Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 88
It was yet dark. He must have fallen into sleep, thinking he had watched the day coming on, for he started from a dream in which his companions had left him to do the mission alone. Quickly standing, he turned to see everyone sleeping but Aria, who stood close by, watching him, a sad expression upon her face.
Sekali shrugged slightly as Aria neared him and embraced him tenderly. He did not resist. He knew the strength she gave, like the unlooked-for Herald, sent from the presence of Vannar himself.
“Who are you?” Sekali whispered as he embraced her in return.
“I am Aria of the Eldishar, the Wielder of Burdens.” She looked up at him and smiled.
He could not help but relax and smile back down at her.
“Don’t you know that by now, Sekali?” Sekali shook his head and gave Aria a look that clearly meant, No, I have no idea what you are talking about. Aria sighed, “I am one who carries much pain and the burdens of others. I have a special gift do carry such heavy loads. I do this willingly . . . I would have it no other way. I am the Wielder of Burdens.”
Shaking his head, he marveled at her and kissed her. She allowed his kiss and returned it. As they parted he felt joy fill his entire being and pulled her tightly to him.
“I’m sorry. I should not have done that.”
She snickered. “It’s alright, Sekali. It’s alright.”
She looked up into his eyes deeply and sighed, resolve filling her eyes. “Sekali, do you truly love Mabuhi?”
Sekali awoke with a start and gasped, looking down at his right hand being held by Aria, who turned, opening her eyes. She smiled warmly up at him. “Sekali, she will need you before the end, and Mahkaia is dead and gone. You will not heal if you keep on in the path you have created for yourself. She is free now, free yourself as well . . . let her go. It does not do you any good to waste away your time and your mind on dreams. Please, Sekali, let her go.”
Her words shocked him, but he knew she spoke the truth. Tears spilled down his face and he began to tremble. She quickly turned and embraced him, tears filling her own eyes as she shared his grief and wept with him. Long into the night she held him.
As the day’s light began to illuminate the skies in the horizon, Sekali calmed, exhausted. He kissed the side of her head and placed his head against hers.
“Thank you.” He said and stood. Holding out a hand he helped her to her feet and embraced her tightly.
Looking up, she tenderly asked, “Are you going to be alright?”
He forced a smile and nodded. “I will now. I cannot express my appreciation to you; you must be Herald sent from Vannar to bless me with healing.” He placed the back of his hand under her chin and tilted her head up gently. Kissing her on the forehead he mouthed the words, “Thank you.”
Leaving her there with tears running freely down her checks, Sekali collected all their belongings and returned Aria’s pack to her, leaving Finyat and Uther to do what they would in the chilled morning air. Surprisingly, they arose in high spirits and made breakfast for all.
Grisham’s eyes opened abruptly when Sekali began to break camp. Without a sound, Grisham arose and stretched. Then the great Norst`Kin Lycanthrope went to Aria and nudged her tenderly. They began speaking quietly with each other as Finyat and Uther readied themselves for yet another day’s travel.
When breakfast was ready, they all ate. Grisham would not touch the food, but left for a short while to find a breakfast of his own.
Soon they were all traveling. At first Aria held Sekali’s hand, just for a while. Then she moved to Finyat, holding his hand and whispering things only he could hear, with the exception of Grisham, who pretended not to hear. Soon Finyat was laughing quietly, his spirits rising.
Playfully Aria moved next to Uther, who folded his arms and grumbled something about frolicking elves.
Grisham bellowed out laughing and scooped up Aria into powerful arms and carried her upon his shoulders as they all continued their trek north and a little east, merrily singing and telling stories of their travels to a curious Norst`Kin Lycanthrope, a legendary “horror” spoken of by only the brave.