CHASE

Chapter 33

     Mergh dispatched his nephew, who bade him farewell with a sly wink, and invited Eva to sit down offering her a cup of tea brewed with his own herbs he grew. He wasn't very tall. His broad shoulders gave the illusion of a burly man. He wasn't much more than thirty years old, though his beard had aged him and provided him with great maturity. His blackened hair fell carelessly to the lashes of slightly brown eyes. Like the people there, he was also quite dark, and that was due to the long time they spent in the sun. Mainly in field activities.

     "What brings you here?"  He circled the cup with his huge hands. Both were hardened by the experience of his work.

     "I seek answers."  Eva felt comfortable even though she didn't know if she could trust him or not. She held a conversation sincerely. Mergh expired reliability.  "There's a nightmare that haunts me for years and I'm looking for a way to solve it. There must be a way to end what I dream about. And with what I discovered..."  She sighed.  "Maybe the ancient civilization behind the mountains has a solution. Sorry to be asking you, but could you come with me? I mean if you know how to communicate..."

     "Yes. I can accompany you. And, being a strictly reserved population, our visit must be carried out in broad daylight."

     "I hope it's not inappropriate... As an interpreter in this locality, you must know several languages. How do they have access to such learning?"

     "No problem."  He smiled.  "Here I learned the essentials. Then curiosity led me to the horizons. I traveled a few times. This place is a little backward compared to what's out there. And get ready, where you want to go, it seems that we are going back further in time."  He burst out laughing.

     "Can you tell me where I can spend the night?"

     "I invite you to stay here in one of my rooms."

     "Sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

     "Sure. Who else could understand you better than me?"  He laughed at his own joke.  "Besides, I don't have anyone else living in this house. Yure is my regular visitor. And it's not the first time I've received people who decide to visit us. On various occasions."  Eva dug into her backpack a fair amount for her stay.  "Oh! No, no! I cannot accept! I invited you!"

     "Take it as a gift, then! Or I will be offended!"  She set it down on the table showing signs, which now only belonged to Mergh. This one couldn't help but be grateful.

     Then Eva settled into her temporary compartment. She sat by the window studying the passive behavior of the neighborhood. Twilight was in her presence when Mergh knocked on the door. He requested her company for dinner. They talked about various general matters. In the end, Eva looked outside in wonder at the strong silver light. The moon is Earth's only natural satellite. For this reason, she was fascinated, in addition to believing that this celestial body was hiding something more than scientific facts.

     "It's beautiful, isn't it?"  Mergh hinted.

     "Yes."  She muttered.  "Every moonlit night I like to go out for about an hour. I feel serene."  She raised her head.  "Before I came of age, I ran away from home for it. I often climbed an oak tree to close the distance to it."

     "Ah, yes? Come with me!"

     "Where are we going?"

     "You'll see soon!"

     He escorted her outside and closed the door. He beckoned her to follow him, and they walked in silence, accepting the divine comfort of the night. Illuminated by the moonlight, they strolled along a path bordered by chamomiles, rigorously arranged in lines. Eva closed her eyes briefly, enjoying the soothing scent.

     "Wait a second."  The man stopped while she took off her shoes.  "I like to feel the earth on my feet."  She admitted.

     Then she followed him so as not to get lost. As she passed, the crickets ceased with their chirping. When they reached the edge of the trail, Mergh pointed toward the mountains.

     "What a beautiful landscape!"  Eva exclaimed.  "I would love to make a sketch. It's a hobby I have. I've never seen mountains shine like that."

    "There's an old legend."  Elucidated Mergh.  "The glow of the mountains comes from a blanket. This blanket is woven by the gods."

     "And what is the use of that blanket?"  Eva was excited.

     "To cover the mountains and hide the transition portal to the other world. That's why they call this place the Gate of the Mountains. And this light show has the function of camouflaging the view. So that no one will ever be able to invade the entrance to another reality. Maybe it's a parallel universe, who knows?"  Played.

·

     The sun was high when Eva picked up the note left by the owner justifying his absence. He had his business and as soon as they had lunch, they would talk better about the trip they had to take. Then, later, as promised, the two sat across from each other at the table. On a white sheet of paper, Mergh sketched a personalized map. He asked Eva to pay attention because in those shortcuts she could get lost on narrow and steep paths. Which forced them to take the horses and they would have to be very careful also for the animals due to the uncertain and rocky terrain. Or the probability of insecurity that a landslide could trigger. Or the presence of snakes, predators, etc. All warning factors would have to be considered. Not to forget little frequented.

     "Have you ever ridden a horse?"  Eva denied.  "It isn't complicated. By the way, come with me!"

     She went with him to a fence a hundred yards away. There was Yure feeding his horses. Mergh brought one of the animals with him and instructed his guest in simple lessons. They stayed there for the afternoon. He called back to his nephew, who was also riding close by, and said something to him that made him radiant. With a smile from ear to ear.

     "I authorized him to come with us. He will watch the horses while we are there. I'm sure my brother will agree."  He indicated.  "Why don't we come back here tomorrow to make sure you're ready to go? And we prepare to leave the next day. Then we can have dinner at my brother's and so I introduce you to Yure's father."

     "It's fine with me!"  She considered.

     "Then that's it."  He kept the saddle.  "It's agreed!"

     Eva had loved this place even though she didn't see it as a permanent destination. The time had not yet come to find a place that would accept it as her home. Or rather, she didn't know if, at some point in her life, she would approve of a place where she decided to settle down. Even thinking about it made her feel strange. Perhaps she was born for the purpose of moving. For now, she had chosen to put those thoughts aside.