Obsidian

Chapter Two

Not an hour later, Sienna set out, alone, to town. It would be easy enough to get there, as Mr. Logan told her all she had to do was follow the main road until she hit it. No turns, nothing.However, this was going to be the first time Sienna visited town. And she was going by herself. To say she was nervous would be an understatement. But her new found resolve kept her from being terrified. Instead she felt determined, on a mission, and she felt that she could not be deterred. 

“And I’m not really alone, am I Esel? You’re here with me.” Sienna said to the donkey. His reward for his destruction was to work today. So Mr. Logan has hitched Esel up to the wagon and shown Sienna how to handle the reigns. This mode of transportation was new to Sienna, who at home always got around in her car. 

“A steering wheel and gas pedal offer no protest, unlike you!” she teased the animal. It had taken her quite a bit of effort to get the donkey moving, but once he acquiesced to his lot for the day, he offered minimal protest. There was one instance, when the donkey had spied a particularly lush field of clover. Despite Sienna’s yanking on the reins, he had waltzed himself and the cart right over for a mid-morning snack. Sienna had snapped the reigns as Mr. Logan had showed her, she clicked her tongue as she had seen done in movies, but she eventually had to climb out of the wagon, grab the harness, and lead him away from the clover. She didn’t trust him to not turn around so she didn’t stop and climb back atop the wagon until she was at least a quarter of a mile past the clover.

Back in the wagon, Sienna begin to check the things she did know. She knew that the town was named Karzstead which was in the country Norn. Sienna had never heard of these places before. Not in her history books, not in her travels, not in conversation. Well that’s not entirely accurate, she thought to herself. Norn sounded familiar but she couldn’t place her finger on it. She was sure she’d never been there during her time as a pilot. And being an international pilot she had definitely flown to a lot of different places around the globe.

Shaking her head, as if to literally shake the trail of through she was about to go down out of her head, she refocused. 

“Ok Esel, we know that Karzstead is a small village in Norn. We know that whatever place this is the year is 1106. We know this land is populated with humans, elves, gargoyles, and sorcerers. I can’t believe I just said those things out loud.”

Sienna had nearly fainted when she met the town grocer. He had come out to deliver some emergency supplies to the Logans and Sienna had been expecting a kind and elder man based off of the way Mrs. Logan had talked about him. Instead she was faced with an enormous being, at least seven feet tall, with a human like face and body but horns protruding from his forehead, spike tipped wings enfolded on his back, and a clubbed tail at least three feet long. Sienna had outwardly reacted to his appearance, causing a sharp reprimand from Mr. Logan and a hurried yet vague explanation on who she was and how they had met her from Mrs. Logan. Thankfully the grocer, Sir Hudson, had no hard feelings and was very gracious and understanding. He apparently even asked after her when Mr. or Mrs. Logan went into town for the monthly supplies.

“He slipped some chocolate in the order for you, dear.” Mrs. Logan had said, handing over the precious dessert to Sienna. “Don’t tell Benjamin, he’ll be wanting to take it back or pay for it on the next visit. Such a gracious man, that Sir Hudson. Despite his lineage he still operates that store. Uses his connections to get extra special goods for the town. Gargoyles aren’t known to stick in one place for long, so he’s really quite a blessing to our town.”

Sienna smiled at that memory, deciding that she was looking forward to meeting Sir Hudson again, no matter how alarming his physical appearance may be to her.

“So we know there are humans, elves, gargoyles, and sorcerers in this world, what else do we know Esel?” Sienna asked the donkey, yet again refocusing on her checklist. “We know that Karzstead is a monarchy, ruled by Queen Inara. From everything the Logans have said of her she is competent and kind, yet fierce. We know that Brody is her son and heir, though he has been absent from public life for almost three years. There are deities in this realm who actually walk with those who live here. Let's see, there is Helen the Goddess of Life, Damon the God of Death, Paige the Goddess of Light, Zander the God of Sea and Storms, and Alyana the Goddess of Seasons. I know there are more, Esel, I just can’t remember them all. The biggest difference is the Gods here are proven real as they do live with the mortal beings, where the God or Gods where I am from do not. Some people don’t even believe in them!”

The donkey just rolled his eyes and snorted.

“Thanks for being such an active participant in resolving my ‘problem.’” Sienna replied sarcastically to the donkey who had no real understanding of or care about her dilemma. 

Sienna realized the town was in sight. She had been so engaged in her one-sided conversation with the donkey, she hadn’t realized how close she was. She could see the town’s watchtower in the distance. 

“Here goes nothing.”

She rode on in silence until the gate came into view. She knew the gate would be guarded by elves, who were often employed in services of security due to their magical abilities. Though she never met an elf, she knew from the picture books the Logan’s had that an elf looked pretty much like her world’s version, a human with pointy ears. However, she wanted to steady herself so she didn’t react as grossly as she did when she first met Sir Hudson.

As she was forewarned, she became encapsulated in a bubble. The wagon and Esel came to a halt. She couldn’t move save her head, which she turned to look at the elf on the side of the road. 

“State your name and business please.” the elf said.

