Flynn would admit that the worst part of this curse was less the being old part, for he often was told he had the temperament of an old coot, more the fact that his body was sluggish and his peaceful life disturbed by an idiot wizard. Lowell! Why, Flynn swore the first thing he'd do is slug that man right in the face.
He'd been lucky enough to snag a ride with a kind couple towards the edge of the farmland. He felt so tired just riding but he seemed to be faring well. The cart finally comes to a stop and Flynn thanks them.
"Be careful Sir. It's dangerous out there." The man says unloading the hay while his wife looks at him concern.
"Are you sure you'll be fine traveling through the Wastes? It's much too dangerous for a man such as yourself." Another downside was the fact that as an old man people felt the need to coddle him.
"Yes, yes. I'll be fine." He says getting off with a groan. Stiff joints were another downside of being old.
They hesitantly nod and let him on his way as Flynn starts marching up the long hill towards the Wastes. His feet trudge through the sparse grassy hill and he stops at a point to eat the cheese and bread he brought along. Old gums chew softly and Flynn finds that Wastes while not beautiful aren't half bad. There's even a few scarce weeds with blooming flowers.
But then again, he's not far in. His feet already feel sore and Flynn wonders if this was an even more foolhardy idea than it had seemed. No, he knows it is. He seems to be turning reckless in his old age. Going on adventures and getting cursed! This wasn't something for the eldest. He scoffs to himself and wraps what's left of the meager food he took.
As he walks he nearly stumbles a few times and wished he had a walking stick to sturdy himself with. He spots a large branch jutting from a bush and smiles. Yes, that will do just nicely. He walks over and gives a harsh tug but the branch is firmly stuck in the bushes.
Flynn huffs and pulls again. He groans when it doesn't budge and readies himself one more time. "I may be old, but I'm not letting a branch beat me! Come on move!"
Rolling up his sleeves he puts all his weight into it and heaves the branch up with a crack. It stands up and he falls back when he sees it's a scarecrow. "Huh? Well, what are you doing all the way out here? Hmm. You can't have been very comfy caught in that bush. You're head's a turnip. I always hated turnips." Short on flavor as far as Flynn was concerned. "Well, I can't very well use you as a walking stick. Bye Turnip-Head. Have fun doing whatever it is you do."
As Flynn walks he hears something plopping behind him. He looks behind and blinks at the sight of the scarecrow hopping behind on it's one pole. "What the…?" The scarecrow plops in front of him and a cane falls in front of him. "Is this for me?" The scarecrow seems to nod. "I see. Thank you." He picks up and eyes it from afar as he keeps walking on. Flynn walks with sturdier steps and watches as the scarecrow never seems more than five steps behind. He thinks that whatever this is it probably is cursed maybe even a demon. It's eerie but the scarecrow has yet to do anything so he ignores it and moves forward with his tired feet.
"I wonder where I'll sleep." Flynn mutters as he looks at the open plains of the Wastes as the sun sets. He looks at the scarecrow and notes he can still see the blurred sight of Market Chipping. He's so slow in his old age. He chuckles at the silly idea as the words slip his lips. "Hey, Turnip-Head, would you like to find us a place to sleep tonight?"
The scarecrow jumps in front and the breath leaves Flynn's throat. It looks down and it's carved eyes seem to glee as it jumps into the distance with great speed. "Well... that was weird." Flynn keeps walking trying to see an outcrop he could sleep under or something along those lines. He keeps walking and walking. The last rays of light are in the sky when the scarecrow comes back and seems to be hurrying him in a direction.
Flynn thinks it's rather impractical to follow a scarecrow but he might as well. There's not much he can do. So Flynn follows until he stops in awe and slight fear. It's large and impending yet a mess. A castle walking about on two legs towards them. Smoke billows from pipes on the side as the heavy footfalls continue before coming to a stop.
"Lowell's castle."
He looks at the scarecrow and then to the door jutting from the side. It seems foolish and stupid. Yes, slugging a powerful wizard had seemed like a good idea, but now it felt like the dumbest thing he could do. "Not like I have any better ideas."
"Hope it opens." He walks the porch steps and places a hand on the door. Flynn is more than a little surprised to find it's unlocked, but then Lowell is a powerful wizard and has likely nothing to fear. He cracks it open to pear inside and sees the light of a hearth. He looks to Turnip-Head. "It's nice and warm in here. Would you like to come inside?" It seems to shake its head and Flynn understands. "Thank you all the same." It nods and hops away into the night leaving Flynn alone on the porch. "Might as well get this over with."
His steps are slow and cautious as he walks inside the castle. Flynn notes cobwebs in the ceiling and there's a smell in the air that can only be described as filthy. Once he gets into the main room he notes a table covered in books, vials, and various other items. The fire burns low and an old chair sits next to it with a few scattered logs. "This is a castle? It's disgusting." There's an itch to explore but Flynn's bones are tired and he finds himself sitting on the chair tossing in a log.
