The seagulls cried as they circled the ocean shore. Their beady black eyes tried to spy any prey hiding amongst the snowy sand. No such luck. What they did see was a lanky young man standing in the crow’s nest of a ship – The White Lily was sailing into port.
Seth Smith shook snowflakes from his brown hair and flipped his hood up. Out of the corner of his blue eye, he saw a hole in his hood. He raised his hand and drew a glowing sigil in the air. The young man muttered a few words under his breath, the sigil faded and the hole in his hood began to weave itself back together until it looked as though it had never existed.
A gust of wind blew, and Seth shivered; No magic he knew would keep the wind at bay. Seth heaved a sigh and watched his breath curl in the cold air. Well...I made it, he thought.
Seth looked behind him to the sea and gazed at the horizon. Home lay hundreds of miles away from here. He wondered if he'd ever see it again. Master Naboth said he would, but Seth didn’t share his confidence.
When The White Lily docked, Seth slung a leather bag over his shoulder and climbed down to the deck where he stood in line for payment.
A couple of paid sailors passed by, and one clapped him on the shoulder. “Nice working with you, Toothpick.”
Seth’s face burned at the nickname, but he just nodded and answered quietly. “Same here.”
When it was Seth's turn, the captain smiled before he looked up. "Are you sure you don't want to sign on permanently?" he counted out a few silver coins. "We could use more hands like yours. No one ties knots as well as you.”
Seth smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Captain Burdock,” he answered. “I'm sure, I prefer working with locks to rope.”
Captain Burdock laughed. "Well, I suppose the sea isn't for everyone,” then he handed Seth his pay. “I hope it gets you where you're going,” he smiled warmly.
Seth accepted his payment and saluted Captain Burdock before turning and stepping down the gangplank onto solid ground.
"Smith!" Captain Burdock called from the ship. Seth looked up. "Be careful out there,” the captain said. “There's something odd about the wind; I have a feeling it could be trouble.”
"There's always trouble, Captain,” Seth answered. “But I'll keep my eyes open." He waved farewell and continued on his way.
Seth followed the road out of town up to a fork in the road. Pointing north was a sign that read: Northhorn – ten miles.
Seth took two steps onto the northern path, then he shuddered and looked back over his shoulder. He felt a chill in the wind and gripped his bag tight. – He hoped that no one would think to look for him here.
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Two Years Later…
Seth woke with a start; his heart pounded, and he clenched his blankets in his fists breathing heavily. Afterimages of his dream echoed away – A raging fire, the tossing sea, a beautiful woman, and a gleaming crown. Seth took a shaky breath and put a hand to his face. Damned dream again, he thought, sitting up and trying to calm his breathing.
Seth looked out towards the window and his mother’s voice came to mind. “Hush Seth,” he could hear her say. “Nothing can hurt you while I’m holding you.” Seth tried to recall the lullaby she used to hum when he had that dream, but the memory was fuzzy.
He rested his head on his knee as a pang of grief struck him. Those days felt so long ago now. He would give just about anything to see Mom, Dad, or even the forge again.
Rays of sunlight began to peek into Seth’s room, and he could hear birds singing through the window. He sat in bed a moment longer, then groaned and threw off the sheets – Bhaldran would come knocking soon; best to get ready for another day of work.
Seth crossed his room to his dresser and began to rummage for some clothes. As he looked, his eyes drifted to an open letter sitting on top. He grimaced and picked it up. It had been six months since Master Naboth’s last letter.
Actually, Seth thought, running a hand through his hair. Six months since any letter from home. Worry nagged at him. Was Master Naboth okay? Fear struck Seth’s heart. What about Mom and Dad?
Seth rubbed his head and paced his room, muttering while he read over the letter for the hundredth time. There had to have been something he missed! A clue that he had been too dense to figure out? Was there something he hadn’t thought of yet?
Seth,
The end of the tale holds the key.
