The Golden Town

Okey... This one could sounds pretty cheesy, but it was the best I could do. It was our homework for some special class. We had to write a story of some kind of society with their own phylosophy principle. Because I am chemist and not a philosopher... here comes some cheesy clishe :3

In ancient times, the world passed on rumors about the famous Golden Town. All the buildings were made of pure gold, fabrics were woven of gold yarn and girls had golden eyes. But no one knew exactly where the town is located. It was said that it is hidden deep in the tropical forests to be protected against thieves. Kristof was blown away from the legend. Although he was a son of a local miller, he has fearless and indomitable spirit. Even since his childhood legends excited him, imagining how he walks in all places and becomes part of them.

Once he was twenty, he decided to find the Golden Town. Everyone tried to dissuade him, his father the most, but he already made up his mind. He took a sword and helmet from the blacksmith and went on a journey. He walked long and far. Just when he thought that this town cannot be found and wanted to give up, he saw bright glow in the distance. It was like a second sun leaning over the horizon. So he went to light. It was so strong that he had to cover his eyes with hand as he approached it. He went through dense shrubs and found himself on the edge of the valley. Underneath was the Golden Town. Rumors were true. Gold was everywhere. Kristof was thrilled and charmed by the shimmering beauty. Eagerly he ran down and passed the first street. There were people in shiny golden robes strolling around, elegantly and majestically. Once he turned the corner he saw a beautiful garden full of golden flowers. But as he stooped to pick some flowers, he found that they are really made of gold. Odorless and lifeless. He was sorry for them. So beautiful flowers and you cannot even smell them. Suddenly he noticed, that in the middle of the park sits on a bench young girl. She was beautiful, but she looked sad. He decided to approach her.

“Beautiful garden, is not it?” But the girl was still looking into the ground and was silent. Kristof has re-try it.

“My name is Kristof. And you?” Again, nothing. “Are you okay?”he asked finally. The girl looked up in surprise.

“Are you talking to me?”

“Yes. Nobody else is here.”

“You must be a stranger, when you talk to me.”she said.

“And why couldn´t I talk to such a beautiful girl like you?”asked Kristof. She smiled sadly.

“Nobody speaks with beautiful girls. The most beautiful of the town are selected as candidates and the most beautiful is then sacrificed to our God who gave us the gift of the Golden Town. Thanks to him we have these beautiful houses and gardens.”

“That seems silly. Giving a human life for a bit of gold.” But before she could answer, a bell rang in the distance. The girl quickly got up and ran from the garden. Surprised Kristof ran after her, but lost her in the streets.

Accidentally, he got caught up in a large crowd of people heading on a high hill on the edge of the town. The crowd stopped in front importantly looking older man. He was holding a cane decorated with serpent head and was dressed in a golden robe. Before him stood three girls. Among them was the one he met in the garden. She wore a small tiara. She looked more beautiful than before. But also much sadder. The man stepped in front of the first girl and held his cane in front of her face. Others around began to sing a strange tune. The man in front of her stood there for a moment and then lowered the cane on the ground. The girl sighed and the old man moved on to the next girl. It was the one from the garden. He raised his cane and stared into her golden eyes. Suddenly he raised his cane above her and everyone fell silent. The girl sadly looked down and the old man said:

“The king chose. This girl is the most beautiful of all and now will be sacrificed as gratitude for this wonderful Golden Town.”

”Stop it!”shouted Kristof. Others looked at him in surprise.

“How dare you disturb the ceremony!” admonished the old man.

“It's nonsense. It is stupidity to sacrifice a human life for a bit of gold.”

“A bit?”he slandered him. “Thanks to our God this whole town stands. Without him, it would not hold together. Thanks to this God have a place to live.”

“But what life is this? In fear. In false belief. You can live somewhere else. Leave and create a new town.”

“That's easy for you to say. God is merciful but he does not forgets. He is immortal. He would be chasing us for ever. Until we repay our debt. By this I command you to leave. And the rest of you continue.” Again began the melodic singing.”

Kristof turned to the girl meekly rising to the altar.

“Why do you listen to him? Why do you not defend yourself?” She looked at him

”I would, but I have no choice. If he gets angry, everyone will suffer.” He ran after her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her away. The crowd gasped and the old man shouted in all directions,

“Oh great and wise. Oh almighty. Come and punish this nonbeliever. Show him your power.“

Golden Temple on the hill began to shake. The earth trembled. Temple gate flew open and from its depths rushed giant snake. Huge golden scales glinting and reflected sunlight. He hissed menacingly and swallowed Kristof.

