Excerpt from my book- The Fall, The Ice Catcher Trilogy, 103:50 Oct 19 2017
Times Read: 152
My head was pounding as I tried to sit up. Where was I? I looked around at my surroundings as my eyes came into focus. I was in a pasture of some sort, I would guess, by the way the flowers scattered on the green waving gaily. The sun was bright yet did nothing to keep me warm as I shielded myself away from the chilling winds that blew through me in waves.
I started walking towards a trail I had noticed on the far end of the field, my shoes crunching softly on the grass beneath them as I walked. My mind was in disarray as I tried to recall the last thing I remembered. I had laid down to sleep, and woke up here, but somehow, I can’t quite remember much past that.
I saw smoke in the distance, behind a clump of yellow birch trees. There must be someone there who can help me. I started to jog, and found myself smiling at the beauty of the birch trees as I passed. The leaves were ever so graceful in the way they dangled and fluttered in the wind.
As I neared the house, I slowed my pace to catch my breath. After a minute, I walked up the gravel driveway to a quaint little cabin surrounded by woods. The bright blue chicory flowers lining the hardwood flower boxes beneath the windows gave the cabin a welcoming feel as I climbed the steps to the porch. Everything seemed so serene and beautiful, as I inhaled a deep breath of fresh forest air, then gently knocked at the door.
A tall thin, but muscular guy answered the door, muscle ripped beneath the tight white shirt he wore, black tousled hair waving as the wind blew between us gently. I felt my voice freeze as his emerald eyes looked me over curiously. He looked like a predator, assessing his prey.
After what felt like hours, I finally found my voice, “Buongiorno sir, I’m so sorry to bother you. I seemed to have lost my way and hoped you would be so kind as to point me in the right direction.”
“Won't you come in,” he said softly, “I was just preparing dinner for the evening, and it would be delighted to have your company.”
Part of me wanted to run, but as I looked at him, I felt comfort in his words. Like I could trust him.
“Thank you, I would like that,” I smiled as he stepped aside so I could enter.
I didn't realize how hungry I was until he offered. My last meal was yesterday, I was sure of it.
“Please make yourself at home,” he smiled warmly, “I’ll be in the kitchen finishing up the dinner. I hope you like pasta,”
“I love it,” I smiled back, “Thank you.”
“It's my pleasure,” he said, then left the room.
I started towards the sitting room. It was beautiful with a natural rustic and nostalgic feeling to it. I looked out the hinged windows ahead of me to see that evening had already crept in. Was I here that long? The crackling of the fireplace made me feel so cozy that I forgot about the time once again.
The flames moved and swayed, as their shadows danced across the white fur rug in front of it. The mantel piece was bare with the exception of two wooden stakes, one at each end, in a glass case. Above it hung a portrait of a young woman, about my age, with very similar characteristics. Before I could study it further, I heard footsteps coming into the room.
“Dinner is ready,” he said as I turned to follow him.
He led me to the dining room, which branched off the kitchen with a view all of its own. A six-person solid wooden table sat overlooking a gorgeous rolling mountain backdrop. He pulled out a chair for me, near the head of the table, and motioned for me to sit. I did, while he scooted the chair under me and sat next to me at the end of the table.
“This looks delicious, what is it?” I asked curiously as I stared at the corkscrew pasta covered in a deep rich tomato sauce, with layers of Romano and basil.
“Fusilli Al Pomodoro E Basilico,” he said smiling.
I couldn't help but smile. If i didn't know any better, I’d say he was flirting with me. As I ate, I realized this had to be best meal I’d ever eaten. Made like a true Italian. I looked up to find his green eyes watching me intently.
“You haven't eaten yet,” I said as I noticed his plate untouched in front of him.
“I’d much rather watch you enjoy it,” he said teasingly as he reached for the canter on the table in front of me and poured us both a glass of red wine.
“Thank you so much for your hospitality, and the lovely dinner.”
“It's always a pleasure,” he smiled, “I’m Vance.”
“I’m Sapphire,” I replied blushing as he assessed me with those beautiful lingering eyes.
I finished my plate without looking at him, afraid I’d become distracted and never finish dinner. As I drank my wine, I realized it was pitch black out. I felt a wave of disappointment crash over me as I realized I had no way to get home. I looked up to find he was indeed watching me.
