It had been days since they’d left Kolrest, since Rivelle had left the only home she’d ever known. To Rivelle, they rode and camped in silence for the most part, but she couldn’t be sure that Soliyah and Zerik weren’t always communicating in their own private way. The rain hadn’t yet stopped and so, beyond the frustration of almost complete silence, was the fact that they were constantly and consistently wet, as were all of their belongings. Soliyah had suggested they stop and rest at an inn in a village nearby, as it was quite difficult to sleep while vulnerable to heavy rain, but Rivelle had decisively rejected the idea for fear of being recognized. Though she’d never left Kolrest, the members of counsel and others did. She didn’t want to be seen and it got reported back to anyone in Kolrest. What if it encouraged her mother or father to go after her, despite his promise? What if the counsel felt it their right to retrieve her and drag her back to the village? She couldn’t have that. However, she feared having rejected the idea had only made Soliyah grow even less fond of her. She’d argued at first but quickly silenced when she and Zerik had communed over it. Of course, now everything and everyone seemed miserable. The only glimmer of light Rivelle could experience was Djoro. His green was continuously bright and almost cheerful. Clearly, he was enjoying the adventure, despite the awful conditions. He was also protective of her. Each night and morning, despite being tied up with Bodja and the other horse, she’d hear him move to her side and wake with him right next to her, keeping her slightly warmer. It was a constant comfort she greatly appreciated.
They’d finally reached the forest of Farelle and were now in the thick of it. The city of Efevra was only a few more days' ride on the other side. Rivelle could hear the colors of the forest around them, the vibrant hues of life and death intermingling in a delicate balance. She was trusting Djoro to guide her while spending time in quiet solitude to hone her new skill of hearing in color. She knew she was hearing the forest around her in a way that no one else could. The rustling of leaves in the wind was a symphony of yellows, greens, and browns, while the roar of a river was a tumultuous sea of blues, purples, and whites. She picked up on the colors of the animals and plants through the vibrations they created; the rustling of leaves, the soft padding of paws, and the chirping of birds. The other morning, she’d even sensed a group of deer nearby, their colors a mix of gold and orange. It was absolutely amazing and felt fantastic to be able to sense her surroundings in this new way. She hadn’t been born blind, and never would have thought her being so would bring other abilities, but being able to hear colors had given her a unique perspective and she was determined to revel in it.
In the beginning, she’d been concerned that Zerik and Soliyah were always connecting without her. Perhaps more often than not about her, but every so often, she’d hear a quick jolt of red and orange and she began to understand that was their communication. She had heard the colors of their voices in her barn that first night, and now, somehow, her mind was able to hear their telepathic connection. She couldn’t discern what they were saying, but it was nice to know she’d at least be aware of the times they were speaking. Perhaps being able to decipher what was spoken would come down the line.
Despite the rain, she could hear Zerik riding ahead, and pictured him scanning the path for any danger. Although she knew little of him, and getting to know him was more challenging due to his inability to speak, Rivelle believed him a skilled fighter. The orange sounds that protruded from him were peaceful, hopeful, and comforting, but also strong like a force, like a powerful and moving sunrise Rivelle could recollect from memory, an invitation to start a new and exciting day. Soliyah, on the other hand, could speak but seemed to want to do little of it. Rivelle pictured her as a fierce warrior, her strength and speed unmatched in all of Serenia. She spoke with fortitude and determination, sure of each word that she methodically allowed to pass through her lips. At first, the red color Rivelle had heard in relation to her had instilled a fear, or nervousness in her, but now she knew it was the red color of determination, faith, strength, and courage. She led the way, her sharp senses always on the lookout for potential threats.
Rivelle knew Efevra couldn’t be too far. She could hear the colors of the forest changing as they neared its end. To finally reach the city would be most welcome, a respite from the rain that now seemed to be falling harder than ever. It was becoming more difficult to hear the sounds of the forest via her ears, but the colors continued showing to her each step of the way. Djoro stopped suddenly and Rivelle sensed Soliyah's tension through the bright red color she could hear. She suddenly heard a touch of orange and knew Zerik was communicating with her. Likely asking her why they’d stopped. Rivelle didn’t hear a word and feared speaking herself, in case there was cause for them to remain silent.
