"Regonian Light: Chapter 5" by Brian ´Dulcet´ Bergstrom

    Rose yawned as she got out of bed. The sunlight was shining in from the tiny crack in the door. She squinted her eyes adjusting to the bright light.
    She looked down at herself, seeing that her dress was torn and had numerous holes in it exposing some of her undergarments. She quickly covered it up with the covers.
    "Good morning, Rose," came a voice sounding like Sparrowhawk's, "The horses are waiting outside for us. You sure are a late riser."
    "Well, it was a rough night. Do you think the mole has any spare clothes I can borrow? My dress is destroyed, practically."
    "The mole left to do some errands. He'll be back later in the day."
    "Well, I am not gonna go riding to Yubril's with my dress torn apart. Try and find me some clothes."
    "Well, I could change into my form and give you mine."
    "You do that." she said, getting up, sitting on the bed with the covers covering her body.
    The boy began to glow and his clothes dropped to the floor. When Rose looked at him, she saw a hawk. Around the hawk were his clothes he promised her.
    "Thank you," she said.
    "No problem. I like this form better."
    "You can speak?"
    "Of course. All Meadow folk speak in their true form. But only Meadow folk can hear the speech."
    "Oh, I see. Could you...?"
    The hawk flew out the door, having the bit of wind he created shut the door as Rose changed into the slacks and shirt Sparrowhawk gave her. There were also suspenders. Even his shoes were left. But she wouldn't need those her own would do just fine.
    She slipped out of her dress and put Sparrowhawk's clothes on. Her clothes she just left on the floor. But then she thought a moment. Her mother's dress. She loved it dearly even if it was torn to shreds by the wolverines. She had to talk it along with her still.
    She stood up with her new clothes on and searched for her sword, and candle, letter, and bag. She knew they were all together because she put them right by her bedside before she fell asleep.
    Then she looked over by the mole's rocking chair. There they all were, safe and sound. The mole must've gotten up during the night and take another look at them.
    She made her way out of the little tree hole door and saw Sparrowhawk waiting with one horse. He wouldn't need a horse for himself since he could naturally fly.
    "C'mon," he said, "We must reach him by midday. He goes off exploring after that and we'll never find him."
    Rose got on the horse and found a natural feel for it. She remembered her days as a young girl riding her father's horses in the fields. She was a good rider. The horses loved her.
    "What's this one's name?"
    "The mole said her name was Geraldine."
    "That's a nice name." Rose smiled and pet the horse for a little while. She absolutely loved animals. Soon, Sparrowhawk nagged her and she rode off down the trail.

    Within time they eventually reached Yubril's house by midday. Geraldine rode fast for Rose was anxious to get there.
    "So this is Yubril's?"
    "Yeah, this is the place all right."
    It looked deserted or worn down. It seemed no one had occupied the place for years. But that was just from the outside.
    Rose dismounted and knocked on the door. Sparrowhawk flew up upon her shoulder. Rose had also was wearing her sword and had her sack on her as well.
    A short little old man answered the door. His beard trailed along to his stomach. His stomach was a bit chubby. He wore a green tunic and his head was bald.
    "Excuse me, but are you the one they call Yubril?"
    "Why yes, I am," the man replied. "How can I be of service to you?"
    Rose stepped inside. Yubril then noticed Sparrowhawk sitting on her shoulder.
    "Oh, Sparrowhawk! How good to see you again. It's been a while you know."
    "Yes it has," cawed the hawk. Yubril had studied the Meadow for many years. He had especially researched the language of birds in the region. He understood Sparrowhawk well.
    "What brings you two to these parts?"
    "Well, my name is Rose. I live ion the countryside in the Meadow."
    "I know you're from the Meadow. I saw you coming."
    "I have a letter the elders and Sparrowhawk thought you might be able to translate." She handed him the letter. She also took out her candle and set it down on the table. Yubril examined it carefully.
    "Oh my," he said, after a long silence. "Oh my! Oh my!"
    Rose asked, "What is it?"
    "This is unbelievable!"
    "What is?"
    "Where did you get this letter?"
    "I found it on my doorstep while doing chores. This candle"-- she pointed to it--"was atop of it. It doesn't seem to burn anything or go out. It's weird."
    "Did you see the person who left it there?"
    "No, I didn't. It's like it just appeared out of no where."
    "You're gonna be needed that sword."
    "Why?"
    "According to this letter you are to be sent to Clar for mage training."
    "A mage? I know nothing of magic."
    "The letter says you are to be one."
    "Who's the letter from?"
    "It doesn't say. But with that candle not going out, it must be from some one of great power."
    "Like who?"
    "Well, it could be old Swoom. But I see not a purpose. There's a war going on over there, last I heard."
    "What war?"
    "I'm not certain. Something to do with the number 76."
    "Strange. How far is Clar?"
    "Oh, quite a distance. It farther west out of the Meadow. I don't believe Clar ever has made contact with the Meadow."
    "What is Clar, by the way?"
    "A powerful country of the Light. The capitol, in fact. It's leader is the great Mike Parker. He's a very good ruler. I think I've seen him once or twice."
    "How long will it take to get there?" asked the hawk.
    "Oh, it will surely take about a week, even on horse back. There's a bunch of cities you must pass first."
    "What cities?"
    "Radsban, Tollik, Treggert; then you might run into Folun."
    "How far have you traveled?"
    "All over, really. You caught me at my resting month. Lucky you."
    "Are you from the Meadow?"
    "No, I come from a land to the south called Julik. It's a very nice land. Very peaceful too."
    "Well, what else does this letter say about this mage stuff?"
    "It just says that you are to come to Clar immediately for training."
    "Does it say why?"
    "No, just that it's important."
    "What will happen if I leave the Meadow? Will I lose my power to change into a Rose? Will I?"
    "I would imagine so. I'm sorry, but I don't see why not. The Meadow's magic is sacred."
    "Then how am I supposed to travel to this Clar place? I will not leave my home and family. Never."
    The hawk spoke for a moment. He had just been listening in. After all, it was all about Rose.
    "Rose, you don't exactly have a choice. If you go back to your family, you'll have to tell them of this business."
    "Yes," Yubril said, "The letter also states that you must come alone. Your family would certainly want to come along."
    Rose said, "Yes, I understand that, but I need to say good bye to my husband. I love him so much."
    "You really wanna go back all that way?" said the hawk.
    "Yes, I have to. I have to pack my clothes and gather my things. Ya know, girl stuff."
    "We can buy that on our way to Clar. They have shops along the way, don't they, Yubril?"
    "Oh yes, many. Stores much finer than the ones here in the Meadow."
    "I don't care. I'm going back to tell them the news." She boomed out the door. Her face gave the other two the impression not to try and convince her any more not to go.
    She got up on Geraldine and rode off like the wind.
    "She left her stuff here," said Yubril.
    "Don't worry. She's bound to come back for it."
    Yubril sighed. "I hope."