The Last Golden Rose

By A.S. Morrison

Mith and Ludus are about to leave their secluded town for the first time as part of a coming of age ceremony that all fourteen year olds must complete. Having never been out on their own before, they are frightened and excited. Just a day out they realize that it is going to be harder than they ever imagined. Lucky for them they happen upon a guide, Mitchum. He tells Mith and Ludus that there is so much more to the world than what they know. This becomes ominously clear when they arrive at their destination and find that everyone there is frozen in time. Mith and Ludus must grow up fast as they discover the secrets of their home and the golden roses, which are magic objects that control the life force of every living creature. It is now up to them to travel across their large island to stop those responsible and protect the last golden rose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.S. Morrison
• Release date: May 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301151431

Book preview

Prologue

The guard gripped the hand rail and yelled down the stairs as loud as he could. Behind him the patter of footsteps mixed with the sound of metal bars clanking loudly.

Quick, they’re escaping. They broke out, they—

A foot came swiftly to the back of the guard’s head.

Shut it. Came a harsh voice.

The guard fell unconscious down the stairs. As he fell, a tall man came down from the stairs above; his face showed with deep hatred of everything around him, his black eyes were cold, dark, his mouth stretched down to an everlasting frown. He wore a plain yellow tunic, same as most everybody else in that building. He turned to the other man in the staircase.

Is that all of them, Gyrd? He asked with authority.

He was the last of them, sir. Gyrd pointed to the man who now was curled up at the bottom of the stairs several floors below.

Put him in a cell then. Tomorrow we show the world what we’ve done.

Gyrd quickly ran down the stairs towards the guard’s body. The man who gave the orders started slowly down the same stairs. Halfway down he paused at a window in the wall. The window had vertical bars on the sill. The tall man with the cold black eyes looked out. There, far off, past the rough sea pounding on the rocks far below, he could just make out a mass of land. It glinted beautifully in the evening light. A strange and satisfied smile crept over his face.

Chapter 1: Maows’s Story

The winds of change blew on the great island of Parli. It came in gusts from the mountainous region in the north, caressing the dark and sometimes ominous mountains with its soft, yet cool breeze. The wind moved through the palace gardens in the center of the island, to the bay in the south. As the wind blew the day waned, sun setting, into night. The darkness crept slowly across the land. And with it, the idea of sleep, dreams, and the steady promise of a new day.

The people of this island were not unlike people in places in our world. They may have been a little smaller, or maybe a little more elegant, but still not unlike our own. They went to bed when the sun set, and awoke when it rose again. Some believed in the spirits of the land, and respected their judgment. But just like our world, they differed in a great many ways, and it made them stronger.

Violence was a rare tongue in the Bay Region, in the south of Parli. It was known by few, and spoken by fewer. The people of that region believed in a non-violent life. They worked in the fields, growing plants, they worked in the bay, catching fish, and they worked in the towns, educating the young to do the same.

It was not yet night in the small town of Rerum in the southwestern side of the Bay Region. The sun was not yet completely below the horizon, giving the townsfolk several more minutes of light to complete their day. There was a tradition that once a month, on any given day, the young people of Rerum would gather in the center of town to hear a story from one of the town’s elders. On this particular night, the elder was old Mr. Maows. He was the oldest of the old, and a very wise man. He had seen many things in his life, and knew of matters unheard of to most.

On this night he had the youth of Rerum gathered around in a half circle, while he sat in a finely carved chair in the center. He looked around at the children; their eager, young eyes glowed with affection for this man. They knew nothing of why they should admire him; all they knew was that they should. It was the right thing to do. Maows looked around in the dim light at all the children who had shown up that night. A pleased smile crept onto his face as he settled into his chair.

Now then, he began, in an old and shaky voice. I suppose you all know the story of the roses. He said, thinking aloud.

One for every region. The children answered in Unison.

Very good young ones, Maows said, impressed, I’m glad you remember our last meeting. He sat back in his chair and thought about what story to tell. I could talk about the palace, but they already know that story. I could talk about the mountains, but again, they already know that one. He straightened himself in his chair. Wait, I’ve got it. Maows scanned the audience, looking for two children in particular. He found them in the back of the bunch, one on each side of the gathering. He leaned close so as to talk to the group without speaking too loudly.

I’m going to tell what happens when— He quickly looked around in all directions, to make sure none of their parents were in earshot. Everyone trusted Maows, and nobody would expect him to tell a story they didn’t approve of.

