Seal of the King

by Ralph Smith

  Making his way around the yard following the border, he quickly figured out that he was making a complete circle, and would end up right where he started. A circle, he thought about the circle of the seal. Was it possible that the house was a seal too? Picturing the seal in his mind, he tried to figure out a reference point to look for. He walked up onto the front porch, gazed out at the plantings, and there it was. The various shrubs and bushes in one of the beds had the same kind of elusive pattern in it. He had seen enough. It all made sense.

  He made his way back inside. He decided to check on Aurora, so he quietly walked to her room, not wanting to wake her. He stood by the door, and listened closely until he could hear her soft rhythmic breathing. Satisfied she was resting peacefully, he made his way back to the kitchen. It was almost seven now, but he hoped she would sleep a while longer. She needed the rest. He went down the hall to his room, and thought he ought to clean up. The hot shower felt soothing after the cold morning air. He had been outside longer than he expected, and felt chilled.

  His mind was racing, trying to piece everything together, shifting between moments of clarity, and confusion. What did it all mean? He wasn’t exceptional in any way, why was all of this happening to him? What was he supposed to do? Surely he must have been dreaming, but he knew he wasn’t. Even after yesterday, and the impossibility of it, this was too much. He needed to try to figure out what was going on. He thought of her, and that calmed him. She was real, he knew that much, and as unsure as he was about anything else she needed him.

  He thought about her suggestion, to see his father today, and felt that was the best place to start. So he pulled on some good jeans, his boots, and a decent shirt. His father hadn’t spoken or even blinked anytime he went to visit during the past six years, but just the same, he felt going to see him was necessary.

  He couldn’t help but walk down and listen by her door one more time. Finding she was still asleep, he made his way back to the kitchen again. Rusty was lounging on the floor waiting, and got up to meet him. He reached down and rubbed him behind the ears. It was comforting to have company. “How are you? Did you get enough to eat this morning?” He asked the dog. Rusty stood there panting, and when David went to the sink to wash his hands the dog flopped back down on the floor.

  The smell of the bacon cooking on the stove top made him hungry, so he fixed himself some toast to tide him over. Relaxing at the table with the dog at his feet, he periodically got up and flipped the bacon. Between the shower and some more coffee, he had warmed up again, and sat patiently waiting for Aurora to wake up. Instead of trying to think about things, he worked on clearing his thoughts. He often found he did his best thinking when he didn’t think at all.

  By the time 9 a.m. rolled around, he was getting restless. He needed to keep busy, so he decided to make some breakfast potatoes. He busied himself slicing the potatoes, cutting some onion, and while the potatoes were cooking, he cut up some apples, and some bread for toast. He was relieved when he heard the soft patter of her feet entering the room. He was afraid he might cook everything in the house if she hadn’t awoken soon. His thoughts were spinning, and he needed these mindless tasks to keep him focused.

  "Good morning," he said without turning around as he finished turning the last of the potatoes.

  “Good Morning.” she replied, “Do you have eyes in the back of your head?”

  He let out a small chuckle, and said, “No. I heard you coming.” Then as he turned to face her, he asked, “Did you sleep well?” The sight of her almost made him drop the plate of fruit he was taking to the table. She was still wearing the nightshirt and socks. Her hair was pulled back into a braid fully exposing her face. He had been so distracted by other thoughts that it was like seeing her in person again for the first time. She was more radiant than he had seen her ever before, and her smile was captivating. Unlike the night before, she was perfectly at ease leaning against the doorframe, exuding confidence. The nightdress, hanging loosely, outlined her exquisite frame. Her eyes were looking at him with a different intensity than he had seen before; a longing, she was taking him all in, inside and out. He stood frozen in place.

  “Yes, it may have been the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had.”

  “I’m so glad” he managed in a smaller voice than normal. Clearing his throat to regain himself, he said, “Why don’t you sit down? I’ve made some breakfast.”

  She had moved too, and met him at the table standing just inches away. He set the plate down without even realizing it. She was only a couple of inches shorter than he was, but his boots added to his height. She tipped her head up to look him in the eyes, and placed her hands on his chest. They felt warm and strong, and at her touch, a shiver ran through his entire body.

  "I feel I haven't properly thanked you for all you've done for me," she said as she slid her hand up behind his neck, pulling him closer to kiss his cheek. Her lips lingering pressed firmly against his skin. He was rooted to the spot unable to move. When she broke the kiss, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace. Suddenly he had control of himself again, and he hugged her too. Every inch of her was pressed against him. She had turned her head to the side, and laid it down against his shoulder, and chest, her arms firmly around his back. He could feel the subtle curves of her body against him, and he felt unusually warm. His heart was pounding, and he breathed in her scent. Instinctively his hand went up and gently caressed the side of her head. She moved slightly and nuzzled a little closer under his touch.

  He couldn’t have been sure how long they stood there; time had lost all meaning. When she finally lifted her head, and leaned back in his arms, she looked up, and said smiling “The food smells good.”

  David smiled back, and said, “I’m starving.”

