Mysteries Atop the Mountain

Chapter 3

           What was that flower even doing in the fountain? People drink from it every day! Flowers like that are only found in the woods near the base of the mountain. Could a breeze have blown it up here? Was anyone else sick?

          I burst into the throne room to find my mother and father. Their matching thrones of gold and silver shone in the light of the sun coming through the windows. The golden-brown curls of my hair mother framed her face, and her brown skin was adorned with golden makeup, jewelry, and a crown of silver. My father's skin was a couple of shades darker than my mother's, and, instead of a silver crown atop his curly hair, his was golden.

          "Mother, Father. Something terrible has happened."

          "We know," responded my mother. "Kenra already informed us."

          "So, what shall we do? Thousands of people drink from it each day. There could be people stricken with sickness all throughout the kingdom."

          My father sighed, an exhausted sigh. "Healers are positioned all through the kingdom for people who have drunk from the fountain. Drinking from the fountain can cause paralysis, blindness, or even death without treatment. But, the healers are treating everyone they can. My guards will be surveying the town to find out how this flower tainted our water. We do not believe it was by coincidence."

         "So, you're saying someone placed it there on purpose? Even though it could potentially kill people. Why would anyone want to do that?"

          "No need to worry, my daughter. We will figure this situation out and catch whoever caused such a catastrophe. You must be on your way to school now".

          "But father, I want to help! What can I do?"

          "All you need to do now is listen to my orders and be on time for your lessons."

          I peered at my mother, but she had no objections to my father. Her eyes were softly imploring me to listen to my father, so I obeyed and left the throne room with a bow. The guards, ordered by my father to follow me, escorted me out to the carriage, and I made my way to school, thinking deeply about how my father was being overly protective. The extra guards were entirely unnecessary.

          I was sure the flower in the fountain was an accident. There was a rough storm last night. But, could the flower really have traveled all the way up the mountain and landed perfectly in the fountain like that? I wasn't sure. I pushed it out of my mind. Father had told me not to worry about it, so I wasn't going to worry anymore. I would go to class and then meet Toren for dinner since our lunch plans were canceled.  After that, I would meet him in his art studio for whatever surprise he had waiting for me.

          The first class of the day was "Traditional Venalayan Cooking," taught by Professor Kyann. Professor Kyann was a kind woman, but she was a strict grader. Today was a test to see if we could master the art of midday tea. We had to create a snack and tea combo to present to the professor. I already had an idea of what I would be making. Toren had been my taste tester, letting me know which foods went well with which tea.  Since his mother owned a tea shop and often asked for his help in the kitchen, he was quite good at cooking himself. 

           I arrived at school carrying my books wrapped in a leather strap. The guards had asked if they could carry my books, but I prefer to carry myself. The school towered above me with its castle-like structures, grandiose stained glass windows, and courtyards. The grass was wet from last night's storm, and I took a deep breath, letting the smell wash over me. The school was so large that it extended towards the cliffside with windows peering down the mountain. The flags of the kingdom blew in the wind, reaching towards the sky.