The Shadow of Death

by Timothy Smith

  Being overly cautious, Ira guided her every step of the way, as they were walking around the labyrinth of puddles surrounding the tree’s trunk.

  Once on the other side of the tree, Ira sat down right in front of the cliffs edge. After he sat, he started patting the ground as a small gesture for Cherise to sit down alongside him. And giving into Ira’s wishes again, she happily sat down next to him, and giving him a joyful smile, she anxiously questioned him.

  Cherise: "So what is it you wanted to show me?..." She said, completely forgetting in the moment that she was upset with him just earlier.

  As if trying to determine the answer for himself, Ira looked over the cliff’s edge. He examined the canopy of the Forest below from the distance, and all of it was made visible by the dispersed clouds, and the glow emanating from the two moons above. Happy with what he saw, Ira smiled as he pulled himself back towards her.

  Ira: "We won't have to wait much longer now."

  What on Ehya is he talking about?... The anticipation’s killing me.

  And noticing Cherise was trying to take a quick peek over the edge too, he then said somewhat teasingly to her.

  Ira: "You don't want to ruin the surprise now, do you?" Pouting, she sat back down beside him.

  Cherise: "Oh, alright. Have it your way." She tried to say while sounding upset, but being unable to in this moment.

  Truth of the matter was, Cherise could hardly contain her excitement. She loved the scenery, the atmosphere, and the company far too much for her to be able to hide it. And they both knew it.

  Pleasantly surprised at how much she was enjoying herself, regardless of how she tried to sound, Ira gave her a teasing smile before looking out to the stars, and speaking earnestly.

  Ira: "So I've been thinking about what I promised you earlier today." He paused slightly, making sure he had her full attention before continuing.

  Ira: "You've known more than anyone else, for over the past ten years I've wanted revenge for my family, my people, and for the home we had in the village. And I still don't think I can ever find it in myself to forgive the Aelaans for what they’ve done." He said with a distant look in his eyes, and a hint of sadness, before he spoke further.

  Ira: "My anger, and the vengeance I swore I'd have, I'm willing to let it all go.-" And looking back at her with a loving smile, he said, "-Because I found something of far greater importance to me." After he said this, her expression lit up with joy, and as if egging him on to continue, she started to speak slowly.

  Cherise: "Oh, Ira, I…" Her voice trailed off, as she hoped Ira would pick back up on his unfished thought.

  But as Cherise was speaking, Ira noticed something behind her. He pointed over the cliff, as he said with a smile.

  Ira: "Look! Here it is… This is what I wanted to show you."

  Are you really going to change the conversation, right now?

  A little disappointed by the change of pace, Cherise looked over the cliff, and saw flying creatures rising from the forest canopy. They all had a magnificent glow seemingly flowing outward from their wings, and all of these mysterious animals radiated bright blue and yellow lights. Spinning and twirling in the air, the dream like creatures danced with one another, as they ascended further into the night sky.

  All my life, I wanted to see what mysteries this world has to offer. What amazing wonders it still yet holds… This is exactly what I’ve been searching for.

  Gazing on in breathtaking astonishment, Cherise was blissfully happy in this moment, as she started edging closer to Ira. She leaned on him to speak softly.

  Cherise: "It's wonderful." Completely lost in the moment, she spoke almost too silently to hear.

  After enjoying the view for a few minutes, Cherise looked up to Ira to ask him with an anxious smile.

  Cherise: "You said you found something more important to you. What was it exactly?" He grinned back at her before responding.

  Ira: "You're going to make me say it aren't you?" she quipped gleefully.

  Cherise: "Ahmm!"

  I’m not letting you get out of this one!

  Being put on the spot made Ira completely lose his usually confident appearance. Clearly a little uncomfortable and nervous, he seemed almost vulnerable, as he averted his eyes from Cherise, who stared at him longingly. Her persistent stare even started to blush before he finally gave in.

  Ira: "Okay, okay! Have it your way." He said in defeat, but momentarily leaving it like that.

