Hollows of the Nox by Matthew E Nordin

Author:Matthew E Nordin [Nordin, Matthew E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-03-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

A small group of locals gathered around the stone well in the center of town when Eldritch returned. Most guffawed over their latest hair accessories and held their hands aloft, letting their rings sparkle in the morning light. Eldritch looked down at his mundane appearance. He did not have anything like their fancier clothes, but he could at least try to fit in a little more. He pulled out the small bag of coins he collected after the show. With any luck, some shops still traded with them, unlike the tavern.

He spotted one of the many tailor’s shops. A familiar voice boomed above the crowds before he had a chance to wander in.

“This here, friends, is something exceptionally rare,” Grinley said, gathering the people around him and Ben. “Not only is it a useful bottle for containing liquids, it is also a bottle containing a mighty ship for sailing.”

The audience around him chuckled. Eldritch moved in closer, eager for a chance to speak with Grinley whenever his stunt completed.

“Ah, you don’t believe me. That’s all right. Many can’t see the ship because it is magic and is only revealed to those with the true sight.”

More people snickered while he flipped the bottle into the air.

“I happen to know this, because my friend, Ben, professes it to be true.” He cupped his hand over his mouth in a pretend whisper. “I’ve never been able to see it myself. He might be crazy.”

Ben spun his hands around and put them on his eyes. “Just smarter than you is all,” he muttered in his strange language.

“See, what did I tell you?” Grinley took a slow swing at Ben with the bottle.

Ben ducked out of the way and stuck his tongue out. He toppled forward a little too easily as Grinley tapped the back of his knee with his foot. Ben held up a fist to react but turned back to the crowd with a mock look of surprise and smiled.

“As I was saying, my friend here can see this great ship inside the bottle but I can not. It would take a true believer who can see beyond the physical to be able to do so. Of course, I think he’s bluffing and gave me an empty bottle.”

As Grinley spoke, Ben told a strange tale in his unique language. It was something about a ship which sailed the smallest seas, carrying its passengers into tiny harbors. His spell sounded more of a story than a ritualistic chant.

“I’m afraid no one has the sight,” Grinley continued. “I might as well put a cork in this and see who would want a simple bottle.”

The crowd gasped as smoke formed into a storm inside the bottle. The tiny flashes of lightning swirled into the shape of sails. Soon the entire container was filled with a great ship that fit perfectly inside the once empty bottle.

“I don’t know though.” Grinley peered into it and turned to Ben. “It is my last drinking vessel, and I’d hate to have to buy another one because of this magical sight you claim to have.

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