Eli

Chapter 4

Eli

A storm came.

The heavy ceaseless rain, filling the air with glorious symphony and fresh, moisture air, had lasted for three days and a land was cloaked in dense mist and mud. Raindrops were falling frequently, heavily on the landscape, hitting everything that came into their way. Young deciduous trees were bending under its pressure and rivers were bursting rivers beds. It seemed like everything that was alive suddenly went quiet.

She crawled under an old tree, shuddering with cold. Drops of water were dripping of strands of her hair and face, leaving little puddles on the ground. Her palms were drawn to her mouth for she was trying to warm them with her breath. All her clothes were wet through and through and stuck to her body like a second skin.

Bolt of lightning appeared on the scene, surrounded by powerful thunder and she draw her knees closer to her chest in hope that the storm would be over soon.

***

Next day, a penetrating rain had finally stopped, and she could get out of her shelter to find some food. Her limbs were stiffed and paralyzed from long hours of being curled up into a ball, flexed from unfading fear of being hit by lightning.

After few hours of searching for some source of food that would satisfy her hunger, the only edible things she found were soaked blackberries that had fallen in a mud during the storm. She ate them all.

When she came across a forlorn cave, she decided to set fire to warm herself, but all the wooden sticks and rocks she had collected were too wet. At least she was in freezing, but dry place, where only the thoughts about sun rising over the horizon kept her warm.

***

Garret

"Do not forget who you are, Garret. This is your chance to finally gain some respect and show strength between your people. A weak and sensitive king is of no use to his realm! Do not forget that," Father's speech echoed in his head while he was riding on Sapphira with royal knights to manage a tensed situation in Barnea in storm-beat land. The message said that foreign soldiers besieged the city, damaged shops, and set fires on people's homes. Fortunately, there was no report of death toll...So far...

"Sir," someone called, and Garret turned to the approaching knight, who bowed his head.

"Stephan," prince smiled and waited for the elder knight to ride next to him. "How is your family? I heard that you've been promoted to Captain of Guard. Congratulation," prince said and urged himself to smile politely despite his bleak mood.

"They're doing well, thank you, sir. It's an honour," Stephan smiled a little, too.

"But you certainly didn't come here to hear my congratulations," prince grew solemn. "What is it, Stephan?"

"I came to ask you, sir, whether you propose to encamp for a night or continue in our way to Bernea, sir," Stephan looked up earnestly at the prince, waiting for his orders.

"You're asking... me?" Garret said, bewildered. A confusion reflected in Stephan's face.

"Of course, sir. His Majesty ordered that you'll be in charge of this group," Stephan explained.

"Oh...I see," Garret swallowed and looked down at the muddy passing path. "Well, then, I suggest, we'd continue. All of our people are counting on us, it's our duty to answer their prayers and put the comfort aside and get to Bernea as soon as possible," Garret said and looked at Stephan to see his reaction. Stephan's eyes were shining brightly, proudly.

"Thank you, sir. I'll announce it to the rest of the group," he bowed his head and turned his horse to share prince's orders.

Garret waited for Stephan to leave, then he exhaled deeply. It's really happening, Sapphira... And I need to finally accept it... I'm going to be... a king... He thought and stroke Sapphira's neck gently, looking blankly in front of him. Sapphira whinnied sadly as if she knew what was burdening her rider's mind and kept trotting next to other horses.

***

*the picture (I imagine Sapphira like that:) ):https://www.finearteditions.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/080-Grey-Eagle-40x26.jpg