Chosen - chp 1
A brisk breeze wafted through the air. Divine grounds seemed to sing and bloom despite winter's final chill. Leaves swirled around the goddess who oversees the simple country people, Karuna with her endless compassion. She stood tall and beaming over all life. A warm, sincere smile was on her round face. Her eyes shining through stone as she gazed out. She wore long flowing robes that went with the breeze and her hair in a top knot adorned with flowers. In front of her by her feet was a basket overflowing with flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
Also was a man with his head on the ground in a deep kowtow. His sun bleached hair braided in several rows and strands that hung loosely. He wore simple fabric clothes made from linen. Outside was sparkling and tranquil, the only sound was a gentle breeze humming sweetly. His body was relaxed, despite how long he'd been there. Karuna turned her head toward him. With the motion of the wind, she placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Adalfarus.” She called, her voice doting and serene.
His head slowly craned up to meet her loving gaze.
“Sometimes, we are called upon to sacrifice everything for those who need us. Don't forget, I hear all tears; no matter how far away.”
“I'll miss you Karuna.” His voice heavy, “I don't want to hide my devotion to you.”
“This, like all suffering, is only temporary. You know who this is for.” Karuna offered gently. Adalfarus gave a small nod. “Go to your wife, she worries.”
He hesitated a moment before relenting. In one smooth motion he stood up straight. He gave three bows, spending an extra moment on the last. Voices just barely touched his ear.
“It's important to be kind, yea, but this isn't real, only the Almighty is. You can meditate, but it's not religious without Deus.”
Adalfarus shifted crystal eyes over to two people in robes speaking with some random passerby. He grit his teeth as a tear stung his eye and he muttered, “They infected holy grounds.”
“You must get used to this for your family's sake. Remember the greatest strength is kindness towards those who wish you harm.” Karuna's voice appeared.
A defeated breath left him as he bowed his head uttering, “Thank you Karuna.”
The stocky man glided through the grounds past all the brilliantly colored flowers that painted the landscape. Once a safe distance away, he let himself be transported. In the clamor of hooves and people going about their days, Adalfarus went back a few days. When he found himself in this exact spot and a grocery trip turned life altering.
The moment his usually docile wife gripped him, suddenly frantic. In the center of town by the announcement board was a messenger on a large white horse. Pia's sultry voice shook as she whispered, “He hails from Capitol City.”
It wasn't completely unheard of. Typically it was a wanted poster or an official decree. Intuitive Pia rushed over leaving Adalfarus staring, interested.
He watched her exchange words and picked up the basket she dropped. Within a few moments she was running back over, clutching a small scroll. “Husband!”
Adalfarus blinked and found his fair wife staring at him intensely. He was now home. “Wife?”
Her face turned down, “Art thou beset by troubles?”
“Contemplative.” She tilted her head just so and her gaze emptied. He ran his thumb along her round cheek, “I am only in thought dear wife.” A pout formed on her cherry lips, “I'm in awe at the sudden rush of events.”
“I'm relieved you understand this is more than us, tis of divine province. What marvel is this? He was instructed to find Dios, and lo, I am the sole!”
“And I'm pleased to see you so eager to answer the call.”
“Verily I must heed it, tis lodged in mine soul. Ye seem not as eager.” Her voice slowed as she frowned.
“I'm pleased to help, but my curiosity is more prevalent.”
“I'd hope so, your people only believe in helping; even to thine own woe.” Pia went over to the kitchen area, “I have ne’ere more to add.”
Adalfarus let his eyes follow her as she glided across the wooden floor of their small home that echoed warmth. The very walls that he himself rose before their marriage. Many times he would look into the log rafters, waiting for the day a bird's nest was tucked into the beams. He inhaled the earthly herbs that wafted through the air and sat down, his body sinking into the chair. This cozy home he created was his favorite place, second only to Karuna's home.
With a drink of toasty tea, he listened to Pia hum to herself. You'd never think that this would be their final night home for the foreseeable future. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow into their home.
Adalfarus lit the lantern near him and stood up. He moved silently behind Pia and wrapped his arms around her from behind. His grip tightened just enough so they were pressed together. “This time of day is romantic. It whispers the sweet nothings of the night and the promises of a bright tomorrow.”
Flushed, Pia glanced over her shoulder into the crystalline eyes of her husband. Her dark eyes sparkled, her breath deepened. “Did you lose your tongue, my flower?”
She nodded, but pulled him down into a loving kiss. Once they parted, she let out hushed, “our brightest days be yet to cometh.”
