Day 4
It’s been like what, four days?
I’m going to be honest with you, it’s cold out here: bone-chilling. I get it, I get it, ‘I should’ve gone yesterday’. But here’s the thing, if only I had the gift of foresight to foresee that yesterday would be milder than today. But I’m not a clairvoyance. Yesterday it was cold, plain and simple. Now, tomorrow might be even colder than today, and I’ll be riddled with the same regrets.
As I perused the flyer I stumbled upon yesterday, a curious revelation struck me. It conspicuously omitted any mention of food delivery, It just simply stated ‘delivery’. Could it be that its scope extends beyond culinary conveyance? I’ve got a few gems left: I wonder what I can afford. Admittedly, in hindsight, the decision to bring my cherished watch collection with me appeared rather stupid. Yet somehow, they have newfound significance, transcending mere timekeeping. Well, they will go back to being timekeepers when I find a more sustainable way of getting gems.
Looking out at the frosted panorama beyond the window. It’s worrisome, the progression of the weather. The fact that there’s snow covering the trees already, is something to think about.
Turning from the window, I made my way to the radio, messing around with the dials until I landed on the right frequency. “Ten magic logs,” I spoke into the abyss, hopeful for a response but not surprised at the silence that echoed back to me.
I turned towards the stove; a flicker of orange dance as the flames caught, and the kettle found its place atop the burner.
Besides the faint crackle of the fire, the stillness of the tower enveloped me. The frost-covered window getting harder to see through as time passes.
A knock on the door shattered the quiet and as I opened the door, there he stood, the gnome, as if time hadn’t passed at all since out last encounter. Behind him, a neat pile of logs. Dark blue bark that contrasts strikingly with its lighter, teal core. Adorned with twinkling specks that shimmer like constellations in the night sky.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Just as I did before, not knowing the price of what I ordered, I just offered my entire collection of gems. His fingers danced over the gems. With his discerning eyes, he plucked out a handful. They disappeared into the depths of his pouch, that clipped to his waist.
He’s carrying some wealth around with him; that pouch seems full to the brim. The fact that he did all that in front of me, without any worry in the world. Is that foolishness or justified confidence. “Does anyone ever give you trouble?” I enquired.
The gnome’s nimble fingers halted; he pulled on the string clothing the pouch. “Miki,” he murmured, a single word that sent a tremor through the tower.
With an ominous creak, the tower began its descent, its legs severed by an unseen force. The gnome in the midst of the tower falling, jumped off.
Ah, I guess I just take this fall.
-
I staggered out of the ruins of the watchtower, my senses dulled by the smoke. Amidst the swirling embers and scorched timers, a figure emerged through the haze.
The gnome and behind him; a samurai. That seemed to be like eight feet tall. His build, reminiscent of a sumo wrestler. Wearing a traditional suit of armour, each plate with intricate patterns and symbols. The deep indigo lacquer on his suit of armour paired with the fearsome visage carved into the faceguard, made his presence known. He wielded quite the spear.
I guess that would be Miki.
“You survived?”, the gnome’s voice edged with surprise.
“That was a bit of an overreaction. Don’t you think?” Turning my gaze back to my shelter that was reduced to a pile of wood.
His mirthful chuckle filled the air and without saying another word, he waved goodbye. He disappeared into the snow-covered forest, the samurai shadowing his every step.
-
I had managed to scavenge the magic logs from rubble. And as nightfall arrived, I added one of the logs to the fire. The flames calmed, turning translucent, reminiscent of diamonds. Casting a spectral glow that reached out in all directions, creating a dome which claimed the entire clearing in the forest.
Inside, the air was both warm and comforting. It defied the laws nature by not melting the snow beneath my feet, but instead created a makeshift mattress. It was a strange sensation; my back should be cold, yet there was only the embrace of warmth. The absence a blanket was not felt.
Ah, the sky looks beautiful tonight.