The Wilderness - Chapter One

Chapter One: (Eighteen years before)

All was silent in the village. It was a peaceful and serene afternoon, filled with normal activities, related to preparations for the daily, evening Gathering. The colorful circular village was one of the largest in the universe, inhabiting nearly fifty-thousand souls. The multi-layered lights pulsated from the thousands of square homes, surrounding the central dome-like structure...the Thrall. Straight and winding paths connected the buildings, their borders lined with thick flowers. It’s residents roamed about on these paths, which were in places wide enough to be called streets. Through gardens and doorways they could be seen discussing things in soft or often loud tones, when occasion warranted. The women sang or danced about, keeping an eye on their ever rambunctious children, who ran here and there playing their childlike games. The fields and meadow surrounding the great city were dotted with figures; delightful laughter echoed across the open spaces.

The colored forest, emanating it’s varying hues like a pulsating light itself, gave no cause for alarm. It was quiet and calm. Only the playful singing of birds could be heard.

A young mother walked down one of the paths near the edge the village, heading towards the arched gates that opened out into the fields. Her long dark hair fell across her shoulders, complementing a pair of flashing green eyes. A toddling three-year-old girl clung to the woman’s left hand, her childish chatter bringing a warm smile to her mother’s lips. Another child, nearly an infant, was balanced on her hip, sucking on a thumb. The baby was also a girl. Dark curls encrusted her tiny head.

“Smell the roses, Valerie,” the mother encouraged the three-year-old.

Valerie released her mother’s hand and bent forward sticking her nose directly inside a huge blooming red rose.

“Elyon! Elyon!” Valerie exclaimed, jumping to her feet and clapping her chubby little hands, obviously delighted by the pleasing aroma.

“Yes, my love, it is Elyon. Everything you see, feel, hear and smell is Elyon.”

“More, Mama, more,” the toddler hopped up and down losing her balance.

Her mother instantly caught her hand, setting Valerie back on her feet.

“Careful, Valerie. Lets show Rachelle the fields now.”

Valerie clung to her hand, big wide eyes, very much like her mother’s, glanced with a pugnacious twinkle up into the sky. The baby, Rachelle, cooed softly, her own green eyes watching her sister.

“Sarah!”

The woman turned around at the sound of her name. A tall strong young man was striding towards her, just down the path a ways. Another little dark headed girl, several years older than Valerie, bounced on his broad shoulders. Her hands clung to his hair, as she grinned from ear to ear. Sarah’s lips parted at the familiar sight of her beloved husband and eldest daughter.

“Caleb...where have you been?” she teased, her smile turning to a playful smirk,“ dancing in the Thrall, no doubt?”

His returning smirk confirmed her suspicions as he planted quick kiss on her up turned lips.

“You are intoxicating,” he grinned, mischievously.

Sarah quickly kissed him back, not at all self-conscious at their children’s presence.

It was the Great Romance...the very life that gave them breath. Love was never concealed here in the colored forest.

Valerie wrapped her arms around Caleb’s legs, squealing to be picked up. He chuckled, eyes dropping from Sarah’s and reached down swinging Valerie up into the air. She and her sister both squealed, Valerie in delight, her sister in fear.

“Daddy! I’m gonna fall!”

“No, you’re not, Keira,” he reassured his eldest, settling Valerie on his hip, one hand stilling holding Keira’s legs in place across his chest.

“Where were you headed off to, my dear,” he asked, glancing back at his wife.

A smile still tugging at her lips at the comical sight of Caleb, with the girls hanging off of him in every direction, replied,” The fields. Rachelle, as you know has started crawling and I think she would love the flowers that grow there.”

Sarah kissed her baby’s soft cheek.

“Excellent! Let’s go,” Caleb enthused, brown eyes gazing at her with the deepest affection.

The little family hurried down the path and through the gates, Caleb bouncing up and down in stride, to make his daughters scream in delight.

Finding a quite thick patch of daises that grew across the southern meadows, just along the tree line, Caleb and Sarah set their daughters down. Valerie and Keira immediately set off on a tumbling game of hide-and-seek with their father. Their little bodies could easily be hidden, when they crawled; concealed by the thickly blossoming ivory and purple daisies. Caleb pretended to be astounded at their cleverness and thrashed about after them, causing them to giggle in uproar and then jump on top of him. He fell, allowing them tackle him to the ground.

Meanwhile, Sarah set Rachelle down, letting the child crawl on the soft, luscious grass and then seated herself crossed legged, waving to several friends, other young women, who were taking a walk several yards away. They were laughing at Caleb and the girls.

Sarah’s eyes returned to Rachelle. The baby was sucking her hand, also watching her father and older sisters with marked interest. “You’re not quite old enough yet, darling,” Sarah murmured, brushing her fingertips through the child’s downy curls.

Butterfly darted across the baby’s face. She gurgled, one little hand groping towards it, her eyes wide.
Rachelle laughed and then swiveled her head back towards the rest of her family. Caleb now had Keira on the ground, tickling her unmercifully and Valerie was attempting to climb on his back. Keira’s bubbling laughter echoed through the meadow.

“Pinch him in the back, Val!” she hollered at her second-born. Valerie glanced back at her mother as if unsure if that was a safe action. Her green eyes twinkled mischievously.

Feeling movement from Rachelle, Sarah turned away, not seeing if Valerie heeded her advice or not. Rachelle was just hiking up her rear and attempting to crawl through the flowers. Her little hand grasping the swaying blooms as they bent to the earth. Caleb’s holler of protest, was answer enough of Valerie’s intentions.

Sarah fell back against the flowers herself, enjoying the sheer blissfulness of it all. In a couple more hours the Gathering would begin. As always she looked forward to it. This was Elyon’s love, the delight of his people.

She didn’t even hear the screams when they first erupted, nearly one-hundred yards deep in the forest. Sarah’s eyes were closed, listening to the familiar sounds of her family around her. But her eyes flew open when Rachelle’s tiny body bumped against hers as the baby tried to crawl up onto her mother.
Sarah giggled, sitting up and pulling Rachelle into her lap.

“What is it, Chelle? Tired of the daisies already?” That was the baby’s treasured nickname, encouraged by Valerie who could not speak her sister’s full name without slurring it.

Rachelle’s eyes gazed up at Sarah’s wide and unblinking. Full of innocence.

Sarah heard a distant scream. Her eyes flew up scanning the field. Everything appeared to be as it should. Terror was not something she would have recognized. So the strange noise confused her. It clearly came from a human throat, but who would make such a sound?

Caleb was now crawling along the ground, with both girls riding on top of him, kicking their legs to make him move faster. He didn’t appear to have heard the noise.

Then there it was again....a clear audible shriek, filled with some kind of sensation that sent chills racing down her spine. The voice that followed, was shouting an inaudible stream of words. It came directly from the forest. Sarah froze. It was her brother’s voice.

