Short (long) Story

The End

2007-05-15T09:12:00.001-07:00

To Find You

“That to truly fulfill love you must return again at the same time as your
loved one and you must meet and know and remember and love them again.”

For him…

CHAPTER XXIX

2007-05-15T09:11:00.001-07:00

Michael would never catch his bus at that stop again. He would drive farther to get it. At first he tried but as soon as he leant on the pole he would immediately look up to the window to try and catch a glimpse of the person he never noticed watched him for years, but he knew wasn’t there. There was nothing there but the feeble light of the fire that always burnt. He never dared to enter the bookshop ever again and stopped going to the chatroom where he had enjoyed long conversations. He visited he r grave at times, though he never came too close. He would stand in contemplation of the flowers planted on the ground, they seemed to bare a green that no grass around it could match. The colors were bright and vivacious. He could see amidst of all of them the violet he had given her as a weak apology. He had planted it himself. It grew strong in purple sunset color. Life seemed never able to stop, but it did when he visited her grave. Memories would flood his mind, but only the memories of his present life, all the others were gone with that cold wind that carried her spirit. He still couldn’t believe she had died in her sleep after they had argued about his ex-girlfriend. He could swear at time he could feel her presence right beside him, but when he turned there was nothing there.
His pain was great and never fully understood by himself. Little by little he returned to his life and at time the pain subsided giving way to a feeble joy and at last normality. The visits to her grave were scarce and he could no longer feel her presence. Even his memories became cloudy after a while. He found Isabel again and rekindled his love for her. They would be together for as long as their life would last. Happy.
As for Anna, she was left with a legacy. The shop and the apartment were hers and for the longest time all she could do was cry for a lost friend. She kept the fire burning always. It was where she could feel her presence. She took care of everything with strength she didn’t know she had. At night she would lie in bed awake, staring at the place where her friend’s body had laid. Her sadness never really subsided, she just got used to carrying it.
One night she lied down in front of the fireplace playing with her statue of Toth. She lit a candle in memory of her friend. She opened her computer and wrote this before the wick was out.

CHAPTER XXVIII

2007-05-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Michael took the first step and held Haldora as long as she could without feeling uncomfortable by her coldness. She squeezed as tight as she could without hurting him, believing that this meant that all was forgotten. He unlocked the embrace and sat on the bed looking down on the floor. Haldora struggled for something to say.
- You searched for me… for a long long time. -, he eventually said.
- I’ve love you for a long long time.
- When you said you were a witch I never thought your life was so complex.
She smiled.
- The green lady?
- Hella. She’s … a … Goddess. -, Haldora explained.
- That explains the memories of previous lives. And you came back from the dead to find me?
- I had help.
- I was flattered that you had waited four years to speak to me, I such be proud of this now, right?
- Michael. This changes nothing.
- I beg to differ. I’ve just found out that my girlfriend is… dead and she’s been roaming through time to find me… again and again.
- It means we are meant to be together.
- Does it? -, he asked, leaving Haldora extremely insecure.
She sat on the floor in front of Michael. She touched his legs, but even his woolen clothes could not protect him from the ice-coldness of her skin. He redrew as her touch. She raised her hands and held them to her chest.
- What about… Isabel?
Haldora swallowed dry at the mentioning of the name.
- Hella is a liar! Once she showed me your death. A thousand times I saw you die, in all ways possible and imaginable. It was a lie. An illusion. -, Haldora attempted to explain.
- It’s not. -, he announced, - I was with her and then I had strange dreams with a blonde woman. You were in my dreams. Your dreams made me want to me more adventurous. You gave me dreams of castles and wonders and that’s the life I wanted. Our relationship is the illusion.
- Don’t say that! -, she whispered.
- Hal! Haldora! Every time we meet you are right back to when you were the smithy’s daughter. You are still there and I’m not.
Haldora got up from the floor and walked to the window.
- I’ve learn how to mingle with time, how to understand change and evolution and innovation.
- But I don’t think you’ve changed at all.
Haldora couldn’t answer. She walked around the room understanding that what she had was slipping away from her, by the hand of the person she thought would never do such a thing. She lit a cigarette.
- I didn’t know you smoked. -, he realized.
- I didn’t want you to know. -, she explained.
- It’s a good way to start a relationship, with secrets. -, he joked, though they both were not in the mood to laugh.
- What happens in ten, twenty years? -, he asked as he got up and faced her.
- I redrew form public sight. I change places. -, she explained.
- And what happens to us? -, he asked.
At this question, Haldora was filled with hope as she understood that Michael still saw them together in the future. She smiled lightly.
- You can come with me. Live anywhere. Alone. Secluded.
- Without a care in the world? -, he asked walking towards her.
She nodded as she saw him approach. He stopped when he was very close to her.
- What happens when I die? -, he asked in a half whisper.
- I’ll find you again! I promise. -, she answered back in a half whisper.
- What if I don’t want you to?
- What?
- Would you follow my wish or yours?
- I don’t understand.
- You’re not with me because I want you, you are with me because you want to. –, he explained, - What if I don’t want it anymore?
Haldora couldn’t answer.
- That’s right. I don’t have a saying in it. -, he smiled, - You said it yourself, souls come back to work on their past mistakes. I don’t even get to do that because you’re condemning me to live the same life over and over again. I don’t get to choose anything. It’s not even my life, because you meddled. I have memories of how I thought this girl who took the time to take care of me was sweet. I have the image of the blonde woman standing over me by the light of the fire. This image didn’t leave my mind for the longest of time. And all it took was seeing you by the fire and I remembered it again. I can remember how scared I was when I saw your scar and when you disappeared before our eyes, but afterwards I missed you. I missed talking to you. And to have you in my dreams, I couldn’t forget you though I couldn’t remember you. Can you understand what you did?
She lowered her head understanding that he was right. He raised her chin with his finger.
- It doesn’t mean I didn’t love what we had, but next time I want it to be different.
Haldora discovered at that time that she was unable to shed tears, though her expression appeared as if she would break into tears at any moment. Michael approached and took her in his arms and kissed her. Haldora was unable to return the kiss in all its intensity, because she discovered she had lost her sense of touch a long with everything else. Michael only let go when her coldness became unbearable.
- You should go. -, she whispered as his arms redrew from her body, - It ends now.
Michael was surprised at her resolution. He was prepared for a long debate. Haldora presented a tough expression and seemed unaffected by the kiss, though her insides were revolving. He searched for something to say.
- I didn’t mean for us to… -, he tried to explain, but she interrupted.
- It can’t go on. It’s too much for you to handle, I know. Leave.
For a few moments Michael stood in front of her looking for any break of her countenance, but she did not break. She stood as an unaffected statue, taking slow drags from her cigarette, waiting for him to leave the room.
Al last Michael moved away from her and started his slow route towards the door. She still stood as a statue. He grabbed the door knob and waited for a word or sound. There was none. He twisted it and walked out. As he took every step in grief, Haldora glued herself to the door to hear his last steps out of her life. She sat with her back to the door and there she stood in her silent cry.
Michael went by Anna without saying a word, she attempted to talk, but by the look in his face she could tell that whatever had happen had not been good and she was better off leaving both of them alone.
Hours were passed in silent waiting. Anna was not sure if she should go up to the room and talk to her friend, so she sat down on the sofas waiting to some sort of sign. Unwillingly she fell asleep, as she was tired from the party the previous night.
Haldora made her way downstairs when she felt ready. She passed Anna as if she was made of air, went into her office and sat at her computer typing away like a mad woman. Her face seemed to be made of marble. There was no emotion upon it, only graveness. Since Hella’s visit she was less of human being and more of a shadow of it.
Anna awoke and listened to the typing sound. She watched Haldora from the door, thorn. She wanted to comfort her friend but was unable to perceive if she really needed it. Anna drew on all her patience to wait for a sign from her friend. At long last, since Haldora didn’t ask for help, she forced herself to enter the office and present it whether or not her friend was ready for it. As Anna approached the desk, she got a glimpse of Haldora erasing Michael’s photos. At this point it was a reality, he would not come back. Anna set her hand on Haldora’s shoulder, struggling with herself not to withdraw it as soon as she felt the coldness of the skin. Haldora stopped for a second and the removed Anna’s hand from her shoulder.
- Talk to me. -, Anna requested.
- There is nothing to say! -, Haldora replied.
- As he left you?
- Can you blame him? -, Anna was now certain of the content of their conversation.
- What did he say? -, Haldora gave no answer, - What were his reasons?
- He didn’t need reasons. He had facts.
For a second both women were silent. Anna couldn’t think of anything more to say or ask. Haldora didn’t seem to want any comfort.
- I’ve signed the shop over to you. I’ve sent it to the lawyers and it should be resolved in a day or two.
Upon hearing this Anna pushed Haldora’s chair round so they could face each other.
- You did what? Why the hell would you do that?
- I trust you. I know you’ll take care of the shop and you’ll do great.
- That’s not what I meant. You own this place, why would you give it to me?
- Because I won’t be here to run it.
- Where are you going?
- I don’t know.
- You’re going to disappear?
- Yes, but in a way I’ve never did before.
- You can’t.
- And why not?
- You need to stay and fight this.
- Fight what?
- I don’t know. Fight for Michael.
Haldora took a long pause.
- Anna, you were a great friend before and you lived up to it, but there’s nothing else to do. Michael is gone and soon so will be I.
- What about me? -, Anna asked with tears flooding her eyes.
- I would love to stay here with you, forever. But that’s not possible. Forever is not possible.
- Hal, where will you go? -, Anna asked again in fright.
- I don’t know. It’s out of my control.
Haldora turned to her computer and Anna began to understand that her friend was talking about something more permanent then a journey to a new location.
- Will we ever meet again?
Haldora stopped her typing again. She rose from her chair and held her friend without providing an answer. Anna confirmed her suspicions.
- You’re going away for good, aren’t you? -, Anna asked as soon as the embrace was over and there was still no answer, - Answer me! -, she ordered unable to hold her tears any longer.
- In this world, we will never meet again. -, Haldora calmly answered.
- You can’t do this.
Haldora sat down and continued to erase Michael’s photos and all other remembrances of her stay. Anna cried beside her and it did not seem to affect her. When she was done, she got up and kissed her friend on the forehead and slowly made her way towards her apartment. Anna followed her as far as the downstairs door, but she was unable to go any further. She leant against the door as Haldora close it behind her.
Anna sat on the floor crying for her friend unable to think of a way to stop her. For the longest time she sat in fear of what would be going on above. She was certain she had seen Haldora for the last time. As she calmed herself down she got up and glanced at the bookshop’s doors. Michael stood by the door looking in. Anna rushed to open the door. She was surprised to see him, after the way she had left earlier in the day. Michael stepped visibly disturbed. He couldn’t take his eyes of the door that led to the apartment.
- Michael! -, Anna called out.
He looked at her for a second.
- What are you doing here?
- I don’t know. I need to talk to her. Where is she?
- She’s upstairs.
Michael started to make his way towards the door.
- She’s going away! -, Anna told him.
He stopped close to the door and turned back to Anna.
- What?
- She’s going… for good!
Michael didn’t really seem to understand the true meaning of those words, but he ran upstairs and Anna followed. The door was not closed. They entered and saw Haldora sitting on the bed meditating. All was silent and both couldn’t bring themselves to disrupt it. They came close to the bed and no sound seemed to take Haldora from her trance. As Michael stretched his hand to touch her pale skin, Haldora stirred, he withdrew his hand.
- Morrigan! -, she called out.
Michael was confused, but Anna was disturbed, she knew the name.
- Morrigan! -, Haldora called out again in higher voice.
Michael looked at Anna for an explanation, but before Anna could formulate a sentence, Haldora interrupted her.
- Morrigan!
A wind began to blow inside the room, it was a hot wind. It came from the fireplace. The flames were higher and soon burst out of the fireplace in a straight line, as the flames withdrew, a form was visible. A woman stood where the flames had stood. Michael and Anna took a step back, but Haldora remained unaffected. The woman smiled at them, when the flames had withdrawn to their original place, though they still burned high.
- It’s the Goddess. -, Anna finally explained, dropping to her knees in an involuntary act. A remembrance of days before.
Michael stood looking at this woman, beautiful as she was. She walked slowly towards Haldora and held out her hand. Haldora’s body remained sitting though her spirit held Morrigan’s hand and left the bed.
- I want my wish. -, Haldora’s spirit.
Morrigan smiled, she already knew her purpose for being there.
- You kept you promise. -, Morrigan confirmed.
- Will you keep yours?
- Name your wish! -, Morrigan requested with a smile.
- Erase my existence. End my life where it ought to have ended.
- No! -, Anna cried.
- Someone doesn’t seem sure of your decision.
- It’s my decision!
Morrigan walked towards Anna, still kneeling down. She touched her shoulder and raised her with a look.
- Would you erase the tears your friend as cried for you? Would you erase her pride in knowing she once helped one less fortunate then herself? Would you erase her sense of duty towards a friend? -, Morrigan asked staring deeply into Anna’s eyes.
Haldora’s spirit gave no answer. Morrigan walked over to Michael and touched his face.
- Would you erase his eyes? His lips? His touch? Would you erase his pleasure from when he first touched you? Would you erase his love? Would you erase the flower he gave you when he thought of you and me? -, Morrigan asked as she looked into his eyes deeply.
Haldora seemed unable to answer, her memory was engaged elsewhere. Michael was there with her. He had stopped looking at Morrigan to look at Haldora’s spirit.
- If that is your wish, I will not honor it! -, Morrigan interrupted the moment.
Haldora’s spirit lowered her head.
- You left your mark where you passed. Nothing can erase that! Not even me! -, Morrigan explained.
- I want to remember you! -, Michael spoke. The women turned their head towards him, - I can’t be with you, but I can’t be without you.
Haldora’s spirit looked to be in agony. She was unable to fix her eyes on anything. They went back and forwards between Michael and Anna, who told all their own agonies through their eyes.
- I’ll give you one more chance! -, Morrigan announced.
Haldora’s spirit asked for nothing in words, but Morrigan nodded as if she had heard a new wish. The agreement was settled. Anna and Michael were frightened, since they had no idea what had been agreed.
- Make your farewells.
Haldora’s spirit glided over to Anna and though unable to touch her, she pressed her lips against her friend’s cheek. Anna felt a warm feeling on her face and smiled through her pain. Haldora’s spirit then glided over to Michael, who immediately tried to hug her, but all he could feel was air between his arms. She touched his face and he pressed his hand exactly where she had laid hers. She pressed her lips against his and for a moment he could feel her as before. He embraced her for a few moments before she became air again. Anna looked to Morrigan, who waited by the fireplace, she was seemed touched with the image and exhibited a slight smile. Haldora glided back to Morrigan. Morrigan took her hand and turned her to the flames. At first Haldora’s spirit was afraid, she knew what flames could do to her, but after a smile from her Goddess trust was restored. Beyond the flames she could seen her lost friends, Otr and her mentor.
- Welcome to the Summerlands. -, Morrigan greeted as she walked through the flames.
Michael and Anna could do nothing but watch their friend and former lover part. They saw the women be engulfed by flames and disappear under a heavy cool wind. As soon as the wind stopped blowing Haldora's body fell back on the bed motionless. Anna walked over to it and touched her hand, motionless… Coldness… Silence… heartache… longing….

CHAPTER XXVII

2007-05-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER XXVII
Anna peaked inside Haldora’s room, waiting to see the remains of a night of love making, but instead she was confronted with her friend unconscious against a wall. Anna rushed into the room, not noticing Michael’s body on the bed, running directly to Haldora and attempting to wake her. Haldora awoke with a slap or two. She seemed frightened. Anna was contaminated by this fright. Haldora rose from the floor immediately and realized her lover still slept. She was somewhat relieved. She stood in the middle of the room motionless, looking at the fire, attempting to understand what had happen. She was so involved in her own thoughts that she was unable to hear her friend asking repeatedly what had happen. Anna finally was forced to hold her friend by the arms and shake her till she was out of her trance like state.
- What happened? -, Anna asked.
- Hella! -, Haldora uttered.
Anna let go of her friend and took a step back, remembering of who Haldora spoke of.
- Hella?
- You called?
Anna and Haldora looked to the fire place to see Hella coming out of the flames. She walked towards the women, kicking her green dress open with every step and showing off her putrid legs, allowing her stench to fill the room.
- It’s you! The witch! I should be angry at you, but look at you became. I’ve forgotten it!
Haldora stared at her with the same fear she had so many years ago. Her braveness of before was all but gone.
- Yes, one can forget, but forgotten things have a tendency to sprung up when you least expect them. -, Hella announced looking at Haldora.
- If it’s me you want, take me and leave them alone. -, Haldora ordered as she rose from the floor.
Hella let go one of her known horrible laughs.
- I don’t want you. I want him… -, Hella explained as she looked at Michael’s body still lying sleeping on the bed.
Haldora tried to move towards Hella, but Anna took her arm and the burning warmth of her touch stopped Haldora from moving.
- Hal. You’re freezing. -, Anna realized.
- You took it! -, she whispered, - Otr gave me warmth, before we parted. You took it.
- The Gods giveth, the Gods taketh away! -, Hella put it simply, - But you didn’t let me finish! I want him to remember.
Haldora was confused upon hearing these words. But there was no time to interpret her words because Michael began to wake. She ran to his side, smiling as he awoke. He looked at her as if for the first time. Immediately Haldora knew that something was wrong. He got up from the bed and looked around the room, trying to recognize it. The only thing he seemed capable of recognizing was Hella. He took another look at Haldora, who sat at the edge of the bed.
- I knew you before. -, he said Haldora tried to speak but before she could utter a word he continued, - I knew you from before we ever met. I’d seen you. We have spoken before.
Haldora smiled pretending she thought it was a joke, but his expression remained unchanged. Anna remained frozen at his words.
- I came from the South. Your people didn’t want to accept me because I’d change my name to a Christian name. I helped your people during the war. You were the smithy’s daughter.
At this revelation Haldora dropped her pretending and became amazed at what he seemed to know. She nodded without having complete control over her actions.
- There were months of negotiating before the war. I stayed at the village. And I was attended by you. You’d come in the night and mend my clothes, keep my fire high, fix my shoes, even sharpen my sword and axe.
- You knew? -, Anna asked before Haldora could.
- Yes! I’d pretend to sleep.
- And said nothing? -, Hella finally asked.
- I should have.
Haldora was amazed as to what he could remember.
- I was late to tell you… to talk to you. You were already gone to battle. Then you were gone. -, Haldora walked over to Michael, touching his face, - I just wanted to be where you were. To be with you. -, she explained.
Michael was unaffected. He looked at her as if she was only someone he knew and not a person with whom he had spent long hours with.
- I should have spoken to you. I should have prevented you from coming back. I had someone waiting from me in the South and it wasn’t fair to let you continue as you did.
Haldora was surprised at his revelation. She could not bring herself to answer him. In her stead Hella smiled, the whole scene diverted her immensely.
He suddenly grabbed his head, feeling a violent headache, he walked away from Haldora leaving her and Anna more frightened as to what was to come.
- You were with the white men. -, he then said, - My son saw you.
- Your son? -, Anna asked.
- When the Viking invaded they killed him, leaving his son and his unborn child orphans. -, Haldora explained, - I saw it in a vision.
- I could feel something there in my house. -, Michael whispered.
Michael held his right shoulder in agony, breathing through pain. Anna came closer to Haldora.
- His going through his lives. He’s half here and half there. -, she explained, - Why are you doing this?
- It was you who saved me. -, Michael said, Haldora nodded.
- And you saved me. -, she announced, - Kept me from being killed.
- I knew that sent. –, he explained.
Haldora smiled as she nodded confirming her suspicions. Michael began to breathe deeper and look at her in disgust. Her smile faded, she came nearer to him and he redrew from her.
- Don’t come near me. -, he shouted, - Stay back you hellish creature.
- Michael! Please look at me. -, she asked as he tried to take cover, - Michael, remember me.
- What does he think you are? -, Anna asked.
- He was my translator during the Inquisition. He saw my scar.
- The scar! -, Michael repeated, - from the axe. But you died!
Haldora looked at Hella in anger.
- Get out of my head! -, he shouted grabbing his head and shaking it violently, - Get out of my dreams.
Haldora walked towards him, she took Michael’s arms in her hands and with her heavy grip settled him down. He looked at her in fright.
- You’re cold. You’re so cold! -, he whispered.
- Michael, remember yesterday! -, she urged him.
But he didn’t seem to leave his trance like state. He seemed more afraid of Haldora, then of Hella.
- Stop this! -, she ordered Hella.
- I wish I could! But your Druid friends must have explained it to you, once you set something in motion, there’s no way of stopping it. -, she explained, - He’s telling you what you wanted to know. The second half of your story.
Anna began to move slowly behind Hella towards the garden door, but before she could pass the fire place, Hella’s hand was on her throat.
- Where are you going, my dear? You don’t want to make me angry a second time, do you?
Anna stepped back unwillingly. Hella walked over to Michael. She took him by the arm and held him as if he were a child. Haldora was revolted at the image. Hella stroke his hair.
- My dear child, shall we show your friend who your heart has belonged too all this time? -, she asked in a soft voice, Haldora has never heard before.
Michael made no answer, he seemed to be hypnotized.
A green mist came from the fireplace and filled the room, within it they could see images forming. Haldora looked attentively. She could see her warrior leave another village and leave a woman behind, with a kiss. She could see him, in his farmer’s life, courting his pregnant wife and the woman was the same. She could see all his lives and in all of them there was the same woman, married to him, in love with him, bearing his children. Standing with him in his tough moments. And the worse part of what she saw was that she knew who this person was, she had seen her before. Haldora was unable to formulate the word.
- She’s in his pictures. -, Anna realized.
- She as his girlfriend. -, Haldora explained.
Hella let go of Michael and began to walk back to the fire place. Haldora was frozen, Anna was amazed and Michael seemed to sleep. Hella approached the fire.
- I’ll leave you in that note. -, she said before she entered through the flames and disappeared.
Michael took a deep breath and seem to awake. He looked at Haldora confused. Haldora was afraid.
- Anna, will you leave us alone? -, Michael requested.
Anna nodded and walked slowly out of the room, looking back at the two lovers once or twice, before closing the door. She was wondering what would happen between them.
Statues… Confusion… Fright…

