Chapter 1 - The Girl in Red

Letter 1

Anmahbir, SL XXIII – 267 Odogan 3.

To my most esteemed and dear friend Ardulan.

Today has been a most common day , the people in the square fought over the delicious bread of Ebernan, Maquias fruits are still rotten but the man still swears he is going to sell them, I suppose some fool will fall for his tricks and deceptions. The noise and the crowds have never been to my liking, for what you already know, I avoid spending a lot of time there.

In any case, that friend of yours, the dazzard, came to visit me, I invited him to have tea and in all the time, he never stopped smiling, not even when he told me how he teared apart a merchant who owed him money, It was very macabre, but I suppose even that kind of people have some use. He left me a small chest, said it was a commission and since I do not like to delay, I send it to you right here. It seemed urgent because the man insisted on sending you soon.

Do you remember that I told you that I had bought some chickens?, well, it seems that the guy who sold them to me, trick me off and in what way. The wretched animals almost did not lay eggs and although I stuffed them with food they did not weigh more than a couple of pounds, anyway, the man from the southern slope bought me the animals at a decent price, I managed to recover a good part of the money, But what about my time? Is not it worth it? I hope I'll never see that guy of the chickens again.

I'll be traveling to Lovuhr next month, that is, if I complete the money on time, I will be telling you anyway.

With great appreciation.

Egios

_________________________________________________________

Odogan, the 7th month of the year, month granted to the sleeping Guardian, month where the inhabitants of each country celebrate their love for their country, their love for freedom, their dreams and achievements, because this month is for people who struggle every day to live, or survive and who knows that while still trapped in an eternal dream, the Guardian is always watching, is always protecting ... or ... at least that is what they pretend to believe.

Egios wakes up early as usual, after a bath he spends a good time arranging his hair and beard, he has always been a bit narcissistic and nowadays he does not care what others think, it is a pleasure to take care of his image. He arranges his suit carefully, adjusting every detail and then leaves his house.

- Good morning Mr. Egios! - A girl shouts at him with sharpness, she wears a bright red dress and a small purse, the girls of her age look for a good husband and they know that he is a good match.

- Good morning lady - he replies, giving a slight smile but passing by so as not to show much interest.

Despite being a good looking man, Egios has not sought a woman in a long time and has rejected all those who try to find something more than a friendship. It is as if he had become disenchanted with love.

He goes down the street, greeting a couple of other people, an old woman who gets ready to sell her loaves of every day and whom he buys from time to time, and a young boy who goes through the houses picking up the mail, is a very energetic and reliable boy, but even so Egios has never hired him to carry his letters.

The town of Greenthorn was named after the leafy forests that surrounded it, the nearest river takes about half a day to reach, but the beach is only a few minutes away, there the port was built, which allowed the town to prosper. Several farmers decided to cultivate on their land, and little by little it grew until the community that it is today. After several years, it has finally reached the point where the villagers begin to make it difficult to remember everyone who lives there. Almost all the main services are close to the central park, the same one that adjoins the market, but with the increasing number of ships arriving, the people who work in the port and the tourists who wait have finished building a second park in that place.

Egios arrives at the market where even in spite of being so early, the merchants are already on their working day, the customers are still scarce, the guards watch the place as they do every day, and as always the old Kony oversleeps in his corner. Egios goes to a small post office and notes that it is still closed.

- !Hey Egios! Good day - is greeted by a plump man, with pants held by locks and a prominent mustache, although with little hair.

- Mr. Remoun, What a nice day, is not it?

- Yes, it's a nice day, I hope many ships arrive today.

- Isn't this the time when ships arrive from Nouungar?

- They have been delayed, ... apparently the storms to the south have not stopped ... but tell me, do you expect any letter?

- Oh no,... I'm going to send one, but it would be nice to have the surprise of a letter.

- It is always good to have someone write you.

- Of course.

- Hilka wondered if the vineyards have grown well.

- Sure thing! Their seeds have been like a blessing of the gods, they grow very fast and they look very good.

- Good to hear that, I was worried you thought I had cheated you, - the man ends with a slight laugh.

