Deyanik (Smoldering)

    Heracles shifted his pack on his shoulder and pushed open the door of the tea shop, hearing the bell jingle happily. This should be the right place.  He looked around, the shop seemed completely deserted. There was a vigorous clinking coming from the back room.

    “Coming dear.” A cheerful old voice rang out. Heracles didn’t know what to expect.  A small old woman with her long gray hair tied up in a loose bun stepped from the back, carrying a tray of hot tea and cakes.  She shuffled over to an empty table and set everything down.

    “I guessed orange spice, correct?” Her long bony hands, delicate in their surprising strength and sureness motioned him into the chair across from her. She poured out two cups of the hot liquid, the smell warming Heracles’ senses, the cup heating his hands thankfully. He gazed questioningly at the old woman.

    “What do you mean in regards to ‘orange spice’ tea being correct?” He blurted out.

    “Well, dear, I know you’ve come for a reason.” She glanced at him from under her lashes, a knowing smile playing on  her lips.  He looked surprised.

    “To those who know me, I’m called Grandma. And I have always had the gift of….sense.”

    “The gift of sense?” Heracles repeated.

    “Yes, dear. I have the ability to know things that others could only vaguely guess at.  It just comes naturally I suppose. I also have a vast knowledge of teas and herbs. People often come to me with their problems and concerns. Lucky for them I already have a seemingly uncanny knowledge of what they are dealing with.”

    Heracles could only stare, enraptured by this little old lady, an aura of mystery and calmness about her.

    “In regards to the tea…” She motioned to the cup as Heracles was lifting it to his lips, “I know exactly why I chose it at the exact moment that you stepped through the door.  Orange spice tea reflects the drinker’s desire for change, for something new and unexpected in life. A sudden shift in one’s destiny. And it looks to me like yours has changed dramatically.” She looked at him again, smiling and mischievous.

    “I feel as if you’ve met someone who has changed your life for the better…” Heracles put the cup down, astounded at the woman’s strong powers of observation.

    “Yes, I have. How did you know?”

    “I know a great many things, as I’ve told you.” She placed her cup down gingerly and folded her hands on the table.

    “Now, what was it you’ve come to tell me?”

    “I-” Heracles stammered, unsure of where to go next. “I was told to tell you that I’m here to help you in anyway that I can. I was told by….”

    “I know dear. Is it true that you are a wandering artist as well?”

    “I wouldn’t say ‘wandering’ exactly. I ran away from home…”

    “Ah, then you’ll need to drink up more than ever.” She refilled his cup, “The orange spice also helps those dealing with homesickness and uncertainty about their family life.”

    Heracles felt the warm spread of the liquid filling his stomach, making him relax a little bit more.

    “In regards to your offer, I could definitely use some extra help around the shop.  I only have space for myself in the back unfortunately, but I do know of someone who would be more than willing to help you out…”

    “Really? That would be wonderful! I can start whenever you’d like…” He said excitedly.  She giggled, a high, girlish laugh that reminded Heracles of the shop bell hanging from the door.

    “Oh, this is just wonderful! I’m so glad that he sent you to me…”

    “He?” Heracles questioned.

    “Oh, see, there it goes again.” She smiled, “My sense going off again.  He’s such a little troublemaker, but don’t let his secretive demeanour scare you off. He’s really just a big softie!”  Grandma shuffled off behind the counter and scribbled on a piece of paper. She brought it back to the table and set it down in front of Heracles.

    “Here, his house is only a few paces from here. Please, take your time and then scuttle on over. I’m sure he’d be delighted to make your acquaintance.” She moved towards the back of the shop, clearing away the empty cake plate, wiping things down carefully.  Heracles downed the rest of the warm tea and picked up his pack.  As he opened the door he heard her voice from the back room,

    “Please tell him I said hello, won’t you?”

    “Of course. Thanks for everything….Grandma….” It seemed so odd to say her nickname after only just meeting her, but it was endearing somehow.

    “Anytime, my dear. Feel free to stop by tomorrow morning and I’ll put you straight to work!” She laughed heartily as the door closed behind him with a jingle.