Chapter 53 Lost in the city
Aloria
“Look at all the people!” I exclaim, nudging my mother lightly as we weave through the bustling crowd. The scents of spices and baked goods fill the air, and I can’t resist the urge to breathe deeply, savoring each delightful aroma.
“Stay close, everyone,” my mother reminds us, her voice warm yet firm. I can see her eyes sparkling with nostalgia as she takes in the surroundings.
“Where do you think Kellan will be?” I ask River, who’s scanning the crowd with a determined expression. The thought of seeing my old friend makes my heart flutter.
“No idea, but he should be easy to spot, and he will be somewhere public,” he replies, nudging the donkey along.
As we approach the fountain, I spot Kellan easily… his tall frame standing out among the crowd, laughter spilling from his lips as he chats with two young warriors, Finn and Lira. Seeing them brings an overwhelming sense of relief, and I can’t help but break into a run, my brothers trailing behind me.
“Kellan!” I call out, my voice ringing with joy. He turns, and his face lights up as he sees us.
“Aloria!” Kellan exclaims, rushing forward to envelop me in a hug. “I was beginning to think you guys had gotten lost in the woods.”
I laugh and pull back, my heart soaring at his warm presence. “With River guiding us… nah.”
“Great to see you again, Aloria,” Finn adds, offering a friendly smile. “And you’ve found your family! This is amazing!”
River steps forward, his expression serious. “Kellan, we need to talk. What do you have for us?”
Kellan nods, understanding the weight of our mission. “Follow me,” he says, leading us to a quieter corner near the fountain where we can sit. River’s father joins us, his brow furrowing in concern.
While they huddle together, I turn to my mother, who’s watching the conversation intently. “It’s been so long since you ave been here,” I say, soaking in the atmosphere. “Do you want to explore a little while they talk?”
My mother’s face softens, and she glances around as if remembering the city from years ago. “I would love that,” she replies, her voice filled with longing. “Perhaps we can buy a few things for our journey?”
Arly and Arthenon bounce on their heels, grinning from ear to ear. “Can we get sweets, Mom? Please?”
“Of course,” she says, her laughter brightening the mood. “Let’s go see what the market has to offer.”
As we step away from the meeting, I can feel the excitement bubbling inside me. The marketplace is a riot of colors and sounds; stalls overflowing with vibrant fabrics, trinkets, and the freshest produce imaginable. I pull my brothers closer, their eyes wide with wonder.
“Look at that,” Arly points to a vendor selling bright ribbons. “You and mom should get some for your hair.”
“They are pretty… And maybe a new cloak for our journey,” I suggest, feeling the thrill of shopping with my family wash over me.
“Let’s ask Mom,” Arthenon chirps as he tugs on my sleeve, urging me forward.
I glance back at River and the others, who are still deep in conversation. I trust them to handle whatever information Kellan has. For now, it’s time to embrace this moment with my family, to relish the joy of being together again in this bustling city.
“Let’s find those sweets,” I cheer, and with that, we dive into the heart of the marketplace, laughter trailing behind us like a sweet melody.
“Look at that, Aloria!” My mother points to a stall filled with colorful fabrics and dresses, the silks shimmering under the sunlight. “What do you think about picking something out for yourself?”
“Really?” I can’t help but smile, my cheeks flushing with happiness. It’s such a simple thing, but it feels monumental. “I’d love that.”
She picks up a vibrant red dress, holding it against her own frame, then glances at me with a gleam in her eye. “What do you think, Aloria? Wouldn’t this look lovely on you?”
“It’s beautiful, Mom!” I exclaim, feeling a surge of warmth at the sight of her beaming face. “But maybe we should look for something for you, too?”
“Oh, don’t be silly,” she laughs, waving her hand dismissively. “You’re the one who deserves to feel beautiful. After everything you’ve been through… you need to embrace your new life.”
A swell of emotion fills me, and I nod, taking in the dress with fresh eyes. “Alright, let’s get that one then,” We pick out the dress, and as she pays the vendor, I can’t shake the feeling of pure elation. This is what family feels like… sharing simple moments that feel grand.
“Let’s go check out the toy stall!” Arthenon tugs at my sleeve, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I want to get something cool!”
“Alright, let’s go,” I say, and we follow him deeper into the market. As we weave through the crowd, I can’t help but glance back at my mother, who walks with a slight bounce in her step, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the city. It’s a sight I never thought I’d see and it warms my heart.
We reach the toy stall, where colorful trinkets and wooden figures are lined up, and the boys’ eyes go wide with wonder. I can’t help but laugh as they argue over which toy is the best… Arly wanting a wooden sword and Arthenon insisting on a miniature knight.
“Boys, how about we get both?” I suggest, a grin spreading across my face. They both look at me as if I’ve just suggested the most brilliant idea in the world, and I’m filled with a rush of joy.
As I watch them, reveling in their happiness, I realize how much I’ve longed for this… these moments of laughter and connection, the feeling of being part of a family. I’m finally with them, and it feels like a dream come true.
I go to pay for the toys, my mom beside me as we watch the vendor wrap up the toys.
Suddenly, the atmosphere seems to shifts. I glance around, feeling a flicker of unease wash over me. “Where’s Arly?” I ask, turning to see if he’s still in sight.
“He was right here,” Arthenon exclaims, panic creeping into his voice. “He was just playing with that wooden knight.”
My heart drops. “Let’s find him,” I say, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my stomach. My mother’s expression shifts to concern, and we all start scanning the crowd, calling out his name.
“Arly!” I shout, my voice rising above the noise of the market. “Where are you?”
The bustling crowd feels overwhelming, and I can’t shake the growing sense of dread. I move through the throngs of people, my eyes darting everywhere, searching for my brother. “Mom!” I call, trying to keep my voice steady. “We need to stick together.”
“Arthy, stay close,” she urges, her voice a mix of worry and resolve.
We start moving towards the alleyway at the edge of the market, where the crowd thins out. “Arly!” I call again, my heart racing. Just as I reach the entrance of the alley, I hear a shout… one that sends a chill down my spine.
“Help!” It’s Arly’s voice, filled with panic.
“Arly!” I scream, pushing my way forward, my heart pounding in my chest. I sprint into the alley, my mother and Arthenon close behind, and as I turn the corner, my breath catches in my throat.
There, at the far end of the alley, I see him… my little brother, his eyes wide with fear as he faces two shadowy figures who loom over him.
“Let go of him,” I shout, adrenaline coursing through my veins, as I rush forward, ready to protect my brother at all costs.