Chronicles of Fardel: The Rise of Syphon

Syphon awoke with a smile like he had never had in years. He started a small fire and took a few hits off his pipe. He then began rummaging through his bags for breakfast. A meager feast just a few granola bars and some peanut butter. He filled a small pot with water from a small stream and set it on the fire to make coffee. He began talking to himself

while smoking on his pipe.

"A new day, a clean slate, a blank sheet of paper. What to do? I know it will be no different than any other day. I'll struggle to get money and food, hang with my friends, and dream. Dreams, what do they mean anyway? Why do they plague my existence? I should've learned long ago that dreams and promises are mirror images. Neither are obtainable to someone like me. People like me exist only to fill space, and to be used as a rung in the ladder for the chosen. Chosen people, those who have everything and want more. They have minds as sharp as swords, and spirits of demons. Demons, we all have them. Some haunt us all the time, others at certain opportune and still others just to keep us from being alone. Alone, it seems we never are. Yet when our feet meet the road, when our money's on the table, and when reality bites it's cold hard teeth on our minds.... We're never anything but alone."

moments,

Syphon stirred the fire, not noticing that Effen had been behind him for

a while.

"Well, that wasn't very uplifting." Syphon jumped.

"Dang, where did you come from? Why don't you make some noise when

you walk?"

"Home, obviously it's early enough I haven't been anywhere else."

"How did last night go?"

"Pretty good. Doon is supposed to meet us later. Just to visit this time, as think as you drunk I am.' Don't think he'll try to outdrink us again. Feldor maybe play some cards. Last night it got to the point he was saying 'I'm not and I played bloody knuckles, I lost. But we got the whole bar laughing when we lost a bet and had to sing a horrible duet."

"You dance on the table again?" Syphon asked with a chuckle.

"Yeah, did my ballet interpretation during our duet." Syphon spit coffee

and choked while laughing.

"Why do you always make a fool of yourself?"

"I like to make people laugh, even if it's at my expense."

"Well, I'd offer you some breakfast, but I ain't got much."

"Actually that's partially why I came. I brought you eggs and bacon, figured we could have breakfast together."

"Hmm, I wonder. Sounds more like something Bren would do. He put

you up to it?"

"Possibly, but what's it matter?"

"You're right. This day's already getting better."

Syphon grabbed a grate and set it over the fire and prepared the pans. He pulled out two old hot sauce bottles filled with salt and pepper and a little pouch filled with a mixture of several different ingredients.

"What's that?"

"It's

my own concoction. You don't get to know the ingredients; it's my little secret. Do you have ketchup for scrambled eggs, or should I do sunny-side up?" "Nope, no ketchup, sorry."

In a few minutes the food was done and, as always, Syphon cooked it to perfection. Cooking was one of his passions. The bacon was crispy but not too crispy with a slight kick. The eggs seemed to melt in your mouth, and his special seasoning seemed to bring out all the flavors.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" Syphon asked and took a bite of

bacon.

"Nothing special. but I'm afraid I have some bad news."

"Those are dirty words, let's hear it."

"Well, we all found out last night that the three of us are moving soon." "What!? You mean you, Bren, and Feldor are moving away?"

"Yeah, my

dad is going to be a member of the Queensguard in Farmell. Feldor's grandfather died, so his father will now be Jarl of Melton. And Bren's family is moving to Zolon, something to do with his father getting a good job." "So, it's just going to be Ember and I?"

"And Doon. We've talked you up to him. He wants to get to know you

today.'

"Can't imagine the king would want his son to patronize with a petulant peasant like me."

"What he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"It might hurt me, how long 'til you guys leave?"

"A few days, we got time to have some fun before we go."

"Well, at least that's some good news."

"I brought you some new clothes, elvish style, but it's better than rags. Also some cologne and basic hygiene stuff. I'll drop by more food later." "Thanks, but you really don't have to worry about me."

"I know, but Bren insisted, and it sounded like a good idea. You need it more than we do, and you know Bren."

"Yeah always looking out for everyone but himself, sometimes I think he thinks too little of himself."

"He's just empathetic, always has been. It's an honorable trait."

"Yeah, well what do you think about hoagie sandwiches for lunch? My treat, I didn't spend much yesterday."

"Sounds good, oh and here's the money we won yesterday. Thanks to Doon, we didn't spend a cent and we all agreed you needed more."

"Let me guess, Bren's idea?"

"Yeah."

"Bless him, and all of you guys, thanks."

"Well, shall we get lunch bought and meet the guys?"

"Here in a bit. Set everything over there, I'm going to get changed. Everyone meeting us at the Golan Inn?"

"Of course, where else?"

After a few moments Syphon came back around the bend looking rather spiffy in black and green. They headed towards the market, crossing one of the six bridges. Green moss hung down from the wooden archways above the otherwise stone bridge. The sun was just beginning to get warm and the fog of the morning was starting to lift.

"What all do we need?" Effen asked as they neared the market.

