The Quest: Part IV

Continuing on with the introduction to our quest. I will be using the time today to push through the scene and make some headway to the next.

The brothers just snuck outside to see what "collection" the stranger is showing their father outside at night.

A faint ticking sound grew stronger as they reached the object. Danos moved around the side of it and stared up toward the top. Makos followed, wondering what the noise was about. When he reached his brother's side, he could clearly see the glass front of a grandfather clock.

It was much like the one in the train station, with a pendulum that swung back and forth to the rhythm of tick-tocking. He recognized the clock face with all twelve hours marked, like any clock. The golden fish designs in the clock face were unique, however. The several metal fish were placed about the face like it was a pool in which they swam. A fish near the number three had splash drops of the white backing material of the clock face onto numbers four and five.

Danos tugged Makos' sleeve. When Makos turned and looked where his brother pointed, his eyes opened wide. The entire yard was full of grandfather clocks, none farther than ten feet from another, and they were all happily ticking and tocking away in the moonlight.

From the faces he could see, Makos realized each was unique. Where one had a round face, another had a square instead. Where one had number-engraved coins for hours, another had strange symbols that reminded him of the shopfronts of traveling merchants from the southern countries.

As he glanced about, Makos caught sight of two figures that were not clocks, nearer to the road that ran along the front of their property. They were standing in the midst of a few closely gathered clocks and a large wooden container with a brass handle at one side. He pointed it out to Danos and both snuck closer, making sure to stay behind clocks on the way.

They came to hide behind one that had a kitten-shaped handle with a bit of actual red yard dangling down from one paw which ended in a yarn ball. Makos stopped and tapped Danos when he heard voices from just beyond the next set of clocks.

"As you can see, I collect clocks." It was the voice of the stranger. Neither boy dared to look around the side of their cover for fear of being caught. "It is not an unusual hobby, but I have taken it a step further than others. You see, these clocks are all very special. Each one has memories and a story of its own, yet all of the stories share the same ending."

"Very interesting." Their father's voice sounded bored, but polite. "There is something I am more curious about, however. How did you manage to get these clocks all here so quickly. Our last visitor left not more than five minutes before your arrival."

The stranger ignored the question. "Yes. The same ending. Each story is portrayed by the markings on their faces, and engraved in their woodworking. For example, this one. How interesting it is that the life of a farmer cultivates into a clock adorned with a glorious image of the moon marked with owls and loons.

"Most spectacular is its pendulum. See how it is shaped like a mysterious woman? There is nothing to indicate crops or herds or anything farm-related of any sort. Obviously, the farmer wished for another life."

"It is a nice clock, very masterfully made, but I'm afraid I fail to see your point." Mr. Highwhistle admitted. "What are you getting at, sir? Why show me all of these clocks?"

There was a moment of silence, then the stranger responded. "Not all of these clocks. Only one."

"Very well. Which is it?"

There was sound of walking and of that like a cabinet door opening. "Look." The stranger ordered.

Makos heard feet shuffling in the grass followed by a gasp. His father's voice whispered. "It's beautiful..."

"I'm sure." The stranger said in an agreeable manner, then continued with hints of eagerness. "Tell me, what about it do you find so intriguing?"

"So many kinds of horses." The words came forth slowly and thoughtfully as though it was a distraction just to speak. A sudden burst of excitement. "Is that a hlambrin? I've heard so much about them. By their description I can tell right off, though it does little justice! What a marvelous beast..."

"I thought so." The old voice said with a low chuckle. "All of your dreams and hopes and what you value dearly. Are they not all displayed?"

There was no response except for the sounds of muffled crying.

"Ah," the old man continued, "and now we come to the dearest."

Makos wanted to see what had made his father cry. He slowly edged his way to sneak just one eye beyond the edge of the clock, but Danos pulled him back, shaking his head with a look that said 'You're going to get us in trouble!'

Before Makos could pantomime back an argument, he heard walking through grass and the sound of a cabinet door closing.

Well, that's all the time I have for now. Check back tomorrow for more!