A hot spring light drew itself across my eyes, waking me from a light slumber. There was a cool breeze that carried the subtle scent of a distant ocean. It twinged my nose as a hitch in the ride caused me to bump my head against the carts low wall. My body ached and my neck was stiff from my awkward sleeping position. As I stretched the pain in my leg flared up again. I was looking forward to having it healed. It made me feel fidgety not being able to walk around.

I sat up to cover my head in the shade of the carts covering. The thick forests of musical birds and strumming insects was gone, in its place were long fields of breeze swept grass dotted with dark patches of farmlands. I could see animlakin moving about the distant farms, tilling the earth, carrying bags of seeds, and clearing out weeds. It was a sight that reminded me of Montana.

Finn was sitting on the carts front seat with Grebbledel. They were chatting like a student and their professor with Finn drilling the bogdweller with all sorts of questions.

“Tell me of your family,” Finn said. “Where are they from? Where were you born?”

“I was raised in the deep waters in the Elderfen, in a small town called Dremming Pond. I had seven brothers and sister. Most now gone the way of the earth. I only have a brother left, though I do not know where he currently resides. A traveler at heart, Bwimlee is.” Grebbledel spoke slow with his eyes kept forward.

“Fascinating,” Finn said as he rubbed his chin. “You are marked as a wizard. Does that mean you studied in the Obsidian Towers?”

“Of course. To be called a true wizard you must gain the knowledge of those that came before. The Predecessors are the most valuable asset to those of us who become one with the arcane arts. I studied for fifteen years under a master of the seventh floor. A great Tenderbeak of global renown. She was a wonderful master.” Grebbledel let his head tilt up towards the vast, cloud-filled sky, as he let past memories come to light.

“What are the teachings of the seventh floor?” Finn asked. Grebbledel let his head drift down then turned towards me.

“Seems your mind has perfect timing to wake you from your rest, Miles Forester. We are within sight of Aurleaf,” Grebbledel waved for me to come to the front of the cart. I shuffled forward between the various chests and cloth bags to lean against the rest of the carts front seat. I looked out across a long, narrow road that led down a wide hill and into a cozy town.

The town of Aurleaf was surrounded by vibrant groves of apple and cherry trees and patches of farms brimming with corn, watermelons, and cabbages. At the center of town was the bluest lake I had ever seen. It was as perfect as a water painting where each stroke was loving placed by its creator. Its shimmering waters reflected soft lights from the early afternoon sun. Several small boats could be seen drifting atop the glassy water.

The buildings were made of rough-hewn rocks with red roofs placed upon their stonework. None stood higher than two stories and each had their own lush gardens of sunflowers, tulips, and dandelions. There were no paved roads in Aurleaf. Every path was a matted road of soft golden dirt that swirled through the town like a flittering ribbon.

Speaking of ribbons, tied to the end of tall poles stuck deep on either side of the road, were colorful strings and flags. They were numerous in their colors. Shades of reds, blues and greens all dancing together with the swift sway of the breeze. Somewhere in the distance I could hear the faint whistling of a flute and the soft plucking of a stringed instrument I didn’t recognize.

“It’s beautiful,” I said. “I’ve never seen anything so… so… colorful.”

“The First Avatar Fair is set to begin tomorrow,” Grebbledel said. “The locals are preparing for a day filled with food, fun, and community. I have a standing room at the Little Acorn every year. Of course, I promised the innkeeper free stories and songs in exchange. I’ll be performing a story tonight after sundown. You are welcome to accompany me to the tavern to see if there is a room but seeing as its the day before the festival, she may be booked full.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“We’ll be staying at the Gatefinders Hall,” Finn said as he waved to a group of small springstep and brighteye children that came bounding down the path.

“You may find that a difficult task to complete,” Grebbledel said pulling on Revelas’ reins to slow her to a soft trot as we approached a small open gateway. A low stone wall curved far to the left and right of the path, cutting its way through the silver-green grass fields. The wall came to an ancient arch that had crumbled away long ago. A single unlit torch was placed in a black iron sconce on the taller pillar to the left of the path. There sat a lone and large figure with a dried grass hat low on their face.

“Why is that?” Finn asked.