The market was a large square of small wooden stands. These stands sold everything you could possibly imagine. This square was a few miles in length and highly patrolled.

"We need bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, salami, pepperoni. Hmm, this is gonna take a while. Jalapeños, pickles, olives, hot sauce, and other various condiments."

"Okay, chef, narrow the ingredients down to a few at a time can't keep track of all that at once."

"You asked."

"Tell me as we go. I got the memory of a goldfish."

As Syphon rummaged through ingredients happily whistling to himself, Effen twirled a small stick around. He looked quite bored and made various sound effects.

"You're going to spin that right out of your hands and hit someone, who'll in turn hit you."

"They'd have to catch me first."

"Considering how you run that shouldn't be too hard."

"Are you done yet?"

"Actually yes let's... oh no."

"What oh no, oh no not good."

"I left the money back at home."

"So go back and get it."

"Too long I got a better idea."

"I don't like the sound of this."

Syphon grabbed a few bags and hid behind another stand, pretending to look for more produce. He stuffed what he had into the bags and handed it to

Effen on the down low.

"They know me here, if I create a distraction they'll chase me and

get the food to the Inn."

"And if they catch you?"

"Hasn't happened yet."

Syphon grabbed an extra loaf of bread that they didn't need and promptly got the guards attention. Within moments the guards were after him causing quite a stir and he broke into a sprint. Three guards were instantly on his heels as Effen meanwhile had already slipped away. Syphon headed towards the bridge and climbed up the wooden arch and jumped to the nearest roof. The guards followed closely behind much to his dismay. He hopped a few rooftops to put some distance between them. Grabbing a drainpipe he quickly dropped back to the ground. Looking this way and that for an escape, he found and open garbage bag and climbed in pulling it shut.

"All this for a lousy sandwich?"

The guards lost track of him, but before he could get out the garbage cart came by. His bag was tied and he was hauled to the dump. Frantically he began searching his pockets for anything sharp. Presently he found nothing in his pockets as they were new clothes. However, in the bag he found a piece of metal and cut his way out. He rolled off the cart and began walking toward the Golan Inn. His friends were waiting outside along with Doon.

"So, how did you manage to get away?" Effen laughed.

"Aye, Effen said three of 'em were chasin' ya," Feldor added.

"Well, I jumped up the archway on the bridge, that didn't work so I jumped across rooftops."

"Did you not have enough money?" Doon interrupted.

Syphon just looked at him dumbfounded and, ignoring his question, he

continued.

"I mean it was one loaf of bread, why such a fuss? Anyway I dropped down to the street and ran to the nearest possible escape. A garbage bag."

Everyone laughed except Doon at first, but after a few moments he chuckled a bit.

"I got taken away to the dump and had to cut my way out. Luckily, not far away."

"You okay; you didn't get hurt, did you?" Bren asked.

"Only his pride," Doon chimed in.

"You realize he's an orphan with no home or income right!" Bren retorted. However, this fact seemed lost on Doon's understanding who had never wanted for anything.

Right then Ember walked up and went to kiss Syphon but stopped short because of the smell.

"What happened? Why do you smell like a junkyard?"

Syphon explained and it was quickly suggested that he use one of the Inn's showers. He went in to speak to Reda the owner of the Inn. She was a heavyset red-haired woman with rather large spectacles. She was a kindly woman who was rather empathetic sometimes taking monetary loss to help her customers. "Ello, Syphon. Lovely day out. What you drink-whoo! Never mind. Go to the shower you'll chase off me customers otherwise."

"How much Reda?"

"Jus' go before ya clear the room y'all can pay me after if ya like. If not, jus' make sure ya drink a lot." She laughed.

So Syphon went into the shower, which was narrow, hardly having room to turn around in and the water was icy cold. He breathed in deep and gripped the wall struggling to breathe out again. He quickly soaped up and rinsed off, then he jumped out looking like a giant goose pimple. His clothes had already been cleaned and dried by magic from one of the elves who worked there.

Ember greeted him with a kiss as he came out. They sat down at the table, holding hands and ordered a couple pitchers.

"So what are we playing?" Syphon asked.

"We were thinking we'd do two games of triple cribbage. Best two wins out of three will have a playoff in two-man cribbage. Or maybe a form of poker. Don't worry; my elf vision doesn't help with games like this." Ember giggled.

"Something tells me it would help in poker. Let's play cribbage. That way I stand a chance, Sunshine." Syphon laughed.

"Yes, you stand a chance, Honeybear."

"Honeybear? Never thought I'd hear Syphon called that." Effen laughed and the rest laughed with him. Ember kicked him in the shin and told the rest with her eyes.

to shut up

my

"Hey, you know what? She's Sunshine and I'm not embarrassed to be her Honeybear." Syphon retorted with a laugh.

"Thank you, Honeybear." Ember kissed him again and they began to play. Close to the end of the game Syphon leaned over and whispered in

Ember's ear.

"How much time do you have today?"

"All day, why?"

"I have something special I want to show you. It'll take at least four hours, though; that's why I was wondering. Actually probably more like five or six hours, but hey."