How am I? I am what I am. By Crim, we are watched.
Who are you? Trying lobster is a must. The dog scratches the flea.
Who are they? You are what you are. Spring is coming.
Buyer beware.
Cordially,
Naboth
Court Wizard of Autumnport
Seth growled and wanted to hit his head against a wall. “It doesn’t make any sense!” he cried, shaking the damned thing.
It wasn’t like Master Naboth to send him nonsense! There was a message in here! He could feel it! But what?
He’d tried everything he could think of! Invisible ink? Nope! Rearranging all the letters? Seth snorted and looked at a wastebasket in the corner overflowing with crumbled papers. Nothing! A spell hidden in the letter? He slammed the letter on the top of the dresser. If so, it was none that he knew!
Seth tapped the letter and glared at it. The dog scratches the flea? What the hell did that mean? What about Buyer beware – Beware of what?
Before Seth could scan the letter again, there was a loud banging on his door. Seth jumped and a deep gruff voice bellowed through. “Come on now ya’ loafer! I don’t pay ya to sleep! Get yer sorry asal up and at ‘em! Shop opens in fifteen minutes, and you’ve got deliveries to make!”
Seth sighed and shoved the letter into his pocket – he would have to look later. “Sorry Bhaldran!” he called back. I’m coming!” Then he grabbed his clothes and began to dress.
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Seth hopped out of his room pulling his second boot on. Oh Crim, he thought losing his balance and falling against the hall wall. I hope I’ll have enough time to eat! He finished pulling his boot on, then straightened and hurried down the hall towards the kitchen.
A delicious scent wafted towards Seth’s nose and his stomach growled. He poked his head around the corner and saw a dwarf woman standing over the hearth stirring a pot. She spooned some porridge into a bowl and held it out behind her. “Well, don’t just stand there gawking!” she said, “Yer porridge will get cold.”
Seth entered the kitchen and took the bowl from her hands. “Thank you, Frenda. You’re an angel.”
Frenda hid a smile and turned back to her pot. “There’s cream on the table. Ya best hurry and eat before you need to get going.” Seth nodded his thanks and added some cream before scarfing down his food.
“Seth!” the same deep voice cried, and a fuming dwarf stormed past the kitchen and banged on Seth’s bedroom door again. “Seth? Damn it! Where is that boy!”
Seth shoveled food into his mouth so fast that he hardly even tasted the sweet porridge. A glob went down the wrong pipe and Seth began to cough. Frenda turned back and rolled her eyes at him. “Slow down before ya choke!” Then she turned and poured him a cup of water which Seth accepted gratefully.
Bhaldran heard Seth’s coughs and stepped into the kitchen. The dwarf was no taller than Seth’s chest and only his eyes and red cheeks could be seen behind a bushy rust colored beard. “There ya are!” he shouted. “What the ‘ell are ya doing? We need to put together the deliveries!”
Seth scooped another bite into his mouth then jumped to his feet. “Sorry! I’m coming!”
Frenda whipped around and met her husband’s eyes. “Let the boy eat for Crim’s sake! The people of Northhorn can wait two bloody minutes for him to eat. Look at him!” she pinched Seth’s arm.
“Ow! Hey!” Seth rubbed his arm.
“Practically skin and bones this lad,” Frenda cried, “Needs more fattening up!”
“I’m not that skinny!” Seth protested, still rubbing his arm. “I’ve gained some muscle since I started working here.” Frenda waved him off and stared down her husband with her hands on her hips.
“But-! He’s not-!“ Bhaldran threw his hands in the air and gave an exasperated growl. “Fine! Whatever woman! He can finish his porridge.” But he turned to Seth and shoved a thick finger in his face. “But ya better hurry or I’ll be taking it out of yer pay!” Then he stormed out of the kitchen.
Seth relaxed and ate his food at a reasonable pace now. “Thank you,” he said between mouthfuls.
