Chapter IV "Idyll"

 

Toto was passing an inn, crowded with soldiers eager to at least quench their thirst with a cool beer. He longed to savor the golden beverage as they did, but he knew his impatient mother was already waiting for him in the capital, and besides, he wouldn't get into the packed inn anyway. So he ran to the grandmaster and, after making sure his friend was alright, went to meet his mother.

Suddenly, Little One saw a figure standing at the gate of the capital, dressed in a large black cloak and a hood over his head, revealing nothing beneath. Curious, he approached her quietly, so as not to frighten her, and touched her shoulder. The startled figure turned sharply toward Thoth. Little One saw a look he knew very well, having loved to stare at it when he was little. It was Dyremith.

At first, he wanted to scream to warn everyone about the enemy, but the harpy quickly covered his mouth. Toto complained of the unpleasant smell and the feathers that had entered his mouth. He thought he would choke on them. Dyremith looked around to make sure no one was watching and then dragged Little One into the nearby thicket.

The druid tried to break free from the harpy's tight grip, but his attempts were in vain, as harpies were known for their strong wings. He was about to scream when she removed the wing from his face and begged him not to.

Toto was surprised by the harpy's friendly and warm tone and the request she addressed to him, as he had considered her cold and insolent.

"Can you tell me why you kidnapped me?" Tiny decided to ask.

"I had to do it, because you certainly wouldn't have listened to me back there in the square," she replied.

Toto was curious what Dyremith had to say. Perhaps that the harpies hadn't had enough of war? However, the harpy, as if knowing what the druid was thinking, said,

"I know it might seem strange to you that I want to talk to you, but I've decided you're someone I can trust with important information. I've always believed you'd do anything for the peace of Erythia, and that's why I'd like you to convey something to the council members.

" "Okay, but it depends on what it is." "By the way, why don't you tell them yourself?" Toto asked, curious.

"After my people attacked our land, I can't show myself to the council. Back then, I was standing by the capital, wondering whether to go in to meet you. I wanted to find you and tell you what you're about to hear. I disguised myself so no one would recognize me, but luckily you found me, and I didn't have to enter the council chambers. Isn't that a twist of fate?

" "Perhaps! You can call it whatever you like, but could you tell me what the information is already, because I'm in a hurry?" Toto was growing increasingly impatient.

"Fine. But listen to me carefully," Dyremith ordered. "I convinced my sister, who is the queen of the harpies, to have our entire people relocate to another place. At first, she resisted, of course, but after much persuasion, she agreed. You have no idea how difficult it is to convince my sister to do anything." I told her that in New Gotheia, dark forests and damp tunnels awaited us, the ones she loved so much. I also told her that we wouldn't achieve anything by waging war, and that in the new territory, we would have everything we desired. So I'd like you to tell the council that we are relocating and that we will no longer threaten Erythia's borders.

Upon hearing these words, Toto almost jumped for joy, but he caught himself just in time, thinking it was inappropriate to do so at that moment. He didn't know what to say: thank them or wish them a safe journey. In the end, he chose the former.

"Thank you for convincing your sister. I hope that in your new lands, you will feel as comfortable as your old home. Maybe even better."

The little one wanted to hug Dyremith, but the scent she exuded decisively dissuaded him. After a brief exchange, the harpy said goodbye to Toto and headed toward the forest. The druid could finally meet his mother. He only hoped nothing would stand in his way.

The return journey, however, was uneventful, and after a short while, Toto found himself on the second floor, right in front of Theodorus's office. He knocked lightly on the door and, hearing a soft "Come in," uttered in a woman's voice, entered.

The office smelled of his mother's perfume. Papers were scattered on the table, among which stood a green lamp directed at the sofa. Its glow reflected on the woman's delicate complexion. She was now reading a leather-bound book. On the title page, in gold letters, was written: "Idyll" by Gothea. The little one approached his mother and sat down beside her on a chair made of mahogany.

"I thought you wouldn't come," the woman said.

"I'm sorry, Mom," Toto blushed, embarrassed. "I'm sorry you had to wait so long for me. I won't leave you for so long again.

" "You know. I'm reading this book about an idyll." Toto's mother pondered for a moment, adjusted her pillow, and then continued. "Can you tell me something? Can't our lives be idyllic?"

"Of course they can," Toto replied, then hugged her tightly. "We just have to want it."

Toto told his mother the whole adventure that had befallen him. How he had been kidnapped by the harpies and how he had to fight them. The woman nodded to Toto every now and then, but eventually, after the long stories, she felt tired. She apologized to her son for not being able to listen to more stories and fell asleep.

Toto covered his mother with another blanket and then turned out the lamp. He left the office, quietly closing the door, and ran up to Theodorus on the third floor. When he reached the Council Chamber, he saw the councilors rejoicing. Each member raised a glass in a toast delivered by the elven representative. Theodorus wished everyone happiness and prosperity and thanked those who had fought in Erythia's defense.

The druid approached the round table and took a bottle of wine. He poured himself a glass, raised it high, and said loudly,

"Long live Dyremith, who convinced the harpy queen to leave and not attack our land!"

The councilors looked at each other and shrugged. "If the harpies no longer attack Erythia thanks to Dyremith, then we must raise a toast to her," their faces said. Everyone rejoiced in the victory and the departure of the birdwomen. After the feast, as dusk fell, everyone went to the town square, where a victory festival was taking place.

Women and men danced lively dances accompanied by a dwarven orchestra. Elves sang beautiful songs carried on the wind to distant lands. In the field where the men had previously gathered, a large bonfire now burned. The glow from it illuminated the town square, and its warmth warmed everyone gathered, so that no one had to worry about the chill that prevailed. The little one, along with Methaila, joined the circle formed around the bonfire by all the young residents. The older citizens gazed at their children and clapped to the rhythm of the music. Even Kyerion, who was still not feeling well, approached the bonfire on crutches to share the joy of his victory.

Toto Fellethar, absorbed in the celebration, saw a woman supported by Theodorus, standing among the other older residents. He recognized her as his mother. He excused himself to Methaila for a moment and moved toward her. When he reached her, he wiped the tears from her eyes and said,

"Isn't this idyllic?"

THE END