Redemption

Five

"This view is incredible,"

Harmony nodded in agreement.

They had been traveling southwest, deciding to move their camp now that Lane had healed well enough to travel without much discomfort. Along the way, Harmony spent a great amount of time showing him how to find water in the open desert, what plants indicated an underground spring, and which reeds were best to draw the water up. She pointed out what plants were dangerous to eat, and how to build a fire using only the materials on hand.

She had also taken pains to teach him to use the sling, which she thought was funny but did not attempt to explain why. He quickly mastered the skill, which impressed but did not surprise her. Though Lane had asked her repeatedly, she would not tell him any more about himself.

That morning found them overlooking a deep gorge that was over a hundred meters deep and well over fifteen kilometers long. There were sand domes, striated rock formations, and plenty of ochre-colored earth to make it a stunning habitation against the lush green flora. Tracing along the bottom of the gorge was a sparkling river that ran the entire length of the canyon, spreading out into pools here and there along the way. Looking straight down, just below them on the canyon floor was a green spot, covered in trees and brush.

"Garden of Eden," he murmured.

Unfamiliar with that phrase, she glanced at him. His shrug was faint.

"Long story, short version is it was lost forever, the perfect and most beautiful place in the world. I think it must have looked like this."

Come, us go there. At his nod, she began carefully descending along a narrow ledge that looked like a seldom-used path. He followed.

Flickers of movement darted here and there as they made their way, lizards sunning themselves disappearing with a flash. Graceful black and white Magpie Larks swooped about through the still air as they inspected the intruders. The pair's destination was a permanent waterhole with limpid pools that reflected the lush plant life, groves of cycads contrasting strikingly with the red sandstone cliffs.

Along the banks, pretty White-bellied Spinifex Pigeons dipped their beaks into the cool water. Lovely little birds boasting rusty-colored plumage blended them into the red soil, with striking white feathers along their bellies. A bright crimson facial patch around each eye with rings of black and grey circled stark red iris. They scattered as the humans approached, pinions squeaking like rusty hinges.

Dropping to his knees at the edge of the pool, Lane gratefully scooped water into his mouth. The sun was hot and without a breeze, the fresh water and shade from the cycads were welcome. Harmony knelt at the water's edge about a little bit away and splashed it across her face and the back of her neck. Only after cooling down did she sip water cupped in her hands. Their eyes met over the edge of her palms as she swallowed.

"What is this place?" He wanted to know.

Special, important, she replied, searching for the right words. They were still coming up with all the vocabulary she needed to express herself.

"A special place, how so?" settling back under the shade, he cautiously pillowed his hands behind his head, regarding her curiously.

No outsiders come here, only my people come.

Nodding in understanding, he considered that. Most cultures had someplace that they deemed sacred and resented trespassers there. Strange how he would know that, but he felt certain it was true.

"What about us being here?" He wanted to know. "Will that cause any problems?"

No. Her blank look made him feel she was holding back. If we good, no trouble.