  She sat down at the table, and he turned again to the stove. He had completely forgotten about the food and was thankful he had turned off the burner.

  “Would you like some eggs?”

  “Yes, that would be lovely.”

  He had been ready, so he grabbed some eggs, and cracked them in a bowl. “Do you prefer the yokes broken or runny?”

  “I’m used to them broken.”

  He whipped the eggs and poured them into the pan. They cooked quickly while he put bacon, potatoes, and toast on their plates. He tipped the frying pan up and divided the eggs between them. Turning to the table he saw her enjoying a piece of apple watching him intently.

  “Here we go. I don’t want anyone accusing me of not feeding you enough.”

  She smiled, and said, “I don’t think that will be a problem.”

  He looked at her then clasped his hands. Closing his eyes he said a prayer. When he finished, he turned to her. “I have some things to tell you while we eat.”

  He began telling her about the seal, and what happened, and what the Lord told him. He had to keep reminding her to eat, as she was lost in his words. Then he went on to tell her about the ring around the house, and how the house itself was somehow part of a seal. She drank in every word he said, and when he was finished telling her what had happened, he asked, “Do you have any idea what it all means?”

  “Not really. Where I come from, we’re in a terrible battle with the Dark One, and what you did, looking into the seal, and having the Lord speak to you, was extraordinary. Only powerful servants can do that.”

  “But I’m not a servant, I didn’t even know what that was until you told me last night. I’m not a warrior, and I’ve never even fought in a battle.”

  "That may be true, but you said it yourself yesterday, the course of our lives has changed, and now it may be time for you to follow a different path," she said kindly.

  David sat there, considering her words then said, “I’ve been mulling things over, and I think you’re right. The first thing we need to do is go see my father. It’s not far, and he hasn’t spoken in six years, but something tells me that’s where we need to start.”

  Her expression of determ
ination back, she nodded with agreement. “We have to be careful. We’ve been safe here because of the seal, but once we venture out beyond its protection, we’re vulnerable.”

  David placed a reassuring hand on hers, “I won’t let anything happen to you. Unfortunately, you can’t take your bow where we’re going. You’ll have to leave it in the car and borrow some more of my mother’s clothes. I don’t think we want to attract the kind of attention your leather armor would bring.”

  She frowned at him as though she didn’t like this idea too much. “I won’t go anywhere without my pack,” she stated, leaving no room for argument.

  He laughed, “I had no doubt about that.” She gave him a sheepish grin, having asserted herself so strongly only to end up unopposed.

  “When you’re finished eating, you can pick out some clothes to wear. I would suggest some pants made of this type of cloth,” he said pointing to his jeans, “and any top you like. She should have some boots or other shoes in there, and as soon as you’re ready, we’ll head out.” Aurora nodded her understanding. The moment she was done, he quickly began cleaning up. It didn’t take long, and he went back to his room so that he could be prepared too.

  Aurora stood looking at the photos of his mother. Again that nagging feeling of an elusive memory tugged at her, but it would have to wait. She had no trouble finding the pants, and was pleased to find they fit well. She didn’t want to look like his mother, but she was looking to get ideas of what to wear. She had been around men her entire life, but no one had affected her the way he did. He always reacted to her differently than she expected; he disarmed her. It was frightening, but, at the same time, drew her to him. She also never had a man comfort her except for her father. Men had tried to court her, asked her to become their wife, but she had no interest, and was not about to become someone’s trophy to sit at home. He was different though, he hadn’t acted the fool boasting, and trying to win her affections. He treated her with respect as an equal, and the way he looked at her was different. Most men looked at her shape with hungry eyes. He looked into her eyes, trying to see inside her.

  She had never been with a man, and in war she had seen too many women who had fallen victim to gangs of soldiers. She had seen their empty gazes, the bruises and broken skin, not to mention what she couldn’t see. She had little opportunity to see firsthand what a marriage of love was like, except her parents, and by the time she could start to understand, they had been taken from her. She had been alone ever since, and the few men who did try to have their way with her against her wishes, regretted that decision for the few remaining moments of their lives. She knew he would never treat her that way, even when she was vulnerable, and in his arms, he only offered her the comfort she was seeking, and nothing more. Even though when they touched she became weak, and felt a nervous excitement she didn’t quite understand, she felt safe.

  Now she stood looking at her reflection, feeling silly for worrying about her appearance, perhaps for the first time in her life. She had found a lovely light colored top, and a short leather jacket that reached to just above her waist. She had a trim well-toned athletic figure born of a hard life travelling on foot, and fighting in the war. She knew rich woman were voluptuous, and she was anything, but rich. She found some boots that came all the way up her calf, and laced snuggly around her pants. She knew it wasn’t important, but felt the need to look nice. She liked these clothes. They were comfortable, and allowed her to move freely. She inspected herself one more time all the way around, and when she was satisfied she headed to her room. Her pack lay on the bed. Seeing it there she realized that she had let it out of her sight. She couldn’t believe she would have done that, but everything was so different here, and most importantly she felt safe. Even so, there were some chances she would not take.