Daniel’s voice.

“Caleb?” He didn’t appear to hear her, because of the loud, giggling voices of the girls.

The screams intensified, and now she could distinctly see the familiar form of her sixteen-year-old brother racing through the trees towards them, waving his arms frantically.

“Caleb?” she repeated, much louder, alarm in her voice. Daniel would often run, he was known for his unmatched speed, but the way in which he ran was not normal, or in anyway recognizable. If she could imagine what it was like to run for your life, that was exactly the picture she was seeing from the scene of her rapidly approaching brother.

Caleb heard her voice and the screams now. He sat up, both girls sliding off his back in a giggling heap.
Sarah jumped to her feet, holding Rachelle close.

“Caleb, something isn’t right,” she said, her voice filling with intensity. She hardly understood what she spoke, only that what she was saying was the truth.

“Is that Daniel?” he said, stepping forward.

Sarah didn’t have to nod as her brother burst through the tree-line heading straight towards them. His face stricken with the most indescribable expression she had ever seen. His screams were now discernible words. His blue eyes so wide, she could see white.

The people across the meadows were all staring at him, stirring uneasily.

“Run...they’re coming! The Shataiki! They’re attacking!”

Sarah’s heart jumped to her throat, not understanding the words he spoke.

The Shataiki? Of course not...what nonsense. Their enemies would never break the rules. They would never cross the river. But Daniel’s eyes spoke the truth...there was no denying it. He rushed nearly into Caleb.

“Run! What are you waiting for? They’re killing everyone in their path.! Hurry, see the cloud?” he pointed towards the south through the trees, anxiously gripping Caleb’s arm.

Sarah and Caleb’s eyes both swung too where he pointed.

Nothing.

No, wait, there did seem to be a dark haze. Then she smelled a stench, born in on the wind. Nothing in the colored forest smelled like that. It was evil through and through.

Sarah panicked,” Caleb the girls!” she screamed rushing towards her children.

But Caleb and Daniel were already ahead of her, scooping Valerie and Keira into their arms.

“Run to the Thrall!” her husband shouted, holding Keira tightly against his chest. All three raced towards the village.

More screams erupted from the forest behind them and Sarah slightly turned to see several more people stumble into the valley. Two were covered in blood.

Horrific shrieks followed as everyone began running towards the village.Then Sarah began to hear the Shataiki’s screeches. It could be nothing else, because they were so unfamiliar, yet so frightening, in a way she had never felt before. She felt a shadow and glanced back again, gulping in horror. The haze was now a thick black cloud, hovering above the forest still maybe half a mile back.

“We’re not going to make it!” she wheezed to Caleb, noticing the speed with which the cloud approached.

“Run, don’t look back!” he shouted.

Thirty seconds later they were approaching the gates, the frantic mass of people congregating there was already beginning to clog up the entry.

“Shataiki! Shataiki!” everyone was screaming.

“We have children!” Caleb shouted, pushing his way through. The struggling crowd parted.

Daniel and Sarah followed and some how they made it through the gates, but the streets were just as congested.

The Shataiki’s screams were now just overhead. The enemy’s cloud was beginning to darken the sun.

Caleb swung around face to the skies, his eyes still shocked and frantic. The cloud was a writhing swarm of tangled, feathered bodies. Red eyes glared down with hate upon them. Sarah’s screams were frozen into silent horror.

Keira was also clinging to Caleb in frightened silence. Valerie was sobbing. Rachelle was wailing. Sarah didn’t even try to soothe her.

Daniel shoved the door to the nearest house open, screaming at them to take cover. Confusion swirled around them, as the people blindly plunged for any kind of safety, the majority not even aware of what they were running from. Sarah stood next to Caleb, unable to move, her face locked on the skies.
Daniel was still shouting at them, people were already brushing past him for safety in the house.

Sarah shrieked as the first Shataiki dove to the ground like a bomb attacking three young girls in the middle of the street. His talons digging into their flesh...ripping and clawing.

The crowd surged forward in fear at this, as within seconds more Shataiki followed, tearing through the people. Sarah felt Caleb pulled away from her in the frenzied crowd.

“Caleb!” she screamed, reaching for him. He had disappeared.

Another Shataiki attacked someone only two yards away from her. They fell writhing in a pool of blood.

She and Rachelle would be their next prey.

A hand suddenly grabbed her arm and she felt herself pulled across the street and through a doorway.

It was Daniel.

He slammed the door shut and turned to face her. She was intelligibly screaming at him about Caleb. But he held her back, and scooped up Valerie from the floor where he had left her. About ten other people sat in frightened huddles throughout the room.

“Down to the basement!” one of the men ordered,” They’ll get through the windows!”

Feeling numb with despair, Sarah followed everyone down the steps to the cool, underground storage room. Someone screamed from the back of the group, as something smashed through the window. Sarah heard a shriek as she was shoved towards the back of the room, against the wall. Scuffling followed, shouting and then the door to the stair slammed shut and the lock slid in place. Everyone was in.

One man stood with blooding dripping from a deep gash across his forehead. A Shataiki had dove into the window just before he’d left the room and attacked him. But now they were safe.

Daniel set down beside his sister, cradling a whimpering Valerie. Her head was buried in his chest.

“Caleb...” Sarah moaned.

“Perhaps he hid in another house,” Daniel tried to reassured as did the others.

But deep down in her heart Sarah knew nothing would ever be the same again. Someone had crossed over the river into the black forest, someone had eaten the forbidden fruit and someone had gone against Elyon.

But who? Why? How could someone desire to do such a horrible act?

Sarah’s cries mingled with her child’s as she buried her face in Rachelle’s back and cried. Darkness washed over her spirit.

Death was here. The people’s blood was defiling everything it touched.

And in her heart she knew Caleb and Keira were gone.

A Tale of the Wilderness...via Ted Dekker's desert.

~ Prologue ~

The sun had sunk below the desert skyline, its last dying rays shooting up like jagged fingers across the deepening purple western sky. The chilly night air was already beginning to set in, beginning with a light breeze along the desert floor. The scattered fires of the small encampment inside the narrow canyon were burning brightly. It's inhabitants settling in for the night. A lone figure sat on a log at the furtherest fire out, near the mouth of the canyon, absently staring into the flames. The bright light danced across a well shaped tan face, and deep green eyes of a young woman. Her chin was resting in her cupped hands and she was slightly bent forward, causing her long, dark hair to fall across her straight, strong shoulders in abundant waves. A sword lay near her feet in a leather scabbard and shield leaned up against the log beside her. Her clothing was like that of all the Guard...leather battle moccasins, which reached half-way up her calves, a short leather skirt and leather armor covered her torso. But her arms were left bare. The thigh guards she had discarded, lay several feet away in the dust. All were made from a hardened leather, that deflected blows quite easily. A scar ran down one of her arms, vaguely visible in the flickering fire light. She was obviously a hardened warrior.
But the young woman's thoughts were far from war or anything of that sort. She closed her eyes fighting against the voices in her head.

