Song of the White Nightingale

Chapter XI | The Gamboling Goat

The sun had set a few hours ago. As they followed the road, the forest became thicker and a dense fog enveloped the road. All they could hear was a low whistle from the trees and the steady trotting of the horses. Kara, Sam, and Jaak all were each covered in a grey-brown cloak to try and stay warm. Despite their efforts, their teeth chattered and their skin grew pale.

They hadn't said a word since they left the river. But strangely enough, every few miles there would be a bend in the road, and the river would be visible from the path once again. The river was quiet and unmoving, like a snake in camouflage with the ground.

"How much further?" Kara's voice was crisp and cold.

"Not sure. I haven't traveled the countryside in years." Jaak's voice was low, but not coarse.

"I don't remember the last time I could see my breath, Kara," said Sam. He had been blowing into his hands and rubbing them together for some time now. Jaak finally realized this, and sparked a small flame in his hand and held it towards Sam.

"Here, hold this," Jaak said.

Sam's eyes grew wide. "What? How do you just 'hold' fire?"

"I'll teach you. Hold out your hand."

Sam swallowed a deep gulp as he presented his almost blue hands. They slowly began to change back to their natural tone as they inched closer to the small flame.

"You ready?"

Sam nodded.

"Just relax, take a deep breath. Imagine your holding a small animal, like a lizard, or a baby. You have to be tender and gentle, or you could lose it."

Jaak's words only halfway made it inside Sam's ears. He was too nervous to truly focus. He clenched his face and closed his eyes as Jaak seemed to set the flame into Sam's palm. When he opened his eyes, he saw the quiet and gentle flame, resting in his hands.

"Wow..." Kara said, seeing the fire's reflection in Sam's eyes. "That's amazing, Sam."

"Here Kara, you hold it!" His hands moved too fast, scaring Kara, and she smacked his hand out of her face on instinct. The flame seemed to leap out of Sam's hands, and lengthen and blanket itself across the carriage, creating a deep, orange flame.

"Damn it, Sam! I said to be careful!" Jaak yelled. He got up from his seat to try to gather the flame, but it spread quickly in the dry air. The horses sensed the heat and began to panic. "Everyone off the carriage!"

They all hopped out of their seats and onto the thick gravel. The fire spread quickly, burning the hay and wood. Jaak quickly cut the reins on the horses, but before he could control them they bolted out of his grip. "Shit!" Jaak said as he threw the reins to the ground. He turned to look at the carriage, as the cabin collapsed onto the ground and the wheels caved inwards. The three of them just stared at the burning carriage.

"Well, at least we can stay warm..." Sam let out. Jaak just put his face in his hands.

"Jaak, what's that light?" Kara said pointing in the direction the horses had ran.

Squinting his eyes, he said, "It's the Gamboling Goat, the inn on the Western Road. Looks like we've found our place to stay tonight, assuming there's room." He began walking towards the window light, and Kara and Sam soon followed after.

The wooden door at the entrance of the tavern let out a large creak as it opened. Normally businesses and shops have bells at the top of the door to let the owner know customers had entered, but it seemed the door creak was loud enough as a round, bearded man met them as soon as they entered.