The Icon Unbound

Chapter Six, Part B - Saiph

There are a few clues in this chapter to several major events in the past, and to what may happen in the future. Saiph is the linchpin of history. His decisions will impact every character. This is something he recognized long ago, and it has burdened him with an endless weight. He always second-guesses himself. Let me know if there is too much/too little backstory in here. As always, leave me a vote or a comment if you liked it! --Elizabeth, UPDATED 05/07/2014

By the time his duties to their guests had been settled, the sun was going down in fire and glory behind the mountains. Saiph walked down the cobbled street past the market district, oblivious to the good-natured calls of the villagers as he passed them. He walked the winding roads to the edge of town, where the Hallstead's glassworks stood next to the ancient smithy. Saiph paused to admire it, though he had seen it a hundred times. The glassworks had one of the prettiest storefronts. The Hallstead's home was located above the glass shop, accessible from a narrow stairway.

In addition to his main trade, making sheet glass for windows and practical pieces that Waterwall needed, Master Hallstead loved to make whimsical figurines, glass beads, bowls, cups, and pendants. Each work hung carefully in the window, glittering in the evening sun. Twine and parchment tags listed their prices in Era's neat handwriting. Saiph found himself smiling as he turned away towards the alley.

Even before he made it to the landing, he could hear Meissa shrieking with laughter and the sound of adult voices trying to talk over her. He knocked on the door, but did not wait for admittance.

The front room was a blaze of light. Meissa was on the floor, in her sleeping shift. Era's spotted cat chased the string of glass beads that Meissa dangled. Honor stood next to a generous fire, in deep conversation with the Hallsteads. They all stood, because it looked like every square inch of space was filled with odd bits and ends. Fabric, table centerpieces, bits of flowers, papers with half-sketched ideas, there was even a dress hanging from the rafters.

Ah. The wedding.

Between his mother and Serreh, they would have the village sick of the whole affair before it even happened.

Honor noticed him first. "Saiph! I'm so glad you came."

"Mother, is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, dear." She gestured around the room. "I spoke with the Hallsteads. We'll stay with them, tonight."

"We got all the supplies we need," Soren added from where he leaned against a wall, uncomfortable in the midst of the wedding fripperies. "We'll leave before first light."

Saiph nodded, hiding a smile. "Rigel will appreciate that, I'm sure." In all truth, Rigel was probably very happy playing house with his bride to be, making love-struck faces at one another, and sighing dramatically every five minutes.

Michael Hallstead stepped forward and bowed. "Welcome honored--"

Saiph clasped a hand on Michael's shoulder. "As we're about to be family, I think we can skip the formalities. Please."

Michael smiled. "As you wish, of course. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

"No. I ate at the bathhouse earlier. I had to keep an eye on the Icon's new guests. They are settled in for the night now, and unlikely to cause trouble."

That quieted everyone down.

Honor turned to Meissa. "You're all ready for bed. Why don't you put down that poor little kitty and go to the sleeping room? There's a love. We'll all be there shortly."