Prelude to a Dream

by Rebekah Daniels

  Now, Malachi was glaring. How dare he? “The name’s Malachi and I am no kid,” Malachi yelled at his back. When Gemariah turned around, Malachi continued. “I also know who and what you are, so I’m only gonna ask this once. What are you doing climbing out of that window, in my village?”

  Gemariah had a contemplative look on his face before obvious realization dawned. “Malachi? You must be the exalted one that everyone up the mountain is raving about.”

  Malachi pushed out his chest, and tried to stand taller than he actually was. “And what if I am?”

  Gemariah put his hands up, palms out in a placating manner. “Easy. I was just stating a fact, nothing more.”

  Malachi’s body had just started to relax, when Gemariah continued.

  “I could ask you the same question, you know.” Cocking his head to the side, Gemariah smirked. “But I’m assuming from the mark on your cheek that it was for the same reason… a lady friend. Except, I think, mine ended a lot better.” He finished the sentence by looking back at the window he had just come out of, and nodded.

  Malachi looked at the window as well, and saw a buxom woman closing the shutters of the window, with a smile on her face. It was then that realization dawned, and Malachi felt color flood his cheeks. “Alright, but why leave out the window?”

  Gemariah slid his arm around Malachi’s shoulders and guided him in the opposite direction. “It’s the best way, when the husband is coming through the front door.”

  After a few moments of just talking with Gemariah, Malachi realized that Gerard was both right and wrong about the man. Yes, he never missed an opportunity to have fun, even to the point of risking exposure, but he took his fighting and battles very seriously. In fact, he was headed out the next day to reach Narva, inside the Swedish Empire. If the rumors were true, and the Russians were indeed planning a full scale attack, he, along with a larger group of nephilims were leaving to join in the relief to help Charles XII.

  What Malachi wouldn’t give to go with him, but even Gemariah had said it was too soon, but promised that there would be many more battles after he had gained his immortality.

  After close to half of an hour talking about random things, Gemariah stood from where he had been sitting on the edge of a well. “Listen, I’ve got to be going, but take care of yourself, Malachi.”

  “Yeah, you too.” Malachi stuck his hand out, and Gemariah didn’t hesitate to grasp it.

  “See ya around, kid.”

  “I already told you… I’m not a kid.” Malachi couldn’t keep the laughter from his voice, or the smile off his face.

  With a matching expression, Gemariah held up his hands in surrender while backing away. “My mistake.”

  Malachi watched as Gemariah walked away, and thought that he didn’t know if they would actually see each other again, but he was glad that he had at least got to meet someone like him.

  Looking around, he realized that the festivities were starting, and people were becoming more energized. A dance had started in the courtyard, vendors had gathered around to sell their wares, and the young children had started up a game of hide and seek. Overall, everyone was having a good time.

  Standing next to the dance floor were three young girls. Their focus was on the groups of people swinging each other around, and he could hear their laughter from where he was standing. His attention was pulled to the one in the middle when the fire from the lit touches gleamed off her hair and made it glow. She was the same girl that he had seen before, the one with the children.

  Seeing her standing there brought an idea to his head, and he swiftly moved to a vendor selling baked products. After tossing the elderly lady a coin, he grabbed a fresh biscuit from her collection.

  Bread in hand, he made his way in her direction, and didn’t stop till he was standing directly next to the group of girls. When he cleared his throat, the noise brought all three of their gazes to him. Mid giggle, all three stopped and he watched as their eyes grew slightly wider. Focusing his gaze on the girl in the middle, he was blown away by what he saw.

  Large, expressive eyes stared back at him before they were quickly lowered to the ground. Even the small glimpse was like a punch to his gut. Her eyes reminded him of a plant found around the mountain at certain times of the year. It was one of his favorites, and Gerard had once called the color violet. Her eyes had to be close to the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She was still looking at the ground, with small glimpses in his direction, and he suddenly realized that he wanted her full attention back.

  Holding out the biscuit until it was directly in front of her, he cleared his throat before speaking. “Here. This is for you.”

  Before she could say anything, her friend spoke up. “That’s an odd gift. Could you not find any flowers?”

  Malachi felt heat start to rise up from his collar, and for the first time he started to second guess his offering. Clearing his throat once again, he kept his eyes on the blonde and chuckled, before he said, “Well, after witnessing her lose something similar in such a vicious manner to those rug rats, I thought she might like another.”

  Just then, her gaze popped back up to meet his, and she squeaked, “You saw that?”

  Smiling down at her, he moved the hand holding the biscuit closer to her. “Yeah. So how ‘bout it? Would you like another?”

  Tentatively, she reached up and took the offering. “Thank you.”

  There was a loud sigh let out from the friend that had spoken earlier, and she took hold of the blonde’s arm and pulled slightly. “Come on, we should probably go check in.”

  The girl’s gaze broke from Malachi’s finally, and looked toward her friend. “Um… yeah. Just give me a minute. I’ll be right there.”

  Her friend didn’t look as if she liked that plan, and opened her mouth to protest. Before she could get one word out though, the other girl, the one that had been silent until now, spoke up. “Oh come on. It’s no big deal. She’ll only be a minute.”

