Finder Cloudburst Chapter 2, Part 1
I am now a Finder
but I will need supplies.
I have no money.
So I must beg.
“Wren, might I have advance
for some of what you pay?
I need to buy gear
just to begin.”
“I will not give money
for services not done.
But I have a task
for which I’ll pay.”
“Go collect my order.
I have already paid.
See Pebble Birdeye,
in the market.”
“It is too late tonight.
Go see him tomorrow.
You and I both need
rest from the fight.”
I said good night to Wren
and walked to my small home.
I live at the edge
near the river.
My house has no wealth but
I feared I had been robbed
by those raiders that
came to Fleagrass.
My meager possessions
sat safely in my house.
No raider bothered
my poor home, but
The wreath on my door to
ward away the Bad Lucks
was missing. They’ll need
an offering.
I can not risk Bad Lucks’
attention on my home.
Circles keep them out
but mine is gone.
I will offer spirits
to them on my altar
Bad Lucks that are drunk
leave you alone.
My slumber was plagued by
faceless villains with swords,
unwelcome raiders
eager for blood.
I woke unrested and
sore, my wounds from battle
though mild, we’re painful.
Groaning, I stood.
I took up pine branches
that I have in reserve
for times like this when
I need a wreath.
The intertwined branches
I hung on my front door.
My house is now safe
from the Bad Lucks.
I dressed in warm clothing,
tucked my axe in my belt
and locked my front door.
I have new work.
My house is just outside
Fleagrass, near the other
fisher folks’ houses
on the river.
There is a path we take
that leads to a stone road
that the village was
built to surround.
The road was built by the
Elder People hundreds
of years ago, but
ends in Fleagrass.
Where this road once led was
lost to human neglect,
terrible weather
and passing time.