It was for love you were created.

That was Elyon's voice quiet and comforting.

I cannot love what is evil.

But you do love the evil...you are sick, disgusting. Just as they are.

That was the voice that tormented her.

No...a tear slipped down her smooth cheek, I only asked to see, Elyon, I didn't expect this. Why I am tormented?

It is only in you that the answers will be found. What choice will you make?

She felt warmth surrounding her as Elyon spoke, but still coldness clung to her heart.

Was it for this that I was born?

No answer.

Her eyes flew open and she hugged herself against the chill. The silence strangely gave her rest.

Remember.

She cringed...remember? Why would she want to do that?

Elyon, please...

Silence.

She buried her face in her knees, softly beginning to weep. Remembering hurt to badly, it stung to deep. But slowly the memories did begin to come and she could do nothing to stop it. She began to remember, remember better times...before her struggle within herself, before death, before the desert...before...

The Hero...

(During worship one sunday morning a couple weeks ago God gave me this scene that has run over and over in my mind for days now...)

The wounds were deep and gushing blood. Agony was beginning to blind the strength of my sight; in my weakness the sword slipped from my sweaty palms. I fell to my knees on the trampled battlefield, weeping in anguish and despair. I was giving up.

The enemy was nearly upon me. I could feel his hot breath on my neck, taste the sulfuric aroma of his deathly presence. Surrounding me the battle was raging, the sound of its violence, deafening. Every warrior was hotly engaged and the pain-riddled wails of the dying pierced my spirit with every cry. It heightened my own rising fears, as the enemy drew closer.

I refused to look behind, but closed my eyes as a terrible pressure filled my shaking chest. It was only a matter of seconds.

Then a voice screamed my name. I don't know how I could even hear it through all the noise, yet I did. My eyes flew open. I knew Who it was. Hope raced through my heart. And I saw Him, bursting out of raging mass of warriors He came. There was no mistaking the white horse or the rider who sat in the saddle. I had not even cried out for rescue, yet He was still coming, at breakneck speed across the battlefield.

The hope that surged through me also heightened the awareness of the pain that held my body in a vice-like grip. I struggled to reach for my sword once more. Behind me the breath of the enemy was growing hotter.

I begin weeping bitterly, for I was sure I would die before the horse and Rider would reach me. I sank back once more, closing my eyes against what I thought was final reality. I had never felt so alone in my life, so rejected, even as the horse's galloping hooves shook the earth under me.

I was nearly sick with the putrid stench of death. It was sinking in on every side, wrapping me in its cloak. Cold, hard, bitter fingers brushed me back. Then the voice shouted me name again, and it was so surprisingly near my eyes opened once more, even as a rush of wind blew over my head. I heard a strangled growl and immediately the coldness receded, the hard touch disappeared and the stench was gone. I still did not look behind me as only one thing filled my vision.

The horse and Rider standing above me. His eyes were blazing from the heat rage of battle. They locked with mine and immediately softened into tender pools of mercy. I had heard the cry of His heart when He screamed my name, I knew His only thought at the moment was me. The intensity of it made me weep, yet the urgency of the hour cause His first words, to neither calm my tears nor softened my fears.

"Grab Your sword," He said, reaching one hand down to me.

I didn't know if I had enough strength to respond, yet one hand managed to grip the weapon's hilt buried in the dirt, and the other grasped His fingers. At the touch, His hand tightened around mine. At His touch, within seconds, my body filled with warmth, spilling out through my hand and arm, straight to my heart. I didn't have to look to know my wounds were healing within themselves. I was still covered in blood.

He pulled me into the saddle behind Him, with little effort. One of my arm slipped around Him, as I buried my wet face into His back, inhaling the familiar scent of His presence. I was safe, secure, strong once more...

"Take me away from here," I whispered.

There was a pause before He answered," It is not time yet," he replied," We going back into the battle."

My heart skipped a beat, fear pricking my mind once again. I thought of all the possible dangers going back into the battle would bring. I didn't want to fight anymore, I just wanted rest and peace.

"I can't," I confessed, holding tighter to Him. I wanted to be with Him, for always, like He promised. Yet, even here with Him now, the threat of battle made it seem as though He could be taken from me. The thought was frightening. Glancing up I saw the battle was moving away from us. We could easily turn back, escape, return to the battle on another day...we could return to His fortress where there was safety and peace.

Reading my thoughts He spoke," Do not fear, I am with You," He squeezed my hand holding Him," Stay with me."

He was asking, not telling me too. I realized then that I could easily slip off the horse, and now healed of my wounds, find my way back the fortress. But to do that, I would have to do it alone. No matter what I decided He was returning to the battle. I would lose something if I left Him now. I would lose everything...

"I will go where You go," I said softly in His ear, even though my voice shook.

To be without Him in battle or out of battle was too great a loss. He wanted me with Him, and realizing this I could never jump off the white horse.

I felt a deep chuckle ripple through His chest at my words. At the sound my fears melted.

"Make your sword ready," he said, laughter subsiding.

Only a slight tremble ran through my body as I raised the sword a little higher, gripping it tightly.

The dark horizon was blacker than it had been before, the battle was no better, but staring over His shoulder into the horror, I felt peace and rest wash over me. His presence was enough. I didn't have to be in a fortress to be secure. His touch was enough. His warmth.

The horse then lunged forward, carrying us both back into that darkness.

Vagabond Revolutionary Reformers: Those Who Awaken the Dead

This is the first part to a research paper I wrote during my senior year in high school...

Revolution & Reformation

1. What is a Revolutionary Reformer?

When people see the word "revolution", it immediately reminds them of other words such as "rebellion", "insurrection" or even "mutiny". These assumptions are fully understandable when you look up “revolution” in the dictionary and note its fellow synonyms. Something just doesn’t seem to ring right. When I write "revolution" I intend the very word to revolutionize itself, shaking off the chains of false identity and stepping into the shoes it was meant to wear all along, a revolution that is a reformation.

Revolutionary is something characterized by, or resulting in, a radical change. Completely original or new and disruptive of the old.

Revolution is and can be new and original but only because what it brings back to life has been forgotten, erased and left for dead. What was old is what took over what is now new again, and here is where reformation comes in. Reform means "to improve, as by alteration, correction of error, or abolition of abuses and malpractices. To abolish. To cause to abandon irresponsible or immoral practices."

Revolution awakens and breathes life; reformation convicts and transforms.