CHAPTER XXVI

2007-05-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER XXVI
It was unspoken but agreed that every day Michael would come to Haldora’s and stay with her for a while or the whole night. They would either talk for hours or just lay together in silence or take one another in each other’s arms and love each other throughout the night. On one such night, laying in front of the fire and exhausted from making love. Michael laid on Haldora’s back, kissing her shoulders as she explained how there was a ritual that involved love making and how it was very beautiful to think of it.
- Does that mean one can’t shake and shimmy all night long as one wishes; you would have to stop for a bunch of ritualistic stuff? -, he asked after hearing the explanation.
- You don’t stop to do the ritualistic stuff. You do it at the end. They just believe you’re going to do it once. -, she explained.
- I don’t want a bunch of witches to tell me how often I can make love to my girl!
- So I can’t tell you what to do?
- You’re the only witch who can.
Michael slid his legs in between hers, spreading them, while he kissed her neck.
- You hex me and make me freeze like a rock, just like my car used to do whenever we were in the middle of nowhere.
- Old red? -, she asked surrendering to his caresses.
Michael stopped kissing her.
- How do you know I had a red car? -, he asked leaving her frightened of the answer.
Michael rolled to the side and held his body with his elbow, waiting an answer. Haldora looked visibly troubled.
- Hal? How did you know?
- I’m afraid to tell you. -, she answered.
Michael reached for his pants and put them on. He sat down in the sofa, while she reached for his shirt and put it on. She sat on the floor with the fire lighting her back. He stared at her in fear of what she had to say.
- I know you had a red car because… that’s what you drove when I first noticed it you right outside that window. -, she explained point to the window.
Michael looked back to it. He got up and walked over to it. He could see the bus stop. She got up and walked over to the window.
- I could see you park your car over there and then walk over here and wait. I would sit here and watch you. -, she explained.
Michael looked confused and frightened.
- I sold that car four years ago. You’ve watch me for four years? -, Haldora nodded shyly, - Four years?
- I was attracted to you but I’m not the kind of person to make moves. I would form plans to get to know you, but never followed through. Then the days stretched into weeks, weeks to months and then years. -, she explained.
- And then you met me online? -, Haldora gave no answer right away denouncing an ulterior motive, - You didn’t just meet me, right?
- I searched you out! –, she admitted.
Michael walked away from the window and sat on the bed with his head in between his hands. Haldora remained by the window looking at him, dreading his reaction.
- Why didn’t you tell me you knew who I was before, when you chatted online?
- The internet was anonymous enough, so I could… get to know you. I never meant for us to meet. I just didn’t know how to tell you that I had seen you without sounding like a stocker.
Michael didn’t raise his head and Haldora had no idea of what his feelings were.
- Are you alright?
- Give me a minute to process all this.
Haldora walked back to the sofa, as she was passing the bed, Michael got up and grabbed her arm. Haldora was frightened by the gesture, but his expression was not of anger.
- You watched me for four years and you searched me online for God knows how long and when you found me… what did you feel?
- I was happy, even more so when we started to chat. I felt excited to hear from you.
- And yet… you were content with just being a friend? And you were worried I was cheating. You just waited.
- I never anticipated it would come to this.
- But it did. You got your wish and I got a great girl.
Haldora lowered her eyes in embarrassment, with his index he raised her chin so that their eyes could meet.
- Once you think about it… it’s kind of romantic, in a psychotic kind of way.
Haldora laughed at his statement. He let go of her arm and held her face between his hands. He pecked her lips. She smiled holding him as strong as she could, so strong in fact that Michael was uncomfortable by the grip, but said nothing. They held for as long as Michael could stand Haldora’s strong grip. He unlocked himself from the embrace and pulled her to lay in the bed with him. She snuggled against him, laying her head on his shoulder.
- So are you going to tell me what made you watch me for so long?
- No!
- Come on. Boost my ego a bit. It’s flattering to know some one took so an interest for so long.
- Never! -, she said in a teasing tone.
- Please!
Haldora was silence, relieved at his reaction to one of her secrets. The only one he could ever know. She lied throughout the night, even after Michael had fallen a sleep, just watching his chest move with each breath and breathing deeply of relief.
The Sun brought with it Halloween. And it was very high in the sky when Michael awoke. Haldora was quick to make Michael leave her alone, as soon as he got up. She needed time to prepare if she was going to perform her ritual and make it to the party. They agreed he would come back at night to dress his warrior armor.
Haldora locked herself out on her garden and began her preparations with care. She took the herbs she needed and the utensils she would use and the supplies she had bought before in the magic shop. The afternoon was passed with Haldora carefully laying each object in it’s perfect position, after drawing a circle of rock salt on the floor, around her altar. It’s was dusk when she was ready to dress her white robe and enter her circle. Haldora greeted each of the Towers associated to which cardinal point, by lighting a candle to them, and then began to greet the spirits of goodness that came to her. She could hear them, he could speak to them and now they were not at all scary. The ritual took a long time. She had requests and blessings to undertake, and most important of all she had to keep the bad spirits away from this world. As she did the ritual she thought of her mentor, long ascended and of Otr, once her only friend. Both were no longer part of the spirit world, there were someplace she could not reach, but she could still feel them and the gifts they had given her. When it was over she didn’t take so long to dispose of the objects of the altar as she did setting them up. She took everything and laid it to the fire. She watched the candles melt and the herbs burn, leaving their sweet aroma in the air. Only after all we burned did she disrobed. She was now ready for her first party, since her death.
Haldora brought the armor and the dress to her room. She laid them both on the bed and enjoyed a long soothing bath until Michael tapped on the shop’s glass to announce his arrival. Haldora greeted him, wrapped in a towel and took him quickly upstairs before someone saw her in such composure.
- Are you gift-wrapped? -, Michael teased as they went upstairs.
- No, I was in the bath. There’s your costume. You want to star putting it on now, it takes a while.
Haldora left Michael alone with the armor as she went into the bathroom, carrying her dress. Michael struggled for a while, what to dress first. Haldora dressed too quickly for a normal person and braded her hair as she had not done in too long. She left the bathroom, to find Michael still at odds with his costume. He stopped to marvel on how beautiful she looked in her blue velvet dress and her new hair style.
- Valquiria! -, he called her.
- Haldora! -, she corrected.
She came close to him and helped him to dress the tunic and woolen pants and gloves, then laid the metal coat, than was heavy on his shoulders. She tightens his belt and the leg chaps. He was ready to go; all that was missing was the helmet.
- Come, sit. -, she asked. He sat on the bed and she started to brace his hair in the fashion of the time. In that moment she felt as she longed to feel back on those days, when she long to tell her warrior she was in love with him. If they had married she would perform these exact movements for him, before he would go for battle. As she remembered the battles in her village, she was suddenly surrounded by sadness, as she remembered her warrior’s tragic death and her own.
Finally he was ready. Michael got up and took a long look at himself. He was amazed how well the armor had fit. Haldora rose from the bed and tied the sword to his belt and set his helmet on his head.
- It’s dark in here! -, he joked.
The helmet covered the whole of his face. There was a metal coat hanging from the underneath the eyes. Haldora lifted the metal coat and kissed his lips gently.
- You’re ready for battle, my love. -, she whispered.
- Ready my horse, woman! -, he joked. Haldora laughed, - And speaking of horse I don’t think I can drive in this.
- We can walk over. It’s not that far.
They were off on their way. The Viking warrior and his lady. On the streets they met with many others who also had dressed up for Halloween. There were scary monsters and cute outfits, people missing limbs and with swords or knives stuck on various parts of the body. Haldora could see spirits mingling with the living. Many or just long departed relatives, coming to check up on the ones who stayed, but some were the naughty spirits, enticing people to commit the craziest deeds.
The party was already in full throttle, when Haldora and Michael arrived. Anna came to meet them by the door.
- Anna, you’re a fairy.
- Yeah, I wanted to dress as a witch, but I kind thought you wouldn’t like it! -, she explained.
- Good call! -, Michael spoke from personal experience.
- You guys look great! So life-like! -, she noticed, as she looked at Haldora to show she knew the costumes. Haldora just smiled. – The Viking and his Lady, cool!
- Thanks, it was Hal’s idea! Or should I say Haldora’s? -, he asked and Anna looked at amazed at the fact that he knew her really name.
-Well, the bar is in the back and the rest is up to you, mingle and have fun.
Anna walked away to speak to other friends. Haldora and Michael walked through the party, admiring the many costumes.
- Do Viking warrior’s dance? -, Michael asked.
- They did in my day!
He took off his helmet and led her to the dance floor, where he held her close and swayed smoothly, though it was not that kind of music that played. Haldora snuggled within his embrace to get as close as she could to his body. She could feel his heartbeat on her cheek. It played the melody to which they danced.
Anna watched the couple throughout the night. She was happy to see they poured happiness towards each other. They danced and drank and spoke to no one else but themselves. They were separated from the rest of the world, focused only on each other. Anna couldn’t remember when she had ever since her friend bare such a smile. She could recollect all of Haldora’s life and it had always been one of suffering and hiding, but now she was among people again and looked to be as happy as ever. Michael played an important part in her happiness, because of it, she wouldn’t let go of his hand throughout the entire night.
The time came when tiredness took over Michael and he removed himself and Haldora from the party as discretely as possible, so discretely in fact, Anna did not notice until they were gone a while. The way back home was made in record time. Michael held his lady close as they walked through the now silent streets. He was in a hurry to get home, though his breath and blush denounced his tiredness. Haldora remained tireless as always.
Finally inside Michael threw himself to the bed, feeling the pain of the metal against his flesh. He let go a slight yelp.
- Besides being heavy as hell, this thing hurts. -, he complaint.
- Let me help you out of it.
Michael rose from the bed and allowed Haldora to remove the items of metal, till he only dressed the woolen garments. As soon as he felt free he kissed his lady on the cheek, she looked at him surprised.
- Thanks for a lovely evening. -, they held, - How does a Viking warrior make love? -, he whispered to her hear.
- Quickly! -, she answered, - Scandinavia is a cold place.
As they unlocked from their embrace an aroma flared Haldora’s nostrils, it was a scent she could recognize but was unwilling to acknowledge. Michael seemed unaware of it. Haldora looked at the fire and was forced to admit to herself what she already knew to be true. The fire had turned green. Before Haldora could form another thought, she felt Michael slip from her arms to the bed in a sound sleep. She tried to touch him to awake him, but before she could move, she felt her body fly across the room and hit the wall behind her, loosing consciousness…

CHAPTER XXV

2007-04-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

The sunlight had barely erupted from twilight and a loud and annoying sound was heard in the room, echoing on the bare walls. In the bed Haldora tried to look for the source of the noise to shut it off, before her lover awoke. She reached to the floor to find a small cell phone in Michael’s trouser pocket. She removed it and attempted to switch it off, as she did, Michael stirred in bed.
- I know that sound. -, he mumbled.
He reached for the phone, still with his eyes closed, took it out of Haldora’s hand and switched it off immediately. She laid it back on the floor and came back to greet her lover. His eyes were still shut, but his breath was different. He was awake, though in denial. She stroked his bare back, which made him smile. He slowly opened his eyes in the near darkness of the bed and smiled at her. She smiled back, although he could not see her.
- Is it still dark? -, he asked confused.
- Only in here! -, she answered as she reached for the drapery opening it a bit to allow the frail light in.
He held his head with his hand as she stared at his lover. She couldn’t understand why he did that, she just stood as she was waiting for some action.
- It should be illegal to look like that in the morning! -, at last he stated.
Haldora giggled. He reached for her face and led her to a gentle kiss.
- Good morning! -, she greeted.
- Good morning! -, he answered back, before kissing her again, - Tell me it’s Saturday! -, he asked as he kept kissing her.
- It isn’t! -, she answered amidst his kisses.
Michael threw himself back on the bed and sighed deeply. Haldora laid her chin on his chest.
- That means I’m going to have to leave here. -, he stated.
Haldora gave no answer, though she looked sad. For a moment both remained motionless thinking of the future event of leaving.
- I should go home and get a change of clothes, but I really don’t want to leave this bed.
- You don’t have to! I’ll wash your clothes if you want so you can linger here. -, she offered.
- That would imply you leaving here and I want you here, close to me. -, he explained, as he pushed her up, - So we can do dirty! -, he whispered in her hear.
- That sounds nice, but aren’t you going to be dirty to work?
- You’re well worth dirty underwear.
The both laughed. She caressed his hair, finally understanding why a moment ago he had stopped to just look at her. She pecked him. Haldora looked to the side as he kissed her neck and noticed a small scar on his right shoulder. She touched it, which grabbed his attention.
- I was in a bike accident and scrap form the bike hit my shoulder. -, he explained, - Some of it is still in there. Thank God I’m a lefty, my arm was pretty shot after that.
Haldora let go of a small smirk, which confused Michael.
- What? You think me having an accident is funny?
She nodded and kissed his scar.
- It reminded me of something from a long time ago. -, she explained.
- Are you going to tell me about your scar? -, he cautiously asked.
Her expression changed. She rolled to the side of the bed and pulled the sheets up to cover herself completely. He held her from behind kissing her shoulder.
- I’m sorry. You don’t want to talk about it, I get it. But what I came to say, yesterday, was that I wasn’t grossed about it. It just looked… oddly familiar. Like a fading memory you have, like from your childhood or something. I have no problems with it. You’re just as beautiful with it. -, Haldora sighed as she swallowed her cry.
The moment was perfect. It was a dream. It was her wish, the thing she had awaited for a thousand years. Full acceptance. They remained hugging for a minute till, Haldora cleaned a tear that had escaped and turned to Michael.
- You should take a bath before you leave. -, she changed the subject.
- Will you join me? -, he asked smiling mischievously.
- No, I’ll make you breakfast.
- I don’t eat breakfast! There’s no escaping me now.
Haldora reached for her night gown and got dressed. She left the bed and opened the drapes allowing all of the sun light to invade the bed. Michael covered his head with a pillow, to protect his eyes. Haldora went to the bathroom and ran the bath. She lit one of the candles and as she concentrated all of the candles were lit. No other light shone on the bathroom. Michael entered being astonished by the ambience. Haldora pointed towards the tub, inviting him in. Michael took the invitation. He sat down allowing the warm water to soak his body. Haldora sat on the edge of the tub, with her feet in the water, right behind him. She took water in her hands and proceeded to wet his back. He allowed her to wash him.
- Don’t you have electricity? -, he asked, looking at all the candles.
- I like twilight. I like shadows. -, she explained
Haldora took a sponge and proceeded to soap his back and shoulders. Michael lay back, landing his head between her knees and exposing his chest. She soaped his chest as well as he wrapped his wet arms around her waist. She took his arms from their position and held them straight. She soaped them and sunk them in the water. Michael turned to her and held himself out of water to kiss her. He knelt down on the tub to embrace her. She fought him off so she wouldn’t get wet, but it was useless. Michael pulled her down and she fell into the tub, soaking her night gown. He pulled it off her. She soaped his nose with the sponge, sliding away from him to the other side of the tub. He took the sponge away from her and repaid the favor. He held her and soaped her back, then took her arms one by one and soaped them too. She pushed him away from her and he braced himself on he edge of the tub, she lied on his body, slowly descending and kissing his skin. Soon her face was bellow the water and stayed like that for an uncomfortably long time. Michael got scared and pulled her up violently. She looked surprised.
- Don’t ever do that again.
Haldora sat on the edge of the tub and pulled herself a towel. She wrapped herself on it and got her feet out of the water. Michael remained in for a moment more. Haldora got up as he closed his eyes, soaking in the warm water, and left the bathroom. She got dressed and picked up his clothes from the floor and laid them carefully on the freshly-made bed.
As Haldora was preparing to boil water for tea, she heard footsteps on the stairs, she ran to keep whoever it was to come in, but it was too late. Anna opened the door and walked in.
- Hey! I hope you don’t mind m coming up, but I really wanted to tell you something. -, Haldora tried to interrupt her but she was talking to fast, she hardly drew a breath, - I wanted to tell you that, though you had a bad night, he was partially responsible for it, because he took you to see a crappy film and he should know what kind of movie to show a girl on a first date and as for the kissing, what the hell was he thinking? That you are cheap or easy? I mean, a movie and he can take a person to an apartment and try to get into their pants?
- Anna, stop! -, as Haldora said this Michael opened the bathroom door wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
Anna was caught by surprise, so was Michael. None of them said anything, remaining embarrassed.
- Hello, Anna, right? -, Michael finally greeted.
- Hi! Michael. -, she answered. – I think I should wait outside. Carry on!
Anna left the room. Haldora looked at Michael trying to come up with an explanation.
- Did I interrupt anything? -, he asked.
- No! She just wanted to get some things out of her chest. I should go down and talk to her.
- Sure! I’ll meet you downstairs in a second.
Haldora ran down the steps and found Anna sitting in the shop’s sofas with still an embarrassed look upon her face. Haldora sat down next to her.
- Why didn’t you tell me he was in the bathroom?
- You really didn’t give me a chance.
- He spent the night? -, Haldora nodded with a smile, - You didn’t talk all night long and then realized he was too tired or drunk to go home, did you? -, mischievously Haldora shook her head, - Oh my! You did it? -, Haldora nodded grinning.
Anna smiled in joy. The friends hugged. Anna laughed just thinking of her friend’s wish coming true. Haldora held her joy under control, afraid of any outbreak. Michael came down as they unlocked from their embrace. Anna noticed his presence and stepped away from the couple, leaving them in privacy.
- I should go! My bus will be here soon. -, he announced.
- Let me fix you a cup of tea before you go.
- I can’t eat anything in the morning I’ll grab something in the office.
Michael looked to Anna, to see if she was looking at them, she was pretending to stock the coffee stand, but she could see them in the corner of her eye. Michael gave Haldora a long kiss goodbye. Anna turned to see them, happy for her friend. Michael headed for the door.
- Michael, wait! -, Haldora requested. She took a book from one of the shelves and handed it to him, - For the trip! -, he was astonished to see that he was reading, his eyes asked how she knew, - I saw it on your nightstand.
He came back for one last kiss and left afterwards, with the book under his arm. Haldora watched him as he ran across the street to the bus stop. His bus parked soon after that.
Haldora came away from the window as Anna drank a cup of coffee. Haldora sat at one of the tables and laid her head on her arm. Anna sat down next to her.
- Is it as good as you thought it would be?
- It’s better, Anna!
- It is rather soon, though?
Haldora lifted her head and seriousness took hold of her face.
- I’m sorry, Hal, but it is. You go out on one lousy date and the next day you sleep together. Are you sure he feels the same way you do?
- He could never feel the same way I do, but if you’re asking does he … love me? I don’t know! But it’s obvious to me he feels strongly about us.
- Is that enough? -, Anna asked, - I mean, you’ve been waiting for him for so long. I just don’t want you to sell yourself short. Don’t give it all away.
- I know you’re only instilling doubt because you’re my friend, but let me live this, even if it doesn’t lead anywhere.
Anna agreed. Haldora got up and looked around the shop.
- Now if you excuse me I need to go finish decorating the exhibition space. It’s next week and I am way behind. So would you do me a favor and mind the shop for me?
- Sure, boss!
- But before you start, go up to the garden, there’s a small gift for you on the altar.
Haldora got up and headed for the exhibition space, as Anna went up the stairs to find the small statue of Toth, where Haldora had said it would be. She took it from the altar and admired it. She understood the significance of this gift and was grateful.
Haldora spent the day busy with her affairs, though she carried herself differently. She was happier, her distant and cold look, seemed warmer and closer. She could not stop smiling and laughing of very unimportant things. Anna watched her through the day and found her friend joyful. She had never seen her like that and was not opposed of her remaining like that for a long time or even forever.
At the end of the day, Anna came close to Haldora as she still worked. She had to touch her should to get her attention.
- Hey. I’m heading off. I want to ask you something.
- What is it?
- I was invited to a Halloween party and I was thinking it would be nice of you and Michael could come as well.
- You know I celebrate Samhain on Halloween. I don’t think I can go. -, Haldora excused herself.
- You can do both. Do the ritual and then come to the party. -, Anna suggested.
- I don’t know.
- Look, you’re the one who want to live this. I’m giving you a chance to live it some more.
- I’ll talk to Michael about it and let you know.
Anna agreed and left her friend to finish her work.
Michael arrived soon after Anna had left. He tapped on the glass and Haldora let him in. He gave her the book, she had given him in the morning, back and kissed her as a thank you note. Haldora lead him up to her room. Michael sunk himself on the sofa and Haldora sat down between his legs. He held her as he looked into the fire that crept next to them. Haldora slumbered as she was rocked by his breath, but the doubts instilled by Anna in the morning were planted in her head and soon bore fruit.
- Michael can we talk? -, she asked.
- Experience tells me when a girl says that to a guy, things aren’t right.
Haldora sat down on the other side of the sofa staring at him.
- It’s just that… everything we know about each other was read on a computer screen and both of us could have been lying. Yet here we are.
Michael sat up straight.
- I can’t explain this, but I am attracted to you. Everything you do is new to me. But it’s familiar. I feel like I’ve known you forever and yet I know nothing about you. You seem to be a figment of my dreams, something I’ve seen before. I felt that from the moment we began writing to each other. I knew I could trust you. And the truth is you could have been lying and you could be an axe murdered, but I find that hard to believe, not now that I’ve met you and I’ve look into your eyes. … I think I’ve fallen in love with you.
Haldora was unable to speak after this explanation. She stared at him, he stared back, waiting for an answer or reaction to his words.
- I feel the same way. -, she finally answered.
He smiled at her and she resumed her former position. He kissed her hair.
- Anna invited us to a Halloween party, do you want to go?
- I thought witches didn’t go to Halloween parties. I though they would stay home and cook up spells.
Haldora laughed.
- We do have a celebration. It’s kind like our New Year’s Eve. The 31st is a day without a month. The beginning. It’s the time when the portals of the spirit world are open and all spirits come to Earth. So we celebrate them. But we can also find time for a party. -, she explained.
- If you can find the time, I would like to go. But we have to go disguised as a pair.
- What do you mean?
- Like if I go as Dracula, you have to go as Vampira. You know paired up.
- What if you’re a Vicking warrior and I’m you lady? -, she asked as she turned to see his expression.
- Where I am going to find a Vicking warrior outfit?
- I have one downstairs.
- Isn’t that like an antique?
- It’s imitation! -, she lied, - You wear the armor and I’ll wear the dress.
Michael nodded smiling.
They remained lying on the sofa for hours just talking of what they would do at the party in regards to scaring the others, like playing with the sword. Haldora felt as she had not felt in a long, long time, she felt as she did when she still had a pulse. Before she had met her warrior. She was a human being again even if just as long as the conversation lasted.
At last Michael had to go and after a long goodbye with hugs and kisses that denounced their unwillingness to part, he was gone.
Longing… Waiting for tomorrow…

