I can’t scream, cry, or move. I drop to my knees and stare although I see nothing. Father arrives with Samuel and several other men. The sound of my father sobbing pulls me from my paralysis. I walk over to her, close her eyes, and stroke her blonde curls. This is where the dream deviates from the ones I have had at least weekly for my adult life. I turn from my poor mother to see another dog in the woods. This animal does not appear like the others. My little green friends are standing next to it, stroking its thick grey fur. Its eyes are wise, not wild. I realize it is not a dog but a wolf. I see an image of sorrow and security in my mind. The wolf is standing over a dog with its paw firmly on its back. The green ones are telling me that this will not happen again and that they are sorry. I’m the garden tender now. No time for grief. Your mother is proud of you and carry on ... for all of us.
The dream continues to surprise me. Usually, I find myself standing with my father and aunts at the base of the peach tree where my mother is being buried. This time, I am at the tree, alone. The wolf stands next to me, nudging me forward. Someone lanky and black is sitting in the shade of the tree – Fromer the god.
“Hello Amy. Sit with me.”
“What are you doing here? Is this still a dream?”
“Yes, it is. I'm sorry to say I was there the day your mother died.”
I’d like to feel angry, but this is some strange manifestation of mindfulness that apparently prohibits my ability to murder a god. I try to speak but only a weak squeak spills out.
“Your mother loved you very much and didn’t want to leave. However, she was killed by the very same beings that want to do harm to you father, husband, and daughter.”
“Dogs want to kill us? I suppose you mean something controlling the dogs? If you were there, why didn’t you stop the animals or their masters? Are you communicating with me in my sleep? Like the little ones in the forest? If so, why’d you choose such a horrific place to visit? This is not real.”
Fromer picked a peach and took a bite, juice running down his glossy chin. “The dogs weren’t what they seemed. They were indeed possessed by something you will encounter again in the future. As for saving your mother, I can’t interfere in events. I’d have saved her if I could. This dream's real for you. Yes, I am sending you a message. This is not a horrific place. This tree is where the body of your mother is resting and it underscores the importance of the events that are unfurling. Your mother is part of this, although I can’t explain how.” He savors another bite.
“Mister Fromer. I couldn’t think life could get worse. Then you appeared. You have brought nothing but wickedness to my life. Look at what is happening to my home. Wenn and father are gone. And now Eliza. Why?”
Fromer finishes his peach and throws the pit into a patch of daisies. “Whether I had appeared to you and your father or not, the same events would have happened. I’m here to reinforce rather than coerce. Listen to and trust Theo. He knows what to do, even though the answer is unclear to him right now. Eliza, Wenn, and your father are still alive and well. Follow Theo and be strong.” The wolf appears next to Fromer’s greyish arm. Fromer scratches it behind its right ear and the scene fades.
I awake wrapped in a scratchy blanket next to a small campfire. The smell of horses permeates everything. I’m wiping crud from my eyes when I hear Theo. “How’re you feeling Amy? You passed out on the horse and were out while we’ve been riding all day. I’m glad to see you.”
“Where are we?” I groan. My throat is constricted and searing with pain.
“We are about 50 miles east, up in the mountains. I have some horrible news. The town’s gone.”
“I know. Bets told me that part of the town was destroyed. But it sounded like most folks survived the onslaught.”
“No Amy. This happened after you talked with her. These things – animals I’d never seen before, with thick brown skin, horns and huge mouths – came in. They were relentless. They used their humongous jaws to rip everything apart. They-they ate anyone they found. The outsiders came back after that and burned the entire village to the ground." His eyes are hollow.
I’m still dreaming. There’s no such thing as giant monsters that eat towns. Of course, I’ve accepted the little ones in the forest my entire life without question. I realize that Fromer indeed visited me in my sleep and that there’s still hope for my family. Unfortunately, for the remainder of the town, my extended family and friends, and any semblance of my life, there’s no hope. I imagine poor Felicia searching the rubble for Eliza and me and then being consumed by a demon. “Theo, who’s with us? What are we going to do?”
