A Tale of Time: The Malice of Men

Chapter 15: Love

Love is heavenly. Love is hellish.

Love is necessary. Love is unbecoming.

Love is strength. Love is weakness.

Love is the greatest power in all of openness.

Still, no change. Araan had hoped against hope that something would happen. Of course, no such luck. The Lord was Governor. The people were at peace and Araan still had to go fishing. It was not that he hated his job, but it still irked him that there was absolutely nothing happening around him. This was not the way things were supposed to be.

But you see, Araan was expecting too much. Political turmoil, civil disquiet and rebellion were all nothing more than unpleasant dreams in this silent place. Nothing ever happened. 

So he found himself strolling towards the docks, where his boat and that of his father waited. There was a storm. It was a huge one. Luckily, their own humble house had survived the attack, being set inland. Their boats were also in good keep and after a few minor repairs that were taken care of yesterday, all were back in place and ready for use again.

Araan strolled along the streets of his little town musing to himself when he stumbled upon her.

She was dressed well, or so he thought, for Araan himself had no idea of what fine clothing looked like, having spent his entire childhood in poverty. She wore a pretty nightgown and had evidently just woken up. Her eyes reflected her drowsy state of being, but there seemed to be a dull radiance about her. She gave him a fleeting glance and looking, walked away. Father was not there. He promised to meet him later at the boatyard.

Araan felt a strange stirring within him. It was as if every part of his body wanted to follow her, take care of her, and be with her.

He couldn't help it. No person of his age could. He followed her.

The area between the main part of the town and the coast was a maze of run-down houses. Araan and his family lived in one of them. The whole place was a  picturesque puzzle, with shelters popping up as randomly as you please. Wooden poles and jute ropes seemed to prop the world up. Surely, she didn't belong to them? She seemed... more.

He walked quickly and soon caught sight of her. She was walking; unaware that Araan was behind her. As expected, her feet were leading her to the richer part of town. Araan had no idea why she was here or why she was all alone in this early hour. Seems suspicious. His mind came up with an easy pretension and cause to follow her.

She walked in a pensive manner, as if she wasn't aware that a whole world full of living, breathing things existed all around her. Arran found this strange. What in the world is she up to?

Finally, he made the mistake.

The storm had left far too many puddles in its wake, and Araan managed to step loudly into one of them. The person in front of him stopped and turned around.

She had short, silvery hair and a pale white face. Her lips, in contrast, were astonishingly red. It was amazing. It was beautiful.

"You have been following me, haven't you?" She asked in a tone that was scolding but seemed so sharp to him that every syllable was a slap on his face.

Yes, Araan, you have been following her, haven't you? His mind ditched him.

"I... uh... Yes." Why did he say that?

"Why have you been following me?" She asked again, placing her hands on her hips. She was short, so the whole expression might have looked comical if not for the state of the sufferer.

"I wanted to see what you were doing here." He said in a feeble tone that betrayed the fear that grew into a lump in his throat.

"I don't believe you." She said, taking a step towards Araan. For some strange reason, he found himself taking a step backward in amazing synchronization.

"Why?" He asked. It was the first word that popped into his mind, or what little of it that was still functioning. His heart was racing and he could tell that he was beginning to sweat. All together, he wasn't making a good case for himself.

"Why? I'll tell you why. Market boys and fishermen have no business with the likes of me, that's why. I can go where I want and I can go whenever I choose to. What's it to you?" She burst. Luckily, the place was empty. Else, Araan might have been in for a good thrashing.

"I was just... worried about you. That's all." He said quickly in an attempt to pacify her. It was of no avail.

"You don't need to be worried about me." She snapped. "What do you know of me and why do you care anyways?" The words stung, but there was something else too.

She's sad.

"Why are you upset?" Arran asked, forming a genuine sentence for the first time.

"I... you don't need to know." She looked down. "I won't tell you."

Arran took a step forward. She didn't back away.

"I can help you, you know."

"I don't need your help!" She screamed. The dog in the distance raised its head.

"Quiet!"

"I don't need to be quiet. I don't have to listen to you! Do you know who I am?"

I don't. Funny fact that. I have been chasing a girl I don't know. What will father say? What will mother think?

"Who are you?"

"Esha Estari" Sure enough, she had a second name. Their family was of prominence. The Estari were an ancient family, dating back to before the arrival of the giants. Now, they were reduced in significance, but still quite prominent, being the tax collectors and administrators of the town.

Esha was sobbing softly. The sight shocked Araan.

"I'm sorry!" He said quickly before walking up to her. She was crying! Esha dried her tears quickly.

"It is not your fault." She said, looking away.

"I can help you. Tell me what's wrong." I'll do anything. Anything!

She looked up. "Not now. I cannot tell you now. It will take too long. Later!"

"Where? When?" Araan asked all too earnestly.

 "Meet me at the town centre at sunset. I shall come secretly. Walk to the clock an you shall find me there."

Araan gave no pause to consider the vague nature of the instructions. He also didn't bother to see her all the way home.

"I haven't asked your name." Esha said, by means of obtaining one.

Why would she ask your name? You're just a lowly fisherman's son.

"Araan."

"Goodbye, Araan." She said, hugging him. The experience left him paralyzed. He had no words, no thoughts. A mind as devoid of action as Symbeya.

When his mind returned to its domain, he was all alone.

Quickly, he hurried to the boatyard. The sun was about to rise and if it did before Araan got to his boat, he would be late.

"What took you so long?" His father asked. He had brought with him all the equipment. Today, he would be fishing with him.

"Nothing." He lied and began to work. Avaan smiled.

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Hope you liked the chapter! It was a brief one, but I feel it adds to the tale nicely. As always, feel free to give feedback and if you liked the story, please do vote for it(by clicking on the star-shaped icon), comment and share it with those you know.

Thank you.