  And still not having answered her question, Cherise inadvertently leaned in on him further, as she continued looking at him in anticipation. Glancing back at her, Ira’s nervousness seemed to slowly fade away at the comforting sight of her presence. And finally having worked up the nerve, he spoke lovingly to her.

  Ira: "Cherise, it's you… You're what's more important to me." His words made Cherise let out an uncharacteristic high pitched yet excited scream, as she hugged him affectionately.

  Nestling herself closer to him, she cherished the moment for just a few seconds before saying.

  Cherise: "Thank you, Ira. Tonight has been wonderful…-" She trailed off, giving it a few more seconds before she asked, "-Can you promise, you won't leave me?" And not even giving a moment’s pause to her question, Ira tenderly reached around her, embracing Cherise more closely as he softly answered.

  Ira: "You don't need to worry about a thing. I'm not going anywhere. I promise…"

  The two then stayed there all night, enjoying the marvelous sight, but finding greater joy in each other’s company.

  CHAPTER 35 – A GREATER CALLING

  The following day, Cherise frowned after waking up to the suns light peeking from her window. It was an all too familiar indication of hers to the time of day, and she knew it meant it was already roughly mid-day. Normally it’d bother her more, but today she didn't mind that she slept in so late. Recollecting her thoughts of the previous night with Ira, Cherise giddily started snuggling her pillow in excitement.

  He finally confessed his feelings for me! I didn’t think Ira could be so romantic. I wonder how long he’s been planning to take me out there.

  After she had her fill of enjoying the memory, Cherise got dressed and ready before heading outside.

  ────────

  When out in the courtyard, Cherise noticed Obi was talking in frustration to a well packed, and fully armored Theo.

  …I got so caught up in what happened last night, I almost completely forgot about what Theo had said!

  She didn’t dwell long on her thoughts much longer before deciding to run up to them. As she approached, she heard Obi’s angry complaints.

  Obi: "After all that's happened here, with Keller giving you both a slap on the wrist for what you did, you still intend to leave?! Just what brought this on?! Why now of all times?! Right when you, and Ira are undergoing the trials? You're both already so close to completing them, and solidifying your right to be here. So why now?" It wasn’t much of a question, because before Theo could give an answer, Obi interrupted him with an extended hand.

  Obi: "For as long as I've known you, you’ve always been following Ira and Cherise. If you weren’t off alone you were in their company, and now you want to leave them to go fight a losing war?... I’ve told you before, and I’m starting to get the impression that you don’t believe me, but you must know! No one man alone can possibly make a difference! You cannot hope to stop them. If you leave to go fight the Aelaans, you’ll only become another casualty..." And Obi's frustration turned to concern and curiosity as he then asked sincerely.

  Obi: "Over these past ten years’ I’ve tried to guide you and the others, I’ve seen in you a broken child, lingering in despair, clinging to the past, until just these past few days. It’s almost like there was spark that rekindled an extinguished flame inside of you… And now that I see you as the man you were meant to be, you intend to leave?…”

  Obi: “Theo, what's changed?" Pausing for a second to consider the weight of Ob
i's words, Theo gave a cryptic answer.

  Theo: "Nothing’s changed, and yet everything has."

  That may be the most roundabout way of someone saying their perspectives changed I’ve ever heard.

  Seeing the confusion on Obi's face from his lackluster answer, Theo explained himself.

  Theo: "Our situation here at the Order hasn't changed. We may belong here by rite, but we aren’t, and we never will be nobles. We'll never fully be accepted!... With the exception of you, this will never be like the home we once had. It’s a fact I’ve dwelt on for years now, and I’ve finally made my peace with it."

  Obi: "Than why are you doing this?!" Taking only a second to respond, Theo looked down in shame, he said.

  Theo: “It’s because I now have a new outlook on life, and it only happened just recently. It wasn't long ago, I lived for myself, and only for myself. Only thinking about my own problems, I’ve been ignoring the plight of others.-" And he looked up with a determined smile, saying, "-But that time is over! The legends we’ve heard are true. I’ve seen the evidence for myself, and I now know my purpose. I know what I must do. I won’t forsake the alliance of the Free Peoples of the West, leaving them to their fate." Obi had an expression of utter shock, as he started speaking.

