From The Autumn Crusade Part I: The Squire’s Dream
Saturday came quickly. Webb was overjoyed as he set out from Bark’s Horn and descended the Hill. He wore a dark, hooded tunic made of sturdy fabric, a warm blue color. His tunic was charcoal color, extending just below the waist, where it was clinched by a brown, leather belt. Beneath his tunic, he wore a pair of dark-blue trousers that tucked neatly into his mid-calf, leather boots. A long, dark cloak was draped over his shoulders, billowing slightly as he walked.
Webb crossed the Great Bargan River on a back road in the west side of town, traveling south toward the South Gates and Lower Riverland. Soon, he came to the part of town home to bars, taverns, and pubs, famously known as Jefferson Street, named for King Jefferson Jeffers.
Minutes later, the tall structure of the Dragonbreath Bar and Grill was casting a high shadow over Webb’s head. Inside, he quickly spotted Riona.
Sitting on a barstool, Riona wore a deep violet blouse that draped gracefully over her frame, a soft fabric. Over the blouse, she wore a loosely-fitted lavender wrap, edges tied at her waist. Her blue pants fit snugly around her hips before falling into straight legs. Like Webb, she wore a simple, leather belt that was brown and worn.
Webb sat at the stool to Riona’s left. They ordered a simple meal of cider and crackers.
“Thank you for coming here,” said Riona, smiling brightly. “I assure you, the food is fantastic.”
As the bartender attended to their order, the aroma of freshly poured cider and the crispness of crackers ruled the air. With professional hands, the bartender plated their meals, presenting them before the pair with a gracious smile. Savoring each bite and sip, the pair found themselves engrossed in discussion, words flowing like streams in the landscape of their vast minds.
“So…” Webb adjusted his collar. “Who is your favorite composer?”
Riona’s eyes lit up at the question.
“I sure do like Augustus Hübir. The way he layers melodies, like conversation…”
Webb smiled and nodded. “I do admire Hübir. He’s my favorite, too. His work has a raw energy, pure.”
Riona leaned in slightly. “What I love most about music is how it can express what words can’t, as if it has some magic power. It speaks to the heart, perhaps influences it.”
Webb paused, considering her words.
“It is like literature,” he mused. “A well-written book can send you straight to another world, see things from a new perspective, like…living a thousand lives through the eyes of different characters. If we too are characters, then I wish I could see life through your eyes.”
Riona smiled. She watched Webb reflectively.
“I suppose that’s what I love about fiction, too. It connects us, makes us feel understood, an escape. I’ve always dreamed of telling my own story one day.”
Webb’s smile grew. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the bar.
“I think you’d write something beautiful, Riona.”
A slight blush crept up Riona’s cheeks, but she held Webb’s gaze.
“Thank you, Webb. That means a lot. I think we all have stories to tell, even if we don’t realize it. What about you? Have you ever thought about writing?”
Webb chuckled softly.
“I write all the time, though I primarily focus on poetry. I’ve always admired the idea of putting words to parchment and crafting a novel. Maybe someday…”
“You might surprise yourself. Sometimes the best stories come from those who think deeply and observe the world with a keen eye, like you.”
Webb blushed, feeling a surge of warmth.
“You know, Riona… I have never truly talked about things with anyone before, not at this depth. It is nice, sharing these thoughts with someone who gets it.”
Riona’s gaze met Webb’s. Her eyes shone like the stream of her namesake.
“I feel the same way, Webb. It’s like finding a kindred spirit. A…soulmate, perhaps?”
“Perchance.”
Time passed unnoticed as the pair were immersed in the rhythm of their dialogue. The light of bar-candles flickered on their faces as they laughed, pondered, and empathized.
“Now tell me, Riona, what are your dreams?”
Riona leaned back, eyes wandering to the air as she extracted the answer from her mind.
“I want to explore the world, to experience different cultures, and to help people.”
“Interesting.” Webb smiled. “I want the same. I yearn to unravel the mysteries of the universe, both in the physical world and the depths of the mind. Maybe someday we’ll sail a sea far away from here, sailing to the edge of creation’s waters as we chase a rainbow of fate whose whispers of truth echo in the night wind?”
