The air was cool, the wind was slightly in a commotion, not too strong at all.

Not many stars were out, the moon was too round and clear for them to show up in that dark sky. Mikael sat on a stoop in the back of his fathers shop. He looked onto an alley way complete with filthy vermin and starving felines. It didnt smell too bad, if one didn't mind the stench of week old trash and sewer water. But it was home to a young man of barely twenty. He sat in this very spot ever since he can remember. He remembered coming out here after they would close and he would take out the trash and sit there having some peace and quiet. Life working as a blacksmith was not the ideal paradise to do some thinking. Although then again an alley is not the first choice either. However, Mikael loved it. It was the only part of the day that he could enjoy just by himself. A place of serenity, a place to collect and try to face the next day when all he ever wanted was a life with meaning. He wanted to feel needed and wanted people to feel dependent towards him. He sighed knowing how ridiculous that was. Besides working as a blacksmith wasnt the worst thing in the realm. He leaned his head on his hands just waiting until the moment when he absolutely had to go back into the shop and help his father finish up closing. He looked at the sky again, the stars were now fading, already preparing for the rising sun in only five hours from now. He was about to look away when he saw a star shoot across the sky. It must have been mere seconds before it disappeared, but Mikael could have sworn it lasted all night. It was so beautiful with its illumination almost personally touching his skin. He felt the warmth travel throughout his body, he had never felt that cheerful in his entire life. He figured the whole town must have seen this phenomenon for the blaze was so bright he couldnt look directly at it. He only witnessed it as he looked out of the corner of his eye. Then just as fast as it came and filled him with the warmth, it left him just as quickly, leaving him completely alone and cold in the alley way. He looked about him as if trying to look for it again. But he knew it was gone. He looked up and the sky seemed to have never moved, as if the occurrence never happened. As he got his bearings, he realized that he was standing up and completely on the other side of the alley. He didnt remember walking over to this part, did he let it carry him there? How could he tell? The way the night seemed now, it was completely silent. He almost questioned his own eyes and feelings and blamed it on the drink of rum he had had earlier in the evening. He shook his head as if to erase the experience and proceeded back into the shop to help his father. Later on that night he couldnt fall asleep. He laid there on his cot staring at his ceiling wondering what would become of him in the future. Most boys his age had their whole future ahead of them, but he knew in his heart that he would never get anywhere farther than his fathers shop. His father was way past his prime and has a bum leg, from the civil war some twenty years ago now. He had already started to bald, and his legs swell on our busiest days. Anymore nowadays, Mikael has had to pick up most of the slack and has done every order this week alone and expects to do the same the following weeks after. His father did help him clean every night and cooked every meal as well. But the strenuous work of shaping hors hoes and bridles is not for the faint of heart. His hands looked more like a middle aged man than they did of a twenty something year old. He knew it was only a matter of time before his father wouldnt be able to do anything and he alone will have to run the shop and take care of his father as well. His mother died when he was very young. He barely even remembered her, only her sweet voice as she used to sing to him to sleep as a boy. His father, however, talked about her plenty. He used to tell him stories of how she always had fresh flowers at the dinner table. And how she used to garden in the small plot of land they had at the side of the building. His father always

bragged to his buddies about how fresh his wifes meals were because of the lovely vegetable garden. Most of all though, he would try to explain how lovely she was and how her voice just made her sound like an angel on land. His father loved her auburn hair and fair skin. Every night after dinner she would bring out her beloved harp and sing them a jolly tune. Mikael had always wished that he could have known the woman better than his simple memories, but it just wasnt so. His father told him that she died of the fever, but he didnt know which one, nor did he ask. He thought it best to keep it to the happy and joyful memories rather than the painful ones. The next morning he woke up obviously drifted off to sleep without any recollection, and got dressed. His small room was simple, holding only his cot and a small chest of drawers which held only his work garb and a nice suit for special occasions and sacrificial days. It was simple, maybe even too frugal but it suited him. He didnt have any need for anything more, what he really focused on was his lack of freedom. He loved his father dearly, but the work of a blacksmith was his fathers craft