King of Days: The Veiled Guardians

5. A New Time

Ten years had passed since the Vírlas family had escaped capture by the brigands. They now were living a happy life deep within the city of Trinita. The kids' father owned a small wheat farm outside the gates, was a merchant and possessed rare spices and objects from distant lands. The family business was booming, as theirs was the only bakery that baked with foreign spices, so everyone wanted to taste them. Their breads were also healthier than most, for their father grew wheat that was not found anywhere else around the kingdom, but was bought as seeds from some foreign land. The kids, who were mostly now adults and grew up gracefully. Many recalled beautiful memories of their old cottage, the way it sat in the middle of a meadow, had a stream to the north and was surrounded by trees that seemed to hold all memories. The younger ones also remembered how they used to play games in the barn and in the northern part of the forest. They had greatly loved the large open spaces. But by now they had become well acquainted with life in the city. As much as they loved their old life, they knew that they could live better and safer in the city. They were wealthier and had many more opportunities, besides the fact that they were protected by walls and guards day and night. Of all of the Vírlas children Hûstin had the most happen to him during the 10 years, he was now 26 and had been married to a woman named Frieda for six years, they had two children together: Mira the oldest was 6, she was a peaceful girl, and being near her brought a tranquility of heart. The second child was named Jun, she was 4 years old, and was of such grace and obedience that all spoke of her purity.

In the Vírlas house things were moving busily, the great feast of Purple Autumn was upon them. During this feast, the last month of the year on the 25th, people all over Trinita gathered to celebrate the founding of their great city. However this year was different. This year was the 700th anniversary of the city's founding. The city was founded when an evil nomadic warlord had been overthrown, and a new camp was formed within the lone mountain. It was this cleansed and reborn group that witnessed the unity and goodness of people. So ingrained was the royal color of purple, that all people owned an article of clothing that had some purple. All citizens of Trinita believed they shared in the royalty of the kingdom, that they were united under the bond of truth and goodness. They also believed that their city was destined by The Ancient. He was the creator of all things, and it was he who established the rules of Trinita. It is because of this event that the Vírlas family was extra busy. They were running back and forth, the men were carrying bags of flour and buckets of water, while the women were baking in the kitchen. Karíto walked over to a table and picked up a butcher knife. His job was to prepare the cow for roasting, and for pastries. He was twenty- two years to the day, and was a strong and sturdy young man. His hair was held up in his butcher's cap, and wore a black apron over his clothes to protect from the blood. As he walked outside he put his knife in a sheath to keep the blade secure, he looked around and took a deep breath. The street smelled of all kinds of wondrous things, from bread to meats and other seasonal classics. He loved this time of year, not only was it his birthday, but in the evening they would be celebrating the founding of the city.

The tailor and his daughter walked by him. She was about the same age, maybe younger. He smiled at her, and she smiled back at him then looked away shyly. He chuckled to himself then turned the corner to their shop. Looking up to the tower, he waved to the guardsman; in response the gate opened for him. Karíto walked some distance to their wheat farm and to the fields where they were keeping the cow. Inside was a huge black cow, it had been fattened for this very feast. It not only would feed the royal family, but it would feed anyone who would buy pastries today. There was even enough left to feed the whole Varilas family, and more! Karíto opened the gate, and brought the cow over to the place he had previously prepared. He patted the cow on its side. He had created a nice relationship over the several years.

Looking up he saw some lanterns and strings being tied up; it all looked amazing with purples and blues and different types of origami being fashioned. It was a true party by definition. In the house things were buzzing with motion. People were moving here and there, boxes of great smelling goodies were slowly packed higher and tighter. Crees looked annoyed as he placed a crate on top of the others. "Ugh, it is like we are feeding the whole region!"