Destiny Whispers P1

This follows "Weight of Woe"

Hilda had left soon after their brief talk, though Edith found her appetite for breakfast had faded. Nonetheless, she forced herself to finish the meal, partly to show gratitude for the food, partly because she knew she needed to stay strong for the coming days.

After eating, she returned to the cabinet and picked out a dark black dress with golden trim. She was not in the mood for bright colours despite the vastly improved weather outside. The storm of the previous night had passed, leaving bright sunshine and a clear blue sky. The air was crisp and clean, with the smell of freshly wet soil, and much of the muck that usually clung to the streets and buildings had been washed away.

There was nothing quite like a storm to cleanse the muck it seemed.

Dressed and ready, it was approaching midday by the time Edith stepped from her chambers into the hallway of the manor. She closed the door gently and moved through the corridors towards the main entrance, as silently as possible. She did not know if her father was around, but if he was, she had no desire to speak with him just yet.

Stepping out of her father’s hall, she squinted slightly as her eyes adjusted to the sun casting long shadows over Avonar. She began descending the hill towards the bustling marketplace, the sounds growing louder as she drew nearer. Each step weighed heavily upon her as she contemplated her upcoming marriage. Now that the initial shock had somewhat subsided, she could think more clearly. The betrayal she felt at being shifted from role to role by her father still stung.

Withdrawing from her thoughts, Edith took in her surroundings. She had descended the hill and was now in the heart of Avonar, the market place. Second only in revenue to the bridge tolls. The market was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Vendors shouted to attract customers, while the rich aroma of spices, fresh bread, and roasting meats filled the air. Edith wandered through the stalls, her fingers trailing over the fabrics and trinkets. She stopped at a booth selling intricate jewelry Here a rather richly attired man stood busying himself behind the counter displaying his wares.

"Aldred?"

The man looked up at Edith, eyes squinting as if struggling with recognition.

"Lady Edith?"

A smile broadened across his face as she nodded, smiling in return.

"Well my lady, it has been a few years since I saw you last!" Aldred laughed joyfully and came around the counter to stand in front of her, "I had no idea you had returned. Last I heard you had been sent off to serve with the priestesses?"

Edith's smile widened as she offered her hand to the jeweler, who took it and kissed it politely, "Indeed, I had. But recent events have given cause for me to return."

"Ah yes." Aldred's expression grew more grim. "Many in the city heard of your father's defeat, and many still mourn the loss of loved ones to the blades of the Koraki." This last word Aldred spat out like a bad taste in his mouth. "We had feared that they would immediately besiege us here and finish the job, but word arrived soon after that your father had secured a peace with the Southerners."

Aldred shrugged resignedly, "I am glad he did, but some part of me wishes that I had been able to have the chance to feel the necks of the Koraki between my fists just once before it ended." Aldred held out his hands as if he were doing just that to a fantom Koraki as he spoke.

"You would resist even now?" Edith asked, curious.

"I don't think so my lady. Not for lack of courage or desire to punish the Southern dandies, but with our armies destroyed I can't see a chance for victory."

"So if you had hope of victory you would fight?"

Aldred smiled. “Well, if we had a real chance, I’d be the first in line to drive a spear into the closest Koraki I could find. Arrogant bastards. Do you know they have the audacity to tell us our gods are false? What would they know? They forget that our gods were once their own too.”

Aldred shook his head. “But never mind me, my lady. It’s of little concern now. This city and this land are theirs. There isn’t much we can do that we haven’t already tried.”

Edith said nothing but stood there in silent thought considering the man's words.

"Would you care to purchase any of my wares?" Aldred chuckled, "I suppose I should have led with that. Damned Koraki are already ruining my business."

Edith smiled. “Don’t let them take that from you, Aldred. We’ll see enough change around here without you changing as well.”

Aldred laughed again, "Very well my lady, I'll consider it my patriotic duty to become even better at my job." He winked at her.

Feeling somewhat obliged after his warm welcome, Edith purchased some small jewelry items before bidding him good day. As she walked away, she blinked and looked down at her purchase. She hadn’t intended to buy anything, yet she had just bought something she didn’t even really want. Edith laughed quietly to herself. Aldred would be just fine.

To be continued in "Destiny Whispers P2"