not his own. He only wished there was a way out without deserting everything he has held dear to his entire life. The sun had not come up yet when he went down stairs to find his father right in routine cooking some left over eggs and he actually smelled bacon. He figured maybe they had some extra money left over this month to afford the rich meat. Nonetheless he didnt question it, he felt his stomach making those noises and he couldnt resist the sweet smell of freshly cooked breakfast. Morning son, sleep well? the old man wore a dirty, white apron and held a spatula in his hand. He still had scruff on his chin and he looked wearied. He limped back and forth from the ice box to the small fire stove. Mikael took pity on him but didnt want to hurt his pride by offering to help him out. Ever since his mother died, his father always tried to make breakfast a special time, for it was the only meal out of the day that they were together. Throughout the rest of the day either his father was out in the market purchasing supplies and he was manning the shop or his father would be resting and Mikael would control the shop until they closed. So Mikael wanted his father to hold on to this time, plus he enjoyed it as well. Because it was right before the day and stresses began and he can try to find that little spark of what his family and relationship could be like with his father. Pretty well father, but this morning felt so nice I had to get up earlier to breath in the fresh air, but I did clean out the house for you today. So you can rest that leg more once the afternoon hits. Mikael said as congenially as he could muster as he held his head down and began eating his fluffy eggs heartily. Son I dont need you doing any favors for your old man. Now we have about twenty orders to complete today so hurry up and finish that breakfast. This is no time to feast and sing merry songs of old. His voice sounds like he kept about a dozen marbles in it. And his gruff stature aided in his appearance of an old guy on his last days. Yes sir, I will go right to shop after this and tend to the customers first and then I will tend to those outstanding orders. Mikael replied solemnly realizing its a lost cause to try to help his father in any way. The old mans pride was too big for any sort of aid. Anything from the kingdom? Nah not today. But I hear the king has ordered about half of his army to scout out the south shores for rumors of foreign invaders. But I know nothing of that except that they may need more shoes and bridles, possibly even some buckles too. Either way, keep a look out for any kingdom messenger with an order sheet. His father finally sat down after cleaning up the

pans he had used and he poured himself some rough, black coffee. He didnt look at his son, but straight ahead as if he was caught in some sort of day dream of past memories gone. Yes sir replied Mikael absently, for he knew that he wouldnt hear him. So he stood up and cleaned his dishes and went straight to work downstairs in the shop. There was already a small line at the locked, shop door. Mikael went over to unlock it and the small group of people came tumbling in. Mikael went back and stood at the counter to take everyones orders. All the usual, weekly customers were there. The Heathersby men, who own their own ranch in the north country. Him and his sons always come down to there shop every week for more buckles and bridles. Mikael has head that they own a horse racing ranch, but has never ventured so far to witness it. It probably was mostly heresy, however Mikael could not figure out a better explanation as to why they needed so many materials each week. Mikael and his fathers products have been known to last months, even years with soft, gentle hands. The Heathersby, on the other hand, go through their batch of products in less than a weeks time. So Mr. Heathersby how is the ranch treating you this year? Mikael asked, striking up a conversation while he wrote down the extensive order. Eh, its all right. The horses are strong though, but they sure are a pain to break. Hear is my youngest, has been training them all winter long just in time for the fast spring season. And thanks to you Meridians, we get all done by the time summer hits He patted the young lad who was standing right beside him on the back, almost knocking the boy over. But the the boy smiled proudly and went on explaining his special techniques he had learned about horse breaking over the winter. Mikael tried to listen but missed a couple stories, for the line behind them was getting long and he still was not done writing down there order and telling the clerk to write it in the accounting books. Finally he finished and served the rest of the customers. Most of them were regulars. Such as the stableman right in town, wanting a couple more buckles for it is heard some travelers are due to arrive any day and he wanted to be extra prepared. He also received some random orders as well, but none were too big and probably could get done today. However orders like the Heathersby, would probably have to wait for a couple of days and made a note to some of the apprentices to works as much on that project as possible. Once the line the depleted he went to give some of the order sheets to some of the