Week #1 post for Rule of Three:
Folds of Time
Ch 1 An Unlikely Trio
Hume had paused at the stream, he wasn’t alone. “At what is it you stare, man?”
“Forgive me. It is your horse at which I gaze. A beauty indeed. A pleasure it would be to ride upon a horse for I have been walking these many days and the soles of my feet are split.”
“Do you have a name? “
“I am Cordova, the carpenter. You?”
“I am Hume. Both my horse and I are starved. Might you have some food to share? For a meal of bread and cheese, I would allow you to ride as far as we travel in the same direction. Where is it you go?”
“I have no bread. Only bits of old cheese and dried berries, you are welcome to. I go to Renaissance, the town of woe.”
“Share your cheese; I seek Renaissance myself.”
The carpenter handed over the parcel of cheese and a wrap of berries. The men perched on the bank talking.
“Tell me of this Renaissance Town. Why did you call it town on woe?
“Oh, it has met with many fates over the ages. I hear, it revives again and is in need of a carpenter. The forest is near and shall supply materials for my craft. I go to build. For what are you taken to the long road of travel?”
“Ah, to make my fortune. I too, heard Renaissance was breathing life again. Bringing in travelers and trades; there should be treasures to be found, and captured. Nourished, we can be on our way.”
“Forgive me, but you seek treasures and riches. Are you a knight or a thief?”
Hume laughed. Ah, I am only a traveller.
Both mounted the horse and headed in the direction of Renaissance.
Hours later, far from the stream and its cooling waters, the men grew weary and stopped to camp. The carpenter gathered bits of wood and branch for the campfire. No food for a meal, only their stomachs spoke through a sleepless night.
Hume awoke to a wonderful aroma. Something sweetened the air. He roused the carpenter, “What do you smell, friend? Dare I dream of warm bread?”
“No, from where does it come?”
They gathered a pitiful collection of belongings and dusted out the fire. The horse came willingly with a tug at the reins.
The men came to find a thin trickle of smoke spiraling into the air. No one around and no campfire.
“What do you make of this? Hume asked.
“A cave. Someone is cooking in a nearby cave. Here this way.” Cardova parted the bushes seeking an entrance.
“And who are you snooping about?” came a voice.
They both turned to take in a sight to behold, a red-haired vixen in a protective stance showing the hilt of a dagger tucked at her waist.
“We bring you no harm. We followed the aroma of fresh baked bread.
“Lady, we beg of you, with nothing to trade, please share your bread. We are ravenous.”
“You do, do you? With nothing to trade, you wish my charity?’
“No charity, Lady, but promises to honor and protect you for a period of time which you name.” Hume felt his gut tighten and gave no thought to Cardova.
Evie stood silent in thought. “I travel to Renaissance. I have come a long way through the hills. Beat off the mongrels who paw at me. I give you this loaf to share. We must get to Renaissance.”
And this is how the threesome came to be, entering Renaissance together, unknowing what awaits each.
600 words
impending misfortune
Talespinner at Work 