Ayos: The Heir with the Crimson Eyes

by Justin Parks

  Chapter 19

  Scarborough Fair

  It had been a few weeks since the group returned from their last mission. They had all been carrying on their training. Jin was sleeping late in his room when he began to feel someone shake him. “Wake up!” Liz said as Jin was pushed out of his bed.

  Jin hit the floor and slowly crawled up over the side of his bed. “What do you want?” Jin asked irritated.

  “Are you going to Scarborough Fair?” she asked.

  “No, what’s that?” Jin asked. Looking around the room realizing Saga was gone. He’s always gone? Does he ever sleep?” he thought to himself.

  “What! You don’t know about Scarborough Fair!?” Liz asked, as Jin just shook his head. “It’s only the biggest, coolest, funniest fair ever. Traders and performers come from all over. There are shows and shops. You can find anything there,” she explained with excitement. In fact, Jin had never seen her so excited. She was like a little kid.

  “Sounds cool,” Jin responded.

  “Well do you want to go? We can get a job as guards, but we can walk around and enjoy the fair at the same time,” Liz said.

  “Sure, I guess,” Jin responded.

  “Good, ‘cause I already asked Sky and Saga, but they both turned me down, so I went ahead and signed you up,” Liz explained.

  Jin cocked his head in confusion, but went along with it. “All right,” he said, agreeing.

  “Good, so we leave tomorrow. Make sure you’re ready,” Liz said as she left the room. Jin got back in his bed and went back to sleep.

  Later in the day, Jin received a black envelope with the mission details. He opened it and read it. He and Liz were to work together with the local guard to help protect the citizens at the fair. Due to the large gathering of people, it was possible that kami could attack, so they’d be there to prevent that. However, kami sightings have been rare in that area, so their attendance is more of a precaution.

  The next day, Jin went to meet Liz by the gates. Jin was surprised when he saw her. She now had pink highlights in her hair. Jin pointed to her hair with a confused look on his face. “What’s with the hair?” he asked.

  Liz looked at him seeking approval. “What, you don’t like it?” she asked, worried.

  Jin raised his hands. “No, that’s not what I meant. I like it, yes,” he explained, as Liz smiled in relief. “I was just wondering why you’d dye it if you don’t like the color pink?”

  “What? You’re the one that told me to embrace it,” Liz responded.

  Jin, remembering what he said, nodded in agreement. The two continued off the academy premises and made their way to the group of atlas gates at the end of the road and walked through one.

  Jin looked around as the surrounding terrain changed. “No matter how many times I go through one of those, I’m always amazed,” Jin said.

  “What you mean . . . the atlas gate?” Liz questioned.

  “Yeah, it’s just so cool how the surroundings change in an instant. It’s just weird and exciting. I can’t really explain it,” Jin attempted to explain.

  “Hmm . . . I never really thought about that before. I just always took it for granted, but then again, I come from a family of travelers,” Liz explained.

  “Really, why did you travel around?” Jin asked.

  “Another story for another time,” Liz responded, dodging the question. Jin chose not to dig any deeper. After a bit, the two arrived at the fair. The roads were filled with people, performers, and all sorts of shops.

  “Parsley . . . sage . . . rosemary . . . thyme,” one of the shop owners advertised as the two walked by.

  Jin and Liz made their way through the crowd. They found the main guard station and checked in. Things were going good so far. No kami were reported. “Okay, so we’ll be wearing our robes so if there are any sightings, your people will be able to find us,” Liz explained.

  “Have you secured lodging for your time here? Most likely the inns are booked full by now, so you’re welcome to stay here during the night,” the guard captain offered.

  “No, that won’t be necessary,” Liz answered. Jin looked to her confused. “We will be staying with the Faraoh troop,” she explained.

  “Oh, really? You know them?” the guard captain said, surprised.

  “Actually, I’m family,” Liz answered as she grabbed Jin’s arm and led him out of the building. They continued down into the street.

  “So what was that all about?” Jin asked. Liz just looked over and shushed him. She continued leading him down the road. They eventually came to a large crowd. They moved up through the people to see a little girl playing a flute surrounded by various sized vases. The girl had black hair tied back in a ponytail, and she had a core in her wrist, the same place as Liz’s. As she played different notes, different color and size snakes would pop their heads out. It was really quite entertaining. People who were watching would throw money into a box sitting on the ground. The box had a snake coiled around it that appeared to be sleeping, but it was most likely guarding the money.

  Jin and Liz watched the whole show. Once it wrapped up, the girl took the money and retreated to a large tent behind her. They followed after her. The inside of the tent was set up like a house. There was a kitchen in the back, a table, and beds lining the sides with curtains for privacy. At the back, there was an older lady cooking food. while two little boys and the girl from before sat at the table. As the two entered, everyone turned to them. Their faces slowly lit with excitement.

  “Liz! My baby! You’re home,” the lady cooking said as she ran to greet Liz. She was a plump lady with black hair tied under a handkerchief and she wore a simple dress with an apron. She gave Liz a big hug and then backed off and examined her. “Oh my, you’ve grown; and oh, you dyed your hair. It looks good,” she said, reaching out stroking her hair.

  “It’s good to see you too, Mom,” Liz responded as the three children ran up to her.

  “Sissy!” they all said at once.

  Liz reached down patting the two boys on the head. “Jim, Tom, you guys are getting so big,” she said, before turning to the little girl. “And you Lily, you are getting so pretty. I saw you playing out there. You’re a lot better than I was at your age,” Liz said as the little girl blushed.

  Liz’s mom turned to the back. “Harold, honey, get out here; your daughter’s here,” she yelled. Jin just sat back and watched in shock. He had never seen Liz act this way before. At that time, a tall man with short blonde hair and overalls walked out from one of the back rooms.

  The man came out and opened his arms. “Lizzy, baby!” he said.

  “Daddy!” Liz squealed as she ran over jumping into his arms, leaving Jin standing at the door by himself. At this point, Jin had begun to get very self-conscious and confused. He felt out of place, but he also felt obligated to stay.

  Liz’s father took notice of Jin standing in the doorway. “Who’s your friend there?” he asked.

  “That’s Jin. He goes to my academy,” Liz answered for him.

  The two walked over to Jin and the rest of the family. “Nice to meet you, young man,” Harold said, extending his hand. Jin suddenly felt relief as he reached out shook his hand. “So, are you dating my daughter?” he asked, tightening his grip. Jin’s comfort suddenly turned to fear as his face turned bright red.

  ToC

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