“No!”cried the girl. The old man said:

“Mighty God showed us how he punishes the guilty. Anyone who revolts his will would end in hell. Praise our God. Sing the song. Hear his wishes.”

People began to sing. The snake drew himself up in his entire length, enough to hide the sun. Suddenly he twisted and fell to the ground. From the serpent's body was sticking a sword. From behind him appeared Kristof. Everyone looked at him in disbelief.

“See?”he exclaimed. “Your God is dead. He was not immortal. He only used you for his own needs. And the city still stands. He was fooling you.” But as he spoke, the buildings began to dim and crumble. After a while nothing was left. The old man indignantly shouted:

“See what you did? God is dead, and the town now as well. You ruined our precious home.”

“But he saved a lot of lives.”said the girl. The man gave her a glare.

“It would never end. After my sacrifice would come other girls. Today's children, who have no idea what to expect, they will have to live in fear, who of them will go next. So it was until now, and it would have been over the next centuries. Although we do not have the gold we can live.”

“But our town is destroyed.”said a voice from the crowd.

“Exactly. This sinner put a curse on us!”said the old man.

“Stop already believe in the curses.” Kristof was persuading them.

“You can start a new life. Better life. Without unnecessary gods and without fear. You choose what you will do next. Nobody does not decide for you. Is it your way. You have to enjoy the life. You have to rejoice every day. Leave and create a new town. With wooden houses and real flowers in the gardens.”

“He's right.”said one young man. “Yes, let's go.”

“No. Wait!”said the old man. “You just want to leave our home? You really want to disobey God's will?”

“There is no God's will anymore.”replied the girl.

The crowd began cheering and followed Kristof toward a better life waiting for them. The life that will be remembered with a smile.

The Path of Destiny - The Blue Moon Ch 7.

Hi guys. It´s me again :-P Hope you enjoyed the previous part. I know it was bit short, but don´t worry :-) I´ll try to make this one longer.

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When Eunis properly fixed his arm, he tried to stand, but his stiff legs buckled. Arian gave Eunis Karmisha.

“Hold her. I'll help him get up.” he buttressed blacksmith. Although Sankore was pretty heavy, Arian didn´t have to put a great effort to it.

“What was the poem which you said earlier? It sounded very nice.” she asked. Sankore laughed.

“It wasn´t just an ordinary poem. It was a prayer. To Mykénai so we would be safe again and could rejoice.” they walked slowly into the middle of the village. Several elves have returned from the forest. They stood in a huddle before the house of their headman. Perhaps they wanted to report the damage. Among them was also the blacksmith´s woman. As soon as she saw them, she threw her arms around Sankore´s neck, nearly knocking him over. She thanked the pair and took her husband aside. A moment later the headman appeared in the doorway. He was dressed in the traditional robe. He looked worried and tired eyes scanned the small crowd. He raised his hands to establish calmness. Everyone quieted.

“Are there any elves in the forest?” he asked. He had a hoarse voice.

“Our patrols are still searching for them.” said one elf. “If there is still someone they will find them and bring them to the village.” The headman nodded.

“Many brave elves were dragged into captivity. Despite this sad event we have to finish the celebration of the Blue moon.” A commotion occurred. There were various protests.

“Calm down, please.” he shouted in a loud voice. “I know it is hard for some of you, but we have no choice. If the ritual does not take place we will be vulnerable. Days like this could happen again.”

“And who actually attacked us? “a voice came from the crowd.

“It is not known yet. We do not know the assailants, which direction they came, nor why they came here. What is certain is that they have no mercy. They're bloodthirsty creatures who are versed in their skills. If we do not want them to meet again, we will have to start the celebration. Until the arrival of the Blue moon remained only few days. Sankore, take a couple of elves and put into repairs. Paran, you and the other healers treat the wounded. Dastan, find out who is missing. And the rest of you continue the preparations for the celebration.” he ordered and returned to the house.