CHAPTER XXIV

2007-04-19T10:01:00.001-07:00

Anna opened the shop as she had promised and waited impatiently for her friend to come down. As time passed she would imagine many scenarios that might have taken place. Such as Haldora might not be home yet, she could still be with Michael, or maybe they were both up there alone, still sleeping. Haldora was taking too long to come down and so Anna’s mind diverged to uglier scenarios. They had a fight, or one of them might not have liked to other. The night had not ended well. Close to lunch hour, Anna was tired of waiting and so went upstairs to satisfy her curiosity. As she took the last steps before Haldora’s door, she smelled paint and cigarette smoke. Anna turned the knob and opened the door slowly to find Haldora smoking and adding frescos to her wall. They were images of fairies and elves, also goblins and cherubims, and the strangest beings Anna had ever seen. She entered on tip toe not to disturb her friend, before a sound was made Haldora looked at her in desperation.
- Bad night? -, Anna asked cautiously.
- I screwed it up. -, she answered as she put down her paint and took a drag from her cigarette.
Anna came close and sat on the bed, noticing that the drapery around it had also been recently stitched. She waited for her friend to continued.
- He kissed me. -, she told. Anna smiled. – I lost control and… blew a hurricane into his living room.
Anna tried to remain serious but it was impossible. She began to laugh, imagining the situation. Haldora, herself snickered at the situation. She sat down next to her friend.
- It was terrible. He hates the kind of music I like. I hate the film he liked. And then… there was the whole tornado thing and… he touched my scar and it didn’t hurt anymore and I freak and I left. -, she told.
- What were you doing naked in his house? -, Anna asked.
- I slipped wine on my dress. –, she explained. She took a new drag from her cigarette, - In the car and then in his apartment I was back there, the place where I first saw him. I was back there, unable to say an intelligent word besides pleasantries, but overflowing inside from the waterfall of things I want to tall him.
- Hal, look at it this way, you were at his apartment, you had drinks, he kissed you. He likes you. -, Anna explained.
- Why would he kiss me? He has a girlfriend. Why would he kiss me?
- Do you think he’s cheating? Just want to get into your pants?
- I can’t think of him like that. -, she answered in a half whisper.
- But you sure tried not to think. -, Haldora got up to throw her cigarette on the fireplace, - I mean I don’t think painting frescos and stitching is something you do every night.
- I was wondering if I such call him and tell him something. -, Haldora explained as she leant against the fireplace, ignoring the heat. – And tell him what?
- Can’t help you there, sorry. -, Anna got up and walked towards the door. – I’ll leave you to think about it. But if you take an advice, you should think of him as he is today and not as he was before.
- That’s the thing, Anna. He hasn’t changed.
Anna walked out, leaving Haldora to her confused thoughts.
The day passed slowly and every hour seemed to linger for as long as possible. But no hour brought clarity to Haldora’s head. She was unable to rationalize what had happen the night before. She was almost certain it had been punishment for getting too close to Michael. She had decided to stay at a distance and as soon as she had reneged on her promise to herself she had lost the ground beneath her feet. No amount of work that she undertook, gave her anymore rest, in fact it only seemed to bring more questions. Haldora decided to attend to the preparation for the Full Moon Festival, though her head was by no means in that direction. At last she decided to give it up. She lit a single candle and watch as the Moon came up in the sky. She asked solely for clarity. Next candle she placed the figurine of the Egyptian God of Writing, Toth, she had gotten for Anna, it would be blessed by the light of the Full Moon and inspire Anna for sure. Haldora lied in bed to continue her thinking after this.
The sound of tapping on glass reached Haldora. She got up and slowly came down to the shop, to find Michael at her door. He raised his hand when he saw her. She rushed to let him in. They stood for a second in the dark shop in awkward silence, Haldora then led him the stairs to her home. She helped him with his coat and waited for him to say what had brought him there. Michael just stood by the door in silence, holding a potted plant that Haldora had not even seen.
- Let me give you the grand tour. -, she said, - This is the only room, there’s the bathroom and there’s the garden. -, she explained as she pointed to the doors.
- Spacious! -, he commented.
Michael walked through the room, getting his attention caught by the frescos.
- I wanted to apologize for a horrible night. -, he finally said, after inspecting the pictures, - So I brought you this. -, he handed her the potted plant, - It’s a violet. I read online that it’s important for witches.
Haldora took the plant and admired it.
- Thank you. -, she opened her garden’s door and placed the pot next to so many other pots, Michael stood by the frescos, - But I’m the one who should apologize. -, she said as she came back to the room, - I left…
- Yes, but… I made you leave. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. -, he explained.
- I thought so too. -, she stated as she walked towards the fireplace. – I mean you’re with somebody and we shouldn’t have… -, Haldora silenced when she noticed Michael expression had changed to confused.
- I was talking about your scar. I shouldn’t have looked at you… like that. What were you talking about?
Haldora couldn’t speak. Her jaws were frozen.
- I’m not with anyone. –, he announced, - I broke up with my girlfriend a couple of months ago. That was what you were talking about, right?
Haldora nodded shyly.
- We… Routine was killing us and we took a break. I’ve been alone for a while. It’s been good. I haven’t really been looking for anyone, but… You… You are nothing like routine. You’re even better live then online. You’re straight forward and … strange. And I like that. -, he explained.
- Michael, where is this going? -, she asked.
He came closer.
- I don’t know! But I like that. Live the moment and forget the future. -, he explained as he got closer to her. – That’s how you always said you lived.
Haldora nodded. She was surprised she was not falling out of control. She was nervous, but not as much as before, although he was as close as he could be.
- I did say that. I do say that. -, she whispered.
Michael slid his arm around her waist and pushed her gently towards him. Behind them the fire roared lightly. He took her face in his hand and joined his lips with hers. This time Haldora let herself be kissed without so much as a movement. She surrendered to the moment. Michael unlocked their kiss and embraced her feeling her shallow breath and the coldness of her skin. Haldora wrapped his arms around him feeling his warmth as a consuming fire. He kissed her neck lightly, as her breath became deeper. Soon they were involved in another kiss, but this time it was deeper and more passionate. Their tongues pierced into each other’s mouths and played with each other as snakes mating. Michael pulled Haldora towards the bed. She stopped him as they were close. She leaped on it and proceeded to close the heavy drapery. At last when all of the bed was enclosed, she extended her arm out, allowing her night gown to slide down to the ground. Michael took his clothes off and entered the closed bed. Inside it was dark, though the fire was strong, he could only see shadows and as he tried to grab them, he would notice they were just shadows.
- Hal? -, he called out.
- Come find me. -, she whispered.
Michael followed her voice, as if he hadn’t forgotten his warrior training from before and soon had his hands on her naked body. He touched her abdomen and followed her body upwards, touching her breasts, her shoulders, her neck, until he arrived at the face, where he took his time, feeling her cheeks and her lips. He pecked her lips and her cheeks, then her neck and her shoulders. While he did this, Haldora slid her hand down his spine, making him shiver. Michael pulled her knees to make her lay down, making her let go a little scream. He covered her body with his and continued to caress her body as did she to him. Amidst the kissing and the caresses, Michael slid himself inside Haldora, who arched her body in acceptance. His movements were slow and gentile. Haldora could feel what she had not felt in too long, since she had been in cave a long time ago. The blood ran through her body and there was warmth emanating from her skin. Her scar gave her no pain and her heart pounded on her breast. She felt alive as Michael moved inside her and as his tongue pushed farther. As she looked up to his face she could see him in all his former lives and all seemed to fit with that once moment. Haldora felt as if her heart was about to burst from her breast. She took Michael’s hands in her own. He pushed them hard over her head as he and she amongst moaning erupted into each other.
Michael rolled to his side, still clutching one of Haldora’s hands, he kissed it.
- Did I hurt you? -, he asked.
- No. -, she whispered, kissing his hand.
He took her hand close to his chest as if to say he didn’t want her to slip out of his touch. Haldora stroked his hair in silence. She could see he was struggling to keep awake, so she stroked him as you do a child to help him to sleep faster. Tired and sweaty both bodies laid next to each other as dead.
Michael woke in the dark. He felt the bed around him and could not feel Haldora’s body anywhere. He pushed the heavy drapery back to find her sitting on the sofa, looking at the fire, that wasn’t so high as before. She noticed he was awake and walked towards the bed, kneeling next to Michael and placing her hands so her face could be over his. He looked up at her at the light of the fire, still sleepy.
- Déjà vu. I’ve dreamed this. -, he muttered.
Unaware of what he spoke Haldora planted a kiss on his lips. His arms embraced her and did not seem to let go.
- Sleep! -, she request as she passed her hand in front of his face.
- I don’t want to sleep.
She slid the hand down his torso and to his legs. He pulled her to him. She sat on his thighs. He caressed her legs as she kissed his neck. This time he could see the paleness of her body, through the opening of the drapery. He touched her scar and Haldora squirmed away. He sat down and took her torso into his arms, kissing her scar lightly. She still believed it would hurt, so she prepared herself, but she felt no pain, nothing but pleasure. Taking her face in between his hands he again took place inside her. This time Haldora had to set her own rhythm. Michael laid back and held her hands. Haldora covered his body and waved her body as she kissed him. Haldora moved faster then before and soon she felt her heart beating too fast. She stared at his face as the feeling got stronger.
- My warrior! -, she let out with a moan.
- My lady! -, he answered back as again both collided into each other.
Haldora laid her body on his and allowed herself to rest. She could hear his heart beating and his breathing. He stroked her hair. She kissed his torso.
- I don’t want to leave here. -, she said.
- You don’t have to.
She lied down next to him and slid her arm beneath his neck, pulling his head to the breast.
- Sleep in my arms. -, she request.
Michael snuggled with his back against her body and held her hand. He kissed her arm and closed his eyes.
Hypnotic breathing… Softness… Morning light…

CHAPTER XXIII

2007-04-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

The night too long to arrive and Sun seemed very opposed to set. But at the designated hour Haldora stood in her room, dressed and ready to go. Anna gave her one last look. Haldora wore a long wool black turtle neck dress and a full length leather jacket. She shook in her clothes, with her hears pealed to every small sound that might announce the arrival of her date. Anna seemed as nervous as her friend, as she almost franticly arranged her hair. Al last Haldora had to stop her and both women took a deep and long breath. They stared into each other’s eyes as to calm one another down, both knowing it wasn’t working completely.
The sound of tapping on window came up through the stairs and the breathing exercises were left without result. Anna composed herself and went down the steps to open the door. Haldora stayed behind to fetch her purse. Before she could head towards the stairs, Anna had brought Michael up. She was even more nervous to have him inside her private room. Her view point to him. He was, as always, smartly dressed and wore a smile on his face. Haldora smiled back and indicated she was ready to go, by pointing to her purse.
- You look lovely. - , he complemented.
- Thank you. So do you. -, Haldora complemented back.
For a minute the three figures remained standing and silent, Michael looked around the room, in amazement, Haldora looked to the floor in embarrassment and Anna looked at the couple waiting for either of them to make a sound.
- You’re going to be late. -, Anna finally said.
Michael nodded is head and offered Haldora his hand. She slyly took it and they were off. Anna remained up in the room, where she could see them through the window. She accompanied Michael as he opened the car door for Haldora and then drove off.
The car drive was quiet, almost too quiet. Haldora could not think of anything to say and Michael seemed too concentrated on his driving. At some time he turned the car radio on, breaking the uncomfortable silence. The radio was playing the newest pop song, which made Haldora relax for a few seconds.
- I really hate these songs! -, Michael announced as he turned the station to something more rock, which made Haldora tense up again to the undesirable music.
- So what are we going to see? -, She finally had the courage to ask.
- That is a surprise.
- Won’t you give me a hint? Maybe the genre?
- No! That would ruin the surprise.
She was destined to wait to find out, so she silenced again, looking outside the window.
- Alright. I’ll tell you this. It has something in it that you can identify with.
Haldora was curious, she turned her head to him, to catch a glimpse of his face as he said it, to see if any more could be drawn from his expression, but he seemed decided not to reveal and she would respect it.
The car was parked and the theater was in sight. Haldora was even more nervous at the sight of an hour of more of close quarters sitting within a dark room. Michael rushed to open her door. She stepped out of the car and again Michael took her hand and led her to the theater. Inside he helped her with her coat, catching off guard because she had forgotten how etiquette ran. She finally sat down and steadied herself. Michael sat beside her with an excited look upon his face, she tried to copy it but the situation was nothing but exciting and everything nerve wracking. The lights went down and Haldora focused on the screen. Suddenly Japanese character’s appeared on the picture. Haldora was confused at the kind of film. She finally understood it was a Japanese animated movie. Her eyes turned to Michael and he was very serious attentive to the screen. She took a breath wondering how much more would they not have in common. She made her best effort to enjoy.
Half way through the story a strange character appeared. Michael leant towards her and whispered in her hear.
- Surprise!
At first she did not listen what was said, she was only engulfed in the moment. She had felt his breath on her skin and it was as she had imagined it to be. Sweet and fresh and warm. She was paralyzed for a second. Though her eyes still looked at the screen, her attention span was little. She soon woke up from her trance when she realized that the strange figure Michael was referring to was entitled as a witch. Her eyes were widened and her expression was changed as she found the comparison a tad ridiculous. Without her knowing Michael was also attentive to her reactions and become concerned to see her reaction to his surprise.
The film ran long and when it was finally over Haldora was relieved, smiling at her date trying to conceal it. They let the theater as it began to rain. Haldora took her coat and placed over their heads and they ran to get in the car. Once inside and excited by the run, they both had to catch their breaths through giggles. Michael took a look at his watch.
- It’s early. Would you like to go and have a drink? -, he invited.
- All right! -, she hesitated.
The car was put into motion and the silence was back.
- So, did you like the film? -, he asked.
- It was… definitely surprising.
- Come on, that is a safe answer. Did you like it?
- I thought it was… different. I had never seen that kind of movie before. -, she elaborated.
- That’s it? -, he asked taking his eyes off the road for a while. Haldora was at a loss for words. – I mean… I ask you what did you think about a shortstory and you sent me your message in six parts, because it was too long and that’s all you can say after two hours in a theater room? -, he joked.
- I’m still processing it. -, she finally announced.
- I’m starting to think you didn’t like it.
- No. I enjoyed it. I just haven’t formulated an intelligent opinion yet. -, she quickly explained.
- Then give the unintelligent one. -, he requested grinning.
Haldora searched for the words in her head and as she was certain she had a coherent speech formulated the car stopped in from of an apartment building.
- This is not a pub. -, she instead uttered.
- No, it isn’t. It’s where I live. I wanted some place quiet. -, he explained.
- You lied. -, she realized.
- No. I’ve got drinks. Let’s go up. -, he left the car and came to open hers.
They made their way up the steps to his door. As the door opened Haldora was bathed by a sent she had sent before. She could smell his presence on every corner of this apartment which made her dizzy. She as invaded by the many memories of the many ages she had met him. They entered; he took her coat and offered her a seat. She walked over to the sofa as he walked towards the kitchen, she touched the brown leather as she sat and felt a rush of feelings running from head down to her toes. It took every inch of strength to control these feelings and appear to act normal.
- What would you like to drink? -, he asked from the kitchen.
- Whatever you’re having. -, she answered as she looked around and studied the room.
Michael came in with two glasses of white wine and a bottle. He set the bottle down and handed Haldora her glass. They raised their glasses and took a sip.
- Not as fancy as what I had at your place, but a good wine, none the less.
- A very good wine. -, she attested.
- I forgot to give you the big tour. -, he announced. – This is the TV room, living room and library. -, he said as he pointed to the various objects that identified the room, the television, the sofa and the grand book case. – Over there is the bedroom, and bathroom and through there the kitchen.
- It’s cozy.
- Yes. It is small.
Haldora laughed. She took another sip of her wine.
- So… what didn’t you like about the film? -, he sharply asked, making Haldora realize she had forgotten her carefully plan speech from before.
- It’s not so much that I didn’t like it. There were things I …
- Didn’t like? -, he interrupted.
- Why did you take me to see this film? What made you think I would like it? -, she asked.
- You were reading Japanese comic books, so it’s something we share and … There was a witch in this one. -, he confidently answered.
- I’ve been reading Japanese comics to understand what people see in it. So far all I’ve got was an enormous inferiority complex. I’m not particularly fond of them. -, she answered, leaving Michael extremely embarrassed.
- I’m so sorry. You hated it. You spent two hours in a theater looking at a film you hate.
- No. It’s not as dramatic as that. The story was cute. The braveness of children and the helping of unlikely friends. It was well constructed. -, she explained.
- Don’t try to cheer me up, you really didn’t like it. -, he said as he held her hand, yet again. – Tell you, at least, found the witch amusing.
- Which witch? -, she asked.
- The witch. -, she confirmed.
- We’re playing the Wizard of Oz! -, she realized. Michael laughed. – The good one or the bad one.
- Well, what did you of them both?
- I’m confused as to what you meant when you said I could identify with her. Did you mean I look physically ridiculous or old?
Michael choked on his wine upon hearing the question. He shook his head as he coughed.
- I just meant there were witches. You don’t look a think like them. -, he clarified.
- Oh, so I’m not as good as the good witch? I would not help that child? -, Haldora insisted, leaving Michael uncomfortable.
- No… You’d… You’d do more! -, he finally answered.
- Good save. -, she stated.
- I’m really sorry. I really did think you would like it.
- It’s a different experience. Just for that I like it. -, she took a long sip from her drink. – So, you don’t have any other friends who like witches and animated films?
Michael hesitated. His expressing changed and Haldora was sorry she had asked.
- Yes, I do, but I’m… taking a break from some people.
Haldora wanted to ask further questions, but she saw show his eyes had turned sad, so she abstained, instead she got up and looked at his book collection. Michael understood her tactic. He got up behind her and stood very close. She kept her composure since he could see her reflection on the glass.
- Not as great as your library. -, he stated.
- Same theme though. They’re mostly about the Middle Ages.
- After a year and a half of online conversation you haven’t realized that is my favorite topic?
- A year and a half? Seems longer.
- It’s seems forever. Especially now that I’ve met you.
Haldora turned around to find herself pinned between Michael and the bookcase. She looked up to him, with and inquisitive expression.
- I wondered a lot how you’d look like and how you’d be for real and now that we’ve met… you’re just like I imagined. -, he explained in a half whisper.
- I find that hard to believe. -, she joked.
- You are. You’re committed to what you do. It showed in the way you explained things, never allowing yourself to be wrong. You’re kind. I saw the atmosphere at the bookshop, your employees love you. You’re a good boss. You’re uncomfortable with people but you like to talk and maybe you’re a bit eccentric. –, he explained looking straight into her eyes.
- Eccentric?
- You live above your work place. You have no furniture and you can read ancient languages. What you call that? -, he asked grinning.
- A nut? -, she joked.
Michael touched her face with his finger and came very close. Haldora knew what was to follow. His lips were very close to hers. He closed his eyes and time seemed to stretch. The few millimeters between them seemed yards. Finally she closed her eyes and their lips touched lightly. Michael redrew and came back again for a second approach. This time their lips glued to each other accompanied by a rush of blood. Haldora felt her control slip away. Suddenly a gush of strong wind opened the window and like a hurricane blew everything that was not too heavy out of its place. Michael ran to close the window, confused as too what had happened, since it was not appropriate weather. Haldora realized she had spilled her wine over her dress and so had Michael. She was soaking.
- Come into the bedroom and change. Just look in the closet for something. -, Michael suggested.
Haldora rushed into the room and took her dress immediately off, not that she was bothered by the wetness, but because her scar was throbbing like never before. She was having trouble breathing. She gasping was so laud that Michael, who kept himself busy, tidying the living room, could hear her. He was frightened at the sound and opened the door. Haldora stood next to his bed, breathing heavily, wearing nothing but her underwear. As soon as he saw he, turned his head, but right then he looked again, noticing her scar. He walked up to her, staring at it. Haldora looked away.
- What happened? -, he asked.
She shook her head so he’d understand she didn’t want to speak about it. He felt compelled to touch it. As she did Haldora’s pain subsided. She took a long heavy breath and then began to breathe normally once more.
- An operation gone bad? -, he asked still with his fingers on it.
- Something like that. -, she explained. She looked at him as he seemed hypnotized by this scar. – I need to go. -, she said as she took her dress and pushed it down her body. She walked passed Michael towards the door and her coat. She turned around for a moment. – Thank you. It was a lovely evening.
Closed door… Parallelizes…

CHAPTER XXII

2007-04-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

The day came with a lovely surprise. Before the shop was even open there was a light tap on the window. Haldora rushed down to find Anna peeking in. Haldora opened the door and Anna came in with a sorry look on her face. There was no need for words between them, their eyes did most of the talking, though it was obvious to Anna Haldora’s eyes had much more to say. Anna looked outside for a second and saw Michael’s car pull up to the parking lot. She looked at Haldora expecting to find her hypnotized as before, instead she found her smiling shyly as if hiding something. Anna took another look at Michael and as soon as she got close enough to see them, Haldora pulled them away from his view. Anna was amazed at her friend’s action.
- Severing the ties, are we?
- Anna. Yesterday he came into the shop all by himself and we spoke and… he then came back to help me set up the exhibit. -, Haldora explain, as she sat on the sofas at the back on the shop.
- He came here and engaged in conversation with you and you…?
- I was stunned. Since you broke the spell I haven’t even seen him get his bus. I haven’t spoken to him on line. I even stopped smoking for fear the smoke would take my wishes to where they shouldn’t, you like the Native Americans. -, Haldora related.
- And after all that he came in and spoke to you and offered to help set this thing up? -, Anna sat next to her.
- Yes.
- Could this still be the spell working?
- Once a spell is broken, it’s broken. And I made no attempts to bring its energy back. I haven’t even been thinking of him.
- How do you accomplish that?
- I work like crazy. I read. I make myself busy.
- You haven’t even been looking out the window? -, Anna was amazed at Haldora’s resolution.
- No. I lock myself in the bathroom until it’s time for his bus to go.
- Do you think that… maybe… it is fate? -, Anna asked, doubting her own question. – Like you manipulated his way but now he has to take the path for himself.
- I don’t know. Before we always seemed to run in to each other without any aid. There was a time when I sought him out in other realms, but when I came back and started my mission I forgot him for the longest of times and then I did the spell and… And he did show up. And now I’ve got what I wanted and I’m scared. -, Haldora confessed.
- He came here and spoke to you. What did you guys talk about?
- Well. He brought dinner and we spoke about me being a witch and…
- Wait a second. You spoke about you being a what? -, Anna interrupted.
- Witch. I’d told me before when we had coffee, because I thought it would freak him out and he would leave, but this time he brought it up. He seemed very interested. Then we just spoke about the books. I read parts and told him what they were. Things like that.
- Then what? -, Anna turned her head to her friend as her friend walked towards the wall.
- He was sleepy and I did that meditation trick where it seems you have been sleeping for a while and sent him on his way. -, Haldora explained.
- Wow! I don’t even know what to say anymore.
The two friends sat there for a while thinking of what was happening. There were no thoughts of forgiveness or anger has had been the last time they had been together.
The day evolved into the daily routine of work for both Anna and Haldora, no works were exchanged about what had been spoken in the morning. Instead both women kept themselves busy with shop affairs until it was time to close. From time to time Anna would find Haldora reading her Japonese comic books, and by the look on her face she was not doing it for the entertainment it provided, it was clear that it was merely a strategy to abstract herself from the world around her.
The last costumer of the day came just as soon as Anna was closing the doors. She did not notice him, but he ran from a cross the street and got in forcing the door a bit. Anna was about ready to give this person a piece of her mind, when she saw who it was. Michael was in front of her flushed from the race.
- Hi, I’m sorry to invade like this, but I was wondering if I could speak to Hal. -, he politely asked.
- Sure. I’ll go get her.
Anna walked towards the office as soon as she closed the front door and turned the closed sign. Inside the office Haldora insisted on reading her Japonese comics.
- Hal, there’s someone here to see you. -, Anna said when she got close to the door.
Haldora rouse taking the comic with her. She kept on reading as she came out of the office.
- Who is it? -, she asked from behind the comic.
- Hi, Hal. -, Michael greeted.
Haldora lowered the comic and her first glance was to Anna. She then looked at Michael and smiled.
- Hey. I hope you got home ok. -, she said.
- I did. -, he replied coming close to the two women. -, Thanks for whatever it was that you did.
- Like I told you yesterday, there was no need for you to come back. We got it from here. You did a lot, thank you. -, Haldora explained.
- That’s not why I came. -, he explained.
Haldora looked very embarrassed.
- I wanted to ask you something. It’s short notice, I know, but… I was wondering if you’d like to come with me to this movie festival. I have an extra ticket and no one to go with.
- Why don’t you take your girlfriend? -, Anna blurted.
Both Michael and Haldora looked at her in surprise.
- Michael, this is Anna, she’s… a friend. -, Haldora introduced them - And fellow on-line chatter.
- Well, Anna… my girlfriend isn’t into these kinds of movies. -, he patiently explained, while lowering his eyes. – If you don’t want to go it’s ok, it’s just I think you’d enjoy it and… I would really like to have the pleasure of your company.
- When is this going to happen? -, Haldora asked.
- Tomorrow! It’s a late show.
- Oh! I don’t know, I have to awake pretty early to open then shop… - Haldora explained.
- I’ll do it! -, Anna interrupted.
- What?
- I’ll do it! You go have fun. I’ll open the shop.
- I guess that’s official. Will you come pick me up?
- Yeah. I’ll be here at eight. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Haldora could do nothing else but smile at his offer as Anna walked him out of the shop and closed the door behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, Haldora ran up the stairs to her home, with Anna on her heels. Haldora was panting and pressing her scar. It looked like she was out of breath. All Anna could do was sit with her friend and wait till she was calmer.
- What the hell were you thinking? Why did you not stop me? You are angry at me for wanting him and when I’m trying to drive him away from my life you help him back in. -, Haldora suddenly exploded, making the fire explode with her.
- Calm down. -, Anna cried, -And turn down the flames. Let me explain. -, the flames dimmed. - Suddenly with him standing right there and being nice and all… I thought he hasn’t run away in fear or felt threatened and you told him some pretty heavy things, and hasn’t even tried to burn you at the stake for it. You shouldn’t have done the spell, but maybe this time it’s the one.
Haldora looked around the room still trying to control her feelings.
- I did that spell… because since I came back from the Goddess, I … couldn’t connect with him. I used to be able to touch his dreams and then I couldn’t, not anymore. The war passed and I felt the pressure on him scar. He was close, but I couldn’t… -, Haldora turned to Anna, - I was afraid chance wasn’t working anymore. -, Anna understood her friend’s reasons; she nodded as she heard the explanation.
- Maybe this is a gift, from the Goddess, for a good job. It’s been a thousand years you should get some bottie out of it, or if nothing else a friend.
The two grinned.
- I’m going out with him.
- Yeah!
- What am I going to say?
- You have bigger things to worry about?
- I do? -, Haldora asked frightened.
- Of course. What are you going to wear?
Both women laughed. Haldora laid on the floor as Anna ran to raid her friend’s closet for the right outfit.
Clothes flying… Emotions rising…

