Spirit Fire - Amos

Chapter 8 - Finding the Way

That evening, we were all talking in the living room over a tray of snacks for the special occasion, for my father was not home all the time. He was a traveler and a merchant. 

     He would go to places far away and bring home neat artifacts by trading. He would trade an item from home from something somewhere else and then trade that for something slightly more valuable.

It was late into the night before we went to sleep. I sat up in my bed, just before laying down, and gazed out into the night. Outside was dark, but illuminated by the bright silver moon. Snow on the ground sparkled and trees swayed slightly, a cool, gentle breeze passing by, which then came through my window. Chilled, I closed the window and sat back on my bed.

     I laid down and closed my eyes, slowly drifting off into a gentle slumber.

     I awakened early in the morning. The moon still out, gleaming like a golden coin now. The sun's rays just peaking over the horizon. A twilight appearing.

     I dressed into warmer clothes, including stockings, expecting to travel again soon, an uncontrollable urge to return to the mountains. I quietly searched through my pack for my map. I looked over my travels in the mountains and the land I saw from when I was on the rock tower. I put it back, put a few more things, grabbed my pack and then went downstairs. No one was down here or even awake yet I thought.

     I grabbed a few things to eat and put my boots on, ready to head out, but then I remembered to leave a note. I quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill off the table and started scribbling down a letter.

     I must have been too focused on getting out that I did not hear my father coming down the stairs. His room was two down from mine, Alan's in between.

     He came into the dining room, a box in his hands. I turned around, startled, and began to explain what I was doing. I had forgotten that he was here.

     "I was just—"

     "This is for you," he said quietly while handing me the heavy, yet fragile metal framed glass box.

     "What is it?" I asked as I carefully opened the box. My eyes widened in surprise at what was inside.

     "I traded it from a man up north, but not outside Meridia," he smiled. "I wouldn't go as far as Terran. It's too cold up there."

     I looked at him, searching for any sign of disapproval that I was leaving. When I found none, I studied the gift.

     Inside the box was a dagger. The blade made from a large sharpened tooth, of which animal I had no idea, and its seamless, leather-wrapped handle had an iridescent, metallic-blue crossguard. In the pommel rested a deep blue sapphire gem rested in the center. Its touch as cold as ice. 

     "Who made this?" I asked, running my fingers along the side of the blade.

     "The man did not give a name. Or one for its maker. Take it with you, whenever you go hunting." He smiled and nodded, "Even now."

     I accepted it and attached it to my belt. I gave my father on last hug before he walked back upstairs, waiting one last moment to look at me before continuing upstairs. "Good luck!" he whispered.

     I continued to write the note and left it on the table. It read:

Dear family,

I will be gone for a day or two to try again. Do not worry; I will stay safe and try to be back before dad leaves again.

The mountains are not as bad as you may think. I found something far more amazing, and unheard of. After the previous trek to the mountains, I found someone. But do not be alarmed! Also do not ask about this someone, for they are unable to come.

I will be back soon, love you all -Aaron

     I grabbed my fur coat, my bow and quiver, and my pack and exited through the backdoor.

     Once outside, I walked down the lane to the road where I turned left and headed south. As I continued, the more unused parts of the road began to show grown-in areas and the snow was deeper. I approached the opening between the two forests and checked over my supplies. Once satisfied, I continued.

     After what seemed like an entire day, I finally approached the mountains after going through the exit of the road in between forests, only to come to a split in the road. I chose to follow the road on the right, which continued west until it veers back towards the north, at that point, the mountains were straight ahead, so I continued off-road.

     When I got to the perimeter of the mountains, I put wrapped my fur vest around myself tighter. I climbed as close to the peak as possible and called aloud at the top of my lungs.

     "Icarus! Vitalli!" I shouted but received no response. Suddenly, I was interrupted by a female voice in my head.

     Would you be quiet! I am trying to rest. Why are you shouting? The voice sounded familiar, as if I have heard it before.

     Pyrinthia? I looked around and saw the stone tower. I smiled as I searched for the white dragon, only for my smile to fade, as I could not find her.

     Yes? She slowly replied after a moment, clearly irritated.

     I only ask of you one thing, I began, I really need to get back to Icarus and Vitalli. In addition, I doubt Icarus would come back to that cave after what happened last time.

     I doubt he would even come back to you!

     Please! Just this once?

     There was another pause. A long one, too. Finally, she answered.

     If you wish! A minute later, there were large, soaring flaps, followed by a dragon coming around the icy peak of a frozen mountain.

     I stood there, shivering while I waited. The dragon landed near me, on the side of the mountain and sat down, scowling at me as if I just slapped her.

     I am confused. There is an energy within you. It burns like a flame, but gives off no heat. You are different from most humans.

     I would like to know what you are talking about, but I'm too cold!

     The dragon noticed my pain and opened her mouth. Steam rolled out and engulfed me in a cloud of warm air. Then, she lowered her head and stared at me eye to eye.

     Can you take me to Vitalli, please?

     I already said I would, now be quiet and stand still. She jumped off the mountain and flapped her wings, hovering. She turned around and picked me up, taking me through the mountain range.

     "This is not what I meant! I don't need to be carried a league away in a dragon's talons!"

     Would you rather hang on yourself?

     "No, but . . ." I started, but stopped short, her previous response clicking in.

     She continued flying, and I continued being carried, but then all of a sudden she dropped me from the already treacherous height.

     Releasing a blood-curdling scream as I fell, I watched the dragon who had just dropped me dive straight down and fall beside me, only to swoop underneath and level out with me on her back.

     There, satisfied? She snorted with a puff of smoke.

     Yes, thank you . . . I think.