Frenda carried the pot to the counter to let it cool. “Well, yar too skinny,” she said, checking on a loaf of rising bread. “How ya lift those boxes in the shop with those sticks for arms I’ll never know.”
Seth smiled a little and scraped up the last of his porridge. “Thanks all the same,” he answered. Then he rose and set his bowl in a bucket of soapy water. Then he left the kitchen and headed to the front of The Twin Hammers to help Bhaldran load the wagon.
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Northhorn was a peaceful town nestled at the bottom of the Stonerun Mountains in the far northern reaches of the Fjord Plains. Her tall, grassy plains were fertile, and her sapphire blue skies mirrored the endless rolling fields below. The looming mountains behind her hid untold riches and mysteries within their rocky crags. The people of Northhorn were good folk who cared for nothing more than to raise their families, hone their crafts, and to dance.
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The May Festival, the first of Northhorn’s many dances, was a celebration of spring, the success of the first planting, and - some said - a celebration of love. As Seth made his deliveries around town, he could feel the townsfolk all abuzz with preparations for the festival that evening. Garlands and flowers were hung as far as the eye could see. In the town square, a Maypole was erected and adorned with ribbons that fluttered in the morning breeze waiting for the children’s dance that evening, and the delectable scent of cookies, cakes, and pies filled the air, teasing the promise of a delightful, sweet night.
But Seth paid little mind and continued rolling around Master Naboth’s letter in his head. He turned the wagon down the main street until he came to a bakery – his last delivery of the day. “Woah girl,” he said, gently tugging on the reigns. “Here’s good.” Old Sandy, Bhaldran’s old draft horse, slowed to a stop and snickered.
Seth hopped out of his cart just as Mrs. Baker came out to greet him. The short round woman beamed at him. “Seth! I’m so glad you’re here! Did Bhaldran have everything I ordered?”
“Yes ma’am,” Seth answered, patting the covered inventory in the cart. “Do you need a hand bringing it in?”
Mrs. Baker waved him off. “Oh, no, no. My boys can handle that. I was actually hoping that since you’re here…” she smiled sheepishly at him.
Seth laughed. “Let me grab my tools, Mrs. Baker.” He turned back to the wagon and grabbed a wooden toolbox. He slung the leather strap over his shoulder and followed Mrs. Baker inside.
“I’m so sorry to bother you like this!” Mrs. Baker called over her shoulder. “I’m sure you’ve got plenty of other things to do.”
“I don’t mind ma’am,” Seth smiled. “It happens a lot. As long as Bhaldran gets a cut, he doesn’t mind if I take a little longer on my deliveries.”
Mrs. Baker chuckled. “That dwarf and his coin…”
Mrs. Baker led Seth through the bakery to the larder in the back. She jiggled the knob. “The handle has been getting finicky, but we were always able to shimmy it open, until about twenty minutes ago, Astrid closed the door and now we can’t open it.”
Seth frowned and put his toolbox down. “Do you have a key?”
Mrs. Baker fished a bronze key from her apron and handed it to Seth. He tried inserting the key, but Seth could feel it wasn’t hitting all the pins. Hmm… he got down on his knees to look through the keyhole when he noticed the door handle was dusted with flour.
“I think I see the problem here, Mrs. Baker,” Seth said, grabbing a pair of tweezers from his toolbox. He inserted the tweezers into the keyhole and scraped out a clump of flour. Yep…Just as I thought.
Mrs. Baker’s mouth dropped open. “How did that all get in there?”
“Don’t worry,” Seth assured her, scraping out another clump of flour. “Just build up over time. Though I’d encourage you to get your locks cleaned every few months or so.”
“Can you fix it?”
Seth nodded confidently. “Oh yeah, just give me a couple of minutes and it’ll be as good as new.”
Seth leaned in close to the lock and drew a sigil before whispering. “Pars Dolo…” He felt magical tendrils reach out and dislodge the hardened clumps of flour, then he inserted the tweezers again and scraped out the lock until the keyhole was clear.
