by Ralph Smith
***
He had gone as far as the road would take him. He would have to make the rest of the way on foot. The moon was out, so he had enough light to see. He had covered every inch of this ground countless times day and night, so the limited light didn’t bother him. The crisp night air seemed to echo his senses. They were as sharp as could be. Every sight and sound caught his attention. He was moving through the woods as fast as he could, his sense of urgency rising. He knew he was getting close when he heard something.
The sounds were muffled like listening through water. It was the sounds of voices, the muted cries of an excited mob. As he moved towards a clearing he knew well, the sight before him took his breath away. What should have been a peaceful meadow was now a barren stretch of land filled with smoke. Small fires burned trees that were smashed, and splintered into kindling. A horde of men were making their way up the rise, brandishing swords, axes, spears, and bows. Shouting, and screaming, their unkempt hair, and beards gave them a barbaric appearance. Wearing dark cloaks, and a variety of leather or chain mail armor; they were a fearsome sight to behold.
Out ahead of them, their quarry moved gracefully through the difficult terrain. Her long legs dancing around obstacles as she evaded their arrows. Her dark hair floated off her shoulders whipping to, and fro with each of her evasive moves. She never looked back, but was always one step ahead of their attacks. In an instant, he knew who it was.
For a split second, he drank in her grace, and beauty. She was strong, and agile, and moved with an assuredness that was mesmerizing. She was not afraid, at least fifty men were clambering along behind her, and she showed no signs of panic. The small pack on her back, a bow, and quiver of arrows, held fast against her slim yet muscular frame. She wore dark leather and tall boots that fit well, and moved easily with her. His glimpses of her had always been fleeting. To see her like this was like finding water in the desert.
At once, he was filled with so many emotions he couldn’t move. The overwhelming joy at seeing her made him want to cry out. Then the terror of her predicament sent a wave of fear through him. There she was, all alone, trying to outrun death. He was barely able to breathe as a tear ran down his cheek, his heart breaking at the prospect of what was going to happen to her. With his next breath, all his emotions swirled into a rage-filled determination propelling him to action.
His hesitation having lasted only a moment, he moved to intercept her although he had no idea what he was going to do. He would not let these men lay a hand on her. No matter what the cost, he would try to save her. She did not see him coming and he closed the gap between them quickly. Fortunately for him her pursuers did not seem to notice him either. A few strides away and he saw it, a giant ball of fire heading directly towards her.
Having just dodged a barrage of arrows, she moved into its path. At a full sprint, he leapt towards her, with his arms outstretched. As he grabbed her upper body, he twisted to pull her down on top of him so he would absorb the blow. He caught the look of shock on her face as she turned, and saw the fireball pass just above, right where her head had been a split second earlier.
The moment she was in his arms, there was an explosion of sound, and light. The magnitude of it was something he couldn’t have conceived. The only thing he could think of is that it was like being inside a bolt of lightning when it struck, but even that seemed inadequate. Time suddenly stopped and lost all meaning. His only thought was to hold onto her, afraid that if he let go she would be lost.
He hit the ground hard with her limp weight on top of him. He could feel her chest rise and fall against his. The brisk night air on his face, the return of the starry sky, and the sudden quiet told him, he was home again. The soft grass of the meadow was a far better place to land than the hard ground they had just left, but he was still momentarily stunned from the blow.
Looking from side to side, he could see enough to know they were alone. Then it hit him. He was there with her. All these years of seeing her, admiring her, believing in her, and now she was in his arms, a living breathing person. He closed his eyes and soaked in the feel of her against him, the smell of her skin and hair. He was almost afraid to re-open them, afraid that if he did, she would be gone. He had been alone for so long and she had been his only real comfort. Affection for her swelled inside him, after all she had done for him, helping to carry him through his loss and pain. To be there for her when she needed him filled him with joy to the point near giddiness. He felt her stir slightly, and instinctively reached up to touch the back of her head for comfort, to let her know she was all right.
At his touch, she sprang to her feet, spun to take in the surroundings, and in one fluid motion drew her bow, and knocked an arrow pointed straight at his heart. His eyes opened wide, but he didn’t move a muscle. Amazed by everything about her, he just stared up into her deep dark eyes. That she could go from virtual unconsciousness, to battle ready, in mere seconds with such grace, and fluidity, demonstrated what he knew in his heart. She was no one to be trifled with.
Suddenly her eyes went wide, and her bow lowered just a bit, she hesitated perhaps for the first time in her life. It only lasted a second, but it was just long enough to make him smile. She grimaced with annoyance at herself for letting her guard down, and quickly resumed her deadly stance. He couldn’t help himself. His smile broadened, much to her annoyance.
“Why are you smiling? Do you think I won’t kill you where you lie?” She asked with a forceful and commanding tone.
