Great Heads

10: A Warm Welcome

Darla

Beryl was obviously surprised to see him. They had a short moment of silent staring before she finally spoke. She made sure her warm smile was on and she demonstrated accordingly.

“Fair greetings.” The pretty princess-like lady finally broke the silence with her euphonious voice. “I’m maiden Berylene. You certainly do not look from around here. May I know where you’re from?”

'Certainly not.' I said in my head. 'How does this sound to you? I’m a murderous Rocainian that killed a man before coming here and hope to do more. You know, the killings.'

I saw that Kaleb actually did not look like he had a possible reply for the lady. I would have jumped right in to help but it felt funny watching him struggle.

“Oh, forgive my undoubtedly silly question. We all know only Forelenes live amongst Forelenes. It's just that you have splendid eyes.”

She gave a nervous giggle at the end.

Kaleb's cold expression was probably what made him Kaleb. He did not seem friendly at all. It was as if all he knew how to do was to handle a dagger. Without even asking his tribe, his unfriendly style gave it all out. He just stood, devoid of all sorts of expression and all that was heard was the voice of the maiden who had spoken earlier.

“His name is Kaleb,” I said to her, then went close to her to whisper, “Be careful, don't be too Beryl about this.”

Beryl released another nervous chuckle before returning to her jolly princess attitude. She held him by the hand and dragged him to wherever she had in mind. She seriously just abandoned me; her sister figure.

Kaleb looked really dazed with literally everything. I followed them their back, and halted at a jewelry stall. It was a very short man that attended to them. I didn't think she bothered to even ask if he liked those. She picked up two bracelets, wore one, and then gave Kaleb the other.

He just looked at her, still trying to figure out who the kind of person standing beside him was.

The man offered them the two necklaces. With excitement, Beryl went behind Kaleb, to put it on his neck. I just feared for her. Unlike me, she was not the type that could handle danger, and what she stood beside was literal danger.

“Wait.” I heared Kaleb saying.

His hands went into his shirt, revealing a necklace. He already had a medallion.

“Wonderful,” The short man adored, coming out from under his shade. The short seller held the necklace that was on Kaleb’s neck. “This piece is rare and can’t be simply bought. The crest. I think I’ve seen it somewhere before. It looks it’s been shared in half. Where’d you get this, lad?”

The man said, still holding onto the necklace, causing Kaleb to bend half of his body.

“My mother gave me this.” He said.

The man stared deeply into it, making them, including me, wonder in suspense. It came to my mind to stop the man before he got any clue of whom Kaleb really was.

“Okay, I think we should move on,” I said, pushing the perplexed two away from the store. “Thank you good sir.”

I wondered what was so special about it.

I heard the man saying something but really did not get the words. I did not bother to go on listening for details since I felt it was not important.

Beryl took it on herself to move Kaleb around and entertain him with her fun personality. She didn't fail to showcase her free spirited attitude and surprisenly did not dig out for more information concerning Kakeb, which was my saviour because I also couldn't afford to bring myself to lie. Brainstorming was not on my to-do list today.

 Finally, it was now dusk. We bade farewell to her and headed back to our seperate homes.

On our way home, Kaleb asked me, “Are all Forelenes like that?” His voice sounded like he was still having a little doubt in him. I guessed he was shocked to see someone as kind as Beryl.

“So now you speak. Do you think I’ll answer your questions you Rocainian? I hate you and all your people.”

That was the only thing I said him. I saw that his forehead formed lines as he furrowed his brows for a frown.

“This is probably why Forelenes get their heads chopped by the Rocainians and die like hunted deers. If not for the fact that my mother was a Forelene, I would have called your race a joke.”

I scoffed. I let him be. I was not ready to exchange words with such arrogant fellow. I was not scared of him though, just wasn't ready to spew my thoughts. 

When we finally got to the house, I walked in angrily, not even sparing Pa a look. It was exasperating to have someone I hardly even knew, walk with me all day all-over town. A Rocainian for that matter.

The house was small so no matter where you stayed at, you could be able to hear any discussion. I sat in my small room, with my back against the door, listening to what they were saying.

“She sure doesn’t act like one of you.” I heard Kaleb saying, “Mother was nice and always said her people were like that.” So his mother was a Forelene, I thought in my head. “She doesn’t act like the other Forelenes.”

Pa said, “It’s because she has her own story. She has a reason for hating your kind.”

“That’s why she’s so stiff.” I heard Kaleb say.

What I heard him speak made me angry. How could a heartless Rocainian breed such of me who’s a Forelene? A bloody murderer calling me stiff.

“She wouldn’t act like that only if she knew...” Grandpa said, but his voice seemed to trail off at the end.

Only if I knew what?