Seth rose and inserted the key. It turned smoothly and there was a satisfying click. A smile spread across Seth’s face and he sighed. Crim, I love that sound.
Mrs. Baker clapped her hands. “Thank you, Seth! You’re a hero.”
Seth blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“You’re being too modest,” she insisted. “If you hadn’t gotten the door open, we wouldn’t have been able to gather the rest of the ingredients to prepare the pastries for the Maydance tonight!”
Seth’s blush deepened. “I suppose…”
Mrs. Baker smiled, then pulled two silver coins from her apron. “For the delivery and for your services.” Then she turned and grabbed a fresh roll still warm from the oven and handed it to Seth. “On the house for always being such a sweet young man.”
Seth gratefully took the roll and coins. “Thank you,” he smiled, then he started packing up his tools.
Mrs. Baker lingered. “So, are you taking anyone to the dance tonight?”
Seth shook his head; a spike of anxiety went through him. Too risky… he thought, trying to focus on putting away his equipment.
Mrs. Baker’s eyes went wide. “Really? A handsome young man like you? I’m sure any girl would love to go to the dance with you!”
Seth shrugged. “It’s alright,” he answered, putting the last of his tools away. Then he rose and slung the strap over his shoulder. He could feel Master Naboth’s letter crinkle in his pocket. “I’m not one for big events anyway.”
Mrs. Baker’s face fell. “Oh…well that’s such a pity.”
Seth raised the roll. “Thank you again,” he said, then he left the bakery and hopped back in his wagon. He flicked the reins and returned to The Twin Hammers, munching on the warm buttery roll as he went, trying to solve the blasted letter in his pocket.
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On the other end of town, a young woman with bright red curly hair sat at a table in a kitchen. In one hand she held a small jewelry box and in the other a fork that was missing two tines. She fiddled with the lock on the box. Her green eyes narrowed as she intensely focused on the keyhole.
“Come on,” she muttered to herself. There was a snap. She pulled the fork out, now it had only one tine left. She glanced around her. No one else was down yet. She smiled and hid the fork in a chest by the fireplace.
When she had finished hiding the fork, a young boy with brown hair came down the stairs rubbing his eyes. “Gloria,” he moaned, “I’m hungry.”
Gloria smiled. “I’ll make some breakfast, Timmy.”
Timmy smiled and sat down at the table. “Thank you, Gloria!” He beamed. “Can I have hotcakes?”
Gloria glanced towards the kitchen door and grimaced. She didn’t have a lot of time. “Not today, Timmy,” she answered. “I’ve got some important errands to run. How about some porridge?”
Timmy pouted but nodded. “Fine…”
As Gloria prepared the porridge she heard more rustling from upstairs. Everyone would be down soon. She glanced back at her jewelry box and fidgeted anxiously. She couldn’t get stuck at home, not today. Today was too important.
Gloria heard a pair of footsteps coming down the stairs. She quickly spooned up a bowl for Timmy, grabbed a cloth bag, scooped up her jewelry box, and hurried to the kitchen door
“Where are you going?” Gloria froze and slowly turned back to face a tall, thin, brown-haired woman. The woman folded her arms and raised an eyebrow at Gloria.
Gloria gave a nervous laugh. “Good morning, Shareen,” she showed the cloth bag, “I’m just getting a head start on my errands so I can go to the dance tonight.”
“Why do you have your jewelry box with you?”
Gloria looked down at the box tucked under her arm. She bit her lip and smiled anxiously. “Oh, it’s been giving me trouble again,” she lied. “I thought while I did my errands, I’d take it to Seth- er, I mean…the locksmith.” Her heart fluttered when she said his name.
Shareen narrowed her eyes but didn’t say anything. She turned away and served herself a bowl of porridge. “Be back before midday,” she said. “I said we’d bake a pie for tonight and there’s still some mending that needs to be done.”
