Alexandria: Revised

The night was dark and dreary and the trek through the forest had been long and arduous. The next town was still another hour away at the slow pace she had to maintain. Alexandria had to be careful and pick her way through the trail. She didn’t want her horse to become lame from twisting an ankle and they still had a long way to go. The storm has been relentless for the last two days. At least right now the driving rain had subsided for the time being. Alexandria’s clothes were soaked through and her hair had become disheveled from the braid she had put it in. Another hour, hopefully, and she could find an inn to rest at for a few hours.

What she didn’t know was where she was exactly, or what town lay ahead. She had only found out that there was a town by a traveler that she had meet on the road. It was an old man that appeared to be returning to his farm. He didn’t offer much in detail, just that the next town was about three hours away. Judging by when the sun had set after she had spoken to the man, she had to have been on this road for at least four hours. Of course, unknown terrain and the current storm made traveling very slow. She hadn’t stopped for more than a few minutes to feed and water her horse and stretch her legs.

A breeze brought a chill to her and a shiver went down her spine and then she sat bolt upright. There was the scent of wood smoke lingering in the air. If she could smell it now then she must be very close. As she ascended a rise and went around a bend in the road she could make out small specs of light filtering through the tangle of the forest. By the size of the lights she was still at least a half hour away from her target. Just knowing there was civilization put her mind a little at ease.

Alexandria hadn’t really had a warm welcome in to many places. She tries to normally just pass through. This is a foreign land to her with customs she is not familiar with. The people in this land aren’t familiar with extraordinary people and so she is viewed as trouble. As long as she kept her biceps covered and her manner quaint she could normally pass through without much hassle.

When Alexandria neared the town she started to pass large homesteads that looked like mini castles. They were surrounded by wrought iron fences or walls that would be impossible to climb. She could see guards stationed at outposts and they eyed her with suspicion. They looked her over and sized her up and then let their eyes pass over her when it was decided she was not a threat. The houses started to appear closer together and a little smaller than the first ones she spotted. They were just as grand however with the fences and painted walls.

She was beginning to feel that this was not just an ordinary town but a city. There seemed to be a great deal of importance placed on social station there. She would need to be extra careful. As she meandered through the streets she stayed alert and noticed everything. On the left were manors of lower blood and on the right were mansions of higher blood. Further down the road were barns and stables just for the service of those housed here. Deeper into the city the houses got even closer together. These were people of status but not station. They were probably political bodies and merchants or wealthy shop owners. There were no shops or inns in this section of the city.

A few blocks down she could see some signs posted outside very respectable looking establishments. One was a ballroom in which events for the grand upper class could be held. There were a few inns but getting a room there would be impossible for anyone other than kin or personal friends to those with status. Deeper into the city, Alexandria saw a dramatic change from class to poverty. There didn’t seem to be a middle division. The houses were worn and there was no paint or ornament on the walls. The buildings were only separated by narrow alleys that were made narrower by piles of refuse and trash.

The streets were narrow and there were carts and shops that extended onto the sidewalks that would be faithfully set up every morning. She decided to dismount and walk her horse a little while. Her legs could use the exercise. She was stiff and ached all over from riding hard the last four days. It would be nice to sleep in a real bed if she could find one.

The hunt for an inn was a challenge. She didn’t want to ask anyone due to her accent and the fact that she was a lone woman. She looked for signs on the buildings and judged the character of the patrons that went in and out. As she wandered around taking in the city she realized she had caught the eye of what appeared to be a civil guard. She put on her best smile as he approached her and dropped a customary curtsy for him.

“Good evening miss,” the guard said as he gave her a small bow and a gentle grin. “Pardon me but haven’t seen you around before. I am part of the elite guard in service to the Baron Chester Bright.” He put his hand to his heart as he repeated that name and had said it with such affection in his tone she realized that he must have a deep admiration for this gentleman. “My name is Justin. Excuse my abruptness but you look a little lost. May I be of some assistance?” He asked with honest sincerity. Alexandria was hoping that this didn’t happen. Now she would have to open her mouth and the trouble will start all over again.

“Thank you Sir Justin I am pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Alexandria from Caelo Missa.” Once out of her mouth, she wished she could take it back. No one in this land had ever heard of Caelo Missa. She pressed on, hoping Justin would not ask too many questions. “I am just passing through trying to make it home. I would just like to find an affordable inn for the night.” She tried very hard not to let her accent slip but she wasn’t sure she had succeeded. Justin just gave her a smile and offered to walk her to a good inn that he personally favored and that was affordable.