- Well, she doesn't need to worry, I've been very comfortable with the seeds, tell her that for the next time I'll also resort to her ... Oh good morning, Mr. Tlufni, - Egios says to a dwarf who only makes a gesture towards the men and then hurries to open the office door.

- Sorry for the delay.

- No no... - says Remoun - it's early yet, it's our fault that we got up so early.

- I am usually here at the office by this time, but I'm afraid I've overslept, - The dwarf perches behind the counter, puts his suitcase on a desk and then grabs a small step, puts it near the counter and then stands on it to be able to appear on the table - Anyway, How can I help you? - He tells them.

- I come to send a letter, I have already put the information and the stamp, it is very important that it is delivered on time. - says Egios

- Oh of course, the deposit is 25 Ezen.

- Yes, here it is. - Says Egios passing some coins to the dwarf.

- Very well, I will inform you if something unexpected happens, the letter will be sent this afternoon.

- Thank you very much! - Then he turns to look at Remoun - I will go later to the port, I always love seeing the waves, they inspire me, and now I need it because I cannot decide for the story that I will tell in my next book.

- The man smiles - sure it's good, you know I do not read, but Hilka is always talking about all kinds of books, maybe one day I'll read some.

- It is very healthy, you will like it, send greetings to your wife from me.

- Of course, I see you later, my friend.

Egios leaves the place, the buyers already begin to fill the place and the bustle of the morning increases. He goes through a fruit stand and after buying a few of different variety, goes to a bank located on the edge of the park that faces south of the market. There, while tasting the vegetables, he pulls out a small book and pretends to read it, but in reality he watches the crowd, vendors, buyers, beggars, guards, nobles, plebeians, so many people gathered in one place. It remains that way until all its fruits are finished, as if waiting for something unusual to happen, something that could inspire his next work or simply remove it from the daily routine.

He nibbles a little more the heart of the last apple, trying to lengthen that moment until the maximum, then he saves his book and leaves by the alley.

- Hey you! - shouts a stocky man, wearing a light armor. - The scouting guild is recruiting, do you think you have what it takes to become a legend?

- Please - answers Egios - Who would take care of my vineyards?

- Here you will have many more riches than you can imagine.

- Just like the ones you hold - he responds in a sarcastic tone.

- I ... I joined recently, and well, I am still building my reputation, but soon I will be known here and beyond the seas, in the lands of elves and dwarves, of wild men and dark men, all that is needed is the courage to face the challenges, what do you say? You got it?

- I have a lot of courage, I assure you, ... but that's really not my thing, I enjoy life more calmly.

- Well, everyone with their own, if you know someone who is interested, tell them that I will be in the square every afternoon until the end of the month.

- I will gladly pass the word.

- Have a good day, good man!

- Same to you.

Egios keeps watching as the man continues down the alley towards the market, until he disappears between the houses. As if an inspiration idea come up, he takes out a notebook and write something down, then he continues on his way

He arrives at the door of his house, takes out the key and puts it into the lock, look back at the sky, his face his face doesn't show much expression, but it shows that a lot of things must be going through his mind. He looks back at the street, greets his neighbor who swings in a chair right in front of her house while her grandson plays with some wooden horses. He turns the knob and opens the door.

Egios stops completely in the same position as if he is trying to concentrate in something. How could he overlooked it? Something so obvious?... Who was the girl in red who had greeted him that morning? He had never seen her before, and he was sure that she had called him by his name. Or not?

Egios places his stuff inside his house and quickly go back to the street, checks corner to corner but he finds nothing, he walks to the place where the old woman sells the breads.

- Good morning madam, excuse me... Maybe have you seen a girl with a red dress?

- Are you going to buy some bread, Mr. Egios?... Today they are very appetizing.

- Not now... But, have you seen that girl?

- I don't know of girls, I know of bread... Will you buy?

He stops when he notices that the conversation is not going anywhere, he give her some money indicating the old lady that he's going to buy some bread. Then he realizes that the poor woman hardly distinguish the value of every coin in her tired hands, How could she notice that girl?

Egios took the breads and continued his way, after walking towards the park, He saw the boy from the post office that passes by again, this time handing the shipments that have arrived.