The very core idea of revolution is the eruption of everything you know, to the belief in something you don’t know. What does that sound like? New birth in Christ, right? Salvation is a revolution, but who is willing to let it also reform them?

In Isaiah 55:8-9 God’s words revolutionize and astound our feeble minds with this mysterious statement, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as high as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways." Man thinks he understands but he doesn’t, and that in itself, is revolutionary.

2. Evidence of a Revolutionary

Every thought, action, and word in this world only stems from another thought, action or word. Even those who are thought to be the greatest thinkers, leaders and spokesmen of all time, were those influenced by other’s thoughts, actions and words.

God is influenced by no one. His thoughts, actions and words are His own.

Great men and women, over the span of history, have instigated world-wide unity or war of every kind whether it be mental, spiritual and physical.These revolutions were, of course, very radical to whatever time period they disrupted, in whatever extreme you would like to choose, and all erupted both popularity and criticism. Many were long, slow and gradual, while others were powerful and quick. But most of all they were life changing!

God’s revolution is also life changing! The question is, which ones are positive and which are negative? How do we understand the difference? First of all, positive revolutions are only those that line up with the word of God and are guided by the Holy Spirit. If revolution is controlled by the individual’s assumption that his way is the divine way, then it is an entirely corrupt revolution that can only rot away the mind and heart with deception. Who is man for him to know what is true and just? Only God can judge.

A revolution has nothing to do with man at all, only his willingness to become involved, his readiness to be changed, and his acknowledgment that the way things are must be taken away so the new can become reality.

Secondly, a positive revolution stands for the truth, not the truth as defined by man, but as defined by God. " You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."(John 8:32)

Biblical truth sets people free, which is the purpose of a revolution. If the captives and those in slavery, whether it is slavery of the mind or the body, are not set free, then there has been no positive revolution at all.

A negative revolution exalts man, not God, and seeks to destroy the most precious gift that man possesses and this is his heart.

3. Knowledge of Good & Evil

"The heart is more deceitful than all else and desperately sick; who can understand?" (Jeremiah17:9).

The heart is deceitful and sick Jeremiah says. And indeed it is. As you look back on the history of mankind and see where the world is today, you know the heart has the most deadly disease of all, the love for itself.

In II Timothy 3, Paul speaks of such a disease," For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

That’s a long horrible list!

All these things stem from "men will be lovers of self", which brings us to the most important statement at the end, “rather than lovers of God." Not only is the heart desperately sick, but it is also deceitful. This deceit lies most heavily in the church because that is where it is taught. This twisted mindset is "how much can God love us?” rather than “how much are we willing to love God?" Of course, God loves us because that is who He is and God cannot be anything but Himself. The point is...He loves us so we will love Him.

But love has lost its meaning, trampled in the wake of our own adventure to find it. Love is denying oneself. Love is death. This is the love God gave when He killed his son. This love is the love He longs for us to return. Why else did He create us?

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23).

Out of your heart flows the springs of life. Wait a minute! How can a deceitful and sick heart flow forth springs of life? Love does it! Deceit fades in the face of true love and disease has no ground to grow. In its place flows the springs of life, the secrets of the universe, the love of God, Christ himself. Now what has this got to do with revolutions and reformations?

Everything!

to be continued...

Life.

“I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, To put to rout all that was not life and not when I had come to die Discover that I had not lived.” ~ Dead Poets Society ~

Lovely...

Absolute favorite quoted scene from the movie Nickolas Nickleby (a Dickens tale)...

Nickolas: My life collapsed like a house of sticks the day my father died. I clung to my mother and sister, then Smike and Noggs...hoping, waiting, for I knew not what. I knew not what until that day, when I opened my eyes and the darkness was replaced with the sight of your face. It was the island towards which I had been sailing, unguided, my whole life, the dream my father had promised me before I could even imagine its existence. I have been happy for times, little times, since he died...but never at peace. Not until I looked at your face...and saw the universe in order behind it.

Madeline: Nickolas...I feel you know what it’s like to be without happiness. But do you know what it’s like to be afraid of it? To see the world as so conniving, you cannot take pleasure in the appearance of something good...because you suspect...it is only a painted drop behind which other troubles lie. That has been my life. Every good thing has been a trick. Until you. Yet I am afraid to take your hand. What if you cannot or will not save me? I can bear to maltreated by the greedy or the weak, but to be let down by an angel...

Nickolas: I am not an angel. I live as far from that lofty perch as any man. My temper alone, my impatience...well, perhaps I should not list all my faults in case I am too persuasive. You are the one who is so admirably able and strong.

Madeline: I am tired of being strong.

Nickolas: As am I. Weakness is tiring, but strength is exhausting. You see, I cannot save you...for I need saving too.

Madeline: What are you proposing?

Nickolas: Only this. That we save ourselves together.

(Nickolas leans and kisses Madeline)

Madeline: Nickolas, please. Think of the others. People might see.

Nickolas: I don’t care.

The Sword - Chapter Two

Elvendor

The valley was a vast paradise of lush green forests, towering mountains set against a backdrop of translucent blue sky and rolling meadows. The meadows themselves were overflowing with brilliant flowers, imbued with colorful hues that pulsated and danced in a dizzying rhythm to the gentle spring wind. Rivers, streams and lakes flowed with sparkling clearness, and without a doubt the power in these waters sang with every breath, for they were the most abundant source of water left on elder-earth, the most potent with the gift of healing. Everything that is known for beauty and excellence grew in abundance within this valley, its splendor increased a hundredfold. Elvendor knew neither winter nor autumn not even summer…only eternal spring, in its most glorious apex. Stretching from the river Avone towards the white beaches of the east sea, and from the mountains of Elmair to the borders of the Alassar, Elvendor spanned a vast array of land, spotted with quaint villages, painting the view in picturesque perfection. In the very center stood a high steep hill, and from that hill a tumbling waterfall spouted forth, dashing over rocks and boulders to a tranquil, quiet lake beneath. Built up, around and through it was the vast city of the Château Bordeaux. Its white marble walls, built on three levels, tiered one above the other. The highest built above the waterfall, overlooked the entire valley. Fruitful vines, twisting trunks of slivery trees and meandering creepers blooming with profuse flowers, enveloped the magnificent edifice’s turrets, towers and balconies that jutted skyward above the rambling structure. An aroma sweet and thick filled the air, circling the pounding waterfall’s mist in hazy fumes.

On the highest level of the of city, above the waterfall sat a great courtyard surrounded by many gardens, its halls without ceilings, open to the sky and the only shade that of the fruit trees that grew scattered across this level of the city. The Chateau that gave the city its name was a rambling structure that encircled the courtyard and gardens in a thin square. High turrets and balustrades rose up from these walls, the highest in the city and here Elmonte the Wise lived, ruler of the fair people of this valley and the guardian of the Waters of Healing. The wisest and most honorable men in the world met in this courtyard under Elmonte’s instruction and watchful eye and listened to his knowledge and were refreshed. Here also, those broken in body and spirit, traveled from every corner of the earth to receive restoration from the power of the waters and be given a new life of knowledge.