"What is it?"

"Wait and see; it's out in the woods. It's much better than a good view." "Oh really, well let's finish this game quickly so you can show me." "Will do, I have a twenty-four point hand, which is more than enough." "But what about your friends, don't you want to spend time with them before they leave?"

"Yes, but we have a farewell party planned for tomorrow night"

"Will you two quit whispering back and forth; get a room. It's your turn to count, Syphon," Effen interrupted.

"Oh, I got a twenty-four point hand, I win. Now if you'll excuse us, I have a plan to get to. I'll see y'all tomorrow for the farewell party."

"Well, don't have too much fun; and don't do anything I wouldn't do," Effen called after him.

"Trust me, Effen, I won't even do half the things you would do." "Ha-ha! He's got ya there my pointy-eared friend," Feldor laughed. "What plans could a broke peasant have?" Doon asked. Syphon just shook his head.

"Not everything costs money, Doon. In fact some of the best things in life are free." And with that, they walked out.

They walked out the southern gate stepping into the forest again. Syphon reached into his pocket and pulled out a small whistle, he set his lips to it and waited. In a few moments, Gordon flew down on a griffin.

"What's going on, Syphon?"

"Well, I was wanting to take Ember to Averil, and I was wondering if we could borrow your wagon."

"Sure, I haven't been that way for a long while myself. I'll go get it and we'll go." With that, Gordon disappeared.

"He seems quite friendly with you, Honeybear."

"I saved his life once; we've been friends ever since."

"Well, that's good. He help you a lot?"

"Whenever I need it, as long as it's not asking too much. Oh, and stand close to me; stay away from the front of his wagon."

"Why?"

"It's pulled by giant spiders. They're tameish, but they may bite if given the opportunity."

At that moment Gordon reappeared driving a wooden wagon pulled by two jet-black three-foot-tall spiders.

"It's like three miles away, didn't think you wanted to walk,” Syphon said as he helped her into the wagon.

"Well, thank you, Honeybear."

"Alright, you two, enough of that,” Gordon laughed.

As they rolled slowly through the forest, they watched the various creatures creep by. The sun broke through the evergreens here and there, but mostly they were in their shadows which was rather cool. However, where the sun did break through it warmed up quite quickly in the summer heat. "So what is Averil?" Ember asked, reaching out to nab a flower. "Have you ever heard tales of the heart of the forest?"

"Yes, I have; are you serious? Is it real?"

"Yes, it's an enchanted pool that has amazing powers. Swimming under

the water has quite the effect on you that you have to experience."

"You have to experience it?"

"Yeah, it can't really be explained. It's amazing; just trust me."

"So, how many girls have you taken out here?"

"None, I haven't even taken any of my friends. But you do have to watch

your step. There's two death-trap trees near the pool."

"Death-trap trees?"

"Think of a giant Venus flytrap, only you're the potential fly. Just keep your distance and you'll be fine."

"I feel safe with you, Honeybear."

"Why? Cause you know I'd fight a goblin for you, or cause I make good bear bait?"

"You're sweet, but I hope that's not the case."

"Me too."

The wagon lurched to a stop on the edge of a hill next to a circular pool roughly five feet in circumference. The pool was a perfect circle with sapphire blue water. A small tent and campfire were not far from it and there was a death-trap tree on either side.

"Gordon, do you mind pouring us a few mugs of Elision?" Syphon asked as he helped Ember down.

"Sure, do you mind a third wheel?"

"Of course not, we have your wagon."

Syphon stopped Ember short and purposefully sliced open his hand so she could see.

"Why'd you do that?"

"Just watch."

Syphon stuck his wounded hand in the pool and pulled it out completely whole. Gordon pulled out two silver mugs filled with a sparkling golden white drink. Syphon and Ember set their mugs by the pool and slipped in.

"So what's it like swimming under the water?"

"I told you, you have to experience it for yourself."

She took a sip from her mug and winked at Syphon and slipped gracefully under the water. As she went under, she noticed the water get even clearer. The farther under she swam she noticed a joy like she had never known fill her entire being. It became difficult to not laugh. Looking over she noticed Syphon right next to her. It seemed as though Averil had no bottom, like a tunnel that had no end. She also noticed that she was able to stay under much longer, as if Averil filled her lungs. It was as if Averil urged her to keep coming, keep seeking for the end, although she knew she would never truly find one. But at last they were forced to head to the surface. As their heads broke through they both began laughing hysterically. A pure peace seemed to rest on them that filled them fully and they embraced in a kiss.

"I'm surprised. I didn't know things like this even existed," Ember said. "I didn't either until Gordon showed me."

"So what else did you have in mind?"

"Well, I brought our cut of the hoagie sandwich ingredients... so lunch." "Sounds good," Ember said and drained her mug. They made hoagie sandwiches and Gordon brought out bite-sized venison steaks and they sat down to a rather tasty meal. Afterwards they headed back as the sun began to sink below the horizon.