The Way Back Home's

Tiny Town

They fly across the night sky. Snow slowly fell from the sky soaking the body. The moon poked thinly from behind the clouds as if reluctant to emit light. Gizmo moves steadily without acceleration and shocks. The night is so calm. There was no wind, no animal. Only Gizmo's flapping voice was occasionally heard.

The flight was just a delivery, not fifteen minutes. A river seemed to flow beneath them. There was a large and sturdy stone bridge stretching over it. Not far from the river, tiny lights could be seen. Most of it comes from street lights. They were scattered around the bridge. The guard post was at the end near the city, attached to the wall surrounding the city.

Christo tells Gizmo to land before the bridge. There's a big field there. Slapping snow covered each side while several trees randomly filled the empty space. The snow was still falling slowly accompanied by the shivering air. While Christo took off the spell from Gizmo, Farrell chose to wiggle around while shaking his achy hand from holding on.

Farrell gave a glance. The forest was behind them and the city in front of them. The shape of the city reminds him of the middle ages. Thick walls of stone arrays, huge bridges, tall hexagon towers with pointed roofs, classic street lamps carved with candles inside. He also saw the post complete with his guards. Two guards came out when they saw them land.

“What is a giant bird a normal thing here?” ask Farrell.

Gizmo alighted in Christo's hands, tired after a long journey in giant form. Christo just threw a smile. “Find out yourself.”

Farrell considers it as ‘ya’.

Christo leads the way. The two crossed the bridge slowly. Farrell looked around. The candle that he originally thought was the source of the lamp was not a real candle. Inside the glass chamber, there was only a flame floating without a stem. The source of the light is not the candle but magic. They sometimes move closer to them like people looking.

“Goodnight.” Christo greeted the two guards in front of him.

“Goodnight. I haven't seen you in a long time. Christo, yes?” One of the guards said hello.

Christo smiled too. They were no taller than Christo, around forty years old with a stocky posture. Their clothes are made of a thick fabric complete with a hood as well as a hard shoulder protector. Neat appearance without mustache or jambang. “I think usually the gate is opened every time.” Christo glanced at the closed twin iron gates.

The guard turned to the gate. “Yes, usually so. But, lately the gate has to be closed at night. Many looters through here.”

“Bridger? They robbed the city?”

Guard shook. “They didn't loot a small town like this. There's nothing here. At most they can only get a few gems at the mayor's house. They looted somewhere else and ran here. We got this news straight from the magic board. There's a pretty shrewd bunch of looters. They robbed a historic site and then passed here for the escape route. The mayor heard it. So, now we close the gate after ten o'clock.”

“I just heard this news.”

“Of course. The last time you were here was about ten years ago or even more. Usually we only see William or Remy here buying lodging necessities. So, tonight you are in charge of buying groceries or what?”

Farrell felt compelled to familiarize himself with the fact that all of Eden’s Lodge's employees knew about the wizarding world. It is not surprising that the William or Remy are pacing the city. It was no surprise that they knew the magic portal spell. It is not surprising that Christo is not in charge of buying necessities given the severity of his magic ability.

Christo nodded. “Sort of it. Actually we want to prepare a surprise party for Mr. Albert. No one else knows about this. So, I would really appreciate that. I think you caught my point.”.

The guard chuckled. “I get it, I get it. Don'worry. I didn't tell anyone about your arrival tonight. Our mouths are locked. Right, ‘kan?” The guard grabbed his friend's shoulder. Only then did he see Farrell. “Dan, she is?”

Farrell opened his mouth but did not manage to let out a single word.

“Oh, worth it. Not yet able to uniform apparently.”

Farrell forced himself to smile.

“Why are your hands?” the guard asked again when he saw the blood on Christo's arm.

“Small accident, just now. I didn't get to change clothes because I rushed here.”

“It looks like your wound is pretty big. I suggest you see a doctor immediately, the place is close to this gate. Or, if you are lucky, you can meet one of the Elioscaveas and buy medicine from him. He came this afternoon and hasn't come back until now. Probably overnight here.”

“Elioscavea?” Farrell muttered the name, the name sounding familiar to his ears.

“Thank you for the suggestion,” Christo said. “I'll see a doctor soon after getting lodging.”

The guard chuckled. “Hosting? Hahaha.It's funny to imagine an innkeeper looking for another place to stay. Dedicated work, uh, to a surprise party? I thought you'd come right back after you bought the goods. I wonder why until now you have not been appointed manager of Eden’s Lodge.”

Christo shook his head. “Sorry. We are tired, especially him. We continue another time,” he said as he glanced at Gizmo.

The guard went back. He knocked on the gate twice with his knuckle. A clear membrane covering the gate shook. Then, there was a loud clicking sound like an open padlock. The gate on the left side moved itself, pushed inwards, as if someone was pulling it.

“Good,” said the keeper again. “Enjoy your visit.”

Christo passed through the gate. Farrell was behind, not daring to get away from him. They walked on a neatly arranged stone road with tall houses on the right and left sides. The shape of the house here is similar to medieval. White walls, wood accents, little carvings. Similar streetlights on the bridge also accompany their journey.

“You memorized this place?” farrell asked, breaking the silence.

“Lumayan. It is only natural that an innkeeper like me memorizes another inn. We rival.”

Farrell felt his legs start to protest. His hands and feet were cold. They refuse to move. In Farrell's mind, came across a warm drink and a blanket. “What is the place still far?”

Christo shakes. “Ngak. We get to.”

Farrell did not expect his wish to be granted so quickly. Christo was opening the door. The building is similar to other buildings, except for a large terrace with stone pillars at the front. Behind the entrance, they were greeted by a large wooden-floored room. The warmth here is in stark contrast to the cold outside. Christo's headed for the reception desk. Once they got a room, they went in there, picked their own bed, and fell asleep.

It's the first time in my life that Farrell has slept so fast.