A Thousand Lives (Short Stories)

The Hunter

He wasn't aware of the deer, before he heard its screams of agony. Following the sound through thick bushes and high trees, he found a small clearing. A circular meadow surrounded by thick, gnarly trees unfolded in front of him. The trunks were covered with dark, green moss and the wide canopies made it impossible to see past the darkness surrounding the small glade. Lying between the roots of one of the trees was the animal. Not paying attention to anything else he went closer. As he did so, he could see an arrow piercing the deer's lungs. The heart however, had remained untouched. The gentle brown eyes pleaded for mercy.

"My poor brother, who has done this to you?"

The only thing he could do was to redeem the animal from its suffering. So, he took his own bow, shooting with deadly accuracy. It was sad to see the spirit leave its empty shell, yet it would have been crueller if he had done nothing.

He patted the soft nose, "rest in peace, my brother."

Rustling noises from all around him filled the air as men clad in armour emerged from the shadows. Blindly he had walked into their trap, which just shut itself. Two of the men seized him from behind, causing him to drop his bow. He tried to free himself with jerky motions, but their grip was stronger. The commander of the small troop came face to face with the man. Armour and sword reflecting the sun, as he strode from the shadows into the middle of the area.

"Did you think hiding in the forest might help you escape?" The commander's brown eyes were full of contempt.

"Following the ways of Lady Gaia means freedom. You can't cage nor control us." Trying to shake off his captors the man struggled again to no avail. If he could have broken free, he might have been able to run or at least fight and die. For he knew they wouldn't just kill him here. They would want to execute him for treason in front of thousands of self-righteous, judgmental eyes. A triumphant grin spread on the knight's face when he leaned closer to the prisoner.

"But I can make an example of you." The captive grinded his teeth while staring defiantly into his opposite one's eyes. They could kill him for abandoning the ways of living, dictated to the people by the crown. But they would never break freedom's call. When the men forced him to turn around and walk, he made one last desperate attempt to break free. Tripping one of the men next to him he managed to free one of his arms. Before the others could react, he drew the other guard's sword. The knight let go as his own blade pointed at his throat. Drawing back a few paces the fugitive turned with the sword from one enemy to the other. In an even pace they closed in on him, if he wanted to have a chance he would have to kill.

The moment he wanted to strike with the cold steel the booming voice of a woman sounded from all around.

"There will be no more bloodshed in my realm!" Green, glowing eyes appeared in the shadows between the trees. The men in armour froze as the creatures came closer. They looked like lizards. No, more like dragons without wings. Covered in moss green scales and with a snake like body, the spine covered in spikes. The man looked around; they were surrounded by them. Suddenly a presence appeared in the middle of the clearing among the crown's men whose eyes darted from creature to creature in search of escape. The figure in the middle turned out to be a woman, who seemed to be entirely made of light. Her clothes shone in different tones of light green and an antlered crown adorned her head not unlike the one of the deer. The man himself was shivering a little more out of awe than fear. Yet the small dragons made him uncertain if he was safe. Studying each of the men standing in the clearing the Goddess spoke in an even voice.

"Don't be afraid of my children, they won't hurt you. Unless you have a black heart." Her gaze wandered to the only man wearing nothing but a shirt, cloak and trousers as protection. Piercing eyes made him feel as if she looked right into his soul.

"You killed the king of this forest, and my husband." Anger sounded in her words and the dragons were now crawling up to him. Distrust reflected in their tiny eyes and the wind began to blow strong, making dozens of leaves rustle.

Before she could continue the commander's voice sounded demandingly.

"You are no business of ours. Go back to where you came from." Like a striking serpent, the woman turned to the knight.

"I am everyone's business. Even if you turned your back on me, who gives you food and breath." For a moment they locked eyes with each other before Lady Gaia commanded the forest to make a path.

"Leave my realm!" Quickly the commander gripped the man's shoulder.

"This one belongs to me!" She said with authority. But the commander paid no heed and continued. With the motion of her hand the Goddess let one of the knights disappear in the ground. It happened too quickly for the unfortunate man to even scream. The commander stopped in his tracks and the man could feel the knight's hand shake slightly.

"Go," she said, her finger pointing towards the path. Making haste the knights followed the way, leaving the man behind. Immediately the dragons encircled him hissing slightly. Gracefully, she walked towards him in her eyes, he could see the flames of wrath and sorrow. The thought of running crossed his mind. But he refused to give in to fear, with a straight back he faced the mother giving life to all creatures.

"You are responsible for his death!" The man averted his eyes in shame, it was his running which had cost the King's life.

"I take it, you want justice for that." The man smiled weakly at the irony. He had escaped one execution just to head into another.

"Your actions are your own. You cannot escape the consequences."

Bitterness swung in his tone the next time he spoke, "at least I might be able to keep my dignity."

The woman seemed suddenly sorrowful, "they resent you... for what?"

"I reject their rules. I follow the ancient path's wisdom. Your wisdom, Lady Gaia."

The fires of rage died down in Lady Gaia's eyes making room for understanding, perhaps even sympathy.

"You seek death, to flee from life."

"No, My Lady. To be afraid of death, means to be afraid of life itself. I lived my life as best I could, but my deeds led me to an early end. I can run but I can't hide. It is better to face fate, than to survive as a coward. I embrace death, as I embrace life."

The mother inclined her head, "you are wise for a human."

Sensing the near end, the man handed over his dagger, a triskele was carved into its pommel.

Weariness took hold of him as he stepped towards an old oak tree. The dragons followed as if to keep him from making a dash for freedom and life. Yet they weren't as hostile as they had been at first. When he leaned against the mossy trunk one of the dragons was cuddling with his hand, carefully he stroked over its scales.

Lady Gaia followed with smooth movements. Her divine, green-glowing appearance carrying the light of life, and at the same time the darkness of the night. She embraced him like a mother would embrace her child for one last time.

"You are no traitor, just someone born in the wrong place. You shall reincarnate in my realm. My brave, wise child."

The dragons sat on his feet, on his legs, even on his stomach. One seemed to hold his hand, with his tiny claws. Looking at him, with soothing eyes. He looked upwards to the tree canopies. Such a wonderful view.

"What is your name?"

"Aderyn."

A sharp pain emerged, when she slit his throat.

"Now sleep, Aderyn."

Her motherly voice was the last thing he heard, closing his eyes. The wind blew towards him, a gentle, warm breeze of summer air. Carrying his soul away. The goddess placed the dagger beside his body. The dragons bowed their heads, then disappeared into the green. Leaves whirled around her figure, then she too had vanished.

Note: Image - Forest by Sandara