“I’m smiling because I’ve known you my whole life, and I never thought I would have the pleasure of your company. I’m smiling because just seeing you standing there is enough for me. And if I were to die in this moment, I have no regrets.” He said. His smile gone now, replaced with the look of sincerity he felt in those words. She fidgeted uncomfortably, and he could see the turmoil building inside her. He knew she wasn’t going to kill him, but wasn’t sure what she was thinking.
***
Her head was spinning. She had almost given up all hope, had thought she was racing to her death, and now she found herself face-to-face with him. She swayed slightly trying to keep her balance. She had been reaching out for the strength he always gave her, and here he was instead. It was almost too much to comprehend. Out of thin air he had clutched her from certain death; she had seen the fireball too late, she knew by all rights she should be dead.
He wore the kind expression she had seen countless times before. She knew in her heart who he was. He was strong, gentle, and caring. The one man, above all others, she felt she could trust, even though they had never met. He was the only one left who had been with her through her entire life. He was the only who knew who she truly was. He knew her before everything changed, and knew the woman she had become.
Her instincts that had been forged during ten long years of fighting were colliding with her emotions in a way she had never experienced. She never let her guard down, and yet her heart told her she should. The conflict raging inside her overwhelmed her. It was all too much for her to understand.
***
He could see her chest rise, and fall as she tried to take in calming breaths. Then the last thing he expected happened. She fell to her knees, dropped her bow, and began to weep. She lifted her hands to her face to hide her embarrassment.
He quickly got up, and knelt beside her. He reached over to take her hands in his. “It’s Ok you’re safe now,” he said as she looked up into his eyes, her deep dark beautiful eyes full of tears running down her face. Now instead of the strong confident woman of purpose, he saw the vulnerable little girl who, no doubt, had been locked away for a long time. His heart ached for her, he wanted nothing more than to comfort her, and take away her pain.
“Is it really you?” She asked, “I’ve seen you my whole life too, but never thought we would meet.”
He smiled at her again, “I never dared to hope that we would meet either, yet you’ve always been with me.” She began to sob, and he put his
arms around her as she pressed her head to his chest to hide, and find comfort. He sat there quietly stroking her head to calm her, waiting patiently for her to regain her composure. The truth of it was he felt as though he could sit there forever, feeling her against him and it would be enough.
Finally, she pushed away from him, “I’m sorry. I haven’t cried since I was a child. I don’t know what came over me,” she said wiping the last of her tears from her face.
“It’s all right you were in a lot of trouble when I found you,” he said. Standing up, he reached out his hand, to help her to her feet. She hesitated a moment then took his hand. Her skin felt warm, and soft, yet her grip was strong and firm. Once on her feet she gathered up her bow and arrow, and replaced them on her back.
“I ... I thought it was the end for me,” she said softly, looking down. “Those men have been chasing me for weeks, and they had me on the run all day.”
“I see,” he said, “that does explain some things.”
“What do you mean?”
“The last time I saw you there was a flash of light, and the hair on my arm was singed. As a matter of fact, that was earlier today.”
She stood tall, and said, “oh yes, I was almost more than a little singed that time.”
He smiled at her, “I guess introductions are in order. My name is David.”
She froze for a moment then said in a little more than a whisper “David?”
“Yes, does that mean anything to you?”
"Let's not talk about it here."
“Ok, my home isn’t far, and I can get you something to eat while we talk,” he said while smiling at her. “Although there is one thing I must know first.”
“What’s that?” She asked in surprise.
“What is your name?” He asked, smiling.
She gave a little laugh “Aurora, I guess I’m not used to meeting strangers with manners anymore.”
“Well Aurora, I just thank God I was there to find you.”
“Where are we?” She said regaining her look of confidence.
“That, I think, is going to take some figuring out for both of us. Let’s just say for now that you’re on my farm, and you’re safe.”
As they started off, he could tell that she wasn’t taking any chances, and was on the lookout for anything unusual. Even though he was sure they were safe, he was also keeping a watchful eye. Walking together his heart lifted. His fear of almost seeing her killed having abated, he felt like a schoolboy on a first date, and found himself grinning for no reason at all.
He led them through the woods back to where he parked his jeep. As they emerged from the woods, and saw the car, she hesitated. Noticing her concern, he said, “It’s Ok. That belongs to me. We’ll use it to go the rest of the way back to the house.”
“What is it?”
“It’s an automobile, originally known as a horseless carriage.” He smiled his reassurance.
“A carriage, without horses, how does that work?”
“It's probably easier if I show you,” He replied. He walked her to the passenger side and opened the door. “Climb in and sit down.” Once she was inside, he shut the door and made his way around to the driver’s side. He opened the door, and smiled as he watched her looking at everything with such curiosity. It had been so long since things like cars held such fascination for him, and to see her wide eyed wonder was endearing.
He put the keys in the ignition. When the car roared to life, she was startled a bit, and then smiled at him sheepishly. He turned the car around and started down the rough road to the house. As bumpy as it was, she was un-phased as she looked around and out the windows taking it all in.
“This is the most comfortable carriage I’ve ever been in.”
“On a better road it’s even nicer.”
