Gloria left The Twin Hammers disheartened. A cloud now passed over the bright sun and darkened the promising day. She groaned and kicked herself. Why did you freeze up? He was right there! She covered her face and shook her head. She couldn’t go back; it would be too embarrassing.
Gloria pursed her lips and kicked at a rock, sending it skittering down the cobbled street. Then she sighed. There will be other dances, she told herself. There’s always next time…maybe next time will be better.
Gloria gingerly rubbed her arm and winced a little. At least it’ll be a night away from home. The thought gave her little comfort. Yes, a night away would be good, even if just for a little while.
Gloria looked up at the sky. It was still a little while before midday. No reason to waste my freedom and go back. she thought and strolled down the main street towards the tall grass on the edge of town. As she went, she passed by a wilting strand of flowers.
Gloria reached up and touched the petals. A faint golden glow radiated from her fingers, and she sent a little of her strength to the flowers. Chin up, she whispered, you need to look your best today. In response, the flowers perked up and returned to full bloom. The color on the flowers shone even brighter and seemed to wave in thanks to her.
The flowers cheered Gloria a little. She giggled softly and kept walking. It’s no trouble at all, she smiled before continuing on her walk.
Gloria strolled until she reached the grass surrounding Northhorn. She peeked around her, and when she was sure no one was watching, she waded into the grass. As soon as the tall grass surrounded her, she smiled and took off her shoes, letting her feet connect with the rich dark dirt.
Looks like I have some time after all, she said to the long stalks that shook excitedly at her presence. Gloria strode through the grass and let her fingers trail along the stalks. You’ve all grown so well this year, she told them. The grass straightened with pride and Gloria smiled.
Gloria passed by a patch of wildflowers, she looked down at them and her mind drifted to Seth again. Maybe, she sighed wistfully. Maybe he’ll change his mind, and he’ll come! She beamed at the thought. She reached out to touch the petals with some hope.
Then she grimaced and shook her head. That was stupid. She was stupid. Why would he change his mind and for her of all people? The wildflowers curled back at her vicious self-talk. Gloria gasped and reached out to soothe the flowers. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean you…” The wildflowers relaxed and let her touch their petals.
Gloria sat back and looked up at the sky with a long sigh. No, she told herself, best to go with no expectations. No sense in being disappointed…
She gently plucked a flower and found herself picking off the petals. Still… a glimmer of hope nestled in her heart and no amount of chastisement could quench it.
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Seth glared at the tunic that Frenda had laid out on his bed. I said I would go, he thought, I did not say that I would get dressed up. He groaned and rubbed his face. He had to wear it though, if he didn’t, he’d never hear the end of it from Frenda.
Seth paused his complaining, and a little smirk erupted on his face as realization dawned on him. If Frenda was making him dress up, then chances were that she was making Bhaldran dress up as well. That in of itself was almost reason enough for him to go.
Seth sighed, picked up the tunic, and held it out. It was navy blue with gold embroidery around the neckline. He grimaced; he recognized this tunic – Frenda had given it to him as a Crimtide gift last year. She must’ve been planning this – Crim! That woman is crafty.
Seth tossed his work shirt into a pile in a corner of his room and pulled the navy blue tunic over his head. He tugged it down and adjusted it around him, then he stepped over to a mirror and smiled.
Alright…he had to admit it; it did look decent, and it was far more comfortable than any formalwear he’d ever been made to wear.
Seth’s smile disappeared and he stared anxiously into the mirror. What if something happens? he gulped. What if someone finds me? He pulled Master Naboth’s letter out of his pocket and a sense of foreboding filled him. Maybe he should just call the whole thing off. Come on, Seth… he chastised himself. It’s been two years. If anyone was going to find you, they would’ve already. Besides…who would think to look all the way up here?
He shoved the letter back into his pocket and looked at his reflection again. “Everything is going to be fine,” he told himself. Then Seth grabbed his belt and strapped it on. He patted the dagger that was hooked onto it. “There,” he told himself, “Now if something happens, you’re ready for it.”
With one final nod, Seth left his room to join Frenda and Bhaldran by the back door. At least there will be pie…
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The bathwater was cold and grey by the time it was Gloria’s turn. She grimaced. Which was more important to her? To be there on time or to be clean? She looked down at her dirtied feet from when she walked barefoot in the grass.
If I try to get new water, I might be loaded with more chores…Gloria bit her thumb. Or get stuck watching my siblings all night.