CHAPTER XXI

2007-04-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Anna found Haldora, upstairs, tending to her garden in the dark. Anna searched the wall for a light switch, but before she found one a small flame appeared on an old gas lamp, revealing the garden with, perhaps hundreds of pots with all kinds of plants. Anna walked towards Haldora who picked leaves of specific plants.
- It’s a wonder you can control fire like that? -, Anna spoke awaiting a response for a long conversation. Haldora simply smiled from the side of her mouth and continued her work. Anna understood she needed to introduce the subject herself. – Are you still mad at me for telling Michael to come over? -, Haldora once more did not answer. Anna walked around the garden looking at the plants and recognizing a few. At the far end of the garden stood a table that resembled the table she herself had in her hut. Anna came near it and looked at the potions on display and the supplies neatly placed. It came to her attention a smaller table on the side of the grander table. This smaller one had the light of the moon shone on it; the light came down from the large skylight. The waning Moon. Anna recognized immediately what lay on this table. She took a long breath. – You did a ‘near me’ spell.
Haldora stopped what she was doing and turned to her friend, who now stood backwards to her. Her head hanging down. Her countenance was heavy.
- I did that spell a long time ago. Before he got his internship. That’s where he goes, every morning. He didn’t take the bus and I hadn’t met me on the net. Weeks later I saw him waiting for that bus and coming here. I never touched it again. I didn’t want to contaminate it with any more energy. -, Haldora explained.
- You weren’t angry at me. – Anna realized as she turned around.
- I should have destroyed that spell, but I didn’t and it picked up on your energy as I knew it would. But what is the truth, and that is the worst, I didn’t want to destroy it.
- You took people’s free will. That was our first rule. You don’t manipulate. -, Anna reminded.
- I know. -, Haldora took her carton and lit a cigarette on the gas lamp.
- When did you become a smoker?
- I picked it up when I was hiding in Morocco. Relaxation. And it’s addictive even for the dead. -, Haldora explained.
Anna came close to her and removed the cigarette from her lips.
- It’s a nasty habit. -, she stated as she used it to set the dried leaves of the spell on fire. Soon a small blaze consumed the table. Anna grabbed the water can and put out the fire. – It’s broken.
Haldora was motionless with her eyes stuck to the ground. Anna passed her by on her way out. As Anna closed the street door she the fire lights in the house extinguish and the place was grim and sad. Anna walked down the street towards her own apartment feeling disappointed. She carried with herself Haldora’s guilty and her tears, which began to pour a few yards away from the shop. Inside Haldora, apathetic, lay thrown on the rug in front of the cold fire place.
Days passed and Anna’s presence was not felt anywhere around the shop. Haldora continued her daily routine, but now more quiet then ever. She continued to prepare the shop for the exhibition, carrying books from a place to another to open up space. She was tireless, but only because she wanted to keep busy and not sit by her computer, nor by her window, though her mind would toy with these rituals for her. All faces were of him and her. All voices sounded like them. Haldora was sure she was again alone and by her own fault.
Slow day afternoon and Haldora sat awaiting costumers alone in the empty shop. She continued to attempt to understand the Japonese Comic arts. The door made a sound and Haldora lifted her head as her chest pressed on her. Michael was heading towards her stand with a sad smile upon his face. She was thrown by his presence.
- Hey! -, he greeted, - You’ve been missing in action. I thought it might be good to check up on you.
- I’ve been busy. I had to set up the space. -, she explained pointing to the empty space for the exhibition.
- Oh! So what’s going to be there again?
- A collection of rare editions of the Middle ages, along with … artifacts. – She summarized.
- That’s right you had told me. – There was an uncomfortable pause. – You look really tired.
- I am a bit. You look sad.
- I was worried. I’m still worried. We stopped talking on the net when I met you on the bus and for some reason I can’t shake the feeling that the two events are related. I mean we were anonymous to each other and then we weren’t and I thought that might have messed with your head.
- No. I was just busy. I’ve been busy.
- It has messed with my head, because now you’re real. You’re not just letters. And… the chit-chat we had the other day was great. It was better then reading. -, He explained.
Haldora smilled shyly.
- I’ve miss talking to you. -, she said in a half whisper.
A costumer entered the shop which diverted Haldora’s attention. She moved towards the person to help. Michael stood close to the stand. She took Haldora’s comic from the table and took a look. Haldora settled the costumer’s bill and walked her to the door with all courtesy. She came back to her stand. Michael still looked at her book. He gave her the book back with noticeable embarrassment.
- So… how do we do this? You’re busy working and I don’t want to keep you.
- The time I used to sit by the computer is now the time I spend down in the basement with the artifacts. I have to start bringing them up today.
- Can I help? -, This question pierced Haldora like an arrow. – If it’s boxes I can carry boxes. What am I saying? They need special treatment.
- No. -, Haldora erupted, - I mean, handle with care, but no special treatment. If you’d like to help that would be… nice.
- What time do you want me here?
- Closing time?
- I’ll bring dinner. -, Haldora nodded her head in a dream like stasis while Michael left the shop with a bright smile upon his lips.
Until closing time Haldora was still not sure she had had an actual conversation with her long lost warrior or had just dreamt it. But then she saw him carrying paper bags. If she had been dreaming she had not yet waken up. Haldora opened the door and let him in. He set the bags on the first available table and began taking food from it.
- I realized I didn’t ask you what you liked you to eat, but since you are a true English girl, you like chips and anything fired. -, He explained.
- I like chips.
They both sat down and began to eat. At first the moment was awkward, silence surrounded them.
- This was easier when we were just typing. I don’t think we can be more uncomfortable -, Haldora stated and she filled her mouth with chips.
- So you’re a witch? -, he asked.
Haldora chocked. She coughed as she laughed.
- Scratch that. It can. -, she stated still clearing her throat.
Michael contained his laughter. Haldora got up and went behind the bar, fetching a rather dusty bottle of wine.
- If we’re going to talk about that we might as well make it less uncomfortable. -, she explained as she uncorked it. She brought two beautiful red glasses and poured wine for both of them.
- You do realize you are ruining a XIX century wine on chips? -, Michael asked as he looked at the bottle in complete shock.
- I’m drinking to the company. -, she explained before she took a long sip. – So, witch. Yes I am.
- What does that entail?
- Well. You try to communicate with every living being and try to be patient and not proud and you commune with all of Nature and all things really. -, Michael did not seem very convinced, - Yes, witches can sometimes connect with the spirits of dead people, but it’s not a pre-requisite, and we do spells. Spells are like prayers, but instead of just saying repetitive words that some one else wrote, we make our request our own. We know the power of herbs and animals and geometric forms and star alignments and we know when to ask something. I’m not making any sense.
- Partially.
- It’s hard to explain. It’s like asking some one if they believe in God.
- Do you believe in God? -, He inquired.
- I’ve not met any entity with that name. Though the sky is vast and I’m sure it has room enough for all gods. If people believe in some entity they will be and flourish. Gods die when you forget them. -, she explained showing her experience on the subject.
- So you don’t believe you’re going to Heaven when you die?
Haldora grinned. She took a sip from her wine and ate a chip before she answered.
- Witches believe in reincarnation. I will come again and I will fix the mistakes I did in this life and if I don’t I’ll come back and live them again until there is a balance. Until I’ve learned from them.
Michael was stunned with her honesty about the subject. He could not stop listening to her explain how she felt inside when she took her prayers to he Moon, when she celebrated her festivals. He could almost sense her feelings of fullness and happiness. Though He had though she had been joking, with every single explanation he was convinced of the woman’s devotion. He sat hypnotized by her words.
The chips were over and so was the wine, Michael was feeling tired but has he had promised he helped Haldora carry the many old dusty books from the vault to the exhibition space. He was astonished at the collection Haldora kept. He spent most of the time going through the books instead of carrying them. He couldn’t read any of them, but Haldora knew every single one and even called them by their title, which confused him. She explained what kind of book it was and sometimes read passages from them, her favorite parts. They engaged on conversations over many topics depending on what book they picked up. They discussed the dogmas of the Inquisition and the be
The night was not young anymore and Michael was getting very sleepy from the wine and the tiredness. He struggled to keep awake. Haldora made him sit on the steps.
- You’re tired. I better call you a cab to take you home.
- No, I’m OK. I said I’d help you and we’re almost finished, right?
Haldora looked at the amount of work still to be done and sighed.
- You’re not almost finished. It’s late you should go home. -, she explained. Michael struggled to stay awake. – Michael! Breathe deeply. Concentrate on my voice and breathe.
Michael was soon with eyes closed and with a controlled breath. Haldora took his hands in hers and closed her eyes. She fused her mediation with his near sleep state and led him to a place in the mind where the brain believes it has rested all its needs, giving it a sense of renewal. Michael opened his eyes as Haldora did the same.
- What just happened?
- Witch’s trick. Now grab your keys and go home before it wears off. - She explained as she helped him up and up the stairs. - The employees will help me in the morning. Thanks, you were a great help and I enjoyed chit-chatting with you.
Michael headed out the door. He stood for a few seconds outside looking in at Haldora, smiling at her. She stood doing the same. Finally he went away.
Her heart raced….

CHAPTER XX

2007-04-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Anna came in for work after spending the night at her own house. She believed she would find Haldora still visibly disturbed over what had happened the day before. When she walked in the shop she found Haldora listening to her pop music and looking as she always did, unaffected. Anna pondered for a while before touching the subject. She decided not to bring it up.
- Don’t think I don’t know it was you who told him. -, Haldora worn as Anna passed her by.
- What?
- I can feel the presence of people around me and I felt what you did that day and that night. -, Haldora explained.
Anna looked embarrassed.
- I forgot about that ability. If I remember correctly I never mastered it.
- I told you to let go. I expected you to listen this time.
- Hal, I was only trying to help you. You know, help out a friend.
- Be my friend and let it go. I’m fine like this. -, Haldora ordered.
- I’m sorry but I don’t think you are. Every letter, I remember, mentor sent me always carried the same message. She refuses to forget and learn. She always learns but only for means. Do you know what that means? -, Anna asked. - Haldora began to walk away. – Hella knew it. She used it against you. She knew you would do anything to get to him. She played you and you let her. Now the Goddess, Morrigan, she sent you down and he’s right there in front of you. You weren’t even looking for him. Please how can you not see the sign?
Haldora became angry and let go of a wild scream. The fire, that heated the kettle, rouse to a blaze for a moment, scaring Anna. Haldora was panting.
- I’m sorry. Just let it be. -, Haldora appeared to cry. Anna lowered her head in acceptance.
The employees of the shop began to come in. The discussion had ended. They both went their separate ways, carrying on with their work. None of the women spoke to each other for the course of the morning.
- Anna. -, Haldora called while Anna took her lunch, - I need to leave for a few hours. I need to go to the high street and get some supplies. The Full Moon is coming and Hallo’s Eve. Is it alright if I leave you in charge?
Anna was surprised by the suggestion. She stuttered. Haldora smiled showing all had been forgiven. Anna smiled back nodding her head.
- Ok, then. Be back in a few hours. Call me if you need me.
Haldora left, leaving Anna with a mixture of relief and fright.
Haldora took a bus to the centre of town and went to her normal supply shop. There she met with other practitioners of the old arts. They spoke of the up and coming festivities, while enjoying a cup of tea. She bought rock salt and candles, rocks and sticks of incense. As she was leaving the shop she saw the prefect gift for Anna, the statue of the Egyptian God of Writing Toth. She took it as well. She was planning to bless it in the next Full Moon then presenting it to her, to place on her desk as she wrote.
Haldora took the bus back to the book shop. She sat and took a Japanese comic book from her bag. She was completely hypnotized on her book she did not notice a person, who sat in front of her. She stopped her reading for a moment to consider what she had read, when she felt the pressure on her scar. She took a deep breath and as she looked front she saw him, a touch away.
- Good book?-, he asked.
Haldora wanted to look away but by this time it was impossible.
- It makes you wonder. -, she vaguely answered.
- I’m sorry to disturb you. I was in the book shop yesterday and I wanted to ask you a question. -, Michael explained.
- Of course. Go ahead.
- How did you know what book I wanted?
Haldora giggled.
- It comes with experience. Old and bout the Middle Ages? There’s only one, a good one. -, she explained.
Haldora noticed she was at her stop. She pressed the button to ask the driver to stop and got up. Michael followed her. She felt very uncomfortable being in such proximity of him. She stepped down from the bus and he followed her.
- I’m really sorry if I seem like I’m stoking you. -, Haldora could not help but smile, - I only spoke about this book with one person. I just wanted to know if… Are you ‘Bookworm1000’? -, he asked with perfect conscious of the kind of silly question he had just asked.
Haldora stopped at the door upon hearing his question. She turned back with an embarrassing look upon her face. He took it as an affirmative answer, smiling at her.
- Can I offer you some tea? -, she politely asked.
- You remembered I don’t like coffee. -, he acknowledged.
- You’re in England it’s customary to offer tea first. -, she explained, leaving him disappointed, - Though I remember coffee makes you nauseous.
Michael laughed as they walked in the shop. Anna was surprised to see him back and even more so to see him with Haldora. They went straight to the cafeteria. Haldora made tea and he sat at a table waiting for her. Anna came close to try and hear what they would talk about, but all she received was the bag of supplies from Haldora’s hands. Haldora sat with Michael giving him his tea.
- Yes. I am. -, she announced.
- I know the internet is supposed to be an anonymous place, but… you’re a legend in the chat room. The things you know are beyond all of us. Plus we all tough you were a guy. -, she smiled at his remarks.
- I’m sorry if I was rude yesterday. I was intimidated to have someone from the chat room here. -, she explained.
- How did you know?
- You have a picture on your profile.
Michael grinned at the reminder.
- You have the picture of a woman holding the Moon. Who’s that?
- The Triple Goddess. She’s a pagan Goddess. She means the world to us witches. -, Haldora explained very openly.
- Witches? -, he asked almost choking on his tea,
- Yes! I’m a witch. A practitioner of the old craft.
- You do spells and see spirits? -, Michael asked, extremely interested.
Haldora started looking very intensely to Michael’s arm. He became very uncomfortable. He looked back to see if there was some one behind him, but there was no one.
- Do you see one right now? -, he asked.
Haldora very slowly reached for him and took a small feather from his leather jacket, then smiled. He grinned realizing he had just been joked.
- Mediums see spirits, witches just do spells. -, she explained.
- Maybe I should introduce myself. I am…
- ‘M.A. Warrior’ -, she completed.
- Yes. I was actually thinking of telling you my name…
- Michael Alexander. -, she again completed, he looked intrigued, - It was on your credit card. M. A. = Michael Alexander. -, she explained.
- Ya. It also means…
- I am a warrior. A play on words. -, she rushed.
Haldora took a very long sip of her tea, while she realized she was embarrassing herself. Michael on the other hand thought her funny.
- So you work here?-, he tried to make conversation.
- Actually I own it. -, she explained.
- You’re Hal? -, she nodded, - Again, I thought you were a guy.
The afternoon went by with idle conversation between them. It was just as if they were online, loose and entertaining. They spoke of the news releases and of the new exhibition Haldora would be hosting. About how Haldora had opened the book shop and what a great idea it had been. She mentioned she lived above and told the story of the Kilpatrick family. They discussed the book she had been reading on the bus. He had impressive knowledge of the stories surrounding the characters. Haldora found it confusing and stupid, but from his lips no word was wasted or wrong.
At closing time he was the last to leave, save for Anna, who, stayed with a defiant and confident look upon her eyes. Haldora understood…

CHAPTER XIX

2007-03-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

Anna slept in and she awoke she could not sense the smell of tobacco in the air. She did sense the smell of fresh earth. She got up and found clothes laid down for her. She took a long bath in the enormous tub. She caught her friend looking at her from the door, after a while. Haldora offered her coffee. Anna sat and drank her coffee, while Haldora sat down on the edge of the tub.
- I couldn’t help myself. It’s such a large tub, you can swim in it.
- That’s why I bought it. It’s very relaxing. You’re welcome to stay in till you turn to a prune.
Haldora got up and lit one of the candles. She concentrated on the fire and pretty soon all candles were lit. Anna tilted her head impressed. Haldora smiled and came back to the tub.
- Hal! I’m thinking I’m going to go back to my apartment tonight. -, Anna announced.
- You don’t like it here?
- It’s not that. But I do have an apartment and although I love being here with you, I need to go back. -, Anna explained.
- I’m sorry if I sounded like I want to keep you here. It’s just I haven’t had a lot of company in the last few… centuries. It feels good to have you around.
- I know. And I can’t thank you enough for helping me out, but I need my things. I have my unfinished work at my apartment… You know how it is.
Haldora expressed curiosity.
- Unfinished work? -, Haldora asked walking towards her friend.
- Ya. I’m a writer. Well, I write stuff. I applied for a Foundation scholarship and I didn’t get it. -, Anna explained.
- Can I read some of your work?
- When I get around to finishing something, sure.
Both women laughed.
- You have changed. You used to be very meticulous and never leave anything undone. -, Haldora noticed.
- Yes and you used to not be so patient. -, Anna replied, - Time as changed us.
- If there is one thing I’ve learned in a thousand years of existence. The more things change the more they stay the same.
Anna took one last sip of her coffee.
- Go and get your work. When you saw talent in me you took me to the master and it’s time I repay the favor. Finish one project and I will take you to see a master editor. -, Haldora announced to Anna’s surprise.
- I don’t want you to do that. You’ve already given me a job and I can’t push this.
- My sister did what she could for me and I will do what I can for her. You saved my life when you took me to Stonehenge. I think you can push it as far as it goes.
Anna hugged her friend tightly emotionally, getting her all wet.
- Ok girl, I think we need to start working otherwise I’m going to start crying. -, Anna then said.
Haldora let go of her friend’s embrace. They went their separate ways. Anna got up and left her bath. Haldora changed her clothes. Anna joined her friend downstairs. Haldora turned on the radio but instead of the ambience music that had been playing the day before, the speakers started sounding pop music. Haldora danced to the music as she opened some new boxes that had arrived. Anna was now completely shocked at to the music she was listening to.
- Oh come on, don’t tell me you hate this music too. It’s the only time I get to listen to it.
- I can’t believe it. One thousand years of existence and you enjoy pop? -, Anna asked.
- I’ve had one thousand years to think, can I listen to a few hours of music with no contents to make me think? -, Haldora asked.
- You may have now just defined what pop music is all about. -, Anna stated.
- Get to work. -, Haldora ordered.
The day continued uneventful, with people coming in and out. Some just for coffee and others to inquired over books, others even just to read a new chapter. It was obvious that Haldora was now happier then ever, she would smile frequently as she would watch Anna at work. Again she was among those who accepted her. Anna was content to have her old friend back. The friend she knew would never let her go.
In mid afternoon, as Haldora was analyzing the best way to expose the new exhibit, Michael entered the book shop. Haldora felt dizzy for a moment, her scar pressed on her chest. She looked to the side, still trying to catch her breath and saw him. He looked around the shelves for the precious book he had discussed the night before. Haldora looked around her and all were unaware of her discomfort. She decided to move away but as she did, he called her attention.
- Yes! -, she answered staring at the floor.
- I’m sorry, I’m looking for a very old book, on the Middle Ages, I was told… -, before she could finish his sentence, Haldora shoved the book he wanted in his hands. He was amazed, she had gotten it right. - Thanks.
Haldora dared to look up to his face and master a smile. He smiled back. For a second they both stared at each other as if they were trying to know each other, but nothing came from it. Haldora rushed to settle his bill and send him on his way. He did not rush out, instead he lingered for a while looking through the many shelves. Haldora could not stop watching him. The pressure on her chest grew as did her fear for lack of self control. Anna looked from a far at the partial success of her plan.
Upon leaving the shop, Haldora would swear she could still smell his presence in the air. She was unable to utter another word that day.

