The Lady in the Tower

"She stands, still."

"Who does, Grungle?"

The old man looked at his grandson.

"The Lady in the Tower."

Grungle had Bailey when his mother had to work at the tavern and feared Bailey being left alone. There had been talk... She didn't want to lose Bailey, yet, though she knew its inevitability, such was the nature of legend. The boy to hold them back...

Their walk often brought them to the tower on the rocks but never before had Grungle mentioned a lady.

"Who is she, Grungle?"

"Ah, it is better to ask what than who, my lad," Grungle said, mysteriously and Bailey waited for him to continue. When he didn't, Bailey asked.

"What is she, then?"

Grungle gazed up and Bailey followed his eyes. He'd not noticed before but right at the top was a very small window pointing to the sea.

"No-one knows," Grungle said, "only that she is a Watcher, a guardian."

"How does she eat?" Bailey asked, always concerned with food.

Grungle laughed softly and said, "I don't know. Maybe she doesn't."

Bailey's stomach rumbled in protest, echoed by a darkening growl from the sky.

"What is she watching for?" Bailey asked and Grungle hesitated before saying, "Danger."

The metallic scent of rain filled the air and Grungle felt the first drop hit his bald pate and hurriedly put his arm around his grandson's shoulders.

"Come on," he said. "Let's get thee home."

And they turned for shelter, away from the roiling, menacing clouds at the tower's tip.

*

Bailey was glad of the fire; its warmth, colour, noise. The storm raged. Grungle whittled in the corner.

A knock at the door.

No-one knocked at night.

Grungle glanced at the boy before opening the door.

Standing there was a lady, drenched and bedraggled.

"The boy."

Grungle nodded.

"His mother?"

The lady looked over her shoulder and shook her head sadly.

Grungle crouched infront of Bailey.

"Lad, I love thee. Don't be afraid. You must go with the lady."

Bailey's shock manifested itself in tears.

"Why?"

Grungle's eyes filled with tears.

She spoke before he could.

"I need you."

She nodded to Grungle.

"I will be careful."

Grungle nodded back.

The door shut.

***

366 words

An excerpt more than a microfiction. I may have to return to Grungle and Bailey as I would like to see what happens to them too. And what does the lady need Bailey for?

Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.

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