The Crystal Of Light And Dark

Chapter 3 By The River

The Crystal

(Vincent E. Catacutan)

Chapter 3                                     By The River

It is afternoon and the sun is not giving off much heat. In a smithy, Morin and Vincent make swords for the knights of Raffinia. Morin is the owner of the weapon shop and the best blacksmith in the village. He married Zhekeenah, the maiden of the queen mother of Vincent. He responsibly stands as the father of the orphan.

Vincent has grown in this kind of work. He learned all the knowledge of Morin in blacksmithing, and because his known father was a knight, he was even taught in using different weapons in combat.

“Vincent, do you have something to do?” asks Morin

“Nothing, father,” replies Vincent.

“I noticed that you’re always looking outside as you have to go. The work’s almost done. You can leave. I’ll just finish the remaining job.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll help you to finish this soon.”

“If you say so, then let’s finish this without much time to waste.”

The sun is setting and they are done. They close the shop and start to go back home.

“May I leave?” asks Vincent. “I’ll just…”

“It’s alright,” allows Morin. He knew that something was bothering his son for a while. “Just go.”

“Thanks.”

Vincent rushes through the river. He feels excitement, yet something still trembles his heart. He reaches where he must have been a while ago, but he only sees the calm river and the steady concrete bridge. The woman is not there. Frustration strikes him. Thoughts like “what if he was been here earlier” or “what if she was not serious” ask his mind. He lies down on the grass and stares at the stars. Suddenly, his feelings change. An unknown gladness for him flows upon his spirit, when an elegance that is more beautiful than stars occupies his sight. He hears a pleasant music when it starts to speak.

“So, you’re now here?” asks the elegance. “What came to your mind to let me wait here until now? I was untying my horse to leave when I saw you walking through here!” It was Jemaria. She faces down to the lying guy.

“I apologize.”

“Is that all you can say?!”

Vincent gets up to sit on the ground. “I didn’t expect you’re serious with what you said.”

Anger turns to pity. She knows the past of the fellow. She takes a deep breath. “Do you think I am like that? I’ll accept your apology if you’ll join me eating this food,” she responds as she shows a basket of food.

He looks at the eyes of Jemaria. He sees acceptance and truth, no discrimination.

“Why are you looking at like that?” she blushes.

“Nothing.”

“Come. Let’s eat.”

They eat as they converse. At first, Vincent does not say any sentence. He only answers “yes or no questions,” but later on, because of much consciousness of the lady the Silence begins to contribute some discussions.

“At last, you start telling stories,” relieves Jemariah.

“I feel consolation being with you that I can freely talk,” tells Vincent. “Aside from the family I’ve grown, I can also feel acceptance from you,” tells Vincent.

“What are you saying?” reddens her. She has then seen the emotionless eyes of the lad turning expressive. “How can’t I accept you?  I know you’re nice. You had even rescued me twice.”

Vincent suddenly senses that there are some eyes staring at them from somewhere.

“It night deepens. It’s better if you will go home,” he advises.

“I guess you’re right,” she agrees.

“Thank you”

“This is nothing compare to what you did to me. I go. Pleasant night.”

“Take care,” byes him.

The lady has gone far. Vincent turns back and goes somewhere in the forest where he can be alone. It is surrounded by trees and bushes.

“You are staring at us for some time. I am now alone. Why don’t you show yourselves?” Vincent calls out.