EMRYSA

Chapter One (III)

Ciara took a deep breath, her eyes widening as she recounted the events of the day. Her hands moved animatedly as she spoke, gesturing to emphasize her points. "Mr. Rogers came barging into my house, fuming. His face was literally red, and he demanded that my father repay him the money. But why would my father even borrow from him?"

Prudy shook her head in disapproval, her lips forming a tight line. "Robust Rogers has always been ruthless," she commented, her voice laced with disdain. Ciara continued, her voice growing more assertive. "I couldn't stand the way he was talking to my father, so I told him that we would repay him in a month's time."

A warm smile spread across Prudy's face as she nodded approvingly. "That's my best friend," she said warmly, her eyes gleaming with pride. "But how are you going to come up with fifty thousand gold coins?"

Ciara's shoulders sagged, and she gestured with her hands in a gesture of uncertainty. "I have no idea," she exclaimed, her voice a mix of frustration and determination. The interruption of the Ickies from the adjacent room shattered the moment. Their loud voices pierced through the thin wall, "Keep it down, we're trying to sleep in here!" their annoyance palpable through the wall. "Okay!" she shouted in response. "We'll talk more tomorrow. Good night," she said to Prudy. "All right, good night," Prudy replied, her image fading away from the magi-slate.

The next day, Prudy arrived at Ciara's home, ready to wake her friend up from her slumber. Prudy stood at a height of 5'8", her honey blonde hair styled in loose braids adorned with a hair scarf intertwined within them. She walked over to the window and drew open the curtains, allowing the sunlight to flood the room. The sudden brightness revealed the chaotic state of Ciara's room. Clothes were scattered everywhere, strewn across the floor, falling out of the small wardrobe, and piled on her chair and desk.

“Rise and shine, sleepy head.” Prudy whispered. Ciara mumbled something that sounded like just a couple more minutes. Prudy resorted to a more drastic measure. "Wake up!" she screamed directly into Ciara's ear, startling her awake. In her half-asleep state, Ciara reacted instinctively, flipping Prudy onto her back. “Nice try...” Ciara saw the intruder. "Prudy? Why would you, of all people, sneak up on me?" Ciara asked, extending her hand to help Prudy up. It was a familiar routine, as Ciara was accustomed to her brother Dicky's pranks.

Prudy groaned in slight pain, accepting Ciara's help. "This one's on me," she admitted with a wince. Apologizing for her impulsive reaction, Ciara questioned Prudy's early arrival. "Why are you here so early?" she asked, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"It's noon, C. I've stumbled upon a solution to your 'robust' problem," Prudy replied, handing Ciara a poster.

"Hear ye, hear ye," Ciara began to recite aloud. "The Kingdom of Askia is holding a contest to celebrate its treaty renewal with the Kingdom of Chamelor and the birthday of the Princess. All are allowed to take part. The winner will walk away with five hundred thousand gold coins. But... magic is not allowed in Askia, and anyone caught practicing it will be sentenced to death, regardless of his or her status or kingdom. The contest begins on the thirteenth of Pisces, Askian Standard Time."

The temptation of such a grand prize left Ciara biting her lip in contemplation. "This is tempting, but..." she hesitated.

Prudy, growing impatient, interrupted. "But what?" she pressed, urging Ciara to consider the opportunity. Ciara expressed her reservations, her voice tinged with concern. "Askia? No. My father has always warned me about that place."

Prudy attempted to sway her friend, highlighting the magnitude of the prize at stake. "That's just a made-up story… or at least part of it is. But look, five hundred thousand gold coins? Think about it," she reasoned. "We'll be rich enough to marry for love, not arranged. Do you want to marry that guy Mark, the one with all the allergies who's been after you? Or do you want to seize this opportunity of a lifetime?"

The persuasive argument had its effect on Ciara. She raised her fist triumphantly. "Okay, you've convinced me. I'll do it!"

With a sense of accomplishment, Prudy announced her departure. "That's great. I'll leave now," she declared. Surprised, Ciara inquired, "You're leaving now?"

"Yes, I came to your house immediately after I saw the poster," Prudy explained. She paused for a moment, rubbing her chin. "Oh well, I'll see you later, after you've talked to your father. And clean up this pigsty," she added before exiting the cramped cottage room. Left alone, Ciara contemplated the daunting task of discussing her decision with her father. The very mention of the kingdom he had always warned her about since she was a little girl sent a shiver down her spine. But she knew she had to tell him, as she was doing it for their sake.

Ciara had made up her mind to discuss her plan with her father during dinner. As they gathered around the table, she took a deep breath and began, "Father, I wish to talk to you about something." All eyes turned towards her, anticipation filling the room.

"You know how I told Mr. Rogers that I'll pay him his money in a month's time?" Ciara started, her gaze shifting between her father and her brothers. Garett set down his utensils and looked at her attentively. "You do not have to worry about that. I will pay him back. Is that all?" he responded.

Ciara watched Dicky as he nonchalantly licked his bowl clean, carefully choosing her next words. "I still want to help. I want to take part in a contest."

Garett's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he questioned her. "You want to take part in that Askian contest?"

Ciara nodded resolutely and continued, "The prize money is five hundred thousand gold coins. With that money, we can pay him back, get a bigger house, and so much more."

Garett rubbed his hand over his chin, deep in thought, before finally exhaling and addressing his daughter. "What do you think, boys? Should I allow your sister to go to Askia?" he asked, seeking the opinion of his sons. Micky, one of Ciara's brothers, spoke up first. "The money sounds good," he said, a glint of excitement in his eyes. Ricky, the other brother, nodded in agreement. "Yes, I do. It would give her a chance to really know how the world works."

Dicky, always eager for an adventure, chimed in, "Only if you take me with you."

Ciara smiled at her brothers' support and reassured them, "Of course, the three of you are coming with me. Father can't handle you all alone."

Garrett stroked his mustache, pondering the situation before announcing his decision. "You may go," he finally declared, granting his approval. The next day, Ciara made the necessary preparations to depart for Askia. Garrett provided her with instructions and a few essential items. "You will take this letter to the address written on it, which is where you will stay," he explained, handing her a small leather bag. "Inside, you'll find magic pellets. Take a pellet, say the words 'pasta pellata' followed by what you desire, and throw it on the floor." He demonstrated by transforming one of the pellets into a bag of candies. "These are only to be used in emergencies. Keep them safe and hidden."

Ciara raised an eyebrow, expressing her concern. "You want me to take 'magic pellets' to a kingdom that beheads people for practicing magic?"

Garrett reassured her, his voice laced with confidence. "You may need them. I trust that you won't go around telling the people of Askia about the magic pellets. Trust me, you won't be caught."

Interrupting their conversation, Prudy entered the room with a greeting. "Good morning, Mr. Camborne, hi C."

Garrett acknowledged her presence. "Hello Prudence. I assume you are here to say your goodbyes?"

"Ciara didn't tell you? I am going with her. I cannot leave my best friend to go to Askia alone," Prudy revealed. Garrett admired Prudy's bravery. "That is very brave of you. Did you come with Donald?"