"To Fly on Ruby Wings"
Chapter 3 (The Gift)
The sun was barely up as Talin sat on her bed. She already packed what little she had in a leather backpack. Now all she could do was wait. Looking outside her window, she watched as the clouds turn a blood red, then, a bright orange. All the time, the sun hid behind them. Suddenly, without warning, it jumped up, into the sky, flooding Talin’s room with its golden rays.
I just love the sunrise, it is so beautiful.
“Talin…are you up?” Her mother’s voice drifted from below.
“Yes, mother.”
Moments later, Mrs. Von Treb’s silver streaked and amber haired head popped in through the doorway.
“Watching the sunrise again?”
Talin nodded, her fingers played with the thongs of her leather bag.
“Are you worried about the trip?”
“A little.”
“Good, it is normal. I remember my first trip away from home. I was afraid, but then I remembered that your father was with me. After that, everything was alright.”
But father is not here. I am
traveling with Bonba, a funny old man with herds of goat following him.
Talin!
Well, it’s true.
You are only trying to find an excuse, that’s all.
That is what YOU think!
That is what YOU think too. You
seem to forget I am part of you.
Humph!
“Bonba is not just an ordinary goat herder.” Her mother continued, seeming to read Talin’s mind,
“He has been around the world a few times, and knows what to bother and what not to. Nevertheless, I want you to keep this.”
Taking out a red velvet pouch, Lidora handed it to her daughter.
Talin stared wide-eyed at the object, not believing her mother was giving to her so precious a thing. Before she could find word to protest, her mother continued,
“You might need to use it on your way. You never know. Besides, you are old enough now, and it should be yours. Just think of it as your coming-of-age gift.”
“But…”
“No buts, Tal, I’ve traveled before, and I know that without money or rank, having things done can be very difficult.”
Talin bit back on her tongue, knowing that her mother has lived through some of the hardest times of her life without either money or rank.
She doesn’t want you to suffer and struggle as hard as she did.
Oh be quiet!
“Well, Bonba should be here any minute now. Keep this safe, and wear it around you neck. Use it only in emergencies and don’t tell anyone about it. Now, let’s get you some breakfast.”
Without another word, Mrs. Von Treb stood up, her slim and shapely figure unchanged by hard work.
Talin looked at the red pouch, her eyes stinging, and obediently tied it around her neck. Then, wordlessly, she followed her mother downstairs.
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