Kingdoms - work in progress

Chapter Eight - Aspen

Shouting. Arguing. More shouting. More arguing. I see water fly from the pond and as the water gets thrown into the air to turn into hard, pelting rain, it suddenly turns icey. Into hail. Screaming. More arguing. Quiet. A loud thud. More arguing. Talking, in whispers. Then silence. A very loud silence. Someone clears their throat from behind me and I spin around.

"And who might you be?" The plump woman asks. She's middle aged and looking at me questioningly.

"Um... hi? You wouldn't be Meena by any chance, would you?" She looks taken aback.

"How would you - someone I've never met before - know my name? Unless..."

"Aspen help me dow-" I spin around and see Kaltrina on the branch, staring open mouth at the woman.

"KALTRINA? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? IT'S BEEN OVER A MONTH AND YOUR PARENTS ARE WORRIED SICK!"

"Um... hi Meena?" Ah so it is the supposed Meena.

"And who's the girl?"

"Oh, hi! I'm Aspen, nice to meet ya!"

"I don't recognize her... AND WHO ARE YOU?!" Oliver. Such horrible timing, as usual.

"Oh er-" He hops down from the branch, glances at Kaltrina - who avoids his gaze for some reason - and extends his hand to Meena. "Hello ma'am, I'm Oliver Silas. It's a pleasure meeting you."

"No one talks that formal unless they're royalty- are you- no you can't be-"

"Um-" Kaltrina says awkwardly.

"You found the passage didn't you?" Meena asks, turning to Kaltrina, who pales at those words. How does she- "Wondering how I know about that passage eh? When I was young. Twelve or so, I was wandering through the woods and I fell down the passage. You know the one. Met a boy on the other side. Caring for the plants surrounding the area. We became friends. Close friends. But his father found out and... well... he wasn't happy. Fiorello was my best friend thou-"

"Did you say Fiorello? That's my father!" Her eyes widen.

"You look a lot like him. Oliver is it?" He nods. "I'll keep your secret. And who are you again?" She asks, turning to me. I glance at Kaltrina who nods, signaling I can tell her about the past month and half.

"Aspen Alaire, nice to meet you. I found Kal in the forest when I was out exploring. She's been living with me and my family for the past few weeks."

"Are you taking good care of her?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Good. Now Kaltrina, I'm guessing the new hair is so you wouldn't be found out?" Kaltrina nods. "Hm, smart."

"You're not going to tell my parents, are you?"

"No, no I am not. Just tell me, why come back?"

"For the Malva Menta. Aspen wanted me to do some divination because-"

"A war is coming. I know. Why not come home? You'd be safe."

"I know, but this time I want to help. Besides, I can't leave my friends. I finally made friends." She smiles.

"I thought you'd say that. Anything else you need from me?"

"Actually there is one thing... could you fetch my Tasseography book from the library? It should be on the shelf of my books. Wait, could you also bring some more clothes for me? I've been having to borrow from Aspen."

"I will. I'll be back. Go to the edge of the forest. Stay hidden. I will be out shortly. If you hear yelling, run and go without them." She nods. "Stay safe out there Kaltrina. You too Aspen, Oliver. Take good care of her, you hear?" We both nod. "Good." She leaves to go back outside. The three of us creep into the forest and hide behind a large tree. Kaltrina on one of my sides and Oliver on the other. Ten minutes pass and nothing.