Fates Unbound: Across The All-Realm

Chapter 6: Silver Lining

"I don't know which color I hate more, green or blue. The trees or the sea. Either way I'm bloody sick of looking at both of them." Lor complained for the second time that morning. They'd barely started the third day of their ride but his bottom already grew sore from riding. They all were a bit saddle sore, but saw no use in complaining as he did. Please stop talking. Alden rode toward the rear of the group, eyes shut as he let his horse guide him. That morning, he couldn't shake the thought of his family. He'd wondered if they'd heard what happened to him. If they believed him to be a traitor as he was sure most others did.

"A feather bed, a leg of mutton, and a girl with a fat arse, that's all I prayed for. And did the Gods listen? No. The Gods spit on my plans." Caras giggled at his friend's complaints, finding the whole thing rather funny. Alden realized a while ago most of Caras' contributions to conversation were nothing more than laughter and short fragments of sentences. He wondered if there was something wrong with him, like Freda. Then again, was there anything wrong with a man who knew when to shut his mouth?

Tilting his head back, the warm light that broke to the canopy warmed Alden's face. Though the air was warm, the heavily shaded path through the wooded area left him frigid at times. He lapped up every bit of warmth he could manage to get. Suddenly, a bright spot flickered through his eyelids, much brighter than the sunlight. He opened his eyes, still facing the sky and saw twinkling above him. "Am I going to faint or am I actually seeing stars?" He asked. Above them, the trees lining the path glistened and sparkled. Juniata gasped in awe, admiring the unusual spectacle.

"Twinkly trees!" Caras exclaimed excitedly, tipping his own head back, leaning so far he nearly fell from his horse. Observing a bit clearly, Alden realized the clusters of glistening objects were actually nests, the melodic songs of birds floating above them.

"Ki, ki!" Lor halted his horse suddenly, causing the rest to do the same at the command. Returning his gaze to the road ahead, Alden realized a boy appeared in the road. In his arms he held a bundle of sticks. "Hey there, boy! Are we close to a town? We're in need of a hot meal." The boy stared at them, sizing them up, then whistled loudly a high and low tone. The birds overhead picked up the tune and relayed it to each other, a musical path directing them to continue down the path. Wordlessly the boy turned from them and walked along the road, allowing them to follow.

Lor rode along side the boy, directing questions to him. He looked no older than three and ten years, perhaps younger. He stayed silent, leaving the questions unanswered, a choice that annoyed Lor greatly. As he wound himself up, ready to give a verbal lashing about the importance of respecting elders, the path turned, and ahead a small village came into view. Lor howled in delight, giving his horse a tap, galloping to the clearing.

Alden and Juniata kept a good distance behind him, their concern overtaking their need for rest. By the time they caught up, Lor was already tying his steed to a post, speaking loudly with a man who'd approached. "The birds told us of your arrival. We only hope you come in peace." Alden realized what he meant. The whistling, and the mimicked call the birds spread along the path. Of course, it was a message. The boy warned of strangers on the road. Makes sense.

"The birds help keep our people safe, in exchange we give them gifts. I'm sure you've seen them."

"The twinkly trees?" Caras interjected, smiling at the mention of them. The man confirmed, telling of the long lived tradition of offering scraps of silver and pieces of sea glass to the calling birds who use it to decorate their nests. In return, the birds mark their paths with silver lining that reflect the moonlight after dusk, allowing them to be guided safely in the dark. When they whistle, the bird pass on their messages in song from one village to another. After reading the group and deeming them safe enough he welcomed them to join the people that evening for a meal. Lor accepted the invitation on everyone's behalf.