"I smell smoke," Rivelle whispered. She wished beyond wish that the smoke was simply that of a merchant’s cooking fire but knew it to be very unlikely considering the weather. How could one cook over a small fire in torrential rain?
"We need to hurry," Soliyah yelled over the rain, forcing her horse into a sprint towards the edge of the forest.
Zerik and Rivelle followed closely behind, their hearts racing with adrenaline. Rivelle kept her legs tight around Djoro, signaling the need for urgency and Djoro acquiesced. His shade of green changed hue with excitement as they propelled forward. As they approached the city, they didn’t stop. Rivelle could only surmise that the front gate had been open, abandoned, with no guard to inquire or protect on the city’s behalf. Soliyah's instincts must have kicked in, and Rivelle heard her draw her sword, ready to defend herself and her companions. She could hear Bodja, her brother’s horse, now Zerik’s, move to her side. Zerik’s orange changed to a softer tone as if to say ‘Stay close to me’ or ‘I will stay close to you’, and Rivelle felt her fear dissipate somewhat.
The smell of smoke grew stronger. Rivelle could hear screaming and the clashing of swords and other weapons. She wished desperately that she could see how close the fighting was. It sounded immeasurably close. Rivelle implored for Djoro to keep her safe. Djoro suddenly stopped and Rivelle was confused, thinking he’d somehow read her mind, but then she felt Zerik’s hand take hers. He and Bodja were right next to her, seemingly watching.
“What’s happening?” Rivelle asked him, and he squeezed her hand. She could still hear grunts and weapons clashing. The smell of smoke was stronger, but she could hear no roar of a large fire.
“It’s nothing but a local brawl,” Soliyah finally yelled. Zerik released her hand and Rivelle heard Soliyah sheath her sword. The red color emanating from her turned somewhat dark, like a mahogany or smashed mudberry, relating her frustration and annoyance. She could hear the colors of pain bursting sporadically from the brawl as she heard men cry out.
“What could they be fighting about?” Rivelle asked.
“They’re all inebriated fools,” Soliyah responded, her voice sounding farther away. Zerik gently kicked Bodja and led Djoro too.
“What about the fire?” Rivelle asked but received no answer. “So what now then?”
“We seek shelter from this confounded rain,” Soliyah yelled back from even farther away.
As they wandered through the city, the sounds filled Rivelle’s ears with colors galore, including many she’d never seen before. Hundreds of different shades of green, grey, yellow, and pink, and a few shades of off-white. But there was one shade of white that was much stronger than the rest. It was so white it was almost translucent, like a thin cloud, or a fine salt. It was so prominent, it was constant, despite all of the other colors flashing in and out. As they moved through the city streets, the white color stayed strong and loud.
When they reached an inn and stabled their horses, Zerik helped guide Rivelle by allowing her to take his arm. Within seconds the strong honey-orange hue he emitted filled and warmed her. She felt safe with him and was glad he was by her side.
They walked through the door and the quiet that hit them was a welcome change from the pounding torrent of rain. Rivelle giggled as she shook any excess water she could from her cloak and hair. Zerik pulled her along as they entered a large room. It sounded nearly empty, though a few grey and pinks were present.
“You wait here, get some food, while I get us rooms,” Soliyah instructed. They must have entered the dining hall, Rivelle guessed. She smiled as Zerik helped her find a seat and she heard him climb into one next to her.
“Are we actually in Efevra?” she couldn’t help but ask. She’d always wanted to see the city. Ever since she was little. It was heartbreaking to know she’d never actually see it, but couldn’t deny the excitement she felt in knowing she was finally there. She wanted desperately to ask Zerik what it all looked like and grew frustrated in knowing there was no point as he couldn’t respond. They waited in silence, though Zerik’s honey orange continued to radiate out until someone approached them.
“Something to eat?” They asked, a foggy grey filling a small part of Rivelle’s mind. Rivelle did her best to look up at them and smile.