“This inn has great food and the stable hand is my cousin, so I know that your horse will be looked after well. You will not have to worry about him being mistreated.” They walked down the narrow street and Alexandria was forced to walk behind Justin. The streets were too narrow for a man, woman and horse to walk down side by side. The people on the street eyed her as she passed. Some looked suspicious of her and others looked threatened and nervous. She was hoping it was Justin that they looked nervous about. She did not want any trouble and with the maze of buildings she may not be able to escape if trouble did come knocking.

After a few turns the street seemed to broaden out. She could walk next to Justin comfortably without getting too close. He walked with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. He must be very content with his life here. Finally, he came to a building that had white washed walls and a red sign with a golden unicorn painted on it. The building was in good repair and there was laughter coming from inside.

“This is the Golden Unicorn Miss Alexandria. I will bring you around back to the stable first so you can settle your horse.” He walked to the right side of the inn and the walkway to the stable was, to her surprise, brightly lit. There was a burly man leaning against the wall of the stable and when he saw Justin his face broke into a wide grin.

“Justin,” he bellowed, “What brings you to visit my stable Cousin?” His grin seemed to widen when he saw Alexandria behind him. “So you finally decided to join the ranks of men,” he said in a low voice, grin never fading. Justin punched his arm hard and shushed him.

“This is Miss Alexandria and she wishes to stable her horse for the night Harold,” Justin stated formally. He turned to Alexandria and saw that she looked a little nervous. “Don’t worry Miss Alexandria, he really is the best stable hand around and I promise he will take very good care of your horse. I do apologize for the display of disrespectful family jesting.” With that last comment he gave Harold a fixed look that demanded obedience of formality.

Harold cleared his throat and bowed formally to Alexandria. “Yes Miss Alexandria, pardon my disrespect and informal comment to my cousin. He is correct about your horse. I have great affection for the animals and will not allow any harm to come to such a magnificent beast. I will make sure his is properly brushed and rubbed. I will care for his feet and feed him only the best.” With this he bowed again with all the formality she had only seen folks give nobility. She curtsied back and spoke softly to her horse. He responded with affection and gentle snort. She then removed her belongings from the saddlebags and handed the reins to Harold.

“Thank you, Sir Harold for your kind service to Ezra. What do I owe you for this great kindness?” She picked her words carefully, but again, she was certain that she failed to hide her accent. He looked at her with astonishment, like she had just offered him the crown.

“No, no Miss Alexandria,” he spoke softly, “You do not owe me anything. This is the service I provide to the patrons of this inn. I am paid by the owner. It is a great honor to serve you.” He bowed again and brought Ezra into the stable. Justin was looking at her curiously as she watched her horse go into the stable.

“Miss Alexandria, where did you say you were from?”

“Caelo Missa,” she said slowly.

“Would you please join me for dinner Miss Alexandria? I will introduce you to the owner of The Golden Unicorn and help you arrange for your room,” he asked pleasantly and offered to carry her belongings.

“That would be most welcome,” she replied. It had been months since she had any other companionship other than Ezra and he wasn’t much for conversation. She hesitated, and then handed her belongings to Justin not certain she would ever understand the customs of this land. Back home, everyone pulled their own weight, but here, the women were viewed as weak and that was hard to get used too.

They entered the inn and Alexandria was hit with a blast of savory stew and ale. The inn was brightly lit and a roaring fire was dancing in the center wall. The fireplace was deep and tall with ornamented granite surrounding it. It was absolutely beautiful. She noticed that the patrons were a wonderful mix of class and station. She had learned from her mother years ago how the civilized structure worked here. This inn was the only place she had seen a mix that did not seem to mind the company of the other, in fact; they seemed to rather enjoy it. There was a man playing a flute in the back corner and an intrigued audience surrounded him, clapping in time with him. Along the right side there were gentlemen that looked like farmers and shop keepers playing dice and enjoying quiet conversation. The center of the floor was consumed by equally placed tables that were clean and decorated with a vase in the middle of each. Most of the tables were filled with patrons enjoying the food, drink or entertainment.

