“I’m so glad to see you eating finally.” Mother hugged my shoulders.
“Thank you for the sandwich,” I mumbled with my cheeks stuffed full. Father put another log on the fire to keep it going as I asked, “I was wondering, do you know where the mirror is? I wanted to hold on to it for a couple of days, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, but why do you need it?”
“Sometimes, I see things in mirrors. With any luck, I’ll see something about Calish.”
Mother opened one of the kitchen drawers and pulled it out for me. “If it will help you feel better, take it. It’s yours.”
I looked into it as the family waited with anticipation for a vision. They peered over my shoulder as if they expected to see something in its reflection as well. Putting the mirror down, I answered the question none of them asked. “Nothing.” I took one last bite of the sandwich before offering the rest of it to Marsh.
My mother sat down next to me and curled my hair around her finger. “I have an idea.” She let it fall. “We’ll all go back outside and finish up. You go relax, take a nap, whatever you need, and maybe something will come to you. I have a feeling that you cannot force this to happen, at least not yet. It’s too bad we don’t know anyone qualified to advise you. Until you learn how to control it, we’ll have to depend on common sense.”
My father nodded before signaling Marsh to join him outside. My brother shoved what remained of the sandwich in his already full mouth and followed after him. Mother kissed my temple and offered words of encouragement.
Once alone, I studied the girl beyond the mirror again. Something about the reflection of my own eyes made me believe she lay hidden there.
“I have so many questions,” I whispered. “I need you. Can’t you tell me anything?”
With an empty stare, the glass stayed cold. Feeling foolish, I slapped the thing down on the table, ready to curse it.
Careful. Shattering her window might make her leave.
Maybe a nap would help. After all, last night was not especially restful. Halfway up the ladder to the loft, I thought to bring the mirror with me. I tucked it under my arm and climbed into Calish’s bed. Burrowing my face deep into his pillow, I breathed in his scent, keeping it captive near my heart as long as possible before exhaling. I held it like a child embracing a beloved doll.
As if on cue, the room became dark. I stood outside, beside a twin version of myself in an unfamiliar place surrounded by hills. The sun had set, and the sky was patchy in areas.
This isn’t the river, where am I?
I picked up my left foot without disturbing the saturated soil around me.
I am an observer here, not a participant.
In a single blink, night was upon me. The darkness filled the void and consumed everything it touched. Everyone around me gazed into the sky above, seemingly unaware of the knee-high muck we stood in. In the distance, the object of their attention came into view. The clouds parted like great celestial curtains, introducing a sphere glowing a thousand times brighter than the moons, Anon and Enon.
The people responded with panic. Their screams echoed from the hillsides while many fell to their knees in prayer. Those that chose to run headed for high ground. The orb disappeared behind the darkened trees, and within seconds, the land shook in rumbles and waves. The people who fled toward the hill regretted their decision as boulders broke free from captivity and tumbled into the valley. The tallest evergreens lost their foothold and uprooted as if the hills had decided to disrobe themselves.
In a flash of light, I struggled in the depths of frigid water, unable to breathe. I reached for the rocks and reeds, but there were none to be found. Ensnared in an unknown net, I tumbled into confusion. I tried to swim, but the water became thick and unwilling. It pressed against me until it broke my bones and ground me into a fine powder.
My eyes snapped open, and I took a full and deep breath. I wasn’t sleeping. Clutching the sides of the mirror, I shook it like a spoiled child. “What was that?”
My reflection shut her eyes. Her expression faded as she relaxed. She remained still for a moment before slowly opening her eyes again. She smiled patiently at me. This time, she took her fingers and closed her eyelids.
“You want me to close my eyes?”
She nodded.
“That’s it?”
With no other instruction from my guide, I let them close.
Again I was in the dark, but it was different than the place I’d left. This time, I was dry; still, the air felt damp and smelled musty. The walls around me were jagged and rough, filled with deep rumbling sounds. Crawling toward a light ahead, I let my eyes adjust to the newness.
I know this place.
Under a tall pine tree overlooking the valley, I stood at the top of the same game trail I suffered during Talium. I watched the trees of the surrounding hills whip violently as the ground shook around me. Reaching to brace myself against an evergreen, I gasped as a gash opened in the field, separating me from the road.
I wanted to run for it, but the dirt beneath me gave way, and I fell, sliding on my stomach with the rest of what once was the hillside. Time slowed as I clawed into loose soil, but it offered no help, as it was swept away with me. The tree I stood under was pulled over into the same void I had been cast into. The entire structure dove toward the valley, its sprawling roots sweeping me down with it.
I opened my eyes again, but my teacher within the glass had gone. “What was that!” I yelled at myself.
Grasping its handle, I hit it against my pillow. When that didn’t work, I shook it vigorously, demanding she answer, but she didn’t. I pulled back my arm with the intention to throw it down to the lower floor, hesitating long enough to understand the fault in that plan. Beyond frustrated, I slammed it on top of the blankets and threw myself backward.