“Absolutely,” she told them. “Whatever is warm and filling. For three, please.” She felt them walk away and turned back to Zerik. “I hope it’s a hearty stew of some kind,” she told him. She wished she could see if he smiled or nodded in return, but of course, couldn’t. “We’re going to have to learn how to communicate somehow,” she told him and sighed. “This complete silence and unknowing just won’t do. There must be a way,” she sighed. “It doesn’t make sense that we were able to communicate when I was…” She felt Zerik’s hand cover her lips. Clearly, he didn’t want her to continue speaking. His orange hue had darkened just a bit, as though nervous or scared. He slowly lowered his hand. “Sorry,” Rivelle whispered, though she was slightly hurt by his abrupt interruption as she didn’t understand the need for quiet. He squeezed her arm, an apology or reassurance she couldn’t be sure. She was about to ask when white filled her mind again. It took over Zerik’s orange and every other color she could hear. She moved her head around, as though searching somehow and Zerik squeezed her arm again. “I don’t know,” she told him. The white grew louder, stronger until she could hear nothing else. She thought she could hear Soliyah’s voice, but it sounded far off.
“Rivelle?” She was calling her name, repeatedly, but Rivelle could barely hear her. Rivelle squinted her eyes, trying to push the white down, to quiet it somehow.
“Rivelle?” Was it Soliyah’s voice, or that of the woman with flames of darkness? Rivelle’s breath quickened and her heart beat faster. She was scared. Unsure.
“I think someone is coming,” she finally said, not even realizing what she was saying. The white continued to get louder and stronger. Was it her? Had she found them to come and kill them? Or to take Rivelle away to be married to that strange man? Zerik held onto her arm as she grunted in pain, reaching her hands to her ears and closing her eyes tightly as though it would help. She could still hear her name being called, and other words she couldn’t make out. And then, as suddenly as it came, it was gone. Rivelle sighed as she released her hands and opened her eyes. Zerik squeezed her hand gently and she gave him a small smile.
“What was that?” Soliyah.
“I’m not sure. I just…” she hadn’t yet told them about her ability to hear in color. The truth was, just as she didn’t know how to explain her experience with the woman with flames of darkness, she didn’t know how to explain this. “It was like a loud and piercing noise took over my senses,” she finally said.
“What kind of noise?” Rivelle hesitated and was about to speak when the door to the hall burst open and several loud voices filled the room. She couldn’t help but turn towards them. They were laughing and yelling all at once, and Rivelle could hear the greys and pinks again.
“It’s those fools from the brawl,” Soliyah explained. Rivelle heard the red and orange exchange between her and Zerik and wished she knew what was being said. And then all went white again. “Don’t think you’ve escaped explanation, youngling,” Soliyah started.
“Some bread and stew for my friends,” a voice bellowed over top of everyone else’s. Rivelle knew without question, that voice was the source of the white. She perked her ears up and stood from her chair. At least it wasn’t the woman of flames, she calmed and felt grateful. She felt Zerik grasp the back of her cloak.
“Where are you going?” Soliyah asked her.
“That voice…”
“What voice?”
“Let’s get you all clear-minded, huh?” The voice continued, his smile apparent through his tone. “Come! Come!”
“Hold on a moment,” Soliyah whispered, and Rivelle heard her move to her side. “I used to know that voice,” she continued. She grabbed onto Rivelle’s elbow, gripping it tight.
“No ale!” The voice yelled out, a slight laugh in his tone, but also serious with the command. “Water, bread, and stew!” Soliyah’s grip tightened on Rivelle’s arm and Rivelle grew nervous. Was this someone Soliyah was afraid of? How dangerous they must be, she thought.
“It can’t be,” Soliyah whispered, her voice constricted, as though strained. Her grip tightened once more and Rivelle heard her gasp. She suddenly let go and stepped forward. “Tryte!?” She yelled out but received no response and the room remained loud. “Tryte!” She yelled louder and a few voices quieted. Rivelle couldn’t see what was happening but could feel the energy change in the room. More and more voices quieted as Soliyah remained still, her erratic breath giving away her feelings of disbelief. The white that had consumed Rivelle’s mind now gave room for Soliyah’s red, her red being the brightest she’d ever seen it, like a fresh Belberry, plucked from the bush and ready to be eaten. Rivelle heard Soliyah move quickly as the two colors merged and grew so bright it almost hurt. Clearly, Soliyah not only knew the individual but was overjoyed to see them. Their laughter could be heard as voices returned to fill the room.
Click HERE to continue reading the story...
Ⓒ May 2023. Beki Lantos. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author.