and dark. I felt a gust of air and heard a voice. It was not exactly 

vivid but it felt real." The burden was obvious on Austin's face as he described his horrific ordeal. "Aarman, this vambrace, what is it?" Aarman responded. "I heard of it… but not in its entirety."-- "Wha-" Aarman turned his back hastily on Austin to resume his stride on his path. To Austin, Aarman appeared to evade his questions. Nonetheless, he proceeded to carry on with their journey, he speculated that ignoring the weird phenomenon could be the best idea in place.

As they continued their venture, the soothing tide of grasses of the meadow and fresh cool breeze ultimately ceased gradually. A commotion could be heard from afar with the crowds chatting loudly and horses galloping all over the place. Austin and Aarman had the impression that a town could be nearby. They hurried their pace as they yearned to reach the place. As they approached the place, they saw that it was a large town surrounded by walls. The wandering merchants were searched at the threshold of the town. Austin looked at Aarman and asked. "How are we supposed to enter?" Aarman peered at the guards who stood at the front of the town's gate. Aarman replied to Austin, "We'll enter unsuspiciously."

Both of them approached the gate. They kept going towards the entry until a guard spotted them. "Hey, you two." Both of them stopped and glanced at the guard. The guard went near them and instructed, "You, the tall one, lower down your hood." Austin perspired nervously.  He knew that they could be seized if the guard realized that Aarman was an elf. Aarman stared at the guard and unhurriedly lowered his hood. Austin was alarmed by Aarman's decision.

He attempted to interrupt Aarman but then, he was amazed. When Aarman removed his hood, the tips of his ears were not pointed. They were oval-shaped like human ears. The guard inquired. "You look foreign. What is the purpose of your visit?" Aarman sincerely said. "We're only here to see the beauty that is bestowed in the Eagle kingdom… as visitors."-- " Oh, we don't get many visitors around these parts. Well, the town of Golshtein welcomes you." The guard bowed his head and left them. Aarman entered the town as he left Austin stunned absentmindedly. Realizing that Aarman had entered the town, Austin followed him hurriedly as he asked in amazement. "H-how?! Your ears, It's human!" Aarman almost attended to him with annoyance but Austin's behavior of disbelief made him chuckle instead.

Aarman explored the town cautiously as they passed through it. Meanwhile, Austin surveyed the town in wonder. Aarman had numerous aspects of the new town he should ponder. Both of them didn't have enough rest after the assault from General Maria. He had not fully recovered. While Aarman was contemplating, Austin wandered through the town's square. The town's condensed neighborhood made him in awe.

A conversation from a group of merchants called his attention. The merchants uttered. "An elf was found in the Royal castle yesterday."-- "Was it caught?"-- " Unfortunately no."-- "This can be bad for us. An order of its capture may compel the closing of the gates. If that happens, our trading will be inadequate." As Austin was alarmed that the news could be widespread rapidly throughout the kingdom, he returned at once with caution to Aarman who was looking at a poster. Austin was nearing Aarman when he told him. "Hey, words about us are spreading." Aarman pulled the poster and handed it to Austin. A smiling Eagle is drawn with the statement "Golden Beak Inn! Mighty Eagles doze off too." Aarman tilted his head to the location of the inn while he directed it to Austin. Austin agreed and entered the inn.

When they opened the door,  a gentle voice welcomed them. "Good afternoon." The voice came from the lady behind the wooden desk. The lady, who seemed to be the innkeeper, smiled at them then she waved her hand, signaling the waitress across the room. Aarman and Austin smiled back and sat at the empty chairs. Austin leaned closer to Aarman and whispered. "How are we supposed to pay for a room?" Aarman placed his clenched fist on the table and then opened his hand. It revealed to Austin a couple of gold coins.

Austin was astonished again by Aarman's magical powers. He had something to tell when the waitress knocked on their table, she interrupted him. The waitress tiredly asked. "Room? food? drink? Name it." Austin was agitated with the waitress's attitude. Aarman stood and said. "A room, how much?"-- "Ten silver" Aarman handed one gold coin and replied. "One room, two beds, dinner and breakfast." The waitress smirked and led them to their room. When they reached the room, the waitress directed them, "I'll knock when dinner is ready, the same goes for breakfast." 

Afterwards, she closed the door, and Austin and Aarman remained inside the room.  Austin immediately laid down on the bed and heartily commented. "You were amazing out there!" Aarman lowered his items to the floor and then he sat on the bed. He looked at Austin and sternly said. "Enjoy tonight's luxury." Austin sat up and replied. "Gladly, but why so serious?"-- "Because it will not take long for words to spread. Till then, we would be rabbits hunted by soldiers and mercenaries. So I suggest you prepare yourself." Austin knew the possible events that would happen but he persisted to worry despite the facts. A question came to his mind so he asked uneasily. "I know it's a bit late but, why did you heal me back there in the forest?" Silence filled the room. A cold breeze drifted against the wooden window which created a creaking sound. 

Austin gulped as his nervousness was outrightly revealed while he anticipated Aarman's reply. Aarman leaned forward with his arms rested upon his knees, and his head lowered. Slowly, he raised his head to face Austin,  then he gazed deep into Austin's eyes. His sudden actions startled the young lad. He nearly responded when the sudden intrusion dissuaded his utterance."Knock, knock~" Austin was startled by the sound. It shattered the intense ambiance inside the room.

A familiar voice notified them. "Dinner is ready." Aarman stood and gestured to Austin to follow. They left the room and followed the waitress to their table. Chatter and laughter from customers filled the inn with joy. It was a festive night stirred with amusement performed by the bard with his music. It was unusual for both of them but it was rather fun. Aarman and Austin ate and drank to their heart's content.

After a fun, free, and peaceful dinner, both of them headed back to their room. A satisfactory and sufficient meal after three exhausting days made them dismiss their matters. They went directly to bed and slept peacefully. Without their knowledge, a mysterious maiden across the anteroom was prying on them. Morning came and the same knock awakened them. Both of them were still weary from all the food from yesterday's dinner. After a while, numerous knocks followed.

The knocks disturbed them and were quite annoying until Austin opened the door. Austin was perplexed when he opened the door. Unexpectedly, it was not the bitter waitress but instead, a young maiden stood at the doorway. She smiled at him and introduced herself with a merry voice. "Good morning! Pariahs! My name's Samira but you can call me Sam!"