Shouting out to whoever might be listening, I cried, “It would be convenient for a real person to teach me about this vision crap!”
I considered the gods and quickly dismissed them. If I was going to make demands, I would go to the Almighty directly.
Sitting up with a threatening fist to the heavens, I screamed, “Did you hear me, Great One? I want someone real!”
Chapter 12
The next two days passed ever so slowly. Whatever it was that I experienced through my visions, I found them to be confusing and unhelpful, so I refused to obsess over them. Since I couldn’t force my mind to reveal anything about Calish, I decided to believe my worries for him were irrational and almost convinced myself he would be just fine. If his training lasted three days, then he’d finish up today and come home tonight. If he had to stay late into the evening, he’d be home in the morning. If training went for four days, tomorrow would be his last day, and he’d come straight home. He’d be home by the fifth morning. He wouldn’t risk missing the deadline. We made the Resistance Camp our final option—the most desperate one. He wouldn’t let me go if I didn’t have to. I hadn’t told anyone of our backup plan, only because I was so sure it wouldn’t be necessary.
In anticipation of Calish’s arrival, I woke up early to tend my chores. My excitement resulted in all the animals being fed at record speed, not that they appreciated it. The hens flew as best as they were able as I ran past their coop, though it doesn’t take much to startle a chicken. They were probably a little upset that I didn’t give them grain, but I had my reasons. I’d be coming back for a couple of them later. When I did, they’d be hungry enough to come within reach to be caught.
Since Calish was given a horse, Rebel and his new guest would need to share the same quarters until we had the materials to build an additional one. The stall needed obvious attention, so I spent half the morning cleaning soiled straw and manure before fetching the brush to groom Rebel. “You’re going to have a new friend, buddy. Time to look your best.”
“Una?” Father called.
“I’m in here.”
My father ran through the drizzle, uncoveri
ng his head where it stayed dry. “You started early.” He shook the water off his hands and wiped his face.
“There was a lot that I wanted to accomplish before Calish gets home tonight.”
“About that.” Father turned a bucket over and sat down. I knew someday he’d talk to me about him; still, I didn’t intend on it happening today. I finished with Rebel; however, I opted to continue brushing him to keep my hands busy while my father talked. The last thing I wanted to do was make eye contact during the conversation he decided to have with me.
“I’m not happy with what you two…” He paused. “No. What I mean is, the situation is not ideal.” He cleared his throat nervously.
“Father, you don’t have to—”
He put his hand up, signaling me to stop. “You are my daughter. Calish is my son. I love you both very much, and while it’s not…what I’m trying to say is, your mother and I—” He gave a hard sigh and started over. “I can understand the qualities you see in each other that would make you want to, um…” He gave up.
Thank the gods. I kept brushing Rebel, although my strokes slowed, becoming woefully unproductive.
“This is not going to be easy. For any of us,” he confessed.
“I know.”
“No, Una. You don’t, not really. Babies change things in ways you can’t begin to comprehend.” He shifted nervously. “I’ve been talking with your mother about…everything, and I want you to know that I, um, I mean, we intend to do everything we can to support you. All three of you.” His words were heartfelt and fairly controlled, although he still had a hard time accepting I would be a mother soon.
He stood and gazed across the pasture as he continued somberly. “I’m not sure what Calish’s options will be now that he’s working for the Authority, but you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.”
I sniffled, wiping my dripping nose (and eyes) on the sleeve of my shirt.
“You two will not disrespect my home. Your actions have been inappropriate. I expect that you two will control them until you are married.”
I nodded in obedience, too ashamed to speak.
“Very well then.” He pulled his hood over his head and left.
I’m so glad that’s over.
He was much more gentle than I had expected him to be. The time he’d spent with my mother must have been consumed by conversations about the two of us. Thankfully, his anger had faded as the reality of the situation set in. Whatever my mother said to him found purchase in his spirit. Her words healed his heart like her hands cured ailments. As much as I would love to be freely open with our relationship, I felt my father’s wishes for our behavior were respectable.
I wondered how things would be once Calish returned. With his status changed from Reclaimer to Citizen and his plan to save up for a fresh start, his idea for our collective futures may actually work.
I loved that man so much it filled my chest and made my heart feel like it would burst. He’d been here my entire life, at least all that I remembered of it, and yet, my feelings for him were brand new. I wanted him home so badly it hurt.
Once I finished with Rebel, I rushed back to start the next chore on my mental list. I ran through the rain, kicked off my muddy boots on the porch, and hung my raincoat on the hook outside. Inside, my mother washed dishes in the sink, and Rain waited patiently for any scraps she decided to feed him.
“You missed breakfast,” she informed me.
“No problem,” I replied, rummaging around our pots for the largest one. “I’ll just grab a roll later.”
“Where were you, anyway?”
“I have a lot to do before Calish gets back.”
Rain came to me and licked my hand.
Mother turned to me with round and hopeful eyes. “He’ll be home today?”
I grabbed a towel, offering to dry the dishes. “Kawl said training would be three or four days. If he’s not home tonight, he should be back tomorrow.”
