by Mary Coffin
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The horse led the way up the side of the hill, on a narrow switchback trail. Halfway up, Loki noticed flickers of sun dance off the moist droplets suspended in the air. If she squinted, it appeared that hundreds of crystals shimmered and sparkled before her. Before she knew it, they stepped above the fog and her blue eyes had to blink back the harsh morning light.
She looked back at the blanketed woods and saw only the tips of the trees poking through, pointing skyward. As they crested the summit, Loki sighed. She loved the scene from the bluff, which offered a view of all directions.
Rolling hills and forest surrounded the immediate vicinity. To the north lay the Great Mountains that soared toward the sky. She imagined standing on top of one and having a clear view of the heavens above as well as a bird’s eye view of the entire region below. Their jagged peaks had year-round patches of snow where glaciers had formed. She wondered if she would ever visit those mountains or learn what mysteries lay on the other side.
They be comin’, miss.
“I heard you already.”
South of the bluff, hills and forest gradually gave way to flat, grassy plains. Further south and west, there was a desert - home to the Brethren of Darkness - but it didn’t interest her; not like the Great Mountains. Every time her eyes gazed at the peaks, something stirred deep within, as though they held secrets and invited her to discover them.
They be gettin’ stronger, miss.
“Give me some peace, will you?!?”
“Oiyeah!”
Loki tried to tune out the ‘tweenlings but it was difficult; they had been an integral part of her for as long as she could remember. Just then, she had the impression that she was being watched. She glanced to her right, wondering if someone else was on the bluff. She had never encountered another person up here but this time she sensed another presence. She felt a strong pull to the right, magnetizing her toward it. She tapped Beno and pulled the reins to the right.
It only took a moment before the presence appeared, in mid air. She stopped her horse and watched. A milky, wispy form developed. It was a woman with long hair and gown that flowed like they were tussled by a gentle breeze.
No, miss. She be hungry!
Loki felt drawn into her aura. The apparition extended her arms, as though she were inviting Loki into her embrace. It was such a contrast to the dark force that immobilized her earlier with such oppressive, entrapping and sinister energy. This force had a strong pull but with a warm, welcoming and magnetizing energy. Without realizing it, she had lightly tapped Beno’s side and he walked forward, ready to deliver her into the woman’s embrace.
No, miss. Stop!!
Loki jerked the reins to stop Beno and shook off the mesmerizing energy. As soon as she did, the apparition faded. She shook her head in disbelief and finally realized that the ‘tweenlings were warning her about both of these energies; the strengthening powers of the darkness and the light.
“Okay. I understand now. I hear you.”
THREE
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