After seeing that no one was in sight, he looked back down to the children. I’m going to tell you what happens when you turn fourteen. A murmur of excitement grew within the youngsters as they looked to their peers, all surprised. All but two looked happy, and these two were the ones Maows wanted to make sure were listening.

Only those who were about to turn fourteen were able to know what happens when the age comes. And in this half circle of children, only two were old enough to hear what was to occur. In fact, both these children were about to find out for themselves what was to happen. For both of them were to turn fourteen the next day.

Maows straightened back up once more. Mith, Ludus, why don’t you two come to the front of the group, right here in front of me. You’re the two that need to hear this the most. They both moved around the group of smaller children until they were right in front of Maows.

Are you sure you should tell them, sir? The girl named Mith asked. They aren’t to know until they get to our age. Mith was rather tall for her age. She had long golden blonde hair, with beautifully blue eyes. She wore what all girls about to come of age wore, a flowery, flowing dress, orange for her family’s color, with a large ribbon as a belt.

Yeah, and besides, came the boy, Ludus. We had to wait all this time, so should they. He was average height for his age—which made him the same height as Mith—and had short blonde hair, with bangs that rested halfway down his forehead. He also had blue eyes, with a constant look of determination in them. He wore what all boys wore when nearing the age of fourteen: A tunic, blue for his family’s color, that reached to his knees and a belt made of woven willow twigs.

Young ones, said Maows quietly. Don’t you want to know this information more than anything in the whole world? Maows asked, already knowing the answer.

Yes we do, Came Mith. But we had to wait, and so should they. She pointed back at the children behind her. They had already begun to converse with each other in hushed tones about what they were about to hear. They paid no attention to the conversation in front of them.

Young ones, Maows put an old hand on each of their shoulders. The time for secrecy is over; I feel the spirits telling me that it is time to tell them the truth. Now sit down and let me tell the story.

Mith and Ludus sat down reluctantly with an anxious look to the other.

Children! he called to grab the attention of all those whispering. It’s time for the story. At once the gathering settled into silence. The children looked at Maows with utmost eagerness. To begin this story I must first tell you that these two, he nodded his head toward Mith and Ludus, were to hear this information for the first time, tomorrow. But now they will hear it for the first time with you. The silence seemed to grow as the children leaned forward to hear Maows better. This story, or information for two of you, will take us to places you have never even imagined, past the boundaries of the bay, into the unknown. The entire crowd sat with mouths agape in awe. Maows decided to add a little more to the mood. Once in the unknown, Mith and Ludus will be able to experience things once thought to be legend. Soon they will be able to leave and come whenever they please, and with no permission. Maows decided now was the time to begin the story. The mood was perfect; all the children were too amazed to even think of speaking. Even Maows, who knew for a long time the things he was about to tell, seemed to be growing more excited.

Our story begins in a place where other stories that we elders have told began. And that place is right here, in this very square. Every time a young one, just like you all, turns to the magical age of fourteen; he or she learns what they must do to become adults. Maows looked out into his audience; they were hooked on every word. Once the new fourteen year olds come here we go right over there. He pointed to a small hut only ten yards behind the gathered children. Once there we take them into our confidence that they will never tell anyone that is younger than them what we tell them. And then too become an adult they have to. . . He paused, looking around once more at all the eager faces. They looked so eager to hear the story that Maows almost felt a little disappointed inside, for he knew that the story was really not all that exciting. So he decided to add a little more to it. He stood up from his chair as to get a better view of all present, and to make his story all the more dramatic. Every now and then he would sneak a look at the setting sun. The children had to be home before dark or he, despite being the head elder, would be in trouble.

He continued his story, his voice surging and fading. We tell them that they must go from this, our lovely home in the Bay Region, and journey to far off lands. They have to make it through the Rough Region to our west, without any guidance, without any food, without any hope of return. This is where they must dig deep inside themselves to find out just what kind of man or woman they will become. He paused once again. All the children looked as if they had never heard such a wonderful, yet terrible story in all their lives. Once across the rough and treacherous terrain that awaits them there, they come to the magnificent Merchant Region where their destiny is determined. In the land of the merchants they have to find a secret token to return to the elders here, if they cannot find it they may never become adults. He flung his arms wildly around to make the story even more dramatic. Then they have to return through the Rough, and make it back in one piece. All together the children gasped, even Mith and Ludus. And if they make it back alright, they then can become adults. And of course you all have seen that ceremony before. But he could not end his story just yet. "And all this has to be done at night" There was another gasp through the audience. Some almost fell backwards; others covered their mouths with their hands. No child was allowed out after dark, it was considered too dangerous. The elders told every child that the reason was because the spirits were out at night, and it was horrible luck to actually see them. Whether this was true or not, no child knew. They just knew that if the elders said it, it must be true.

