Escape from Eden

Chapter 3

["Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality, it's a way of understanding it." - Lloyd Alexander]

The Wild West. The golden rays of the sun brushed my face with its warmth, the red sand trickled upon my horse's hooves, I knew this was a Mesa. I have always read books about this place, hopefully, their natives aren't as hostile as I have heard. As we trotted to the old buildings, the natives were just dressed in a western manner. "Wow..." All of a sudden, a man stepped up to my horse and me, "Howdy, Miss. I reckon you may be lost, can I help you with something while yer' here?" They do not sound hostile, in fact, they sound peaceful like they are enjoying what their lives have brought them.

"Yes, I am looking for a man, who goes by the name of Jonathan Marks."

"No way! You're lookin' for the Captain?"

"Uhm, y-yes...?" I stuttered, but took in a breath, "I am Princess Honaleih Jae of the Iron Mountain. I am recruiting those who are worthy of a sacred alliance. I shall provide great protection for your Captain, I will do everything I can to make sure he does not get harmed."

"You're the princess of that King? King Pama, right? Sorry, little lady. We can't help you. The Captain doesn't really like the king very much. So, I don't know how to help--"

The man was cut off by the Captain himself. "Lookin' for me? Whaddya want?" I cleared my throat once more but he grinned, motioning to the other guy, "Frank, get this lady some of Adam's Ale and a couple of airtights. I reckon her journey was long. Must be important, having her visit." The other man zoomed to meet his demands, as the Captain turned back to look at me. "I am sorry if I have disrupted your work, I was wondering if you are up for a task to withhold for your people. This is important to me and for my people." He looks at me with soft eyes, he sighs. "Whatever this job offer is, count me in. It's not every day you get to have an adventure like this. What is the task, exactly?"

"I want to build an alliance with others to take my father down." There was a silence between us, I wasn't sure whether or not to break it. "I'll go get a wagon, y'all must be tired from riding and trotting all over here." I nod, not knowing what to say. All of a sudden, I noticed that Marks turned to see the box I had, questioning it as to why I had it. "Oh...this was supposed to be a token of acceptance, I have made desserts for your people, to tell them that I am not like my father. I am not heartless nor cruel to those who stand before me. My father tells the people of my mountain that...to strengthen my character. But, I promise you that I do not mean any harm."

"That box? What's in it?" He tilted his head in confusion.

"Desserts I have made. Fruit tart pockets, brushed with fresh butter and dusted with powdered sugar."

"Haha, sounds girly. But, I'll go deliver them."

"You judge too quickly, sir. Not as girly as you would say." I snickered, he chuckles in response.

After delivering the sweet parcels to his people, he asked me to "hop" off my steed and allow our horses to pull us to our "camp." These terms were so new to me, I am almost speechless. "My people seem to take a liking to yer' treats. Thank you for that, I appreciate that." I nod and set all my items down in the wagon. As we start moving, I have decided to get to know a little more about this man.

[Conversation between Hona and Marks]

H: "If you don't mind me asking, but I was pondering on why you would accept something as dangerous as this mission. Surely, you're getting something out of this?"

M: "What makes you say that?"

H: "You quickly accepted the task at hand, even without review the terms of what it consist. Why?"

M: "It gets boring around here. So, I'd like the excitement of an adventure for a while. Thank you for bringing me."

[Honaleih blushes, a pale pink tint streaks across her face, having him notice seconds after. All of a sudden, he calmly takes her chin, turning it to face him. His warm breath trickles along her cheek, causing her to blush more.]

H: "I see, you are quite welcome. And once we lie back for a while, at the camp, we will figure out what to do next."

M: [Nods slightly] "Understood."

[End of conversation]