Chapter 12
Fountain Grove, State: Percival, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat Year: 2040, Planet: Grimoire
Natural fountains in the form of odd waterfalls foamed over gray and mossy-covered sharp cliffs that were scattered throughout a terraced valley. A valley which had several entrances and exits, one of which opened into a coastal bay of extreme largesse. With all the natural water sources that were noisily splashing and foaming everywhere. The location gained the name Fountain Grove which suited it broadly.
In addition to the numerous waterfalls, there were also ancient groves of oak, pine, and other deciduous growth predating humanoid populations. The area had gained quite the reputation for shipping, trading, and establishing all kinds of rules and regulations regarding what was allowed and not welcomed within this port of the Shantu Republic.
To say that he was in awe of such an infamous area was putting it mildly. Sure, Sherpa had heard of it and visited some parts of it while traveling with different groups of hunters or adventurers. He'd never stayed for more than a couple of hours at most. Rather the people he'd traveled with opted to camp outside of the neutral territory's boundaries since none of them carried official identification.
That latest twist had shocked Sherpa. He hadn't known about such requirements before. Although the adults seemed perfectly fine with having to produce documents of all sorts that established their identity. It seemed that Sherpa and his siblings would need to learn about more stuff than they'd bargained for.
Not a bad thing to his mind. After all, Sherpa had known that there would be new challenges ahead of him and the others. They just hadn't expected that problem of thugs trying to capture them as potential sellable objects to human traffickers. Now that hadn't been the most pleasant of experiences or welcomes, he'd ever received from Fountain Grove.
Now what were they supposed to do? Sherpa looked at the new surroundings with some perplexity. It was great and all they'd wound up safely at their destination. However, he felt as though there was some task left undone. Something important, but he couldn't remember what it was.
Well, maybe an announcement will be made at the evening meal. In the meantime, Sherpa would just watch people walking past on the street below the window. He'd washed and changed into fresh clothing once he, his siblings, and the three adults were safely escorted to the enormous boarding house that they would stay in for roughly a week.
In that time, Sherpa and his siblings would be able to rest and relax before starting their journey anew. When there was a knock at the door of his small room, Sherpa cleared his throat. "Who is it?"
"It is Anara." She didn't try opening the door. "We're being called down for the evening meal."
Huh, okay, interesting that no one bothered to tell him before now. "Coming," Sherpa came out and found the rest gathered along the corridor. "So, who began the information of passing to the rest of us?" He was confused.
"I did." Hermina stood at the end of the corridor where a staircase heralded the end of that area. "I chose to let your sister inform you." She shrugged. "I figured it was enough interference from me." She smiled wanly. "You'll receive more instructions once we're all gathered below in the dining hall."
Dining hall? That sounded rather formal and sent chills down Sherpa's spine. None of them had received a formal tour of the boardinghouse. So, he wasn't sure what to do next. This was so awkward.
*
Huh, seeing Sherpa's hesitation made Harper realize that no one gave any of them a clue as to how they should handle this type of situation. That's when he realized that they'd only ever camped outside of Fountain Grove, never staying within the boundaries.
As he'd observed all the formalities the adults went through just to get inside the first gate, Harper had an inkling of how uneasy Sherpa felt. Not only that, but they were also going to have to register and receive their first identification cards as proper adults.
Harper cleared his throat. "Well, we should get a move on, shouldn't we?" It would be rude to keep their hosts waiting for them.
"Right," Sherpa muttered looking uncomfortable. He exited from the room with a sigh. "This is awkward." He voiced what the others were reluctant to admit.
"True, but we knew it would take us time to adjust to new surroundings." Harper reminded him.
"I know, I know, I'm just really tired that's all," Sherpa grumbled. "If you recall, we haven't had much time to adjust to anything at all."
Too true, and so like Sherpa to remind him about that type of thing. Harper grunted. "Well, we might as well take the first step in joining others for a meal."
Sherpa shrugged and gestured politely to Hermina. "Please lead the way, Ms. Marten." He spoke courteously, reminding Harper of who else was there.
