A Bright Tale
A Story for young people, (+- 10-14) and the young at heart
By Alison Lawrence
Introduction
Before commencing our tale, I would like to give you a short tour and overview of Brightston. I am sure that you would like to picture it as clearly as possible, and so, I will do my best to do it justice. It won’t be easy though, for Brightston is a very special place, as you shall see. First, we shall start at the centre of Brightston, which is a bit like travelling to Jerusalem if you were on our planet. Well, right at the centre of Brightston, is a city called the Golden City. It is so called for it is made of gold. Yet, dear reader, it is not the gold which brings illumination, although it does gleam wonderfully. No, it is the king of Brightston himself who radiates light throughout his kingdom. The king, who is very, very holy, and very, very good, has several beautiful names, but he is known everywhere in Brightston as simply the King of Truth, for this is the essence of who he is. He cannot lie. All of his words are truth, and he rules Brightston with fairness, justice, and love. We will speak more of the king throughout this tale, but first, I will take you for a flight over Brightston, before we land in the small village where we will be spending some time.
If you were to fly a drone above the Golden City, you would note that seven rivers branch out from within its walls, just like spokes of a wheel.
The rivers run straight for a ways before they begin to twist and turn through valleys and down hills.
There are some small deserts, just for variety, of course, but the king has dotted these with lush oases, so no one minds the deserts at all. If we swoop a ways to the north, we will see that there are mountains, the slopes of which make a marvelous place for winter games, the building of snowmen, and the drinking of hot chocolate. And wherever we swoop, we shall see splendid bodies of water, and expanses of green, which are the fields of numerous farmers.
Towns and villages are generously spaced, with plenty of room for animals to frolic and roam. As for the inhabitants of Brightston, they are generally joyful, as well they should be. Sadly, though, people can go astray in this happy place, for the wise king has given his subjects free will that they may choose to serve him with loving hearts. But more of that later on. Now, as promised, we shall descend to the charming village of Conifer Lane, so named after the golden-green trees at its centre. And if you need help in imagining it, just think of stone cottages with small, deep-set windows, of thatch, and of chimneys, and bay windows where one can curl up with a good book. Imagine smoky gray, tabby, and black cats, curled up on chairs after drinking their morning milk, and see the bowers of roses, the splashes of pansies, and many bright flower faces. Think up too, a street lined with charming shops: dress it up with striped awnings, quaint signs, umbrellas and pots of petunias. Can you see it? Yes? Well, that is Conifer Lane, and it is a marvelous place to live in, as Grandpa Hiram and his large family of Brightston-tonians will assure you.
Chapter One
Now, as for the folk of Brightston, you will need to imagine them too, although that shouldn’t be too hard. They are quite a fine looking folk, each one having his own look and skin tone. They are mostly of average height. Their most notable feature is that the majority of them have rosy-red cheeks, and the more joyful, and good, and loving they become, the more rosy and jolly their faces appear.
Grandpa Hiram, whom we shall now meet, is one of Conifer Lane’s happiest residents. He is a baker by trade, and although elderly, he still runs his bakery with the help of his sweet wife, Essie. Our story begins on a typical day at the shop: several of Grandpa Hiram’s grand-children and a few of their friends had just stopped by after school.
Grandpa Hiram handed each child a sticky bun as he beamed at them in turn. “Linna, Sunny, Bennie-Bright, Lacey-Dell, Dinnie, Holly-Ann, Roda and Romie. There you go.” His acorn coloured eyes twinkled. “So, how were your lessons today?”
The twins, Roda and Romie, who were twelve, spoke in unison around mouthfuls of sticky buns. “Good, Grandpa, but not as good as your baking.”
Everyone laughed. It was what they always said. Bennie-Bright, whose cheeks were as rosy as his name, grinned. “It is wonderful-good.”
“Why, thank you, children. And there’ll be iced cakes for everyone who passes their Friday tests.”
When the cheers died down, Grandpa Hiram questioned them again. “So, you’ve been studying, then?”
The children all nodded somberly, but Romie poked her sister. “Not everyone. Roda’s been spending too much time talking with that new boy to study. Right, Roda?”
Roda stood on Romie’s foot, and the girl’s squeal made Grandpa Hiram’s eyebrows rise. Grandma Essie shushed the children good-naturedly. She was serving a customer.
“New boy? You mean Yoan, from over west?” Grandpa Hiram asked.
