Books 4-5: A High Fantasy Novel, page 5
part #2 of A Talnarin Novel Boxed Series
Once that’s done, I shuffle through the woods. Elaine is close behind me, and although I don’t hear the others, I know they are too.
As we pass by the other camp, I recognize familiar faces from Craforian, though most I don’t know most of their names, I’ve only seen them train. They all stand at the ready, with weapons strapped to their persons. I slow my pace and turn. As Malik passes by, the talnarins bow slightly before quickly righting themselves, nothing like how Seth bowed last night.
I lean over to whisper in Elaine’s ear. “So, they don’t get to have fun? They have to stand guard for Malik?”
She laughs before speaking low, voice laced with humor. “No, they aren’t on duty. It’s just a habit, a very well-trained reaction to Malik and the Elites. Once we get to the festivities, they will split off to do their own thing, you’ll see.”
I’m curious about what kind of training they undergo to get a reflexive response from them like this. But one thing bothers me; when we were at Craforian, I never saw anyone bowing to the King, so why now?
I shake the thoughts free and continue walking, pace slower than earlier. Before I can get any further than a few steps, Malik is suddenly in front of me. I’m caught off guard and unable to stop. I bounce into Malik’s chest with a humph. He grips my upper arms to steady me, keeping me at an arm’s length away. Once it’s clear I won’t fall on my ass, he releases me. Being this close, I can his face under the hood, though the mask obscures everything but his eyes.
“If you feel any pain, tell me. I have more medicine I can administer, but if it isn’t necessary, I don’t want to use it. It will numb you again, making it hard to walk around the festival.”
“Okay.” The relief is immediate. Thank gods he thought to bring extra pain medicine. Hopefully I won’t have to use it, but something tells me I’ll be needing it before the day is through.
Without a word he hands me a set of goggles and a mask before turning away. I eye them as I debate whether or not I need to actually wear them. I’m not an elite or a king so I shove them in my cloaks pocket.
We continue moving, this time Malik leads the way. The Elites fan out, but remain in sight. They are vigilant, but their body language and expression bellies that. We exit the forest in short order. Coming up on our left, roughly fifty paces out, is the castle. It’s looks larger than life here on the ground. The stone home is beautiful and well built.
The sounds of festivities grow louder as we head out on the main road. The wind occasionally ruffles the trees, the temperature cold but not unbearable. Within moments, the festival stands are visible at last. Just over the tops of the stalls, the homes stand proud in the distance. As far as my eyes can see, stand after stand lines the paths. People mill about, voices loud and boisterous.
The sight of the stalls has me asking Elaine, “What about the weapon stall, whatever happened to that?”
She looks over at me, but it’s not her that speaks.
Zeke. Silent and sneaky bastard managed to creep up behind me and I jump as he says in my ear, “Oh, it’s up. As soon as we secured you, the rest of us left to talk care of it.”
“Do they need help selling and bartering?”
He laughs gently. “No, today. You just worry about having fun, Red.” I haven’t heard Zeke call me that in some time. Surprisingly, I missed it. It brings a faint smile to my lips.
As we move into the outskirts of the festival, the sheer size of the event becomes evident. A faint trail of smoke reaches for the sky, carrying with it the lingering smell of burning wood. The noise level increases to barely tolerable levels, the amount of people wandering around is overwhelming. Crowds were never my thing to begin with, but this is by far the most people I’ve seen conjugating like this. It is much larger than any Market Day my village ever held.
The sights have me staring in awe, despite the unpleasantries. In the center of the plaza is a large pyre burning tall. I’d thought the one in front of the castle was huge, but this one tops it. Black banners and ribbons line every stall, every tree. Black lanterns housing black candles line every walkway and every stand post. Despite the simple decorations, it adds a sort of elegance to the festival that my village always lacked.
We gently push further into the crowd. People move about, the crowd jerking me here and there. Some talnarins get pushy and I nearly lose my balance.
A strong hand grips my arm and pulls me upright and I tense at the contact. A large mass stands at my back, pressing close and smelling of wood and nature, telling me exactly who’s steadying me. Malik protects me from the crowd as he guides me through the throng, stopping in an open space by a stand.
I turn to face him to give him my thanks but his eyes are focused on the people wandering around, though his body is still molded to mine the entire time. Taking the opportunity, I peruse the stall we stand by. It’s a table filled with necklaces, though far more detailed ones than I’ve ever seen.