To those who knew of this place, or to others who had heard of such a place, it was a paradise on earth, a place evil had never touched, an Elysium of peace and rest, but to others…they knew better than that…and for one girl it was the end of her dreams and the death of her heart.

Early morning had just brushed its gentle fingertips across the valley, quiet with the laziness of morning. Birds softly twittered in the trees and the lithe shadowed forms of deer glided through edges of the forests. The villages were peaceful and calm, their inhabitants just stirring in preparation of breakfast and the first bathing. In Bordeaux, the last fading notes of the morning trumpet were dancing away on the breeze.

But at the top of the city, in the Courtyard of Elmonte everything was not calm and tranquil. The slim and feminine form of a young woman could be seen rushing at a headlong pace through the immense maze of halls and smaller courtyards within. Her stride was angry and her flashing blue eyes were filled with tears that she frantically wiped away as she ran. Her feet were barefoot, as were everyone’s who live in Bordeaux, and she was clothed in a flowing white dress, girded at her waist with sliver belt and her long golden hair flew behind her like a mantle of sunbeams.

Suddenly she came to an abrupt halt at the observation veranda just above the edge of the waterfall.

Sucking in her breath, both from her run and her extreme emotion, Hahira Nyssa Anaheim gazed down below. She hardly saw the magnificent fountain of water spraying out below her feet. Every nerve within her was taut with emotion, every thought anguished and heated.

It wasn’t true! It couldn’t be! I would feel it in my heart if it was so, she thought frantically. It is not possibly logically for him to be alive… but he is not dead!

Her father’s words only moments before flamed her pale cheeks even brighter.

“Sol has brought some devastating news my daughter,” Elmonte said, eyeing her tenderly and almost sorrowfully,” Ariel has disappeared into the desert.”

Hahira had glanced from Sol, a broad-shouldered youth, who stood to one side in her father’s private courtyard back to her father before her, alarm spreading across her features.

“What are you saying, father?”

Elmonte dropped his gaze to look at his hands for a moment,” He was supposed to regain contact six months ago.”

Elmonte fell silent shaking his great head, gray eyes sad, almost regretful.

“There has been no word.”

Hahira shook her head, denying what she knew her father was trying to tell her,” I don’t understand.”

“It was very foolish of him, Hahira. Everyone knows that those who enter the desert never come back alive.”

Hahira swallowed hard,” Not Ariel, father.”

Elmonte stretched out a closed fist towards her.

“He is dead, Hahira. Sol found this at the edge of the forest one month ago.”

Hahira’s eyes widened in horror as her father open his hand revealing a delicate golden pendant necklace. Only one person in the entire world wore one like that…Ariel.

Hahira took it shakily from his hand, cradling it in her own, fighting back tears.

She glanced up at her father,” This is not evidence that he is dead. He could have lost it.”

“It was his most valuable possession. Do you think he would have parted so easily with it?”

Hahira pressed the necklace to her chest, eyes suddenly flashing.

“Would you give up on him so easily, father? He was like a son to you.”

Elmonte bowed his silver head in undisguised grief.

“I wish it were not so, but I know in my heart it is.”

“Well I don’t!” Hahira stated emphatically, slightly raising her voice,” He is not dead, I refuse to believe it!”

Turning on her heel, sobbing, she had fled their presence, blindly seeking solitude until she had found herself here, above the waterfall.

For a moment she was confused why her steps had led her here, then suddenly she knew…and a face she was beginning to believe, despite her brave words to her father, she would never see again, flashed before Hahira like a vision. His laughing blue eyes, and flashing smile, sent an aching stab of pain through her gut. Hahira closed her eyes letting the memories wash over her like tidal wave…the waterfall…evening sunset…Ariel…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Don’t Ariel, please, you’ll break your neck,” thirty-year-old Hahira pleaded, stepping backward as if that would draw the young, bare-chested youth away from the top of the waterfall. The evening rays of the sun glinted off his gold-chestnut hair, which just brushed his shoulders, bound back by a single leather thong away from his forehead. A delicate golden necklace swung from his neck.

“The water will catch me, Hahira,” he explained calmly gazing down below him, his eyes wild with excitement.

“How do you know,” she questioned, anxiously,” No one’s ever done it before?”

“Well now someone will,” he said, giving her wink and raising his arms to dive.

“Wait!” she hollered,” This is crazy, I wasn’t really serious. It was just a dare.”

“Too late now,” he replied and jumped, sending her into a hysteria of screaming as she rushed forward to stop him. Far below Hahira saw his slim body diving in a graceful arc and split the waters of the lake. She held her breath, frightened to death that he was dead.

Suddenly a dark wet head popped up, flinging water everywhere and laughing in delight. Ariel turned his face upwards towards her and shouted,” That was breathtaking! It feels like you’re really alive!”

“Ariel Galloway, you frightened the wits out of me!” she shouted back, relieved to see him living but angry.

“You need to do it!” was his reply.

Horrified, Hahira, stepped back,” No!”

“It’s quite safe, see!” Ariel shouted splashing water about him.

“No its not, it’s a miracle you’re alive! Fate won’t be so kind a second time!,” she hollered at him.

“Don’t you trust me?” he questioned.

“No!” she shouted back.

“You know you do! Jump!” he replied.

“No I don’t!”

“I’ll tell you my secret,” he said.

That silenced her for a moment. Hahira had been trying for a week to find out what his secret was. A secret he continued to flauntingly taunt her with.

“You don’t have a secret!” she threw at him.

“Oh, yes I do!” he shouted forcefully.

“You promise?” she queried, creeping closer to the edge. Perhaps it really was thrilling…suspended in nothing but air.

“I promise…I’ll even catch you!” a grin split his gleaming wet face in an ivory smile.

“No you won’t! I’ll knock the wind out of you at this distance!” she shook her golden head.

“You won’t know unless you try!” he shouted,” Trust me!”

Hahira took a deep breath, gazing down at the calm waters and at the churning fountain beneath her feet.

This was absolutely insane…but suddenly everything within her wanted to jump, because she did desperately want to know Ariel’s secret. Closing her eyes she did just that, feet first.

Adrenaline rushed to her head, as only air met her body. Hahira didn’t dare open her eyes, but she felt the mist of the waterfall fly past her and heard the pounding beneath roar louder. She was too frightened to scream and too thrilled all at once to know what to do. Her body hit the water with a loud splash and Hahira went under, the water enveloping her with it’s electrifying chills…it felt wonderful. Instead of going straight down, like she expected, the minute her head went under, the water flipped her body up and she went shooting towards the surface. She came up gasping, eyes open and laughing gaily…Ariel was swimming beside her, laughing also, his head thrown back; eyes dancing.

