Bridge of The Last Resort – The twin gardens tale

Bridge of the last resort – The twin gardens tale.

The room is full of mysterious types. The travelers and drifters. The ones who live on the outskirts of the kingdom. Almost every chair and table is full. The noise is loud and every so often a raucous cheer erupts from somewhere in the crowd. Thick smoke plumes twist and roil in the stagnant air and the smell of mead permeates every breath he draws in. If he didn’t need the guide, he wouldn’t be here.

Fortunately, his fastest messengers arrived earlier in the day. Therefore, their journey is prearranged. There is no crossing the bridge of the last resort, without a guide. It isn’t that the bridge itself is dangerous. Although it most certainly is, but not how one would think. Besides that isn’t a concern until one is able to reach the bridge. That’s where the guides come in. The bridge is set in the cliffs almost two hundred feet below this town. Then there is crossing the bridge. Then there is the climb up the other side. Furthermore, it is all done in the clouds.

They were at least a couple of thousand feet above the river. The land on either side of the river is a beautiful mixture of pasture and rolling hills. One could make a nice life on either side of that river. As long as there is no need to cross it, things go okay. Furthermore, there is no other way to cross the river until the land meets the sea. And that journey takes much longer than a few days. Prince Stephen is no stranger to risk, but even the most courageous do not attempt crossing the bridge without a guide.

Town of The Last Resort

The light in the room has changed since Mr. Conner began his story. Wesley notices the shadows are longer and the room has a warmer feeling. Sunset will be soon and Wesley hopes they will have time to discuss the actions of the town council. Furthermore, he feels extremely curious about the garden across town. The idea of visiting the garden, and the mysterious woman with the binoculars, lingers in his thoughts. The feeling of things being connected is strong.

Wesley can’t help but feel intrigued. Furthermore, he has become fascinated by this story. Mr. Conner is more interesting with each passing the moment. The older gentleman has a mysterious air about him, but his overall demeanor is one of kindness.

“You are going to ask me if I would like to visit the garden across town.” He gives Wesley a knowing look and refills both their tea cups.

“I had considered asking if you would like to visit. I volunteer to go as well. At this point I don’t think I could get along without knowing who owns that garden.” Wesley feels like he was caught slightly off guard. Mr. Conner is nothing if not intuitive.

“I very much want to go, Mr. Wesley. Furthermore, I appreciate the offer of your company. However, I think it is important to finish this tale before we go.” He slowly sips from the teacup and then absently adjusts his glasses. His eyes are distant. And when he begins the tale again, it’s as though he’s looking back on things from his own experience.

The Twin Gardens Tale

The bridge of the Last Resort was the only way to cross a river separating two kingdoms. Furthermore, it was a perilous journey. This is why only messengers made the trip. It was not uncommon for only one messenger to return from the many that were sent. As Prince Stephen makes his way carefully down the cliff face, he vows to change that. Their guide is only a pace or two ahead of them and Prince Stephen can barely make out the man’s silhouette in the fog.

It takes them an hour to reach the bridge from the town above. As difficult as that was, the climb up the other side, would be twice so. Stephen looks over the edge of the bridge. Clouds. They are above the river, and the clouds. Now, they only need to cross the bridge. Although it is made of stone, it is not without its dangers. Furthermore, the bridge is old. In fact, it’s ancient. They move with haste toward the other side.

The Last Resort

Stephen isn’t sure how much time has gone by when they hear the scream. In the thick fog it’s impossible to see more than a few feet ahead. However, they are close enough to see the form go over the side of the bridge with another scream. Stephen and his two messengers freeze on the spot. Their guide turns and urges them to retreat. Stephen is about to turn back when he hears a woman scream, then swear loudly.

“Watch behind us! There are more in front as well. Also make note to retrieve the pay from that cowardly guide when we return.” Stephen knows that voice. How? What in the blue blazes could she be doing here? On this bridge of all places.

He steadies his messengers and stops their own guide from retreating. They couldn’t afford anymore accidents. Especially not now. Prince Stephen can’t believe it. His intent was to find Princess Anna. But not here. Not on the bridge of the last resort.

“Hark, is that Princess Anna that I hear?” Stephen speaks loudly and squints his eyes trying to see through the thick blanket of fog.

Familiar Voices

“Aye, tis Princess Anna with a full escort of the finest guard. Who addresses me? Come forward and reveal yourself.” Her voice is firm but Stephen can hear the tension in the words she speaks. He desires to put her mind at ease, so he responds as he steps forward.

“I am Prince Stephen from the kingdom across the river. The kingdom of the enchanted garden. The Twin garden to yours my Lady.” Stephen barely finishes his sentence before he finds himself standing face to face with Princess Anna. Her beauty and gracefulness, momentarily renders him speechless. However, it doesn’t last. Princess Anna smiles at him. Then with an urgency that shakes him from his daze, she moves them all.

“We must go now! It is right behind us and it will strike any second!” As if to accent her words, another of her soldiers goes screaming over the edge of the bridge. Princess Anna grabs Prince Stephen’s hand, and they run.

Previous Chapter: The old fashioned garden sprinkler miracle grow

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