“Pick one you like and I’ll barter for you.” I jump at the voice near my ear. Elaine smiles broadly as she sifts through the jewelry at the table.
I shake my head dumbly before realizing she isn’t looking. “I’m fine, but thanks.” She jerks up and gives me a questioning look. “I don’t wear these items. I prefer more practical things … or books.” I smile sheepishly. I don’t want her bartering either, I don’t like owing people.
She nods in understanding and we move off again. Malik remains at my back like an unmovable force, careful of my wing between us. A little ways down, Elaine pulls off the main path and heads under the shade of another stall and I move to catch up. Laid out on a table are foods I’ve never seen before.
“What are these, Elaine?”
She glances up at me, her hand hovering over a treat.
She grins. “Sweets and desserts. Have you ever had them before?” At my head shake, she continues. “They’re delicious, a must try. Which one do you want and how many?”
“None, but thank you.” I turn my head and look out towards the crowd. A few other talnarins stand behind me, waiting to get in line for a purchase. I try to shuffle aside and make room, but I end up bumping into an older man and woman. I mumble a quiet apology and stop moving, realizing I’m making it worse.
A loud gasp has me whipping around. My gaze connects with a strangers orange eyes with her hand against her mouth in shock. I search for the source of panic, but everything is as it should be. I make contact with briefly with Mikhail, Zeke, and Adrian as I search. The woman’s noise draws the attention of the other dozen or so talnarins in hearing distance. I watch as they too search for the disturbance, only they find it.
Me.
As soon as their multicolored eyes connect with my silver ones, they freeze. A look of panic, shock, and disgust cross their faces. I flinch and try to cower back but the tight confines the tent and Malik at my back make that feat impossible.
A hand reaches for my face and I slam my eyes closed, preparing for a blow.
When one doesn’t come, I peek open my eyes. Dark fabric covers my line of sight. A strong hand grips my own and with a tug, I’m pulled away from the judgmental eyes I somehow still feel pressing down on me. I allow myself to be guided away, my sight blocked from the hood over my face. We draw to a stop and I catch my breath. I glance up, hand on the hood keeping it place, and meet Malik’s eyes. I hope my eyes say what I can’t seem to speak.
Thank you.
Something is shoved in my face and I lean back I shock. “Eat while it’s still warm. These pastries are fantastic.” I carefully grab the sweet from Elaine’s hand and briefly wonder where she had popped up from. My attention is brought back to the soft and crisp dessert in my hand as the scent nearly has me groaning out loud. It smells sweet and delicious; unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.
Elaine leans closer and speaks low. “Don’t worry about those people back there, Alanna. They don’t understand is all.”
I silently agree with her. I was warned this could happen. I thought I was prepared for it, but it turns out I was wrong. Until now, I had no idea how lucky I was at Craforian. No one reacted like that when they first saw me. Sure, they had been prewarned, and at first, I took offence to that, but now I realize it was a blessing. If they had faced me with looks of disdain and panic, I would have broken. When I arrived at Craforian, I was fragile, damaged. I still am, but there’s a resiliency to me now that I didn’t have then.
Pushing it aside, I stand taller and wrap that new found strength around me like a cloak.
I take a bite of the pastry and nearly moan. It’s delicious. It’s flaky and soft, just melting in my mouth. The flavors are sweet, but not overkill. Before I know it, the pastry is gone and my mouth salivates for more tasty treats.
Elaine passes me another with a crooked grin on her face. “Good, right?”
I mumble a yes and eat the second treat just as quickly as the first. Elaine finishes her sweet before offering Malik one. He declines and Elaine just shrugs, hugging the bag of pastries close.
Malik shifts nearer and leans down, voice low. “Are you ready to keep going?”
Still not able to find my words, I nod. I quickly pull out the mask from my pocket and slip it on my face.
“Stay close and keep the hood up, understand?”
I respond with another voiceless agreement, but Malik isn’t having it.
“Understand?” he repeats, voice harder than before.
“Yes.” I mumble it so softly, I’m not sure he heard me. But he must have as we start moving back into the crowd. I grip my hood over my head, determined to keep the incident from occurring again. The looks they had given me … I shudder.
I hope I never have to face a situation like this again.
Chapter 6
We walk around the festival until my feet are sore and the sun dips beyond the horizon.
Elaine insists on stopping at every book stall and clothing stall. She’s determined to buy me something practical, since I vehemently refuse all things that aren’t. Though I never turn down food, or sweets. I was addicted to those pasties already.
