For I Am Convinced

Chapter 4

Laval wandered through the brightly colored market tents, trying to take everything in.

There was so much to see. The Gorillas had various seeds and items, the Eagles had such fascinating contraptions, the Ravens ...well, Laval wasn't quite sure what they were selling -- it sure looked like random junk from the other tribes. The Wolves stared and growled at everyone. The Bears struggled to stay awake as they made their trades. Merchants of all tribes shouted their prices amid the hustle and bustle of the crowds. A few polished their Speedorz (Laval knew that courtesy of Leonitarus), their vehicles gleaming in the morning light. The smells of fresh goods and cleaning supplies mingled with the summer air, along with the hidden scents of adrenaline and excitement.

In short, it was exciting and thrilling at the same time.

He was so distracted by the sights he didn't even realize he walked into someone.

"Hey, watch it!" The Crocodile snapped as he brushed himself off.

"Sorry," Laval apologized and raced off, hoping to avoid trouble.

He caught sight of an empty spot and stood there idly for a few minutes before he thought of what he could do. He hadn't been to this before. Maybe he could do something. Something to help him remember this place.

And then it struck him.

He had often sung to pass the time in chores. Mostly songs that Helena and Scomper had taught him, but there was one song that he had stuck in his mind for as long as he could remember.

Before Laval knew what he was doing, he let his voice carry across the marketplace. "Like a bird that flies in the morning light or a butterfly in the spring, When your spirit rides on the wings of hope, you'll find your wings."

Curious tribe members approached Laval, watching him. Some were whispering curiously about this singer. A few cautiously laid gold coins near his feet, wondering if Laval would take them. Laval noted the Crocodile he'd bumped into earlier stood nearby, listening with a smile, his eye (the other one was scarred) shining with curiosity and pleasure.

Laval smiled again before carrying the song again. "For you're always free to begin again and you're always free to believe! When you find the place that your heart belongs..."

"Get your nose plugs! Skinnet's coming!" A raven with a metal eye patch shouted. shouted as a noxious green cloud drifted by. The crowd scattered, gagging and fainting from the stench.

Said skunk did walk by with a "Sorry". Then he added "You sing nice."

"Thanks." Laval held his nose and disappeared back into the market crowd, disgusted with his actions. What made him think he could just jump into something like that?

He could almost hear Leonitarus' bitterly sharp comment. "Well, what did you expect, Laval? The public is fickle and cruel at best. You wouldn't have made it as a singer because who would listen to your squeaky and flat voice? Now get back to work or I'll tear your vocal cords out."

Laval walked past a Bear holding a tray of some sort of sticky rolls. "Would you like one? As payment for your singing?" He yawned.

Laval picked up a roll and took a bite. Instantly, the delicious taste of honey and cinnamon mingled together on his taste buds. Laval smiled at the baker approvingly. After swallowing, he asked, "Could I take one for my brother to sample?"

"Sure," the Bear wrapped a roll in a bit of white cloth and pressed into Laval's hands. Laval thanked the baker, pressed one of his hard-earned coins into the bear's paw, and kept walking until he spotted a beautifully carved obelisk. Resting on top was a golden orb, carefully placed there by two other Lions who looked like him. One had scars across his chest, dark fur, and a chocolate-colored mane; the other had an orange mane and lighter colored fur.