His jolly face grew sombre. He knew Yoan and his family somewhat. The boy’s parents had recently bought a small parcel of land just outside Conifer Lane, and had come into his shop a few times. No doubt, the boy was attending the school house. One thing he knew for sure: this new friend of Roda’s was trouble. “Grandma Essie, will you watch the shop? I need to show these young people something.”
Grandpa Hiram strode silently ahead of the gaggle of children: out of the cherry red shop door, around the corner, formed by the grocer next door, and out to the field behind the main road. He kept walking in a westerly direction, before finally ascending a velvety hill. The children came to a breathless stop behind him. The view was impressive, but the beauty was nothing new to the children. Grandpa Hiram sighed long and sorrowfully as he pointed his finger towards the west. “See that?” He asked. Roda peered hard. She saw green fields, trees, blue sky, a twinkling lake. All good. Yet when she looked harder, she could see a gray belt; a foggy sort of haze in the distance. “The fog, Grandpa?” She asked.
“Yes.” Grandpa placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently, before making sure that all the children had seen the gray haze. “My dears, what you see is a tragedy. A tragedy that should never have happened. But as you know, we all have free will, and the Gray Lands are the result. Even worse, and something I won’t speak of until you’re older, is The Dark City, which lies even further west.”
The children had gone quiet, and all were wondering at Grandpa Hiram’s serious tone. They’d heard only whisperings of The Gray Lands and the awful Dark City.
“What does that have to do with Yoan, Grandpa? He’s nice.” Roda asked.
Grandpa Hiram sighed again. “I’m sure he might be quite nice, Roda, but he and his family come from The Gray Lands. The sad fact is, that the folk who live there don’t serve and love our precious king. They have strange and bad ideas and ways, my child. You must be very careful.”
Roda’s rosy cheeks paled. “But Grandpa, perhaps Yoan and his family moved here so that they can serve our king.”
Grandpa Hiram smiled sadly. “Perhaps, my child. Perhaps. I do pray so.”
Inwardly though, he had little hope that this was the case. As he shepherded the little flock back into town, he promised himself that he would talk to his daughter, Britta, and son-in-law, Dac, before the end of day.
Chapter Two
Roda remained thoughtful for the rest of the day. She barely noticed Grandpa Hiram’s quick visit after supper. Could Yoan really be as bad as he had suggested? He seemed like a normal boy to Roda: kind of goofy, with some neat ball skills, and a few serious moments. She decided that Grandpa Hiram must be wrong about Yoan: after all, his family had moved away from The Gray Lands. Surely they must have been looking for something better.
***
As Roda walked to school the next day alongside Romie, she felt a tug on her straight, brown hair. She whipped around to find an impish face smiling at her. “Hi.” She smiled back. Yoan’s freckled face along with the shock of gold on his head made him look innocent enough. As usual, his soccer ball was tucked under one arm. “How about a quick game before school?” He gestured at Romie and at the group of children walking just ahead. “We’ve got enough players.”
“Sure,” Roda started to say, but Romie cut her off. “No thanks, Yoan. We’ll be late if we do.” She spoke politely, but she kept her gaze on her shoes. “Come Roda, there’s still time to go through our notes before the test.”
But Roda had stopped walking. “You go on, Romie. I’ve studied enough. There’s time for a little fun.”
Yoan whooped, then kicked his ball into the field alongside the road. Roda ran after him, leaving Romie standing with her mouth hanging open. After a few moments she called to her sister loudly, but it was no use. The other children had ignored Yoan and were nearly at the school. Romi had no choice but to run after them. She turned back once, and was just in time to see Roda kick the ball in a high arc whilst laughing for sheer joy. Romie sighed. Roda was such a fun-loving sister. As for herself, she was the quiet, studious twin. She could only pray that Roda would heed Grandpa Hiram’s warning about Yoan. Romie stationed herself just outside the school gate to wait for Roda. She smiled in relief when her sister and Yoan tumbled up breathless and laughing a few moments before the bell rang. Romie gave Roda her most stern look. Her sister’s face was all lit up with joy and exertion. Yoan’s grin was as wide as Roda’s, but there was something odd about him. Romie’s gasp was audible. The boy was definitely trouble, just as Grandpa Hiram had warned. The skin beneath Yoan’s freckles was as white as snow.
***
Romie just about yanked Roda into the school room. “I need to talk with you at break time.”
