by Paul Green
Pelleas nodded at the girl in greeting and watched patiently as she continued working at unjamming the wooden crank system.
Finally, seeing that she was equally frustrated with the well and also fearful about having a stranger nearby, Pelleas offered his help. "Please, woman." Pelleas said. "May I be of help?"
Not wanting to engage in conversation, Regan shook her head 'no' and continued her relentless fight with the crank.
Pelleas shrugged and waited patiently for a time while Regan continued struggling.
Once again Pelleas offered his help. "I believe I may know where the problem lies, woman. If you would allow me to offer you assistance..."
After ignoring his second attempt at civility, Regan finally gave up, picked up her empty jar, and began walking away.
Pelleas shrugged once more and gave it little thought, as he walked over and worked to re-align to the crank back into its proper seating. "Friendly village you have here." Pelleas muttered to himself, sarcastically.
He hadn't meant for the girl to hear it, as it was more or less a sarcastic observation he was only making to himself. But Regan's hearing was sharp and she caught his words. And immediately ... Regan found herself to be ashamed.
She stopped in place and turned around to face the visitor. "Forgive me, stranger; such was not my intent to bring doubt upon the good people of this village. I alone am to blame for my ... unfriendliness. Please do not think of me as fair representation of the rest."
Pelleas looked at the girl in surprise; for a great many reasons. For her response instantly told him a great many things about the girl. Pelleas happened to be a quick study of people and a reasonably good judge of character. The girl was obviously more intelligent than she looked. Or ... 'intended' to look, actually; for Pelleas noted she seemed to have gone out of her way to look ... the way that she looked. Therefore he deduced she was ... 'hiding'. Something which he himself had more than a little experience at. Pelleas determined she must be hiding from some unwanted suitor.
But her response also told Pelleas that she had a good and noble heart; due to her willingness to take responsibility in order to protect the village's character and reputation. It was trait he rarely found among people during his travels and it spoke to him volumes about the young girl's true nature.
He could also tell by her determination to un-jam the crank, that she was self-reliant and independent. The only reason she had given up was because his presence made her nervous, not because she had given up.
Which made him wonder ... why would a strong and self-reliant and independent and determined person give up, simply because a man was watching her? Obviously, because she was 'hiding' from a man. Or ... perhaps ... from men, in general.
It was no secret in the realm that women generally outnumbered men, due to invasions and the loss of many men's lives in battle. Thus, it was common for women in villages to sometimes approach Pelleas; seeking a husband. Sometimes they would practically throw themselves at him.
But what was uncommon, was for an obviously unattached woman to back off from an obviously unattached man; that was rare in those times. Pelleas then deduced that the girl must be afraid of men in general; likely because she had been hurt by men. Or a specific man.
Which then led to Pelleas' curiosity about what the girl might really look like if she wasn't so overtly and intentionally grubby and bedraggled in her appearance in her attempt to hide from men.
And Pelleas ... surprisingly and unexplainably ... found himself intrigued by the whole situation.
Now, if the uninterested girl had simply allowed him to help her, and then leave ... or the girl had simply walked away and not turned back ... things might have turned out very differently. But such is the nature of fate and such is the mighty flow of the river of destiny; for no man can turn it aside and it can only go one way.
"Pelleas."
"Excuse me?"
"My name ... is Pelleas. You named me as a stranger. Now you know my name and I am a stranger, no more."
"That is very nice. I shall be on my way."
"Please, woman; at least give me your name."
She sighed, knowing she had little choice. To refuse an offer of greeting would be a black mark against the village, and she couldn't bear to bring a shameful mark against those who had been a refuge of kindness and acceptance the past six months.
"Regan." She finally replied. "My name ... is Regan. Now if you will excuse me, sir, I must return to my duties."
"At least allow me to draw water for you, Regan. Surely you do not wish to return empty? That is, if ... you would allow kindness from a stranger?"
Regan wasn't quite sure how to take that. But she quickly decided that the best way to get rid of him was to get her pitcher filled and thereby negating the only reason they were even having their conversation.
"Very well." she replied, walking back towards the well. But she approached the well on the opposite side, all the while maintaining a safe distance. She then set the pitcher atop the low stone wall surrounding the well, and then stepped backwards; preparing to run, if need be.
Pelleas smiled at her as if her actions had just confirmed everything he had surmised about her. Which, of course, they did. So as not to cause her any more fear or alarm than necessary, without saying another word, Pelleas then lowered the wellbucket into the deep well, and then brought it up again. Then, without a word, he filled her clay pitcher with water. Then, without a word, he filled his own wineskin. Then, without a word, Pelleas stepped back away from the well, far enough away where Regan would feel comfortable with coming forward to retrieve her newly filled pitcher of water.
After she did so, she rewarded Pelleas with a brief nod and a brief word of thanks. "Thank you, kind stranger." Then she quickly turned and began briskly walking away towards her home with Alger and Ceola.
There was no reason why Pelleas should have given the matter any more thought. There was nothing physically appealing or attractive about the girl; at least that was seemingly apparent. Nor was there was anything socially attractive about the girl. In truth, there was absolutely no reason at all why Pelleas should have given the matter any further thought.