Gloria sighed and draped her dress on the nearby stool. Then she grabbed the bar of soap and began to undress. She gingerly pulled her right arm from her sleeve and looked at a green bruise that hid underneath. She reached her hand out and drew a golden sigil over it, she hesitated, then shook her head and dismissed it. I’m not missing this opportunity.
Gloria stepped into the freezing water and her teeth chattered. The dance, remember the dance, she told herself as she quickly cleaned herself off. When she was as clean as she could get, Gloria dried herself off and approached her dress.
It wasn’t much, but it was still pretty. It was blue and reminded Gloria of the sky. She pulled the dress on and brushed herself off. Then she smiled to herself and on a whim spun around – her skirt flared out around her like ripples on a pond. Gloria giggled and caught herself before she tripped on the stool.
There was a loud knock on the door. Gloria started and her heart leaped to her throat. “Yes?” she called trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.
“Gloria,” Shareen called through, “the pie needs more time to bake, bring it when it’s done. We’re going now.” Gloria let out a quiet groan, but Shareen heard it. “What was that?” she snapped. “Does your father need to speak with you?”
Gloria’s face went pale, and she quickly spoke again. “N-no! Of course I’ll stay and bring the pie.”
“Good!” Shareen said. “Be sure to give the pie to Mrs. Baker, and don’t forget to tell her that I made it.”
Gloria grimaced; it was always the same. She would put in the hard work, but Shareen always got the credit. “Yes, ma’am…” she mumbled.
The steps receded from the washroom door and Gloria heard a dozen footsteps race outside, the door shut, and the house was silent. Gloria sighed, then left the washroom and went down the stairs to the kitchen.
The scent of rhubarb pie filled the house, and its sweetness cheered Gloria a little. She peered into the hearth to check on the pie. Not too much longer, she thought and grabbed a couple of cloths to prepare for the journey to the village hall.
Maybe if Seth does come, I could tell him that I made it. A dreamy smile came across Gloria’s face. She pictured him eating a slice of pie and his eyes lighting up. “I had no idea you were such a good baker!” she imagined him saying.
Gloria twirled a curl in her hair and sighed. Then an ugly voice murmured in her ear. Don’t get excited, you’ll ruin your entire evening if you spend it waiting for him to come. Gloria shook the voice away and peered into the hearth again. It was close enough; the pie would finish baking on the way there.
She pulled the pie out and set it on a tray, then she brushed herself off, smoothed out her frizzy curls as best as she could, and let out an anxious breath. Alright, Gloria. It’s time for the dance. Whether he’s there or not, we’re going to have a good time. Gloria nodded to herself, then picked up the pie, went out the kitchen door, and headed off toward the village hall.
Oh Crim, please let him be there this time…
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The air grew cooler as the sun’s setting rays painted Northhorn in warm hues of gold and orange. The normally quiet village square was now filled with laughter, and chatter, and lined with dozens of stalls that promised games, food, and handcrafted trinkets. The air was filled with not only the aroma of sweet pastries that had been taunting Northhorn all day but also the mouth-watering scent of roasted meat. Brilliant braziers were set around the square and their glow warmed the faces of the cheerful villagers who all squeezed together to watch the children’s much anticipated maypole dance.
Seth, however, stood awkwardly in the crowd as anxiety pounded in his chest. Relax Seth, he tried to tell himself and he scanned the crowd for anything out of place. Nothing’s going to happen. He glanced down at Bhaldran who squirmed uncomfortably in a red tunic similar to his own. The sight of his boss’s discomfort brought a small smile to his face, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the looming dread that hung over him. Everything’s going to be fine…
Frenda looked over her shoulder and grinned mischievously at him. She suddenly grabbed her husband’s arm and pointed. “Darling! I think I see a better place for us to watch the children!”
Seth blinked and started after them. “Wait!” he cried, “where are you going?”
Frenda laughed over her shoulder. “You can watch the dance just fine from here, besides in a moment, I don’t think you’ll want us old folks around.”
At that moment, someone touched his arm. Seth tensed, blood drained from his face and his hand instinctively went to his dagger. Before he pulled it out, a cheerful voice burst through the chatter. “You decided to come!”
Seth blinked; he recognized that voice. He turned his head back and saw Gloria standing beside him beaming. “I-I hoped you would come, but I didn’t actually think…” she trailed off embarrassed, and tugged on her hair.
Her gaze dropped to Seth’s hand on the hilt of his dagger and she laughed bashfully. “I’m sorry, did I startle you?”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Seth relaxed his grip on his dagger and awkwardly let his hands drop. “Just a bit,” he answered and scanned the sea of faces again. “I’m not a fan of crowds.”
