Zephyr

Strange Family

Danvon savoured his tea and Latitia busied herself with final preparations for the evening's meal. Before many minutes, Danvon continued the conversation.

"And how is Portia these days?, Still in solitude?"

"Not any longer, the little one is just going through a phase" Latitia answered.

"Oh Portia"

"She is very stubborn, you know that. But she loves her sisters to death."

"I know, I know" said Danvon "At least she isn't a drama-queen like Zarrina"

"Our Ina is promising. She reads better than anyone in Kitoa". Latitia was too proud of her child, conveniently forgetting that she wasn't like the ordinary village children.

"Yes" said Danvon, his voice softening with fatherly tenderness "Very smart"

"We should stop her from talking to that boy, the one she likes," Latitia paused thoughtfully, then added "It's too early to get my Ina married... isn't it?". The villagers married quite early and 13years old wasn't really considered a child.

"What makes you think she likes him, wife? Ina would rather play with flowers all day than associate herself with a boy and you know it. The only reason she talks to him is because of_" Danvon's speech was cutoff mid-sentence as the door burst open.

Into the cottage ran the two youngest Arroyo daughters, chatting and laughing loudly.

"Girls, girls!" scolded Latitia "Is this the way to enter your house, your father was speaking".

"Oh Papa!!" They both exclaimed in unison, racing to him with open arms. Danvon down his tea and greeted them with the happy face of a father who was contended with his offsprings. After a minor tussle over who could occupy their father's lap, they were situated, one on each of the man's strong knees.

"We are sorry to interrupt you, Papa", Said Tinkerbell, youngest of the two.

"It can wait my little one. But I will tell you about Artirak".

"You went to the forest, Papa?" Asked 10years old Basillia.

"Yes, and I saw a big silver wolf" Danvon smiled at the awe-filled faces of his daughters "She was with five other big silver wolves that looked like her children and one of them was so beautiful. And the river was sprinkled with sparkling flowers, probably by the goddess, Flora. What a wonder it would be to swim in there".

The girls giggled with delight "When will you take us to Artirak?" asked Tinkerbell.

"When the time is right, my child", replied Danvon "Now children," He went on "Your Mama will have the food ready soon. There will be time enough to talk later."

"Girls" added Latitia as the two girls bounded down from their father's lap "Before you take off your coats, go back outside and take down the clothes from the line, we mustn't let them get caught in the storm". She picked up an old basket from a corner and gave it to Basillia. "Where are the others?"

"They stopped in the village to talk to some of Dessa's friends". answered Basillia.

Latitia grimaced "It is bad enough that Irridessa associates with those..... strangers", She said "But I will not have her bringing my babies around them. You must speak with her Danvon".

Danvon said nothing until Tinkerbell and Basillia disappeared through the door. Then he exhaled a long sigh. "I will, wife. But Dessa would not let any harm befall her little sisters".

"I'm happy harvest is past. Perhaps now the strangers will leave".

"Dessa's a good girl. She will take care of

Portia and Ina".

"No doubt. You are right but I just can't help worrying". Latitia returned with vigor to her labours "So husband, I know you reached the city, did you talk to anyone?"

"Here and there. But it was not pleasant talk. Those in the country-side are not the only ones that are poor. I think it is perhaps worse for the peasants in the city. They have not even the comfort of nature to soothe them. But I am so thankful that such is not our lot for now. I saw great bitterness there, Latitia. Much turmoil in the world. It may even touch this village before it is over".

"Touch Kitoa? As far away from the city as we are?"

"It's not too far. I could walk the distance.

We have seen them already in Kitak, Titi. Who is to say the strangers you talk about are not the same as I have heard about? Thousands of them are flocking to the country-side from the cities."

"We leave first thing tomorrow morning, Danvon. No risk". Latitia's words trailed away as the door to the cottage opened.