Mother nodded as I took another bowl from her.
“I thought about butchering a couple of chickens for dinner, if you don’t already have something planned.”
“How about you prepare three? That way, whatever we don’t eat this evening, we can use for chicken soup tomorrow. We’ll make noodles in the morning.”
I didn’t hesitate to agree. By staying confined to the kitchen, I’d have a front-row seat to Father’s questions of Calish’s experiences. If I had to give a detailed report of my time with the Authority, so should he.
Mother handed me the final plate to dry before she filled the pot with water. “You go on and start with the chickens. I’ll put the water on for you.”
“Thanks,” I sang as I nearly skipped outside. I grabbed the men’s coat and hopped off the porch, humming a merry tune.
Of course Calish would be home today. The air of positivity surrounded me so fully I bet the rain couldn’t touch me because of it. The thought made me giggle as I buttoned up the front of the garment.
As quickly as my spirits were raised, they were decapitated. Standing in the road facing our house stood three hooded figures and an empty carriage. I stumbled back, reaching for the porch’s handrail to steady me. Tripping over my own feet, I fell onto the bottom step and scrambled up them.
Pantis, Blue, and his sister Kali waited to be acknowledged, but my voice abandoned me. Thank the gods, my brother pulled the bridge back into the yard and fixed the fence over the entrance after Calish left. Otherwise they might have marched in on their own.
Kali waved. Her perfectly red lips grew into a beaming smile as her eyes dropped to my waistline.
My father and brother were busy working behind the rain shelter in the mud oxen’s pasture. They hadn’t noticed our guests in the road either, not that they would have from where they were. Standing where I could see both families, I waved my arms to get Marsh to look my way. I pointed toward the road, and he shouted over his shoulder to Father before heading over. My father stopped when Pantis drew his attention. Seeing the same thing, my brother threw down his hand tool and stormed straight for the gate.
I didn’t want to be anywhere near them, so I retreated onto the porch. Walking backward over the threshold, I called for my mother.
“What is it, dear?” She peeked outside and gasped.
Rain poked his head out and sniffed the air as if it would give some clue to who they were. He started growling.
“Oh my,” Mother said, pushing her way past the wolf to grab her cloak. “Stay here.” She ran toward the gate before the fabric had a chance to land on her shoulders.
Why are they here? What do they want?
What is my father doing?
Why is he opening the…?
What?
No!
Feeling betrayed by my family, I retreated until my back was flat against the door to the house. Marsh towered over them, his hand resting on the grip of his blade as my father dragged the plank across the gulch.
No! No!
Kali grabbed my father’s hand as he led her across, and Pantis came after. My father left the bridge in place, but Blue stayed alone on the road with Marsh standing guard. The elderly farmer and the Priestess followed my parents toward the house.
There was nowhere to hide, no escape! I flew up the loft’s ladder and tried to bring it up to the second floor with me. The pup stood alert below, growling at the door as it opened.
“Rain! Stand down,” Father commanded. Seeing my attempt to protect myself, he took my hand. “You’re safe, Una. They’re not here to take you.”
“Then what are they doing here?”
Rain paced back and forth behind my father’s legs as their boots stepped onto the front porch.
“They have a wolf!” Kali yelped, clutching her grandfather as they squeezed through the door.
Pantis saw me tucked in the far corner of the upper space. His tired face, saddened by my behavior, forced the type of smile a Citizen would offer a lost child at the market. “We’re j
ust here to talk, my dear. You don’t have to come down if you’re not comfortable.”
My mother laid her cloak over a chair. “Marsh is going to stay outside and watch Blue. We’ll put the pup on the porch just in case he decides not to behave.” She summoned the wolf, and he obeyed her.
Between Rain and my brother watching that monster on the road, I felt as protected as I could be. I couldn’t ask for a better man to stand guard, especially when he had permission to defend me. But Rain, who’d rip out Blue’s throat before Marsh reached him, provided far more comfort.
Pantis and Kali shuffled away from the door while my father led Rain outside. Once that was done, my father took everyone’s coats as my mother offered her old friend a cup of tea. “Please, sit.” She sighed.
The uninvited guests took a seat across from my parents. The old man accepted a spoonful of honey to sweeten his drink, clearly more comfortable than his granddaughter, who studied the one-room house. I doubted she’d ever seen a house so simple. It angered me that she was judging its contents and size. Perhaps I was angry that she’d come at all. After all, I’d be quite pleased if they left and never returned.
Pantis broke the silence. “Blue told me about his visit.”
“That’s not what I would call it,” Father hissed.
Mother hushed him with a gentle touch. “It was awful,” she confessed.
“It was a fucking nightmare!” Father ignored her warning. “Your grandson held a blade to Una’s throat and threatened to kill her in front of her family!”
The old man nodded. “Blue feels terrible about what happened.”
“I don’t give a damn how Blue feels!”
“Tawl, dear, please calm down.”
Pantis shifted in his seat. “It wasn’t his fault, exactly.”
Season of Hytalia Page 13