“Oh? Why not? Do they just make you nervous?” she asked.
Seth blinked and looked back at her. “Huh? What’s that?” Focus! he scolded himself. Someone’s talking to you.
“Crowds,” Gloria asked, “Do they make you nervous?”
Seth shifted stiffly and gave her a clipped nod. “Just a bit.” Then he turned his attention back out to the crowd.
The two stood awkwardly by each other. Seth stood as straight as a pin and his head swiveled from side to side. Gloria, meanwhile, played with her hands and her face was as red as a rose. A loud applause broke the tension between the two. Seth and Gloria looked up and saw a parade of children march out to the Maypole.
Gloria gently touched his shoulder and pointed. “You see those two boys and three girls?” Seth tensed again but forced himself to relax. It’s just her, he told himself, everything’s fine.
Seth looked out and spied the brown-haired children Gloria pointed out and nodded.
“Those are my siblings.”
A small smile formed on Seth’s face. “Cute.”
Music began to play, and the children began to skip around the maypole. The crowd sighed in adoration while Seth watched the edges of the crowd. Something caught the corner of his eye and he snapped his head towards it, his heart pounding, but it was just a horse shaking its head.
“Wow!” Gloria breathed, drawing Seth’s attention back. “Look at that weave! Miss Shaumacker did a good job coordinating the dance this year.” The weave was impressive, Seth noted, and the children were adorable in their dresses and tunics.
“So…” Gloria began, “what made you change your mind about coming?”
Change my mind? Seth thought, Threatened would be more accurate…. He shrugged a bit and continued to watch the children. “Thought a change of scenery would be nice,” he answered.
The two grew quiet again. Seth let out a long breath. Had he been here long enough that he could slip back to The Twin Hammers without angering Frenda?
“Do…” Gloria began. Seth glanced over at her, she fumbled with her hair and shifted anxiously. “Do you like rhubarb pie?” she looked up at him hopefully.
“Um…” Seth found his eyes trailing back to scan the crowd again. Damn it, Seth! he scolded himself. If you don’t do something fun, Frenda will beat you mercilessly with her broom.
He tore his eyes away from the crowd and back to Gloria. He knew her. Kind of. I mean she comes to The Twin Hammers all the time… A nervous smile came across his face. It couldn’t hurt to spend some time with her. After all, she was probably the closest thing he had to a friend here. “I don’t know…” he stammered and rubbed the back of his head. “I like pie though.”
Gloria smiled and held out her hand. “I know where we can get some really good pie…”
Seth looked down at her hand. The temptation to look over his shoulder was strong. Let it go…you’re safe. He hesitantly reached out and took her hand. Her hand was soft and trembled in his, but for some reason he felt the anxiety in his chest loosen just a little.
“Well…I am hungry,” he said trying to hold her gaze.
A huge smile erupted across Gloria’s face. “Let’s go fix that then, shall we?” Then she turned and led him through the crowd. Seth hurried after her until they reached a stall where dozens of slices of pie were set on small plates.
A young woman manned the stand and was busy slicing the pies. “Take any slice you’d like,” she said, setting out a few more plates. “Just be sure to bring your plate back here or up to the village hall when you’re done.”
Seth looked over the pies. There were so many! How could he choose? Gloria pointed to a slice of pie. “You should pick this one.”
“I should?”
Gloria nodded. Seth shrugged and took the plate she pointed to. The young woman handed him a fork and Seth thanked her.
Seth cut himself a bite and loaded his fork. He was about to put it in his mouth when he noticed Gloria watching him eagerly. He eyed her uncomfortably. “Yes?”
Gloria blushed and looked away. “Sorry, nothing.” Seth watched her another moment and noticed her peek back up at him when she thought he wasn’t looking. He slowly took a bite. As soon as the sweet juices touched his tongue, Seth’s eyes widened.
“Oh my gosh!” he said, trying to keep pieces of pie from leaving his mouth. “This is fantastic!” he peered over Gloria’s shoulder at the pie stand. “Is there any more?”
The young woman looked up. “More of Shareen’s rhubarb pie? Nope, you two have the last pieces.”
“Aw,” Seth said with disappointment, but he contentedly ate another bite of his pie. “Shareen makes good pies.”
“Well…” Gloria began then she trailed off. She grimaced a moment and leaned towards Seth and whispered “Actually, I made this pie.”
Seth paused mid-bite and turned wide eyes to her. He pointed to the pie with his fork. “You made this?”
Gloria blushed and nodded.