He stares at the red flames and then in his sleepy state swears he sees a face inside them. He's about to drift to sleep when a voice wakes him up. "That it is one bad curse ya got kid." Flynn's eyes bolt open and he sees it now a figure sitting in the fireplace. "So who'd ya piss off to get a spell like that cast on ya?" His throat is dry and he can't find the words. "And how'd ya get in here anyway? I didn't tell the door to open."
"I-"
The figure in the flames waves a hand. "Ah, whatever. Doesn't matter to me."
"What- who are you?" Flynn sputters.
The figure's eyes glint and a smile takes their face. "The name's Raven. Raven the Great Almighty Fire Demon." The figure says dramatically spraying flames.
"A fire demon?" Flynn's eyes widen and then sink because this isn't as exciting as he'd hope. Shouldn't a fire demon be more spectacular? But, then this might work. "Could you break my curse?"
"That depends…" Raven smirks leaning back. "What would ya give me?"
Flynn sighs. "I doubt there's much I could do for you."
"Well… I can think of something ya might be able to do." Flynn raises a brow. "See, Yuri and I have this little contract and if ya broke it I could fix that curse ya have."
"Yuri?"
"You guys call him Lowell, but his first name is Yuri. He spreads around that one 'cause he thinks it sounds cooler or something." Raven shrugs. "See, this contract was nice for awhile, but now it's just a pain. If ya broke it I could be free of this dump."
"How would I brake this contract?"
"I can't tell ya."
Flynn shrugs and makes himself cozy. "Then I guess you're stuck."
"Look, I can't tell ya! I would if I could but it's part of the deal!" He cries. "Yuri keeps me trapped and working all day. It's hell I tell ya! That guy has me working day and night. Boiling water and moving the castle. Come on, don't' ya want that curse broken."
Flynn narrows his eyes. "I can live with this. After all, if you can't break my curse I'll put up with it till I can break it."
"Look, the most I can do is drop ya hints. Sorry."
"I guess that will do. But, won't Yuri get suspicious about me snooping around?"
"That idiot? Please." Raven snorts. "Most the time he's too self-centered to see past his nose. You'll be fine. He won't even care that you're here if ya don't cause trouble."
"You sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. Just keep your ears open for clues and it'll be fine."
Flynn smirks feeling cunning in his old age. "Then we have a deal."
"I swear on my heart that I will break your curse for my freedom." With the deal set Flynn finally sleeps on the chair waking up occasionally to toss a log on Raven. Come morning he wakes when he hears heavy footfalls and expects to see Yuri only to spy from his eyes a young girl. She had choppy brown hair and looks to be about Estelle's age. He closes his eyes and pretends to snore as she walks by.
"Hey Fire-Face, who's the old man?" She barks and shakes him. "Wake up Grandpa! How'd you get in here?" Flynn bolts up and looks at her green eye's sheepishly.
"Hey, easy on him! He was wandering the wastes so I let him in."
Her eyes narrow at Raven. "You let in someone from the wastes? Idiot! I should dump water on you for that."
Flynn stands and holds himself defensively. "Wait, please this was all my fault. The door just opened so I walked in."
"Can it gramps! For all I know-" Her words were stopped by a loud knock upon the door.
"It's the Capua Torim door, Rita." Raven says and Rita huffs.
"I'm on it." She says pulling a white cloak over her face and Flynn watches as her face turns into the disguise of a foreboding middle-aged woman. "Yes?" Her voice croaks as she opens the door and two officials in Union military outfits stand outside a paved street. Briny air slips into Flynn's nose as he listens.
"Would you please deliver this letter of summons the Wizard Wolfe when he returns?" The soldier says passing a letter.
"Sure. I'll make sure he gets it." Rita takes it and slams the door tossing it aside. "As I was saying-"
Another knock and she screams. "Zaphias door." Raven calls playfully.
Flynn watches her turn a dial by the door to red from blue opening it to reveal busy city streets and carriages going by. Two Zaphias knights stand at the door and pass a letter. "Please deliver this to the Great Wizard Lowell." Rita slams the door and turns back to him, but screams again when the door knocks a third time.
"Torim again." She turns back the dial and this time a small girl stands in the doorway.
"Excuse me? My mommy sent me to pick up a spell."
Rita calms herself and smiles. "Ah, yes. Come in and wait while I get it."
The little girl looks at Flynn and tilts her head. "Grandpa are you a wizard too?"
Flynn smiles widely. "Yes my dear, I'm the scariest wizard of all!" He says playfully and she giggles.
"All right, stop scaring the customers." Rita sasses as she hands the girl a bag. "Sprinkle this on your father's ship and the winds will favor him."
"Thank you, Miss Witch." The girl says handing her money over and running off with a smile.
"Don't go lying to our customers." Rita says crossing her arms. "Whatever, do what you want." She heads to the table and starts cutting up slices of bread and cheese.
"Don't you want some eggs or bacon?" Flynn says noting the basket and tray full of unspoiled ingredients.