“I’m Sienna…Logan,” she hesitated, feeling guilty assuming the Logan’s surname. “I’m here to pick up our monthly supplies from the grocer and to deliver wine to the vicar.”

The elf simply stared at her. He disappeared from view and within the span of an indrawn breath materialized in the bubble, floating right above the donkey in front of the cart. He leaned forward, perched in an invisible seat, and gazed upon her with a hard stare.

“Sienna! I’ve heard so much of you from Benjamin and Gertrude. I’m happy to finally meet you!” the elf broke into a smile. He extended his hand to shake hers.

“W-well thank you, I’m happy to make your acquaintance…uh…”

“Greyson. You can call me Greyson.”

The bubble and Greyson dissipated. The gate swung open.

“Do you know where you are going? This is your first time in town right?” Greyson said, materializing in the seat beside her. “I can be your tour guide for the day if you want.” He said, propping his feet up on the wagon’s ledge and leaning back with his head propped in his hands.

“Oh that isn’t entirely necessary.” Sienna replied. “If you could just tell me where to go, I’m sure I can manage.” 

“Nonsense! I’m happy to show you around. I wouldn’t do anything less for the Logans after all.” 

“Oh I’d hate to put you out! Besides, don’t you have to man the ga…”

“Hey Emerson, Sienna is here, you know the Logan girl? Can you man the gate for me while I show her around?” Greyson said over top of her.

Suddenly another elf emerged in the sentry seat Greyson had just occupied.

“Sure thing Greyson,” the elf called out. “I owe you after last week’s debacle. I do have to get my daughter later on so don’t be too long.”

“All set. So where to first, the grocer or the vicar?” Greyson asked as he took the reins from Sienna's hands.

“Uh, um the grocer please.” Sienna said slowly, both alarmed and amused by the audacity of this elf.

“The grocer it is! I don’t know if you know this, but Sir Hudson is a close personal friend of mine. Yes ma’am he is. Even gives me extra jerky when he has it to spare. And let me tell you jerky is my favorite. Oh look there is Lady Winslow. She doesn’t look it but she is the meanest teacher in all of Norn. Funny thing is she is married to the sweetest lady in all of Norn, Lady Ashley Winslow. She runs the bank that we are passing on the left. Such a sweet kind lady. Again that’s Ashley Winslow, not Jennifer Winslow.”

Greyson kept up the nonstop chatter, pointing out places and people along the five minute drive from the town gate to the grocer. Greyson reigned in Esel, then materialized on the ground beside Sienna holding out a hand to help her down.

“Yeah, I think Thursday night is my favorite night in town. Old Man Gellar hosts a game night at the tavern. And you are looking at the reigning champ of darts! Alright here we are. Do you want me to come in and help load the supplies? Oh what am I thinking of course you do.” 

He took her hand and lead her into the store. Sienna decided she was no longer alarmed, but was definitely amused by this chatter bug. They walked through the doors and into what had to be the most wonderfully smelling store Sienna had ever been in. And she’d visited many a candle store in her previous time.

“Oh what is that smell?” Sienna said over top of another one of Greyson’s narrative.

“Like I was saying earlier, the Gargoyle’s Dragon Moon festival is an extra special time of year to visit the store. That smell is none other than Lady Hudson’s Chocolate Dragonfruit Turnovers. We have got to get you one!”

“Oh yes, of course.” Sienna replied sheepishly.

“Hey Sir Hudson, Sienna is here for the Logan’s monthly supply pick up!” Greyson hollered for the whole store to hear. 

“Sienna?!” Sir Hudson said, poking his head out from under a desk in the corner of the store. “Oh my Gods, it is you! Wow. To see you out and about. How are you doing?” He asked as he came around the desk, wiping his hands on his apron.

“Oh I’m fine thanks,” Sienna said while bowing her head as she had seen Mrs. Logan do. “There was some problems at the vineyard so I volunteered to come and get the rations.”

Sir Hudson laughed, “Volunteered or Volun-told by that bossy Mr. Logan?”

Sienna giggled, “The latter. But I am happy to finally make it here and to see the town. It’s about time.”

“Let the record show that you said it, and not I.” Sir Hudson teased. “Greyson, be a good lad and get the order loaded while I settle up the account with Miss Sienna. The crates are in the back on the fourth shelf to the right, bottom row.

“Sure thing Sir Hudson!” Greyson said before vanishing out of sight.

“Figured you could use a break. That one is quite a talker. Now just follow me on up to the front here and we can take care of business. I’m trusting Mr. Logan sent you with the coin to settle?”

“Yes sir he did. And thank you.”

“How are you doing? Mr. Logan has told me a bit about what’s happened. I don’t mean to push you but I’m awful curious.”

Sienna blushed. She wasn’t ready to be put on the spot like this. She didn’t know how to dodge these direct questions.

“I’m fine.” she started hesitantly. “I still can’t remember much from before the accident…"

“I’m sorry Sienna, I’m being to invasive. Just ignore this old gargoyle’s nosiness.”

Sienna involuntarily sighed in relief. She quickly covered up her rudeness with a smile.

“Now let’s see, you’ll have to tell Benjamin that there has been a shortage on corn, so the total for this month comes to five gold coins. Did he give you enough?”