“Well then why did-?” he started to turn back to the pie stand. This mistake needed to be corrected!
Gloria grabbed his arm and shook her head. “It…it’s okay,”
Seth turned towards the stand again. “But everyone should know that-”
Gloria’s grip tightened on his arm. “No, no, really, it’s okay. It was probably just a mix-up.”
Seth pursed his lips at the stand then he shrugged and turned back. “Well, I hate the thought that Shareen’s getting the credit for your amazing pie.” Then he scooped the final bite of pie into his mouth and watched the conclusion of the maypole dance.
There was a loud applause, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth when the children bowed and curtsied before scattering to the arms of their proud parents. Seth saw the village chief enter the square and cup his hands to his mouth. “The much-awaited Maydance will begin in ten minutes,” he hollered. “Please head towards the village hall.”
Seth grimaced. The village square was one thing, but to be stuck in a building with only a few exits… he shuddered. “Well,” he said giving his pie plate and fork back to the pie stand. “I think that’s my cue…”
Gloria’s face fell. “You’re not staying for the dance?”
Seth shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve got a lot of work that I need to catch up on.”
Gloria fidgeted in disappointment. “Oh…okay…Well, thanks for eating pie with me.”
Seth felt bad. He grimaced again and glanced around the crowd. The night had been going so well and she had been so kind to him. Would it really hurt to watch one dance? “I guess I can come for a little bit…”
Gloria’s face brightened. “Really?” Seth shrugged nervously. Gloria stammered. “Well let’s go then.” She took his hand and guided him through the crowd up to the village hall steps. As they went, a shiver went up Seth’s spine – something didn’t feel right. He started to glance behind him, then he shook his head and forced himself to look forward. Tonight, he needed to just enjoy himself.
Music floated out of the village hall – Fiddles, drums, and whistles filled the now indigo sky as Seth climbed the village steps with Gloria. They reached the top and entered the warmly lit hall. Seth blinked his eyes until they adjusted to the bright light.
He glanced around the room assessing it. Only one exit that I can tell, he grimaced. But the hall is wide open, he noted. Seth noticed a pillar by the door and made a beeline for it. As soon as his back was against a firm surface, immediate relief washed over him.
Gloria stepped up beside him. “You’re not going to dance?”
Seth shook his head. “I’m good right here.” He folded his arms and subconsciously scanned the room.
“Oh, okay….” Gloria leaned against the pillar beside him and fidgeted with her hair.
The first dance started, and Seth watched villagers spin and clap to the music. He bobbed his head to the beat, then he let out a sigh. He rested his head on the pillar and closed his eyes for a moment – he was finally beginning to feel at ease.
“So…” Gloria said, breaking the silence. “I noticed that you never come to these dances.”
Seth shook his head, his eyes still closed. “Never.”
“Any reason why? Is it the crowds?”
Seth pursed his lips, and a knot formed in his stomach. “Something like that…”
There was an awkward silence. He opened his eyes and peeked at Gloria. She fidgeted with her hair, unsure what to say next.
“You know,” she said, looking up at him, “in all the time you’ve lived here, I don’t think I’ve heard you or anyone mention your home.” A cold rush went through Seth’s veins, and he clenched his jaw. Of all the things she could bring up to talk about, she had to ask about home.
“Where are you from?” Gloria hesitantly asked.
“Nowhere,” Seth said, staring straight ahead. His answer was a bit more clipped than he had meant it.
There was a hurt silence from Gloria. Seth glanced over at her, she averted her eyes and guilt twisted his gut. Come on you idiot, he berated himself. She’s just sparking conversation, not interrogating you. Apologize.
He bowed his head and shuffled his feet. “I-I’m sorry,” he swallowed. “Home is… a complicated subject.”
Gloria poked the floor with her foot. “It’s okay, I should’ve noticed it was making you uncomfortable.”
Seth shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t being polite.”
Gloria waved him off. “No, no, it’s fine. Let’s move on.”
There was an applause. Both Seth and Gloria looked up and saw that the first dance concluded. Some dancers left the center of the hall for refreshments, while others prepared for the second dance and began to form three rows, men on one side and women on the other.
Gloria straightened. “Oh! I love this dance!”
Seth smiled. “Oh? Are you going to dance?”
Gloria shifted nervously. “I would like to…” she looked up at him, “What about you? Are you going to dance?” she asked.
Seth shook his head. “Nah…I’m good. But, you should go,” he smiled. “You don’t need to feel like you have to hang around me and keep me company,” he peered around the hall. “Oh, I think I see some guys over-”
Suddenly Gloria grabbed Seth’s arms and pulled him out on to the dance floor. “Dance with me!” she beamed, her green eyes twinkling and hair bouncing.
