Counting Crows

III; SIX FOR A ROSE THAT PULLS AND PRICKS

August 16th, 110 AS

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The weather was horrible. It was muggy outside, only adding to the intense heat we had been experiencing all season. The intense desire for cooler weather had taken over my thoughts this past week.

I walked through town by myself, gawking at all the window displays. The windows were all decorated for the spirit's festival next week. I stopped staring at the windows and walked toward the town square.

As per usual, an eerie silence hung in the air. This one was different than the usual feeling, it was more haunting. Ione felt it too, she trembled slightly on my shoulder.

"It's okay, Ione." I scratch her cheek and she leans into it. "We're going to be home in a little bit, I have to stop at the store first."

A bell rings as I step into Tella's store. She stood behind the counter, reading one of her romance novels. She looks up from her book.

"Hello Aunt Tella."

"Hello, Corbin! How may I help you?"

"My father placed an order, I'm here to collect it."

She snaps her fingers. "That's right! I'll be right back. I think he's going to love it!" She pushed back her beaded curtains and walked into the back room. "Here," She says, examining her work. "Tell him I also wrapped the handle." She hands me the ax.

"Thank you, Aunt Tella. I'm sure he will be pleased with your work."

"Is that all?"

I dug my hand into my pocket. "Can you engrave jewelry?"

She smiles. "Sure, let me see it." I hand her the gold and silver rings. Aunt Tella spends a minute examining it. "Yeah, it'll only take me a minute. Who are they for?"

"Percy and Elysium. I wanted to get them something special for their anniversary."

"I'll go do that right now. Do you want their initials?"

"Yes, please!" I bob up and down, waiting for her to finish engraving them.

It wasn't long before Aunt Tella had finished the rings.

"How much?"

"Three gold pieces."

I dig three gold pieces out of my pockets. "Are you sure?" She takes the warm gold pieces out of my hand.

"I'm sure, Corb." She hands me the rings.

I examine them in my hand. They were perfect, but still a little warm. "You usually charge more, though."

"Consider this a family discount." She smiles and throws her gloves on the counter. "Now, why don't you go give that ax to your father."

"Goodbye, Aunt Tella." I say as I open the door to leave.

"Bye, Corbin!" I wave goodbye and let the door close behind me.

"Now all we have to do is find Father. He said he was going to be at the bakery."

Ione and I walk across the street and down the block towards the bakery. I peek in the window and see Father talking to Raine, the owner.

"Hey, Corbin," Raine says as I walk in. Father turns around.

"You got my ax, good job." Father took his ax and twisted it in his hand. "How much longer on that loaf, Raine?"

"I'll go check on it right now." He smiles and walks into the back.

I pull on Father's sleeve, trying to get his attention. "I'm going to look at all the Spirit Festival decorations."

"Come back here in twenty minutes." I nod and run out of the store.