“Samuel, English, and Bets made it back. We rode to Millsboro to warn the townsfolk there of the second attack. Word had spread that you were to blame, so they turned us away.”
“Do you believe them?”
Theo pauses to think about his response. “Sort of. Amy, the bastards were definitely looking for something in the armory. They weren’t happy to just get Liza. They came back for something, and that something, I think, was you. Not that you’re bad, mind you. They want you because you’re special and we’re here to protect you.”
I’m dubious about my companions. Samuel is my father’s cousin. He’s kin and also the best hunter I know. I guess he might stay with me through concern. However, we’ve never been close. I wonder why he didn’t stay with his remaining family in Millsboro. Bets barely tolerates my existence. English is a gifted tracker and outdoorsman but a stranger to me. He’s a few years older and enigmatic. I’ve never seen him smile.
“Theo, what makes me so special?”
His bruised and filthy face blushes. “Are you kidding? You’re the garden tender, the chosen one in the community. Your family fed and sheltered our families during the dark times after the ancient people left. You’ve a special gift. And your father. He’s got a gift as well... he forges amazing things from ancient trash for gods’ sake. You’ve got both inside of you. The future’s inside of you. I know it.” The look on his face is one of adoration, which unsettles me.
“Ok, Theo. I sort of get it from you. But what about the – others?” I whisper, “What about Bets? She hates me.”
“They owe me Amy. That’s all you need to know. They’ll follow me to the ends of the earth.” He seems pretty confident. “Can I get you some food or drink?”
“I’ll take what you can give me.”
The morning light peeks tepidly through the pines. The fire smolders. English saunters up with a few branches and a couple of logs. The fire jumps and its heat penetrates my bones. English mutters, “Hmm. Anyone in the mood for coffee? We ain’t got much left but we all deserve it after yesterday.”
Bets groans. “I’ll take a double.”
Theo scratches his butt and sneezes. “Where’s Samuel?”
“Catching us some breakfast,” Samuel replies, appearing from the brush with two rabbits dangling in his thick hands, already skinned and gutted.
We eat silently. The rabbits are delicious and the coffee is dreadful. English has spiked the brew with a dollop of shine. We’re waiting for guidance about our next steps. If Theo has a plan, the details don’t seem to be in any hurry to jump out.
Bets blows the steam from her cup. She’s read our collective thoughts. “Theo. What are our plans now? We’ve all lost people we care about. Instead of protecting the survivors, we’re here in the eastern mountains with shitty provisions and no plan. I realize that Marksman here's supposedly the chosen one. But what’s that supposed to mean?”
Theo rises. “Bets, you need to respect what we’re doing here. I was told by the elders that Amy and her child were to be protected at any cost. You’ll heed my words on this. Once we’re finished eating, we saddle the horses and continue moving up the pass. There’s a road left by the ancient ones that’s still manageable. We’ll take that to a safe haven.”
Samuel clears his throat and lights his pipe. “What exactly do you mean by safe, Theo my boy? These people seem pretty set on fin
ding my young cousin-niece here. We’ve not done a good job covering our tracks. They’ll be following us.”
“Trust me. The place we’re headed toward is very old and fortified. The elders told me that the answer lies within.”
“Excuse me.” I’m not going to be ordered around by Theo and I’m sure the others have their doubts as well. “Theo, what did the elders tell you? I appreciate what you’ve all done for me. But I need to be finding my family. And I’m sure these folks want to get back to their families. Why should we trust what the town leaders told you?”