  Obi: "Theo, what are you talking about?... I’ve told you before, those are just stories. They aren't real!!" Theo sighed before replying.

  Theo: "For someone from the Order of the Light to be saying that...-" And getting a little more passionate, he continued, "-Whether you believe in their existence or not, it doesn't change the fact that they’re real. And I hope that I’m wrong, but I believe you too will see the evidence with your own eyes." When he had finished saying this, Ira had been walking towards them.

  He’s changed so much, in such a little amount of time. That day when he was on the cliff’s side, what did he really see?

  After hearing Theo get so uncharacteristically passionate, Obi decided to keep his peace on the matter, as Ira came closer.

  Walking towards Theo with a grin, and extending his hand to him, Theo happily grabbed Ira’s hand, giving him a firm handshake in return. And figuring this may be the last time he’d ever see him again, Ira sounded surprisingly heartfelt when he spoke.

  Ira: "Theo, I've always kind of seen you as my stupid younger brother." His words stung all the more than usual since he was being sincere, as Cherise shuddered in disbelief.

  That… That may be one of the worst things I’ve ever heard.

  Unsurprisingly, she was appalled at the gesture, as everyone found out at the same time, that Ira is apparently terrible at saying good-byes. Wide eyed, and behind Theo’s back, Cherise gave a less than subtle gestures towards Ira to correct himself.

  Come on!... Do it right this time!

  She thought to herself frantically, as if trying to persuade Ira into action with her mind alone. Even with Cherise’s signaling, it wasn't until Ira saw the annoyed look on Theo's face that he noticed his words were taken as more of an insult. And Ira nervously decided to clear his throat before continuing where he’d left off.

  Ira: "What I meant to say is, you’re kind of like family. So don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do." And knowing how reckless Ira has been, Cherise certainly didn’t find much comfort in his advice.

  And Theo had to restrain himself from outright laughing after the ironic comment. Nonetheless, Ira hadn’t had his final word in, as he roughly put his other hand on Theo's shoulder before saying forcefully.

  Ira: "I’m trying to be serious here!-“ He stopped momentarily, waiting for Theo’s full attention before continuing, “-When you leave, you better intend on coming back to us in one piece! So don't you go dying on us! You hear me?!” Theo was genuinely surprised by Ira saying something like this, but it turns out he had one last thing he wanted to say.

  Ira: “That’s an order by the way… It’s just like what that one guy from Kings Height had to say, when you’re a soldier, it means you’re not allowed to die until your superior officer gives you permission.” He said in a failed attempt to mimic Calbrick’s voice.

  Ummm… well… that wasn’t what he… It’s close enough, I suppose!...

  …Even if that implies Ira’s higher in command than Theo, but it’s probably best not to rain on their parade and tell them that.

  Missing the inadvertent slight, Theo grinned, as he lightly punched Ira’s.

  Theo: "Who do you think you're talking to? I won't go down so easy!" The words of reassurance from Theo were enough for Ira, who smiled back before making way for Obi to say his parting words.

  With a conflicted expression, Obi just awkwardly stared at Theo for a few seconds before sighing. And letting out a short burst of laughter, he forced a smile when he spoke.

  Obi: "Kid, I still haven’t the slightest idea why you have to do this, but that look on your face tells me that I’m not going to be able to convince you out of it. After all, both you and Ira are stubborn as mulls.-" And taking the opportunity to complain, he further spoke to the group in general, saying, "-Seriously though, when I grabbed you kids off the streets ten years ago, you've been giving me nothing but trouble, trouble, trouble. Except you Cherise, I appreciate that." He said while looking back at her, and giving her a smile, which she returned.

  Whether they'd admit it or not, everyone there knew Obi’s complaints were completely justified. And quickly turning to Ira, Obi pointed a scolding finger as he spoke frustratingly.

  Obi: "But especially you, Ira!" And Ira actually had the audacity to act surprised at the accusation, replying innocently.