“You didn’t catch me!” she accused splashing him.

He laughed, splashing her back,” “What did I tell you? Wasn’t that exhilarating?”

She giggled and splashed him playfully,” What’s the secret?”

His only answer was to dive under and swim away.

“You liar!” she shouted dismayed, before ducking under after him. He led her on a merry chase through the waters, the healing waters of the Great Lake, waters that sent shock waves of delight through your body and mind with every drop.

Almost a little drunk with so much pleasure, Hahira was pleased when Ariel finally stopped swimming like dolphin and crawled up on the rocks near the waters edge, just below the walls of the first level of the city. Gardens sprawled on all sides, vines of flowers creeping along the rocks, searching for the waters edge. Apple orchards threw dark shadows of shade with the approach of evening.

She followed, her aqua dress wet and dripping, clinging to her with every step. Ariel reached down and gave her a hand. He helped her climb higher until they gained some rocks halfway up the waterfall, where the sun’s rays were still shining so they could dry.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with you, Ariel?” Hahira declared as he flopped down on his back across the rock. A mysterious grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. She sat down beside him, spreading her drenched skirt across her knees.

He only laughed, his bare chest shaking with mirth.

Hahira, unexpectedly felt her face flush with heat. What was she thinking sitting out here alone with this boy, who had no shirt on? Her mother would be scandalized.

She turned her face away, looking towards the western sky, which was growing red with the setting of the sun.

His laughter ceased and she felt him sit up beside her.

“What’s the secret?” she queried, trying to distract her other thoughts.

He said nothing, but she felt his hand creep over hers.

“You.” He said shortly as if that explained it all.

“Me, what?” she asked, feeling unsure of why her head had suddenly gone light-headed.

“You are the secret,” he said quietly.

“How can I be a secret?” she queried, confused

His voice was so low and quiet, she barely heard the answer,” Because you have captured my heart.”

She turned her head, heart pounding, only to find his face inches away. His eyes said everything, she didn’t need to guess further.

He bent and kissed her softly, lips lingering and then pulled away, a chuckle reverberating deep in his chest. Hahira knew better than to say anything, words weren’t needed. She dropped her gaze as Ariel released her hand and pulled her closer, wrapping one arm around her waist. Hahira rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. They sat the entire evening that way, not a word said, as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon and the stars popped out one by one…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hahira opened her eyes, tears streaming down her face, the present came crashing back around her with startling clarity. She could still feel Ariel’s arms around her and the tender touch of his kiss…she could hear the love in his voice and remembered his last words four years ago when he had said goodbye.

I’ll be come back for you, Hahira. I swear it…if I have to move heaven and earth to do it I will. One day you will be mine..

Releasing her clenched fists, Hahira let the necklace fall into her lap. She believed him then, with her whole heart she had…and she did now. Fingering the tiny pendent gently she gazed down at it with curiosity. It was in the shape of a shield, round at the top and square at the bottom. A sword was engraved at its center, entwined with the graceful vine of a mighty rose.

He’d never explained to her why he wore it and she had never asked. But now she wished she had. What secret was there about this boy who had claimed her heart? Who was he?

Ariel had come to this valley with several knights when he was thirty, six years ago, and had lived among them for almost two years. Elmonte told her he was in Elvendor to study the histories of the earth and to be tutored under her father of the Law, the set of rules that governed all the People. The answer had sufficed then, but now…she wasn’t so sure. Once she’d caught Ariel staring towards the north fingering this medallion, tears in his blue eyes. He’d quickly wiped them away when he realized she was there and pretended nothing was wrong and she’d believed him, letting it slip away in her memory. But now she realized it was strange and unnatural. Sorrow was a real thing here in this valley, everyone knew that, but what she had seen in Ariel’s eyes was much more, it was like a part of him wasn’t even there, almost as if his gut was been wrenched out of him and was aching to be made whole. There had been a longing there, deeper than sorrow, more poignant than joy, as if he was being pierced through. What was it?

With effort Hahira swallowed her tears and picked up the necklace to put around her own neck and that was when she saw the letters engraved on the back of the shield.

She gasped and drew it close to read the small words

Withering flower fades, but its seed bears life thrice over. Broken helm was shattered, yet renewed it wields terrible power.

Puzzled Hahira ran the words over and over in her mind. What could they mean? Why were they on the back of this pendant? A funny tingling danced through her belly, almost like excitement or expectancy.

What in the world was that for? She questioned herself, pressing one hand against her waist, to silence the fluttering. Bewildered Hahira lifted the necklace and clasped it around her slender neck. Until its owner returned to claim it she would make herself its keeper…if only to keep her belief alive that he was alive.

Footsteps came towards her left and Hahira stood up, startled. She turned towards the sound.

It was Halfred, her guardian, a powerful hulk of man around his one-hundredth & eleventh year. Since the day of her birth he’d sworn to protect and defend her…even to the death. Faithful, like a loyal dog, he shadowed her every move. But he was more than a dog, much, much more. To Hahira, Halfred was her confidant and closest friend, a rock of security and comfort. Next to Ariel, he knew her better than anyone, even her own mother, Alassia.

As he approached her, his usually impassive face was contorted with concern, which was evident also in his quick lumbering stride…he normally walked slowly and evenly.

“I thought I might find you here,” he said, a small frown tugging his weathered, aging face.

Hahira groped for the right words.

“Father had visitor today.”

“I know, I’ve already talked to Elmonte. I’m sorry, I know you cared for him greatly.”

Hahira set her jaw, defiantly, eyes flashing,” He’s not dead!”

She stomped past him, picking up her skirts, but Halfred grabbed her arm, halting her in mid-step.

She tossed her head, daring him with her eyes. Most servants weren’t allowed to touch their mistresses with such familiarity, but Halfred had long ago passed the bonds of such restraint, towards Hahira and all of her family. He was a father, uncle and elder brother rolled into one.

“Why do you say that?”

Hahira dropped her eyes,” because if he was dead, I would feel it, know it deep within me.”

She paused gazing off towards the walls of the city and the forest,” I don’t feel it and I know he is alive.”

Halfred’s grip on her arm relaxed and dropped altogether, he bent his graying head, observing her sharply.

“If that’s what you believe, than so do I.”

Hahira looked up at him, eyes suddenly shining with tears, several trickling down her pale cheeks.

“Thank you, Halfred.”

He reached up his big hand and wiped away the tears with his thumb, and gazed down at her with gentle brown eyes.

“You know I would go find him if you just said the word.”

Hahira’s lower lip trembled.