Seth was startled and stumbled after her. “I-I don’t know how!” he cried.
She pulled him to the end of the row. “Don’t worry!” she said. “Just watch them and you’ll get the idea.”
Seth could feel the eyes of every couple in the row. His cheeks grew warm. He looked down and let out a shaky breath. Okay, he told himself. You can do this. Just pay attention and figure it out.
The dance began. The two lines of men and women held hands and stepped towards each other. The women curtsied and the men bowed. The two lines took a couple of steps back and repeated the step.
The man to Seth’s left leaned over and muttered. “Reach out with your right hand first.” The lines dropped hands, and the men reached out to the women. Seth reached out with his right hand to Gloria. She took it and they twirled around together.
Gloria laughed. “You’re doing great!” she beamed at him.
Seth laughed nervously. “Oh good!” he quickly looked back to the row beside him. What was the next move?
“Now your left!” The man whispered. Seth looked back and reached out with his left hand and twirled with Gloria again. Then Gloria reached out both of her hands. Seth took them and they twirled once more. Seth laughed and his heart pounded from the dance. This is so much fun! When was the last time he’d enjoyed himself this much?
Seth and Gloria dropped hands and stepped back into their lines. Then everyone began clapping in time with the song. Seth clapped along with them and looked to the top of the row. At that moment, the couple at the top, hand in hand, skipped down the row between him and Gloria then back up to the top where the couple let go of their hands and began to alternate between twirling with someone in the line and each other.
Seth swung with the woman, while Gloria spun with the man. Then the couple twirled in between them, rejoined hands, and skipped back up to the top of the row where they let go hands and began to walk around the row to the back leading their respective rows with them until they joined and formed a bridge with their hands. Gloria took Seth’s hand and guided him under the bridge up to the top of the row.
“Where do we go now?” Seth asked out of the side of his mouth.
Gloria smiled. “Now we start the dance with us at the top,” she grinned coyly at him. “Are you ready?”
Something shifted just a little in his chest and Seth laughed. “No,” he smiled. “But I’m ready to give it a shot.”
Seth and Gloria stood at the top of the line and began the dance again. As they stepped towards each other, Seth blinked and noticed a wild daisy in Gloria’s hair. The white stood out against her red hair. Has that been there all evening? he wondered. How hadn’t he noticed?
Seth reached out his right hand and as he twirled with Gloria, he noticed her sky-blue dress. It looks nice, he thought. Gloria caught his gaze. Her face turned pink, and she looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Now it was time to skip down the row. Seth took Gloria’s hand and put a hand around her waist. He looked down at her, Gloria’s face was beet red. “Am I doing this right?” he asked. Gloria didn’t look up at him but nodded vigorously. “Good!” he panted, then together they skipped down the row.
Seth felt as though they were flying. He laughed and looked ahead to the end of the row. Then something caught his eye – in the back of the crowd watching the dance, Seth saw a tall, hooded man, watching him. Seth made eye contact and the man grinned.
Seth’s throat went dry. He gripped Gloria tight and stopped dead in his tracks. Everything else seemed to vanish except for the hooded man who raised a finger and slid it across his throat. Seth’s eyes went wide, and his hands began to tremble.
In the distance, he could barely hear his name being called. “Seth!” Seth blinked and realized that he had stopped moving and the rest of the dancers were staring at him in confusion. He looked back at Gloria who looked worried.
“Are you okay?” she asked. “You look like you saw a ghost.”
Seth swallowed and glanced from Gloria to the hooded man, then back at her. He started to pull his hands away. “I have to go,” he said, alarm bells ringing in his mind.
Gloria stared back in shock. “What?” she gripped his hands. “Why?”
Seth shook his head, panic rising. “I-I’m sorry, but I have to go!” He yanked his hands out of Gloria’s and drew a glowing sigil with a slight accent in the air, then muttered. “Pars dolo.” In an instant, every candle, lantern, and brazier in the room went dark.
The village hall erupted in panic and confusion. Seth backed away a few steps, then muttered a few more words. “Visio nocturna.” he blinked, and a grey vision replaced the darkness.
He barely registered Gloria’s heartbroken face as he turned to find the hooded man. The man tried to make his way through but was stuck in the crowd. Now was his chance! Seth dashed across the hall, deftly avoiding the stumbling villagers. He reached the doors to the village hall and slipped out before anyone could notice him leave.