Past in the Future by Lisa Krnac

Chapter 21

"Can I show you something?" Dustin said while he was watching Henry run towards the children playing ball. Nadine then realized that he was talking to her. Nadine came out from behind the tree and walked towards him. Dustin turned to see her approach him and gave her a straight face. Nadine started to speak. "Look I am sorry for our conversation earlier this morning, but I just can't bare the thought of Henry fighting."

"Follow me." Is all that Dustin said. He lead her behind the armoury building. Nadine heard noises of people rustling around and making strange noises. From behind a large bush she could see men and women, boys and girls engaging in combat with wooden swords and bows and arrows. Nadine observed and assumed that it must be a battle training camp of some sort. "Everyone of these people live to fight because they know it will save their life one day. They all have the chance to fight for their freedom. I didn't teach Henry so that he would go into battle. I taught him because he enjoys it. Everyone enjoys training and pushing themselves to be better." He sighed and looked with concerned eyes. "I am sorry that I didn't ask." Nadine nodded, but she didn't know what to think. She did remember the time she was with Peter in the forest. And how she didn't know how to defend herself. This time is a lot different then her own time and she knew that anything can happen if you are not prepared for it. "I guess a little self defence is ok to learn. I will agree to have you train Henry under one condition. You make sure he doesn't get involved in a battle or hurt anyone with his fighting skills except yourself." Dustin smiled and nodded at this remark. "And that you make sure I am better then him." She smiled. She never realized how easy it actually was to talk to Dustin. "I can't garantee that you will be better then Henry. He has already a head start." Dustin said. Nadine almost agreed, but then she remembered something. "Not neccesarily. I do have some skills with the bow and arrow."

"Yah, using Xander's guide bow. Xander made that for Peter because he was never a good shot. Now can you shot without the guide?" Nadine was intreged by this challenge and grabbed a bow and arrow that were on the rack. Some people stopped their training when they noticed Nadine going towards one of the targets that were hanging on the tree. Dustin was behind her and stood back to observe. Nadine put the arrow in the string and aimed. She knew the bow was different then the one she used before, but she was hoping that she would have the luck to hit the target. Nadine wanted to prove Dustin that she could do it ,and she was hoping that she wouldn't embarrass herself. Once she aimed she let go and the arrow hit the target on the outside. She was happy she hit the target, but was a little disappointed that it wasn't the middle. Dustin didn't laugh, but came to her. "Aim higher then the target, the arrow curves down when you shoot. Try again." Nadine did what she was told and shot the arrow. It hit the target again, but on the top edge. "I know, I know, let me try again." Nadine was determined to get it right without him correcting her every time. She put another arrow in the string and aimed. the strategy to holding the bow steady was something that she knew would come with practise, but right now she just wanted to hit the target in the middle. Almost every eye was on her and she could feel the pressure, but it seemed to give her power. She hit the target in the middle and she smiled from ear to ear. Dustin gave her a nod of approval and encouraged her to try again. Nadine would miss a few times, but she generally hit the middle every time. She saw people talking in small conversations about her. She ignored the small talk about her and concentrated on the target. She aimed again and then a large 'gong' broke her concentration and the arrow went into the trees. Dustin smiled and said "I guess we will have to teach you to shot with destractions. That's the dinner bell. Come let's eat."

Everyone was gathered around the meeting hut and on stage was Allister and Xander. "Good evening everyone. I just want to say a nice welcome to Xander." Everyone clapped their hands together. "And I want everyone to greet some new members of this sanctuary. Edger and his family." Again the crowd clapped. And I want to introduce a very important person. Everyone has studied her and taught others about her. Nadine please come forward." Again Nadine's cheeks became red of embarrassment. She came to the stage and everyone clapped and cheered their greeting. "And of course I will not forget. Some one who would absolutely not be here if it were not for Xanders. You all know him as Nadine's brother Henry." Allister gestured for him to come to the stage. Everyone seemed more shocked about Henry then Nadine. Everyone seemed to know Henry as Nadine's dead brother, but here he was alive and shaking as he went to the stage. Everyone cheered and whistled as Henry walked up the steps to stand beside Allister. Henry never felt as famous as Nadine, but today he felt more important then Nadine has ever been. "Ok everyone settle down. It is time for us all to pray and enjoy the wonderful food. Xander would you do the honour." Xander bowed and began to speak. He gave a prayer of thanks and blessing then they all ended with "Amen".

The food was set up in a buffet style with cut pork and beef. Vegitables and salad. Everyone sat around the village talking and playing. Allister gave Henry a rub on the head and pushed him to the front of the line. Nadine stood back with her food in hand. She found a large rock beside a tree that was outside the circle of people. She became emotional at the thought of so many people, and their willingness to fight, and most likely get killed. Dustin came over and sat beside her. "Are you all right?" Nadine nodded, but knew that he could see through her lie. Then she said "does all situation have to be solved by fighting?"

"No, but it seems to be the logical choice."

"There is nothing logical to kill someone." Nadine sighed "Dustin take a look at all these people. Look how happy they are. Their smiling faces and warm laughs. I can't see them being happy once one of their brothers or husbands don't come home because they decided that the king needed to be dethroned."

"What do you suggest that we do, force him to change his ways."

"Yes!" She smiled at her sarcasume. "I wish we could. If it would save a lot of lives." Nadine had said.

"I agree that violence is not the best choice of action, but we don't know what else we could do."

"Someone could try talking some sense into him."

Dustin laughed. "We tried."

"And?"

"And that ended with two good men being sent to the dungeon and two women being slaves to the castle. I'm sorry, but we need something a little more forceful. Look why don't we think a little bit about it and talk later. Xander has decided that we stay the night so it is going to be a long one.

Is it ok if I teach young Henry some fight tricks? He has been bugging me all day." Nadine smiled and nodded. Dustin went to go find Henry and Nadine thought it would be a good idea to start reading that book that Xander gave to her earlier.

Lisa Krnac