apprentices while he went to work on some of the more advance work, he saw his father take his cane and went out of the shop out of the corner of his eye. It was just as well. His father just hired two more apprentices, making it a total of five. So between them and him they could hold down the fort, but he often wondered what his father did all day in town. The palace was on the side of the realm, and there small town was in no comparison with the town square just outside of the palace. The most you can do is get a nice cold ale at the nearest tavern. This made Mikael worried for his father shouldnt drink with his leg acting up so. Then again it wasnt his place to tell his father what to do or not do. He had respect for the man, but wanted him to stick around as long as he could as well. He went back to work trying to forget those daunting thoughts that consumed him always. As long as he kept busy he didnt think about what his could be and about his fathers decreasing health status. With his chisel slamming against dozens of metal sheets and horseshoes, the shop was all in a hustle for most of the day until about midday. Everyone seemed exhausted already, so Mikael closed down the shop and allowed everyone to get some food and drink and to be back at the shop in about an hour. These breaks Mikael dreaded. He felt the most lonely and the most frustrated at what his life has become. His father had not returned, but he wasnt worried. Once

he had left right after breakfast and didnt return until a couple hours after midnight. That night Mikael had to close on his own. He hoped tonight would be different, although he has not done that in quite some time. He found some leftover chicken in the ice box and ate that heartily and then decided to stray around town to maybe check on his father secretly and to find out some news about the kingdoms army needs. The town was bare. Their blacksmith shop was probably the largest building out of the small city. It only spanned maybe ten blocks and then to the north was rural land and then south you would eventually hit the town square and palace. But little Bouergin was often a travel through town. Shops have usually done very well hear since travelers going north or south will inevitable hit it, business was good. Although not a place for the eyes with dust constantly spewing up in the air with every passerby and the rustic buildings barely alive with their rotten wood and broken windows, it did serve its purpose and did it well. To Mikael this was home. The smell of dirt and tobacco was all he knew. His father used send him out into town for certain tasks, that were probably meaningless, for the main purpose was probably to give his son some purpose to his life. Once he had traveled to the south, to do a personal delivery, but it was only a farm just outside of town and didnt take him longer than and hour to do the job. He now passed one of the taverns, there were about three but the other are so run down with drunken owners that his is the only on his fathers goes to anymore. Sure enough, he saw right at the bar drinking a full glass of cold ale. Hi figured it was probably his second or third already. He also saw one his apprentices sitting next to him and they were talking. Mikael left quickly figuring the old man is going to do what he wants anyway and at least the apprentice will fill him in on what is going on at the shop and he will probably be home in time to help close up. He now passed the past office and went straight in the general store. The clerk in there is usually up to date on the happenings of the kingdoms needs and of course all the gossip of the royals, which Mikael couldnt care less about. All that mattered to him was how many orders could he expect in a week and how much time he had to do it all. Mr. Jenkins? How does your day fair? Mikael greeted cheerfully. Why is that Mikael Meridon? Well by jov, I cannot remember the last time I saw your face in my store. How are ya and yer father? the clerk came over around the counter and gave Mikael a small embrace which actually made Mikael a little uncomfortable, but didnt want to question his elder. It was true he had not seen the man in awhile. He usually hears about the news from his father who had talked with Mr. Jenkins. However, here lately his father spends too much time at the tavern he has not heard much about the kingdom other than the small, but vague information he announced this morning. It sure has been a long time. The shop these days is constantly swarming with business. Just haven't gotten the Chance to come by here. Mikael said with a courteous smile. Mr. Jenkins nodded understanding, for at the moment his shop was also packed with people and their small baskets. Well what can I do for ya pal? Oh, sorry should I call ya Mikael, I am so used to ya being just a small boy. But here you are a grown man already. This time he patted Mikael again adding to his discomfort. Mikael is fine. However I was wondering if you have heard any news from the kingdom about some renegade to the south shores? he asked plainly. He didnt feel like sticking around and chatting. Mr. Jenkins was a good man, but Mikael never really liked his perkiness and always cheerful but forgetting the miserable part of life, as if it doesn't exist.