CHAPTER XVIII

2007-03-25T10:58:00.001-07:00

Anna awoke with a faint smell of tobacco smoke in the air. She opened the drapes of the bed and found Haldora sitting in front of the window, looking out with a cigarette between her fingers. Haldora looked hypnotized. Anna got up from the bed and walked softly towards her friend. Haldora was motionless. Anna sat down next to her and stared at what she stared. To Anna there was a lonely street and a bus station.
- You know those things will kill you?
- Wishful thinking?
Both women laughed.
- So what are we looking at? -, Anna asked looking around the street.
Haldora silenced herself and kept looking through the window. Anna looked out to try and understand what she was looking at. She soon discovered Haldora was looking at the parking lot. Anna skimmed the cars parked but found nothing of interesting. Haldora took a long drag and as she exhaled she breath sounded deeper. Anna then saw a silver car parking and a tall blonde man came out. He made his way towards the bus station. Anna could not see his face, though Haldora’s expression betrayed his identity.
- That’s your warrior. -, Anna understood.
Haldora seemed to blush for a second as she lowered her eyes.
- You sly thing. You found him.
- He found me. For years I lived in this house and he just showed up here one day and never disappeared. -, Haldora explained.
- For how long did you search for him?
- I died a thousand years ago. I haven’t always searched for him.
Anna took a better look at this man. He leaned on the poll and read a book, while listening to music on his headphones. His expression of concentration was heavy, making him look severe, though he still had some attractiveness in him.
- He is handsome. -, Anna stated.
- He looks like the Viking he is. -, Haldora completed.
- I’m thinking it’s in his genes, or in his jeans. -, Anna joked.
- He never wears jeans. -, Haldora corrected unaware of the joke.
- You didn’t show me these events. Have you spoken to him or done anything? -, Anna inquired. Anna waited for the answer that never came for a while; - You know what I would do? On those cold winter snowy mornings I would go out and offer him a cup of coffee. -, she suggested.
- Coffee makes him nauseous. -, Haldora immediately replied.
- You tried it?
- No. I just know.
Anna silenced and looked at him as Haldora did. She continued to smoke slowly. The silence became too thick for both women. Anna wanted to speak but could not introduce the subject. Haldora took a long drag and then a deep breath.
- He always arrives at 6:30 to get the 6:45 bus. He’s always the first on the cue. He parks his car on the closest spot to the exit. He always brings a book and he is always listening to music. He always sits on the second seat to the left, when he goes in the bus. He recently cut his hair, it was longer. Looks better then the last time he did it. There was a bald spot on the front. I guess, bad hairdresser.
- You’ve been watching him for a while. -, Haldora nodded. - Can you imagine if he knew you have been searching for him for the better part of a thousand years? -, Anna asked, dreamingly.
- He’d probably think I was a stoker. -, Haldora answered coldly.
- Do you even know his name?
Haldora took a long pause. Anna believed she did not know.
- Michael Alexander. -, Haldora eventually answered.
- Sounding name. How did you find out?
- I had his license plates ran by the Department of Motorized Vehicles.
- Ok. If you’re not a stoker you’re getting close. -, Anna stated in amazement. – What else did you find out?
- He pays his insurance on time and he didn’t report the time he scraped his car on the dustbin while he was taking the car out of a tight squeeze. -, Haldora explained.
- Ok, you are a full fledge stoker. -, Anna announced, - Don’t you think it’s about time you’ve met him? -, Anna asked, touching Haldora’s shoulder.
For a second she looked away from her warrior and glimpsed at her friend with the saddest expression.
- Every time I met him something went wrong. -, Anna looked confused. - He sent me to a nunnery, after I saved his life, because I was a heathen. He sent me to the Inquisition Fire, though we were getting along, because I had a scar. He once even thought I was the Holly Mary, but when I tried to kiss him, he called me a demon. Those were not the experiences I wanted to have with him.
The bus arrived and he walked in. He sat on the second seat to the left and continued to read his book.
- ‘Niht.’-, Haldora said as she got up.
Anna was not sure she had understood what she had said, but it had sounded like ‘Night’. Haldora threw her cigarette into the fireplace and turned back.
- You need breakfast. The pastry supplier should be arriving shortly. If you’re really hungry I think there are still some cakes left from yesterday.
Anna got up and followed her friend downstairs, amazed she could change so much from the time she was looking out the window to now. She attempted no more questions about the warrior. She knew her friend would talk when she felt ready to do so.
Haldora began preparations to open the shop. Receiving suppliers and restocking the cafeteria and franticly cleaning the sofas and the rugs. Anna felt relatively useless sitting by the cafeteria drinking her coffee and eating as much cake as she could. Haldora was silent all through the preparation stage, speaking only to greet her employees and introduce them to Anna. For her part Anna watched Haldora closely as to learn all she could, so she would not let her friend down.
The shop was finally open and Haldora began showing Anna, exactly what she would be doing. They toured the entire bookshop. Talking about all the different sections in which it was divided. Haldora also showed Anna the different storage areas, as well as the lounge for the employees to eat, dress and relax with a bit of TV. For last Haldora left the vault, a cave where some of the biggest treasures of the Kilpatrick library were hidden. Only Haldora had access to this vault. The heavy door opened to show a multitude of old books, arranged very neatly. Anna looked at them in awe, realizing they were of many languages and different epochs. She even recognized a book from their old master among the many books. In the centre of the room also stood many weapons from times before. Haldora explained some of the origins of the many weapons on display. Anna did not pay much attention. She was more interested in the display cases way at the back of the vault. An armor and a dress. Anna found them extremely familiar.
- The Kilpatricks have had this armor since forever. It’s similar to the one he was wearing when he died. Sometimes it even looks the same. The dress I made myself, not so long ago. A replica of what was. – Haldora explained as Anna looked around the cases.
- Did Michael ever come into the bookshop?
- Yes. But he’s always on the run when he comes.
- I’d open early if I were you, just to see him coming in. -, Anna suggest.
- Anna. I’m not going to get in his way. Not anymore. It’s best he doesn’t know me. I’m happy to just watch from a distance. I wouldn’t even know what to say if he would speak to me. It’s better this way.
- Hal, you knew what to say a couple of centuries ago, I’m sure the rules of romance haven’t changed all that much.
Haldora signaled Anna to leave the vault. Anna followed Haldora out of the vault.
- Hal, don’t you have this longing to meet him and find out how he really is? I mean right now he is a figure, don’t you want to know him? You killed yourself for him. -, Anna asked as Haldora closed the door.
- I killed myself because of him. Don’t mistake the words. Anna I really don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’m happy this way.
Haldora and Anna made their way up. Haldora’s expression changed. She became concentrated on work. Anna did not push the subject anymore.
Sometime during the day Haldora gave Anna access to her own computer, so she could keep track of sales and suppliers, stocks and payments. As Anna was learning how to operate this new program, Haldora was pulled away from her teaching role to assist a supplier. While she was meeting with this man, Anna, left to herself, began searching Haldora’s computer, clicking on every icon to see what was behind it. At one icon she found a chat room, she read some of the conversations Haldora saved. Anna became aware the conversation was mostly about history and newly read books. It would be uneventful if Anna did not read the name of the person Haldora was talking to, ‘M.A. Warrior’. Anna closed the chat room and kept on searching all other icons. As soon as she clicked she had the indication of password request. Anna was sure of what to type. ‘Michael Alexander’. The password was accepted and Anna found a long list of photographs. She clicked on the first photograph and a slideshow began. All photos were of Michael, most of them taken from the same angle as the window where Anna and Haldora had previously been watching him. Some were taken elsewhere in town and in the near by towns. Some were even taken on the bus. The photos showed him in different styled hair and some looked younger than others. In some photos there seemed to be a presence next to him, but that person was never caught on camera. Anna was now sure of her friend’s obsession. She closed all icons and returned to her study of the computer program that would serve as basis to her work, though her mind was working on the best way to make Haldora meet this man. If nothing else to shatter her illusions.
The work day was coming to an end and the employees left one by one, leaving Anna and Haldora alone. Haldora closed the shop and at a given time she excused herself and ran up to her loft. Anna followed her quietly soon after and saw her sitting on the same spot, again with a cigarette between her fingers, looking out of the window. Anna came back down in time to see the bus arriving and Michael walking to his car, still with his headphones on and his book underneath his arm. As he pulled away Anna caught a glimpse of the dent Haldora had spoken of before. Soon after he was gone Haldora came back down as if nothing had happened. Anna carried on putting books on shelves as if she had seen nothing.
- The store is yours. I need to go put some affairs in order and I may be a while; order food; watch TV in the lounge; whatever you want. -, Haldora suggested.
- I would really like to see you do things, just to get better acquainted with this. -, Anna replied.
- It’s best you take it case by case. Besides I’m going to be doing Foundation stuff and I don’t want to confuse you with that. -, Haldora explained.
Anna took the explanation reluctantly. Haldora sat at her computer and at first she really seemed to be working on Foundation business. After a few hours, Anna walked by and noticed her expression had changed. She had dropped all documents to concentrate only on the screen. Anna made some coffee and noticed a thick book next to the computer. Haldora was now grinning at her own typing. Anna watched her for a while and came close. Haldora stopped typing as soon as she was close.
- Sorry! I was just wondering about that book. It wasn’t here before. -, Anna explained.
- It’s just a history of myths and legends of the Middle Ages. It’s old, but the best. We have the only remaining copies. I’m … searching for a new editor to release it. -, it was obvious Haldora was lying.
Anna smiled and walked back to the lounge to watch TV. She was more attentive to the Haldora’s movements. She awaited her to go to the loft. At long last Haldora passed by.
- I’m going to go upstairs and attend to my garden. -, Haldora explained.
- I’ll be right there. Just want to finish watching this. -, Anna announced.
Haldora went up to the loft. Anna headed immediately to the computer, clicking on the chat room icon and hurriedly read the conversation saved. Haldora’s deception was uncovered. She had been speaking to M.A. Warrior about this very old book she had had next to her while they were talking. From the contents of the conversation she was quiet sure Haldora had read it before. She seemed to have a chronological knowledge of the book. Haldora had not, however, mentioned that the book could be found in Hal’s Book Shop. Anna raised her eyes to check for her friend’s presence and seeing as she wasn’t there, continued with her plan. She registered on the chat room herself and searched for M.A. Warrior, leaving him a message that this book could be found at the shop. She closed the site and leant back on the chair, looking treacherous.
Waiting… Anticipating… So close…

CHAPTER XVII

2007-03-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

The book shop was empty when the lady came in. She looked through the shelves at the many tittles and at long last picked one up for further reading, unaware she was being watched. She walked to the far end of the shop and sat on one of the sofas, to comfortably enjoy her reading.
- Anna? -, a voice sounded from in front of her.
The lady lifted her head upon recognition of her name, but was unable to recognize the person standing in front of her.
- Excuse me, do I know you?
- You told me you would never forget.
- I’m sorry, did we meet as kids?
- It was a very long time, but we were not children. -, Anna looked confused. – I am the reason you have that scar on your hand.
Anna turned her palm up to reveal a scar. The woman revealed a similar one.
- I’ve had this scar ever since I fell off my bike, when I was a kid.
Anna’s hand was joined with the woman’s hand. Soon Anna’s eyes began to move from side to side as if she focused on a fast moving train. What she saw was longer the book shop but her lives live before. She could see her friend from before and all of her journey after her death. She could see the visits to her dreams her friend had made. It was over. Anna was panting but smiling.
- Blood sisters for ever. -, she said leaping from her seat to hug Haldora. – I can’t belive you are really here.
- You seem to forget I cannot die. -, Haldora whispered.
- I can remember. My head feels like it’s going to explode, but I remember.
- Come!
Haldora led Anna to a door, on a side walk of the book shop. They took the stairs towards the loft. Anna walked in and was surprised to see Haldora’s home. To one side there stood large French windows that gave out to a beautiful green garden that sweetened the air. To the other side an open plan home. There was a great fireplace and next to it an incredible small kitchen. In the middle of the room a four post bed, covered in crimson heavy fabric. On one of the walls was a book case with some fairly used books. The rest of the walls was covered in what seemed like frescos.
- This is where you live?
- Yes.
- I love what you’ve done with the place, it’s so … gloomy!
Haldora laughed and led her towards the old sofa in front of the fire. Anna sat down as Haldora put the kettle on the fire for tea.
- This is just like the first time we met. You have to tell me everything that happened to you. How long have you been here?
- I have been here in this loft for a while. But I’ve only come out publicly a couple of years ago, ever since I’ve opened the Book Store. -, Haldora explained as she sat.
- How did you open this place?
- Well… What do you know about the Kilpatrick family?
- They were patrons of the arts for generations. From what I know the last remaining Kilpatricks died in the II World War while taking their book collection to an underground hideout. After the war their daughter resurfaced the collection and founded the Kilpatrick Foundation. They help fight illiteracy and keep being patrons of the arts. -, Haldora was amazed at her knowledge. – I, myself, have applied for one of their scholarships.
- I see. The Kilpatrick’s never had a daughter. - , Haldora revealed.
Anna looked surprised but at the same time she understood.
- You kept their collection. You kept the past.
- Yes. That is something I can take, right?
- Won’t this Foundation and the book store reveal who you are? -, Anna asked concerned.
- I’ve learn how to doge that bullet. It is easier now to fool people. -, Haldora explained grinning.
- But what happened to you ever since I left you? Tell me all. Where did you and where did you live?
- Why don’t I show you instead?
Haldora stood up and raised her hands, as her mentor had done before, she provoked a thick mist to raise from the kettle. From this mist Anna saw Haldora’s lives since her own departure. Anna saw her trip through the England and her stay at the nunnery; her return to the Underworld after nearly burning; her exile on the island after working for the Pope; her stay in timeless limbo and her conversation with Morrigan. Anna then saw Haldora living within the rubble of a destroyed city. Hiding artifacts as well as helping people reconstruct their houses. At last Anna saw her friend pretending to be the Kilpatrick’s daughter, opening the foundation and opening her bookshop. “Hal’s Books”. The mist cleared and Anna was amazed at all the experiences Haldora had been through.
- Why didn’t you ever come find me?
- I did! I came to you in your dreams. I saw you grow through the years. Our mentor? He ascended. He is sitting with the Goddess. -, Haldora explained.
- The Goddess! You spoke to her, she came to you. That’s why you pretended to be the Kilpatrick’s daughter. You still practice it.
- Yes. I could I not.
Anna smiled at her friend.
- You are the friend I always missed and always knew I had. -, Anna stated.
- As well, my dear. But tell me about you! -, Haldora asked as she poured tea into a cup for Anna.
- Well… I’m soon to be evicted and I am just looking for a job. I just finished art school. I came in to check the art books. Lord knows I can’t afford them but seeing you don’t mind having people reading, I thought… -, Anna explained.
- You thought well. You came to the right place. I’m desperately in need of an assistant.
- You do know. If I remember correctly, you don’t sleep; you don’t get tired how can you need an assistant? -, Anna inquired.
- I do! I need some one for when I have to leave. Someone I can trust will continue this shop as I wanted to it to be. -, Haldora explained, - I trust you. If the gods brought you to me, I can’t let you go.
Anna smiled after taking a sip of her tea. She nodded in acceptance. Haldora smiled back. They joined their sacred hands giggling.
- Why don’t I order you a pizza and we can stay up all night talking of the old days. I want to hear everything about you.
- Do you think it’s wise to stay up all night before my first day at a new job?
- It’s ok when you’re with the boss.
The two women spoke the entire night of experiences past. Haldora explained the changes she had gone through. Anna marveled at what her own lives had been. They compared experiences and rekindled their friendship. Anna understood through the course of the evening that Haldora never spoke of her warrior. Anna did not see any experience with him and she found it to be strange, as a matter of respect she did not directly inquired Haldora on the subject, though her doubts were pounding in her head.
Laughter… Emotions… Remembrances… Smiles…

CHAPTER XVI

2007-02-26T12:29:00.002-08:00

CHAPTER XVI
Time was gone and so was motion. Weightless. Haldora floated to nowhere from no place. She closed her eyes and opened them and found nothing to look at. All she had were her thoughts and her dreams.
She could hear the voices of those past that told her their stories. She wanted to leave, but the calmness was such as to make it impossible for her to go. She could not turn away from any spirit. Good bad she was connected to them and could feel all they felt. She could hurt when they hurt and fell her sanity slipping away from her as they did. She could not fight her own feelings. Her dreams ran wild. She could not control. Her mind would race to the anger she felt inside towards all those who had judged her. Her thoughts would show the atrocities she could inflict on them, fueled by the atrocities she would receive from the many spirits. Torture, Murder and Hate.
Haldora fought to leave, but all the fighting took place inside her. She was trapped in her won body, powerless to reverse the game. Her anger still boiled her blood and now she thought Hella had sent her there because she was jealous. Haldora thought of herself as a living goddess. She could see herself being waited on by mortals. Living forever and receiving the same honors she herself had given the gods of before. She was sure Hella would never let her leave, afraid Haldora would replace her.
The desire to leave subsided after a time, undetermined to Haldora. She knew much time had passed by the stories told to her, but how much was a mystery. She was near giving up. Her strength was over. She could not control her thoughts, nor her meditation. She felt as if she would explode from her insides and so resigned herself to fight no more and let Hella win. Before her last breath was drawn she felt herself being invaded by a new kind of light, warm like the sun and cold like the moon, shinning more brightly than the stars, involving like velvet and embracing like a mothers hug. Haldora felt herself being pulled away.
When her eyes were opened she laid on a petal of a flower. She felt the pollen clinging to her body and sniffed the sent. She could move once more.
- Hello, Haldora. – A voice of pure softness greeted.
Haldora turned her head to see and a woman descended step by step down another petal of the same flower.
- I know you are wandering why you are here. -, she said anticipating Haldora’s thoughts. – Let me introduce myself first. You have known me since long but never knew me. I am the one you pray to on Sabbats and Esbats. I am the one you call the Tripple Godess. You may call me Morrigan, for short.
Haldora was astonished. She prostrated herself in front of her Godess, Morrigan smiled and stroked her hair.
- Rise, my girl. We need to talk.
Haldora rouse and sat on the petal.
- You have given me much honor in the past. You have stayed faithful throughout all this time and that has touched my heart. You made a mistake. No one should be made to pay for all eternity for one mistake, although it usually happens. I want to release you from this place. But you must perform a task. Before you say you will, what I ask is not easy.
Haldora nodded her head.
- I would do anything for you my Lady.
- What I ask is not for myself. It’s for you.
- My Lady?
- I haven’t liked your thoughts lately, thoughts of destruction and hate. You must cease all hate in your heart. You must harbor no hate towards Man. They will always be what they always were. Nobody knows this better then you.
- My Lady, I do not think I can stop hating Man. I left their company and I still was persecuted. I searched solace. I received hatred and fear. I gave it back.
Morrigan set her hand on Haldora’s hand and looked her straight in the eyes.
- I can still see the woman who took care of that man. I can still see that woman, who was too shy to speak. I can see her. I can see her sharpening his weapons as he slept, sewing his clothes at the fickle light of a candle. I can see her pocking the fire to keep it alive, cooking soup to feed him, leaving it at his door. I see her leaving medicine for his shoulder. I see that good woman and I can’t recognize this new person in front of me. The woman that gave me grace is not the woman who lived without time. You need to be that good woman again.
Haldora cried at the remembrance of what she used to be and all that had happened in her life.
- Do not cry, my child. I know all you’ve been through and that’s why I am here. You need to change and grow, but not like this. I would never ask something I knew you could not perform.
Haldora knelt down again.
- My Lady I will do what you ask.
- The choice is yours. I will give you freedom. I will retrieve you back to the world of Man and in return you will commit to being the Keeper Knowledge, to maintain my memory and the memory of those in the past alive. I could not think of anyone more suitable. You know the past and the future is yours. The choice is always yours.
Haldora got up from the petal and took a few steps to think of what was asked of her.
- If you can live without hate and keeping what I ask of you. One day, when the time is right, I will grant you a wish. Anything you want. Anything you chose.
Haldora, still with her back turned to Morrigan, had a stream of ideas running through her head. She was hearing a Goddess ask something of her but she had the power of choice. A power she had never used before. Her brain dwelled on the question as Morrigan remained undisturbed on her petal. Haldora turned to give her answer, but before she could utter any word, she saw her body turn into a bright light of purple. She felt her body breaking into a million pieces, like broken glass.
The mirror unbroken…. A figure fainted out…. The clock strikes…

CHAPTER XV

2007-02-26T12:29:00.001-08:00

CHAPTER XV
Haldora opened her eyes in rage. She got up only to find herself surrounded by two men. They stared at her naked body. Haldora tried to get up, but she was caught immediately. The men began to touch her as she screamed for them to let go. One of the men undid his pants. Haldora saw this action and as her rage fueled inside her she screamed so high that the men had to cover their ears. Haldora was thus freed and thought back. She kicked and punched the two men until her hands were covered in blood. When she stopped both men lay on the ground bleeding and motionless. Haldora took quick breaths at the thought of what she had done. Her thoughts were no long lasting because soon she heard voices from a far coming close. She ran into the cave and hid. The voices became more audible and soon echoed upon entering the cave, Haldora could see the flame flickering at the entrance. Her fears became dimmer as the light grew stronger. She was now sure she could fight people off. Haldora made scratching sounds to scare these men, but they were not easily scared. She waited until they were close enough to raise their flame to a roaring fire and appear screaming hysterically in a high pitched tone. The men ran away shouting in their own tongue, while Haldora remained behind laughing. The bodies that remained bothered her, so she moved to a cave higher up on the island. From this spot she could she approaching ships. She gave no other thought to those men she had killed. Morality was no longer on her mind. Her focus was now only in defending her territory.
She soon discovered that people would come to the island in search of her. Men and women would land on the island carrying crosses and candles, torches and weapons. They would try to draw her out. They thought she was a spirit or a demon. Haldora was amused by these people. She had been through this before and had survived. She was unafraid, if anything she was annoyed to be bothered on her territory. She would terrify these people, by causing fires and wild winds. She would haul in the night and growl in the morning. At times some men came very close to her and were able to see her. She would fight as a wild animal to maintain her anonymity. Haldora was taking revenge on all the men that had hurt her on the many men who was only trying to understand who she was.
Other people would leave gifts for her on the sands. They would pray as she had prayed to her gods. They would ask for goof crops and good life. They would ask for her to heal the sick and to better the lives of the oppressed. Haldora would never pick the gifts, but she could see them from her cave and soon she would think she was, too, a goddess. She would believe she was higher then any other god and that she was better then the new God that had persecuted her. When all these thoughts had condensed on her mind she slept soundly believe nothing could hurt her.
She closed her eyes and one night she heard strange sounds in the island. At first she thought either her admirers or her persecutors had landed. When she looked to the bay, there were no ships and she could see no lights in the vegetation. She searched the island for the sounds and soon noticed they came from above. She looked at the sky and saw a thunder storm coming close. In the clouds she could see the outline of a familiar creature. Otr was drawn on the clouds and every thunder sounded like him. Haldora was happy to see him, but his voice was of anger. Before she could hear what he had to say, she ran. She grabbed her bag with her belongings and ran through the rocks. As the twilight drew near she drew near the cliffs of the island. Haldora was so wrapped in her escape she fell straight down the cliff into the waters below.
Haldora swam out of the island the same way she had swam to come to the island. The night was fast approaching and she saw at the distance a figure she thought she would never see again. In her green dress, and appearing in a faint light, floated Hella. Haldora was lifted from the water and now floated as Hella did. She looked as valiant as possible, she was unimpressed with Hella’s presence and actions. Hella hadn’t lost her glarer.
You can not hurt me any more. -, reminded Haldora.
- There are many ways to disrupt one’s life line.
- You have no power over me. I don’t believe your power.
- That’s your choice! -, Hella warmly said. – Just remember you were not the only one who believed.
- So much power and you’re letting your people die?
- So his He! -, Hella reminded pointing to the skies. – If I were you I would leave here. I would go far. You should know that things like what just happen may happen again. By now you should have the same opinion as me. Mortals are… terrible. Insignificant. Worse then beasts. Yet you insist on living among them.
- I was like them. I don’t belong with you. I may hate them now, but I love them, because they are me. -, Haldora cried.
- You have no idea of your potential and because of that you will always be persecuted.
- Hella, why don’t you just leave me alone?
- Good idea.
Haldora felt her body being consumed by a cold blue fire. She could feel herself being lost in time.
Her hears heard nothing… Her mouth tasted nothingness… Her body felt emptiness.