The cheerful Mr Cardinal was already calling for quiet, and giving instructions for the test. “We will begin straight after the morning address and singing.” He smiled at each row of students in turn. “I am sure that you will all excel. You are all such bright students.” His smile seemed to falter slightly as his gaze rested on his newest student, but he recovered quickly. “Be sure to read each question carefully, and remember, you will need wisdom and knowledge to do well.”
Once her paper lay before her, Roda pulled out her favourite pen, and began to write in a flowing style. Words came easily to her. The answer to the last question flowed easily from her heart: How does the king require us to treat our neighbours?
“With love, kindness, and good will.” She snapped the cap of her pen back on, and glanced first at Yoan, then at Romie. Some folks should remember that law.
***
Romie wasted no time in ushering Roda to a quiet corner at break time. She glanced around quickly before whispering urgently in Roda’s ear. “I noticed it after you played soccer. Yoan’s skin was as white as a sheet. He’s not one of us, Roda.” She paused for breath, before adding, “Grandpa Hiram was right.” She waited for her sister’s response, glad to see that Roda’s eyes had widened and that her smile had dimmed. But Roda wasn’t quiet for long, and whispered back in Romie’s ear. “He’s probably just depressed after living in The Gray Lands. I’m sure he’ll come right soon. Our joy is sure to help. Anyway,” she added with an air of triumph, “we’re to love our neighbours, Romie. Not gossip about them.” And with that, she turned sharply away from Romie before joining the other children in a noisy game of tag.
Chapter Three
Britta, the twins’ mother, normally let their father, Dac, settle down for a while with a refreshing drink before telling about her day; but this couldn’t wait. “Dac,” she said, as she placed a lemon drink on the table, “we need to talk.”
Dac took one look at the frown on her pretty face and nodded. “It’s about Roda, isn’t it?”
Britta sighed in relief as she sat down opposite him at the generous, old table. “Yes. Romie told me what happened at school today. That boy…” She struggled for words. “He’s not normal. His face is too pale. Romie says, even after running it was as white as a sheet. And our Roda doesn’t seem to see the danger.”
Dac placed a soothing hand on her trembling one. “I’ll talk to her today. She won’t like what I have to say, but we’ll be doing what we have to do to protect her.”
***
Dac walked out to the barn. He knew he’d find his girls there. Probably playing with the kitties after their chore time, or flying through the air on the swing he’d set up for them and their now grown brothers.
“Papa!” They ran as one to greet him, almost bowling him over in their exuberance. He laughed and swung each one round in turn, despite his concern. After a few minutes, he ruffled Romie's already tousled hair. “Why don’t you go help your mama get dinner ready?”
Romie complied, but she couldn’t help thinking that papa wanted to talk to Roda alone.
Dac beckoned Roda over to the cow stalls, where he complimented her on
their cleanliness before starting the difficult conversation he knew he must have.
“Roda, your mother and I love you very much, and that is why we are concerned about your friendship with Yoan. Grandpa Hiram has good reason to believe that he and his family are trouble. Your mother and I agree with him.”
Roda stopped stroking the latest calf, and turned to face her father. “But Papa, Yoan isn’t a troublemaker. He’s just a normal boy, although he’s a bit different. Shouldn’t we show love and kindness to people who aren’t like us? Why is everyone being so mean?” Her voice shook, and hot tears sprang to her eyes. She wanted to run out of the barn and into the field, but Dac blocked her path. “Come daughter, let’s go sit down.” He led her to his small office, where he kept his farm records. “Roda, I love your heart. Your desire to show love and kindness is a good thing, and it is something that the king wants us to do. In fact, we must all treat Yoan and his family well. But we also need wisdom when having to do with people who move here from The Gray Lands. The sad truth is that they are usually agents of darkness, sent here to lead good folk astray.”
Roda crossed her arms in front of herself. “Papa, Yoan’s not an agent, whatever that is.”
“Maybe not, Roda, but his parents may be.” Dac spoke gently, yet his tone was firm. “That is why we want you to keep away from him as much as possible. You may speak to him at school: be kind and polite. You may even tell him of our king, or take him a gift, but you are not to go walking with him, or play ball games with him, or be with him at all outside school. Do you understand Roda?”
Roda opened her mouth to argue, but Dac just shook his head. “That is my final word on the subject, Roda. Unless by a miracle, you are right.”