  Right then, he wished he had brought flowers, because he would have given a couple to that girl as a thank you.

  After a few seconds of thought, the girl that was about to argue shut her mouth and walked away, along with the girl he now owed flowers to.

  “So…” He hadn’t thought it through of what to say next.

  “Are you up to no good again today?”

  Her question took him so off guard that he took a step back. “What?”

  “It’s a small village, and word spreads.” She gestured across the dance floor with her head. “Plus, with the death looks Rosetta and Liza are sending this way, I’m assuming they’re towards you. I’m also pretty sure, if rumors are true and she was out here, Anna Beth would be glaring at you just the same.”

  He laughed out loud at her blunt observation. “What can I say? Is it my fault that they all want my attention? I’m just nice to them, is all.”

  Something he said must have been funny, because she let out a burst of laughter. “What’s that saying? Oh yeah!” She snapped her fingers and pulled herself up to her toes in excitement. “You’re the wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

  “That’s not very nice, you know?” He tried to look stern, but failed miserably. There was something about this girl. It was as if her soothing spirit was catching.

  Placing a hand over her mouth, she tried to stop her laughter, but only succeeded in muffling it. “I’m sorry.” She smothered another smile and tried to continue. “Really, I am. You say that you’re just nice to them, but you know… it’s not nice to show your attentions to a girl if you don’t plan on becoming more serious”

  “You’re one to talk.”

  That immediately brought her to attention, and her eyes widened slightly. “I beg your pardon. What do you mean by that?”

  “I saw you earlier, and the way you kissed that boy’s head before sending him on his way. He is utterly head over heels for you, and that small act won’t encourage him to go elsewhere.” Malachi grinned, and crosse
d his arms in front of his chest. Let’s see her explain that one, he thought smugly.

  Apparently, he was being extra hilarious today, because she started to laugh once again. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself enough to talk, but her smile never went away. “Yes, I know that boy loves me, as I do him.”

  Malachi’s shoulders tensed. He didn’t want to dwell too much on the sinking feeling that started to press onto his chest. Having just met her, his reaction confused him.

  “Just as most brothers and sisters should,” she finished, and he slowly let out a breath before relaxing once again.

  Feeling like a pile of dung, he reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. Wanting to change the topic, and quick, he looked down at the biscuit still being held in her hand. “Are you gonna eat that, or save it to be taken away… again?”

  The color that bloomed on her cheeks made her face start to glow again. Reaching over with her other hand, she pulled off a small chunk and put it in her mouth. Her expression was almost comical. She moved her gaze away from his, and it looked as if she was working hard at chewing.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nuffin.” She still had food in her mouth, and her answer came out muffled.

  “Yeah right, what is it?”

  Once again, she vigorously shook her head, and said, “Nuffin!”

  “Uh-ha.” With quickened speed, he reached over and snagged a chuck of the biscuit, and before she could stop him, shoved it in his mouth. The taste hit him within seconds. One time, Gerard took him into the wilderness, and taught him the different things that were edible. This reminded him of that trip, when Gerard had him bite into tree bark. It was gritty, with a taste that made his gut clench in protest at having to swallow the foal food. Without a second thought, he leaned to the side, and started to spit out as much of the bite as he could. “Wow! That was awful.”

  When he saw that she still had the bite she took in her mouth, he turned her, so she would be covered and could spit out the piece. Apparently, it wasn’t ladylike to spit out one’s food.

  When she stood back up and faced him, she wrinkled her nose, and asked after wiping her mouth, “Where did you get that?”

  “A woman was selling them.” He craned his neck until he found the vendor and pointed her out.

  “Mavel? She giggled once again, and shook her head. “Mavel is a nice lady, and we all buy things from her once in a while, but no one can eat what she makes, so it usually is given to the animals.”

  “Good to know.” Chuckling with her, Malachi looked into her expressive eyes. “I’ll bring you a different one tomorrow.”

  Her smile this time didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

  “Why not?”

  This time, she looked at him as if he were missing some crucial point. She gestured once again to the girls standing on the other side of the dance floor. “I’m not like them.”

  “I think that goes without saying.”

  “Nothing is going to happen between us.”

  “That’s good. Then I don’t have to worry about you trying to flirt with me.”

  She rolled her eyes and placed a small hand on her hip. “So, friends… but how can that be when we’re still strangers?”

  Not missing a beat, Malachi clasped the hand at her hip, pulled it up, and bent over it before standing back up. “It’s good to meet you. My name’s Malachi.” Freezing for a second, he realized he had just given her his real name. Never had he done that before. Always, he would use the shortened version of his name, Mal, to help keep his true self a secret. Deciding not to dwell on the fact, he looked down at her expectantly.

  “Nope. I don’t tell my name to strangers.”

  Placing a hand over his chest as if he were wounded, he stumbled backwards. “That’s harsh.” Tilting his head to the side, he grinned. “Then tell me. How does one not become a stranger to you?

  “I’ll tell you what. If you truly bring that biscuit to me tomorrow, I will tell you my name.”

  Smiling fully, he nodded in agreement. “Deal. How will I find you?