“I know, but he promised to come back and I believe him. We just must wait.”

Halfred nodded understanding.

For a moment Hahira turned her gaze back out over the city and then turning on her heel she made her way down the stone walk and without a word Halfred followed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Something stiff, but soft brushed her face and Vickie grunted rolling away from it. She knew was waking up from a deep sleep, and faintly realized she was lying on powdery sand. For several long moments she didn’t care nor bothered to wonder why.

Then a voice spoke, not audibly, but in her head, yet it wasn’t her own thoughts, because she recognized it as unfamiliar voice.

“Awake, awake, my daughter!”

Vickie’s eyes flew open, as anyone’s would do with something as strange as that, and what she saw made her wake up so abruptly and so suddenly that she jumped to her feet in fright and screamed. A huge, monstrous eagle had been standing over her, his golden eyes glittering with an intensity that had frightened her more than his overpowering presence. She hurriedly backed away, tripping over own feet and falling on her backside. First the huge mountain lion and then this eagle; where were all these animals coming from? Just knowing this thing was going to eat her, she screamed again kicking sand in its face.

“Do not be frightened!”

She swung around frantically trying to find who was speaking. No one but the eagle was in sight. He extended his wing towards her; brushing her face…Vickie recognized the feeling from what had first wakened her.

“Leave me alone,” she cried out, trembling.

“Do not be frightened,” the voice repeated,” I have been sent to give you a message.”

Vickie, disbelieving but having no other evidence before her, decided the voice must be coming from the eagle.

She straightened and stared up at his sharp hooked beak, apprehensively,” Why should I trust you? You’re big enough to eat me if you wanted.”

“But I do not want to eat little girls.”

Now she knew for sure it was the eagle that the voice belonged to. With a suffocating feeling, like when you are trapped in small place with no way out, Vickie realized she was no longer in the friendly woods of Colorado, just up the hill from her house. This was another world! Like Narnia or Middle-earth…only she wasn’t reading a book she was living it. She just stared in mute shock up into the eagle’s golden eyes…which did not seem as vicious as they had moments before.

“Where-where am I?” she ventured to ask, her voice faltering.

“You are in the valley of Elvendor, in the southern of kingdom of Elder-earth.”

“Really?” Vickie queried in disbelief, then sarcastically asked,” And who are you?”

The eagle stepped towards her and to Vickie’s surprise his beak moved as he spoke,” I am Rion, counselor to Lord Elmonte.”

Vickie had no idea who lord what-ever-his-name was, but she suspected he was important. The eagle spoke his name with great respect. Brushing the sand from her dress she pushed herself to her feet and glanced around. For the first time she realized that she and the eagle were standing on a high riverbank overlooking a great river, more clear and clean than she had ever seen before. A vast forest lay directly behind them, with tall towering trees and open space underneath, lit by patches of sunlight from above. Across the river was another forest, exactly like the other. Returning her gaze back to Rion, the eagle, she pursed her lips in thought, obviously this other world was real, unless she was dreaming…but no, this was not a dream. But still logic continued to argue hotly against her five senses. Who ever heard of such things?

“So how did you find me?” she asked.

“I was told you were coming?” the eagle replied shortly.

Vickie shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant about it.

“Who would know I was coming? The last thing I remember I was in drowning in a creek and now I wake up and I find myself here. Can you explain that?”

“It is not for me to explain, only obey. I was told I would find you here by the river and here I have found you. Now I will give you the message I was given to tell.”

Twisting his noble head high, his white neck feathers ruffling slightly in the wind he began to speak,” You are Vickie St. John, daughter of Light, handmaiden of Darien. Tomorrow is always a new day, and tomorrow you will find your heart. Look towards the sunset and do not fear. Stand firm and look for the red and the gold that is hidden and you will discover the love of the ages.”

Vickie wanted to laugh loudly, but she didn’t, instead she giggled,” That doesn’t make any sense, Rion. I know better than to believe in such nonsense.”

“Nonsense!” the eagle’s voice rose and his golden eyes suddenly did glitter fiercely, but then they faded and he calmly continued,” Darien will not be mocked, young woman. You are here because of him and he does not fail in his choice of servants. You will understand even this riddle before long.”

Not silenced yet Vickie replied,” I do not know this Darien. Is he like the king or something?”

The eagle shook his head sadly,” I’ve never questioned before, but now I wonder. Not know Darien and yet he sends you as his servant?” he continued to shake his head,” I see I have weary job ahead of me.”

Vickie thought he was a rather weary looking bird anyway, but decided to keep her mouth shut. Obviously she didn’t know a thing that was going on, which scared Vickie, though she tried to hide it. And where was Daniel? Had he found himself here as well in, what had Rion called it…Elder-earth.

“Come,” the eagle motioned with his wing,” ride on my back and I will take you to the Chateau Bordeaux .”

Vickie shook her head. She had a terrible fear of heights.

“No, I-I don’t want to.”

The eagle squawked in impatience,” I must take you to the chateau. You’re hungry are you not?”

Reluctantly Vickie nodded her head in agreement. Her stomach was rumbling.

“I thought so. At the chateau there is food, clothing,” he eyed her school dress suspiciously,” and soft beds and even water for a bath.”

Vickie began giving way,” How far is this chateau?”

“So many questions,” Rion croaked this time in exasperation,” just over this forest. Not far at all.”

“What is this Chateau Bordeaux?”

She grinned, knowing she was getting on this big bird’s nerves.

He squawked again,” It’s the home of Lord Elmonte and the citadel of the Great Waterfall.”

“Very well,” she huffed walking towards him,” How do I get on your back?”

“Gently please,” the bird said,” I do not enjoy loosing feathers. I’ll bend down and you hop up.”

He did so and with some frightening slipping and sliding along his sleek feathers, Vickie managed to haul herself up. She sank into the feathers like they were a soft feather bed. It’s lovely, she thought.

“Hold on tight,” he warned as he lifted his wings. Vickie felt no sudden jolt or abrupt lift, but the ground dropped suddenly away, river, forest and sand. It stole her breath and made her stomach flop and she gripped the feathers around her in fright. Vickie squeezed her eyes shut and prepared for a long journey, wishing she’d never agreed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Hahira was brushing her long golden curls absently with her fingers and staring vacantly out through her window to surrounding city below when the knock came on her door.

“Come in,” she said without turning around. She heard the door open and footsteps. A man cleared his throat as if to request an audience. Hahira turned and seeing Halfred, smiled tenderly and stepped towards him her hands outstretched.

“I was hoping it was you,” she greeted warmly.

He took her hands, squeezed them and bowed his head in respect.

“I have been sent by Rion,” he explained.

Hahira rolled her eyes,” What does the old bird want this time?”

Halfred cleared his throat again uneasily,” I’m afraid it’s a bit complicated. I think I should bring you to see it.”

