Ardalia: The Breath of Aoles

Chapter Four - A BOW FOR PELMEN

During the first few days after settling in Alveg, Pelmen's activities in the shop provided him with a distraction, which he did his best to cling to. Xuven had asked him to stay in the background to begin with and observe how negotiations were carried out. That way, Pelmen learned the value of the various fabrics, carpets, cushions, items of jewelry, perfumes, ointments, tools and objects of every sort. Cleaning and rearranging the merchandise according to his uncle's instructions were not chores, once he had understood the necessity. For the first time, he felt useful. And above all, he could think about something other than Master Galn, Mils and Dryna, all of whom he missed terribly.

On the third day after his arrival, Pelmen wondered more than ever whether his mentor had survived his illness. The afternoon was drawing to a close and he was standing on the threshold of the shop, contemplating the platforms higher up. The day before, for the hundredth time, he had rejected the idea of going to see Alicene and Teleg. He did not want to impose or seem as though he was pushy—at least, that was what he told himself. The excuse was nidepoux shit, of course. It had more to do with the wan and jaundiced face of the master craftsman that surged forth every time he thought about him—that was not the Galn he wanted to see again. Above all, he was afraid of having to face the worst.

Pelmen was relieved to see Teleg approaching, a huge grin lighting up his face.

"He's getting better?" Pelmen asked, his heart suddenly in his throat.

"Much better!" exclaimed Teleg. "Your herbalist's remedy had more effect than we could have hoped. His appetite has returned and he is getting out of bed more often. That's not all—now he wants to get back on his normal schedule! Alicene and I are having a lot of trouble slowing him down!"

"Excellent!"

"He's asked to see you, of course."

Such a request was no trouble, for Xuven had given him the evening off. Pelmen told his uncle that he was going out before setting off with Teleg.

"It's fantastic," Pelmen said as they walked. "I'll admit now that I was really afraid."

"You're not the only one. Alicene and I don't know what would have become of us, without him."

Master Galn had, in fact, recovered his strength. His gestures were slow and marked with weariness, but his complexion was less jaundiced and he could stand up. Pelmen felt the accumulated tension of recent days ebbing away in relaxing waves. He smiled at his mentor.

"One would think I had returned from a long journey," said Master Galn. "I owe you a considerable debt of gratitude, from what Teleg tells me."

"Oh, I was just really lucky," said Pelmen.

"On the contrary, Wide-Eyes, you showed particular inspiration—as you did when you listened to Aoles while drawing the bow."

Pelmen's smile was only slightly forced.

"Teleg tells me that your bow is no longer in your possession?" queried Master Galn.

"That's true, unfortunately."

"But in spite of everything, you still want to train for the Recruitment tournament?"

Pelmen nodded.

"I'll make you one—it's the least I can do."

"I couldn't ask for anything better," said Pelmen, unable to mask his delight.

"The only problem is that, given the state I'm in, it won't be ready before the beginning of the tournament. Hmmm... in the meantime, you can take mine."

Pelmen's nostrils dilated. "You want... to lend me... your bow?"

"Ah! There's the Wide-Eyes I know! You haven't been yourself recently." He winked.