Creatrix

Chapter 10 - The Sorcerer

The crimson sun touched the horizon and the sound of a horn blasted out from the hill - clear and mellow. Children were setting small paper lanterns along the path that led up toward the communal dome; ribbons had been tied on it and their colour chased and whipped in the wind. The effect was astounding. Anika drew a deep breath – she could smell the roasting meat, the cooking apples, and the freshly baked bread, and she climbed the hill, hungry. Someone peered from behind the canvas and then lifted it higher so more people could see her arrive.

When she entered the space, several people tried to talk to her at once, and she tried to focus on what they were saying, but found it impossible and gave up. Someone pushed a tankard of mead into her hand while her eyes darted, scouring the edges of the space seeking a discreet place to sit. There was no choice. They had reserved her a place, a hard, small seat covered in velvet was set near the centre of the dome by the fire pit. It was obviously intended for her. The people gathered by the fire welcomed her, nodding and gesturing for her to sit down. Anika had to step over them to get to her seat. A slight, old man to her right looked at her with a carefree wildness. She nodded before turning to sit down, and as soon as she did, he spoke to her, in a low nasal pitch.

‘I am Leorig, an elder of the village, and I’m pleased to meet you. Let me introduce you to Lydia.’ 

 ‘Hello,’ Anika said to them both. It was a weak greeting, but she forced a curt smile.

‘Welcome, Anika is it? Yes, well I’m glad you could come; I’d like to talk to you, but first, I think we have some surprises; the villagers want to stage a performance, and there’s plenty to eat and drink.’ Lydia said. She was a stout, spooky woman with fair washed-out  hair, wavy down to her hips. Her small sharp eyes seemed to look right through Anika. She wore black and white robes, and was smirking at her, like a magpie eyeing a treasure. 

‘Here is your reward for killing the Grimoald,’ she said and handed her a small box, inlaid with a copper design on the top. Anika opened it – she drew a quick breath; there must have been over a thousand gold coins in there! 

‘And now, I suppose you are quite wealthy, since you killed the monster alone, you don’t have to share the reward.’ Lydia said. Her eyes searched - desperate for a response, until she realized that she was staring too deeply. 

‘Thank you, I didn’t expect this.’ Anika said, and she broke off from the stare to look around the huge dome. There was a low, circular table laden with an abundance of steaming fresh bread, succulent meat, piles of fried white bait, baked apples, and bowls brimming with berries. It was just out of her reach. She shifted her body around, focusing her attention away from Lydia. She felt awkward; these people were all strangers to her, and she didn’t know where to look. If she held anyone’s gaze too long, they would ask questions she couldn’t answer. The dome was packed with people, they swapped gifts, trading and bartering; it seemed to be the way in the village whenever more than a few people gathered together. 

 A dark haired young man crouched, alert and feline, hidden in the crowd.  When Anika noticed him he didn’t look away, but held her gaze, he seemed conceited and challenging. He was artfully dressed, wearing a tight leather waistcoat and trousers, showing off his fine slender hips and muscular body. Anika thought He’s handsome, and knows it – and something about him made her uneasy.  His diamond black eyes watched her from under long, dark lashes, until he lowered his chin so that the wide brim of his leather hat covered his eyes. She thought he was trying to tease her, and she wasn’t impressed – maybe just a little curious. 

The dome suddenly hushed; everybody looked over to the stage, which was draped with sheer fabric, and lit with glass lanterns. A colorful lanky figure with too much hair was hugging the dome support as he wailed, over-zealous and loud, with the back of his hand resting on his forehead.