At what must have been our tenth book stall, when in fact it was only the fourth, my eyes were drawn to one book in particular. Elaine notices immediately and starts bartering before I can blink. I try to discourage her, but she isn’t having it. It’s a fascinated process, watching her barter with the seller. She tries trading items for the book at first, but the seller isn’t budging. He claims the book is a rare and ancient text that he’ll sell for no less than two coins.
I don’t understand what that meant, but Elaine does. She secures the purchase and hands me the book. When I insist she return it, she gives me hard look. “You shouldn’t return gifts, it’s rude. Besides, I want you to have it, so just take it.” Her soft-spoken tone eases the sting of her words.
“Thank you,” I say as sincerely as I can, making sure she understands I really do appreciate it.
“You’re welcome.” She winks, a wide smile on her face.
“I don’t understand what you bartered with though.”
“The coin?”
“Yes. What is it?”
She pulls one out for me to see and I carefully turn it over in my hands. It’s one sided, with an etching of some sort in the metal. The symbol is familiar, but I can’t seem to place it.
“It’s a trade piece. In exchange for the book, I offered two coins. They are worth more than your average barter. Essentially, a coin is worth credits so they can be used for anything and anywhere within our kingdom. Take the seller, now that he has two coins, he can barter the coins for things of higher value at no cost to his personal wares.”
“So, this coin is a place holder in a sense? It has no actual value in terms of it not being consumable or producible. You merely offer it in exchange for what you want and the seller can then use it for the same.” What a strange concept. I don’t see the value in the process for small villages, but for a large event such as this, it makes more sense. A place holder ensures you get what you want without losing out during a sale.
Elaine nods. “How did your village do it, Alanna?”
“We just bartered for we wanted or needed. There was no need for place holders in a small village. We simply traded whatever we had. Farmers bartered their seasons wares for a new bed, while carpenters bartered their wares for food.”
We move on quickly after that.
There is one question in particular that plagues me for most of the day. I don’t want to ask for fear of offending anyone, but I just can’t take it anymore.
“Why is everyone cheerful and laughing? It’s the day to honor the dead right, so shouldn’t it be solemn?” My brows furrow as I glance at Malik from under my hood.
“Today is the day to honor the dead, but today is a time for remembrance. It’s a time to celebrate the life they had. Today you share the memories and stories of their time on Bylir. The sadness lingers as it always does, but it’s the happiness that reigns. It’s the happiness we want our loved ones to receive in the afterlife. So, we attempt to pass on the joy we felt with them, and the acceptance and understanding of their passing in order to ease their journey.” He doesn’t look at me when he speaks, instead he gazes out at the masses, at the smiling faces filled with tears.
What a beautiful message to send to loved ones who have passed. It assures our loved ones we are moving on and not burdened by their loss. It allows them to rest easy in the otherworld where they await their next life.
It’s the opposite in my village. When someone dies, they are burned or buried, according to the wishes of their surviving family. The day and week following are filled with deafening silence. Villagers almost tiptoe around, afraid to make a noise. Looking back on it, I have no idea why we practiced such a thing.
I’m pulled from my thoughts as a body jolts into mine. The man rushes through an apology and goes on his way, wandering into a gathering crowd a short distance from us.
“What’s happening over there?” I point in the direction of the ever-growing mass.
“Oh, that’s a reading.” Elaine’s voice is distracted, but I don’t bother taking my eyes from the gathering.
“What’s a reading?”
“It’s a gathering for the reading of the passages.”
I jump and whip around. Zeke is standing behind me, head near my ear. “Those who have lost someone gather together. They take turns reading from the passage.” Zeke isn’t looking at me, his attention is on the readings.
I turn to watch the crowd again, finding a young woman standing on a platform above the rest. “What passage are they reading?”
“The passage of the dead. It’s a reading of rights and well wishes. According to the occasion or the mood, you read a passage expressing your feelings for the lost one. These passages are a direct line to the afterlife, or so they say. They claim these passages are able to be heard by those who have passed.” Zeke’s voice goes low.
Zeke asks if I want to stay and listen, but I refuse. I have no desire to listen to people speak to their own dead. I don’t even necessarily believe the words would reach them in the afterlife, at least not any more so than my words would reach them.
Why are the words from my heart and soul not enough, but rehearsed words from a text are?
After that, the day passes quickly. Everywhere I look, people read passages, eat food, sold and buy ware. They cry, laugh, and sing.