Gloria looked down. “Yes, ma’am,” she mumbled.
Gloria put her hand to the latch when Shareen called behind her. “Don’t forget the rhubarb this time.”
Gloria nodded vigorously then hurried out the kitchen door into an alley. As soon as she closed the door, she let out a deep sigh and looked to her left. At the end of the alley were the tall prairie grasses of Northhorn. They waved to her as if asking her to come and play.
Not today, she told them. Today I ask him! she blushed, Today I ask him to the dance!
Gloria skipped from the alley and out onto the street. She had been waiting for this day for months! She had tried to ask him to the Crimtide dance, but there had been so many preparations to be done that Shareen refused to let her leave the house. Gloria had hoped that Seth would’ve been there regardless, but he wasn’t.
Not this time! Gloria grinned as she entered the village square. This time was going to be different! She tightly squeezed the jewelry box under her arm.
In between the preparations, a few of the farmers from around Northhorn had come into the village and set up their produce stalls for the morning. As Gloria shopped she heard a wagon pass by.
Her heart caught in her chest. She looked up and glanced around the square. Is it him? she thought. Then she looked down crestfallen. No, it was one of the villagers hauling decorations to the village hall for the Maydance.
“Have someone in mind for the dance tonight?” Gloria glanced up at a weathered farmer’s wife whose eyes twinkled knowingly.
Gloria blushed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I do,” she admitted and gazed out longingly, “sometimes he passes by here while he’s working.”
The farmer’s wife chuckled. “Ah, young love. I remember those days with my dear Karl. You know, we met at the Maydance here in Northhorn. It was love at first sight and I’ve never looked back.” The farmer’s wife’s eyes glazed over, and she sighed.
Gloria sighed as well and thought back to when she first fell for Seth. Oh, she had seen him around, and of course she was curious when he mysteriously came to town looking for work, but so was the rest of Northhorn. It wasn’t until a year ago that everything changed.
She was shopping in the Twin Hammers when she tried to reach for something on a high shelf. Even when standing on her tiptoes, she could only barely touch the box with her fingers.
“Need some help?”
She gasped in surprise and turned back to see Seth looking up at the box. He can talk? she had thought and was completely stunned. She nodded.
Then without another word, he reached up, grabbed the box, and handed it to her. “Here you go,” he said. As Gloria met his gaze, she found herself lost in his deep blue eyes and for the first time realized that he was incredibly handsome.
When she didn’t respond, Seth looked down at the box, confused. “Was this the one you needed?”
Gloria shook herself. “Oh, yes. Sorry,” then she gingerly reached out and took the box from his hands. “Thank you…” she mumbled.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, turning a small smile on her. Gloria’s cheeks grew warm, and her heart felt like a flutter of butterflies – she was smitten.
“Have fun tonight dearie,” The farmer’s wife said, bringing Gloria back to the present. “I have a feeling this will be the beginning of a wonderful story.”
Gloria smiled. “Thank you, I think so too.”
She paid for her purchases, adjusted the jewelry box under her arm, then headed off towards The Twin Hammers. It was time.
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“Ahh! Here he is!” Bhaldran said when Seth returned from his deliveries. “Seth!” he called out. “Your favorite customer has been waiting for you,” he gave Seth a wink.
Seth furrowed his brow. “Favorite customer?” He looked around and saw a young woman with bright red curly hair pacing an aisle, hardly even looking at what was on the shelves. As soon as she heard Seth’s voice, she spun around and met Seth’s eyes. Her face lit up and her cheeks tinted pink. A few other patrons in the store glanced in their direction and hid smiles.
“Oh! Gloria!” Seth smiled. “What can I help you with?”
Gloria pointed to a small wooden box sitting on the front counter. “My jewelry box seems to be acting up again,” she played with her hair and her pink cheeks turned red. “I was hoping you could take a look at it?”