“The old hall closed down three months ago. They had to move to an old windmill north of the lake,” Grebbledel pulled Revelas to a stop. We came to a halt right next to the round animalkin. I figured the person to be a shellback considering the large turtle like shell they had their fat body resting against. The shellback was wearing a tailored leather cuirass that seemed to integrate itself into their natural chest plate. A pair of saggy brown trouser met the shellbacks bare, leathery feet. He had a single spear in his hand, which he had resting against his chest.

Grebbledel wrapped his arms over his knees and waited for the guardsman to greet him. When the shellback started snoring, Grebbledel let out a loud cough.

“Huh? What… who goes there?” The shellback grunted as he lifted his hat. The turtle face was long and wrinkled. The animalkin’s neck sagged farther than his neck and his mouth was dry and crusted. “Pass on through. Pass on. City gates open today for the festival. Move along.”

“Carroway,” Grebbledel said as he leaned forward. “Is this how the great Ironback spends his time? Asleep on guard duty? For all you know we could be troublemakers come to make unpleasantries.”

Carroway blinked several times, licked his dry mouth, then spat on the dirt. He took in a wet breath, then let out an even wetter cough. “If my old eyes decieve me whether what I see is true or not, will I never forget the tricks of Grebbledel. It is good to see you. Anaia will be pleased to have you visiting. So will the children.”

“And does my old friend find my presence to be a welcoming present?” Grebbledel quipped.

Carroway let his mouth curve slowly in a sort of half smile. Then without warning, the old shellback stood quicker than I thought and let out the loudest laugh I had ever heard. It was the sound a sawdust blown through the spinning blades of a chainsaw. Rough, loud, and wheezing. Grebbledel joined in the laughter as he reached his hand down to shake Carroways. “The only present I look forward to is the peace that comes from the children fauning over your stories while I rest my tired shell and drinking pine ale.”

“I see that your tired shell still carries the weight of the town, doesn’t it?” Grebbledel let go of his hand as Carroway nodded in agreement.

“Who have you brought to Aurleaf? I recognize the sharp eyes of Finn Ashburrow. Been awhile since I’ve seen you around and who is this? A brighteyes I’ve never met before. Welcome young master, what is your name?” Carroway asked between continued licks of the corner of his mouth.

“My name is Miles Forester and I’m… I’m new in town,” I didn’t exactly want to start reiterating my entire back story to every new animalkin that I met on the road. I was a stranger in this world, and I was three years behind everyone else in terms of learning what to expect.

“Glad to meet you Miles,” Carroway said with a wave. “I hope you find your stay in Aurleaf pleasant and peaceful. Though if you plan to make your arrangements with this trickster of a wizard then you may find your stay to be more than eventful.”

“If you are referring to the incident with the crawler, at least the adults knew it wasn’t real,” Grebbledel stroked his beard, and he held back a smile.

“Tell that to the Gatefinders. If there are any left that is.” Carroway began to wave for Grebbledel to move forward when Finn spoke up.

“Where are the Gatefinders if not in Aurleaf?” Finn asked.

“Their numbers a few and far between, Master Ashburrow. Not many now believe in returning to their old world. A futile thing or not. Life has been peaceful in Aurleaf as of late. No need for adventurers and heroes when the greatest dangers we face are that of full bellies and broken fishing strings.” Carroway said.

“Is Dravek still the hall keeper?”

“Dravek… Hmm Dravek, is he that riverpaws fella with the golden eyes? Strong as a horse and just as broad?” Carroway asked as he demonstrated with his hands how tall the riverpaws was.

“Yes, that’s him,” Finn said.

“Hard to say. Haven’t seen him since they left the old hall and moved to the edge of town. Three months or so ago. If he is there, well I’m sure he’ll enjoy the company. A lonely heart is not an ideal life to live. As for your Master Forester. Do try to enjoy the festivities. Adventurers come from all around to participate, learn, and grow. Please enjoy your stay in Aurleaf.” Carroway motioned us forward. As we traveled down the last hundred feet or so to the first homestead, I turned to watch as Carroway waved us goodbye. He then proceeded to sit back down, let his head rest on his chest, and dropped his hat over his eyes.