Maows sat back down, panting. He hadn’t been that worked up in some time. He looked to the sun and saw that it was almost completely below the horizon to the west. That’s it for the story tonight, kids. The sun is almost to bed, and so should you, you don’t want to be caught by the spirits. At once all the children stood up and thanked Maows for the story. Some looked timidly at Mith and Ludus. They then ran their separate ways home, very quickly, so they could make it back before dark. Soon Mith and Ludus were alone with Maows.

I’m sorry to question your judgment sir, but why tell such young ones this story? It was meant for older ears. Mith asked, trying to sound calm. She got a little scared during the story.

Young one, don’t worry. Looking at all their eager faces, I may have added to the truth. Maows said kindly. He struggled to drag his chair towards the elder’s home, which was a small hut, just as all the other homes were in Rerum.

Sir, Began Mith, but Maows stopped her.

Young Mith, the night is near; it is time for you to return home.

Yes sir, but I just was wondering . . . about that story?

All will be explained tomorrow. Now is the time for sleep and dreams. They were getting closer to the elder’s hut now, they could clearly see it’s finely carved door through the waning twilight.

Goodnight. And without another word Maows walked to the door of the elder’s home, and disappeared inside, leaving the two children outside, alone, in the near dark.

I’ll see you tomorrow then. Ludus called to Mith as he started running towards his home. Mith stood outside the elder’s hut for several more seconds before running to her own home.

Chapter 2: Leaving Childhood Behind

As the day broke, the people of Rerum started out of their small huts, and into the morning sun. The slight spring breeze rustled their tunics, dresses, and hair as it flew in from the bay, where a great black stone sat one mile out in the center of said bay, causing much wonder in the children, but caused no emotion from the adults, who all knew the dark secrets it held.

One such person leaving their small home was Mith. She closed the wooden door behind her as she made her way to the beach. She passed the other huts through town with a feeling of dread for the ceremony later that same day. Thoughts swirled through her mind as she walked. Why must it be a public occasion? Mith had seen many coming of age ceremonies, and loved every one of them. But now that it was her turn, she was frightened. Her eyes were fixed with a look of complete serenity, but her body shook with anticipation.

Why hello, Mith.

Mith stopped abruptly, she was so fixated on her thoughts she almost forgot she was still walking through town. Mith looked around to see a bright eyed older gentleman staring merrily at her.

Oh, hello Mr. Tyurd, how are the birds? She looked at her feet as she talked.

Very well, thank you for asking. So, today is the big day, excited?

Mith looked past the man into the yard around his hut. It was closed off by a two foot tall wood fence. Inside the fence twenty small black chickens could be seen. Mr. Tyurd was a very prominent chicken farmer, who sold his birds to towns all over the Bay Region. He was happily ignorant to the fate of his birds.

Mith avoided the question, I have to be going now, sir. She continued her walk, eyes down, toward the beach. She did not feel much like talking to the gentleman and did not want to seem rude by answering the question she had not yet answered to herself. Mr. Tyurd nodded as she walked away and turned back to his chickens.

Only two sat on the beach that day, Mith, of the Hardel family and young Ludus, of the Tinn family. They sat silently, gazing at the great black rock in the bay, at the water, which dazzled beautifully with the sun’s sparkles, and at the pink quartz sand, that felt warm and safe, under their feet.

The silence was finally broken by a simple, yet powerful question.

Are you ready? Ludus asked Mith in a whisper.

Not yet. Are you?

I’ve thought about this for a while, and I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. I mean look at the young ones of the town, and then look at the adults. There’s so much difference. I don’t see how we can change into that just by going to the Merchant Region and back. Ludus explained, rather nervously, he wasn’t used to sharing his feeling with anyone.

Mith looked to Ludus, her blonde hair blowing in the breeze. I’ve seen the difference too, but I don’t think that the change happens because of the journey itself, I think it has more to do with the complete change in the way we think when we go. Ludus looked puzzled; Mith continued with a sigh, Think about it, Ludus, we will be out at night, tonight, for the first time ever. We will be without our families and friends for the first time, all we will have is each other, and we both don’t know anything about journeying or about how to get to a certain place and back.

Mith was silent for several minutes before finally speaking, We’ll be alright; I don’t think they would send us on a journey unless they knew we would be safe.

Ludus had worry written on his face, "But how do they know we will be safe?"

They’re the elders, they just know.

