The Pearl Of Vynes - Chapter 5 Cries Of A Light Wind

The murmuring and cries of a light wind woke Alice out of her sleep. Sitting up she could see it was late into the night, the moonlight shining through the small opening in the wall of her bedroom. Getting out of bed the noise that had woken her was still there with something else Alice couldn’t put her finger on but it was definitely familiar. Walking into the kitchen she could see a faint blue hue glowing outside of the house. Opening the front door of the house she saw Miles sitting cross legged on the porch, humming softly to himself. Miles turned towards her and patted his hand on the porch that was next to him. Alice sat beside him as she saw the glow over the hill, bringing her knees up and wrapping her arms around herself.

Youre in for a real surprise. This happens only once a year and I’m sure it’s going to be a real treat Miles said excitedly, Alice turned towards him with confusion but started to focus on the ever increasing blue glow over the hill, dimming and brightening as the light breathed in rhythm. The glow reach the zenith of the hill and Alice she saw soft glowing balls floating up and down along the road coming towards the town. Alice couldn’t figure out what the strange floating orbs were, as they got closer to the village.

It’s the festival of spirits tonight Miles explained as Alice looked in wonder at the small shapes bouncing up and down as they followed the curves and twists of the road through the town. Alice thought she could hear the faint sound of music, pipes and drums audible over the soft wind as the spirits passed through the village. The beat and song had Alice moving along in time with it. As she kept watching the orbs begun to take form in front of Alice. Men and women were holding instruments and played them as they spun and danced in the village. They were all wearing light robes that hung off the shoulder, with sandals worn. Alice getting into the rhythm stood up and joined the dancing spirits, twirling and dancing alongside them. The feeling of celebration felt imbued in the village as they danced through, passing a blessing that Alice couldn’t say in physical terms but definitely brightened the town. Alice felt a hand on her shoulder stop her as the precession continued without her. Alice felt a little down as the people begun to form back into soft, glowing orbs again and floated along the road into the distance. Tracing the hand on her shoulder up to Miles she questioned him.

“Why’d you stop me?” Alice asked, saddened at the now long gone dancers.

“You can enjoy them coming through, but you’ll never be able to follow them” Miles said consoling Alice.

“What were they Miles?” Alice asked now holding onto Miles’ side, the noises and sounds of the spirits were still fresh in her mind.

They’re the spirits of this country, they come through once a year to bless the harvests for the new growing season. Its a rare sight to see them these days since they’re always so private about their business Miles said, a gleam in his eyes.

“Time we should get you back to bed, we don’t want you too tired tomorrow Miles continued as he held Alice’s hand as they made their way back to Alice’s home. Clutching Miles’ hand tightly, Alice looked around as the village was quiet underneath the moonlight. Alice turned towards Miles, breaking the silence of the countryside

What would happen if we followed them? Alice asked.

I’m afraid you can’t Miles replied.

Why? Alice questioned Miles.

Because the spirits drift on the wind, they come from the land of the dead and come to visit their descendants passing along their hopes for the future” Miles explained to Alice. Both of them made it back to the house, Alice opening the door and both of them entered. Alice still holding Miles’ hand walked back to her room. As Alice dropped into bed, Miles tucked her into bed. Alice closed her eyes and went to sleep very quickly. Miles stood up and went back to the kitchen, the fireplace had died down to embers as he rolled out his bedroll and covered him with his sheet. The faint music played in both of their minds so clearly as if they were back in the precession again.

Miles stood on the dirt road tying the canvas bag full of food tight. With a bedroll hanging on his shoulders Miles was ready. The family was standing outside their house, Joel, Narissa and Alice stood quietly as they said their farewells, despite the short stay Miles had certainly disrupted their lives in a special way.

Its a shame you have to go, its hard to find a good man to work with around these parts Joel said, a hand holding Narissa’s hips and keeping her close to his side.

for visiting.

I hope you find what you’re looking for at the capital Miles said Narissa giving him a wave.

It was a pleasure meeting you, and thank you for your hospitality Miles said with a bow to the family. Alice wandered up to Miles and gave him a hug; Alice withdrew and stared into Miles’ eyes.

Im gonna miss you, you know Alice said.

I’m gonna miss you missy” Miles said, patting Alice on the head “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me. Pondering for a moment Miles had an idea come to mind. Taking off his necklace, Miles placed it around Alice neck. Alice held the pedant in her hands and fumbled with it as the cool stone seemed to relax her despite Miles having to go.

If you ever need my help, I’ll be sure to be around he said pointing at the moving rainbow stone. Alice idly touched the cold and smooth surface of the stone for reassurance.

I’ll be off now, hope you all take care Miles said waving at the family, seeing a cart passing through he caught up to it and spoke to the driver as Miles walked. After a brief nod from the driver, Miles hopped in the back of the cart as it wheeled its way through the villagers. Miles waved to them all, a final goodbye to the family as he disappeared into the distance. Joel turned back inside as he talked, muttering to himself “Now where did I put my tools?”

Life seemingly returned to normal as the family went back to their day to day chores. But as Alice held the shimmering pendant in her palm, it had a warmth to it that was so similar to Miles despite its size. She felt adventure was just on the horizon.