Glyph

Part Two

With my quick and unexplained leave, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. I abandoned my home in its time of need. However, there was little I could do for it. That kind of reasoning gave me the will to push forward in the direction Gideon fled. The night was coarse and cold as I went further north.

When it came time to stop and wait for morning, I found a grassy knoll and lifted the plants around me. There, I slept until the sun pierced the thin leaves. When the light returned, I found myself not far from a town. It was beyond a thicket of trees further ahead and was invisible the night before.

Having seen no sign of Gideon yet, I was skeptical. The town seemed untouched; un-scorched. Considering what I knew of him, he had not been through here. However, I had not eaten since the day before and needed to stop. The town seemed benevolent enough; streets of cobblestone and short buildings that could barely cast shadows. A wide fountain even stood in the plaza where the streets converged. The businesses were all along a single street, making navigation as simple as it was at home. I was quick to find a restaurant and sit at the counter. This became one more path-altering moment in my journey to the end.

As I sat, surrounded by strangers, I quickly realized the err in my coming here. It was not a place a sixteen year-old frequented. I found myself being watched from every corner of the room. A hazy smoke hung in the air and the tables were all bare, save for the occasional drink or deck of cards. When my food came, I bent forward to taste it. The scent drifted lazily through my head, distracting me from the room around me. A loud crash sounded out, instantly causing me to turn and find the source of the disturbance. I turned and found two men on the floor, unconscious. Beyond them stood a loosely-garbed stranger in tall leather greaves and cloak-covered torso, his arm raised and glyph fading from bright blue to its normal color.

“It would be best for everyone to leave the child alone.” He stated firmly. His voice was commanding. His age gave him the appearance of a strong willed person; solid gaze, graying beard, and a bright shock of pale hair as a crown. His hand lowered, trembling. He may have been powerful, but age was taking its toll. Everyone turned away as he spoke. The stranger took a seat next to me and ordered a glass of water. I couldn’t help but look back to his arm.

“Thank you.” I stated simply. He smiled lightly, meeting my gaze.

“It wasn’t any trouble. But do tell me, what are you doing in a place like this?”

“I didn’t know it had a reputation.” I explained.

“So, you aren’t from around here?” He pursued.

“I’m from Benton.” I stated. His expression changed to that of concern.

“Was it not attacked two days ago?”

“It was, and I plan on finding out why.” I returned.

“But, you are leaving that town, correct?”

“Why are you interested?” I pressured, changing the direction of the conversation.

“Pardon my frankness, I forgot. My name is Keld. I’m interested in finding out exactly what happened there.” He answered.

“I am Rosh. The reason, thought no one can tell you, is because of my former best friend. His Glyph razed my home and killed my father. I’m searching for him.”

“Ah, so you know Glyphs?” He changed the topic. I lifted my sleeve.

“He has me at an advantage, but I’m hoping to overpower him.

“You’d lose.” He asserted, taking a sip of his drink. “Glyphs aren’t about power; they’re about how you use it. No matter how many leaves you throw at him, he can burn them away at ease.” I stopped and thought about his words. In truth, he was right. I stood no chance against Gideon as long as he had that flame Glyph. “However,” He continued, “I know a trick or two that may be useful to you if this is really your goal.”

“This is all I have.” I replied, realizing this myself. He took his mouth away from the glass just long enough to smirk.

“That was the answer I needed.” He replied, finishing off his drink.