Poetica Mundi

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 - Amsterdam

I admired the beautiful countryside that surrounded me, I had been in such a rush to rid myself of that horrible man that u hadnt had time to appreciate where I was. I passed so many windmills that i soon lost count, and the flat land was simple but different to anywhere i had been before. I had been peddeling for over 30 minutes when the outline of a great city appeared in the skyline infront of me. Amsterdam! It hadnt been too far to go as the airport was just outside the capital city, but i had been going at a fast pace and i needed a rest. I pulled over to the side of the road and took a breather. As i was relaxing and catching my breath, i noticed the lable that read my name on the handlebars of the red bike. It was much more that it seemed at first. I pulled it genly off the handlebars and saw that it was a small white envelope, My name was writen in swirly black writing, and the otherside opened up to reveal two pieces of paper. I unfolded the first one, it was a map of Amsterdam, and a hotel was clearly marked on it. So thats where i need to go! I could guess what the next piece of paper would be. The riddle. I placed the map back into the envelope and unfolded the parchment, written in the same swirly writing was the riddle i had to decipher.

Ending halfway through a sentance, This book leaves readers in dispair, about fighting a courageous battle, only open if you dare.

I slipped the envelope into my drawstring bag and clambered back onto my bike. I could go slower now that i knew where i was going. I racked my brain to try and remember everything i knew about Hazel and Gus's Life. I couldn't remember anything about a book in the story seeing as I had read it over 2 years ago. I drew nearer to the city and decided to drop it, once I met them I'm sure I would remember something.

After about 10 minutes the road I was on became much busier and I finally entered the great city of Amsterdam. I was starving, so pulled over to the side of the road where a pancake shop was selling freshly made crepes, I bought one and pulled out the map from my bag as I sat down on a bench to munch away at my snack. The bench overlooked a river that ran through the centre of the city, and the view was beautiful. I studies the map, the Hotel was closer than I thought, I scanned the opposite riverbank. In ornate gold letters on the side of a Victorian-style building, were the words, Hotel Filosoof. I finished the pancake and was over there in a flash.

It was still early morning, so the residents of the hotel were eating a buffet-style breakfast, I walked into the grand dining room and searched quickly for Gus and Hazel, hopefully they would be here. Suddenly from the corner of the room I heard familiar voices. "Gus stop!" A girl half shouted half laughed, as a boy around her age attempted to push a jam tart into her face.

"Hold still!" He laughed as they continued to playfully fight and mess about. A woman with straw-coloured hair was sat at their table laughing and helping Augustus to push the pudding into Hazel's face. I assumed this was her mother. I casually walked over, smiling as I paused next to their table. When they noticed me Augustus stopped and turned towards me still with a huge grin plastered on his face.

"You must be Rosa!" he said in a soft voice, he really was very good-looking. I smiled, surprised that he knew who I was.

"y-yes," I stammered, lost in his gorgeous eyes.

"We received a letter this morning saying that you were visiting us for a day!"

"yes" I said again, sounding ridiculous. "I'm sorry about interrupting your holiday!" I said worried.

"No not at all! Im sure Hazel will like another girl to chat with!" Hazel's mother said smiling and gesturing for me to sit down, so I joined them.

"Gandalf told me in his letter that you were on a quest, and that your searching for something here." Gus said attempting to get as much sausage onto his fork as possible.