Mith’s certainty was too much for Ludus; he wasn’t as optimistic as she was. Mith knew bad things happened in the world, but she also knew that good things can come from them. Ludus on the other hand, was still learning that bad things happened, and was therefore worried over small things.

As the two sat, they began to hear voices far off, coming closer. They knew who it was, even at that distance; they could make out their parent’s voices.

Hey, you kids. Ludus’s mother called as she came closer. She was one of the older women in the town, in her mid-fifties, but still had a young radiance about her. She had recently been asked to join the elders, but declined since she was still raising Ludus. Her long, curly, blonde hair blew over her left shoulder as she walked towards the kids. She wore a white dress, patterned with small birds embroidered all over.

Walking right beside her was Ludus’s father. He was of average height, several years younger than his wife, and sported a short, rough beard. He wore a white shirt, tucked into gray pants that were much too wide for his thin, yet muscular legs. Oftentimes known as the master of the bay, he was an expert fisherman, and, with the students at his fishing school, caught at least half of the fish eaten in Rerum.

Mith’s father was walking towards the beach beside Ludus’s parents. A huge smile covered his face. He wore a blue shirt and gray pants, the same kind as Ludus’s father. A successful thirty-four year old, he made his living building huts for the new adults in the town after they got back from their journeys, even though it would still be a few years until they were ready to occupy them. Recently widowed, he was usually found on the beach near sunset. This was the first smile Mith had seen on her father’s face since her mother died almost six months before.

Ludus jumped up and ran to his parents, who embraced him in a long, loving, hug. Mith’s father walked casually up to Mith and put his arms around her.

Your mother would be so proud of you right now . . . if she were here. He whispered into Mith’s ear.

I know. she whispered back.

Mr. Hardel released his daughter, whelp, it’s finally here, your big day. How do you feel?

Mith looked up at her father, the big smile was gone, but he still looked happier than he had been in a long while. I feel great, a little curious as to what might happen, though.

Only a little curious? Mr. Hardel chuckled, In the weeks leading up to my journey, I wanted so badly to break into the elder’s home and find some clues.

Are you serious? Mith asked, shocked. I never thought you’d be the one to break rules.

Oh, yeah, I was quite the troublemaker before my journey. His voice grew with nostalgia, But then I met your mother, on the journey I might add, and she mellowed me right down.

Yeah, I remember that story

Mr. Hardel changed the subject, he looked to his daughter lovingly, How about this, huh. After today you will be on the road to being an adult, pretty crazy right?

I guess so. Mith said sorrowfully.

Mr. Hardel nodded his head in understanding, Not ready to leave childhood behind just yet, huh?

Mith looked down to the pink sand as she spoke, "I don’t think that I want to grow up yet. I mean who’s to tell me that I have to be an adult when I come back, can’t I still be a kid for a while longer."

Mr. Hardel sighed deeply, Let’s sit down for a minute Mith; I want to tell you something. Mith agreed and sat down with her father in the sand.

Behind them Ludus was still in an everlasting hug with his parents. How about that, Mr. Hardel said, pointing over to Ludus and his parents, That’s love right there. he mused. He turned to Mith, who was laughing. Anyway, I need to tell you a couple of things before you go off on your journey.

Like what? Mith asked, wondering if he was going to say the same things that Maows said the night before.

First off, he began. I would like to tell you to be careful; it’s a dangerous world out there. Not that I don’t think you can’t handle it, it’s just that all your going to have is the help of Ludus, another fourteen year old. And the places you will be going through are going to be dangerous, filled with bandits. But don’t be scared, most of all don’t show fear. The people you meet will feed off of your fear. He paused; looking for some reaction to his story on her face, there was none. Her face was placid, listening intently. I want you to be strong, stronger than you ever have been. Anything can be thrown at you on this journey, anything at all. And you need to be ready.

I know. Mith said quietly, she looked to the sand as she spoke.

Most importantly, Mr. Hardel continued, putting his hand on Mith’s shoulder reassuringly. I want—no need you to be patient. Mith looked up, surprised. Her father continued, You’ve never been on a journey this long before. Before this, the longest away from this town you’ve been is to the nearest trading post, only an hour away. This journey may take you days, and you have to be willing to continue. Every couple of years, there’s someone who comes back after only a couple of hours, and I don’t want that to be you.

I didn’t know that. Mith said, wondering why she had never noticed, or even heard about this happening.

Mr. Hardel could sense what she was thinking. We don’t tell the younger citizens about it. In fact—as you already know—most of what happens on the journey is completely secret to all those who have yet to turn fourteen.