Justin led her to the bar on the left and an older gentle looking woman clapped with amusement at seeing him. She had a pleasant smile that reached her deep blue eyes. She had her silver hair pulled back in a loose bun. She wiped her hands on her apron and came around the side of the bar. She wrapped her arms around Justin and greeted him with a fierce hug. She pushed him back a little not taking her hands off his shoulders. “Now let’s have a look at you.” She looked him up and down appreciatively, “Well you look right as rain. You really should come and visit more often Justin dear. Now, let me get you a nice bowl of stew and some bread. You must be famished!”

The smile never left her eyes as she spoke to Justin. This was the first place in this whole land that Alexandria had seen such affection and……happiness. Justin cleared his throat and stood just a little taller, “Aunt Edith, it surely is a pleasure and I promise not to stay away so long next time. I do have a favor to ask that I hope you have room to fulfill.” He kept a smile in his own eyes as he explained his simple request. “This, Aunt Edith, is Miss Alexandria. She is visiting and needs a room to stay at while she is in Brighton. I hope it would not put you out if you could offer her a room. Oh, and dinner for the both of us would be positively welcome, on me of course.”

“Why Justin,” Edith gasped, “As if I would be put out and dinner will be on me!” She pointed a finger exaggerating each word as if scolding a child. “It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Alexandria and welcome to The Golden Unicorn. My services are at your disposal and since Justin here, is my kin, I will provide you a room free of charge for the night.” This last statement was spoken with a nod and her stance proved that was her final word, not to be argued.

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Edith, and I greatly appreciate your generosity. I must say, though, I am not used to such acts of kindness. I will not be a bother and I will find a service to repay just such an act.” Alexandria stared at her feet for what seemed an eternity. She could feel both Justin and Edith staring at her. She wasn’t sure if in amusement, astonishment, or anger and afraid to find out.

Edith finally broke the awkward silence with a soft sweet voice. “Miss Alexandria, you couldn’t have passed through many decent towns in your travels. I am sorry to hear this. There is no service I require from you. Justin is my kin, as I have said, and the service I do for you is a repayment, of a sort, to you.”

Alexandria looked at Edith in utter shock and let her words stumble out of her mouth. There was no hiding her accent now, “But, Miss Edith, what could you possibly need to repay me for?”

“Come child, I want to show you something.” Edith beckoned Alexandria to follow her. She looked at Justin in askance and she just shrugged his shoulders with a gentle grin. He sat down on a stool at the bar to wait for their return. “Come, come, I have something that will explain.” Edith went through a side door and Alexandria followed her, not certain what to expect.

They were in a small hallway that had several doors on the right. Edith stopped at the second door and retrieved a key she had nestled between her breasts. She unlocked the door and went in; she lit a lamp that was sitting on a dark mahogany desk. Alexandria followed her but stayed close to the door. Edith picked up the lamp and moved it to a shelf on the left wall. There was a beautiful chest set with silver and iron straps. Edith withdrew another key from her pocket and unlocked the chest. She removed a smaller box from the chest and moved across the room to the padded chairs she had by the small fireplace.

“Please, Miss Alexandria, sit. I will be brief and will provide you with the whole account when we have more time.” Alexandria sat in the chair across from Edith and studied her face. She looked at the box and Alexandria could see the sadness cross her face. Edith sighed and opened the box. “This was a gift that can never be repaid, not in a million years. You see twenty five years ago there was a great plague that hit this town. Many died including my sister, Maria. She had been carrying Justin when she took ill and none of the healers or midwives could do anything to save Justin or my sister.” She pulled out something wrapped in a silk that Alexandria was all too familiar with.

Edith saw the shock cross Alexandria’s face as she stared at the silk. She then unwrapped what the silk contained. It was a golden charm in the shape of a woman holding a baby to her breast. The breast was a prism type gem found only in Caelo Missa. “Your mother, Alexandria, gave this charm to me. She removed Justin from my sister’s womb and saved his life. This charm also saved me and Harold and many others in this town.” As she spoke a tear streamed down her face, but her eyes were smiling.

Alexandria reached out her hands and covered Edith’s hands and the charm. She could feel the power that her mother had put into it; the way her mother had shaped it. She allowed herself to open all of her senses, not afraid of Edith. The power her mother had put into was slowly ebbing away. A tear ran down her own face and to honor her mother, she would ask Edith if she could bless the charm.

Alexandria looked at Edith and realized that Edith too could feel the power in the charm. “Miss Edith, I will share my reason for this journey, if you will allow me to honor my mother by blessing this charm for her. You see my mother, well she, she is very ill. There is only one way for me to save her and I feel her power ebbing out of this charm.” Alexandria’s voice broke as she thought of her mother, ill, waiting for her to come home.