Despite her own gloom, which had foreshadowed anything else since early that morning, Hahira couldn’t help being curious.

“What do you mean?”

“If your ladyship would be so kind as to accompany me, I’ll explain all.”

“Very well, you intrigue me.”

Halfred turned on his heel and led the way down the hall and through the many rooms of the large chateau until the he stopped at one just above the gate that led to the second level of the city.

“She is in here,” he hinted, shoving open the door so Hahira could enter before him.

Hahira stepped in and looked about as he followed her. She recognized the comfortably furnished room as an observation post that looked out over the gates into the lake and misty waterfall. Soft couches, elegant draperies and silk cushions adorned the room. Awkward contraptions for gazing at the stars and far away mountains stood peeping through the wide bay windows, supported by metal frames. At first she saw no one, but then movement caught her eye and near one of the wide windows, nearly hidden by the drapes, stood a young girl, several years younger than herself. She was dressed in a strange brightly patterned dress that shockingly revealed her bare white ankles and over that she wore a very short jacket. Her hair was long, straight and a light brown, her skin a bit fair, very much like Hahira’s own. And she was very small and petite. Her big brown eyes were wide with open admiration and wonder as she gazed at Hahira. She shyly clasped her hands behind her back. Hahira glanced at Halfred for the promised explanation.

“Well Halfred what is this all about?”

“Rion found her by the river. She was all alone, bewildered and lost. She doesn’t seem to have family or relatives or anyone. Knowing of her ladyship’s kindness and compassion for the orphans he brought her here.”

Hahira turned back towards the slender girl and stepped towards her, arms opened wide,” Oh, my dear, I am so sorry.”

She took Vickie hands in her own,” What is your name?”

“Vickie,” the girl replied, and then she added,” I’m not an orphan.”

Hahira frowned and threw a glance towards Halfred, waiting with his big arms crossed at the door.

“The poor thing seems to be half out of her mind, my lady. She keeps saying she’s from another world and swears she came here through the river.”

Hahira wrapped an arm around the girl’s thin shoulders.

“You must be so tired and scared, my dear. Why don’t we get you cleaned up and into fresh clothes and find you some food.”

Vickie nodded, but couldn’t help saying,” Rion believed what I said.”

Hahira half-laughed, her voice tinkling like bells,” I’m sure he did. He’s a prophet Vickie, and they’re always strange.”

Vickie didn’t reply, but couldn’t help stiffening in anger that these two extraordinary, medieval looking people refuse to believe her story. Rion had warned her they would, before he brought her here to Halfred. Just humor them, my girl, their eyes are only half open to the truth. One day they will see all. Vickie, after spending almost an hour on the great eagle’s back had grown use to the strange way he talked, but she wished someone besides a bird believed who she was, instead of thinking of her as half-starved waif and orphan. She of course hadn’t believed it at first either, but with every passing hour she remained in this odd world Vickie had no other choice.

Hahira took her hand gently and led her out, ringing for servants as she did. The huge man, Halfred, disappeared and Vickie had no time to wonder as she was whisked away to a steaming, sudsy bath, which she couldn’t help enjoying, despite the disgusted way the elegantly dress maidservants clucked over her outlandish robes, as they put it. They discarded both the dress and jacket with apparent dislike. They were quite dirty and smelly, Vickie had to admit; a mixture of river water, musty sand and an eagle. Then came the new dress, a gorgeous pale green silk, that fell to her feet, just brushing the floor, and drew up to her waist very gracefully into many folds, tucks and seams. Creamy white ribbons, tied in dainty bows fell from a high princess waist, delighting Vickie’s girlish soul. Then two the maids set her down and brushed her wet hair until gleamed like satin. Meanwhile Hahira herself brought food and set it before Vickie on a small table.

“Really my lady, you’re treating me like a princess,” Vickie protested.

“Nonsense, child,” Hahira fussed, dismissing the maids when they had finished their task. She seated herself beside Vickie urging her to eat.

Vickie was famished, but she was also very curious and a little in awe of this beautiful young woman who had so swiftly taken her, a stranger, under her wing. Now that the activity around her had quieted, Vickie eyed her secretly while she ate, not failing to also appreciate the succulent, ripe fruit she had been given and then finely roasted meats and tangy cheeses.

Hahira was quite a bit taller than Vickie, who was rather short any way for her age, but she carried herself with noble dignity and such strong strength, that Vickie would have imagined her much older if she hadn’t given the girl a closer look. Hahira’s long golden hair flowed freely over her slim, straight shoulders. Her face was creamy and smooth and her eyes a startling sapphire blue. She wore a pure white simple dress, tapered around the waist and falling in elegant folds to her ankles. Her feet were bare, a fact which Vickie noted, was the way of all the women she had seen thus far, but Hahira had them properly tucked under her long skirt. A golden pendent swung around her neck, glinting with the mid-afternoon’s sun that shone through the open windows.

She was talking again, her full pink lips, flashing a white smile here and there.

“You must not fear of want again, my child. My father will most gladly take you into his household as he has many others, at least until we can found out who you are. Do you remember how you came to find yourself in this valley?”

Vickie nodded,” The river brought me, or at least I think.”

“Right, you already told me that,” Hahira bit her lip, gazing at the girl compassionately and patiently,” What about before that, do you remember anything.”

“Oh, yes of course,” Vickie popped a grape in her mouth,” I was with Danny. We had been walking in the woods, going home, when a huge lion attacked and chased us into a mountain stream. That’s when I fell in and I-I think I blacked-out,” Vickie shrugged,” When I woke up Rion was standing over me. Freaked me out something awful.”

Hahira nodded, a little bewildered by the small girl’s odd words, such as blacked-out and freaked, but she replied,” This Danny, the friend you speak of, do you think he is here also in this valley?”

Vickie shook her head and looked away from Hahira,” No—no I don’t think so. I—I don’t know where he is.”

Hahira wrapped a tender arm around the girl,” It’s all right, we’ll find him.”

Vickie raised a trembling face to the Hahira, the food forgotten,” Everything is just so sudden, my lady, I don’t know where I am, I don’t know anyone here, except you and Rion of course, and I—I’m not even sure I could get back to my family.”

”Oh, of course you can my dear…but enough of that for now. You are exhausted I can see that. No more talk until morning. Finish eating and then lay down right here on this couch. I’ll see to it that no one disturbs you.”

Rising, very gracefully, she smoothed Vickie’s hair and then left, softly closing the door behind her. Quickly, on her bare feet she ran to her mother’s room to tell her of this strange little girl and ask her what they should do. The poor thing was terrible befuddled and confused. So focused was she on this young girl’s plight, she failed to realized that her troubled thoughts of Ariel had slipped away in her zeal to care and serve another.