Tearha: The Number 139

Epilogue: The Number 139

The lone tree stood atop a small, gentle hill. Shin-length wild grass grew in all directions on the seemingly endless plains, though a single dirt road stretched north-south to his east. At his south, a stone mountain stood overlooking the lands that stretched before it, a citadel hidden at its horizon carved base. To the east and west, farmlands laid for as far as the eyes could see. Straight up to north was where a mountain range stood, though at that distance, the heaps were hidden by the curvature of Tearha. Yet, a tall stone spire jutted out from the horizon, piercing the clouds like a needle through the earth itself.

The Watcher stared up into the canopy of the tree, light sparkling through like morning stars. It still felt odd, seeing light-brown leafs as a healthy sign for a plant, but that came with the idea of living in a world where a version of autumn – Leaf – came after winter, and a summer – Sear – would be next. 8 seasons. 49 days each. Nearly a year had passed since the end of Light's reign in Everwind. Or, as those on Tearha called it, 6 seasons.

From what he knew, Luce and Adelaide had headed into Katoki at the start of Fall, earlier than they had planned, and had lost contact since. Nadier's whereabouts in Devara were more precise, though The Watcher had been requested to stay out of the dark elf's way until the storm had passed. As for the continent of Eltar itself, a new parliamentry government had been set up in temporary management. For The Watcher, he had separated from Miguel when he landed on the western continent and had spent the time between exploring the lands. It was not until recently that he regained contact and was asked for a meeting.

Creaking wood and clattering hoofs had him turning away from the tree and back to the east. A cart filled with mostly emptied baskets dragged by a bane black mane pulled to a stop at the bottom of the hill. From the steed, a man in khaki coloured pants and dirt brown shirt dismounted. From the cart, a young girl with brown braided hair vaulted off the far side, denim shorts and white singlet muddied from the day. Finally a teenage boy, just slightly taller than the girl, stood to height, with hair of deep navy blue and a receding elf ear. The boy, in a crisp white shirt and black pants, exchanged a glance with The Watcher before nodding. For a moment, The time traveller thought of Miguel.

The man from the horse spoke muffled instructions to the kids before turning to walk up the hill, leaving the young teens to explore the nearby field.

"Hello, Watcher!" the man greeted as he closed.

"King Adam?" The Watcher asked in confusion. The man did not carry the regards of a royal in his eyes, nor did any of his physical cue suggested so.

Laughing it off, the newcomer reached the summit. "No, no. I can't be king, even if I wanted to. All that pressure? I'd collapse into a pile of weeping goo." He held out his hand and The Watcher took it. "Jax's the name. Farming's my game."

"A farmer?"

"We can't all be kings and queens. Someone needs to tend the fields."

Jax had a shine to his onyx hair, paired with eyes so brown that they almost looked black. His facial features were nothing extraordinary. Rough skin, rounded chin, dimpled cheeks. He was an average man with an average build. Aside from the thin muscles and tan developed from working the lands, Jax was ordinary in every other visible way.

The Watcher shrugged, smiled, and asked, "I thought I was supposed to meet the leader of the Clovers?"

"Apparently, you're looking at him."

He cocked a brow. "Isn't that King Adam?"

"Nah. Adam just thought it'd be smart if everyone assumed it was him. We took a vote. They said it's me, but I haven't really done any "leading" since." Jax placed his hands in his pockets and slacked his back, relaxing with a deep breath. Turning back to the kids below, he continued, "That's my daughter. She's dating the boy over there. Junior Vallertes. Miguel's son. Honestly, I'm kind of conflicted as a father. Junior's a good kid. Straight as can be. But I've always wanted to do that scene from Bad Boys Two."