CHAPTER IV

2007-02-26T12:25:00.001-08:00

CHAPTER XIV
For the longest of times Haldora lived on an abandoned island. People would come by sometimes, but she would never make her presence be known, she would hide in the many caverns of white rock, this place had to offer. After a long stay on the island most of Haldora’s clothes wore thorn and she decided she needed no clothes since she was alone on this place. The climate and the sea water were warm though she always needed to take cover during the day, the sun was very strong and the island was not abundant on shade.
Haldora’s time was spent between her perfection of her abilities, specially the abilities Otr had passed on to her and the meditation she so required to hear news of the world through the mouths and minds of the spirits. They would tell her of their lives before death and Haldora would record every detail in her mind. She heard of wars between religions and of wars between countries. She would learn new words and languages. Haldora was learning and sometimes took pause to understand it. She was unable to understand the world of today without seeing the world of yesterday. At time she could almost see what Otr had meant, when spirits told their story and she could almost feel as they did, but it was still hard.
Haldora lay down, one day, and took her breaths to visit her spirit companions; she entered a different place, though. It was odd. She could feel energies in the air, but they were unlike she had ever felt. She could see a grand corridor of light with foggy, fuzzy images on its sides as walls. The people portrayed on these images were not all spirits. Haldora began to walk through this corridor and found both spirits and mortals standing in front of their image of choice, watching as the action unfolded. It was as if paintings were coming to life. Some of the observers gazed at her as she walked; Haldora was scared to address any of them. She stopped in front of one of the images and watched it for a while. Unbeknownst to her a figure approached.
- It’s the Hall of Dreams. -, this figure stated.
Haldora looked to her side and saw this creature of pure light. She could see it looked like her, but it had wings.
- I am a guide. -, it said, reading Haldora’s thoughts. – If you think of them they will come.
The figure disappeared and Haldora was left to herself on that long corridor. She took the guide’s advice. Her thoughts had been long in wondering whether or not she could see anyone she missed on these images. She first thought of her mentor. The many images moved as a block to show in front of her the images of her mentor’s dream. He dreamt of their beloved circle of stones, where they and many others used to pray to the gods and practice the old crafts. He dreamt he was praying alone, when the God of the Hunt came from the shadows of the woods and touched him. Haldora smiled as she saw this vision unveil. She was happy to find her mentor still in touch with the old arts, so many years had passed that she had thought he had been taken away by the new trends.
She next thought of Anna, who had said she would never forget her. Again the images moved as a block and in front of her she could see her friend, younger then what she had been before, dreaming of being a student in a collage, studying along side the men. She would sit in the library reading avidly and taking endless notes. Haldora laughed at her toughness. Anna had not changed at heart, though her priorities had changed. At this moment Haldora understood what Otr had tried to tell her. She would have to abandon time and concentrate on the today. She would always have the benefit of knowledge but she would have to weigh the present and not the past.
There was only one other person Haldora wanted to see. She dreaded to wish to see him, but her will was far greater then her dread. In the blink of an eye the image was in front of her. Her warrior was no longer a warrior. He was a student or a teacher. She could see him in a heated discussion over the truth of God and the fact of Science. Yet he discussed it with no one but himself. He was alone in his room speaking to his shelves full of books and no one else. Haldora came closer to the image and stretched her arm to feel his energy more intensely. She did not notice her fingers crossing the barrier of light and entering the action. He did. He turned and found her presence within his room. He dropped to his knees. Haldora still in somewhat of a shock, approached touching his hair. He spoke in almost incomprehensible words. He kissed her feet mumbling, Haldora felt a rush as his lips touched her skin. She took his head in her hands and looked him in the eyes smiling beneath her watered eyes. She bent down and kissed his lips. His expression was that of surprise. He rose and Haldora believed he understood who she was. She touched his face with her fingertips and in their original tongue told him her name and how she had missed him. His expression was now of fear. Her language was rough and almost unpronounceable. He took a step back and Haldora followed him. Unable to make herself understood she tried the many languages she understood to convey the same message. With each she was only succeeding in scaring him even more. Before she could arrive to the one language he might understand, she saw his figure disappear in front of her eyes as she felt herself being pulled back to the Hall of Dreams.
Blue eyes opened in confusion and fear…

CHAPTER XIII

2007-02-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER XIII
As the sun showed his face after so many days of hiding, so was Haldora able to leave her hiding place. A whole on the bark on an old tree had been her home. Haldora walked barefoot through a great green and muddy field. She was happy to fell the ground beneath her. It seemed Otr had giving her a gift, the gift of touch. Her skin did not feel as cold as before, thought it still had a pale tonality. The sun still was hurtful to her eyes, but the sheer pleasure of being among mortals again made the hurt worth while. The country she was in was completely different then the one’s she had been. The sun was warm and the breeze was light, there was a faint smell of the sea in the air. She walked until she found a large town. Her first instinct was to hide. Haldora looked at herself; she smiled, she could think of no reason why she could not pass for mortal. She headed for the large town.
As she entered this busy town, she found people, who spoke a new language, they almost seemed to sing. They were selling in a market place, similar to the one’s she knew in her own village. If their clothes had been different this could be any given day in her hometown. She walked across this market, till she reached a stand, where dresses were exposed. She stopped to admire them. She touched one of the dresses and the owner of the stand came and shoved her away. Haldora came back. The lady in front of the stand seemed angry and spoke as loud as she could, though Haldora could not make out what she was saying. Haldora showed the lady, the dress was torn. The lady was amazed she could see such a tiny tare. Haldora moved behind the stand, to find needles and threads. She separated each thread, till she had only one. She threaded it into the needle and with a masters precision she sewed the tiny tare. The lady was amazed at what had happened. Although they did not spoke the same language, Haldora began working for this lady as a seamstress.
Haldora’s fame was great. Soon the small stand in the market place grew into a small shop. Haldora was earning money but most important was that she was accepted. After a few months, Haldora could already speak the language of this new country. She understood her fame, but remained quiet about her past. She kept quiet about everything, her partner seemed to talk for both of them and people perceived Haldora as mute and she had never gone against it. She was known as the dumb seamstress.
As Haldora worked one day, men in uniforms came to the door of her small shop. They entered and surround her. Haldora’s partner was fearful of what would be. Haldora showed no fear, because she had none. One of the guards asked Haldora to follow him, she obliged him, head raised and a serious look across her face. The guards led her through the streets, where people stopped to look at her. Strangely they did not look at her in fear as her partner had, the looked in pride. Haldora was confused but showed nothing. They came into the finest part of town, where her simple clothes were in gross contract to the beautiful flowy light dress. Her blue velvet dress, sown by her hands, was completely out of place, once she realized where she was. Haldora was brought to the largest church she had ever seen. She crossed herself immediately, so not to arouse suspicions. She began to summon her own energy. She would be prepared this time.
A man wearing a long red gown came from the altar towards her. Haldora looked him in the eyes. The man blessed her in the old language of the church in Wessex. Haldora lowered her head. The man observed her. She did not show any humility.
- Do you know who I am? – The man asked.
Haldora shook her head.
- Have you any idea as to why I called you here?
Again she shook her head.
- Are you really without speech, child?
Haldora nodded.
- Good! You will be perfect. I need your services. You will live here and sow my gowns. I am in need of many gowns. Now that I am pope, I need to look the part. – The man ordered.
Haldora could not argue with such a request. The guards took her away to her work room, where fabrics were pilling up. She showed no happy feelings. She was angry. Not with this men, but with herself. She was again too close to anyone who could suspect who she was. Already she thought on how she would escape this new situation. She looked around the room and thought it to be her new prison, where she would be a slave. Soon she discovered however that the door was not locked behind her and that no guard was posted on her door. She was free to roam this great palace. Haldora smiled at this discovery. She was sure that no one could know who or what she was. No one could know unless she betrayed it.
Haldora worked for this man, the Pope, who she did not understand, for many years. She would learn about the new God, more and more, but would also be more and more disappointed with it. This Pope was supposed to be the head of this religion, the one who represented the new God on earth, but his behavior was not one of values, it was not what he preached, many times had they traveled through this new country, Italy, in the company of clowns and other strange people. His processions looked like the parades Haldora had seen before, when it was time for the changing of the year, where people would dress other costumes so that the demons would not recognize them when they harm to earth for that one day. These actions brought many generations to death at the ends of the new God believers. Still today she would hear of these deaths occurring, yet they leader of the new God believers would lavish in his palace.
Haldora took the opportunity to learn the arts of this new country. This Pope was interested in painting and sculpting, and would invite many artists to be in his company. Many of them would work on the great palace and on the great church. She watched closely as each of them explained their plans and execute them. Her learning was astounding. She was capable of understanding and repeating most of what she had learned within hours of her learning. Because she was thought to be dumb no one ever was suspicious of her and all talked openly around her. Most thought her to be illiterate as well as so would leave books lying around. Whenever possible she would steal a book and read it. At first she only read books about God, but soon she read manifestos about how God was not needed in the new society of men of thought and reason. Haldora soaked all the information she could, never neglecting her one true gods and her friends from the other side.
The years ran long and Haldora was now ready to leave this palace. People would age and she would not, no longer could she hold the secret of who she was. She had formulated a plan, which involved her supposed death, so no one would look for her. One afternoon she left the comfort of the palace and went outside for a walk. She went back to her old shop, which had closed since she was no longer working there. She made sure many people saw her go inside and then, once inside she started a grant fire. She escaped through a small window in the back and watched safely as people attempted to rescue her. By the time the fire was put out nothing remained. It was hard to recognize the wood let alone a body within the rubble.
Haldora fled the city carrying what little she could as if being chased and soon found herself on the plain she had landed. She could see the tree that had housed her during the rains. That was not the only thing she could she. The night was close and by the faint light of the twilight she could see people. Not living people but spirits. They all walked this field, some towards the city and others to other locations. She could tell some were aware of their condition, they would speak to other spirits and behave naturally, others were not, they would walked without baring and would look around in scare. Some still had upon them the marks of their death, be it in their distorted faces or opened unhealed wounds. Haldora stood on that plain taking in this new world she could see and hear. She found that many of them could see her as well. In her mind she secretly asked herself what would be a safe place for her. A young spirit girl came close and pointed the way. Haldora could hear her directions in her head as clear as any sound. She thanked the spirit and began her trip. This spirit would never leave her side. She would continuously speak into Haldora’s head of the new discoveries of mortals and the way she should take to reach her safe haven.
At last… the island…

CHAPTER XII

2007-02-26T12:21:00.002-08:00

CHAPTER XII
Dust in nostrils and aches in the bones...
Haldora awoke to confusion and disorientation. Around her were no longer the flames, nor the walls, nor the men, only bars. She was in a cage. From a far she could not quiet make out what sounds were heard but she was sure she had heard them before. Her scar was aching like never before and she was not able to concentrate herself to meditate. A familiar smell strokes the air and as Haldora lifted her head to see, she again got a glimpse of the rotting flesh of legs kicking a green dress open. She was sure where she was. Hella was again before her. She sat down on a chair in front of the cage, smiling mischievously as before.
- Did you think I had forgotten you? – Hella asked.
Haldora gave no answer.
- A God never forgets, Haldora... or should I say Isabeaux? You really did not think just because you were baptised you would get rid of me, did you now? Acts mean nothing unless you believe them. – Hella proped her head on her fist – Still it was a nice gesture, after what happened in the cave. Did you think it would soften his heart if you were baptised? Or perhaps that he would recognize you if you had the same name as the other woman? I have to say you are pathetic. You endured ten years of a monastery, mouthing words you didn’t believe, for what?? Did you think he’d come to visit?
Haldora sat with her back to the wall, leaning her head to her knees, breathing through the pain and trying to concentrate.
- Do not try the tricks you learned overhere. They do not work. Up above there are places where beings like you live and all those ... things work. You are in my kingdom and I rule over all those creatures. I rule you. -, she smilled
Haldora raised her head.
- Why did you take me now? Why wait? -, she asked in rage.
- There is the insolence I was lacking. I missed this kind of entertainment.
- Why did you not just let me die?
Hella leaned front, almost rubbing her nose on the bars.
- You are already dead, my dear. If anything I rescued you from a bodiless existence. The fire would have consumed your body and you would be left with nothing but spirit, essence. How would you find your warrior then?
Haldora became angrier, her breathes were heavier and shorter.
- Maybe this time you will not go after him. He did cause your death... Twice.
Haldora lept from her spot and threw herslef towards the bars in an arrempt to break them. Upon contact she felt her skin burn; she screamed and fell on the ground. Hella’s laughter echoed throughtout the room, as she threw herself back on her chair, her voice as terrible as she.
- Had you forgotten how that felt? It’s called pain if you remember correctly. Get used to it; it will be your companion. And when you enjoy its company I’ll make it hurt more. No one escapes me. Let’s see if you can remember that this time.
Hella rouse from her chair and softly walked towards the door, behind her laid Haldora still aching. She looked at her arms scourged from the burns. Before Hella disappeared in the darkness, Haldora tried once more to break the bars by using her clothes as shield. She threw herself again, but her skin still burned under her intact clothes. Hella kept walking as Haldora cried over her exposed flesh.
Wounds never heal in the Underworld, Haldora soon discovered. With her body as an open wound, she could not find a way to rest comfortably. It seemed the entire cage was made of fire. From time to time she would swear she could hear the voice of her warrior from a distance, calling for her. She would move her eyes and in the dark, she was sure she could see him stretching his arms towards her, she would desperately try to move to meet him, but no movement from her, as aching as it was, could bring her any closer to him. As she tried as hard as she could to leave her body, so the pain would stop, she could sometimes see parts of her warrior’s many lives. She could not understand where he was, but she could see him. After a while she believed all those visions to be untrue, Haldora believed Hella was tricking her to keep her in pain and despair. Her mind began to weaken.
Haldora let out a loud scream as she tried to move again. As her scream echoed through the halls, she could hear a roar from afar; she knew this sound only to well.
- Otr. -, she called out.
A roar was heard back. Haldora smiled, not knowing exactly why.
- We’re all prisoners of something.
Haldora tried with all her strength to forget her pain and centre her thoughts She managed to leave her aching body and walk among the spirits, she still ached, but this new form of existence was an improvement from her body. As a bodiless spirit she focussed on finding one who could heal her, but none of the spirits would take an interest. She patiently waited for the energy of another to touch her, but none came. She soon felt her energy falter and as a result her spirit slowly descended towards her body. Before she could enter her body again, she felt something hold her and pull her back to the previous plain of existence. She opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by gray scaled and long white claws.
- I will not let you go. -, Otr spoke.
- You can speak? -, she asked feeling her strength upon her again.
- Most dragons can speak the mortal tongues. Although you seem to know many more from the ones I’ve learned over the years,
- You are here with me?
- Yes. Men did not learn to do this by themselves. The ancient creatures taught them.
- Heal me. -, she requested in a half cry. –I know dragons can do that.
- We can. If I do Hella will hurt you more. She will probably hurt me to.
- What does she want with me?
- I am the spirit of a dragon her father killed long ago. She as never allowed me to forget who I was and how powerful I was. Now I’m her pet.
- I’m her entertainment.
- The Underworld was a place where one would come to be condemned for a crime they would never remember. One soon realizes Hella is doomed to the same fate. Haldora, Hella needs someone to rule over. When you died our time was already ending. You became our salvation. You remember us.
- What?
- The creatures of old are being forgotten. Those who believe in them are persecuted. You remain. -, Otr explained.
- Hella wasn’t rescuing me. She was rescuing herself.
- Forgetfulness is our biggest fear. She will keep you here forever. While you remember we live. Your resistance is so great you will last eternities. And what she fails to grasp I understand. As the new god has a second coming, so can we.
- Otr. Are you saying the new God has beaten the old Gods? How?
- It is not a question of battle or war. It’s a question of belief. The new God is easier to believe. One by one we are forgotten.
- I can’t believe that.
- I know you can’t. Your mind is as it was eras ago when you died. I’ll show you.
Otr flapped his long gray wings and mists appeared from the movement, it clouded all the other spirits and left them alone. Haldora sat on his paw and looked in between the claws to find they were flying. The journey was one that Haldora remembered very well. They were going to Valhalla. Haldora envisioned herself jumping from the same place Loki had thrown her to escape the Underworld.
The doors were still there, but they were not the same, the brightness was gone. Otr opened the doors to relieve a empty room, dark, dingy, with the odor of rotting food. Haldora could scarce believe this had once been a golden room, where warriors waited for Odin’s command. There was no one there, just shadows.
- Odin’s war is over. He doesn’t need his warrior’s any more. -, Haldora attempted to convince herself.
- People don’t come here anymore. They take another path. They call it Heaven. -, Otr explained.
- Why won’t they come here? This is where they belong.
- People just stopped believing. The truth is Hella hasn’t had many visitors since you left.
Otr let her down from his hand and wonder the grand hall.
- None of it is real. -, Otr explained. – It’s all on the mind. Focuss strong enough and you will see it as it was. The Underworld is hanging by a thread.
She quickly searched the Hall of lives to find it empty. The strings were on the floor, the waters were dry. The dust embraced all things, stealing brightness and color. Haldora fell to her knees. A shaped appeared before her. A mortal hand led her chin up. Haldora was in the presence of her warrior. Instead of feeling joy for his shape, she could feel nothing but anger.
- Your curse is your blessing. -, Otr’s voice spoke through this body. - You have the memory of times. Learn new things and let go of the past. Open your mind. Remember this lesson, remember what you saw today. Remember illusions. Remember belief. Remember forgetfulness. Remember me.
- Are you scared of being gone?
- Forgetfulness is worse then death, but I am the last of my kind and my reason for being is… gone. Hella was the only thing keeping me here.
- Hella. We are all her prisoners.
- We are all prisoners of something; it’s up to us to break the cage.
Otr took her face between his hands and let her to his lips. Haldora fought the act, pressing her lips. He embraced her and his illusion was so great, that for a second in time she forgot Otr was standing before her instead of this figure. She allowed him to kiss her and as she returned his embrace, the two were engulfed by a red smoke that seemed to enter Haldora through her mouth. She could feel a strange taste in her mouth, but before she could react to it she heard a loud scream. Her eyes opened and she was again in her cage.
Hella stormed in the room, grabbing the bars in the cage and ripping them like paper. Haldora rouse from the ground quickly. Hella knew immediately she was well again. Hella grabbed her by her arms and held her up from the ground as a child.
- What did you do to him? -, Hella asked in the most terrifying voice Haldora had ever heard.
- I did nothing.
- Otr is dead. What did you do? What trick did you use?
- Otr was already dead. -, Haldora slowly announced, - So am I. So are you.
- You will live the rest of eternity in pain. I will tore your flesh out and make you grow another. I will inflect wounds and cure them, to make them come again.
Hella threw Haldora in the air. Haldora landed on the other side on the room, surprisingly unarmed. She got up and looked Hella right in the eyes.
- I don’t believe you anymore.
- No! -, Hella realized what Otr had done before his death.
- I forget you.
- No! -, Hella knelt down.
- I forget you. -, Haldora raised her voice.
- No! -, Hella shouted.
- I forget you! -, Haldora shouted.
The whole of the room seemed to break as glass and as Haldora fell trough the ground, all she could remember was the solitary tear that ran through Hella’s face as all of her spirits deserted her and all of her illusions faded.
Rain for days on end… Touch returning…

CHAPTER XI

2007-02-26T12:21:00.001-08:00

CHAPTER XI
Haldora crossed the mountains that separated two countries hopping these mountains would keep the Christians with their torches away. She walked day and night, for weeks, before she could have a glimpse of this new land. The name of it she did not know, but she was unhappy to fins this new land did not possess such dense woods where she could hide. Now real fear shadowed her way. She felt naked when she walked, unable to hide when someone came close. The roads were busy and Haldora stayed away from them, she much preferred to walk through the endless fields of olive trees. The trees were so small, she could almost touch the top of them and that was her only source of entertainment.
Haldora came to an abandoned house, at the centre of a plain. Waiting near it for a few days, she was certain no one lived there or near there. She made it her own. For weeks she would live in this house, meditating and fearing to be caught. She could feel no one around her but the voices. Months were now passed in half-felt bliss.
One night of clear moonlight, Haldora came to plain and raised her arms to the moon and for a long time prayed as she had prayed on that stone circle years before, she felt her connection as strong as before and her memoirs were turned into tears as she reviewed her life at that place. She was sure those had been the best moments of her time. As she stood on this form of contemplation, she was sighted from a far by passing men on horses. They drew near to get a better look and witness her speak in her native tongue to the skies. They were frightened by the harshness of her sounds and crossed themselves as they heard. Haldora lowered her hands and let her head fall to the front, as she allowed all of the energy to flow out of her body. In this instant of rest the men found an opportunity to seize her. Haldora did not even understood what had happened, she saw herself on a horse, with rope around her wrists and cloth on her face.
She was shoved into a small and damp cell, which reminded her of her convent days, except this place had the smell of death and burnt flesh all around. She could hear twice as much voices in her head, they spoke a different language and Haldora was unable to fully understand them, she could understand they spoke in fear and anger. Haldora took some time to understand what was going on, but from the screams of the voices and the stench in the air, she understood she had fallen into the hands of the people she had spent so many years running from. She knelt down and began to pray in the Latin tongue, she knew she was being watched on the other side of the door. She paid no attention to the rats and insects that passed by her while she prayed.
Two men, a friar and a man of higher class were together by her door, listening to her pray. They spoke her native language, they seemed to discuss something. Finally the friar opened the door and they both entered. Haldora did not stop her praying. The friar spoke in Latin first, though she could understand she pretended not to. The other men then spoke in the French tongue and more then recognize the language she could recognize the voice. Haldora looked to find she was in the presence of her warrior, he was much older then before, but was there with her nonetheless. She answered his question for her name.
- Isabeaux.
- Isabeaux. Were you out last night with your arms raised to the moon? – He translated for the friar.
- I was praying for God to take me away from my misery. – She answered, raising her arms up.
- Witnesses said they heard you speaking in tongues. – He translated.
- I was speaking in the language of my native land.
He looked to the friar and then came closer to her.
- If you want to save yourself, it is best you tell me your story. Where do you come from?
She sat on the ground, near his foot.
- I came from a village in the land of the Anglos, across the sea. I came here after I left the convent.
- A convent?
- Yes. I was raised in one. I left and then I came here. I have no money, no family and no home, sir, I was praying to God to take me away. – She told.
- Where’s your family?
- They are death, sir. What’s going to happen to me, sir?
He drew away from her and took the friar out of the cell, closing the door behind them. Haldora was left inside, alone. She resumed her praying and was not silent until the break of day.
The friar and the higher class man had a meeting with another men, he wore a red gown and seemed to be a high authority in that community. They both reported what they had heard from Haldora’s mouth and were confronted by the facts related by the witnesses.
- If she says she was in a convent, there will be records of it, no doubt. – Concluded the man in red. – There is only one place to pray to God and only one language. I don’t know if we can believe what she says. The devil has many faces and uses many deceptions.
- I will send a letters to search for an Isabeaux. - The friar stated as he left the room.
- Thank you my good man, for your interpretation of her language. You will be rewarded for the service to the Church.
- Thank you. I was wondering if you will need me to continue to talk to her. Tell her the charges.
- You are a good man. She will know her charges when the time is right, rest assured.
Many months were passed with Haldora praying duly. She would eat the rotting food she was given and would ask grace before forcing it down her throat. She would say mass when she heard the bells of the neighboring church. At night she would pretended to sleep. She would talk to the rats around her to pass the time and would sometimes meditate. From time to time the friar would come to hear her confession, she would beg for God’s forgiveness, she call herself a sinner and would pound her fists on her chest blaming herself for all her faults. She would often say she repented, though she never said of what. She was eventually put to work for the sisters of a convent near by. She would clean the rectory and would attend mass and praying hours. She would have to work her sins away; till it was confirmed she was indeed baptized and had repented.
Haldora would see her warrior, when mass was over trying desperately to scribble on pieces of paper, while looking at the statue of the Holly Mother. One day she approached him and sat close to him. He threw her an untrusting eye.
- Do you write stories about our Holly Mother? – She asked shyly.
- No. She gives me inspiration.
- What do you write about? – She asked and every word she said seemed to calm him down.
- Just stories.
- Can I read one?
- You wouldn’t understand them, there are in another language. – He got up to leave.
- Thank you. – She said. –For talking for me.
He crossed himself and left.
Haldora got back to work.
The next day, as Haldora was cleaning the seats of the Church, she found a stack of papers written in Latin. She took them to her bosom and hid them in her dress. After her work was done she sat by her window and read the papers in the dark, as if she had a candle by her.
«These are the stories of a poor Italian man who came to the realm of the Spaniards to find a better life. », said the first sheet.
The story was one of love and Haldora could not put it down the whole night. It told of two lovers who were divided by a wall and were unable to see each other, but still loved each other. Haldora hoped as she had never allowed herself to hope that she would now be able to be with her long lost and awaited warrior. At the end of the pages was not the long waited ending but another note. « The confessionary. » Haldora smiled as she had not done in a while.
In the morning after first mass she entered the confessionary and there remained quiet till she heard someone enter on the other side. The small door was open and she could see through the cracks that it was him. He was impatient and a tad frightened.
- It was a beautiful story.
- It’s just a roman story, told a thousand times. I don’t know why I showed it to you. Maybe…because you’re also a foreigner in this country. Maybe I thought you’d understand. – He explained.
- You write beautifully.
- I wanted to write something original.
There was a silence. She could feel his warm breath on her hand and he tried to make her out from the cracks.
- Meet me outside. – She requested, running away afterwards.
He walked off the church and circled it looking for Haldora. He found her at one of the back passages. She pulled him inside. He could feel her coldness, which sickened him.
- I want to tell you a story. It’s close to the one you wrote. There was this girl, she loved a man, but their love was forbidden. She was going to be a sister. He would write poems and leave them buried in the dirty outside the Church. She would put it in her Bible. She would pray to forgive him, but she couldn’t.
- What happened to her?
- I don’t know. You finish it. Just remember their love. Her love.
She took his hand and placed on her bosom.
- Many loves live here.
His expression turned suddenly. He grabbed her dress and ripped it open, showing her scar that had shriveled even more with the passing of time. He grab her by the arm immediately and nearly dragged her to the jail where she had been. Once there she was exposed to the authorities as the possessor of a mark. The definitive sign of the devil.
No prays nor words could dissuade the priests. They dragged her to a chamber where the smell of death was greater and the pieces of rotting flesh were still on the ground. She was teased with hot coals and though she knew none of those objects would hurt her she became increasingly angrier. Men from every side told her what each instrument would do, but what pained her more was to see her warrior, who only moments before was so fond of her shout to see her hurt.
Without anyone knowing the fire on the candles and one the ground began to grow and the room became more lit. When this was noticed the room was in flames and the door was unreachable. Men ran from side to side, coughing from the smoke and attempting to leave, dodging the falling pieces of the wooden roof. Haldora stood in the centre of the room, watching as her aggressors as they burnt. A scream was heard louder than the others over the crackling sound of burning wood and the sound of the caving building. She turned and her warrior was now a living torch.
Concentration… Blowing cool wind… Moldy smell…

