Ocean's Secret |on hold|

13 | Truth?

"Meredee!" Judson called, thoroughly perplexed at the way she had suddenly risen from her seat by the fire, a look of alarm freezing her beautiful features. Her eyes had taken on a wild light that had scared him. She had then run from him as if she didn't want to be anywhere near him. Was she hiding something from him? Very possible, as he had only just met her, and he had no knowledge of her story or background. But he wanted to know; he wanted to help her. So now, as he ran after her into the trees, pushing aside the leafy branches and trampling over low ferns and scrub, he called her name but still received no answer.

It must have been only minutes since they left the fire, but the night had darkened quickly, restricting his usually good vision. Many a time had he trekked through these woods, hunting for fowl or gathering wild fruit that his friend Keturah liked so much. He wasn't worried about getting lost, but a foreigner like Meredee could easily lose her way and wander aimlessly. Especially if in a frenzied state of mind. What had come over her? He had surmised she wasn't quite right in the head ever since she stumbled into his establishment, dazed. But she had worked fairly well once refreshed with water and food, so he'd thought she was over her temporary confusion. But now, he wasn't so sure.

"Hello? Meredee, are you ok?" he called after hearing a snapping of twigs and thrashing of leaves. He stopped in place to better hear her whereabouts. A cold chill ran down his back when instead he heard a low growl off to his right. A few muffled grunts aimed his steps westward, and from the sounds of it, he could only deduce that a large creature, perhaps a bear or wild cat, was lurking in the dark forest. His fear for Meredee's safety escalated.

He quickened his steps, hearing a deep huffing and racked his mind for any creature he'd heard before that sounded like this. The mental search came up short. This low throaty growl only sent shivers up his spine. He could only hope Meredee was nowhere near whatever manner of mighty animal this was. He saw a shadow shift just up ahead, and he slowed until he was partially hidden behind a tree trunk. He peered out, holding his breath as two eyes blinked in the partial light, glistening gold like polished coins.

The creature moved, looming larger in the twilight, and Judson took an involuntary step backwards. A loud snapping noise accompanied the shadows shifting, before rising up amongst the tall trees, rising higher above until Judson could distinguish the outline against the sky. Every muscle in his body tensed as the sight of a dragon displaced all thoughts in his mind. Surely it wasn't possible, not here in his own backyard! A mighty roar shattered the night's quiet symphony as the dragon threw back its head and cried. In that terrible wail, Judson could almost hear pain and heartache, and also bitterness and...revenge? It was a chilling roar whatever emotions it had been born from, and Judson's heart thundered in his chest as he watched the faint outline of the creature soar westward across the dark sky.

Deep in thought, he then made back to his home after the creature had flown from view. He was still searching for Meredee, but after a half-hour of jogging along the narrow trails amongst the tall trees and ferns, and calling her name countless times, he decided to stop and resume the search during daylight hours. An awful thought kept plaguing his mind, that perhaps the creature had carried her off – or done something worse – and he would now fret all night for her safety. He knew she wasn't really his responsibility, being a total stranger and no relation at all, but she had been working for him at the time of her frightening behaviour and subsequent disappearance.

Upon reaching his house just behind the tavern, Keturah rushed out and alternated between scolding him for his absence and thanking Jehovah for his safe return. She had had to come over earlier in the night to organise the rowdy customers who were not being served as usual, she explained. She had become worried as to Judson's whereabouts, even though he had been gone only a few hours. When she demanded an explanation, he tried his best to act indifferent, not wanting to share his unsettling experience even to his childhood friend. He'd need to sort through it himself first, and he doubted she'd believe him.