Darkness surrounded Adalfarus as he looked around, struggling to take in his surroundings. All he could see was darkness, yet the air was cool and damp. Cautious he felt around until he discovered something solid and rough. His finger caressed the surface, recognizing stone. Suddenly, a flame flickered forth and a torch surged with fire. The entire area was illuminated with the powerful glow to reveal the inside of a dungeon. Metal bars separated him from a small form hidden in a corner. His eyes widened and he quickly pulled at the bars. While he searched for a key he called, “Young one, are you alright?” When he looked at them, the torch went out. Adalfarus found himself falling. The child's face flashed before him as he fell, their dark, fear filled eyes searing into his soul.
Jumping awake, Adalfarus was covered in sweat, gasping for breath. His eyes darted around finding his familiar, quiet home.
“Hast thou beheld them also?”
He found his wife looking at him sincerely, “Did you also see a child?”
She quickly nodded her head and sat next to him, curling herself around him. “I know in mine heart, tis our baby.”
“What did you see?”
“Verily, a fair child didst play in yonder forest, running behind the treen. Alas, I saw them not with clearness, yet did discern how we….” She trailed off, tearing up.
Adalfarus caressed her troubled face and offered, “I'm grateful you did not share in my dream. I saw darkness until a torch burst forth. They were curled in the corner of a dungeon, locked away.”
Pia's face exploded and she rapidly pulled at her husband, “Hark, we must make haste.”
“There are a few matters to attend first.”
“Pray, what thing doth thou pertain unto thee?” Her body became rigid.
“I need to water the crops and make sure all is in order for our leave.”
“I did thy crop with mine own garden.”
Adalfarus smiled warmly and got out of bed, “Thank you darling, you are a treasure.”
He got ready with Pia going out to the wagon. She looked over everything with a careful eye, only stopping at their oxen. A sweet smile spread on her face before she embraced each of them. Tenderly petting the two she innocently cooed, “Ye shall convey us there more swiftly than any steeds. I do bear great affection for thee both.”
Adalfarus came out and beamed at his golden hearted wife. Never in his life had he met someone with such deep appreciation, especially for livestock. He watched her blissfully pet each one, encouraging them for the journey ahead. On his way out he couldn't help but notice Pia's sharp gaze following him.
The walk was short but still his mind heard yesterday. He could practically still feel the scroll that declared his fate. Pia's rapid frantic speech repeating, “Hear ye, tis said they seek Dios of kind heart who will take in the wards. I prayed for thee that was in most dire need. He spake thus: Verily there is one that doth resemble a spectre. Rarely beheld; yet a terror to behold when tis seen. I did reveal unto him our surname and didst maintain our interest for the child. What thinkest thou, dearest mine?”
Blinking he found himself standing at the waist high gate of Enna. The goats call the bell that brought him back to the present moment. As like any other day Enna was in the back tending his ducks. His jovial singing echoing around front. Adalfarus went in and made his way to the back. Enna was happily scattering feed when Adalfarus gave a wave.
Enna returned his wave. “How does the day find you Adalf?”
“Well, and yourself?”
“Another peaceful day.” He patted Adalfarus on the shoulder, “Don't you and Pia set off today?” Adalfarus gave a nod with him following up, “I do what I can, alas I know not if I could do the same as you.”
Slightly taken aback, Adalfarus asked, “What do you mean?”
“It's a large burden to take on another life, let alone one you did not create.”
“Is that not what we practice good Enna? Selflessness and kindness?”
“Yes my dear friend, but that looks different for each of us.”
His eyes lowered in contemplation a moment before he smiled and said simply, “I appreciate you looking after home for us. Pia took care of watering this morning.”
“I'm pleased to, I do not envy where you are headed.”
“This is merely a test.” Adalfarus admitted before adding, “I apologize for the abrupt departure, my wife is herself this day.”
Enna chuckled, “Then you better hurry before she comes looking.” He gave Adalfarus a playful shove adding, “Your land is in good hands.”
The sun beamed through the clear blue sky, announcing the day was in full swing. They exchanged waves as Adalfarus made his way back.
In a village filled with routine, he was going against the grain once again. Many would think marrying a woman from another people was plenty. Of course not, his child will be of those same people. In such a dull place, someone had to give the others something to talk about.
A smile appeared on his face when he found his flower fervently pacing by the wagon. He offered her a wave causing her to direct her steps toward him.
“Are you ready?” Adalfarus offered his inflamed love. She rapidly nodded her head and pulled him toward their wagon.
Pia pulled herself up, only for her skirt to become caught. Adalfarus hurried to free her before she could teeter. A huff left her as she sat down, drawing a titter from her husband.
He joined her only to see the reins in her hands. Without a word she snapped the reins, and they were off.