Seth frowned and walked over to the counter. Again? he thought and picked up the box to look it over. “You seem to be having some bad luck with this thing,” he looked up at Gloria who followed him over. “This is what…the third time you’ve brought it here?”
Gloria stammered and tugged on her hair. “I-I didn’t realize you were keeping count,” she laughed nervously. “I guess the lock must be faulty.”
Seth took a closer look at the lock. Something had been jammed into it. “How did-?” he muttered in shock. He looked back up at Gloria with a frown. “It looks like something got jammed in here pretty good. Was someone trying to get into your jewelry box?”
Gloria fidgeted with her hair again, “Well, I do have a few younger siblings….”
Seth shook his head and sighed. Such a shame… he thought, it was a well-made lock. Seth put the box down and looked up at Gloria. “Unfortunately, I can’t fix it,” he said. “I’ll need to make a new one. It’s a simple job, but it’ll be a couple of days. Will that work for you?”
Gloria nodded. “T-that’s fine…” she stammered.
Seth pulled out a piece of paper and began writing down her name. “Just Gloria, right?”
“Yes.”
Seth nodded, focusing on his note. I’m not sure I’ll get used to no surnames up here. “Alright, that’ll be ten copper then.”
There was a moment of silence. Confused, Seth looked up at Gloria. Her mouth was parted slightly, and her eyes shook. When he met her eyes, her face went red, and she shut her mouth. She fumbled for her bag and stammered again. “Right, sorry. You said ten copper?”
Seth nodded, frowning a bit at her reaction. Is she okay? he wondered, then held out his hand. Gloria counted the coins and placed them in Seth’s hand. Their fingers brushed past each other and Gloria’s hand flinched back.
Seth, however, paid no mind. “Alright,” he said taking her jewelry box. “I’ll get started on your lock as soon as I can. Thank you for coming.”
Seth watched Gloria turn to leave, but after a few steps, she stopped, clenched her fists, and turned back. “Will you be at the May dance tonight?” she asked, her voice shaking.
Seth scratched his head. “Probably not… but I haven’t thought too much about it.”
Gloria swallowed. “Y-you should come!” she said, “it’ll be fun!”
Seth shrugged. “Maybe. I’ll think about it,” he answered.
Gloria looked disappointed, then she gathered herself and gave Seth a small smile. “Okay...”
Seth gave her a polite smile. “Have a good day,” he said, then he picked up the jewelry box and took it to the backroom. He walked past overflow inventory to one shelf filled with broken boxes, locks, and door handles. He put the box on the shelf and turned to leave when he bumped into Frenda who stepped into the backroom, pretending to sweep.
“Sorry Frenda!” he said stepping back from the dwarf. “I didn’t see you there.”
Frenda looked towards the front counter. A small bell tinkled as Gloria left. “Ya should go to the dance tonight.”
Seth blinked. “What?”
Frenda rolled her eyes and looked back at him. “Ya. Should go. To the dance tonight.”
A sharp spike of anxiety knotted in his stomach. Seth turned back to his shelf and poked at his commissions. “I-I don’t know,” he stammered, “I’m not really big on crowds, and besides I’m really behind on work.”
Frenda sighed behind him and leaned on her broom. “Listen, Seth, there’s more to life than fixing locks and hauling boxes. Yer young: ya need to get out and have a little bit of fun. That Maydance may just do you some good.” She poked his side with the end of her broom. Seth looked back at her. “If ya don’t,” Frenda threatened, “I may just convince me husband to send you out on an errand and lock you out until the dance is over.”
Not like that’d stop me from getting back in… he thought, but he ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
Frenda simply hummed and went on sweeping. “Oh dear, I do believe we are running low on-“
“Alright! Alright! I’ll go!” Seth exclaimed. Then he leaned on a shelf and shook his head. “I suppose you’re right…It might be nice to go out.” Besides, Seth thought looking at Gloria’s jewelry box. It’s been two years and no one’s come looking for me. I guess at this point it should be safe to go.