***
“What did Papa say?” Romie whispered later on when they were alone in their room. She guessed that the conversation had been a serious one, but she wanted to be there for her sister. Roda hadn’t been her usual self all evening, and had eaten very lightly even though Mama had made her favourite dishes.
“I can't be friends with Yoan anymore.” Roda supplied bluntly. “Are you happy now?”
Romie scooted up close to Romie. “Of course I’m not happy. Why would you being sad make me happy?”
“You hate Yoan, that’s why. And you’re a tattle tale.”
Romie shook her dark brown curls. “Am not. I told Mama because I was worried. And I don’t hate Yoan. I just think we have to be careful, that’s all.”
“I just think everyone's being mean. How would you feel if you were new at school and no one liked you?”
“Sad.” Admitted Romie. “I do feel sorry for Yoan, Roda. He does often sit alone at break times.”
“And he’ll be even lonelier if I listen to Papa.” Roda sniffed. It was horrible to think of.
“If you listen to Papa, Roda? But you have to!”
Roda glared uncharacteristically at Romie before bopping her on the head with a pillow. “Just leave me alone.”
***
Mr Cardinal hurried through his morning stretches and his toast and tea. He needed to consult with Grandpa Hiram before the first bakery customers arrived in search of fresh baked bread.
It’s a sorry situation. A very sorry situation. He murmured to himself as he walked up the sleepy street. Most of Conifer Lane’s residents would just be waking, but not Grandpa Hiram. Bakers have to get up bright and early to get waiting loaves in the oven.
Mr Cardinal slipped around the back of the shop and tapped on the door.
“Mr Cardinal! Come in, and have tea with me. I’m due for a cup.” Grandpa Hiram smiled warmly and led the way into the kitchen.
Mr Cardinal stood still and just breathed. “It’s heavenly. I feel better already.”
“Has something been bothering you, then?” Grandpa Hiram asked as he poured his favourite tea.
Mr Cardinal sighed as he sat down on a nearby stool. “Yes Hiram. I’m afraid so. Something, or rather, someone, has me very worried.” He reached into his satchel, and pulled out a folder. “This should explain everything.”
Grandpa Hiram took a soothing sip of his tea, before perusing the document before him. “This is Yoan’s test paper?”
Mr Cardinal nodded. “Yes. And you will see that his answers are what have me concerned.”
Grandpa Hiram read on in silence. Dear, oh dear.
“Mr Cardinal, as a village elder, I feel that we need to call on the king about this matter. He will likely send one of his officers to investigate.” He scanned the paper once more. “As you know, Mr Cardinal, I am especially anxious about my granddaughter, Roda. We want to encourage her in her kindness, but we need to be cautious too.”
“I understand, Hiram. Roda has a loving heart, but it could lead her into trouble.” Mr Cardinal stood up to leave. “I will keep an eye on the situation, and will let Roda’s parents know if there is need for concern.”
***
That same morning, Roda grabbed some alone time by getting up extra early to do her chores. Papa would be milking in the barn, so she focused her attention on the goat pens. The sweet baby goats helped calm her thoughts for a while, but she knew she’d have to make a final decision quickly. The whole thing was stupid and unfair. Why punish Yoan for where he came from? She couldn’t understand why her hospitable father was being so mean. Or why everyone was being so mean for that matter. Her cross thoughts put some force into her arms, and she was soon done feeding the goats. That gave her some time before she’d need to go inside and help with breakfast. She dashed to a secluded spot behind the barn, and climbed up into her special tree. It was always waiting for her in times like these, and she felt comforted by the solidity of its sturdy branches. As she sat there, thinking, and thinking, the morning mist began to slowly lift with the rising sun. And Roda’s indecision lifted with it.
***
“Remember what we spoke about, Roda.” Papa reminded her as she gathered her things for school. Roda nodded. She remembered. She also remembered that Papa hadn’t banned her from talking to Yoan at school. Or from giving him things. She thought of the small package in her bag, and immediately felt better.
Romie hurried her out of the door a great deal earlier than they normally left. Roda could guess why. She was trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation, and Roda went along with her for the sake of peace.
***
At school, when Yoan sat down at his desk, he sent his usual grin her way, and Roda smiled back at him. Later, when he dropped his pencil on the floor, she handed it to him, along with a joke she’d scribbled on a piece of paper. Yoan’s chuckle caused Mr Cardinal to cough, which was the teacher’s polite way of calling for quiet. Roda ignored Romie's warning look. She wasn’t doing anything wrong.