There are talnarins of all ages and affinity types around. Despite the overwhelming moments with the crowds and people, it is an interesting experience. I see things I never thought I’d see, I taste foods I never even knew existed, and I spend time with my friends.
Now that the sun is setting, the candles and lanterns displayed everyone are lit. The faint light from the burning embers seem to alter the atmosphere completely. What was once a loud and rambunctious crowd, is now a solemn and nearly silent one. The sounds have slowly tapered off and the shops closed. Nearly all the talnarins carry a candle themselves.
Wordlessly, Malik hands one to me.
It’s a beautiful candle. Silver swirls and patterns line black wax candle. It’s small, less than a head’s length. It sits delicately on a silver dish in the shape of a flower.
I glance up, uncertain if I’m supposed to light it or if I even want to. Flames would only melt this work of art. Elaine and the Elites stand in a half circle around Malik and I, each holding their own candles. Looking around, I see only black candles with unique patterns etched into them, the patterns matching their eyes. Even Malik holds a black candle decorated in gold.
Wordlessly, the crowd meanders forward and we move with it. It’s not long before the castle comes into view. The small lights dotting the castle become clear the closer we get. Small candles decorate the building in honor of the dead. The soft glow of lights all around me add a sense of otherworldliness I’d never experienced before.
We make our way to the river and the purple mist. The metal bridge is alight with candles further out. As we near the water’s edge, those before us set their candles in the water fully lit. They remain kneeling for some time before moving away. Then those behind them take their place.
Once it’s our turn to kneel, Malik leans close and whispers low. “This is the time to mourn. When you place your lit candle into the water, those in the afterlife will be with you for a short time. Say what needs to be said and listen carefully for their reply.”
I stare in shock, mouth open. “I can’t.”
Malik gently places his candle in the river and Elaine and the Elites follow. I hesitate long enough for the others to finish. Malik steps around me and comes up at my back, offering warmth and strength.
Sucking in a deep breath, I kneel. I gently light the candle and a shudder works its way down my frame as I watch a silver flame catch. I softly place my candle in the still water where I remain there kneeling, watching it slowly make its way down the river. I’m in my own little world with Malik and the rest forming a barrier behind me.
I’m sorry.
As soon as I think it, all the words I never say come rushing like a great flood.
As we pass by the other camp, I recognize familiar faces from Craforian, though most I don’t know most of their names, I’ve only seen them train. They all stand at the ready, with weapons strapped to their persons. I slow my pace and turn. As Malik passes by, the talnarins bow slightly before quickly righting themselves, nothing like how Seth bowed last night.
I lean over to whisper in Elaine’s ear. “So, they don’t get to have fun? They have to stand guard for Malik?”
She laughs before speaking low, voice laced with humor. “No, they aren’t on duty. It’s just a habit, a very well-trained reaction to Malik and the Elites. Once we get to the festivities, they will split off to do their own thing, you’ll see.”
I’m curious about what kind of training they undergo to get a reflexive response from them like this. But one thing bothers me; when we were at Craforian, I never saw anyone bowing to the King, so why now?
I shake the thoughts free and continue walking, pace slower than earlier. Before I can get any further than a few steps, Malik is suddenly in front of me. I’m caught off guard and unable to stop. I bounce into Malik’s chest with a humph. He grips my upper arms to steady me, keeping me at an arm’s length away. Once it’s clear I won’t fall on my ass, he releases me. Being this close, I can his face under the hood, though the mask obscures everything but his eyes.
“If you feel any pain, tell me. I have more medicine I can administer, but if it isn’t necessary, I don’t want to use it. It will numb you again, making it hard to walk around the festival.”
“Okay.” The relief is immediate. Thank gods he thought to bring extra pain medicine. Hopefully I won’t have to use it, but something tells me I’ll be needing it before the day is through.
Without a word he hands me a set of goggles and a mask before turning away. I eye them as I debate whether or not I need to actually wear them. I’m not an elite or a king so I shove them in my cloaks pocket.
We continue moving, this time Malik leads the way. The Elites fan out, but remain in sight. They are vigilant, but their body language and expression bellies that. We exit the forest in short order. Coming up on our left, roughly fifty paces out, is the castle. It’s looks larger than life here on the ground. The stone home is beautiful and well built.