“You have better roads than this?” She asked. “I’ve been on roads that were much worse.”
“Since it’s just me now, I don’t get as much time to tend to the roads.”
“You live here all alone?”
“Yes, just me, and Rusty, my dog, other than the farm hands it’s just me.”
She looked at him curiously but didn’t say anything. He could tell she just didn’t know what to make of the situation she found herself in. He was truly impressed by her, landing in a place so different, and not the slightest sign of fear or disorientation. Yes, she was fascinated by things, but still keenly aware of what was going on around her, and certainly she was no one to be underestimated. He could see her marking every movement he made, the turns on the road, the position of the moon. He was careful to take measured deliberate movements so as not to frighten her.
***
Aurora was sitting there amazed by everything. His world was so different from hers, and yet everything she saw felt so familiar too. She had seen him more times than she could count, and knew his world was different. Now she was able to inspect details that passed by too quickly in the glimpses she had over the years. She found it all fascinating.
It felt exhilarating, and overwhelming all at the same time. She thought everything that had happened might be too much to cope with if not for his calming presence. He was her tether to reality. In her heart, she felt that he was everything she had imagined. All the visions she had of him throughout her entire life, fit together seamlessly forming a picture. That picture was as clear in her mind as her own reflection, and it seemed to fit him perfectly.
She sat there taking it all in. She felt a nervous excitement, and at the same time she was afraid. She wasn’t sure what frightened her. It wasn’t the kind of fear she felt going into battle, this was something different, something she had never felt before. She had all but dismissed the idea they’d ever meet, and in the blink of an eye everything had changed.
***
As they pulled up to the house, Rusty had come running up to meet them. David looked over, and said, “It’s all right; that’s my dog Rusty. He’ll watch over us while we’re eating.” She gave a small smile as if embarrassed that he read her thoughts. He hopped out of the car, and gave Rusty a quick hello, “Rusty we have a guest I want you to meet.” He walked around to the passenger side, and saw her trying to push the door open. "Allow me," he said, then opened the door and pointed to the inside handle. “You pull on this from the inside to open it”. He made sure to keep any hint of amusement from his voice. He didn’t want her to think he was mocking her ignorance. What he did find amusing was that clearly she wasn’t used to anyone helping her with anything. He reached out his hand, to help her down, and she hesitated once again before taking it.
When Rusty began sniffing her feet, and legs, she looked at David for guidance. “Its Ok. That’s his way of saying hello. He likes everyone.” David reached down and scratched Rusty behind the ears. “Come on boy, lead the way into the house. This is Aurora, and I’m sure she’s hungry.” Aurora realized that she was, in fact, very hungry. Everything that had happened had kept her mind so busy that she hadn’t realized it until he said it.
As they approached the house, Aurora looked around, and asked, “Did you build all this?”
David gave her a small sad smile, “No, my parents did, with some help. They moved here long before I was born, and built this place for our family.”
Aurora gently touched his arm, and said, “Its lovely,” then smiled. Her smile lifted his heart, and he smiled back. They walked up the front steps, and into the house. Her eyes roaming over every square inch, taking in all the strange things she had never seen before.
David was surprised at his own calm. They had just experienced something so extraordinary, so unbelievable, but all he could think about was her. She needed him. She was the one who had almost been killed. She was thrust into a strange place, and he was her only link to reality. There would be time to try to figure out what happened, but for now the only thing that mattered to him was her, and he couldn’t let her down.
David knew better than to ask her to leave her pack at the do
or, so he walked her to the kitchen. “I’ll be happy to show you around, but first you need something to eat,” he volunteered, “and if you’d like to wash up there’s a bathroom here.” Realizing she may not be familiar with how his world handled indoor plumbing, he thought he would spare her the embarrassment of asking. He opened the door and stepping inside, turned on the taps. “This one is cold water, this one is hot, and if you need to use the toilet, sit here, and when you’re finished push this lever. Here’s, the light switch, clean towels, and some soap. ” She watched him intently studying what he was showing her.
“Do you eat meat?”
She slowly turned her gaze from the taps and looked at him. “Yes I eat meat.” She said in a distant voice.
“Ok, I have some stew with meat, and vegetables, some bread, and cheese, and then we’ll need something to drink. Do you prefer water, coffee, or tea? ” She looked at him for a long moment. “Is everything all right?”
She broke his gaze, and looking down said softly, “Life has been extremely hard for a long time, and I’m not used to such luxury. I’m also not used to strangers showing such generosity.”
He gave her a small smile of understanding, “First, let me tell you that I expect nothing in return. Secondly, I was raised to show strangers hospitality, and to help those in need. And from what I saw tonight, you are undoubtedly in need.” Her gaze softened, and she managed a small smile, too. She went into the bathroom, and closed the door, taking her pack with her. David went to the kitchen sink, and washed his face, and hands. He didn’t want to leave in case she came out before he got back, and might be unnerved finding herself suddenly alone in such a strange place.