At lunch time, Roda headed straight for the spot where Yoan was sitting all alone. She grabbed the ball he always had with him, and bounced it a few times. “Hey."
"Hey Roda.”
“How did you do on the test?” She asked as she tossed the ball his way.
“Not so good. I guess I don’t know the right thing to say. I didn’t grow up here.”
“Don’t worry,” Roda smiled. “I’ll help you. That way you can show everyone and ace your next test, OK?”
“You’d do that? Thanks Roda. Maybe some of the other boys will like me then.”
Roda did her best to sound cheerful. “Oh, I’m sure they will. They do play soccer with you sometimes, don’t they? And Bennie-Bright sits next to you.”
“Bennie-Bright is always friendly. His name says it all.” Yoan’s grin was back, and Roda laughed. Then she remembered her mission, and reached into her skirt pocket. “Here, Yoan, it’s for you. Open it after school.”
As Roda re-joined the skipping game she’d left, she felt sure that she’d done the right thing.
Chapter Four
Bennie-Bright pulled out a paper packet of sweets at the end of the school day. “Want some?”
Yoan wondered at how jolly and bright the boy’s face was. And he always seemed happy. “Thanks.” Yoan smiled back. When he dribbled his ball a bit down the road, Bennie stuffed his sweets back into his pocket and joined in. It made Yoan’s day, and he only wished that Roda hadn’t gone off so quickly. She probably had chores, he reasoned. And at least he still had the package she’d given him.
Bennie said goodbye at the turn off to his house, and Yoan walked on alone, the ball now tucked under his arm. There was nothing to hurry for, and no chores waiting at home, so he sat on a low stone wall. Then he took the package from his satchel and opened it. He grinned when he saw the big homemade cookies inside. There was a note too. After reading it, he took a big bite of cookie, jumped off of the wall, and whistled all the way down the lane.
***
Yoan was never sure what he’d find when he got home, so he slipped in the back door quietly. A quick look around the kitchen, told him his mother wasn’t there, so he walked through to the sitting room. He found her there, on the window seat reading. “Yoan. How was school? Anything interesting happen?”
His mother flipped her long silver hair over her shoulder. Yoan couldn’t help wondering how she managed to do anything with her long nails, which were painted blue today.
“It was good. I’ve got two friends now.” Yoan planned to keep the details to himself. It felt as though telling everything would spoil things. “Where’s Dad?” He changed the topic.
“Out back somewhere. Practicing, I suppose. He needs it.” She flipped her hair again. “I guess you’d better run off and do your homework. I’ll see what there is for supper.”
Yoan nodded, and ran upstairs to his room, glad that his mom seemed normal today. He sat on his bed and retrieved Roda’s package. The cookies were the best he’d ever eaten.
***
On Saturday afternoon, after she’d done all of her chores, and played with her girl cousins as she’d told her parents she was going to do, Roda set out for the same velvety hill Grandpa Hiram had taken her to. Her satchel held the makings of a basic picnic and a book. What her parents didn’t know was that she would not be enjoying them on her own.
Roda walked faster when she approached the shade trees near the hill's summit. A flash of gold among the branches told her that Yoan had made it. Her whistle was met by a scrambling sound as Yoan climbed down.
“I brought a picnic.” Roda held her bag aloft.
“Are there any more of those yummy cookies?” Yoan thanked her for the surprise package she’d given him. And for the invitation, as well as her offer to help him with his school work on Saturdays.
Roda grinned. “I did bring some. Also, sandwiches, and lemonade.”
They climbed back up into the tree’s wide branches, and Roda hung her satchel up nearby. For a few minutes, they said little as they ate hungrily.
But Roda couldn't help noticing the gray smog of The Gray Lands through the leaves of the tree. It made her glad for Yoan: glad that he could breathe fresh air instead of that nasty stuff.
“Thanks, Roda. Your food is really good.” He thought of his parents’ bland or sometimes non-existent cooking. At least here in Brightston, there were shops like Grandpa Hiram’s bakery. And a friend like Roda.
Roda reached for the bottles in her bag, and handed one to Yoan. “Please tell me about The Gray Lands, where you come from. I’d like to know.” She added softly. “No one really talks about it around here.”
Yoan took a sip of his still cool lemonade before answering. “I guess I can’t blame them.” He swung his legs beneath the branch. “The people there aren’t like you folks, Roda.”