Theo throws down his cup and his face becomes rigid. His stubbled jaw is chiseled with concern. “Amy Marksman and all of you, realize that this is far larger than all of us. A war's coming. The elders brought me into their meeting several months ago. They foretold many of the events that just happened. At the time, I thought they were completely wanked. Turns out, they weren’t. When I returned after the first attack, I was able to get this.” He pulls out a small, leather-bound book and opens the pages. It is worn and old, with a combination of ancient writing and our language scrawled in it. There are several maps with strange shapes and numbers. “This book contains prophecies and a history. Many of Teacher’s stories come from this book. The elders showed me a particular passage that convinced me that the truth lies in these pages.” He hands the book to me, showing the page that changed his perception.
I read aloud. “From the gardens comes the light, and her name will be Elisa. Forests will be razed and mountains leveled, for war will fall upon us. The gods will return to earth and welcome the ancient ones once again. After that, there’s ancient writing that I can’t read.”
Samuel chuckles. “We’re running away because the book almost predicted the name of Amy’s girl? That’s pretty weak, mate.”
Theo throws a stick at Samuel. “Dammit Sam. This is more than that. The elders predicted that the moonlights would go out and that all hell would spill out. Look at us.”
Samuel’s face pales. English finally speaks. “Look all. Theo’s our leader. We’ve pledged our loyalty to him. If you want to break that trust, then get the hell out of here. Otherwise, quit doubting him. That goes for you too Amy garden-tender.” His voice remains calm, matter-of-fact. “Amy, of all people, I'm surprised that you’d treat Theo with disrespect. He’s saved your life twice now, while you were slumped over his horse. I realize that you’ve lost your whole family. We’ve all lost family now. We’ve got to stick together. Or we’ll surely die.”
“Thank you English. My word's final. Prepare to get going now.” Theo flashes a gentle smile and begins rolling his pack. I hate him for forgiving me so easily. And then the anger washes out.
I walk up to Theo, putting my hand on his shoulder. He winces at the pain of an unseen injury. I begin my apology. “Sorry. I was wrong to doubt you and your leadership. I'll try to help out best I can.”
He smiles a little wider. “Accepted.”
I clear my throat. “Do you have a horse for me or am I riding with you again?”
“I brought Phineus with me. He’s fast and ornery – perfect for you.”
Within a few minutes, we’re riding with Theo and his sleek steed, Silius, in the lead. Steam rises from the flanks of the horses as we reach a wide, paved path, the likes of which I’ve never seen. The road is as wide as a river and extends beyond my sight in both directions. Few obstructions are visible – a few boulders, some stray trees, and a few oases of grass. Otherwise, it's an impossibly smooth passage into the upper mountains.
Theo’s horse pauses with a snort. “We need to be careful on this road. Amy, you’re the only one here unfamiliar with this terrain. Lots of surprises can pop out when you least expect them. The open space makes for fast traveling, but it also makes us easy targets. All eyes open – that includes all you old timers.” He smiles at Bets.
She replies, “Watch who you’re callin’ old, Theo. I was still a little bawling baby when you were stealing kisses from all the girls.”
I roll my eyes. We begin riding up the path. The air cools perceptibly, making me wish I had more layers to wear. I’m not the only one exposed. Samuel and English look like they barely had time to change out of their bedclothes. I push Phineus to canter up next to Silius and Theo. “Theo, are there any settlements along the way? We’re going to need provisions to survive the elements.”
“If I’ve read the map correctly, our destination’s about a two-day ride into the mountain. We go east and then north at a fork labeled with a large, green sign with some strange markings. He points at the book strapped to his pack. There used to be a small village near the split in the road – a trading post linking the high desert towns past the mountains to our homeland. A few trappers live there with some loggers. They should have coats to trade with us. Luckily, I brought some stuff to barter.” He pats the bags on his saddle. “And you thought it was foolish to collect rings, jewels, and shiny things.”
It’s not even the middle of the morning and my rump is throbbing. I haven’t ridden a horse in years. I keep catching Bets glaring at me. English is whistling as if he hasn’t a care in the world. Images of Eliza make my heart race. I’ll die if she’s really gone. In addition to the pain in my ass, my breasts are beginning to ache. I was slowly weaning the girl, but hadn’t completed the process. Strangely, the pain's comforting, reminding me that I’m a mother and that somehow I’m doing the right thing.
