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.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
CHAPTER XVIII
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…
- 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
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…
- 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…
Monday, February 26, 2007
CHAPTER XVI
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…
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
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.
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
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…
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
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…
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…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)