“He did. He had a suspicion this would happen.”

“Did he tell you to barter it down?”

“He did.”

“What did he tell you to offer?”

“Four gold and ten bronze.”

“Bah. That man. He’s clever as a fox. Knew I wouldn’t be able to say no. Not to you. Ok. Four gold and ten bronze.”

Sienna dug into the coin purse and counted out the funds.

“Thank you so much for your kindness. You didn’t have to do accept this offer.”

“You may think so,” Sir Hudson chuckled, “but I do.”

Sienna stood there awkwardly not knowing what else to say. Sir Hudson was looking at her expectantly.

“So, um,” Sienna started.

“All loaded up Sienna.” Greyson interrupted, abruptly materializing by her side. “I made sure to put the fragile items towards to back of the cart and buffered them with some of the blankets. You should be all set for the ride back home.”

Home. That word sent a pang of longing through Sienna’s heart. She thought wistfully of her apartment. She had saved for years and waited patiently for her loft to come available. The window wall that over looked the river that ran through the city. Her wall of books, most of which she hadn’t read yet. Her favorite coffee cup she had left on the counter. Her schnauzer Arthur curled up…her throat tightened and she was terrified she’d burst into tears.

“…isn’t that right Sienna?” Greyson asked.

She gave him her full attention. “Pardon?”

“You have to go to the vicar next, right?”

“Oh yes. I need to deliver some wine to him.”

“To replenish the stock those ruffians broke into?” Greyson asked. Without waiting for her answer, he turned to Sir Hudson, “Those Nagel kids broke into the vicars supply and brand almost four bottles and broke two in the process. Roger has given up trying to deal with them and has requested a legal man from the Capitol to come and deal with them. He particularly asked for a representative of God Damon to come and handle them. I feel sorry for their mum, but boy that brood needs some scaring straight if you know what I mean.” Greyson rambled, giving Sienna that chance to compose herself.

“Well thank you Sir Hudson,” Sienna said, inclining her head once again. “And for your assistance Greyson. If you can just give me directions to the sanctuary I can be on my way.”

“Nonsense, I’ll take you there.” Greyson said again. “Good day Sir Hudson.”

Once outside, Greyson helped Sienna into the seat but instead of his disappearing and reappearing act, he climbed in beside her. Without asking he gathered the reins and prompted the donkey into motion. For the first time since meeting him, Greyson didn’t say a word.

“Um, Greyson,” Sienna began.

He gave a wry chuckle. “Oh don’t worry about me Miss Sienna. The vicar and I just aren’t in a good space right now. I’ll take you to sanctuary but I’ll stay with the cart if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Thank you so much for your assistance and company today.”

They continued down the road in silence. At the end of the street, Greyson guided the donkey to the left and what met Sienna’s eyes made her gasp. The village had been small and quaint. The buildings were either brick or wood, nothing ornate. Function was more important than beauty in this area. So when Sienna saw the stone fortress about 500 yards in front of her she was quite stunned. She could see the heavily decorated double doors cast in gold. The stain glass windows depicting Helen the Goddess of Light bestowing the Sword of Truth upon the Chosen Warrior the immaculate gardens leading up to the building. It was like something out of a painting. Sienna had the nagging suspicion she’d seen it somewhere.

“Well here we are. As I said I’ll wait right here for you, but don’t worry.” he said. 

Sienna turned to ask him worry about what, but she quickly saw that the box of wine she was here to deliver was floating towards the sanctuary doors.

“Thank you.” Sienna said to Greyson as she dismounted.

She walked up the smooth steps. They appeared to be one piece carved from stone, she could see no seam of structure. Reaching the door she debated on if she should knock or go right on it. She decided this was basically a church, so, right on in she went.

In front of her was the foyer. There was an extremely intricate golden cast iron gate between the sanctuary doors and the place of worship. To her left was a shelf were partners would remove their shoes before entering the sacred space. To her right appeared to be an office. The door was open and Sienna thought she spied the vicar.

She hesitantly approached the office. “Vicar Andrew?” Sienna called out.

“Yes? Who is it?” came the voice from the office. Vicar Andrew’s back was to her, his head bent studying the text he held in his hands. She stepped fully into the space.

“Good day sir. It’s Sienna, I’ve come to deliver the wine from the Logans.”

Vicar Andrew snapped the book shut and turned to look at her.

“Well now.”

That was all he said. 

“Yes, hi. How are you?” Sienna asked hesitantly, hoping to engage him in conversation.

He did not reply, just continued to look at her.

“Yes, so, um the box is outside on the front stoop. I can help you bring it in if you’d like. Or if you have a hand truck I could wheel it in for you?”

“Not necessary.”

His eyes had narrowed at her question. Had she insulted him in some way? He seemed to try to capture and keep her gaze. Sienna wanted to talk to him, to question him about the gossip Mrs. Logan had told her, but she had absolutely no idea how to even begin when he was being so curt. Before she knew it her courage deserted her.

“Um, well that seems to be it then. So um, I’ll be going now. Thank you.”

Sienna turned around and began heading back out the door.

“Have you figured everything out yet?”