"Yes, please do." Harper noticed that Ms. Marten was acting rather standoffish now that their mother was no longer with them.
Then again, she'd always been a bit distant around Harper and his siblings. He thought it might have to do with the fact that she just wasn't comfortable around kids in general, but now he wasn't so sure.
Hmm, what else was in store for them? Harper thought this experience would put their life in the rural township to shame. On the other hand, it would also bring forth new ways of living that none of them would've conceived as possible in a bigger environment.
No matter what. They were starting a new page, and it would take some time to get used to all the changes. Harper glanced around the narrow corridor that led to the staircase. he peered over his shoulder behind him. Other corridors split off the middle portion and he caught glimpses of staircases going up as well. This place was a labyrinth. Harper shook his head. He would have to be careful not to get lost in this place, it seemed. He returned his attention to what was in front of him and hurried to catch up with the others whose shadows he barely made out in the suddenly darkened hallway. "Wow, is there some kind of sensor for lights to go on and off around here?" He was in awe though the sudden darkness made him uneasy.
No one answered him but Harper hadn't expected that anyway. He caught up with the others in no time flat. He didn't run down the stairs, which was a good way to get a broken neck. He simply was cautious and made up for lost time as his keen hearing detected familiar voices coming from a set of arched doors that opened wide and welcoming to everyone heading in for a meal. Hmm, maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. At least Harper hoped it wouldn't be too harrowing of a change from what he and his siblings were accustomed to when sometimes eating at the Inn rather than at home.
*
In the dining hall, Anara was amused. This area of the boardinghouse felt welcoming compared to other parts of the huge rambling building. Maybe it was because other children were bustling around similarly clad in clothing to what she and her siblings currently wore. Or perhaps it was because none of the adults looked at them with critical gazes judging them for their background.
Here, no one's background even came up as a subject, for which Anara was grateful. Not only that, but she'd been able to help out with setting dishware and other things in preparation for the meal. When the remainder of the siblings arrived, they melted into the crowd and took turns assisting with the placement of dishes, eating utensils, and glassware, and gradually everyone was requested to take a seat wherever along the table.
That was when Anara realized that she, Daryl, Holly, and Sapphire were sitting across from Harper, Sherpa, Ambrose, and Jennifer. It was an odd feeling not sitting with Sherpa and Harper, but she shrugged it off. Other than not being in a long line with the siblings, this was similar to communal meals in the Inn.
Not for the first time, Anara was struck by the similarities from which they had left. It was a comforting feeling and made things a bit easier to adjust to.
Right then, Shiloh, the one who'd guided them safely to this boardinghouse, tapped on a glass. "Hello everyone. I just want to announce that we have quite a large group that arrived this evening." She motioned to where Anara and her siblings were seated, along with Hermina, Joan, and Marcus Whitcomb. "They've traveled all the way from Glaston Township. Unfortunately, their mother wasn't able to accompany them. However, they were able to bring a multitude of newborns that were rescued from an unpleasant fate awaiting them." Shiloh surveyed the other children. "Shall we give them a welcoming cheer?"
A boisterous cheer arose from the other occupants, stunning Anara. Hmm, could some of these children have come from the township as well? She studied their faces. No, they didn't resemble any of the adults that she could recall offhand. So why did she suddenly gain the impression that her mother hadn't birthed all of those babies then? Well, Anara supposed they would learn the truth eventually.
Shiloh recaptured everyone's attention with another small speech. "Now that the welcome cheer has been made, shall we get down to eating?" She gained subdued cheers and laughter at her suggestion. "After all, we shouldn't let the food get cold." She grinned at the murmurs of agreement. "I'm sure everyone can concentrate better after all bellies are filled with wholesome food and drink."
Anara couldn't help but recall similar remarks her mother made in the past. That's right, it was all in the past. No more would her mother greet them again in the future. She bit her lip hard. No crying, which wasn't allowed. It was a weakness she couldn't afford to show anyone.