Something in his tone made Roda shudder. “I don’t think I’d like it there.”
“No, you wouldn’t. Let’s not talk about The Graylands.”
Roda nodded. “I brought a book you can borrow. If you read it, we can talk about it next Saturday.” She drew the book from her satchel. “Everything you need to know about our king and his kingdom.”
Yoan held the book carefully in his hands, and studied the cover, before placing it in his own satchel. He also brought a sunshiny apple out of it and handed it to Roda. “To say thanks,” he smiled.
Chapter Five
The court official bowed deeply, then approached the radiant king on his throne. “A missive from Elder Hiram of Conifer Lane, Your Majesty.”
The king smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Ira.”
He opened the letter at once, for he was always concerned for the welfare of his people. The king read through the letter twice, before summoning Ira once more. The missive certainly called for action.
“Come walk with me in the rose garden, Ira. I have a task for you, and we need to discuss the details. You will be going to Conifer Lane.”
***
Yoan entered the house cautiously once darkness had fallen, hoping to slip upstairs with the book Roda had lent him. All was quiet, except for a low, rumbling purr coming from the sitting room. He caught a glimpse of a long, silvery tail twitching, and a tiny mouse transfixed by the cat’s green-eyed stare. There’d be no supper tonight. His mother had shape-shifted into a cat again. As for his dad…
A series of howls rose from the basement. They sounded real. Real enough to make the hairs on the back of Yoan’s neck rise. Dad’s practising must have paid off. Yoan ran upstairs, leaving them to it. He wanted more than anything to find out more about his new home.
***
The following Saturday, the children's picnic lunch consisted of pies and fruit cake. Yoan declared that he had never eaten so well in his life. That made Roda beam. She and Romie had made both the day before. “What does your mother like to cook and bake?” She asked, feeling sure it was a safe topic.
“Anything. As long as it comes out of a box or tin. My Dad’s idea of cooking is to open a can of beans before spooning them on toast.” He grimaced. “I’d like to learn to cook one day.”
“Sounds like you need to take over the kitchen at home. Maybe I can visit one day. I’ll teach you to cook real quick.”
“Thanks Roda, but I’ll be fine. You’re helping me enough already.” Yoan said quickly, tapping on the book he’d been reading. Brightston sounds like a cool place to live. And the king seems very fair.”
Roda’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, it is, Yoan. It’s the best place to live. And there’s no one as cool as our king. You’ll see for yourself when he visits Conifer Lane.”
Yoan sat up straighter. “When will that be?”
Roda smiled and shrugged. “I don’t know. We just have to be ready for a visit at all times.”
“Well, I don’t think I’m ready.” Yoan frowned. “I’m only halfway through the book.”
Roda laughed. “Relax, Yoan. The king isn’t all about rules. He’s very, very, nice.”
***
Unseen by the children, for the cloak the king had given him made him invisible, Ira listened closely to the conversation in the tree above him. The young girl’s joyful comments about his lord made him smile. She was a good teacher. He hoped that the boy would take her words seriously.
Ira stepped noiselessly aside when the children climbed down to the ground at the lengthening of the shadows. He followed behind them at a distance. He decided to go to the boy’s home this time.
Ira noted that the once attractive two-level house, had a dreary, unkempt air about it. He had no idea how the boy’s parents made a living, for the surrounding acres were barren of both crops and livestock. This led him to believe that they were living off savings from their previous life.
Ira watched as the boy entered the house through the back door. He then crept up to the kitchen window, and observed the boy speaking with a man and a woman. The adults were sitting at a battered kitchen table. The dark-haired man was spreading beans onto a slice of toast, which he slid across to the boy. The boy shook his head, and rubbed his tummy. Ira heard the man grumbling about ingratitude, and the boy explaining that a friend had given him lunch. The woman, who had a feline quality about her, shushed the rough looking man, and said it was good that the boy was making friends. The man nodded, and took the toast back, which he proceeded to stuff into his mouth. The boy, Yoan, asked politely to be excused, and Ira watched as left the room.
The king's officer slipped around to the other side of the house, where he glimpsed the boy looking out of an upstairs window. Before long, the youngster turned away, but not before Ira saw an open book in his hands. The same book which the children had been discussing up in the tree.