The sounds of festivities grow louder as we head out on the main road. The wind occasionally ruffles the trees, the temperature cold but not unbearable. Within moments, the festival stands are visible at last. Just over the tops of the stalls, the homes stand proud in the distance. As far as my eyes can see, stand after stand lines the paths. People mill about, voices loud and boisterous.
The sight of the stalls has me asking Elaine, “What about the weapon stall, whatever happened to that?”
She looks over at me, but it’s not her that speaks.
Zeke. Silent and sneaky bastard managed to creep up behind me and I jump as he says in my ear, “Oh, it’s up. As soon as we secured you, the rest of us left to talk care of it.”
“Do they need help selling and bartering?”
He laughs gently. “No, today. You just worry about having fun, Red.” I haven’t heard Zeke call me that in some time. Surprisingly, I missed it. It brings a faint smile to my lips.
As we move into the outskirts of the festival, the sheer size of the event becomes evident. A faint trail of smoke reaches for the sky, carrying with it the lingering smell of burning wood. The noise level increases to barely tolerable levels, the amount of people wandering around is overwhelming. Crowds were never my thing to begin with, but this is by far the most people I’ve seen conjugating like this. It is much larger than any Market Day my village ever held.
The sights have me staring in awe, despite the unpleasantries. In the center of the plaza is a large pyre burning tall. I’d thought the one in front of the castle was huge, but this one tops it. Black banners and ribbons line every stall, every tree. Black lanterns housing black candles line every walkway and every stand post. Despite the simple decorations, it adds a sort of elegance to the festival that my village always lacked.
We gently push further into the crowd. People move about, the crowd jerking me here and there. Some talnarins get pushy and I nearly lose my balance.
A strong hand grips my arm and pulls me upright and I tense at the contact. A large mass stands at my back, pressing close and smelling of wood and nature, telling me exactly who’s steadying me. Malik protects me from the crowd as he guides me through the throng, stopping in an open space by a stand.
I turn to face him to give him my thanks but his eyes are focused on the people wandering around, though his body is still molded to mine the entire time. Taking the opportunity, I peruse the stall we stand by. It’s a table filled with necklaces, though far more detailed ones than I’ve ever seen.
“Pick one you like and I’ll barter for you.” I jump at the voice near my ear. Elaine smiles broadly as she sifts through the jewelry at the table.
I shake my head dumbly before realizing she isn’t looking. “I’m fine, but thanks.” She jerks up and gives me a questioning look. “I don’t wear these items. I prefer more practical things … or books.” I smile sheepishly. I don’t want her bartering either, I don’t like owing people.
She nods in understanding and we move off again. Malik remains at my back like an unmovable force, careful of my wing between us. A little ways down, Elaine pulls off the main path and heads under the shade of another stall and I move to catch up. Laid out on a table are foods I’ve never seen before.
“What are these, Elaine?”
She glances up at me, her hand hovering over a treat.
She grins. “Sweets and desserts. Have you ever had them before?” At my head shake, she continues. “They’re delicious, a must try. Which one do you want and how many?”
“None, but thank you.” I turn my head and look out towards the crowd. A few other talnarins stand behind me, waiting to get in line for a purchase. I try to shuffle aside and make room, but I end up bumping into an older man and woman. I mumble a quiet apology and stop moving, realizing I’m making it worse.
A loud gasp has me whipping around. My gaze connects with a strangers orange eyes with her hand against her mouth in shock. I search for the source of panic, but everything is as it should be. I make contact with briefly with Mikhail, Zeke, and Adrian as I search. The woman’s noise draws the attention of the other dozen or so talnarins in hearing distance. I watch as they too search for the disturbance, only they find it.
Me.
As soon as their multicolored eyes connect with my silver ones, they freeze. A look of panic, shock, and disgust cross their faces. I flinch and try to cower back but the tight confines the tent and Malik at my back make that feat impossible.
A hand reaches for my face and I slam my eyes closed, preparing for a blow.
When one doesn’t come, I peek open my eyes. Dark fabric covers my line of sight. A strong hand grips my own and with a tug, I’m pulled away from the judgmental eyes I somehow still feel pressing down on me. I allow myself to be guided away, my sight blocked from the hood over my face. We draw to a stop and I catch my breath. I glance up, hand on the hood keeping it place, and meet Malik’s eyes. I hope my eyes say what I can’t seem to speak.
Thank you.
