The Elder's Curse by Andrew Walbrown (ereader for textbooks TXT) 📕

way back down. And since you’re here that makes this vow completely legitimate, just so you know.”

Kona giggled. “Very well. Consider me the witness to your vow. Of course, that means I will have to be present when you make your attempt, otherwise, your triumph won’t count. I have to see it with my own eyes.”

“Yeah? You think I would cheat or lie somehow?”

“Of course you would,” Kona winked at him, “you’re an Emberi; it’s in your nature.”

Amantius shook his head and sighed.

After a little more rest they continued across the King’s Gardens, their progress hindered only due to Kona filling her bag with plants she wanted to study. She asked Amantius a flurry of questions about the medical properties of the specimens, only to be disappointed when her inquiries were met with shrugs. I don’t even know the names of these things, how would I know if they could cure diseases and illnesses?

As they left the bright greens of the King’s Gardens and stepped into the shadows of the palatial walls the bell stopped ringing, the whole city growing deathly quiet as the last peal echoed off distant homes. Suddenly the weather turned frigid, the abrupt change instantly bringing goosebumps to Amantius’ skin. Such a wintry blast of air was unheard of in Accaria; he could not remember a single chilly day from his childhood, let alone one that had been freezing cold. The whole environment had transformed so quickly and so drastically his heart began shriveling in fear, its beating the only thing he could hear. Though apprehensive of whatever awaited them in the royal courtyard, Amantius did not allow this new wave of fear to prevent him from pushing onward.

Once through the palatial gates, Amantius was taken aback by what he saw. Standing before him was the entire populace of Accaria, all quietly staring towards the palace. Though he could not remember everyone’s name, he recognized most of their faces. He saw the baker from whom he routinely bought bread, a fisherman he and Ulam once stole a whole rack of smoked haddock from, and a pair of twins he had tried, and failed, to romance simultaneously. There were hundreds more he knew and remembered, but no matter how hard he tried to get their attention, they continued staring at the palace like an army of statues.

“What is happening?” Amantius asked as they pushed through the crowd. “What are they looking at, Kona?”

Kona climbed a nearby tree, stopping when she reached the first branch. “There is a group of people on the veranda. One is to the side, in finer clothes than everyone else and with a crown on his head, another is standing at the front holding a scroll. There’s also a stump of wood near them and a big man with an axe. It looks like an execution.”

“An execution?” Amantius was shocked by the words. “We’ve never had an execution! Can you see who it is?”

“No, there’s no one else on stage,” Kona replied. “Oh wait, someone else is joining them. It looks like a woman, her hands are bound together. There’s a bag over her head too.”

“People of Accaria,” a strong voice boomed over the plaza, “we are gathered here today to witness the execution of a most heinous traitor. The execution of a woman who, for so many years, lived quietly with her child in a small cottage within our walls. She was our neighbor, she was our friend; who knew that someone who seemed so innocent could be guilty of such a crime?”

All at once, the previously silent masses shouted their displeasure, screaming vulgarities while passionately imploring the authorities to kill the traitor. Amantius nudged his way through the crowd, looking for an opening so he could watch the events on the veranda. He eventually had to settle for a partially obscured view, the herald the only person on the platform he could clearly see. Suddenly a drum began beating out low, baleful notes, the rhythm quickly becoming the collective heartbeat of the crowd. Amantius turned and saw Kona sitting in the same tree, her face calm, though he could sense the discomfort inside. He felt sorry for her, that after being teleported completely across the world she was now forced to watch an execution. When they first arrived in Accaria, Amantius had begun forming a list of things to do and sights to see; he wanted to be the ultimate host. He wanted Kona to try the local cuisine, to taste all the fruits, nuts, and spices the island had to offer. If a festival was happening he was going to bring her as his guest, so she could participate in the same great experiences that he remembered so fondly. He wanted Kona to meet his people, hoping Accarian hospitality would melt away any reservations about Humans she may still have hidden in her heart. Most of all, though, he wanted Kona to meet his mother, knowing both would adore one another. Go figure, the first time I bring a lady home for Mother to meet and it is a Kalikki, a married Kalikki to boot. Oh well, I’m sure Mother gave up on any dreams of grandchildren long ago. Speaking of which, where is she? I can’t find her in this crowd.

Amantius resumed pushing through the mob of bodies, now more interested in locating his mother than the execution. He was distantly aware of the herald speaking still, injecting the crowd with venom and bloodlust. From a distance, Amantius saw a pile of stone bricks stacked as high as his head and instantly realized if he climbed the stack he would be able to locate his mother easier.

“Alright, let’s make sure this isn’t going to tumble over,” he muttered to himself, though the words were lost in the chants of the crowd. He tested the first couple of bricks and was satisfied enough with its stability to continue. Within a few seconds, he was at the top, brushing brownish-red dust