How Life Defines You - Part 10 - A Journey Back - From The Keltorin Series

Here's where we left things in the previous post:

In the light of day Mila realised he was taller than he appeared in the cave, he was only a few years older than her she guessed - "Mila" she offered in response as he knelt in front of her with his back facing her, "Hop on, Mila" he said looking over his shoulder at her "It's a long way down and your feet" he gestured at her crudely wrapped limbs.

She nodded in acceptance and climbed onto his back her legs wrapping around his waist, her arms around his neck - he stood effortlessly "She was right - you are tiny" he chuckled and the two set off down the mountainside.

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Gimries arms were thick and muscled for a boy of his age, fourteen she guessed absent mindedly as they continued down the steep mountainside.

She sat perched on his back like a baby Kimrie effortlessly clings to it's mother, their pace was slow and cautious - Gimrie took every possible care to reduce her pain, as he eased their way through the densely packed trees.

It was warm mid-morning now but the thick canopy shielded them from the heat, Gimrie seemed less than inconvenienced by her presence - he whistled sweet tunes then awaited the hidden birds mimicked reply.

Each time the birds tune would end he would begin another more complex challenge, but the mimics never failed to master their retort - the game continued and Mila found herself smiling with eager anticipation of the next round.

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As Gimrie began another tune he suddenly lost his footing, slipping down a small section heavily covered in leaf litter - his hands rushing to secure the small girl on his back.

His fall resulted in his usually flawless whistle to turn into a drawn out wail, that reflected their actions perfectly ending with a solid thud on his behind.

Mila was so safely supported she never struck the ground, Gimrie glanced back at her to check she was fine - the birds oblivious to their fall continued the game, replaying the comical noise that had come from the falling boy.

His eyes grew wide as Mila tried to stifle an unbidden laugh while he stared blinking in perplexed confusion, she bit her bottom lip forcing her mouth to twist and contort fighting the urge to burst into hysterics.

With only silence offered in return, the mimics again repeated the absurd sound and at hearing himself squawk out again - he too could no longer suppress his laughter, once his mask was broken Mila joined in the uncontrollable ruckus.

Each time the pair would calm themselves the birds would sound again, resulting in a new round of hysterics - the pair now lay rolling in the dirt and leaves, Mila's stomach ached as the she held her sides unable to cope with the strain.

After several rounds of wild cackling the birds grew disinterested and silent, as the two youths attempted to regain some sense of composure.

Gimrie held his jaw stretching it from side to side as he rubbed his cheeks "My face burns" he groaned to his small companion, she sat with an arm pressed to her side adding "My stomach too" still trying to regain her breath.

He sat up and began to dust himself off standing to tower over her, Mila stared up at him recovering somewhat from the laughter induced exhaustion - he grinned at her cheekily reaching out his arm to aid her to her feet "Ready to go again?" he jested cocking an eyebrow for emphasis.

Mila pleaded "No don't make me laugh, it still hurts' a smile returning unbidden as her cheeks burned from the repeat strain as she took his arm and stood next to him - he turned and squatted "Jump on" she leapt onto his back and the pair continued on their way.

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The two now spoke freely and Mila found herself completely relaxed around him, Gimrie did most of the talking telling tales of the men from the Mountains of Kurtah - the wars of old Lord Evanvar's tutors had forced him to read and the daring legends of Valcanne and the night the four tides burned.

Mila listened on enthralled by his knowledge of the history of Almain, never before had she heard so much detail - most low born only learn their history through the songs and words of playwrights, if at all.

Time passed swiftly now and before long they approached the mountains base, again Mila was faced by the massive grassy plains - she hardly noticed still focussed on Gimrie's latest tale.

The paused while he prepared his horse, she was shy at first but watched as Gimrie held out a large green apple his palm flattened and offered it to their waiting mount - the horse devoured it in all but two bites and a large gulp.

Mila watched intently but kept her distance from the giant beast, Gimrie coaxed her over with an outstretched arm and she moved timidly towards him - he then placed an apple in her hand flattened her fingers, then edged her arm forward guiding her by the elbow towards the towering mount.

The stunning horse sniffed eagerly at the waiting treat before clasping it between it's huge flattened teeth, his lips tickling her palm in the process - before jerking its head back to aid in swallowing the sweet fruit.

Within a moment he'd swallowed the fist sized serving and began sniffing and searching around Mila, nuzzling into her neck gently - growing in confidence she carefully stroked its massive head with newfound affection "What's his name?" she questioned passionately continuing the sudden bonding.

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Gimrie smiled warmly at ther clear affinity the two immediately shared "His name is Veratax, after the great king of the dragons" he replied full of passion, "He's beautiful" she stood in awe of the majestic horse, who seemed more than content to allow her to continue scratching him behind the ear - leaning dramatically low, to aid her efforts to indulge him.

