AURORA

Chapter 15: Part I

            "If Avero is as big as Helena explains, then I have no doubt Amoura is there. I don't even have a description of her to know who I'm looking for. Just another challenge Aurora created to make this harder for me."

Helena and Garrett enter the room. She heads over to this giant brown cupboard and grabs some clothes.

         "Here, see if you can fit these. I never wore them, but they should fit you perfectly. There's a room in the back that you can change in to your right down the hall. While you dress, I'll pack some bags to get us ready to go."

               I head to the room anxiously. I enter the room and closes the old wooden door. The cabins floors is made out of wood so the floors creak. A few candles sit on two of the dresses on the side of the bed. The room is basically empty. I start to switch my clothes while observing. The shirt was silky and smooth. It's a brown, muddy color. The pants are these black tights that define my legs. I put my daggers in my pockets hidden from view. Don't need to raise alarm to any of the guards. I keep the boots that I have. I look at the floor and see a little pin that I could use for my hair. I reach over and grab it. I toss my hair up and put it together so it's out of my face.

               I crack my neck and stretch my body out. I'm glad that I was able to rest even though I had to pass out to get it. I've eaten, which has me ready to go. My legs are slightly sore but manageable. I head to the door, looks at the bed I wish I could lay in, and steps out. Helena looks up at me. "Well they fit you perfectly. I guess we're ready to go. Grab your bag. I placed food in there for you so you'll have something to eat. We'll head to the little diner first. They have rooms at the top which you will stay in for your time in Avero." She takes her apron off and now I can clearly see her handmaiden dress. It's pink and feminine. Her blonde hair is pinned up and she looks like she works for the royals.

            "Come on Garrett, let' go. Ready Cara?" "Ready." We all head outside and it's still daylight. I'm guessing it's late in the afternoon. The sun is blazing but its heat warms my skin and makes me feel better about what we're about to do. "Come now Cara, Avero is this way. Once we get there, you'll see how much ground we have to cover. There will be a lot of different characters, but we will ask around for Amoura. Someone might know who she is and where she might be. Try to blend in and don't be nervous. Avero is a great kingdom. I grew up there and I know it in and out." We head out of the edge of the forest and I can see Avero.

            It is pretty big. Stone walls pile up to the sky. Dozens of walkways fill my view. Loud chatter and laughter fills the air. This is a true kingdom. No sign of unhappiness or death. As we get closer, I can see a group of men in overalls playing chess. From the sounds of them, someone is close to losing. Little boys and girls in dresses run around laughing and chasing each other. Smoke shoots from the different buildings and women in bright colored dressed parade around the walkways. We reach the front of Avero and there are a few soldiers. One of them approaches us.

          "Well, how do you do ladies? May I help you with anything?" Helena asks, "What is your name?" "I'm Vern of Maniro malady." "Well, Vern of Maniro, I'm Helena; handmaiden of the queen, and this is my son and friend, Cara. We're heading to the diner." "I'll leave you to it malady." They bow to each other and we walk in. we approach one of the many pathways in the middle. A few horses tended by some soldier's line the sides. Up ahead, I can see the castle. It's as white as day. Giant thick pillars hold it up and several open windows glisten in the sun. A long red carpet runs from the entrance of the castle. This is how a kingdom should be.

        "This way Cara. I know it's a lot to see, but we must stay on task." We head inside this dim lighted diner. A sign outside reads, "The Keg." Drunk men sit in it innocently laughing at nothing. Women join them at the table admiring their clean cut beards. Piles of root bear glasses wait to be cleaned to service the next customer. The atmosphere feels safe and inviting. We approach the drink counter. An older man with a bear as white as chalk turns around. He's cleaning one of the wine glasses. He's wearing glasses that are as circular as they come. He has on sort of suit, jumper outfit. "Well hello ladies, how may I help you?" Helena addresses him. I let her do the talking since she knows these people and how to talk to them. "Hello kind sir. We were hoping to get a room." "Ahh yes, we have a few vacancies."

          He leans over the counter. 

      " Well what is this? Hello young man" "Say hello Garrett." Garrett smiles and says hello sir." "I remember when I was your age. I used to run around here like I owned the place. That is until I found out I didn't. He begins laughing and we all join you. "Well no matter, you can have a room for free. Any woman who bears a son deserves that right. Come now, follow me ladies." "Thank you so much Mr.?" "Oh yes, I'm Mr. Vonson and who are you all?" "I am Helena and this is my friend Cara and my son Garrett." "Nice to meet you all." We head upstairs to this well-kept little hallway. It smells wonderful and warm. "Ah, here we are. This is the best room up here. I think even queen Vera would find this room worthy. If you need anything, just come down and I'll help you. Enjoy." We all say, "Thank you, Mr. Vonson."

           Helena smiles and looks around. 

       "This is a nice room. Definitely perfect for your stay." "I'll say. It feels really nice being here. Dubar is nothing like Avero. Here, there is laughter and life. In Dubar there is no life, no color, no anything. Just death and silence." "Well, you're here now. I would like to stay here if you don't mind. I want Garrett to have a change of scenery. It would also be easier not to have to travel back and forth so many times while I help you" "Of course. I wouldn't be here without you. You're welcome to stay." "Thank you Cara. Well I believe we should ask Mr. Vonson some questions as a start. Surely if Amoura were here, she must have come here at least once. Since this is a diner, people travel in and out of here all day. It's the best place to start." "I agree Helena."

She turns to talk to Garrett. 

          "Garrett, take this money and go find something fun to do. There's a play going on at The Tavern soon. Try to find some other boys to go with you and use the money wisely." "Whoa. Thanks mom." "You're welcome, now go on." "Okay Helena, so we'll start with Mr. Vonson. I don't want to overwhelm him with questions, but I need to know if he knows anything." "Right, let's go." We head back downstairs to the diner. All the drunken men have left along with the women. The bar is empty and quiet. This is the perfect time to ask questions. We walk over to the drink counter and sit on these high black stools.