Well, uh, come to think I did hear from some buddy of mine, that his brother, who is guardsmen at the palace, that they might make an attempt at the shores. Honestly I dont really know. Sorry lad. Hey! We just got a load of strawberries, would you want to take a bushel home for yer father to make that delicious jam? Mr. Jenkins had already started for a barrel when Mikael stopped him. Nah, thanks for the help but I really got to be going back to the shop. Mikael knew his father might have liked that, but he was too upset from another vague status report from the kingdom and too angry with his father for being away so much, he could care less about strawberries. Alright lad, good seeing ya. Say hello to your old man for me. Mikael was about half out of the door and could barely hear what the old clerk said, but he waved his hand behind him agreeing with whatever he had to say. Almost an hour had passed by and he knew no more than what he knew this morning. He should have gone back to the shop but he was so parched that he went to the small cafe, a couple blocks over, and ordered a small deluded ale. He didnt want to be intoxicated in this heat for the rest of the day. He found a small two seater table outside and sat there to finish his refreshment. He calmed down a little and his mind ran across last night again. He kept telling himself that it was only a normal shooting star, but he knew deep down that it wasnt true. Somehow the light felt familiar, but he turned against the thought. He took a big gulp out of the ale as if to erase the memory, but to little surprise it didnt work. He could not get that moment out of his mind. Even when working when he was fairly good at forgetting his issues with his father and his life, this however would never escape his mind. Well what ever it was, he concluded, it wont happen again so there is no sense on dwelling on it. Let the memory heal and disappear like any good scab does everyday. When he got back to the shop all of the apprentices had returned as well and they all proceeded back to their duties. The rest of the day seemed slow to Mikael and it angered him that his father had yet to return. So he just kept working and making sure the apprentices were all in order. It was dusk now and he sent all his workers home, for most of them were younger than the age of sixteen and needed to be home. Mikael looked in the direction where the tavern his father was at and could not see a single soul coming in his own direction. He shook his head and started to clean and shut down for the night. He found himself back in the alley way throwing away the last of the garbage. He tried convincing himself not to look up, afraid to what he might see tonight. However, he couldnt resist the urge nd he looked in the exact same spot the star was located last night. Other than the moon being bigger and therefore brighter, it looked to be a normal looking night sky. No strange shooting stars ready to dwell themselves inside his body. And no warm, happy, or fake feelings either. To his delight, he declared last night to be a complete hallucination from working too hard with little sleep to make up for it. He walked back into the shop with a little smirk on his face, when he met his fathers rugged gaze. Hello, was all Mikael said and then started to go upstairs to his room, when is father grabbed his arm gentle stopping him in mid step. Please son, lets talk. I have an explanation as to my late arrival this evening. Mikael saw the desperation in his eyes and couldnt find the root of this emotion. Was his father desperate for a more meaningful relationship with his son? Or was there something really wrong and his father decided to drink all day before breaking the awful news to him? Either Mikael agreed and

both of them sat down at the table, much like they did earlier in the morning, and Mikael waited for the old man to start talking again. Well it all started when I was paying my tab at the tavern, about late afternoon, Mikael thought that was passable, considering when he saw him it was closer to noon. And as I was going out the door, some man stopped me by the shoulder. He wore a great black overcoat that covered his face half way up. He wore a top hat and black trousers. He seemed very suspicious, so I ignored his inquiry to come chat with him, but he urged on and on. Finally when I got free of his grasp, he said something that shuttered me to the very bone. He said, Your son is danger, you must make haste and listen to what I have to say,. The old man stopped covering his face with his weathered hands either out of exhaustion or remembering to awful moment, Mikael couldnt tell. What does that mean? How does he know me? Mikael asked, trying to sound interested but he couldnt help but think that this story is a result of his drinking habits today. I had the same questions son, but dont rush me, let me tell it my own way. Mikael sat back in his chair