- Leo, come here a minute.

- Yes sir, can I help you with something?

- Have you been running since early. Right?

- Yes sir. I like to beat the sun!... Although, at that time there is no awake customers. - Says the boy with a big smile.

- Maybe have you seen a girl with a peculiar red dress?

- Oh! yes! Your relative!

- My relative?

- She showed up in the morning, she saw me and ask if I knew you sir, and...well, is my duty to know every possible customers and know where they live, then I indicate her where do you live sir.

- So no more? then someone ask you and you just give them directions?

- Oh... well... It's just... She seemed so trusworthy and... And besides! She told me that she was your relative!... Something bad happens sir? The least I want is to cause you problems sir! - Says the boy energetically.

- No... no... in fact... I am looking for that girl. I don't know where is she.

- Have you searched in the market?

- I was just heading there, well... Thanks for your help Leo.

- It's a pleasure sir!

The boy continues his way, while Egios head back again to the market, takes out his notebook and makes some annotations.

Already at this time, the market is full of people, all kind of people can be seen there and even Kony must be alert all the time. Egios approaches to several merchants and people , asking for that girl in a red dress, but with such a crowd is easier(easy) that she can be confused with other girls with similar appearance. Then he finds the man who is recruiting people for the scouting guild.

- Hey! buddy! - Shouts Egios

- Ah it's you again, can I help you with something?

- This morning, there was a peculiar girl with a red dress... she's not from the city, maybe you could see her?

- I must say that I am neither from here, so it's impossible for me distinguish her.

- Yeah, sorry... it's just... well maybe you had seen her.

- If I can ask... Well, I have seen you visiting several stores without buying anything, so I suppose that you have been asking them the same thing.

- What do you mean?

- Why are you so worried about a woman you don't know?

Egios takes a moment in silence staring to that man. Then finally he gives his answer.

- A year ago, a man showed up, he asked for me. The people of the town naturally give him the direction of my house. Upon arriving, he burst violently through the courtyard, fortunately, a good friend was staying in my house at that time and thanks (to)his battle training we could stop that man, however he could escape. It's natural that I worry for unknown people asking for me. My friends always write me before coming to visit me.

- I see, a cautions man... I will not rummage through your past, but if a man went to your house to attack you, he should have a reason.

- I suspect he had it. I don't want to risk myself that it be a new strategy to attack me.

- In that case sir. I would recommend you visiting the authorities instead of walking carelessly through the town, surely some guard will be willing to accompany you.

- Ah... yes... you're right – Says Egios showing a slight smile – The authorities, well, I did not get so far, but when in doubt, I suppose it is the better thing.

- That's right sir. As we say in the guild, the security is first!

- Thanks for your advice, I hope that you achieve to recruit many members, maybe you should go to the park near the port, there the young people meet to train.

- Sure, I going to visit that place! Have a nice day!

Egios leaves the place, turns the corner, takes out the notebook and make some annotations. He moves away a little from the market and thinks that in the port he could get more answers, he starts walking down the main street, looking out carefully every person near to him, then he hears some voices, similar to scuffling coming from a nearby alley. A guard goes through the other side street but he does not advise him, carefully he approaches the edge of the alley and looks out from the corner.

There, two men have against the wall the girl in of the red dress who clings tightly to a box that she has with her. Egios doubts what he should do, while the men begin to get more and more aggressive with the girl, Egios takes a dagger in his hands that always carried with him, then he get to see on the box held by the girl a strange mark that result something familiar to him, he tightens the dagger hard and ventures into the alley.

- Leave that girl alone! - He shouts.

Once the men see him with the weapon they go back.

- Calm down!... It's just... we were just playing... Right?

- Yeah!...Yeah!... it was just a joke man. Calm down.

The men look at each other and then they run away. The girl falls sitting on the edge of the wall. Egios approaches and help her to get up.

- ¿Are you okay?

- Yes, thank you very much, I have been very careless.

- Now everything it's okay... This morning... You were in my house.

- Yes, I was there... Mr. Egios.

- Who are you?

- My name is Kathrinna? - says her while looking at him with her piercing red eyes.