CHAPTER X

2007-02-26T12:20:00.001-08:00

CHAPTER X
The damp walls smothered Haldora. She would mechanically follow the daily routine. She was forbidden to go to the gardens so her heathen ways would not resurface. Her days were spent copying the new books and sowing,. She was able once to smuggle a velvet cloth and in the secret of the darkness, she sewed a dress like the one she had worn the day she had died. This reminded her of who she was since she felt it easy to forget everything after hearing the countless masses. She struggled to keep track on her festivals and of the phases of the moon, time was lost inside those walls and she was lost in routine.
Her words and gestures were false, and when she prayed in silence she prayed to her own god. The new God had nothing for her. He had died as a man, killed by man, but he was no man. Nothing made sense. Haldora was not at all convinced this new God was anything good, but all the people seemed to embark in his words, so she also pretended to be.
When she could speak the words of the Lord intelligently she was brought to a priest to be baptized. Her head was anointed and washed with water. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost she was now known to God and people as Isabeaux. This name was only the name of her outer shell; inside she remained the Haldora faithful to her Gods.
After a few decades, she was let out to the world as a wife of Christ. She walked out of the gates to see the world again. And she was a wife of Christ no more. No more darkness, no more dampness with four walls. She was again in her element. Upon leaving the convent, she headed straight for the harbor and took the first boat she could away from the land she had grown to love. Her new life would begin in the kingdom of France away from the eyes of the Anglos. Now a sea would be between them.
Upon her arrival she set about making a name for herself as a seamstress and in her space time she would look for her herbs. This land had new kinds of herbs and trees and Haldora was happy she could still train herself to recognize new things. Her life was quiet again. Every decade or so she would move to another remote town, which became increasingly difficult as towns grew bigger and people moved more around the country. In every step she took, she had a bit of fear of being discovered. She would hear stories of the women thought to be witches and who were killed and how they were killed. The description of their actions, Haldora understood them to be her sisters. They seem to share the same ideals and do the same work. Haldora grew angrier at this new God, Christ, whose only intent was to punish people for things they had not even done yet. He would allow people to be killed in His name and seemed to do nothing but promise them a great after life. She had heard in the convent that this new God had expelled the Devil from Heaven and it was this creature that ruined men. He was the corrupter. But men had also been expelled from Heaven. She could not help to thing, when she sat down to spend the night some where on the many fields were she slept, that this new God, wherever He was to be blamed for all the madness of this world. Devil or no she would take no chance, she would go to church and pray, but she would stay away from most people, preferring to say in the woods in caves or wholes in trees, rather then being seen in town.
The name Isabeaux was soon in the mouths of many of the town’s people, though she was a great seamstress people were doubtful of her because of her allusive ways. Talks were heard and looks were cast when she would attend church. Haldora felt the pressure, but the proof came the day the priest hesitated when giving her communion.
She made up her mind… Isabeaux would be no more…

CHAPTER IX

2007-02-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER IX
Haldora’s journey was now many months old and had taken her through many towns. She sold some of her remedies and made many dresses to support herself, but she could not stay in one place for too long. She was sure someone would find out what she was. The symbol around her neck was no longer her safety. She could hear people talking about the cross bearers who were killed because they lied. Haldora was sure she would be next. At one of the towns she entered the house of the new god. She mimicked the gestures of the people and tried to understand why those four stone walls were the house of this new god, why didn’t he live outside as hers did. She heard the readings of the priests in this new language and after a while she began to understand this new language. The teachings of this new god were strange to her. He spoke in riddles and she was unable to grasp the complete sense of what he wanted to say. She soon was gone from that place but the new teachings remained fresh in her head. If she would encounter people she wanted to make sure she could speak as they did and pass for one of them.
In between towns, Haldora stopped by a river and as it was an exceptionally sunny day, she found a remote, hidden, place, removed her clothes and jumped in for a swim. As she dove into the black cold waters, the sound of the splash caught the attention of some soldiers stationed near. They came close, slowly to arouse no suspicion. Behind some bushes they observed as Haldora swam. Her pale white body contrasted with the darkness of the waters and her long hair wrapped around her body like a weed as she turned in the water. She swam like a mermaid, remaining below water for the longest of times. The soldiers remained observing long after she had noticed them there. She swam to shore, where covered by her long hair, she concentrated her energy to make the land slide. Down the hill came the two soldiers, landing in the water. She quickly dressed and ran away, as the two soldiers tried to come out of the water. They left the water and began to chase her. Haldora thought she would be safe as soon as she entered the woods, but as she was close a horse crossed her path, throwing her down. On the ground she laid as dead, the horse immediately touched her with his nose, as if wandering if she was dead.
- I am alive, little one. – She spoke to the horse as she lifted herself.
As soon as she did the two soldiers grabbed her. She looked at the men on the horse and the crown on his head denoted him as a king. She lowered her head. He was curious about her.
- Bring her with. – He ordered.
Haldora was pushed to run behind the king’s horse. The horse kept on trying to look back at her and she smiled at him. The king noticed this behavior which formed his opinion of this woman.
Haldora was brought to a grand hall in a castle. She kneeled as soon as the soldier let her go. The king was unimpressed. His knights began to appear from the different doors around the hall, they all stared at Haldora with curiosity, looking at the king waiting for his explanation.
- Did you know that it is a crime to god to expose yourself? – The king asked.
- Yes, sire, I do. I beg yours and god’s forgiveness. – Haldora responded.
- You should be flogged for your sin. – One of the knights suggested.
- I watched you in the river. – The king explained. – I saw you dive and not come up. How did you do that? – Sounds of gasp and amazement were heard.
- I hold my breath, sire. – She explained in fear.
- I know of no Christian man who can do that, why should you do it?
- I do not know sire.
- Maybe if I bring a tin of water you can show me how you do that.
- My Lord Jesus Christ did not prove himself to the one’s who doubted him. – She crossed herself as she said these words.
The king came close to her and made her get up. He grabbed her face and looked her right in the eyes.
- You heathen bitch. You are not worthy to say the name of the lord.
- Thou shall not take the Lord’s name in vain. – She automatically responded.
The king slapped her. Haldora threw herself on the floor to seem weak.
- You may wear the symbol of Christ around your neck, but I can see God is not in your heart. You had the audacity to compare yourself to Him. How dare you? I should kill you where you stand.
Haldora got up and stared the king in the face.
- Before you do, allow me to say this. If you want to win the next tournament, I suggest you rest your horse and ride another till then. Your horse complained of a sore leg, he has not healed since you fell from that great ravine. He will heal in time if you stop ridding him. You will have victory if you do.
The king paused for thought as the knights commented this new information between them.
- How did you know?
- Sire as declared me a heathen, then I must be so. I do only my heathen duty. – Haldora explained.
- Insolence. How entertaining. If you lie you will be killed.
- And if I tell the truth?
The king sat on his throne and thought, many of the knights shouted she should die and others that she should be close to the king.
- Let her be converted. – One voice sounded from the back.
The knights turned and so did Haldora. Sitting on a chair, her warrior looked at her, healed and well. He rose from his chair and walked over to her. She looked him in the eyes half praying to be recognized, half praying to be a stranger. His eyes denoted some familiarity and as he drew near she could swear he knew who she was. He ripped the cross from her neck.
- If she wants to wear this symbol so much, why not make it real? - He explained.
The king smiled at the idea. Her warrior looked at her one more time and she could smell his skin again.
- We shall baptize you and you shall live in a convent till you are a child of Christ.
Haldora bowed in gratefulness.
- Your name shall be… -, suggested the king.
- Isabeaux. – She immediately answered.
The warrior looked at her surprised.
- Isabeaux? That is a beautiful name. You shall be baptized as Isabeaux.
She was taken away by soldiers and her basket was taken as well, as it passed by the warrior he sniffed a familiar smell and turned his head. Memories were raised.
As Haldora foresaw the king’s horse healed and the tournament was won.
She was taken to the convent that very day. As soon as the heavy door closed behind her, she was taken away and stripped of her heathen clothes, and then she was dressed in her new Christian clothes and taken immediately to her cell. The heavy key turned the lock and she cried knowing she had lost her chance with her warrior. Her new companions were a bed, a candle and the bible, other then that only her friend the darkness.
Darkness… Crying… Echoing silence…

CHAPTER VIII

2007-01-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

One by one all the men died and Haldora became the highest priestess of the rituals. She would pick the herbs and prepare the remedies, copy the parchments and keep them safe. At times of festivals she would prepare the food and the instruments, she would run the ritual when she was alone and when more of her companions in religion appeared she would take a second position. All of the followers agreed that Haldora had been a great pupil and that her strength was ever growing. Most importantly she would train herself to be centered as her mentor had told her. Alone in this place she would meditate and tried to see the world with her third eye. She could now control the voices around her hearing only when she wanted. She was learning to control things like fire and water and fog, how to raise them and lower them. She was close to achieving what her mentor had done to her. She was close to see all of a person’s life. She could see much but not entirely.
Many decades passed and Haldora understood her appearance would not change and that that was starting to draw too much attention. She began to plan her disappearance. She took part of the celebration of the New Year in the Samahain. The next day she would soon start a new life. The night was brightened by the light of the full moon. Haldora said the rites and asked for better crops, peace and serenity for her land. She offered herbs as sacrifice and stayed at her post praying till the moon went to bed and brought the sun. She welcomed the beams of the dawn and at that time ended her ritual. Her companions had all gone, when she head back home. She would only get some more food and be on her way. Half way through Haldora saw smoke coming from her house, she ran and hiding behind a rock she saw men burning down her house. Some men were wearing robes with crosses drawn on them. She understood the warning Anna had given her. These men spoke a new language. Haldora concentrated on that language to try to understand, but most words were unfamiliar. The men rode away and Haldora remained sitting behind that rock. She prayed that this was not the end of her teachings.
After a while, she raised form her hiding place and began her trip to anywhere. She walked without a route. She had no plan. She would go where her legs would take her. She was happy to find dense woods. The sight of the man that burned her house down was still fresh in her mind and she feared they knew who she was, what she was. In a sense she was as much running from them as from anyone, she needed to be near people that had never seen her before, so as not to suspect she could not age nor die. During her journey she carved a cross like what she had seen on the men’s robes, out of wood and threaded a string around it, hanging it around her neck. She thought this would make her less suspicious to all. The significance of this new symbol, still escaped her, but she was trying harder to survive than to understand.
One rainy night, Haldora searched for a cave to stay the night when she tripped on something laying on the ground. She turned to see what it was and found a man lying on the ground shivering. His helmet was still on, but Haldora was more interested on a great wound he had on his shoulder. She ripped his iron coat as if it were paper and took a better look. She then laid him on her shoulder and with some hardship brought him into a small tight cave. She laid him down and immediately searched for wooden sticks to light a fire. It took her a while to start one because the wood was wet, but as soon as she had a spark, she made the fire grow and grow, though she had little wood. The man immediately searched the warmth of the fire. Haldora removed from her basket her sheep-skin coat, she then set about removing the wet armor from the man. When she did she came across the most familiar face she had ever seen. Her warrior was lying in front of her. She removed his clothes with heist and covered him with her coat. She examined his shoulder to find an arrow’s head stuck in it. Carefully she took it out with her knife. She turned to her basket again and removed some herbs. She heated rain water and some herbs and carefully poured it inside the wound. The warrior screamed in pain and Haldora tried to hold him down. He was half conscious and stared at her, though his eyes were as blank as dead. There was nothing less to do but wait for him to get warmer and recover.
As the night progressed the shivering slowed down and the warrior was now fast a sleep. The rain had stopped and the fire was lowered. Haldora waited till she was sure he really slept. She uncovered his body and inspected it for new wounds. She slid her hand down his torso and down to his legs, breathing deeply as she did so. She took his face between her hands and leaned down, her breath was on his face and soon her lips were on his lips. Half asleep he responded to the kiss with another. He embraced her and held her close. She allowed her body to cover his. In this embrace, Haldora could feel her body regain much of the warmth she had not felt for a long time. He did not seem to notice her natural coldness. He stroked her hair and kissed her neck. She returned the caresses. His hands soon slid down her dress and lifted her skirts, caressing her legs. Haldora breathed faster, while kissing his torso. He pushed her to glue her body to his.
- My warrior… - Haldora whispered.
- My Isabeaux… - he answered.
Haldora pressed his wound, which made him shout, he was taken by pain and laid on his side contorting. She covered him again and prepared food and water.
Crying… Disappointed… She left.

CHAPTER VII

2007-01-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Haldora took a long journey with the old man by her side. They rode each on their horse to the north, through the inside of the land. Passing through war zones, where bodies hid the land and redness ruled. Passing through empty, burned down villages. Passing through people that ran from the fighting zones, with what little tings they were able to collect. Passing through man that were drafted to the army and were to fight next to the king in one last decisive battle. To all this the Old man seemed indifferent. They would camp for the night and he would not worry about wild animals or men. In the morning they would leave and he would still look serene. As they approached their destination, the voices went silent.
The trees were gone and all they saw were open spaces and some rocks here and there. At a distance there were some houses with freckled lights within them.
- We are in the town of Salisbury and here we will remain until you are ready. – the old man explained.
- I understand.
- Can you read?
- No.
- Then that is where we’ll start.
They came to one of these houses. Stopped, got off from their horses and the old man knocked on the door. Another old man opened the door and welcomed them in. Food and beverage were laid on the table, though Haldora ate nothing. The men in the house all wore the same clothes, a brown gown. They all looked alike. The walls of the house were filled with shelves containing parchment papers rolled up and stacked on one another. On one wall there were small wooden boards also stacked on one another. Below it there sat a man copying this wooden boards carvings to parchment. The men did not look at Haldora, they continued on with their work as if she was not there. Some labored around a caldron, others, around bottles and others cutting fresh herbs. She soon came to a conclusion.
- There are no women here. – She whispered to the old man.
- You are right. It’s been a long time since we’ve taught a woman.
Haldora asked herself what this teaching would bring her. She was only happy she heard nothing but silence.
The days passed swiftly. Haldora learned to read the old tongues and the new languages. She could speak them as a native. She learned at a rapid pace. Soon she would copy the parchments herself and commit many of them to memory. When her learning of the written formulas was complete, she move on to the understanding of nature. She would take long strolls with the old men and learned the herbs. She would identify them and soon use them in potions and remedies. The sun light became more of a friend, but the darkness still kept little secrets from her eyes and little by little it appeared Haldora was becoming more of a mortal.
The voices still bothered her when she left this sacred place, but soon that would also be dealt with. The hardest thing to learn was to use her own inner strength. She would have to learn to control herself and everything around her. Meditation was in order, but she could not do so on account of the voices. Long years were passed before she could bring herself to take this last step.
The old man was now too old and dying, Haldora could feel his soul slipping away. Other men had already gone and she and very few others remained. Her heart ached for the loss of this her friend.
A very aged Anna arrived before his death and sat with him till his eyes were closed for good.
Haldora carried his dead body outside as if it were a child and laid him on a stone. She joined the others on a ritual to command his soul. In deep prayer, she felt tears run down her face, as she opened her eyes she could see winged spirits take his soul to the skies. These were new gods, her new gods.
The men kept themselves inside talking about their faith, now that the eldest of them all had died. Haldora kept herself outside trying to complete the training he had started her on.
- The years have not been cruel to you. – stated Anna when she found Haldora sitting outside with her eyes closed.
- They have been more cruel then you’d know. – Haldora opened her eyes.
- Soon I will join him. – Anna announced as she sat down with great hardship.
- I know. And I will be alone, with no one to guide me. I don’t want to be away from you, my best friend.
- Trust your instincts. They will find me. I came to warn you of things to come. The Danes are at peace with this land but more will come. You must keep what you learn here a secret and you must be careful. If you do not bow to their god, Christ, you will suffer.
- Suffering does not scare me. Not anymore.
Anna took her knife from her belt and grabbed Haldora’s hand, she make a cut through the palm and then did the same to her palm. Haldora’s near black blood oozed out of the wound and contrasted with the bright red liquid coming from Anna. They joined hands.
- You will always find me and I will always remember you. Blood sisters for eternity.
Haldora smiled to her old friend but believe she would never see this woman again. Anna went inside to rest. Haldora walked most of the night to the most sacred site of the land. Her sadness and sense of loss were great. She lay down in the centre of the gigantic circle of stones, a place where the old man had taken her many times to celebrate the seasons and the life of nature. Within those high stones she felt as safe as ever and she could feel the pounding of the earth’s heart and the flowing of her blood. The ancients said there was a dragon living at the core of the land. Haldora thought it would be Otr and she spoke to it, lamenting herself. Today she cried the loss of her mentor as she had cried for the loss of her warrior.
Haldora sat down and wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath. She could not let her mentor down by weeping his death as a child. She would finish her training as he had instructed her. She would continue his legacy. She concentrated in her own mediation, forgetting everything around her. Immediately she was brought to a new place. In this place it was morning and men were working in the fields and tending to animals as farmers do. She stood in the middle of this little village, wearing her white tunic from the Underworld; no one seemed to be able to see her. She searched to recognize anyone but no one seemed familiar, it wasn’t her old village. Soon she saw the boy she had seen before on her away to the old man’s house. She came near him, and he still could not see her. She followed him to his house and inside she found his mother expecting a new child. The woman tried to cook, while rubbing her back in pain. The boy sat down at the table, waiting to get his food. Haldora turned to leave this house, when in front of her stood her warrior, in the farmer’s life he had chosen before. He walked through her as if she were air and sat down to eat. Haldora no longer saw the family life, she tried every way to try to touch her warrior or at least get him to hear her. Every attempt failed. Strong sounds came from the outside. Haldora left the house and her warrior followed. Men on horses galloped into the village from both sides. They came for war. On one side men wearing animal heads on their own, throwing fire to the roofs and killing every man and woman that stood in their path. On the other an army of knights, wearing iron helmets and colorful clothes. Haldora’s warrior turned to run home, but as he did a spear pierced his unprotected body…
Startled… Pain on her chest…

Chapter VI

2006-12-17T11:31:00.002-08:00

CHAPTER VI
Arms raised, salt on the ground, stillness…
Haldora looked around to find Anna with her arms raised high to the sky, her expression of tiredness and cool. She dropped her arms to her side and took Haldora by the hand. They took a fast pace back to the hut, Haldora was still amazed as to how Hella disappeared. She was still at odds with what happened. Suddenly pain, unbearable, excruciating pain. Haldora fell to the ground twisting and squirming and yelling. She could feel her bosom parting in two and could feel her own blood flowing out of her body. Her hands took to her scar and were covered in redness. Her breaths were hard to take. Anna observed the air instead of her friend, there was a strange fog around. The smell of mould still lingered. Anna raised her hands again and uttered some strange words and as suddenly as the pain appeared it disappeared. Haldora lay on the ground gasping for air. Anna bent down above her and tried to calm her down. Haldora took her hand to her dress and felt nothing but dryness. Anna helped her up and took her back to the hut. The animal skins were soon around her and Haldora fell in a deep sleep caused by the tiredness. Anna sat down eating her dinner and wondering about this woman and the weirdness surrounding her.
The Sun had not yet showed his face already Haldora worked at her spindle. She tried to work her worries away, her future was uncertain and her present confusing. Anna awoke, Haldora quickly started to prepare a meal for her hostess. Anna stretched still lying on the ground and observed her friend.
- Have you eaten? – Anna asked.
- I’m not hungry.
- You never seem to be hungry. You’ve only had one meal since you’ve been here. – Anna alerted.
- I already ate, that’s why I am not hungry. – Haldora corrected.
- Oh, I see.
Haldora gave her a bowl with oatmeal. Anna began to eat it as soon as she sat down.
- I guess you are still a bit ill, you should have not gone out, you are still very weak. – Anna explained.
- You’re right. I thought I was better.
- Your chest couldn’t take the moist of the air. You must be more careful.
Haldora seized this opportunity to commit to staying indoors. As she thought it would be safer for her. She went back to her spindle and Anna kept on eating.
- I should take you to do my visits. I think you could use the exercise, to open your chest.
Haldora shook at her suggestion.
- I thought I would stay in for a while, before I’d leave. I don’t want to get worse.
- The sun will do you good. And besides, I can introduce you so you can start working. Get your life together.
Haldora could not argue with her hostess and so prepared to leave at her request. She was worried that the sun would hurt her eyes just as much as of Hella appearing again. Time and time again she looked out the door to the woods with some fear. Anna seemed serene yet aware of Haldora’s behavior.
The two women left the hut carrying baskets on their backs and walked through the woods to the population. During the long walk Haldora always walked a few steps in front of Anna and she seemed tireless, her basket was quite full and still she walked as if it were empty. Anna was forced to nearly run to keep up with her friend. But Anna was right, the walk and the sun, though hard on her eyes, did do Haldora good, she enjoyed seeing new people who were not lost in their own emptiness. She was still haunted by voices she could not place. During the many visits, where she was introduced to the occupants of the houses as a good seamstress, she spent most of her time looking around her to place what she could hear but could not see. The people in the village were friendly and all seemed to accept her as their own. Many women said they would go to see her soon, for new clothes. Haldora was feeling useful again, but she could not understand what it was that Anna did. She went from house to house and sold her bottles and sachets, on the way she took many plants and stored them in her basket. All Haldora understood was that Anna was loved by many and detested by others. The later ones looked upon her with disgust and others looked away in fear. Anna seemed oblivious to all of this.
The last house they would visit was farther from the village, the walk was still long and the sun was setting, making it easier for Haldora to see. She still was not tired and now carried both baskets, for Anna was exhausted. They came to a house and Anna clapped her hands. Almost instantly an old man came out. He looked severe and rude. He looked at Haldora with an inquisitive expression, and then smiled at Anna. She stretched her hands to him and he took them. Haldora’s eyes would not stop moving because of the constant noise around her. It seemed to have gotten more intense as they had drawn near the house. The old man noticed this behavior and with a glance at Anna obtained confirmation.
- She can hear them.
Haldora froze in fear. The man smiled at her and with a gesture invited them in. The two women walked in. At the centre of the house was a table, at which they sat, after setting their baskets down. The old man closed the heavy wooden door and stood in front of the table. At the end of the table their stood a caldron over a fire. He stood in front of it, closed his eyes and the fire under the caldron grew. He raised his hands up and seemed the command the smoke coming from the liquid in the caldron. The smoke flew up and seemed to draw up in the air shapes and forms. Soon Haldora was amazed to see her own story appearing in the mist. Her death, her afterlife and her new life were all there. She looked at Anna, she too could see it. Haldora rose from her chair and stood back glued to the wall in fear.
- Are you Gods??
- No, we are not Gods. – The old man assured as he brought the mist down with his arms. - We possess knowledge.
Haldora’s breaths grow faster. She panted.
- Hal, don’t be afraid. – Anna comforted her. – We won’t hurt you. We are trying to help you.
- There was a time… - The old man began to explain, as she drew near her. – Before time was time when men and gods were the same. Knowledge was shared. – He took her hand and led her back to her seat. – Men and their flaws made us loose this relationship. – He sat down next to her. – Some of us mortals still possess this knowledge. We can see and hear things most people cannot. We can control things most mortals could not. But we are not gods.
- You can hear them, can’t you? – Anna inquired.
Haldora nodded her head.
- The voices you hear are spirits that for some reason or another have not crossed to their world. They come to you because you can hear them.
- They come to you because partly you are like them.
- Like them? – Haldora asked.
- Yes. – The man answered. – When came to this world, you were already a spirit. Your soul was rotting in the Underworld, paying the price for your sin. A sin you committed long ago in your own time. Eras ago. You died on that field with that man. You died many, many years ago. This time is not your time. You have a body, but in essence you are only a spirit, a very old spirit. Your body is empty.
- You don’t eat. You don’t drink. You don’t get tired. You don’t feel much pain, expect for the pain your god inflicted in you. – Anna pointed out.
- I’m dead…
- Yes. Your strength is remarkable. You crossed. Half spirited and all, you crossed to this world. You are not supposed to be here.
Haldora propped her head between her hands and began to cry.
- My world is dead. My world is death. – She cried.
The old man looked at Anna in sadness, she in her turn padded Haldora’s head.
- She’ll come for me. She’ll take me and she’ll haunt me forever. I can’t go back. – Haldora cried.
The voices that bothered her were growing more and more intense. They seemed now as a swarm of bees in her head, all with individual voices and many things to say. She grew more and more impatient. She set her hands on the table and in a flash jumped up from her chair.
- SHUT UP! – She screamed and almost immediately the clay pots and glass bottles broke.
The voices were silenced and the noise heard was Haldora’s heavy breaths.
-My child, you need to learn patience. – The old man cleared. – I will teach you this.
- Teach? – She asked.
- You have more knowledge than you know. If someone does not teach you, you will grow insane. I will teach you to block the voices, to centre your strength. I will teach you to deflect the spirits and the gods.
Haldora sat back down, still with tears running down her cheeks.
- Thank you. I just get her away from me.
- I will and soon so will you. Tomorrow you and I will take a trip and we will go to a forgotten place, there you will learn. From there you will leave as a new person… to live … forever.
The old man looked at Anna and she was in accordance. Haldora felt safer than she ever had.
Anna and Haldora went back home to prepare for the trip. As they walked night crept up behind them. Haldora felt both worried and safe.
- You came for him. – Anna spoke, half way through the road.
- I don’t know. All I wanted to do was hear him say a word at me. I can’t forget him. I know he is here in this land. I think I saw him, as a child, earlier today. I couldn’t get near him, I felt as if I were being burned. She said I would never see him again.
- I know you’ll find him. I know you will.
- And then do what? I cannot die, he will. He cannot know me, the true me.
- Your life will be meaningless if you don’t. – Anna stated.
- I will forget him.
They reached a river and stopped to get a drink of the fresh water. Anna drank and Haldora did not. They continued their walk; they crossed a few farmers coming back from their lands, pushing their wagons. Haldora passed by one of the group and was immediately drawn to a young boy. She stared at him, the boy was not aware. She was close to touching him, when she felt a burn like sensation on her hand. She redrew her hand and the group went on, it seemed they had not seen her.
She was as invisible…

