Finding Five Gold Peices - 2

Fable 2 (c) Lionhead Studios

        The pair ran to Old Town's plaza where a few dozen people crowded in front of a painted caravan. Sparrow turned his head for a moment to see a sign that read "MYSTICAL MURGO". He resumed looking at the open side of the caravan, where a few tables were set up with starnge objects large and small.  Like the worn merchandise and sign that advertised his trinkets Murgo wasn't the sharpest blade. He was rather short, he sported a curly mustache and old top hat. It wasn't that he was dishonest, just honestly interested in gold. And like most traders he knew showmanship brought the crowds. He shouted over the large group:

  "Step right up, Gather 'round! Objects from near and far for a mere five gold!" He pulled a dirty sheet off of a tall flat object revealing an ordinary mirror. Sparrow heard Rose stiffle a laugh beside him.

   "Ladies and Gentleman! Consider this is truly magical mirror �"" his voice dropped to a low whisper, 

   "For as long as you look into it, it will make you beautiful! All sells final, no refunds. All for the low, low price of five gold! Going once! Going twi..."

   "I'll take it!" A gullible voice shouted.

   "SOLD! To the kind gentlmen in the front! Very wise, sir, very wise. Now remember, it only works in total darkness." Murgo then stopped to pick up a small item.

    "Ah… now this is truly a marvel! This small unassuming box is actually a device created by the Ancients! A magic music box! As used by the Old Kingdom rulers themselves!" Sparrow strained to look at the hexagonal box, it was plain to see it was old. He looked up to Rose, she seemed skeptical.  

 

      The Old Kingdom meant magic and Heroes, stories of people who once inhabited Albion who could do amazing things, harness the power of Strength, Skill and Will! Heroes were those who would always save the day from any threat to Albion. Sparrow didn't dare to take a breath; he watched Murgo's every move and listened to his words.

"Simply turn this handle three times and you shall be granted a single wish! Restrictions apply, all sales final, no refunds."

A few shuffled their feet but nobody made an offer. Murgo shrugged and moved on. Rose pulled Sparrow out of the crowd.

   "There's no such thing as magic." She grunted.

   "We live in grim times indeed if the young are too world-weary to believe in magic. Most children your age believe eagerly."

 

       They both jumped as a low and melodious voice answered. A woman who had seemed to manifest from thin air now stood facing the siblings. Sparrow stared at this woman, she was neither young or old. She wore a robe and skirt colored a dull white and red. Gold jewelry clinked softly as she came towards them. Her face was hidden by a hood, and only once could both of them catch a glimpse of her face. She was clearly blind, but her eyes seemed to glow in an eerie way that let them see beyond this world, maybe farther.

Rose answered her, "Look, I can see your eyes are bad but I'm telling you that music box is rubbish!"

   "That's what the seller thinks. He has no idea what he has stumbled upon but you have an inkling, don't you? Some part of you wants to believe its magic."

Rose was silent as confusion crossed her face. "You really think it could be…?"

The strange gypsy-like woman turned and slowly started to walk away, answering over her shoulder,

   "For five gold pieces you could have your answer."

   "For five gold pieces we could eat for week!" Rose responded.

The woman stopped and turned.

 

       "Listen to me Rose, at the end of the week you and your little Sparrow would be no closer to your dream, no closer to the inside of that beautiful castle…" And just as she appered, she vanished past the cravan, and time began to pass at a normal rate again.

   "How did she know…?" Rose murmured.

   "We should try it. I can't be that hard, right?" Sparrow looked to his sister, almost pleading. She looked back at him.

   "Maybe this could be a way out of here, after all! C'mon, little Sparrow! There must be some way we can earn that money." He nodded happy, with a newfound srength to get his sister that wish.

Author's Note

Okay, never mind I don't want Thereasa narating! Forget what I said XD