She took a deep breath and let the rest come out in a rush, not caring about her accent, “If my mother dies this charm will cease to work. I wish to honor my mother and bless this charm so that it may have the power to protect this town forever.”

“I can’t believe it, your mother is…is…..ill? How can you make it last forever? I don’t understand,” Edith stuttered, trying to understand What Alexandria had just said. “Your mother was carrying you when she saved this town. I guess it only natural that her…..talents….be passed to you. But, how would it honor your mother to exhaust yourself to bless this charm?”

“My mother would have only made this charm for you because she trusted and loved you. It would honor her by making sure the people she cherished here are safe. Please, Miss Edith, it will only take a moment, and I am, how do you say, Caelo Missa, um, heaven sent, just like my home. I can make this charm work forever. Please,” Alexandria had never wanted to do anything this much. She loved her mother and she knew her mother would feel the renewed power in the charm. It would be one less thing she had to hold onto and she could use the strength to hang on until she got home.

“Okay, Miss Alexandria, I see you love your mother very much. I will not stand in the way of honor, here,” she went to hand the charm to her but Alexandria just shook her head and kept her hands where they were.

“You may feel a tingle in your hands Miss Edith, but please do not let go,” Alexandria closed her eyes and opened her mind. She could feel the strings of earth and water, life. She could feel the strings of love and fire. She grabbed onto the strings and fused them together. She could feel the warmth of the fire and soft earth under her feet. The roar of the water filled her ears and the loved blossomed in her chest. She added light and encased all of the strings of power with it.

The charm was glowing like a lamp and Edith just stared. She looked up at Alexandria and could see some sort of light that seemed to be surrounding her chest. She could feel heat and sand and water all at the same time and that same affection that she had had for Alexandria’s mother. There seemed to be an electric charge in the room that was increasing with each second. Just when Edith thought that Alexandria was going to burn up, everything went suddenly, normal.

Alexandria let her hands drop and whispered, “It is done.” She wiped her hands over her face and simply asked, “Please do not tell anyone about this?”

“Of course not, are you alright?”

“Yes, I am fine, how about that stew?”

Edith and Alexandria walked back to the bar where Justin was waiting. There heads together talking quietly. Both looked exhausted, but they were smiling brightly. Justin had only been waiting five or six minutes, but it felt like an eternity. “So, looks like you two will get along famously,” he jested with a devilish grin, “Might I inquire as to the matter of hospitality?”

Edith fixed him with one of those, do as I say looks and simply said, “No,” then went behind the bar to her customary place. “You need food and a table,” she snapped her fingers and a girl emerged from the kitchen. “Sandra, please prepare two stews and our best ale for these two.” She graced Justin and Alexandria with a smile and led them to a table.

The meal had been amazing and Justin was polite enough to not ask many questions. He seemed very concerned about her well being and Alexandria was not accustomed to that. He led her to her room and made sure she was comfortable. He carried her belongings into the room and seemed to hesitate. He ran his hand through his sandy hair and for the first time since she met him, seemed to be unsure of himself. “Miss Alexandria, I, uh, will be two doors down, so, um, if you need anything, just let me know. I will be here in the morning to help you arrange your departure if you must. I, well, I do wish you would give yourself and your horse another day of rest. I can tell you have traveled hard.”

“Thank you Justin, for everything. I would love to have a day of rest, but you see….” She trailed off without finishing, not sure how much she should tell anyone. She already told Edith too much out of necessity.

“Look, Miss Alexandria, I know you don’t trust me, but I have a, uh, oh never mind, I am sorry to have bothered you with my ramblings. Sleep well Miss Alexandria.” He gave one of his formal bows and turned on his heels to leave.

“Wait, Justin,” he hesitated with his hand on the door and turned slowly to meet her eyes. She had the most beautiful deep violet eyes. He had never seen eyes like hers and he felt himself getting lost in them. He gave himself a mental shake, what is wrong with me? He thought to himself.

“Yes, Miss Alexandria,” he said with all formality, “What may I do to assist you?”

“Justin, I did not mean to sound rude or ungrateful, please forgive me. I will explain in the morning why my trip is so pressing. You see it is more than just getting home and I have a long way to go with limited time.”