But there was a reason. And it was due to a character trait that had been instilled by fate into his unique personage.
Curiosity.
And so it was that Pelleas asked a parting question, even as Regan was attempting to make good her quick escape. It was a deep and profound question, one which had been pre-destined by fate since before the foundation of the world.
"So ... do you come here often?"
Regan's eyes widened in surprise and she nearly stumbled at the profound question. But ... she managed to continue on her way without answer, quickly, and without ever looking back.
Now, Pelleas had no idea why he had just asked that question. He had hadn't planned on it, he hadn't thought about it, he didn't even know the purpose of his question. It was just something that seemed to pop right out of his mouth without any forethought.
But such is the way of men, sometimes. And such is the way of fate.
The question was indeed profound. And the question was indeed deep. And the question would find its answer ... on the very next day.
Chapter 7
"So ... do you come here often?"
"EEEEK! What are YOU doing here!?"
It was the following day and Regan was caught by surprise when Pelleas had come up behind her.
"Forgive me, fair Regan; I had not meant to startle you."
"I am NOT fair! And WHAT are you doing here!?"
"I was thirsty. Is this a crime in your village? Am I to be stoned?"
Once again, Regan's eyes widened in surprise. "What!? No, sir! Surely, do not think such a thing of these people! This water is for any who thirst! I had not meant..."
Pelleas chuckled and stopped her with his hand. "Pay no heed to my folly, fair Regan; I only jest. I think it a good and noble thing for you to desire to protect the
name of your people. This speaks to me you are indeed a fair representation of this village, and I applaud the people who have raised up someone with such a good heart and character.
"Oh."
Pelleas smiled at her and then reached out his hand. "Please, Regan. May I fill your pitcher with water?"
"Thank you, kind sir, but it is not needful."
"I only wish to demonstrate my sincerity that I do not think ill of your people. Will you allow me to do this service? It would my way of showing honor to your village."
"Oh. Uh ... well ... uh ...".
"Please?" Pelleas said again, maintaining his smile and outstretched hand.
Regan finally relented. But she didn't hand the pitcher to Pelleas. Instead, she once more set it upon the low stone wall of the well and began backing away, slowly.
Pelleas understood she was still fearful and didn't push the issue. Instead, he lowered the wellbucket into the well and drew water, with which he then filled her pitcher and again his own waterskin.
Then ... he began backing away himself, while gesturing towards her pitcher. Once he was a good and safe distance away, Regan quickly rushed and snatched up her pitcher. Thank you, kind sir." Then she briskly began walking away.
Pelleas smiled as he called out after her. "So ... do you come here every day?"
She didn't answer, of course, and within moments she had disappeared around a thatch of trees, heading for home.
Pelleas chuckled to himself as he turned to leave for his campsite by the river a few miles away. He smiled, for the girl who had thought to deter him had only succeeded in making him all the more curious.
*** *** ***
The following morning, Pelleas returned and sat beside the well. And waited. And waited. And waited. But Regan never showed up.
By evening time, Pelleas gave up and returned to his campsite.
*** *** ***
The next morning, Pelleas returned again, and once more sat beside the well. And waited. And waited. And waited.
After two days of sitting beside the well, he had met several friendly people of the village; including several VERY friendly young girls. But none of them were named Regan.
By evening time, Pelleas gave up and returned to his campsite.
*** *** ***
The following morning, Pelleas returned, and once more sat beside the well. And waited. And waited. And waited.
And again, he met many people of the friendly village, including many friendly girls who seemed to think he was waiting for them. But none of them were named Regan.
By evening time, Pelleas gave up and returned to his campsite.
*** *** ***
On the morning of the fourth day Pelleas returned, and once more sat beside the well. And waited. And waited. And waited.
It had now been four days since he had last seen Regan. This time, it was Regan who surprised Pelleas, as she came up behind him.
"WHAT are you DOING HERE!?" she exclaimed, angrily.
"WHAT!?"
"WHY WON'T YOU LEAVE!?"
"I ... I only wished to draw you water, again!"
"WHY!!? WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM!?"
"I ... I ... I ..."
"For THREE DAYS I have been avoiding coming here!"
"You knew I was here!?" Pelleas asked with a teasing smile.
"EVERYONE in the village knows you are here! It is all everyone can speak of! They all speak of the strange man who sits by the well!"
"I ... I only wish to draw you water."
"I need water! But I have not been able to come to get water! Because you are here! Why will you not leave!? What do you want from me!?"
"I ... I only wish to draw you water."
"I do not WISH for you to draw me water! I am quite capable of drawing my own water!"
Pelleas grinned. "I shall not leave until you allow me to draw you water."
"WHAT!?"
"Please, do not be angry with me. I only wish to do you a kind service. Is this a crime in your village?"
"WHAT!?"
Pelleas chuckled. "I see it did not work with you this time." So, he tried another tactic. Pelleas then stood in front of the well and crossed his arms. "If you want water, then you must allow me to draw it for you."
"WHAT!?"