Rita shrugs. "We can't cook while Yuri is gone."
Flynn grabs a pan and cringes at how dirty it is. "Don't worry I can cook."
"That's not the point." Flynn shuffles over with the eggs and bacon to the hearth. "Yuri's the only one Raven listens to."
Flynn shrugs setting the stuff down. "I'll make it work."
"Are you listening to a thing I've said?" Rita says as Raven chuckles.
"Rita's right. I'm a free spirit and don't listen to nobody." Except Yuri apparently.
Flynn holds out the pan. "To bad. Should I let him in on our little deal?"
"Ya wouldn't!"
Flynn starts pushing the pan down through the force of Raven's fire. "Maybe I would. Now be a good fire." The flames part and the demon is crushed under the pan.
Rita looks at the sight with wide eyes. "You actually got him to listen!"
"Would you pass me one of those eggs?" Flynn says and Rita nods handing over two eggs. He cracks them in and sets them down almost singeing his fingers. He's a terrible cook but he can at least manage eggs... At least he thinks he can. Flynn cringes as the eggs start turning black at the edges. "Plates! I need plates." A hand passes one over silently and he tosses the slightly burnt eggs on its dirty surface. "Thanks."
Flynn's breath hitches when he realizes that the person behind him is not Rita. Dark hair and stunning eyes like last time. Being old has shrunk Flynn and he's inches shorter now. "Well, Old Man, you're being awfully obedient."
"Hey, this guy bullied me!"
Yuri chuckles. "That's not something just anyone can do." He grabs a few eggs and cracks them in the pan pushing Flynn away. "Pass me a bit of that bacon." Flynn nods and hands over a few slices. "So, who might you be Grandpa?"
"Oh... Raven... Raven hired me. He's tired with how filthy this place is." Flynn can't believe the lie from his mouth and Yuri just nods.
"Who says my castle is filthy?"
"This place is as filthy and uncouth as your morals. I happen to think I could clean up at least one of the two of you young man!"
"I see." He plucks the food from the pan to the plate. "You have a name?"
"It's Flynn. Just Old Flynn."
"Well, Flynn welcome aboard." He sets the food on the table and points to the two kids. "Over there is my grumpy apprentice Rita." Yuri starts eating from a plate along with the girl. He lifts a handful of silverware. "Pick one." Flynn grabs the spoon and idly bites into an egg. Through a garbled mouth Yuri points to Flynn's pocket. "What you got in there?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You're right pocket."
"There's nothing in my- Huh? Where did that come from?" Flynn feels a piece of paper and pulls it out. It's a beautiful crimson with gold and black leafing with a pentagon in the center.
"Let me see it." Flynn nods and hands the paper over. As it pricks Yuri's skin the paper bursts in azure and emerald flames crashing onto the wooden table.
Rita jumps up and inspects the pattern ingrained carefully. "Woah, that's some serious spell! What's it say?"
A dark smirk takes the wizard's face. "Nice. That's ancient sorcery. I'm rusty on the words, but I think it's something like:
O' heartless man you shall be mine
Go and catch a falling star,
Get with child a mandrake root,
Tell me where all past years are,
Or who cleft the devil's foot,
Teach me to hear mermaids singing,
Or to keep off envy's stinging,
And find
What wind
Serves to advance an honest mind.
If thou be'st born to strange sights,
Things invisible to see,
Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me
I hate curses in poetry. They're the worst." Yuri says. "Well, this can't be good for my table."
"The table! That's a curse!" Flynn exclaims shocked at his reaction.
"This is a nice table! Real Mahogany" Yuri yells back setting a hand down and burning the mark away in a swift drag. "There we go."
"Is it gone?" Rita asks.
"Well, the mark is, but the curse is still there." Yuri says shaking his hand like it's in pain. "Geez, that one's pretty tough."
"Wait, so you're cursed?" Flynn says.
"It's nothing new. Don't worry, I'll fix soon enough." Yuri takes a messy bite of his bacon. "That witch hasn't caught me yet."
Rita glares at Flynn. "You better not be a spy for the Witch of the Wastes! If you are I'll blow you to smithereens."
Flynn feels bubbles of rage at the idea. "I would never! That Witch she-" He can't speak his voice is dry and his lips close on their own. "I hate her!"
"Join the club." Yuri says before standing up to dump his food in the fire. "Raven, set twenty leagues south and warm up the water for my bath."
"Right. Right. Anything else your majesty?" The fireplace hisses bitterly.
"Rita, help get gramps set up. Make sure he doesn't get carried away." Yuri says as he disappears to the area above.
Rita nods as she looks over an open book on the table. "Uh-huh. Sure." Rita points behind the hearth. "There's a space you can make a room there and you can turn the door to any color except black. I have some practice to do so see ya." She slams the door closed with the dial set to yellow.
"Even the manners are a mess here."
Raven sighs. "I know. Uncouth the lot of them." Flynn looks at the cobwebs and the mess with a cringe. Might as well get scrubbing.
