Flash of Grey

A chance encounter with a young man.

As the days rolled by, with a scorching summer heat, a young man collected berries, fish and small lizards. Anything he could get a hold of that can be considered of sustenance. All the while he took his long journey in strides, never so eager to miss out on watching the flora and fauna of a different variety than that of his homeland. Very strange was this land. He was making his way through a series of thorny bushes as carefully as he could, lest he become their next victim, like that of the small furry animal imbedded in the plants large spines, slowly being sucked of all life. As he approached the end of his little venture past the prickly bushes he happened to spot a large caravan.

There were five men, by the looks of them, he thought. Using the trees for cover this young man carefully crept toward the group, trying to eavesdrop as best as he could. As he got a better look and was within earshot he realized that there were four tall men, baring weapons arguing amongst each other while the short hairy man angrily persuaded them to keep silent as he took a turn at the scolding. He claimed such things as that the axe wielding man and his lumpy hunch back caused a swivel forcing the wheel of the caravan to eventually break off, which left them in this dire situation. Meanwhile the rest of the dimwits took such a statement with blind acceptance and began to beat and batter the axe-man with their forearms and repeated pushes. During the commotion the young man seized the opportunity…

“Wahahh!” He shouted as he leapt from his cover, which had an effect he expected. The tall ones readying their weapons, the short one holding his heart in a panic, after letting out a yelp of his own to be heard, wondering what foul beast may be upon them. The men, upon realizing their “foul beast” was actually just a boy, grew lax. “Stand fast, ye land lubbers! I’m here for ye loot!” Shouted the young man. “what’s the meanin o’this?” Asked the taller bald one. Soon after, one of his companions claimed that this is a mere joke, that no “child” posed a threat, of any kind. Taking that remark with joyful acceptance, the young man smirked, and oddly enough began introducing himself. As he shook every man’s hand without regard for any tension or danger that he may have caused them or himself, he then turned to the short one with the snarl on his face. Turning his head sideways in confusion the young man thought to himself, then asked aloud. What might you be, creature? “You little snot nose!!” Roared the little man. “I am a Dwarf!” He explained. He then asked if the young man was from around these parts, hinting at the fact that he most likely was not. The “child” quickly took one arm around the shoulder of the Dwarf and started walking towards the broken-down caravan, in goofy long dramatic strides. He then said, “I meant no offence, but I think I can help with your little predicament.”

That caught they’re attention, and brought some to look to the ground and ponder upon what the young man might say, others to stare diligently at the broken wheel, trying to muster an idea of a solution themselves.  Now being focused on the words, and not the actions of the young man. “As expected” he murmured with his devilish grin. “What?” Asked the Dwarf. “Nothing my good man, ehhh.” He caught himself, “Dwarf.” The young man began his theory of a solution. “Well as you can see…” as he continued his speech his mind and body drew away from the words and focused elsewhere. His arm was still around the Dwarf, eyes fixed on caravan, hands a mind of their own, able to move, pry, and listen, maybe even dance…no. Well, a dance, maybe. This dance the young man knew quite well. In a manner in that which can be considered sly, a hand crept down, all of those gentleman there stopped right then, a moment of silence, ever so brief. A flash, so fast they all just simply did not notice. Fixation on the caravan and or the young man’s speech helped. The instant was over before any which God or man had time enough to discover. A dance, perfected.

 The young man, grinned a little wider, and chuckled to himself softly. “Well my dear friends, I was mistaken. Alas, I cannot help. The damage to your wheel is just far too extensive. Now I shall be on my way, Gents. Few hours in the day, many adventures to be had.”  As the young odd man walked away the Dwarf noticed something strange, that stood out. Eyes of grey. He paid no heed. The other men looked at each other, and then back at the boy, puzzled as ever by this strange wanderer who seemed to have all the answers and then with a very confusing departure which seemed like sheer randomocity, he was gone.

 Tired with their situation, the men and the Dwarf set up camp, silent in thought.  Pondering upon their chance encounter with that young man, whoever or whatever might he be. Later that night, as three men lay a slumber, two tell old camp stories, rumors, and wild myths of Goblin Warlords marrying young exotic maidens from a distant foreign land, known to none. Laying in a warm tent, all snug, not so much a worry but much needed repairs, lie a Dwarf. Short stature, hairy of face, and very quick of temper. He was just barely asleep, when a quick subconscious thought hit him. A feeling, of that which was otherwise unconceivable earlier. Half asleep, he checked his person.  Startled, he burst to consciousness. He started shifting through his bags, his pockets, his thin cloth bed and the blankets that make it up, his undergarments even. He began to think…… Suddenly the image of a young grey eyed man came into view, slowly walking into the distance, never to be seen again. Perplexity made way to fury, and fury made way to tears, solemn, frustrating and oh so glum tears… A purse had been cut.

Reviews

[Tardisbaby]

I like this, but it was a bit difficult to read in one long chunk. Maybe you could break it up into paragraphs? But the imagery was nice, though the flow could have been better, and the beginning needs a better grab. This is just my opinion, but all in all I thought this story was great! Are you going to write any more?

[ObscurityNone]

Yes, I have a few things that I might post on here. At the moment I am working on a Sci-Fi story which I just finished the outline for and started the actual rough draft today.

[ObscurityNone]

Oh, and thank you! =)

[Tardisbaby]

No prob. And I can't wait to read it! I love sci-fi