Inner Stone

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

                Dust rose from the dirt ground as dozens of horses trampled over it lugging carts filled with goods. The golden-yellow color of fresh wheat was under tan tarps pulled over the wagons. Vegetables overfilled another cart as a few loose pieces began tumbling from them. The two boys strolled down the road, listening to the peaceful village chatter.

                “Get yer vege’ables ‘ere! Freshes’ in da island! Come one, come all—Rad’shes, carrots, and cabb’ges! Only 5 spizes a piece!”

                “Jewelry—bracelets, necklaces, rings! Get something for that sweet chica of yours! Willing to bargain for lower prices.”

                “You there—would you like to try—no? How about you, mah purty lady? No? Lovely gal you’ve got there. Are you interested in—”

                 The rest of the interesting conversation floated out of the boys ears as they walked up to the inn. Tentatively, Tawryn raised his hand to push open the door…just as the Old Hag herself pushed out. For a moment, they all blinked at each other. Then, Muriel cleared her throat.

                “Boys…naughty, naughty boys. What have you got to sneak up a poor woman’s inn?” She added with an indignant voice. Her gravely sound rang between the boys’ ears as they tried to gather their wits.

                “Erm, Ma’am, we have a bit of questions on our part we’d like to share. When you’re not busy…” Tawryn dragged out the last sentence, waiting for her to fill in for him. She just stared hauntingly at him. His voice trailed off awkwardly. He blushed gently, red dusting his cheeks. Sparing him no pity, Muriel’s gaze lingered on him a moment longer as he looked down.

                Sommy just stared the elderly lady. Up close, she looked even more ancient than ever! Her skin looked like leather slathered across her face. Bony fingers clung to her ever dirtied wooden cane. Her fraying hair glistened metallic in the sunlight. However, her eyes looked no older than a youthful woman. Though they held sadness, they also held wisdom. Sommy concluded that she must have been beautiful once in her youth.

                “You there, boy. You’re his friend, aren’t you?” Her grainy voice rang through Sommy’s ears. He broke off his rather intense staring and jumped.

                “Yes, Ma’am, I am. My name’s Sommy. His is Tawryn. We apologize for the rush, but if you have time would you answer a few questions for us?” His voice hardened slightly with remorse. Tawryn looked up at the boy next to him.

                He quickly cut in with a kinder tone, “That is if you don’t mind—”

                “Well, then you’ll have to excuse me. I do mind, in fact very much. I have a lunch to get to, so you youngsters can save your petty questions for later.” She exhaled sharply through her pointed nose and moved her cane forward to propel herself away.

                Sommy, who was quite fed up with the excuses (though he kept it all inside) quickly pulled himself in front of her to stop her hobbling escape. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he spoke rapidly, “Ma’am, I apologize, but we need to speak with you. Now.” His voice was filled with authority. Muriel’s eyes flashed with anger and distain for being spoken down on. Tawryn noticed and quickly intervened.

                “May we accompany to lunch then, Lady Muriel? We won’t be much of a bother—”

                “Not a bother…honestly? Isn’t bothering a lady on her meal a bother enough. Fine, if you must come along. Don’t lag or I’ll leave you to eat my dust!” She called as she swerved around Sommy and started hobbling away at a surprising speed. “Young rascals, these days…no respect.” Tawryn and Sommy heard her mutter as they quickly caught up to her.