Real Estate

There weren’t always dragons in the valley, nor were there orcs, hobbits, elves or even wizards. From ages past, the valley of Aulem was a peaceful stretch of land embracing a winding river (Tulem) and a glorious body of water that was only known as the Lake of Aulem. Animals grazed by its banks and deep within the wider plains and bathed freely and without fear of hunters or predators. Seasons came and went, but the beauty of Aulem remained untouched.

And then came the agents.

At first, a patrol of rangers found the valley and declared it one of the most beautiful placed they had ever seen. The hunting was plentiful; the plants both medicinal and delicious; the trade routes perfectly aligned with the river’s flow; the weather was perfect for their needs and they settled there, establishing a base for their endeavors.

And then they made a grave mistake.

Aolin, the elder leader of the first party of rangers, passed through the village of Luna on his way to deliver certain parchments to his compatriots. He had a lot of good news to share that evening, but he decided to rest and enjoy himself first. At a local tavern – The Grey Hawk – he decided that he had earned at least one flagon of ale after such a long day of travelling by horse. Several drinks later found him both loud and bragging to whoever was nearby.

“I tell you all: the waters of our new home have made me a young man again, and I will have a woman or two before I leave this town!”

Much shouting and cheering followed Aolin’s loud boast. This was something the patrons and owner had heard many times from many different travelers too deep into their cups to know any better. A few women were available – The Grey Hawk ran a side business providing such comfort – but Aolin saw nothing to appeal to him as he surveyed the clientele and returned to his stool. There was nothing to distract him that night.

But he did hear that voice.

“I say, did you say ‘waters’?”

Aolin would recall everything about the evening: the music played by a small collective holding pipes and lutes; the snap and crack of the logs in the fire; the snap and crack of the small table and chairs where the other patrons played games of dice and chance; the odor of the room (wood smoke, ale and spiced meats).

And the strange little man’s look.

Such an oddly attired figure should have drawn more attention. Aolin stared hard at the small figure wearing a dark blue suit, red tie, and very well-polished black leather shoes. He also carried a bag with him (Aolin had never seen a suitcase before; his satchel looked much more practical). The man was very different from the others in the tavern; maybe he was the one standout figure in all of Luna.

“Pardon, sir?”

“You mentioned ‘waters’. I was curious. Where are these waters?”

Aolin smiled, pushed a stool towards the figure (if he had continued to talk without offering the seat, he would have felt as if he were addressing a child), and gestured to it.

“Sit, and I will make my tale clear to you.”

The two men, after an hour of discussion and the approach of the tavern’s closing time, were clearly enjoying each other’s company. The guest that Aolin had discovered continued to have his tankard filled without taking a single drink himself. Food was also produced by the owner after the strange little man ordered a plate of meat and sundries (some of the most delicious food Aolin had ever tasted. They were both enjoying the evening.

“A fascinating tale, sir.”

“As I said, I feel restored by the place. My youth and health have returned.”

“I see.” The man now looked a little concerned.

Aolin, with the ale sitting well in his cup, could sense this.

“You seem worried, my friend.”

“I think I am. You have this land all to yourself?”

“Of course. My men have settled the land and have a community for trade, families, leisure... It is ours.”

“And you can prove this?”

Aolin had never considered such a question before and now he looked concerned.

“Prove? What is there to prove? We found it and we live there. I have already informed other communities that we provide…”

“You have shared this information?” The man looked as if he would be ill (not because of drinking, thought Aolin).

“Why, yes. Of course. We had to.”

The man, no longer smiling, took a deep sigh and stared at Aolin.

“You have no protection.”

Aolin wanted to laugh, but he was beginning to sober up very quickly.

“No protection?”

“Legally, without anything on paper, it can be claimed as property by almost anyone.”

Panic was beginning to grow in Aolin’s chest and stomach.

“But, I have…parchments…” He opened his satchel and removed the scrolls that he had helped write just days before. They were to be delivered in two days. “We have proof.” He unrolled them and allowed the stranger to see what they would reveal.

“These pages would never be considered legal. They would not protect you from…certain parties.”

Aolin now felt ill.

“You have…seen such acts?”

“Yes, far too many times. It is very unfortunate that you have already shared things with others.”

“Good lords of the highlands!” Aolin wanted more ale.

“But it is fortunate that you found me.”

The man opened his briefcase and took out a sheaf of papers.

“This is my area of expertise.”

Aolin was confused.

“You have…means to protect us?”

“Absolutely! I am an agent.”

“Agent?” The word clicked awkwardly on Aolin’s lips.

“A real-estate agent. I protect the interests of people who have land and keep things safe for my clients.”

“Clients…” Again, an odd word for the old man.

The stranger was smiling again.

“I know that it all seems quite confusing. Every client has questions, but I have the right answers. And you should have questions.”

Aolin did have questions, but he also had ale to finish and an incredible urge to sleep. But the man had caught his attention.

He stared at the papers.

“What can you do for us?”

The man took out one sheet from the pile and smiled.

“Everything.”

*

There weren’t always dragons in the valley…but there were others that could be just as dangerous. Aolin had made a grave mistake by stopping in that tavern and speaking to the stranger who was waiting for him. After one quick study of the sheets and a few signed forms, the rangers lost control of the land and Aulem became another piece of property that the agents could add to their acquisitions list. Soon, rumours became myths; myths became legends. Dragons did become a part of the features of the valley, but that was only because of the agent’s company:

Dragon Rites Incorporated

Estate Agents and Insurance Providers

Mercifully, Aolin was not blamed for the loss of land, but he would always carry the guilt in his heart as he saw how the waters were sold and bottled, the animals bought and herded, the land tilled and overrun with expensive plots and homes. The rangers could have done wonders with the land. They just did not look out for those other dragons.

Thank you for reading!

If you liked this, you can add your Insights, Comment, leave a Heart, Tip, Pledge, or Subscribe. I will appreciate any support you have shown for my work.

You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile. I complain, argue, provoke and create...just like everybody else.

Give it a look...