“Where are we?” I asked.
“Burke,” he replied.
Was it my imagination or did his jaw muscles flex just now as I asked?
“Burke?” I asked, “Is that near Italy?”
“No,” he said, almost coldly.
I started to feel uncomfortable. I can't say I am being kidnapped because I knocked on his door, yet I had the strangest feeling something wasn't right.
“I should probably get going,” I realized as I drained my glass, “My mother will worry about me.”
As I started pushing my chair back, he was already behind me, pulling out my chair for me. How did he do that so fast?
“Of course. Should you need anything, I’ll be right here. You need only ask,” he said with sincere warmth.
I made my way to the front door, as he followed close behind. I stepped out on the porch as he did, and he closed the door behind us.
The he reached for my hand, “I’ll see you very soon Sapphire,” he whispered as he bent and kissed my hand delicately, then dissipated in front of my eyes.
I should be in shock, but after everything that's happened the last few weeks, this somehow felt normal.
I ran off the porch and followed the path to the main road. I started walking and realized I had no idea where I was. I passed a few pastures of livestock and realized there may be a farm nearby. Maybe I could ask someone for help. Why didn't I just ask Vance? I wondered.
After a few miles of livestock, I started to feel like I would never reach civilization when someone popped up beside me.
“It's a little late to be parading in town, isn't it?” He asked.
I looked to find myself staring at the Italian boy from the butcher shop, still dressed in all black. Maybe he could help.
“I know you. From the butcher shop, “I exclaimed with happiness.
“Yes, you did see me there,” he replied solemnly.
“How far is that from here?” I asked.
“About four thousand miles.”
“What?” I exclaimed, as I stopped walking.
I almost had a panic attack. No this isn't happening. How can I be so far from home?
“Are you ok?” He asked, genuinely concerned.
“I... I need to get home,” I said unable to stop the tear that trickled down my cheek.
“Dammit,” he said cursing as he kicked a rock across the road with impeccable strength.
“What?” I asked drying my tears.
“Nothing. You shouldn't be out here after dark. It's not safe.”
I wanted to ask what he meant when someone appeared in front of us.
“What are you doing out so late, little one?” He asked in a scathing tone.
“She's Agony’s. You should turn around Paul!” the Italian boy ordered.
Agony?
“She's not been claimed, Ace. As far as I’m concerned, she is anyone's at this point,” he growled as he launched himself at me and I froze.
The rest happened in a blur. Ace was in front of me shielding me as Vance appeared and ripped the heart right out of the guy that was about to attack me.
“I’m so sorry Agony, I tried to tell him,” Ace said sympathetically as he got on his knees. “It’s my fault and I accept my punishment.”
Vance took a few seconds before turning around. He threw the red dripping mess in his hands over to the grass and wiped his hands on his perfectly clean white shirt.
“I told you to watch her.” His face was stone hard and his eyes cold.
“I failed you, my king,” Ace said solemnly, “Punishment for failure is death.”
What.
The.
Hell?
“No,” I cried without thinking as I ran in front of Ace, “I’ll take his punishment. He was only trying to protect me. I can’t see how he failed.”
Vance looked at me finally, as if seeing me for the first time. He watched me intently as his mind was weaving. I didn't dare look away, though I wanted to.
“It's not your fault. I shouldn't have let her go. You’re free to go,” he said to Ace without taking his eyes from mine.
I heard the wind swish behind me and turned to find Ace gone. I turned back to find Vance watching me intently.
“Let's go,” he said as he pulled me tight against him and before I could struggle we were back in his cabin.
“What do you want from me?” I asked pushing him away, “Why am I here? Did you kidnap me?”
“Technically no, I personally did not kidnap you. Though you’re in my lair, permanently. You are free to roam throughout the day but don't leave this cabin after nightfall.”
Before I could ask any more questions, he was gone. I didn't understand what was happening. Ace. he would tell me. I’ll find him tomorrow as soon as the sun is up, I thought. I found myself going to the nearest chair facing a window and curled up. I felt so alone, without my best friend. Without my sister.
Without my mom. I didn't realize till I awoke at dawn that I’d cried myself to sleep.
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