  She opened her pack, and began sorting through her things. He had said no bow, but she still wanted to be prepared, so she slid a small knife into each boot for easy access. She pulled out her pendant, and placed it around her neck dropping it inside her shirt. Then there was the box; it was about a foot long a few inches tall, and a few inches wide, tied with a string. She considered it, staring at it wondering what she should do. She was in an unknown land. Was it safer to leave it here under the protection of the seal? Or should she take it with her? Turning it over in her hands, she finally decided there were too many unknowns out there, and the seal had never failed. She looked around, and decided to slip it under the mattresses of her bed. She took out her clothes and looked at them. They were worn and tattered from her hard life too. So she laid them on the bed to be tended to later. She removed her cooking items, and some dried biscuits. Now all that was left were things she would not be without. There was a small throw blanket on a chair, and she packed it on top of her things to keep them hidden. She stood up and headed to the door. She was ready for whatever they would face.

  ***

  David was waiting patiently near the door looking out the window. He was keenly aware that, in some ways, he was seeing this place for the first time. Something had happened to him last night that made him see everything differently. Everything seemed so much more alive than ever before. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but felt that somehow it was significant. He heard Aurora trying to sneak up on him, and smiled. “Hello,” he said, and he could hear her sigh with amused frustration.

  "I'm starting to think you do have eyes in the back of your head," she said. He turned to look at her. She stood tall and confident before him, and for a moment he had no words. His silence caused her to falter slightly. “Do I look alright? I wasn’t sure if these clothes were right for me.” She asked, feeling self-conscious.

  He grinned, “You’re nothing short of perfect,” he said. She flushed, and looked around for some way to change the subject. “Are you ready to go, then?” He asked her.

  Regaining herself she said confidently “Yes.”

  He reached out for her hand “Then we should be off.”

  First Blood

  David held Aurora’s hand as she climbed into the Jeep. He chuckled to himself when he noticed the slight bulge in her boots. She may have agreed to leave her bow, but he assumed she would be prepared. Little did she know he had a few things up his sleeve too. Everything about her captured his imagination. He knew she was not someone to be underestimated, but there was so much more. Considering the enormity of everything that he was discovering, in such a short period of time, he thought it was only because of her, that he was not sitting in a corner asking, why me? He had been on autopilot for the past six years, going through the motions, wandering aimlessly, doing what he had always done without a sense of purpose. She lit a fire in him. He wanted to be worthy of her presence in his life. If he had been forthright, he would have had to admit that this woman of his dreams was all he ever wanted. Now that she was here he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her, of not getting to know her fully, not just what the small glimpses of her told him. So far, he was not disappointed. In fact, every minute they spent together made him want more.

  He climbed into the seat next to her, took her hand, looked at her, and said, “And so it begins.” She nodded her agreement, and they set off. It wasn’t far to the facility where his father was. Aurora asked him about the roads, buildings; all the things he took for granted that she had never seen before. It felt as if they had barely started when they were pulling into the drive.

  Massive grounds in the middle of a lonely stretch of road surrounded the facility. It offered the peace and quiet its residences needed to recover, or in more severe cases like his father, exist undisturbed. There were only a few vehicles there, and David guessed they had arrived between shifts prior to the noontime meals. He hadn’t planned it that way but was glad. He didn’t want to have to answer a lot of questions.

  "They're rather strict about visitors," David said, “so follow my lead. I know most of the staff so they may not say anything, but just in case I have to make something up, try not to act
surprised.”

  Aurora replied, “I’ll play along.”

  David added, “One more thing, no matter what, stay with me. Please make sure we don’t get separated.” He gave her a serious look to drive his point home.

  “You can count on it.” She said.

  David opened her door, and took her hand helping her out of the car. They turned, and headed up the walk, neither one of them letting go. It felt natural walking with her, holding her hand, but it was also their silent affirmation of solidarity. The both knew that these were the first steps on a long road ahead; that no matter the outcome today, it was significant.

  Entering the building, David made his way directly to the reception area just as he had countless times before. "Hello Eleanor. I see you're looking as lovely as ever," he said in a slightly sugary voice to the woman behind the desk. “How are they treating you today?”

  She looked up from her work flashing a skeptical smile at him. “Don’t think you can smooth talk me, David. They are treating me as badly as ever. How are you?”

  David leaned against the counter “I’m OK. Overworked as usual, but I carved out some time to come see my father.”

  She peered up at him “but it isn’t Thursday,” she said. Then David saw the sinister shadow behind her eyes. It sent a cold chill through him. He saw for the first time, who this woman that he had seen every week for the past six years, truly was. He could feel the darkness in her, the hatred, and anger that burned inside. Being this close to her, made his skin crawl, and it took all of his self-control not to recoil in horror. “I see you have a guest today, and who is this young lady?” She said without her usual friendly tone.

  David realizing this was trouble, felt that he had to do something bold to assuage her suspicions. David said, “Eleanor if anyone beside you were asking, I wouldn’t risk spoiling the surprise.” Eleanor raised her eyebrows, “But if you promise not to tell.” He added.