  Lifting a shoulder, she gifted him with a sly smile. “I’m sure you can think of something.”

  “Hmm, a challenge. Alright. Plus, to show that I’m gonna be a good friend, I’ll even let you keep the biscuit from today.

  Her smile grew even more. “How generous of you.”

  Opening his arms outward, he started walking backwards to leave. “That’s just the type of fellow I am. Until tomorrow….”

  She lifted her hand to cover her smile, and then just as quickly, lowered it again. “Yes, until tomorrow….

  ******

  Malachi laid on the grass and looked up toward the blue sky. This was his favorite place, a secluded clearing with one large tree near the center along with tall grass and wild flowers that came to his knees. It was the perfect place to get away from everything and everyone. Of course, right now it was covered in a layer of snow, but it was still peaceful, none the less. He would come here to train, to think, or to do absolutely nothing. As far as he knew, no one ever came there except for him and, on occasion, Gerard.

  Today was the perfect day. The sun was shining, melting the snow that was still on the ground from the week before. The slight breeze always brought different scents from nature, and at that moment, was a slightly metallic smell. It was somewhat odd, but not enough to deteriorate his good mood.

  All he had to do was finish his training, and then he could sneak past Gerard and get to the village before sun down. He felt his mouth start to curve up at the thought of spending time with the little blonde haired, violet eyed village girl.

  He was mentally replaying their conversation the day before, when he felt something nudge his leg. With a start, he grabbed his falchion that had been lying beside him, and swung it out as he sat up. Its progress forward was quickly deflected to the side by another sword.

  “Ye call this training?”

  Malachi had to shield his eyes against the sun to see who was in front of him, but he would know that gruff voice anywhere. Gerard was standing over him, glaring down to show his obvious disapproval.

  “I was just taking a break… no big deal.”

  Letting out a loud sigh, Gerard shook his head as Malachi stood up. “I thought ye said that ye were going te try harder at taking this seriously.”

  “I am! I just took―”

  Just then, the wind blew over them and Gerard held up a hand to silence Malachi. “Do ye smell that?”

  Malachi breathed in through his nose, and didn’t smell anything unusual. The metallic smell was still there, but that could be anything in nature.

  “Blood! A lot of it.”

  The hairs on the back of Malachi’s neck stood at attention, as he and Gerard turned simultaneously to put their backs together. Both crouched into a defensive position and held out their weapons.

  “Is this a test?” He didn’t think so, but he thought there was no harm in asking.

  “No, boy! Now stay on alert.”

  They started to turn, so each could scan the clearing, but Malachi didn’t see anything. It wasn’t until he was facing the large tree, and the breeze picked up, that he saw something unusual flutter on the opposite side of the tree. “I think I see something… by the tree!”

  Gerard glanced over his shoulder to look, but quickly returned his gaze to the other side of the clearing. “I didn’t see anything.”

  “I did! Something’s there.”

  After a moment’s hesitation, Gerard finally conceded. “Fine. We’ll go check it out, but we do it using a wide berth. Whatever ye do… don’t take your attention away from your surroundings. Got it?”

  “Yeah.” Malachi answered distractedly before he started to move.

  They walked side by side, but kept turning to make sure they were alone. They did as Gerard said and came around wide, but the closer they got, the more Malachi knew that there was indeed something there.
>
  Once they got to the other side of the clearing, and what was by the tree was in plain view, they both stopped in their tracks. There was a body impaled on the tree, a female one to be exact. She was pinned on the tree a couple feet off the ground and covered in blood. A stake had been driven through her chest, head, and arms, as if to put her on display. The contrast between the red blood and the white snow drew his attention. Who could do something like this?

  His gaze was brought back up to the body, and he started to pay closer attention to the smaller details. The petiteness of her showed that this was not a woman, but instead, a young girl. He could see a few spots of blonde hair that had not been touched by blood, and her blue striped dress moved around her ankles whenever the wind blew. That must have been what he had seen earlier, he thought.

  Taking a closer look at the dress, he had a nagging suspicion that he had seen it before. All of a sudden, a flash of the day before replayed in his head. He saw a small girl, in a blue striped dress, laughing as children brought her down to her knees.

  Before he realized what he was doing, his feet took off running towards the tree. The curse, and the crunching of the snow behind him, signaled that Gerard was following.

  He had just reached her, and placed a hand on a tiny foot of hers that was missing a slipper, when he was grabbed around the middle and pulled back. Malachi fought the hold on him, but Gerard wasn’t letting up. He just wanted to reach her to see if he could do anything to help.

  “Malachi, stop!” With one last heave, the older man was able to get him back a few feet. The movement made him stumble to his knees. When he made a move to rise, Gerard knelt in front of him, and placed both of his hands on Malachi’s shoulders to hold him in place. “What has gotten into ye?”

  Malachi couldn’t speak beyond the lump that had formed in his throat. Looking back up at the young girl, he could now see her more clearly. Her skin had lost its color, and he could still feel the coldness on his fingers where he had touched her foot. Her eyes were still open, and the intriguing violet eyes that had held his attention just yesterday were now lifeless and unseeing.