The wind's picking up. The scents of pine needles and wood smoke tickle my nose. Phineus’ strength fortifies me. I’m already falling in love with him. He's edgy, but calms down at my touch. I can feel his emotions through his skin. When I jump up on him I can feel his joy. Two days of riding pass and we approach a small enclave surrounded by a wall of considerable fifteen-foot poles. Tendrils of smoke drift down the mountainside, so someone is home.
We stop at the edge of the road and look over the path leading to the front gate. Bets murmurs, “Why do they need the walls? What are they trying to keep out?”
“Let’s find out,” Samuel says as he throws a rock at the gate. “Hello. Anyone home? We’d like some shelter for the night. We have barter.”
Samuel’s announcement is met by silence, although the smoke continues billowing. Theo walks up to the gate and looks for a bell or knocker of some sort. “It’s strange they have no one on watch if they’re concerned enough to build this wall.” He examines the gate closely. “There’s sign of a struggle here. The gate is torn up and there are scorch marks. He pushes on it and it gives way. We join him and the gate swings open with a screech of tortured wood and bent metal.
“Hello?” Bets yells as she draws her bow and peers into the commons. The fortress contains a dozen simple log buildings, a few trees, and a large, whitewashed, plank barn. The smoke originates from a stone chimney in one of the houses. Its window is shuttered but the door is ajar. No movement, animal or human, is evident.
“This place's a graveyard,” Theo says in a hush. “But there might well still be some ghosts hiding in the shadows. English and Bets come with me. Amy and Samuel stay here with the horses. If you hear a commotion, come in with your swords drawn.”
The three deftly approach the building. Bets and Samuel cover the door while Theo rushes into the space. Theo reappears shaking his head. “There’s a fire in the hearth but no one there. It’s as if everyone vanished. Let’s check the other buildings.”
Each house is filled with the stuff of life - clothing, blankets, books, preserves, and firewood. The fireplaces are cold and food is left on the tables in many of them. It seems that whoever lived here left without packing and with no sign of the struggle that was written on the outer wall. The barn's empty as well, although fresh hay is scattered in the stables. We ready the horses for the night when I notice one of the little green ones sitting on a bench near the east wall. I had no idea they traveled beyond our village. I smile at it. It seems unfazed by me, hopping up, looking down, and then vanishing into the ground.
/> I walk over to the spot and notice an iron ring jutting from the dirt. I brush the soil away to uncover a large wooden-plank door leading to what appears to be a huge root cellar. “Hey, English and Samuel. Come over here and help me open this up. Maybe the answer is down here. Or we might find some provisions.”
We lift the heavy door and a pungent, slightly sweet funk assaults us. We can see a ladder but the bottom isn’t visible. English croaks. “Bets, please be a dearie and bring over a torch.”
Samuel smiles crookedly. “Want to draw lots on who goes down in there?”
“I’ll go,” I say.
“Not the chosen one, peaches,” English gently pushes me back while grabbing the torch. “Wish me luck”. He descends. Within moments, he reappears, his cool expression replaced by the pallor of a corpse. “Well, I found the townspeople. They won’t be bothering us.”
English nearly falls off the ladder back into the hole when Theo shouts, “Get over here quick. I found someone.”
We discover Theo holding a small boy, about twelve years old, by the scruff of his tunic. The kid is agitated, but in good health, relatively clean, and well fed. He begins shouting. “Who are you people? Why’d you come here? They’ll come back now, so you got to leave. Please let me go.”
“Who are they?” English asks. He’s regained his composure with impressive speed.
“The fog,” the dark boy answers as if English is stupid for asking.
“What’re you talking about?” Theo asks.
The boy’s face betrays confusion and mistrust. “Where do you come from? How can you not know about the fog? We had a truce with them since before I was born. But, when the moon went dark, they came for our blood. I hid. But they got the rest.”
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