  Ira: "What?!" His remark immediately tested everyone’s restraint within earshot.

  No, Cherise! Best not to say anything… Even if he deserves it!… Just calm down and keep it to yourself…

  Ignoring Ira’s halfhearted question entirely, after a short glare, Obi turned his attention back to Theo. His voice started to crack when he continued speaking.

  Obi: "You be safe now." He said, trying desperately to get a handle on his emotions.

  I’ve never seen uncle get like this before. He’s starting to get me even more worried about Theo.

  In an attempt to hide his feelings, Obi quickly turned around, as he started walking off. With his back turned, he exclaimed to Theo.

  Obi: “Now, don't you do anything stupid, and get yourself killed! I’ve seen how much you can grow in a month, and I want to see how much further you’ve grown in the next few years!" And judging by the loss in his voice, it was easy to tell that Obi turned his face around to hide his present state.

  Theo couldn't help but smile, after hearing Obi’s heartfelt farewell.

  And having a concerned look on her face, Cherise approached Theo. For a few seconds there was an unsettling silence, as Cherise only seemed to be getting only more worried for him by the second. As Theo was about to break the unsettling silence, she abruptly exclaimed.

  Cherise: "Promise me!-“ She paused momentarily before continuing, “-Promise me, you'll come back!" Slightly caught off guard by her remark, he looked down.

  Theo: "I can't-" But he was cut off again, as she insistently said.

  Cherise: "Promise you'll return!-" And tearing up, she continued, "-After all, I haven't yet kept my promise to you. I said, I'd help you find a new home, no matter how long it takes."

  Knowing that this was a distraction to what really weighed on her mind, Theo let out a solemn smile, as he played along.

  Theo: "Home...-" And momentarily stopping, as he suddenly came to a realization before continuing, "-Home isn’t just a place you can rest easy with the comforts of friends and family. It’s where you’re meant to be, it’s where you belong." He said while putting a hand on Cherise's head to comfort her.

  Theo: “I finally know where I belong." He said silently with a smile to Cherise and then Ira.

  Picking up his bag of provisions, he left. And firm in his decision, he never once turned back.

  CHAPTER 36 – COURAGE<
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  Having made his way down the slopes of the mountains, it had been over a week since Theo first set out alone on his journey. Traveling on a dirt road, he found himself in unfamiliar lands with lush green rolling hills, and grasslands all around him. Always being able to be in the company of the others, he had never been alone for more than a day, as he tried occupying his restless mind by enjoying the scenery on his venture.

  As Theo traveled on the road, he came to the top of a hill that gave him a good vantage point of the surrounding region. As he peered outward, Theo stopped in his tracks to focus on something in the distance that caught his eye. Still a far way off to the east, Theo could see a small group of civilians running westward, in terror, with Aelaan troops several hundred yards behind in pursuit.

  It was a small splinter force off of an Aelaan raiding party, nonetheless, their soldiers numbered roughly a hundred in total. All of the Aelaans in sight wore the same armor as the men from that fateful day ten years ago. The sight of them rekindled some unpleasant memories of his past, as Theo looked out in a slight fear. The slight anxiety only lasted for a few seconds, as Theo mustered his courage. He abandoned his pack along with all the unnecessary possessions that'd slow him down. Clenching onto his great sword, he inspired himself as he said out loud.

  Theo: "This is what I'm here for!" And shaking off any lingering fear and doubt, he started running towards the unfolding scene.

  ────────

  After his run forward, Theo now stood in front of the fleeing civilians. As they fled, the small band of Aelaan soldiers were still in hot pursuit behind them. And as the men, women, and children were running closer towards him, Theo noticed that there were a handful of soldiers of the Free Peoples of the West among them.

  As the civilians ran by Theo, he heard their pleas and cries for help. All similar in their requests, asking for him to help the, or save them. Little did they know it at the time, but he had no intention of turning back.

  The handful of soldiers of the Free Peoples of the West gave their quick warnings for Theo to flee, as they were heading passed him.