Something is shoved in my face and I lean back I shock. “Eat while it’s still warm. These pastries are fantastic.” I carefully grab the sweet from Elaine’s hand and briefly wonder where she had popped up from. My attention is brought back to the soft and crisp dessert in my hand as the scent nearly has me groaning out loud. It smells sweet and delicious; unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.
Elaine leans closer and speaks low. “Don’t worry about those people back there, Alanna. They don’t understand is all.”
I silently agree with her. I was warned this could happen. I thought I was prepared for it, but it turns out I was wrong. Until now, I had no idea how lucky I was at Craforian. No one reacted like that when they first saw me. Sure, they had been prewarned, and at first, I took offence to that, but now I realize it was a blessing. If they had faced me with looks of disdain and panic, I would have broken. When I arrived at Craforian, I was fragile, damaged. I still am, but there’s a resiliency to me now that I didn’t have then.
Pushing it aside, I stand taller and wrap that new found strength around me like a cloak.
I take a bite of the pastry and nearly moan. It’s delicious. It’s flaky and soft, just melting in my mouth. The flavors are sweet, but not overkill. Before I know it, the pastry is gone and my mouth salivates for more tasty treats.
Elaine passes me another with a crooked grin on her face. “Good, right?”
I mumble a yes and eat the second treat just as quickly as the first. Elaine finishes her sweet before offering Malik one. He declines and Elaine just shrugs, hugging the bag of pastries close.
Malik shifts nearer and leans down, voice low. “Are you ready to keep going?”
Still not able to find my words, I nod. I quickly pull out the mask from my pocket and slip it on my face.
“Stay close and keep the hood up, understand?”
I respond with another voiceless agreement, but Malik isn’t having it.
“Understand?” he repeats, voice harder than before.
“Yes.” I mumble it so softly, I’m not sure he heard me. But he must have as we start moving back into the crowd. I grip my hood over my head, determined to keep the incident from occurring again. The looks they had given me … I shudder.
I hope I never have to face a situation like this again.
Chapter 6
We walk around the festival until my feet are sore and the sun dips beyond the horizon.
Elaine insists on stopping at every book stall and clothing stall. She’s determined to buy me something practical, since I vehemently refuse all things that aren’t. Though I never turn down food, or sweets. I was addicted to those pasties already.
At what must have been our tenth book stall, when in fact it was only the fourth, my eyes were drawn to one book in particular. Elaine notices immediately and starts bartering before I can blink. I try to discourage her, but she isn’t having it. It’s a fascinated process, watching her barter with the seller. She tries trading items for the book at first, but the seller isn’t budging. He claims the book is a rare and ancient text that he’ll sell for no less than two coins.
I don’t understand what that meant, but Elaine does. She secures the purchase and hands me the book. When I insist she return it, she gives me hard look. “You shouldn’t return gifts, it’s rude. Besides, I want you to have it, so just take it.” Her soft-spoken tone eases the sting of her words.
“Thank you,” I say as sincerely as I can, making sure she understands I really do appreciate it.
“You’re welcome.” She winks, a wide smile on her face.
“I don’t understand what you bartered with though.”
“The coin?”
“Yes. What is it?”
She pulls one out for me to see and I carefully turn it over in my hands. It’s one sided, with an etching of some sort in the metal. The symbol is familiar, but I can’t seem to place it.
“It’s a trade piece. In exchange for the book, I offered two coins. They are worth more than your average barter. Essentially, a coin is worth credits so they can be used for anything and anywhere within our kingdom. Take the seller, now that he has two coins, he can barter the coins for things of higher value at no cost to his personal wares.”
“So, this coin is a place holder in a sense? It has no actual value in terms of it not being consumable or producible. You merely offer it in exchange for what you want and the seller can then use it for the same.” What a strange concept. I don’t see the value in the process for small villages, but for a large event such as this, it makes more sense. A place holder ensures you get what you want without losing out during a sale.
Elaine nods. “How did your village do it, Alanna?”
“We just bartered for we wanted or needed. There was no need for place holders in a small village. We simply traded whatever we had. Farmers bartered their seasons wares for a new bed, while carpenters bartered their wares for food.”
We move on quickly after that.
There is one question in particular that plagues me for most of the day. I don’t want to ask for fear of offending anyone, but I just can’t take it anymore.
“Why is everyone cheerful and laughing? It’s the day to honor the dead right, so shouldn’t it be solemn?” My brows furrow as I glance at Malik from under my hood.