Ira continued to watch the house from the shadows on the edge of the property. He was quite sure that patience would pay off. The large, bright, silvery moon kept true darkness at bay all year round in Brightston. Ira took a moment to enjoy its beauty, before focusing his gaze on the house once more. The woman with long, silver hair emerged from the house. Ira watched, as she crouched down low, emitted a yowl, and transformed into a large feline. The cat-woman tip-toed delicately along a wall before leaping up onto the porch roof, where she sat, cleaning her face. Ira couldn’t help wondering whether she’d just lapped up a bowl of milk. At the same time, the boy’s father had lumbered off to the shed. Ira listened closely to the animal noises coming from within, and came to the conclusion that the man had taken on the form of a wolf.
Both parents are shape-shifters. Ira shuddered. He knew that many people from the Gray Lands believed that a person could simply choose whatever they wanted to be, and then become it. With the help of dark forces of course. Ira looked up at the bedroom window at which the boy had stood. And he wondered. And then he sighed very deeply.
Chapter Six
Ira removed the special cloak, and stowed it carefully in his bag. He wouldn’t be needing it for the moment. He was sure to receive a warm welcome at Elder Hiram’s home, as well as any other information he needed. As he made his way to the house adjacent to the bakery, he hoped that he wasn’t being inconsiderate by arriving at such a late hour, but he needn’t have worried.
“Come in, come in. Such an honour. We were told to expect you. And thank you for coming.” Grandpa Hiram opened the front door wide. “Essie, our visitor has arrived.”
Essie hurried to the front of the house, bobbing her head and smiling all the way. After receiving a warm handshake from Ira, she bustled back to the kitchen, where a late supper was awaiting some final touches.
Grandpa Hiram led the king’s officer to the sitting room. Though stately in appearance, and dignified, Ira at once put the elderly gentleman at ease with his kind manner. He gladly accepted the berry cordial which Grandpa Hiram poured for him, and settled into a fireside chair. “Much appreciated after the evening’s adventures, I assure you.” Ira took a long sip before resuming. “Before we speak further, I must convey the king’s affectionate greetings to you, and to your wife and kin.” He nodded warmly at Essie, who had returned.
“Thank you.” Grandpa Hiram bowed a little. “And please return ours to our wondrous king.”
Essie smiled, and bobbed her head once more, before enquiring politely whether their guest would care to eat right away.
“How kind of you to prepare food so late. Yes, let us eat now, and not spoil your hard work.”
The three enjoyed Essie’s fine cooking, which included a variety of Grandpa Hiram’s sweet treats and bread. “Fine company, and fine food. And now that my strength is completely restored, we shall discuss the matter at hand.”
Grandpa Hiram and Grandma Essie’s faces grew serious once more, as Ira related his findings. “Your Grand-daughter is a special young lady, and would make a great teacher. She also seems genuinely concerned for the boy.”
“Yet she has disobeyed her father’s instructions to have nothing to do with the boy after school hours.” Grandpa Hiram sighed. “That can’t be a good thing, and there should be consequences for her actions.”
Ira nodded soberly. “You are right, and her father will have to decide whether to punish her or not. But,” he added, “we must allow the situation to unfold a little in order to act justly. As far as I can tell, Roda is in no danger, and I will keep a close eye on her.”
Grandpa Hiram relaxed a little into his chair. “And what of the parents?”
Ira grimaced. “Shape-shifters. You have heard of them, I’m sure. We cannot allow their evil to spread. And that is most likely why they are here: they desire to spread their poisonous ideas.”
“And the boy is their son. One of them.” Grandpa Hiram leaned forward. “Are you sure that Roda will be safe?”
“I give you my word.” Ira’s voice was sure. “She will not come to harm.”
Chapter Seven
Ira rose early, and after enjoying coffee and a raisin bun with Elder Hiram in the bakery, he set off for a stroll up the main road. It was the third day of his visit. He planned to stay until the end of the week, or perhaps longer if needed. He stopped to stroke a plump, gray cat under its chin and admired some striped red and white petunias nearby. Truly a delightful town. Now, if only evil will flee.
He strolled to the end of the row of shops and businesses, and sat on the low wall of the bridge. A sparkling stream ran beneath it, and willows and maples completed the pretty scene. It was also the spot which the pupils must pass on their way to lessons. Although Ira had spoken with a second elder, with Roda’s parents, and with the teacher, he had yet to speak with the children themselves. And as far as he was concerned, this would decide the matter.