The crowd broke up into groups that began to work hard. Eunis joined healers and Arian helped with repairs. The village was flooded in the soft orange light of flaming torches. Darkness fell at the forest. The sky was clear and the landscape was lit by crescent moon. It wasn´t until late in the night, when all tiredly lay down. Some elves were already able to return to newly built homes, but most had to have recourse to his friends. Eunis stood in front of her house. Some walls have been already repaired, but to stay there was still impossible. She didn´t have any friends or family members, to which she might hide. Vainly she looked around, that she might catch a glimpse of Erin. She is friend with everyone and she would certainly find someone to stay with. But she was nowhere to be found. Suddenly she saw Arian coming. She waved to him. He waved back and walked faster.

“How is Karmisha?” she asked as already he stood next to her.

“More than good.” his face lit up happily. “She sleeps in my home and it seems that she's all right.” “I'm so glad. I guess it was just twisted.” she said. Arian grinned, but when his gaze fell upon a destroyed house, his face grew sad.

“Perhaps now you have nowhere to live, right? Your house was probably in the path of the unknown invaders. Fortunately, I live on the other edge of the village, so the house wasn´t destroyed. So I want to ask you if you want to maybe sleep out with me.”

“That would be nice. Thank you.” she smiled.

Then they turned and headed for the Arian´s house. It was really in a remote part. There wasn´t much houses, but they were slightly larger and even nicer than in the village center. Arian's house was perhaps the largest. It had stone walls and a thatched roof. Lots of small windows were regularly stationed. It seemed that it even has two floors. Beside the house was a small garden with different plants. Above the door hung a small bell. Eunis looked over it. It was made of a dark iron, almost black. Probably it was poured into the mold, because she noticed a thin seam on the side of the bell. Edge was nicely decorated with engraved ornaments. Different waves and spirals form a regular line. Inside was hanging mallet, possibly from the same material. Bell slightly hung over the door, so when Arian opened the door, the bell rang powerfully.

“It's a little insurance.” he explained. “When someone tries to reach us, we´ll hear it. Moreover, the bell is black, so in the dark no one would notice. Welcome to our home.” he gestured her to enter.

The housing was very nicely decorated. It felt comfortable, but also airy. On the right was a large kitchen, next to which was rectangular oak table with four chairs. It seemed very nice. At the second wall there was a large library and a wicker rocking chair. On the walls were fastened a few paintings with landscapes. The house had really two floors. Instead of a wall, which should be opposite the door, a spiral wooden staircase soar. It probably led to the bedrooms. Stairs were directed to the right side. Behind them there was hiding a living room. It wasn´t much to see nevertheless Eunis saw a large fireplace and a cornice full of candlesticks and vases. In some were flowers. From the fireplace embers still gleamed gently illuminating the room.

“You have it really nice here.” she said appreciatively.

“I'm glad you like it here.”

“Good thing that the invaders missed it. It would be a shame if they demolished it. What they were looking for?”

“I'll tell you why they were here.” said a voice behind them. They turned in shock. At the door was a young elf. Could be a little older than Arian.

„I'll never understand how you can come without ever rang the bell.” said Arian. Elf had not been paying the slightest attention to him. He looked only at Eunis. His green eyes glared Eunis straight in the eye.

“You know, why come here?” he asked. Eunis shook her head. She was afraid of him.

“I'll tell you. They came because of you.” he pointed a finger at her.

“Me?” she asked in a shaky voice.

“The whole village is turned upside down because they wanted you.” the elf said with cold and accusatory tone. “You have something they want and they'll take it no matter what it costs.”

“But I don´t have anything!” she shouted. “I didn´t take anything from them. I don´t even know them.”

“But they do know you.” he held a crumpled piece of paper before her eyes. Eunis stared at him with her mouth open. It was drawn her portrait. Although there was a small, but it was her.

“They're looking for you.” he said quietly. Arian, who just watched in astonishment until now, snatched the paper from his hand.

“What are you talking about? Where'd you get it?”

“I took it from one of them when he was not looking.” he replied tersely. Arian looked at the Eunis. She still stood there and looked mindlessly ahead.

“You okay?” Arian asked. Eunis was about to respond, but before she could say anything, her knees gave way and she fell unconscious to the ground. Arian immediately knelt beside her.

“Eunis? Hello. Can you hear me? Wake up.” he shook with her. Eunis still lay limply on the ground.

“Thus really did pretty well.” he snapped to the other elf. He shrugged.

“Is it true? It is. Someone had to tell her.”

“At least help me to take her to your room, you truthful.”

The elf rolled his eyes, but then he helped him carry Eunis into one of the rooms on the second floor.

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OOOOOH! A new mysterious elf appeared.... What is his part?