Chapter 5 . 5
DISCLAIMER: The Old Kingdom and all of the Charter Magic concepts belong to Garth Nix. So does Mogget. The other characters are mine, (woo hoo.)
"Do you have a hold of it?"
"Yes." A small voice says, and small hands hold the bell. The metal glittered and the beautiful wood handle sparkled.
"Do not ring it. You know that these bells must never be played with as toys."
"Yes, Uncle." The tiny girl, no more than six years old, looked up at her parent with large brown eyes. "I know that they are very important." The small girl holds the bell reverently. The feel of the cool metal bell and its smooth handle in the six-year-olds hand is thrilling. It is scary, but it is also exhilarating. The Charter in the bell makes her fingers and the special mark on her forehead tingle.
"What does this bell do? This is Ranna." Uncle asks.
"It's the sleepy bell!" Tirylese laughs. Ranna is her favorite. She knows all six of the bells that Uncle has taught her. Uncle says that she will wait until she is older to learn about the biggest bell. She is too little right now.
She studies the bell, then sets it on the polished brown table in front of her. She is in her Uncle's house. She is happy here. She is safe here. She hears the birds chirp in the orchard outside, and looks at the sunshine coming through the big windows. She feels her uncle's warm hand on her shoulder.
The birds are chirping in the orchard, outside of the dining room windows, and Tirylese sits at the dining room table, feeling it's polished wood surface under her arms. She stares at it. The sendings are gathered at the door leading from the kitchen. They wait for instructions, but none are forthcoming. The Abhorsen is silent.
Rising suddenly, after hours of meditation, Tirylese unsheathes her sword, and begins to Charter-spell its gleaming blade. Dinner is set, and Tirylese eats, not realizing how hungry she's been. After the meal, she sits in the library, studying maps, books of lore and bestiaries. Grieving will not accomplish anything. The sendings are ordered to re-pack her goods. She prepares for a journey. Rage and hatred might accomplish something.
"Where are you off to now, Abhorsen?"
Tirylese bites back a scream, and whirls around. The cat sits there, staring at her. Her shoulders drop. She had forgotten about her servant. The cat seems to smile, Tirylese notices.
"I'm going to Albalef. There are many Free Magic creatures there."
"Mmm. You're going alone?" A smug little purr.
Tirylese looks at her sword, at the shining Charter Marks, before sliding it into the scabbard. "Yes. I'm going alone." She picks up the rolled map, and places a few books into her bag. One of the bestiaries she leaves out. The page is open to the entry "Jakomes". "Hish" is marked with a slip of parchment sticking out at the top of the volume. The cat-like creature sits there, on the end of the table, looking rather smug for a cat. Tirylese resists the urge to pick him up and shake him. He begins to purr.
Tirylese unclenches her fists and secures the end of her bag, the oilskin tied with strips of leather. She goes to the landing and slides the oilskin into her pack, which was more than sufficiently loaded by the thoughtful sendings. She arranges the worn blue surcoat on her shoulders and hefts the pack before putting it on. The cat-like servant entwines around her feet, nearly tripping her as she moves.
"Abhorsen," it purrs, "Remember to re-spell your sword when ever you stop." The arrogant little cat settles on its haunches. "I wouldn't want to see anything happen to you…" Tirylese did not restrain herself, and landed a kick at the cat's behind before setting out across the stepping stones.
A/N: Alright, sorry, but I will get back to Nathaniel and Yasmel soon (next chap.) Writer's block has kept me from writing any action or battle scenes, (think I'll go rent some Stallone, Gibson or Chan films…).
I do like Mogget, but the idea of him getting a boot in the behind was too good to resist!
This is titled Chapter 5.5 simply because when I would title it Chapter 6 my computer would eat it. Poof, gone! (Three times, AARGH!!! Dang computer…)
Please be nice and review! Please?