Pelleas shrugged. "If you do not require water, then leave. If you require water, allow me to draw it for you."
Regan shook her head and sighed. "Why ... are you doing this to me!?"
"I am not doing anything to you. I would never do anything to harm you. I only wish to draw you water."
"Why!?"
Pelleas shrugged. "Because it pleases me."
Reagan sighed, again. "You would truly prevent me from drawing water from our own well?"
"Because I wish to draw it for you. I ask for nothing in return; only that I may do this for you."
Reagan was extremely confused and couldn't understand what was going on. Although, she was beginning to suspect the strange man was not right in his mind.
Finally, she relented. But this time, she dared to actually hand the pitcher directly to the very strange stranger.
Pelleas accept the pitcher gratefully and then immediately turned around and proceeded to draw water from the well, and then filled her pitcher. He then handed the pitcher back to Regan, gave her a brief nod and said "Thank you." Then, Pelleas turned on his heels ... and walked away.
Leaving behind a very stunned girl, who was now quite certain the strange man was not playing with a full deck.
*** *** ***
It was another three days before Regan finally gave in and made another attempt to visit the well to retrieve water. But she had little choice as their water had run out the night before. She even once considered going during the night, but Alger and Ceola both warned her about wild animals that came out after dark, and that it was much safer to go in broad daylight. Besides, what if the 'strange man' happened to be waiting for her at night? That could also be a more dangerous thing, as no one else would be around.
Now, after Alger and Ceola had first heard about the mysterious stranger, and after Regan had refused to visit the well for the first three days, they had offered to follow along behind Regan on the last trip; where they had witnessed the entire exchange between Pelleas and Regan. Though they were both elderly, they had a fairly good inkling of what was actually going on, and that it likely didn't involve the strange man being daft. Thus, they encouraged Regan to visit the well each and every day, and even offered to accompany her on each and every trip.
But it was only after three days, and only after they had completely run out of water, that Regan had no choice but to once again visit the well.
She had been hoping the strange man would have left by now. But according to the other villagers, Pelleas was still there, just as he always was, sitting by the well, each and every day. His only answer when asked why he was there was always the same. "I am waiting for someone."
And sure enough, when Regan arrived midday at the well with Alger and Ceola, Pelleas was sitting in his usual spot just a short distance away from the well. Not too close to interfere with other people drawing water from the well, but close enough to keep watch for Regan.
Regan cautiously approached the well, trying hard to not draw his attention. But, of course, it didn't work as Pelleas instantly leaped to his feet as she came near. Regan was actually a little surprised to see his quick agility, and she began to suspect that the light-armored chest plate he wore and the sword at his side was for more than for just show. That suspicion actually caused her to be more nervous around Pelleas. For if by any chance he was not mentally unbalanced, then what other reason would he have for being there?
"Hello, fair Regan." Pelleas smiled in greeting. Once more he stood by the well with his hand outstretched.
Sighing reluctantly, Regan looked at Pelleas for a time. Finally she stepped forward and handed him her pitcher.
Pelleas maintained his warm smile as he accepted the pit
cher and turned to begin lowering the wellbucket into the well.
"Why?" Regan finally asked.
"I only wish to draw you water." Pelleas replied, simply.
"But why?"
Pelleas shrugged. "Because it pleases me."
"I ... I do not understand."
After Pelleas finished filling her pitcher with water, he handed it back to Regan with the same warm smile. "Because I wish to draw it for you. I ask for nothing in return; only that I may do this for you."
"Please tell me why you are doing this." Regan pleaded. "What is your purpose, here?"
"I have no purpose here, except to draw you water. Of this I speak the truth."
"I cannot understand why you would do this thing."
Pelleas shrugged. "Will you be here, tomorrow?"
Regan sighed and then looked over at Alger and Ceola, who were both smiling and nodding their heads. Then she turned back and looked at Pelleas. "Yes. I ... I shall be here ... tomorrow."
"Over there, is that your mother and father?"
"No." Regan replied. "My parents are dead. They are only friends."
"Forgive me for assuming wrongly, fair Regan; I did not mean to pry. I shall pursue no further questioning of you, for such was not my intent. I only wish to draw you water."
Regan continued looking at Pelleas for a time. This time she was paying closer attention to his eyes; which were brown like his hair; the same as hers. But she was unable to read what was in his eyes, as Pelleas was an extremely difficult person to read.
She then turned her head and began looking around at the village and at some of the villagers who were standing not too far away, watching the exchange with great interest. It was now common knowledge in the small village that Regan - was the only person Pelleas ever offered to draw water for.
Then she turned back and looked at Pelleas. "These are good people, sir. They have had hard lives and have found a place of safe haven within this village. They have no possessions and have even less to offer."
Pelleas smiled at her, knowingly. "I have no intent of bringing trouble or harm to your people. I do not seek to steal or take that which is not mine; for I have all that I require. Yes, Regan, I can see they are refugees. Many are children born of Concubines and have been cast out or left for dead. I can see they indeed have found a place of safe haven. I swear to you, fair Regan, upon my life, that I shall never reveal this location to any other nor do anything that might bring them harm."