Gimrie adjusted the saddle ready for riding then gracefully levered himself up and onto the waiting saddle, he then leant down outstretching an arm to offer Mila assistance in jumping on the back - she took his arm and coupled with her leap he hoisted her up and ensured her seating, before gently coaxing Veratax to move forward.

Mila's fingers dug into Gimrie's chest unsettled by the height now she found herself balanced at, but as they continued steadily she began to relax and even enjoy their journey - no longer focussed on her fear of returning to this foreign place, she enjoyed feeling the sun on her face and the world pass be effortlessly beneath them.

Gimrie told her more about Veratax the most majestic dragon that ever lived, how he roamed the lands of Keltorin and how some believed the legends of old - that dragons were smart and not just intelligent but capable of language and reason.

He spoke of reading and that they said dragons fought on both sides of the war, that destroyed magic on Keltorin - this was the last time our world knew the creatures of ancient times, he finished sadly mourning the loss that filled his dreams.

Mila was entranced by the tales of creatures with immense powers, the beings of magic that vanished and she wondered what the world would be like today if these beings still existed?

Gimrie seemed to have an endless source of stories, the last even more impressive than the one before - Mila had heard some of the places and being he mentioned but most were new and full of grandeur, she wondered how anyone could ever learn so much to be able to know so much detail of all these ancient battles?

They reached a steady stream and Gimrie slowly lead Veratax through it's icy waters, he whinnied in delight as the cool waters relieved the heat of day - Mila could now clearly see the estate again, but it was an afterthought to her endless questions about the stories Gimrie told.

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He spoke with passion and flare at times changing his voice for different characters he introduced, Gimrie was a showman and a larrikin at heart - capable of comical over exaggerations and expert timing, he even performed a dramatic death scene resulting in him dangling from one side of Veratax twitching and spluttering for effect.

Mila snorted out a laugh unable to hide her utter enjoyment of the older boys outlandish actions, before the realised they were upon the edge of the estate - Gimrie glanced back at his newfound companion flashed his ever present cheeky grin "Hold on" his eyes flared for emphasis.

Mila gripped him firmly as he nudged Veratax with his heels and with a sudden snap, the horse sprang forward and was off at impressive speeds.

The horse snorted in excitement as Mila let out a joyous squeal of delight, her long hair trailing along behind her - she closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation, of true unparalleled speed.

Gimrie expertly guided Veratax through the maze of twisting buildings and passageways, until they arrived at his desired location and pulled back to reign in the energetic Veratax - then patting his neck as they slowed to a walk arriving at a small, seemingly plain wooden door.

Gimrie hoisted a leg over the horse's head then slid down to land surefooted on the ground, he turned arms outstretched ready to aid in Milas dismount - he caught her mid slide and eased her softly to the ground.

She was still sore from the damage she had sustained the day before by her focus was on Gimrie, he moved to the door and pressed his ear to it - listening intently for moment.

Once he seemed sure it was safe he came back patting Veratax "Wait here boy" he then turned back to the door "Come on" he encouraged Mila as he carefully inched open the old creaking door - he peaked round then visibly relaxed, opening it and entering with confidence.

He invited Mila in instructing her "Wait a second" he gathered up a large basket loaded with apples and disappeared back through the still open door, she heard a snort of delight before the young boy returned empty handed.

Gimrie moved around like he knew every nook and cranny, he ushered Mila to a long timber table - as he began to buzz around the room, gathering all manner of foods.

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Mila realised she was once again in the kitchen she visited two nights earlier and in watching Gimrie move, she saw the clear similarities between mother and son.

She wondered in silence if she shared any mannerisms with her long gone mother, absent mindedly grasped at the necklace that still hung from her neck - her last remaining memory of the family she'd lost.

Gimrie continued now searching with a fevered frenzy, climbing the short heavy ladder scouring the shelves for something "She always hides the sweet buns" he muttered in frustration, before finding his desired goods "Ha" he exclaimed in excitement - jumping from the ladder and moving to join Mila and the feast he had collected.

He started to shove huge bites of the sticky glazed sweet buns into his mouth with passion, downing on in three massive mouthfuls - his mouth still stuffed with dough he somehow managed to say "Dig in" before swallowing.

Pouring them both a pitcher of the cooled lemon tea and downing a his quickly, he continued "figured you'd want more the way you downed that chicken" with an impressed smile of reflection as he wiped his face with the back of his hand.

Mila looked at all the food struggling to choose then settling on a sweet bun of her own, she bit into the sweet sticky dough her eyes grew wide - as she tasted the delicate treat, exclaiming with unbidden sounds of delighted feasting.

Gimrie nodded in understood appreciation "Varner is the best sweet cook in all of the five. Kingdoms of Balamy, I'd swear it to the gods", he finished with a determined look.

Before long the two were back deep in discussion about the king of dragons Veratax and the legends of old, laughing and joking as they ate and drank - the pair were oblivious to the giant shadow that had crossed the room and settled in behind them.

To be continued...

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