Glandera
Glandera worked on the rock with clenched lips. The work was easier for her today because she had eaten two slices of bread for breakfast and had even brought lunch from home. But she couldn't fathom why she had received this present.
“Glandera? The foreman asked for you.” A miner tapped her on the back and pointed towards the exit.
Friday was payday, so Glandera packed the tools into her shoulder bag, stretched her back and set off. A cloud of dust rose as she patted her clothes to remove the coarse dirt.
She lined up behind her colleagues and when it was her turn, she took the coins. Quickly, the foreman grabbed her hand and held it tight. “Who knows, I might soon replace you with another worker.”
Defiantly, she withdrew from him and counted. She raised her eyebrows in surprise. She had received her full wages even though she had not been present yesterday. A tingling sensation on the back of her neck made her tremble. Then she slowly turned around.
Archmage Ferron stood a little away from the mine and looked at her. His hands were clasped behind his back. He watched over the square in a lofty manner.
Glandera pocketed the coins. She continued on her way for a few steps before stopping. She wrestled with herself. If the archmage was already here, she should thank him. She ignored the foreman's inquiring look as she stepped in front of Ferron. “Greetings, erudite Magister.”
“Miss Berger.” He bowed his head kindly. Grey eyes looked at her expectantly.
“I thank you for the bread and the food. God bless you.” Instead of looking up at him, she pushed a few stones around with her foot.
“I'm glad if I could bring you some joy and ease your worries.”
She raised her head in surprise. “How do you know…?”
“The winter was hard, and the summer is too hot. Food prices have gone up everywhere, miss,” He looked at her gently. “and many families have been suffering since then.”
“You don't have to do this.”
“It is my wish.” His tone revealed that he would brook no argument.
She pressed her lips together as she nodded and glanced around the square indecisively. “Please, call me Glandera, like everyone else here. Otherwise, I'll feel old.”
He smiled. “Thank you very much, I'm pleased to do that. Glandera, would you go for a walk with me?”
She froze. Then she shook her head and backed away.
Ferron noticed the subtle vibrations as her pulse raced. His voice softened. “We're in an open space, and quite visible as we take a few steps. What are you afraid of?”
Images flashed before her inner eye. She took her brother by the hand and ran with him through the undergrowth until they reached a cave. There she covered his mouth while the riders from the Mage Academy rushed past. The memory tore at Ferron's heart.
“My mother forbade me to go with strangers.” She backed away further, bowing her head. “Erudite Magister.”
“Allow me to get to know you so that we are no longer strangers to each other.” He hesitantly took a step towards her. “Mages are only human.”
“Sorry, I have to get to work.” With that, she turned around and hurried back into the gold mine.
When Glandera returned home in the late afternoon, another basket of food and fresh bread had been delivered. With an apple between his teeth, her brother rummaged through the delicacies. He took a bite and, chewing, said, “There's a box with your name on it.”
The front door opened and Glandera quickly stowed her gift in her bag.
Her mother put down the bucket of water. “Ah, dear, you're home already.”
“Yes, here's this week's wages.” She put the coins on the table and took the heavy bucket from her. “Thank you, Mother, I'll wash up quickly and then help you.”
The contents of the box rattled slightly as Glandera climbed the stairs. As soon as she had set the bucket down in her room, she opened the lid. Inside was a clear quartz crystal, about the size of her index finger. She carefully took it out and the familiar tingling sensation spread from her fingers to her whole hand. Fascinated, she turned it round and slowly walked to the window. The light immediately refracted through it, conjuring up a rainbow on her bare wall. She whooped with joy as she repeated this natural spectacle, letting the bright colours wander around the room.
She was aware that it was an offering from the archmage and carefully hid it under the bed.
