The Witches of Weston

Tekla Village

It took an hour for the entire group to assemble in the forest. Once everyone arrived did Louis turned to Simon and say. " Please take us to the girls. "

 Simon  only nodded his response before heading down a dense trail. He didn't  do much talking as he led us deeper into the forest. Not minding the silence I was fascinated with the dozens of  assorted fruit trees I saw. . The variety was something I never seen before not even in Weston.

I wanted to explore the trees more, but Simon ushered us on.  He motion to a rocky like crevice area  that split the valley in half between the mountains and fertile lands. The older man went to the  two giant rocks and squeeze through an opening they created.

One by one we followed behind him and came out on the other side in awe from what we saw. All around us in the moonlight were fruit trees and vegetables everywhere. Surrounding plants was wooden houses that sat near the mountains peaks that surrounded the farmland.

We all remain quiet as Simon took a torch from a man guarding the entrance. Directing us into the village Sarah gasp looking at all the fruit around her. "This place is amazing. "

"Thank you, the Tekla Natives have been farming this land for generations. "Simon said with so much pride I couldn't help but smile.

"While this is something to be proud of Simon. Even Weston didn't have this much supply." I said feeling a slight sting at remembering my home. Weston loss was still fresh in my mind and it will take time to heal.

"Pride got nothing to do with this but business. Our tribe is a major food source for all of the Native tribes all over Perta. "Simon added not noticing my sadness.

"Simon has your tribe ever traded to different lands" asked Mark looking at the apple orchards in wonder.

"No just to Native tribes".

"Well Simon if your people ever choose to trade with other lands. Please consider Gallopia as an option "Mark offered giving the man a smile.

Simon frowned at just the idea. "No, it isn't our way to trade in such a manner. We trade to our allied tribes for supplies and other necessities."

" Growth isn't a bad thing Simon "interjected Louis seeing the man's anger.

"The Tekla 'ways are fine my king. We survived this long without new trade nothing needs to change"  Simon replied stubbornly. Feeling like Simon didn't want this subject to go on further I changed the topic.

"Simon, you told us  Laura is here because your chief is hurt. May I ask what happen to him?"

"Our chief was injured from a  snake bite. Our remedies weren't working  and Bear Claw was getting worse each day. Finding the Shawkees healer in the woods was a blessing to us "murmured Simon. The further we went the Tekla people peeked out of their house watching us in curiosity. 

"Your tribe doesn't have a physician of their own" asked David not taking heed at the staring we were receiving.

"No the nearest healer is from our sister tribe on the other side of the mountain. However Bear Claw wouldn't have made the journey in his state."

" Laura is a good healer. Your chief should be better in no time "announce Sarah giving much needed reassurance.

"I hope you are right" Simon said in a hopeful voice.

"Simon I'm sorry to ask but is there any way I can speak to the tribe elders" declared Louis suddenly surprising the older man.

"Yes, you are most welcome to see the tribe elders but why so urgent." Simon stopping hearing the seriousness in the king's voice.

"Our land has been invaded by the Bulkans and Delianians. "Louis in a serious tone but the news didn't seem to effect Simon at all.

"That is very upsetting. Lets hope this matter is settled with a peaceful solution instead of war" Simon in a dismissive tone."

"Simon the time for peace is over. The enemy has already attacked a village called Weston killing many there ."Stress Louis making many of us stiffen at mentioning Weston in the past tense.

"Then my people wish you well on your war my king. " grunted Simon.

"Simon, I want to ask the elders for help in the upcoming trouble."   Louis announced.

"We aren't going to fight in a war that has nothing to do with us." replied Simon viciously.

"Simon if the Bulkans and Delianians succeed in defeating my forces. They are going to take away our lands" argued Louis his eyes begging for the older man to understand but got only a scowl for his efforts.

"My people in our history survived worse. We'll endure this too answered Simon walking us to the middle of the village to a large house." Your friends are in there but only two of you may go in. The rest of you can come to my house and get some sleep for the night. ", His tone wasn't giving us much choice. Looking around I could see Malcolm and Louis stepping up immediately.

"We will stay  the rest of you go get your rest." announced Malcolm taking charge. In agreement  and with that Simon escorted the rest of us through the village. We walked on taking in the houses that became fewer as we continued on the path. Only trees  was seen filled with fruits surrounded the hillside making my mouth water.

"This is an interesting group of people you have assembled ". Questioned Simon out of nowhere.

"Why do you say that " asked Mark?

"You have a good amount of royals traveling with you. And five magic users and the most surprising out of all of them is a wizard that specialize in the earth. "Simon replied making our whole group dumbfounded at him knowing about Jordan.

"How did you know Jordan is a wizard they are rare" asked David guarded.

"I can sense the magic in people. Its easy to tell what the child was by his magical aura" explained Simon. "His magic is  stronger than any other in this group." And like that the old man didn't say more on the subject, and I felt like it was something more to it. But in all honesty it wasn't surprising Laura said anyone can learn to sense magic.

 Letting the matter drop we came up to a large patch of trees and in the middle of it was a large cabin. The cabin seemed simple and the structure was sound but the light inside made it seem cozy. Opening the door Simon gestured us inside and the heat was so refreshing I almost cried. To be under a roof again I almost miss the elderly woman sitting by the fire. With a welcoming smile she came to stand next to Simon.

"This is Mara my wife." introduced Simon.

"Its nice to meet you all.  Let me go get some blankets you all look cold. "Insisted Mara going into another room and bringing back several large blankets.

"Thank you this is really kind "Jacob handing one of the blankets to James.

"No, its my pleasure and I can see you're probably staying the night with us. We have two guest rooms that can fit three people each" Mara said looking at everyone. "And  the sitting room is really big the rest of you can camp out in there." And with that the boys decided to take the guest rooms without second thought running to find their sleeping quarters. Chuckling Mara went to check on the boys to see if they required anything.

Leaving only Jacob, Mark, Sarah and me to camp in the sitting room. Setting up by the fire I laid out my blanket and let Jacob cozy up next to me. I felt so happy to sleep indoors again I didn't care it was on a hard-wooden floor of a cabin. Sleep overtook me quickly and the only sound I could hear was Jacob soft snores next to me.