Chapter V

2006-12-17T11:31:00.001-08:00

The mud was soft and soon she began to sink in. The loss of breath awoke her. Haldora was in the middle of a dense wood under heavy rain. She got up and tried to walk, but she would only slip in the mud. She then crawled towards a cave, where she sat shivering waiting for the rain to end. Haldora was no longer happy to have her senses back, she could not remember the last time she had felt this cold or hungry. The rain was heavy and long lasting and soon Haldora fainted of cold and hunger.
The crackling sound of a wood burning fire woke Haldora up and she opened her eyes as if to find out if it was a dream. She was in hut, a fire was burning beside her and she was covered with animal skins. The hut seemed much empty, till an older woman entered, letting the light of the sun in. Haldora’s eyes where hurt by this light, she turned her head. The woman closed the cloth in front of the door and set her baskets down.
- You’re awake. I thought you would never wake.
Haldora looked around in a panic.
- Don’t worry, you’re safe. I brought you here from the cave you were in. You were delirious with fever. I kept you warm, gave you some food. You seem to be all right now. How do you feel?
Haldora still looked reluctant to speak, she could understand most of what was said, but could not make out much of it.
- Don’t be afraid, really. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m Anna. This is my house. - She reached for the fire and took a leftover chicken, she handed it to Haldora. Haldora took it and ate it franticly. Anna smiled. - Let us see if we can find something for you to wash that down with. - She looked around and found a bottle, popped the cork and gave it to Haldora, who drank it. - That should get some color back on that face of yours.
A noise was heard outside. Anna made a gesture for Haldora to calm down. She got up and looked out the door, then picked up a small sachet and left. Haldora went on eating and drinking. Anna came back inside.
- Sorry love, just a bit of business. So, are you ready to talk now? What’s your name?
- Haldora. - She answered with a trembling voice.
- That is a very odd name. It sounds ancient.
Haldora nodded her head. Anna looked at her and thought for a second.
- Haldora is of the old realm.
Haldora was amazed at this information.
- Yes. I remember my grandmother saying that a long time ago, before time was time, in the old kingdoms of the North, there were people with an odd sounding tongue and they worshiped the Haldora’s. The half spirited ones.
Haldora was now very scared. Her eyes were wide open at the thought of some one knowing the secret of her origins.
- Your people must still be descendants of those others and I bet you speak the old tongue. Good for you I can understand it. - Explained Anna.
Haldora still said nothing.
- Shall we just call you…Hal, to make it easier? - Anna smiled kindly and Haldora knew she was safe, she nodded.
- Good. So, where are you from, Hal?
Haldora thought how to answer this question, but she had no way of doing so, she looked so troubled, that Anna jumped to her own conclusions.
- You don’t remember, do you?
Haldora shook her head.
- It’s all right, Hal. You are here now and I will take care of you.
Haldora smiled.
- Where is here?
- Wessex! You’re in the kingdom of Wessex.
Haldora’s shined upon hearing this word. Anna was not indifferent to this, but remained quiet.
- Now, let’s see if we can find you some clothes that fit.
Anna gave her some clothes of her own, but they all seemed to be very big on Haldora. Anna did not seem to mind that, it was in fact rather funny. Haldora was happy to hear again the laughter of another mortal for the longest of time all she could hear were the screams from across the walls.
Haldora left the hut, to soak herself in the sun, but soon found its light to be too bright for her. Her eyes could not stay open and were teary. She came back inside and sat at the darkest corner of the hut, where she felt safe. Anna noticed this but again remained quiet. She brought Haldora a drop spindle and before she could explain how the mechanism worked, Haldora was using it properly, not that she had ever used it before, but her understanding, seemed to be a step farther then Anna’s. Again was silent at the strangeness of this woman. Haldora spindled at a fast pace and soon she had enough thread to fix Anna’s old clothes and turn them into dresses that fit perfectly, as done especially for her.
- I believe we’ve found you a job. - Anna announced.
Haldora was proud of herself. She drew near Anna to help her with the preparation of the food. When she stretched her hands Anna noticed they were bleeding and burnt from the thread running fast through her fingers, Haldora did not seemed to notice and show no indication of pain. Anna grabs her hand and poured a liquid on her hands, she squirmed in pain, but not with the reaction that Anna was expecting. Haldora was again fearful but Anna never showed herself too concerned. The dinner arrangements kept both of the women busy and when the sun was setting Haldora tried again to leave the hut. This time, she could move freely, eyes open and no tears. She could see all around her, even in dark corners. But she could not feel the softness of the leaves in her hands, nor could she really say if flowers had the right smell. She heard noises around her that did not seem to be natural; she could never locate them, nor see where they were. Anna watched from a distance, while Haldora roamed the woods as an animal let loose after a long stay indoors. Anna studied all of Haldora’s attempts to be as she once had been. Now in the twilight Anna could finally notice that the pale white skin was not of illness but natural. By the dark she looked almost dead, though her features were alive. Anna knew something was very mysterious about this woman, but still she was not about to deny her anything, it had been a long time since she had had company.
Haldora did not wonder very far, but at a clearance where the evening star was now starting to twinkle, she stopped and laid on the ground to look at it. She heard a familiar voice and soon smelled a familiar smell, cold surrounded her and fear invaded her. She got up and there she stood hovering, Hella. She stretched her hands towards Haldora as if to grab her and Haldora was frozen in her piercing eyes.
A new familiar voice, a scream and at once the smell was gone, the cold had pass, confusion still stayed.

Chapter IV

2006-12-10T11:01:00.001-08:00

A loud shriek was heard through out the halls of the grand palace, waking Haldora, who had not for a long time heard anything which troubled her. She jumped from her bed and walked through the halls following the loud shriek. She seemed to be the only on to do so. No other person seemed to be able to hear the sound. She came to a new chamber; she had not been in before. It was a high ceiling chamber, with a strange grey light, though no windows or any source of light were seen. This light hurt Haldora’s eyes and she had to cover them with her hand, in order to see. She walked in and looked around, the chamber was empty, a apart from a large poll and a gigantic chain. The chain stretched till the darkest part of the chamber and Haldora followed it. As she was about to enter complete darkness again Hella abruptly appeared before her. Haldora screamed.
- I was not sure you could hear it. – Said Hella, pushing Haldora back to the light.
- Could hear what?
- Our ride.
Upon saying these words, movement was noticeable in the darkest part of the chamber. Something massive was approaching and Haldora was frightened for the first time in a long time. First she saw the paw, a long grey scaled paw, with tree great white claws, then the other paw and after the light invaded slowly all of its body, she saw that it was a dragon. His head was massive, with two large white horns and a long mouth, which shot a long red snake-like tongue. Around its neck, was a collar and attached to it was the gigantic chain. Haldora admired this giant being in awe, whereas Hella was only interested in taunting it. She would grab the chain and rattle it, making the collar move and annoying the dragon, who would shriek. Hella would laugh.
- My father gave me this dragon, after he slain him. He is the Underworld dragon. Otr.
- He is quite the beast.
- And he is our ride. Come.
The two women climbed on the dragon’s back and sat on a saddle. Hella broke off the chain as if it were a twig and used it for reins. Haldora held Hella by the waist as tightly as she could. The dragon took off. At first it seemed they would hit the ceiling as they were flying. Haldora closed her eyes dreading the impact, but nothing occurred. She opened them again and saw nothing but clouds, white clouds and light. Light so bright it stung her eyes and she almost could not see where they were going. She was however happy, she could feel warmth again, after she could not feel a thing in the Underworld. She could hear the wind breeze by her hears. She could even smell the clouds, though she did know whether clouds had smell, she could swear she sensed them.
- I must tell you that there are rules to our visit. You must never leave my side. You must never speak to no one, mortal or immortal. You must never touch anything. Do you understand? If you break these rules I will haunt you forever. Do not make me regret this.
Haldora nodded her head in understanding.
Hella pushed Otr’s chain and the dragon set down on a white corridor. Hella and Haldora climbed down and as Haldora touched the ground she knew she was again different. Her senses were with her once more. Hella removed a shroud from the saddle and wrapped Haldora in it.
- Never take this off.
- What is it?
- It’s an invisibility shroud.
The two ladies walked through the long corridor of light and came to a grand door. Hella opened it with no effort and inside Haldora could again smell food and drink and crave for it. She could hear the laughter of the great warriors, as if it were the day of a great victory in her village. Many of the Gods sitting at the table turned their heads as soon as Hella came in, her moldy stench filled the room, and Haldora was nauseated by it as well. The warriors were mostly too drunk to notice. Hella lead Haldora through the room, and Haldora could not understand, whether the Gods could in fact see her or whether they were just amazed to see Hella around. Haldora looked for her warrior but could not find him. The party was cheery and the warriors were waited on by the ever dedicated Valkyrie. Hella sat down on a chair far away from the group and made Haldora sit on the floor by her side.
- Let us wait. He will show sooner or later.
As they waited a man sat down on a chair next to Hella.
- It has been a long time since you came up here, my dear. - He said, giving her a drink.
- Well, it’s been a long time since they allow you back in, father.
The man smiled. Hella took a sip from her drink.
- I have fallen on Odin’s good graces again.
- And how long till I see you downstairs again? - Hella smiled.
- As much as I love to be around my dear daughter, I fear it will be a while this time.
Haldora looked at this couple and grew impatient. She could see a door, from where she sat and was extremely curious to know what was beyond it. Maybe there she could see her warrior, seeing he was shy from the party. The conversation between Hella and her father continued and Haldora slowly got up and moved towards the door. As she talked, Hella searched with her hand to find Haldora’s presence, she almost felt her absence, were it not for her father grabbing both her hands to tell her how he longed to visit her in the Underworld.
Haldora got through the door undetected and was amazed at what she saw. It was the grand Hall of Life. There, hanging on the wall, where the lives to be chosen by the warriors, after their service to Odin was done. Three Valkyrie chose the course, length and success of each of them. Already a few warriors stood in line to get a new life among the living. Haldora came close to see the process. The warrior would grab a thread and it would speak out its life. He would take it from the wall and wrap it around his neck. Then the golden women would take their souls and breathe them into an unborn baby. The births of these babies were witnessed from above, as their reflection appeared in a lake of dark water. Haldora was in awe as she watched the process unravel before her eyes. She got as close as she could to the hedge of the balcony where she stood. When looking down, she saw there was no passage to the Hall of Live from where she was, instead just a long drop to emptiness.
She was so distracted that she did not see Hella’s father come close to her.
- Inspiring! - He said frightening her. - There’s no need to be afraid. I am Loki and I mean you no harm. I will not tell a soul of you’re being here.
Haldora remained quiet and still.
- Speaking of souls. Here comes the next batch.
A group of warriors came through the same door as Haldora and Loki had come in. Instantly a bridge appeared before their feet to the Hall of Life. They passed one by one. Close to the end of the group, Haldora stirred. Her warrior was there.
- Is he who you are looking for? I guess his time as come. Shall we wait and see what life he chooses?
Haldora could not look away and saw him choose a farmer’s life in a new land called Wessex. He was swept by a golden woman and breathe into an unborn child and soon the image of his mother giving birth to him was reflected on the lake. His first cry was heard and the image disappeared.
- Another success. - The soft voice of the golden woman announced.
Haldora broke her silence and cried a muffled cry. Loki looked at her and smiled as if mocking her sadness. Hella storm through the door and before she could she Haldora, Loki pushed her off the balcony straight to the emptiness. Haldora cried but she could not hear her own voice, she saw nothing but white and blue, she heard nothing by quiet…

Chapter III

2006-12-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

The darkness seemed to be the longest prisoner of this place, all around she stood and strangely Haldora’s eyes were getting accustomed to this darkness, though, she never let got of the ever lit candle holder, she took from her room, whenever she was investigating her surroundings. The screams were still heard, but always at a distance, they seem to come from the other side of the walls, though no door or passage were ever to be found. Haldora found other people roaming the halls of what seemed to be a grand palace, they were mindless faces, walking from side to side, saying nothing, and staring at nothing. The world of the living was no longer in their heads and she found it increasingly hard to recognize them as people or spirits, everything seemed to be nothing, to her eyes although she knew what everything was. Soon she knew she sensed nothing, no smell, no touch, no aroma, nothing. She did not starve for food or thirst for water. She did not even breathe as much as she should. Her nails and hair stopped growing after a time and the only change in her was the slowly healing scar on her chest.
- I should have told you this is a timeless place. – Said Hella, appearing from thin air, no longer did her moldy smell troubled Haldora. – I have seen you wandering around all this time and you seem not to understand how this place works.
Haldora rose from the floor and stood in front of Hella
- When you said start again… What did you mean?
Hella grinned.
– What did you think I meant? - She asked, lying on the bed.
– To go back… to the living. - Haldora explained.
– Is that what you want?
– Yes. - Hella looked her straight in the eyes, hers were piercing colorless eyes. - Then I am curious as to why you took your own life?
Haldora could not answer this. She sat on the throne-like chair and stared at the ground.
– Come on, Haldora! Tell me your story. - She requested, as she cuddled on the bed.
– I thought the gods knew all. - Haldora stated, raising her head in defiance.
Hella smiled.
– Insolence, I like that. News does not travel fast to this part of the territory.
– So you are as rejected as all of us.
Hella’s expression changed to serious.
– Insolence is entertaining, have a care it does not turn annoying. Haldora remained defiant.
- Don’t you want to tell me your story? - Hella asked nicely.
– I though I was meant to forget.
– But before you do. Entertain me.
A silence was followed. Hella smiled to Haldora, and she confessed nothing through neither words nor gestures.
– All right, I will tell you what I know. When I found you, you were dead next to the body of a man, who I believe is the ‘he’ you mentioned earlier. I noticed he was wearing a different sort of armor. He was not an enemy, otherwise Freya would not have taken him, so… who was he then?
– An ally. - Haldora answered, looking to the ground.
– And I assumed it was his axe you took to your bosom.
Haldora nodded
- The question remains who was he?
Haldora lifted her head slowly.
– He was a brave warrior from the south, who died defending our banner.
– Your banner fell.
– Yes and he died trying to rescue it.
Silence was again instilled, Hella got up from the bed.
– You must tell me everything. You will never see him again and soon you will not remember him at all. You must let me carry your story. Maybe one day it will be told among the living.
- I will tell you the story, if you show me where he is.
Hella laughed, her laughter echoed through out the halls and sounded like the walls were crumbling down. Haldora was unaffected by this noise.
- Why would I do that?
- Because you want to know my story and my condition for telling it is that.
- That is blackmail. I like that, but not enough to grant you your request. Besides I do not trust you.
- Why? You are a Goddess, you are powerful and he is in a place of Gods. What could I a mere mortal do? What’s there not to trust? I can do nothing.
- You have courage, challenging me like that. I can arrange it. Tell me your story first. - Hella lay back on the bed, getting ready to hear the story.
- He came from the south, and I never knew his name. He has fought many battles. He is considered one of the richest men in all of the land. I watched him train for the battle every day. He has a different sort of sword, it broke the night before the battle, and he said it was a bad omen. He fights with his right hand but does everything else with his left; his right shoulder does not seem to work well. I left medicine for him at his door. I sewed his clothes in the dark and kept his fire burning each night. I always watched him from a far and I promised I would tell him… before the battle… I would… I would tell him.
- Tell him how you watched him? Tell him why you watched him?
- I was just going to try and talk to him.
- And then he died and you never got the chance to tell him anything. And he never knew you were there. – Hella seemed to mock Haldora’s story.
- No.
- Did he never suspect anyone?
Silence. Long heavy breaths.
- Yes, he did.
- Just not of you.
Haldora nodded in sadness.
- You prepared his body and called the Valkyrie. Then you attempted death so they would take you?
Haldora took a deep breath, as Hella tried to understand Haldora’s actions.
- I thought they would take pity on me.
Hella sat on the bed, she smiled as a mother smiles to her child.
- It’s not how this goes. You committed a terrible sin. You took the only gift the gods ever give you and you threw it away. Life is only yours to live, not to take. No god will take pity on you. And you will never leave this place.
- Will he leave Valhalla? - Haldora shyly asked.
- Yes. When Odin no longer needs him, his soul will go back to the living, and he will live there until his soul is full, then he will return to Valhalla where he will live forever.
- He will be happy, then. - Haldora concluded.
- That is really up to him. But you need not concern yourself with that. - Hella got up and walked to the door, as she passed Haldora, she touched her shoulder. - Tomorrow I will grant your wish. - Hella whispered and then walked away.
Haldora looked up with victorious eyes. She smiled.

Chapter II

2006-11-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Brown eyes awoke in the dark, searching for some focus, information. White soft skin felt the sheets beneath it and caressed them. Nostrils flared with the sense of mould. Hears detected screaming from afar.
Movement is felt… The moldy smell intensified… Light is seen…
A woman with a candle holder walks in slow steps to the bed. She sets the candle holder on the table and it surprisingly lights the entire chamber. She sits on a throne-like chair, crosses her legs and stares at the bed, smiling mischievously. The uncomfortable moments of stillness were passed with the studying of the sheet’s movements. Soon, the woman propped her chin, on the fist.
- How long will you pretend to be a sleep when you are awake?
No answer was received.
- It is not at all without irony, that during the long sleep, you’d pretend to be sleeping.
This sentence caused an abrupt movement. The sheet flew and the occupant of the bed sat and saw the hostess for the first time.
This woman was the source of the moldy smell that invaded all of the room. Her legs were decomposing, as a corpse that has not buried, but her upper body and face were that of a beautiful lady. She wore a green gown; open almost down to her navel, exposing almost the entirety of her corpse-like skinned breasts; her legs were revealed by the opening of her dress, which seemed to be as a robe, rather then an actual dress. Behind her neck, the dress extended a long self-standing collar, which stood higher than the woman’s head. He black hair cascaded to her shoulders.
- I can safely say that sleeping as done you good, my dear girl.
– Am I dead? - The woman on the bed fearfully asked.
– Wasn’t that what you wanted? - That was her answer.
The woman looked at herself, and found herself wearing a white tunic; she looked around the room, and recognized nothing. Nor the bed, nor the table, nor the chairs, nothing looked recognizable, even though they were all usual objects, all seemed different. She rose from the bed and the touch of the ground also felt different to her feet, she walked to the end of the room, where a mirror was propped against the wall, and as she looked at the mirror hopping to finally recognize something, she was devastated to see she could not recognize herself. On the mirror stood the image of her death, her blue red-stained gown and the axe, her companion in death, were her only recollections. She turned to the woman in green for answers she needed not phrase.
– I am Hella, and this is the Underworld. - The woman stated as she rose from her throne-like chair. - You are dead. You’ve taken your own life. - She approached her in soft steps. - That was your death, Haldora. - She said pointing to the mirror. - And this is who you will be from now on!
Haldora opened her tunic and saw her scar; the line ran from her chest to her stomach and seemed to pull her skin into it like into an abyss.
– When that scar is healed, the world of the living will no longer be in your head and you will be ready to start again.
– Where is he? - Haldora shyly asked.
– There is no he! - Replied Hella, hinting her rage at the question, and then living as softly as she had arrived.
Haldora caressed her own scar, as if it were a baby… Her expression, as sad as a childless mother.

2006-11-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

The field was run through the river of red. As thick as a velvet mantle, it ran freely down the hill, nothing was its obstacle, not the resting weapons of men, nor the bodies of such men, the mantle covered all and soaked the brown land beneath it. Here and there the river parted and allowed something to stand in its way, sometimes a moving limb, from a not quite so deceased man, other times the moving of people either rescuing or robbing. All throughout the field was a daunting silence, heavy as the air, thick as the blood and cold as the fog that now steadily lay beside the dead.
At a distance, a wailing was faintly heard.
The fog could hardly let anyone see or hear the way, but one could almost make out from where this wailing was coming from. Walking the field, meant kicking the iron armors and sinking feet into mud, but above all this noise, still persisted the wailing. Alas… one could see its source.
At the centre of the battlefield, stood a banner, as high as the birds could fly, but what kept it standing was not the ground beneath it, but the body into which it was impaled. This man laid on the ground, his armor pierced by the wooden stake, his skin bloodless was gray-white and his eyes, still open, stared the endless sky, like lifeless orbs. Over his body a woman wailed, cursed and cried. Her blue gown, stained with his blood and the earth beneath her, served as a shroud to his axe, which lay blood-stained at his side. This woman caressed his face as if he still lived and stroked his hair, as to make him fit to see his maker. Her words were not understood, amidst her rage, but her pain was both visible and palpable.
Soon the crying was not enough and the woman closed this man’s eyes and with a superhuman strength removed the stake from his armor and with the banner covered his body. His body was now prepared to take the journey to Valhalla. She then raised her arms to the heavens and commanded the gods to take this man into their bosom. Out of the mist came several young blonde women, all wearing golden armors, as shinny as the sun. These women came close to dead body and scooped his soul as if it were an infant begging for his mother’s bosom. As the golden women were hence occupied, the blue-wearing woman took the man’s axe, from the ground and held it to her chest as hard as she could, almost instantly a new stain would appear running down her dress and her face would become paler and paler. She looked at the golden women, and stretched her arms for them, but she was of no interest to them. The golden women began to fly away with the man’s soul, leaving the grieving, bleeding woman behind. In an instant of courage, she jumped and grabbed a foot of one of the goddesses, but was soon shaken off and plunged to her death, as she hit the red-soaked brown land.
Axe at her side, blood on her dress, and no life on her face, she lay cold, waiting…