In His Name

Chapter 14 - Rosewood

Unlike Ocil, is a fortified city with a large stone wall surrounding it. As they approached the gates their solitude came to an end as the road became more cluttered. People heading to and from the surrounding farms with carts and horses. At first, Rosco had worried about people seeing the tiny person sitting on his shoulder would cause a ruckus, but when he voiced this concern, Tansy fell into a fit of giggles. Hayden rolled his eyes at Tansy and told Rosco there was nothing to fret over, though he didn't explain further.

The gate itself is a large, open archway with a set of iron bars raised up so people can pass under freely. City guard patrolled the entrance, speaking with everyone who passed through. The guard unform was rather plain, just a tabard with the governor's symbol stitched onto the front. The city guard in Ocil didn't have a uniform so Rosco had been a bit let down to see theirs was so boring.

One stopped them, simply raised a hand in their path, "Morning," he greeted, eyeing the pair, "State your names and business in Falties." The demand was not made harshly but held the authority of one who expected to be obeyed.

Rosco expected Hayden to speak for them, but when he glanced up at the god, he was staring down at Rosco expectantly, "Oh! Um, I'm Rosco and this is Hayden," Rosco answers, gesturing to himself and the god, "We are here to visit the temples."

The guard frowned slightly, "Did you come from far?"

"Oh, No." Rosco chirps excitedly, "Just from Ocil."

"You should turn back as soon as possible." The guard advised, crossing his arms. "Your business can wait. The city is having a bit of a crisis. Kids your age have been disappearing in growing numbers around here."

Hayden gives Rosco a once over, "I know he looks young but he's actually not a child."

Rosco screws up his mouth, Tansy snickering in his ear, "I'll be 18 in the summer, thank you."

"I meant no offence," the guard defends, holding up his hands, "But my warning still stands. You are not barred from entering, you're welcome to gather any supplies you need to travel back, but I'd strongly advise you not to stay the night."

"What's happening to them?" Rosco asks, curiosity taking control of his mouth.

The guard shakes his head, "Wish we knew, kids are just vanishing right out of their beds. Rich and poor the same. A lot of people are saying we've angered the mountain god, that he's taking them as punishment." Rosco sees Hayden clenching his jaw at the mention of gods, "We've neither seen nor heard from him for almost five years now," the guard goes on unaware, "The kids started disappearing shortly after. Just a few at first, but as time goes on, more and more turn up missing."

"Thank you for the warning," Hayden grits out, "We will be on our way, unless you need something else from us?"

The guard shakes his head, stepping back, "No, you're free to go." Sweeping out his arm, welcoming them into the city. Tansy flying a few circles around his head as they pass.

Inside the walls, Rosco has trouble keeping his mouth closed, gawking openly at just about everything. The area around the gates is filled by market stalls, it reminded him of the main street back in Ocil, but like, the run-down version. The stalls here lacked the refinement of the shops he knew, little more than wooden tables with cloth awnings to keep the sun off the wares. Sellers haggled loudly with their patrons and shouted at passersbys' to come see what they had to offer. Rosco does his best to stick close to Hayden's back, sure he'd be lost in an instant if he lost sight of the taller man. He clutches tightly to the back of one of his sleeves to keep himself from wandering off. Tansy darts in and out of the crush of people. Happily tugging and pushing anything they can reach. Being a general pest. As Hayden had promised, no matter what the little wildflower did, not a single person seemed to notice them, only occasionally swatting a hand like one would shoo away a fly.