A ladder that leads to the sky (6)

As you enter the new land you are impressed.
How can a poor girl with no experience of life imagine what man has built on this earth?

Great roads. Huge fortifications. High castles of stone on the rocks that could not be easily climbed. Sturdy buildings and great mills.
“A rich land!” you say to Aran.

“Yes, a rich land unscared by war. These people worked hard. Yet not all those riches are in the hands of the rightful. Most of them fall under the influence of the duke. He is much hated. His cruelty and malice is well known. He uses all power to extort common men so he can gain more gold, which he uses to expand that power even more. Regardless of my mission, which is to kill him, I can rightfuly say that men like him should not live another day…”

You were impressed by the new land, but the city itself was truly a shock. Aran lost you in the city central market, yet he found you after few hours when it was less crowded. You were staring at the Great Cathedral. He was angry, but then he realised you never moved. You were just there, staring for hours to something you could have never imagined.

“Why would man built such great castles? For what does that stands for?”
“That castle is used as a ladder. It leads to the sky!“
“Really?”
“Yes. If you know how to climb on it…”
“Do you know how to climb it?”
Aran laughs. Then he ramains silent.

Few more days have passed. You were wandering alone in the city, while Aran was allways on the run. He came allways late at the tavern, and barely he had time to speak with you. He was allways fatigued, and he could hardly hide his dark mood that began to posess him. Allways nervous, sometimes angry. But one day he came happier and felt the urge to confess:
“I’ve met a merchant. He camed from Italy. I’d like you to meet him. He may took care of you while I am busy. And yet, remember… my journey ends here. Yours only begins. It is time to go separate ways.”

Your eyes get wet but he grabs your arm with force and shouts:
“Child. Don’t cry. Know this… life can often be cruel, but there is allways enough beauty in it to make it worth. I may die, or I may live. You may mourn me, or you may not. It matters little, for you have a whole life ahead of you. I lived mine. You should do the same with yours.”

You manage to control your emotions. You feel the rapture in your soul, yet no tear is shed. Indeed you no longer are a child. Aran knew it. You knew it. But he allways liked to endearment you.

“My child…”
[ You have grown. ]

~ by lucifermagnus on September 23, 2007.