Halonar

The Otherworlders

The only thing Jack enjoyed more than farming was selling. People always showed up, no matter what he sold. It was probably the most enjoyable part of the day.

Preparations for the festival were already evident. Metal wire strung across buildings, which would have various weapons, like knives and swords. The knives and swords represented the men who fell in the war against the Divilamu. The blades would hang for a day, then they were taken down.

The real swords of the time were replaced with paper versions, for obvious reasons.

The festival was not completely related to the Summoning. Some people carried the tradition by the ancient Anviors or the Knights of The Horizon.

The oddest thing about this specific holiday was that there was no designated date to celebrate. It happened at some point during the year. According to the old legends, the Knights had insisted that there be no specific day on which we would celebrate, that we should do it once per year, when we felt like it.

Summoned weren't really a fan of this, so they took control of the festival, adding parties and games to it. Jack didn't mind. The Knights were really just a legend.

"Can't believe we haul ass and they still dedicate the stuff to knights or whatever." He heard a local summoned walk by. A woman next to him remarked. "I'm sure they mean it in the best way."

A few people came to his stand this time. Maybe because there was more competition. Jack didn't mind. He just wanted to see the Adaraians walking around. There weren't that many. But then again, the festival hadn't even started yet.

He saw Marina. She ran towards him when she saw him. She was crying.

"Bandit!" she wailed.

Jack stiffened. "Who?"

She shook her head. "I don't know."

Jack looked left and right, scanning people's faces. "Did you tell a hero?"

She nodded. "They said they wouldn't be able to find him. He- he had a knife."

Halson ran up out of nowhere. "What's Going on?"

Marina wiped her tears. "Someone stole my bags! He has a knife! I had my wallet in there!"

"Did you tell a hero?"

"Yes, but they didn't bother! They're supposed to help, aren't they?"

"They already do. They helped with the Orcs, remember?" Jack interrupted.

"It doesn't matter." Halson said, "Come on, we can find him before the sun goes down!"

"No!" Jack said. "They have a knife! Besides, we should let the Adaraians deal with it."

Halson shot a look at him, then turned back to Marina. "It's alright Marina, we can get him."

"I'm scared, Hal! What if he comes for me?"

Halson grunted, puffing out his chest. You don't have to come, I think I can take him myself. I was, after all, the tug of war winner back in 2420!"

"Alright, let's go then." Marina said.

"Wait!" Jack called out.

Halson stopped. He gave Jack a sad look, shaking his head. "It's just one person."

"Halson, please."

Halson walked off, Marina by his side.

When Jack arrived home he was met by a hug from Helen.

"Dad, you won't believe the day I had!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

"What happened today?" Jack asked. He tried not to think about not helping Hal or Marina.