Before long, he spotted a jolly group making their way towards the tree lined avenue that led up to the school. Ira saw Roda almost at once, as he’d been trailing after her all week. Her sister, Romie, seemed just as sweet as her sister, though quieter by nature. The group of children stopped walking when they saw him, then bowed and smiled politely. He greeted them back warmly, and asked them their names by turn. They obliged happily, before excusing themselves to go on to the school house. Ira watched them go, pondering how he could speak to Roda without the other children around. Then, as the childrens’ voices faded down the road, he heard the sound of running feet. “Sir! Sir!” It was Roda. “May I speak with you? You know the king. I’m sure you can help, can’t you?” She spilled the words out in a rush. She didn’t have much time, although Romie had reluctantly agreed to walk on.
“Perhaps I can help.” Said Ira kindly.
Roda sighed with relief. She looked up the road first, to see whether Yoan was anywhere about, then quickly told the king’s official all about her friend. “And no one likes him, except for me. Bennie-Bright’s friendly, and of course, no one’s rude to him. I just think we should give him a chance, and be kind like the king wants us to be.”
“I believe you are right, Roda. We should be kind to everyone. Even to those who aren’t like us. But we must take care not to learn wrong ways from them.” Ira suggested that they be seated on the wall, and with his kindly prompting, Roda told him all she knew about Yoan.
***
After their talk, Ira accompanied Roda up to the school. He promised to tell the king what she had said about her friend, then turned to go. Then, as he neared the field alongside the road, he heard the thud of a shoe kicking a ball, and wondered whether it would be considered appropriate for a king’s official to join in the game.
Well, it might help to settle this case if I do.
Ira stepped out onto the field. A young blond boy had abandoned his school bag, and was practising kicking a ball into a makeshift goal.
“Hi.” Ira called.
Yoan picked up his ball and walked over to the stranger. “Is this your field? I’m sorry.”
It’s quite fine, young man. I believe that this field belongs to the king, and as I am one of his officers, I am sure he won't mind if we use it.”
“We?” Asked Yoan, puzzled.
“Yes. May I join you for a game? I rather like soccer.”
***
Ira’s last visit of the week was to the teacher, Mr Cardinal, late on Friday afternoon. The king’s officer found the kindly teacher in his study, a pile of test papers beside him.
“A pleasure, a pleasure.” Mr Cardinal stood up and bowed in an elegant fashion. He was genuinely pleased to receive a visit from the king’s official, and would have sought him out if he hadn’t come.
“The students’ test papers?” Ira asked, as he pointed to the pile.
“Yes, Sir. I have just finished marking them. And I do believe that this one will be of great interest to you.” Mr Cardinal handed the top most paper to the officer. “And to our worthy king.”
Ira smiled his thanks and accepted the offer of tea and pastries along with a comfortable wing back chair.
With his glasses perched on the end of his nose, he carefully read what the child had written in his rather erratic, spidery, handwriting. The boy's yearning for truth was even more deeply and honestly expressed here than in his first test. And at once he made plans to return to the king. The young seeker after truth was certainly not an agent. And he was going to need their help.
Epilogue
Conifer Lane was the first town which the king visited that year. The highlight of his visit was meeting the two wonderful young people he’d heard so much about in person. On the day of his arrival, he was ushered to a large field, which had been mowed and decked out in bunting, all in the king’s colours of course. There were marquees, and games for the children, along with a podium and special chair for the king. And of course, there was plenty of food, including tasty delights from Grandpa Hiram’s bakery.
Yoan, his ball tucked under his arm as usual, arrived with Mr Cardinal. The teacher had adopted him, and taken him under his wing, after Yoan’s parents had disappeared without a trace one moonlit night. A neighbouring farmer told how he had watched a shaggy black wolf, with of all things, a silvery cat clinging to its back race across the fields towards The Gray Lands.
Yoan’s parents had left him, as well as all of their earthly belongings behind, along with an odd little note wishing Yoan well in his new life.
When Roda was introduced to the king, he drove all of her fear away with his kindness. “Roda, you are a blessing to my kingdom. Keep up the good work my child. Never stop treating others well.”
The king turned to Yoan, and in that moment, the boy knew that he was loved, and his face glowed with joy. “And Yoan, dear boy. You are a special blessing too. Welcome to the kingdom of light.”
***
The End
***
Ephesians 5:8 CSB
[8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light #— #
https://bible.com/bible/1713/eph.5.8.CSB
***
Story copyright: Alison Lawrence
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