Across the ocean Book 1: On the run

Chapter Sixteen : A Life Changing Encounter

The feeling of being forgiven was like a catharsis for Mayen. Though he still had to forgive himself fully, it did help. Yes, the eye knew his name, the names of his parents, the name of his brother and his wife, even the names of the future child. Despite it all, he could feel peace forming within him.

She was watching Mayen carefully.

Up the street of artisans they went, feeling as light as a bird, just like the red kite soaring. A man gave in to a purchase, won over by a charismatic woman promising him satisfaction with the new pan. Further ahead stood a few ladies listening to another woman who read aloud and with passion the story of the empress Kastonia's last moments before being slain by Ezabella the Seducer.

She followed Mayen and went to another roof.

Their steps brought them by coincidence on Molvendraft's path and they spoke for a time. It pleased the local lord's son to learn how already three maidens had agreed to have Rowen speak with their parents. Landing a hand on Mayen's shoulder, the noble born showed a warm kindness which mocked the difference in social status between the old nobility and the peasantry.

-"Before I go on my way," he said ever solemnly, "I do have words for you from my father: you are both invited for supper at his table. I will come get you personally at Soren's house when it is time." He retrieved his hand with a trace of reluctancy which none could detect.

-"Well then!" Rowen said as if waking up from a dream which had been pleasant. "We shall be spending our time at Soren's home anyways. It will be quite the honour—actually it is already an honour."

She cared not for the well-clothed man, even if he had a sword on his left hip. All her focus went to this adolescent boy. Today, at long last, would prove how special he was.

-"Have a good day Molvendraft!" Said Mayen.

-"And you two till we meet again." He left them and walked towards the northern gate.

Mayen did not doubt why he also was invited, and yet it made him shiver with goosebumps; it was exciting to know he would enter a castle, yet it scared him as if the shear presence of so much wealth and glory would crush him like dirt on the paved stone they currently stood upon. It was one thing to be visited, another to visit. Truth be told, a Kastosian noble from either the old nobility or the one of valour would sooner have a commoner eat at his table than him at his, for to remain in position of superiority was a way to keep plain and visible the difference in status. Mayen could not yet see it that way for he had grown with two military officers of high rank mingling with the people of Gimvault. There was also the fact that his little wayside village had only an inn to welcome and house distinguished individuals. It made sense that he had never taken into the equation the estate of a lord or officer.

She spotted an old man, the very same one who had once defied the greatest figure of authority of the time.

Coming down the street was Jemeryon the prophet. He wore garments of a faded colour which had been once a nice, albeit common, blue. A shepherd's staff for supporting his body as he walked or stood showed signs of age with the smooth surface where the friction of skin against wood occurred the most. His hair of pure white gave him an appearance of one who knew wisdom not just by having learned from others. Years had made his skin thinner and devoid of some fat.

-"Man of God, how different is the life in the Northern Kingdom?"

At his side walked an orphan he had adopted just a few days ago. She was Nivonist, a girl who could have been beautiful had her years not been those of scavenging what she could to survive. Her arms showed bones and muscles just as her scrawny face did. Still, there was already an improvement since they had first met. Her blond hair was not that common down south, but she had been born here in Mildoyest all the same. The skirt was shorter than what most girls her age wore for they, unlike her, could dress with garments and undergarments tailored for their size; Nivonist had been until very recently alone to care for all her needs.