“Today is the day to honor the dead, but today is a time for remembrance. It’s a time to celebrate the life they had. Today you share the memories and stories of their time on Bylir. The sadness lingers as it always does, but it’s the happiness that reigns. It’s the happiness we want our loved ones to receive in the afterlife. So, we attempt to pass on the joy we felt with them, and the acceptance and understanding of their passing in order to ease their journey.” He doesn’t look at me when he speaks, instead he gazes out at the masses, at the smiling faces filled with tears.
What a beautiful message to send to loved ones who have passed. It assures our loved ones we are moving on and not burdened by their loss. It allows them to rest easy in the otherworld where they await their next life.
It’s the opposite in my village. When someone dies, they are burned or buried, according to the wishes of their surviving family. The day and week following are filled with deafening silence. Villagers almost tiptoe around, afraid to make a noise. Looking back on it, I have no idea why we practiced such a thing.
I’m pulled from my thoughts as a body jolts into mine. The man rushes through an apology and goes on his way, wandering into a gathering crowd a short distance from us.
“What’s happening over there?” I point in the direction of the ever-growing mass.
“Oh, that’s a reading.” Elaine’s voice is distracted, but I don’t bother taking my eyes from the gathering.
“What’s a reading?”
“It’s a gathering for the reading of the passages.”
I jump and whip around. Zeke is standing behind me, head near my ear. “Those who have lost someone gather together. They take turns reading from the passage.” Zeke isn’t looking at me, his attention is on the readings.
I turn to watch the crowd again, finding a young woman standing on a platform above the rest. “What passage are they reading?”
“The passage of the dead. It’s a reading of rights and well wishes. According to the occasion or the mood, you read a passage expressing your feelings for the lost one. These passages are a direct line to the afterlife, or so they say. They claim these passages are able to be heard by those who have passed.” Zeke’s voice goes low.
Zeke asks if I want to stay and listen, but I refuse. I have no desire to listen to people speak to their own dead. I don’t even necessarily believe the words would reach them in the afterlife, at least not any more so than my words would reach them.
Why are the words from my heart and soul not enough, but rehearsed words from a text are?
After that, the day passes quickly. Everywhere I look, people read passages, eat food, sold and buy ware. They cry, laugh, and sing.
There are talnarins of all ages and affinity types around. Despite the overwhelming moments with the crowds and people, it is an interesting experience. I see things I never thought I’d see, I taste foods I never even knew existed, and I spend time with my friends.
Now that the sun is setting, the candles and lanterns displayed everyone are lit. The faint light from the burning embers seem to alter the atmosphere completely. What was once a loud and rambunctious crowd, is now a solemn and nearly silent one. The sounds have slowly tapered off and the shops closed. Nearly all the talnarins carry a candle themselves.
Wordlessly, Malik hands one to me.
It’s a beautiful candle. Silver swirls and patterns line black wax candle. It’s small, less than a head’s length. It sits delicately on a silver dish in the shape of a flower.
I glance up, uncertain if I’m supposed to light it or if I even want to. Flames would only melt this work of art. Elaine and the Elites stand in a half circle around Malik and I, each holding their own candles. Looking around, I see only black candles with unique patterns etched into them, the patterns matching their eyes. Even Malik holds a black candle decorated in gold.
Wordlessly, the crowd meanders forward and we move with it. It’s not long before the castle comes into view. The small lights dotting the castle become clear the closer we get. Small candles decorate the building in honor of the dead. The soft glow of lights all around me add a sense of otherworldliness I’d never experienced before.
We make our way to the river and the purple mist. The metal bridge is alight with candles further out. As we near the water’s edge, those before us set their candles in the water fully lit. They remain kneeling for some time before moving away. Then those behind them take their place.
Once it’s our turn to kneel, Malik leans close and whispers low. “This is the time to mourn. When you place your lit candle into the water, those in the afterlife will be with you for a short time. Say what needs to be said and listen carefully for their reply.”
I stare in shock, mouth open. “I can’t.”
Malik gently places his candle in the river and Elaine and the Elites follow. I hesitate long enough for the others to finish. Malik steps around me and comes up at my back, offering warmth and strength.
Sucking in a deep breath, I kneel. I gently light the candle and a shudder works its way down my frame as I watch a silver flame catch. I softly place my candle in the still water where I remain there kneeling, watching it slowly make its way down the river. I’m in my own little world with Malik and the rest forming a barrier behind me.
I’m sorry.
As soon as I think it, all the words I never say come rushing like a great flood.
