Meeting The Locals, Part II

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

Tamma beamed at the sight of the Aplonica Art Park, which also impressed the Pirate and his crew. They had briefly seen it while driving to the cafe upon their initial arrival, but there was more to see standing within the park itself. They once again marveled at the stage in the center, the small but impressive looking museum on one side, and the other side that showcased many colorful, abstract statues, along with a grand statue of Tamma with her father Mayor Jahno. What they missed on their prior drive by was another acre worth of green grass covered with more abstract art statues, and beyond that stood a stone bridge where an older gentleman was working on one of many paintings that stood against the side of the bridge.

"Hi Arte!" Tamma squealed, running to the gentleman and embracing him. "This is the Pirate, Rick, Cerissa, and Essie!"

"Ah, the heroes that have come to help us with our Cyclo problem!" Arte said gratefully as his eyes twinkled like Raul's did back in the cafe. "That beast has targeted this park repeatedly, so your assistance is greatly appreciated!"

"Happy to help Arte." The Pirate replied gently. "Are you the owner of this park?"

"Indeed I am." Arte grinned. "I try to raise the spirits of my fellow townspeople with my works here. Ah, here are a couple more that may be seeking solace through the arts!"

Two women approached the group, both smiling like the other residents that the crew had previously met.

"Hello Tamma, Arte, and our town's heroes! I am Kara, and I pastor the church near the entrance to Aplonica. I like to pray and meditate on how to serve my flock while taking in the beauty of this park."

"And I am Jean, and I own the Aplonica Hitching Post. Business has been rough with Cyclo lately, and this park brings me peace as I take in its beauty on my breaks."

"A pleasure to meet you all." Cerissa said warmly as the crew greeted both women.

"Things will get better soon, thanks to these guys." Tamma vowed to Arte, Kara, and Jean.

"I believe you heroes will be the answer to my prayers, along with Tamma for calling you here." Kara said with deep gratitude.

"Please stop by my hitching post sometime and pick out a gift from me." Jean added as happy tears flowed from her eyes. "It is the least I can do."

"My next sculpture will be of you and your crew Pirate." Arte said excitedly. "I will also pray for your protection, and a swift victory!"

Kara, Arte, and Jean bowed before Tamma and the crew before departing.

"The people of your town are very special." Essie said with wonder.

"They sure are, I can't wait to help them!" Rick added. "So Tamma, when is Cyclo coming to collect?"

"Tomorrow night." Tamma said, suddenly panicking. "I'm so sorry for the quick turnaround, will that work for you all?"

"Of course." The Pirate grinned confidently, his team doing the same. "So Tamma, how would you like us to tackle this?"

"Cyclo collects wages from the stage over there." Tamma said with a sense of reassurance. "Let's go up there and talk strategy. I have some ideas, but I would like you all to tell me if they are doable."

To be continued....