defeated but he kept his eyes on him and listened further on. So both me and the man ventured back into the tavern and found a small table in the far left corner. Very private. I suggested a more crowded area, but he ignored me and continued to the corner table. We both sat down and he was very quiet for the longest time. It probably was just mere minutes, but it seemed to last for hours. I looked outside and the sun was still high in the sky so I figured it wasnt getting too late. Mikael was starting to get really frustrated with this long story and all of his fathers insignificant details, and he was thinking about all things that had to be done before he could go to bed. He needed to sweep the floors, double check that ll the doors were locked, clean the kitchen, and then help his father to bed. Then he looked outside and saw that it was getting darker that the hour of midnight had already passed. But just then he heard his father say, light. What I know son I couldnt believe it myself. No, no what did you say? Damn the gods son, pay attention will ya! Mikael rolled his eyes as his father gave him a lecture on how he never listens and he was about to counter and say that he wished he wouldnt take so long to tell a five minute story. But his father went back to the tale and Mikael shut his mouth, worried that he would miss the same part again. Like I had said before, the strange man started explaining that he wasnt from here but from an alternate reality. And you can imagine my reaction to that, but he kept urging me to listen so I did. He said that he needed to speak with Mikael Meridon about a light of some sort. He says it is some portal to another world that he needs to get back to. Wow was all Mikael could say. Just a while ago he convinced himself that the light he saw was just a moment of his imagination, now some strange man confronts his father and wants to talk with him. He was stunned, and a little afraid. What did it all mean? Wow is right, his fathers voice startled him from his train of thought, but he brought his attention back gradually towards his father. I was so angry with this foreigner that I called to the barkeep and had him thrown out. He kept declaring that you were in danger, but I didnt want to hear none of his nonsense anymore. Who in his right mind decides to aggravate an old man like myself to such a degree in threatening my sons life! he finally stood relieved from telling the story and grabbed a glass to fill some water into and sat back down with his conflicted son. Well.do you know what happened to him?

Nope! Although I did hear something about a man getting arrested somewhere on the edge of town, maybe that was him. If it was good riddance, we have enough of a rough time here in Bouergin as it is, we dont need any loonies in strange coats stirring the pot. He finished his glass of water. And Mikael blinked for the first through that whole story. He figured he must have looked like a bug out of water, he was concentrating too much. Anyway thats why I was late son. I will finish up closing here, you go on up and get some rest. By the way, did that messenger ever come by today? Mikael shook his head. Well just as well, I probably heard wrong anyway. I must get to work sweeping those floors, sleep well lad. His father put his glass in the sink and went down stairs with a broom. Mikael remained sitting at the table for quite some time before he ventured upstairs towards his room. He collapsed on his bed in total bewilderment. He was glad that his father casted he strange man aside, but at the same time he wished he could have gotten more information. He shook his head and stood up. How could he possibly, even to the slightest degree, that he was believing any of this. It sounded like total witch craft and sure signs of complete insanity. But he had to admit it, he believed in that light that he saw the other night, and now he believe in every word that man said to his father. Then he shuddered with fear, for if he ever got the crazy idea and try to track that man down, he would have to leave his elderly father behind abed become a total disgrace and a coward. Of course that is assuming that the man did not get arrested, like his father had said. Mikael collapsed on his cot again, but this time in complete frustration. He longed to understand what all this meant, and why was he apart of it? He repositioned himself a little in his cot and looked out his only window. The moon was gone and and the sky was not as dark as before, but with a little hint of light. The sun was almost peaking over the ridge, and he will have to get up in about two hours. He sighed for wanted more out of life. Maybe this was it? It seemed so impossible and a desperate attempt for boy of his age for believing in fairy tales again. Before he knew it, he eyes started to dose and then he was whispered off to a restless sleep only to meet another days of work and ordinary.