“You are a fine wordsmith, Webb!”
As the minutes stretched into an hour, evening made an abrupt approach.
“Well, I think it is high time we get out of here,” Riona said, glancing at a clock on the wall. “The evening crowd seems to be coming in. Are you ready to go?”
Webb nodded. “Sure.” Though I’ll miss what’s been the most wonderful experience of my life yet. “What now?”
“There is another spot that I enjoy spending my time at, a far more natural and peaceful spot,” Riona revealed. “The pier by the Great Bargan River. It was the spot where I was born, after all.”
They exited the bar, holding hands as they made their way back west toward the River Bridge. Upon arriving near the Great Bargan River, they descended a small ledge and arrived at the pier. Together, they slowly lowered themselves to the ground.
“Well, what do you think?” Riona gestured to the waters that flowed under the light of the fading sun. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Webb’s eyes only remained on Riona’s face. “It is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen.”
Riona smiled.
“Thank you for agreeing to do this with me.” Webb’s voice almost broke. “You don’t know how much it means to me.”
“Oh, I think I do.” Riona grinned. “It means just as much to me… I really like you, Webb.”
“You really like me? Well, Riona Waverling, I love you.”
Riona blushed a bright shade of red, and Webb felt his heart flutter as she replied, “I love you too, Webb Horner.”
After a few seconds, Riona took a risk and leaned in for a kiss, which Webb accepted. It was rather awkward as their lips made contact; neither of them had ever kissed before, but soon it became natural. When it was over, they both opened their eyes, beginning to lightly chuckle.
This must be a dream, Webb thought. He pinched the skin of his arm to confirm his suspicion, but nothing happened.
“This is no dream, Webb,” said Riona, twirling a strand of hair. “I am here. But, to me, it seems like this must be the doing of some kind of magic. And, I know no magic.”
“Not even the magic of your beautiful eyes?” Webb asked, leaning close. “Or the magic of that beautiful aquamarine necklace around your head?”
Riona grasped the necklace and smiled. “I thank you for noticing it, though it is not magic, as far as I know. You see, it has been a family heirloom for generations. My mother gave it to me, and she said it can be traced to an ancient people from long ago… I know you like history.”
Webb chuckled. “Indeed. Can I touch it?”
“Sure.”
The feeling of love made Webb’s breath grow short as he lightly touched the necklace. He turned to look at the waters below the pier. In the ripples, he thought he could see his own future. However, he ignored it, because for once, he desired to live in the present.
Webb shuffled closer to Riona, their souls in union beneath the beautiful, shining sunset above them, although Webb could not help but think back to simpler times in which his soul was deprived. He also feared a dark future that could strip him of his newfound harmony, a future where the hearts and harmonies of men and worlds would be scorched and shattered by the flames of desolation, a result of cruel nature.
But for once, I am happy. Do I deserve this?
“I have something for you,” Riona said, shifting her weight slightly as she reached into her pocket.
Webb raised a brow as she revealed a leather armlet—it was a beautiful shade of sea-blue. His heart fluttered as she took his wrist. “This way, everyone will know.”
Webb exhaled sharply. “So, you’re officially claiming me?”
“Of course,” she teased. “You’re mine now.”
There was a brief silence, then she tilted her head. “Only if you’re willing to claim me back.”
Webb hesitated for a half a second, then reached into his own pocket.
“I suppose it’s only fair.”
He revealed a carefully folded ribbon—a matching sea-blue color—and presented it to her.
“A bow?” she brushed it with a finger. “It’s beautiful.”
“A head bow,” Webb corrected with a grin, running it between his fingers before gently tying it around her hair.
As the pair sat beside each other on the pier, they felt a union between their souls and with the universe. In his head, Webb supposed that this memory of sitting on the pier by the Great Bargan River in innocence and joy would become his most cherished one. He was well aware that innocence and joy would expire eventually—they always did—but everything was okay in that moment. He embraced life, for at least in that moment there was no more satisfaction to crave.
“You know… Next time we come here, we should bring our violins to play in unison with the harmony of the wind and the rhythm of the water.”
Riona smiled. “You sound like a poet.”
“We are all poets at heart.”
© 2025 Aedan Huebner
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