First bell rung! And it only took twenty one chapters! Anyway hope you enjoy. More fun stuff to come!
Molly gradually made her way up the rickety steps to the ledge above the blacksmith's shop. To her surprise she saw Calvin standing over a glowing white stone. Molly inwardly groaned, he was not someone she wanted to associate with in any shape or form. She thought he looked a bit ridiculous in the brown leather jacket, and matching stetson.
"What are you doing here?" Calvin asked. His voice was full of disdain. Molly bit her tongue and resisted the urge to slap the smug irritation of his face. She had very little opinion of Calvin, and the way he treated every one else. He was the type of man who thought because he was an "intellectual," he was above every one else on the island.
"I was actually searching for that moonstone," Molly informed. A look of shock crossed Calvin's face.
"You're interested in these old moonstones?" Calvin asked. "There is so much history here on this island. Artifacts and old ruins are everywhere." His voice was a touch more friendly than it was before. Molly decided to run with it. He appeared to know a lot about the history of the island, hopefully that would translate into finding information about the bells.
"Is there really?" Molly asked.
"Yes take a look at this," Calvin drew an old stone tablet from his backpack, and handed it carefully to Molly. Molly lifted it up. There was an inscription. It read: "Catch moonlight at the mine, a musical field, and a house of light." She felt some excitement. This was just what she was looking for. Calvin quickly grabbed it back, Molly could see he was very protective of his artifact.
"That is very interesting," Molly stated. Calvin looked at the tablet again.
"Yes it is," he answered. "If you need it I could lend it to you." His response surprised Molly. She certainly didn't think he would offer to let her borrow it.
"Can I?" She asked.
"Be very careful with it," Calvin replied.
"Of course," she stated. Calvin very carefully handed the tablet back to her. Molly took out a cloth from her rucksack and wrapped the tablet carefully up in it. "I will return it when I'm done." She turned and left the adventurer. She'd have to come back after six to be able to soak up the moonlight rays.
Molly had just returned home and started to get working on the mess that was her field, when she saw Owen come running towards the house.
"Molly!" He shouted. "We have all the ore!"
"What?" Molly asked. She was confused . She hadn't been down in the mines since her accident.
"I found the last of the ores," Owen said. He looked almost happy.
"Thank you," Molly stated. She hadn't expected this kindness from him, yet again. She was learning that her first impressions about people here were not always accurate.
"Come on let's go!" Owen said. Molly laughed. He sounded as excited as a child would.
They made their way up to the mine area, and into the blacksmith's shop. Ramsey turned and scrutinized Molly.
"Looks like you healed ok after your fall in the mines," he said gruffly.
"I did," Molly stated.
"All right, you and Owen go wait outside, I'm going to get this show started."
"I got it!" Molly shouted. The bell had come shooting out of the chimney moments after they got outside. It landed in her arms causing a black cloud of dust to form around her.
"Yay!" an excited Finn shouted.
"Good catch!" Owen stated, and patted her heartily on the back. Molly had to step forward to keep from falling over.
"Thanks," Molly responded. Ramsey peeked his head out.
"You get it?" He called out. Molly held up the bell in response.
"Good!" Molly thought for a moment she saw him smile. He turned to Owen. "Get back in here boy, even if the fire's not hot, there's still plenty of work to do!"
"Duty calls," Owen sighed then jogged away.
"I hope Alan'a still ok," Finn stated.
"Let's get this bell back where it belongs and find out," Molly said.
This time around finding her way down only ten floors was easier than the first. She placed bell on the frame. It started to shake.
"Oh!" Finn exclaimed. Molly said nothing. This time a sprite dressed in dark red popped out of the bell.
"Alan!" Finn shouted. He flew up to the sprite.
"Finn, calm yourself," Molly chided. "Let him catch his breath."
"It's alright," Alan responded. "You must be Molly."
"How do you know that?" Molly asked.
"I'm a harvest sprite, the leader at that. It's my job to know these things." Alan's impish looks did not match the authoritative tone in his voice. "Harvest Goddess asked you to help? We sprites have failed in our duties. But I suppose it's not too late."
"Let's ring the bell!" Finn shouted. Alan turned toward the bell.
"Bell of fire, ring out your strong and burning melody," he chanted. "May your tube carry across the entire land!"
The bell slowly started moving, then picked up more momentum. A rich song with low tones started playing.
Wizard felt a warm glow in the crystal hanging around his neck. Something good was about to happen. It was such a blessed relief after all the bad things that had happened. There was a knock at his door. He walked over expecting either Chase or Molly. Instead, the little pink haired girl, Luna, from the tailor shop was standing in his doorway.
"You're a fortune teller right?" She asked.
"In a manner of speaking, sure," he responded.
"Whatever," Luna said flippantly. "I need your help."
"What does a girl like you need my help for?" Wizard asked.
"I want to know who Owen, the blacksmith's apprentice likes," Luna advised. Wizard was not the type of person to spread around the affairs of others.
"I'm afraid it doesn't work like that," Wizard advised. The young girl pouted. "Look all I can say is if he's interested in you or if there's someone else."
"That's good enough," Luna said.
"Of course I'll need payment. My fee is 400g," he said. He was hopping the girl would say no to his price.
"No problem let's get started," Luna insisted. She took the money out of her small pouch and handed it to him. Wizard sighed, and stood in front of his crystal ball.
"He doesn't feel anything special for you, there is someone else in his life," Wizard advised.
"Who?" Luna asked.
"I told you it doesn't work that way," Wizard stated. "I only know he doesn't have strong feelings for you."
"Hmph," Luna sighed and turned to leave. Wizard shook his head. Human curiosity about the affairs of others, always perplexed him. Although he had been surprised to see who Owen's object of interest really was.
He suddenly heard it. The melodic sound of the red bell. Quickly he rushed outside. A slew of fiery music notes floated in the air. The song rang throughout the land. Townspeople were coming out of their houses to check out the commotion. One bell was finally in place and ring again. Wizard smiled. Perhaps they could win this war after all.