“I see,” he said softly. He crossed the room to stand in front of her and she realized just how tall he was. He must have had at least four or five inches on her. He had broad shoulders and was lean and muscular and had green eyes, the color of sea foam. He reached down and gently took Alexandria’s hands in his. “It is just that, I can tell something troubles you and, well, you are not from around here. I feel a deep need to protect you. I have always followed my instinct and it has never served me wrong. But, you see, my instinct has never taken this sort of path, or involved another person.”

“I can understand instinct and duty,” Alexandria said softly. She could feel something in his touch that was unfamiliar. She opened her mind and felt an overwhelming rush of senses; fire, earth, water, wind, stars, love, passion and more.

She had only ever felt this once before. It did not frighten her, in fact, it was enticing, but it rattled her at the same time. She felt herself drift as she closed her mind to the senses and felt Justin’s strong arms catch her and scoop her up into his arms. He laid her gently on the bed. He moved quickly and got a cloth and soaked it in the basin of cold water and squeezed out the access. He sat gently on the edge of the bed and placed the cloth on her forehead.

“Alexandria, Alexandria,” he called to her gently. She opened her eyes and looked at him. Worry, fear and duty all chased each other across his face. She knew she had overdone it with the traveling and then the charm blessing and now this. Her body and mind were exhausted and she knew better. Justin exhaled a breath he had apparently been holding, “Are you alright? You must be exhausted, but I am afraid to leave just yet. I hope you don’t mind if stay and make sure you are going to be okay for the night.”

“No, please stay a moment,” she said weakly. “I am alright, just overdid it the last few days is all. I guess now is a good time to tell you about my journey.” She sat up and leaned against the head board, closed her eyes for a moment, and then looked at Justin. “Once I tell you this story Justin, you are honor bound to speak of it to no one.” She stated it so matter of fact that Justin blinked in astonishment.

“Honor bound, Miss Alexandria, to the death,” he stated with formality and put his hand to his heart, then that gentle grin reappeared on his face. Despite the bond of being honor bound, Alexandria could not help but grin back. That was the first time Justin had seen her smile, her face seemed to glow from within and her eyes brightened. She had to be the most beautiful woman God created.

She started her story with her mother. She explained how an illness had taken her that can only be cured by the snow bell lilies that grow only in the Kandeel Mountains. She must harvest them when they bloom and only during a full moon. She was careful not to let him know what she was; only that she was a healer, of sorts. He stayed silent taking in what she had been through, where she was going, and what she needed to do. He was polite and did not pry for answers and she was grateful for that.

After explaining to Justin her story, she felt better, like a burden had been lifted. She realized that he was the first person she had told, in this land, about her problem. It felt good to share and know that she was still safe. “So, you see Justin, it is important that I get there as soon as possible. I will take your request and stay an extra day to rest. I am sure Ezra will appreciate that as well. But, I can not linger.”

“I understand the importance of your journey, but the way has grown more dangerous over time. You said the last time you went you were twelve. That was almost thirteen years ago. This is not a journey you will be able to make alone. You would never make it home.”

“I am familiar with the path and my mother has taught me very well about your language and customs. I can defend myself when it is necessary.”

“I have no doubt that you can, especially if you have made it this far. Did your mother tell you about how the laws and rules change all the time?”

“Rules that change? No, she did not. Why would the rules change?”

“Unfortunately we do not live in a well balanced culture and power is always changed from one hand to another. The strongest makes the rules and so they are always changing. If you were to camp on the side of any road from just outside Brighton to Arrow, you could get killed for trespassing.”

“Killed! I guess I will have to find another path,” she sighed and leaned her head back. She was suddenly very tired.

“We will talk on this tomorrow Miss Alexandria, for now you need to sleep. Remember I will be two doors down,” with that he stood and gave her one last look to make sure she was alright. He showed he was satisfied with a nod and left the room. Alexandria realized she would need to reevaluate her route. She would not fail her mother. She would rise early and leave, hopefully before dawn. She would leave a note for Justin so that he would not feel betrayed by her abrupt departure. She settled into to bed and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Thank you 2patricias

This is a special thank you to 2patircias.  The idea of a revision in a new hub was the idea of 2patricias and I ran with the challenge.  I appreciate the interest and lay the credit of this new hub to you.  Thank you.

More to Come

I will continue to revise and add to this story.  It has a life of it's own.  Please provide comments and feedback and I will hopefully, continue to captivate you.