The Ashes of Allmau: The Orfolk of Allmau

Chapter 20

Ahna and Kydd approached Apia slowly. As they closed in the air became abuzz with energy, the chatter of tiny creatures, the thud of heavy claws, hydraulic hisses, metallic squeals, revs and bursts of engines. All the sounds of a living pyronaut, concentrated on one small clearing.

Transfixed on what was about to happen, they overlooked the progressive quietening of the trundling town. Ahna's imagination bubbled away loudly, Kydd was trying to think of the best way to introduce his giant alien friend to the orfolk, neither paid attention to what was happening around them. In the calm, one ember flew in front of the pair, it hovered for a few seconds, then flew at Ahna's nose. She squeaked and swiped at the creature.

"Careful!" said Kydd.

"Kydd?" called a voice from behind them.

Ahna turned sharply, finding herself surrounded by orfolk and embers at all levels of the brush. She shrieked in surprise and the small embers took flight. Covering her face, she stepped back and tripped across a cord stretched out by the orfolk. She hit the ground and curled up into a ball, quickly enveloped by the embers. Having fallen into the fleece hood, Kydd crawled past her bonnet and pawed across her face. From the mound of fleece, he raised Rune aloft and in clear sight.

"Stop!" cried Lyndd, seeing the familiar object.

A sense of shock went through the aether like thunder. All orfolk, no matter where they were or what they were doing, poked out from hiding.

"It's me!" Kydd called out, "Don't hurt her, she's a friend!"

He climbed out from the hood and approached Lyndd. Joined by the rest of the guard, they looked over him in sheer astonishment, unsure of how to react.

"We thought you were dead." Said Lyndd.

Still lying on the floor, Ahna watched the gathering on her chest. Lyndd yelped and raised her weapon, the others rolled back and scattered to a safe distance at seeing the man-grubs face.

"It's okay!" Kydd cried, "She's a friend. She helped me get here."

Fear and exhilaration straddle a line upon which Lyndd found herself. A fluctuating, nervous energy ran through the orfolk of Apia, energising the community.

"What is she?" Lyndd asked, holding back the others.

"A monster?" considered one.

"Nope, just a little girl." Explained Ahna.

"Little?" Lyndd looked to Kydd, "They get bigger?"

Hoisted into Apia by a cargo net that hung beneath, Ahna found herself sitting comfortably in the heart of Apia. Bathed in the light of the aetherforms and surrounded in every way by the gantries and walkways of the metal structure, she waved and greeted the orfolk that gathered in equal amazement and curiosity. A group of small children peaked out, trying to hide behind one another, while pushing themselves closer.

Ahna lifted her hand and waved, "Hello."

They looked to each other and waved back timidly, "Don't worry, I won't eat you. That'd be awfully rude."

The children chuckled and scurried up a little closer to investigate, emboldened by the guards who patrolled the friendly giant. Other orfolk, the more curious ones, descended on ropes and cords poking prodding and generally exploring this new species. She opened her arms and delighted in their curious tickles.

"So...where do we begin?" Kydd said.

"What happened?" cried Dyll, from the crowd, with him was his cousin Spytt.