Why is that? Mith asked suddenly. Why can’t we know until the day of the event? That seems kind of mean doesn’t it?

Mr. Hardel laughed quietly to himself, You make a good point. That’s a question you’re going to have to ask Maows. I personally think that it’s to keep kids interested, they are always thinking about deep dark secrets, which in reality aren’t that deep or dark, but if we told them that it would dampen their anticipation for it.

Yeah, it’s not that dark. Mith said, absentmindedly.

Mr. Hardel looked at her suspiciously, You think so, do you?

Mith was suddenly nervous, Umm, well, no, I was just caught up in the conversation. I don’t actually know anything about the journey yet.

No, I didn’t think you did.

Ludus sat down beside Mr. Hardel, So, what’s happenin’, sir. Mr. Hardel was the only adult, besides his own parents that he felt completely comfortable talking around. It wasn’t because Ludus was friends with Mith, but because her father was always over for dinner. Mr. Hardel, though younger than Ludus’s parents, always tagged along with them when he was young, after he first moved to Rerum, many years before.

Hey, Ludus, Mr. Hardel said, now turning to Ludus, as his parents sat down opposite the three already sitting. How are things with you?

Oh, pretty good I guess, can’t complain much. Ludus answered, sifting sand through his hands.

Are you worried about the journey, too?

Well, yeah. Shouldn’t I be? It is a new experience, something I’ve never done before.

Just don’t let it take the better of you, alright. Mr. Hardel said, putting his hand on Ludus’s shoulder.

Don’t worry about our Ludus, Mr. Tinn said proudly. Our Ludus can take care of himself, can’t you, boy?

Ludus looked happily up at his father, Absolutely, dad, I’ll be the bravest ever.

Mith rolled her eyes, nobody noticed.

And if you do get scared, Mith will be there to help you. Mrs. Tinn said, smiling sweetly at Mith. Isn’t that right, Mith?

Mith looked to Mrs. Tinn, Oh, of course, ma’am. There was slight sarcasm in her voice.

Oh my, Mrs. Tinn said loudly over a gust of warm air, would you look at the sun, it’s almost time for the ceremony.

Everyone squinted up to see the position of the sun; it was almost ten degrees above the horizon.

My word, you’re right. Mr. Tinn exclaimed, jumping up. You two have to be at the ceremony very soon. He now turned to the kids. Quick, you two, go get ready, we’ll meet you at the ceremony.

Ludus and Mith got to their feet, and ran in the direction of their huts. They were soon out of sight.

Mr. and Mrs. Tinn started towards the elder’s home, where the ceremony would be, when Mr. Hardel called for them.

Excuse me. He called to them, Can I speak with you a moment.

Go on ahead of me, Mr. Tinn said to Mrs. Tinn, he then turned to face Mr. Hardel, who was getting up from the sand.

What’s the deal, Thurmin? Mr. Hardel asked, Didn’t you tell Ludus that this could be dangerous?

Thurmin Tinn slowly stepped toward Mr. Hardel, Hey, listen, Kip, I just wanted to give the kid some confidence.

I agree he needs confidence, they both do, but he needs to know that this could be dangerous. You know as well as I that there are bandits and thieves and wild animals out there in the Rough, and they both need to be ready. Kip Hardel said, trying to sound as pleasant as possible.

Look, old boy, I know that, but it looked to me that you gave Mith enough danger talk for the both of them.

Excuse me? Kip inquired, his anger rising.

Watch your tone with me, Kip. We live in a town that doesn’t believe in that sort of tone. Thurmin Tinn warned, taking a step back.

That’s another thing you know as well as I do, I wasn’t born in this town, I moved here when I was eleven, you remember, and my job takes me all over. I’ve seen the real world outside of this town; I know what kind of people are there. Kip advanced closer to Thurmin.

Thurmin was now going backwards in full strides, his hands were held out in front of him, gesturing for Mr. Hardel to stop. I’m sorry, Kip, but today we shouldn’t be arguing, we should be happy, so why don’t we head on down to the ceremony and be there for our kids, the way we should be.

Kip stopped his advance on Mr. Tinn, Alright, you go on ahead, I’ll be there in a minute; I just need to cool down.

Sounds like a plan. Thurmin said, relieved that Mr. Hardel stopped coming towards him.

Without another word, Thurmin Tinn turned and walked away, heading for the ceremony. Kip Hardel sat back down in the sand and stared back out into the bay. He couldn’t see it from where he sat, but two boats had just left the giant black rock.