Ananiel

The forest eventually became flat lands, and I continued my journey forward. The autumn lands radiated a yellow-orange hue as a nice breeze brushed the leaves away. Along the horizon, A couple of houses sat alongside the dirt path. Passing by the houses, a grey wall layered with wooden scaffolding grew larger and larger as I marched along the road. A triple Venn diagram with a triangle in the middle hung proudly on the in-construction walls. Looking at the Sun, the day was about 20 degrees from mid-day. Guards stood at the gate, exhausted and about to pass out as I approached.

“Halt”

The guards exclaim. Their expressions clearly shook alive.

“We notice you have weapons on you. Do you have any form of identification?”

I stand there confused.

“...”

The guards glanced at each other; one of them approached and further questioned,

“Any reason for your lone arrival?”

I think for a moment and respond,

“The forest has started stirring recently and I have been hearing howlings in the woods. I can at least get to shelter and get away from whatever is out there.”

After another glance and a nod, the guard gave a thumbs up and gestured for me to enter the city. Crossing the walls, the entire town stood in contrast to nature. The buildings held colors of mildly dark wood, and the walkway was laid with cobblestone. The cold air contrasted with the cozy atmosphere that lingered within. Walking around, a few buildings held signposts, a tavern, an inn, and a few stores sat idle on either side of the road. Following the cobblestone path, I noticed the trail split into crossroads as a statue stood. Sitting on a bench, I read the plate on the figure.

“In honor of our Founder and father, Cornelius. The one who taught honesty, cooperation, and innovation.”

Remembering the delivery letter, I pull out the yellow scroll. Opening it up, an initial ingrained into the scroll rises and morphs into a blank sheet of paper. Raising my finger, a ball of light floated. Writing, I send a message,

“ I am outside in front of the statue, the caravan encountered an accident. Only I am left. Your wine is in safe hands.”

The page floated into the sky and drifted along the wind. Away from sight… A few moments later, A similar page landed in front of my eyes, reading,

“Acknowledged… Wait there. We will discuss this accident while we head back to my house.”

The city seemed eerily empty, with only a few pedestrians wandering the streets. Bored, I stare off at the plumes of smoke rising into the sky…

The Sun hung directly above the Zenith when a cloaked figure of large stature walked towards the statue. He glanced around and walked a circle around the bust. Reflecting a few times, he approaches me sitting on a bench. His stature standing at about 6 foot 7,

“Are you the one who sent the message?”

I reply, staring at his massive stature,

“Yes”

Smiling under his hood, he raised both arms and exclaimed

“Welcome! It must have been a long journey. Come with me.”

Standing up, we started walking together.

“I’m sure you have heard, I am Reid Cornelius. One of the family heads who runs this beautiful city.”

Nodding, I ask

“Where is everybody? Why are there no pedestrians out and about?”

“Today is the day where we mourn our losses, Our valiant soldiers who fought and fell. The ceremony starts at around 4…”

Glancing at his watch, Reid looks up towards me,

“It’s 12:07 right now… So… I heard there was an accident? Can you tell me about it?”

I sighed, re imagining the caravan that lay still on the ground.

“The accident was horrifying, I am not certain on what happened but everyone was dead except for me…”

Reaching into my bag, I pull out the Caravan emblem. Reid’s eyebrows raised. His face filled with a look of shock, followed by surprise and then mourning. After a moment of silence, Reid commented,

“I’m sorry for what happened … But now I know and I thank you for telling me. I’m sure it must have been rough walking here. But it seems I owe you a thanks.”

After a moment of contemplation Reid waved at me.

“Follow me traveller, I will compensate you with a reward.”

Following, I look around the road, an excellent cobblestone road with stalls beside the stone and wood buildings. It was a pleasant site seeing people occasionally walking around, and others setting up booths. Seeking that opportunity for some commerce. Looking up, my eyes admired the blue sky, clear of clouds except for the puffs of smoke from nearby buildings. My daydream was interrupted by Reid tapping my shoulder.

“We are here.”

Reid pulled down his hood. A structured face and a hardened gaze turned towards the mansion. walled behind a stretch of black metal fences sat a picturesque existence of a mansion. A double gate entrance, held decorative bends and swirls and stood tall. Reid pushed open a gate. Revealing rows of trees of many shades. Which rained down its reddish-brown leaves on the path. Across the trees was a wide expanse with horses grazing in the grass. Following along with Reid, we eventually make it to the front of the house. Entering, we were greeted with stairs that spiraled sharply following the 4 sided wall raised above. Carpets rested along the floors to the left and right of the entrance.

“Follow me, I want to see the wine.”

Walking awkwardly through the halls with Reid, I find my mind wandering in tempo with each step I take. Glimpses of people dressed as maids, butlers, and noblemen roamed in and out of the many doors that lined the hallway. I felt my feet bounce lightly with each step.

“Here we are!”

Reid exclaimed loudly, snapping me out of the strange atmosphere.

“Welcome! This is my study room.”

I stood before the picture frame that revealed a large wooden desk and many papers stacked above my height. Boxes held rolled-up scrolls, and books gathered dust as they rested on the bookshelf. Stepping in, the windows revealed a beautiful meadow of yellowish grass. Contrasting the mess that rested around. Reid picks up a scroll and hands it to me. The page was a copy of a contract of the delivery reading,

“Under this scroll, I, Torbell Cork, guarantee a successful or not so successful, delivery of our first trial wine. This wine is a very special wine with illusionistic properties. A wine meant for entertainment as one witnesses a world of joy, bliss, and fulfillment. I guarantee a cinematic experience that you will not regret.”

After reading through, I glance at Reid, and he says,

“Alright, show me the wine”

I took out the wine. It was a fine glass bottle swishing with dark liquid. Cursive writing labelled the wine and seemed unreadable at a glance.

" Place it on the scroll and I can reward you.”

The edges of the wine started to burn when I placed it on the scroll. An invisible circle charred black, fulfilling the delivery. Reid commented,

“Now I store this away, proof of a successful delivery.”

In the distance, a noticeable bell rang. Both of us turn our heads sharply towards the sound. After a second of silence, Reid exclaims,

“It seems I should hurry this transaction, food’s ready. Here…”

Rummaging through his pockets, Reid pulls out 6 coins

“Here’s 4 silver, a copper and tin coin, I thank you again for this knowledge and the wine. Hurry along now. The exit is back where you came. I have an important meeting. Sorry!”

Pushing me out of the room, I find myself back in the hallway. In a hurry, Reid brisked down the hallway in the opposite direction we came from. I glanced in both directions, noticing Reid’s back turning away from view. Sighing, I head in the other direction, inspecting the coins along the way. Counting, I hold 4 silver, 5 copper, and 5 tin coins. Flipping a silver coin, it lands on tails. The currency held a triple Venn diagram with a triangle in the middle. Heading straight for the exit, I took some time to admire the luxury pieces put into display. Soon I arrived at the front gate.

An oncoming wagon sped past the mansion gate. spewing dust which plumed right in front of my eyes. Staring at the sky, I felt the cold late-autumn air lingering around. With each step I took along the path, the persistent growling of my stomach became a constant reminder of my hunger. With my mind set on a comforting meal, I set my mind wondering about the cuisine. Filled with anticipation, I quickened my pace on the journey back to the city.