Andro Rhine waited
upon the docks that lined Logan’s lakefront. A cold autumn breeze picked up
across the waters and blew in his face – his look was miserable. His father
stepped out from a nearby goods store, but never looked up from the token he
held in his hand.
“Son, see
here,” said Audin in an odd manner. “I’ve never beheld the likes of one of
these.”
“What is
it?”
“A Mervonel
coin. Imagine that – all the way from Acrindian.”
Andro
glanced it over in his father’s waiting hand. Upon one side was a sea serpent
in an ever-consuming circle; and upon the opposite side, a profile of a shorthaired
man. At the bottom was scribed the words – Emp.
Ràcnar. “Whose face is that? We have no emperor in Turra Arrither. Who
would carry a coin like this to Logan?” he asked.
“Gandol is a
mixing place now – all kinds of folk coming in, especially with Fort Gregory
underway.”
Andro
glowered all the more. “Don’t remind me. And now to make things worse – here
comes the mayor’s boat from Hall. Why doesn’t he take a carriage like everyone
else?”
“Perhaps he
is mayor also of the lake,” quipped Audin.
“I believe a
certain` Lanfersian council would have something to say about that.”
“Indeed. Now
pipe down, they are near…”
Derek Ronen
hastily exited the boat, which was manned by several others whom took down the
sails. His son, Darius followed at his heal.
“Mornin’
Mayor, Mornin’ Darius,” exclaimed Audin, to Andro’s displeasure. He only wished
for them to go away. Audin made it worse.
“Ever see
one of these?” he asked with strange pride.
The mayor
paused in obligatory, if not annoyed fashion. “Have I ever seen what, Mister
Rhine?”
“A Mervonel
coin,” he answered, holding it high as the silver of its shine glimmered in the
late morning sun. “Merchant Woldberry sold it to me. It comes a long way to get
here.”
“Enjoy it
then, Audin. Put it with whatever else fascinates you,” he replied, just above
being rude. “In Lyle such things are commonplace.”
This time
Andro interjected his opinion. “Better that we stay unique right here in the
Lernahurn. Seems those who lose their traditions, lose everything.” The mayor
gave him small regard, unlike Darius at his back, who scowled.
“Northern Gandol may be unique, but we
are not fools either,” snapped Darius.
“My son is
correct, young Andro,” replied Mayor Derek. He knew every name in Logan, it
seemed. “You most of all should understand and respect far away places…traveler
that you are. Most hold tradition by becoming great – great in the world means
change.”
“Greatness
comes from heroes – like common folk,” returned Andro, no less bold.
Mayor Derek
had heard enough. “Good day, Audin and Andro.”
“And a good
day to you, mayor,” returned Audin. “I hope those across the water helped you
with your dilemma.”
The mayor
paused again; his patient tried.
“What
dilemma do you speak of now?” he asked in a mumble.
“Dissention…right
here in Logan.”
“Dissention?
Audin smiled, happy he made
the mayor stop in his tracks again...
An Update: working on page 118.
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