Horsey Inn

The two Dickmans took the carriage on their way back to the villa. They had no time to waste.

An enormous gate painted black and gold opened with a creak. Lucia and Owen walked in.

Who opened it every time was a mystery to outsiders but to the Dickmans, it was none other than the twins, Ethan and Nathan. They can turn invisible and they love playing pranks on people.

"Thank you, Ethan and Nathan," Lucia thanked the two boys. They were the sons of Nicholas, the eldest between Henry and her.

"So, uh, what you're saying is George went somewhere faraway and on father's order, we must find him, am I right?" Owen asked, doubtfully. They walked from the gate going to the garden and into the front door.

"Exactly!"

"Forgive me, Aunt Lucia. But I find it hard to believe. That fool didn't have any money."

"Oh, you poor boy. I will really have a nice and long conversation with Henry. He seemed to be neglecting his duties as a Dickman. He's keeping way, way too many secrets from you!"

"Is that so? But what do you mean by that exactly?" Owen asked her as he scrutinized the new fountain statue in the middle of the garden. It was of a boy, seemingly abashed with how he was covering his face with his small hands. The water flowed out of his miniature dick.

"I'll explain along the way but for now, go to your room and pack some clothes. Don't forget a blanket and a knife. Then you go to the kitchen and ask Martha to pack food for a trip. Don't tell her about me, you understand?"

"Okay?" Owen responded but Lucia heard none as she went down the basement to get some of her stuff as well.

However, she was surprised to see two dobermans pacing about her door.

"Hmmm, why would a dog be here?" She mumbled to herself then she remembered who she left in the basement. "Brother."

The dobermans growled at her, as if they sensed her bad intentions. They growled and barked. And one of them crouched into a fighting stance, ready to attack. But before it could do any of that, Lucia's eyes turned white, then she snapped. She stole the dog's will to fight. As well as some of its memories.

"Find that foolish son of mine," Lucia saw Henry say in the dog's memory. And finally, it brought her to the Bonaville North Cemetery.

Then she grinned. And she laughed. She laughed so hard her body rocked back and forth. So hard there were tears in her eyes. She only stopped when she started choking on her own saliva. "Hehe. This just made my job a whole lot easier. Thank you, older brother. Thanks a lot. Hehe."

***

Back in Phulas. Exactly eight in the morning, March 25th of the year 1830. A small wooden coach pulled by two black horses rode through the shrieking valley between two giant mountains.

Two young men sat atop the driver's seat. They were George and Diego.

"So we only have one week, huh." George muttered.

"Exactly, my friend. And we must acquire you a graveyard residency before that time lest you lose the right to both worlds."

"I see," George said in understanding. "What will happen to me if I lose my right?"

"Simple. Those who maintain the balance will kick you out. You will become someone who neither belongs to both worlds. Without a home, you will be hovering with no direction forever chased by the hounds of Phulas." Diego tried to simplify his explanation the best that he could. Well, maybe he simplified it a tad too much as the actual thing was more sinister. Lonelier.

They would stop from time to time to let the horses rest and to relieve themselves.

By noon, they rested by the creek and had some lunch.

Diego scooped some water from the creek with his old pot to make coffee. They had sourdough bread, salted butter, and wild berries they got along the way.

"So my friend, what will you do first after you get your certificate of residency?" Diego asked as he nibbled on his bread.

"Hmm? Find the treasure, of course." George replied nonchalantly.

It made Diego choke on his bread. He snatched the mug of coffee from the ground and drank a mouthful only to spit it out. "Ow! That burns."

"Are you okay?" George asked in concern. Unaware of Diego's dilemma. The latter wanted to delay their treasure hunting as much as possible. He didn't know how to face George if the treasure turned out to be a sham.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I just choked." Diego lied.

After they had lunch and rested a little, they continued their journey until they reached the nearest town. The Strawford Town.

"You know what, my friend? It is getting dark so why don't we spend the night here? I know a cheap inn nearby." Diego suggested. "Let's ask the town captain tomorrow," he added.

"Okay," George agreed.

And so, they drove some more in search of the said inn. Vendors would hopefully stare at them as they passed by their tents.

Five minutes later, they arrived in front of a two storey establishment made of stone and wood. Two oil lamps hung on either side of the door and a wooden plank was nailed at the very top. Coal-black letters were written on it that says, 'HORSEY INN'.

Then the door slammed open. A grumpy unicorn walked out. "You run this inn however you want. I don't care! I'm out!" The unicorn yelled with its high-pitched voice before sprinting away.

"Aaand… What did I just see again?" George asked, more to himself than to his companion.

"Don't ask me," Diego replied.

They were about to find another inn, deciding they didn't want the Horsey anymore when another horse came out. To be more specific, a centaur.

"Nuh-uh! You ain't leaving me now. You're staying in this inn tonight." The centaur said before grabbing them both by the collar.