He could feel her staring at him intently, but he kept his eyes on the ground in embarrassment.
“Elijah, look at me.” Hearing her plea, he quickly glanced up and then back down at the ground.
“Elijah, look at me, please.” She laughed as she spoke. “Don’t be embarrassed.” Her tone was as comforting as her soft hands against his face when she gently forced him to look up at her.
When he met her gaze, the entire world melted away, along with his embarrassment. In this moment there was only Sara.
“Do you want to kiss me?” Her soft voice echoed in his mind. Yes, he wanted to shout, but for a second his lips wouldn’t move. In that moment of silence he could see her begin to blush. She was nervous.
It seemed as if he had been awaiting this moment for his entire life; he had never been more excited, or more nervous. He cleared his throat and shifted his body into a more comfortable position as he gathered his wits to speak.
“Of cour —”
“Elijah, Sara, there you are; I heard a scream. Are you okay?” Solomon grabbed Sara by the hand and lifted her to her feet as he spoke. “Come on, let’s get you home.” He continued to hold her hand as he led her away. Elijah watched from his place on the ground while she gazed back at him over her shoulder.
In that moment, he was once again a child playing a game, but he was no longer the hero. This time he had been bested, and he watched in defeat while his princess was spirited away. He didn’t know until later that evening how eerily, accurately symbolic that moment had been.
Knowing the pain it would cause Elijah, his entire family gathered to inform him of his father’s plan, how he had negotiated for Solomon to court and eventually to marry Sara.
More than three years had passed since that day and though she was never far from his thoughts, he had only seen her once. He had promised to meet her again the next day, but he couldn’t bear it.
Chapter 50
After dinner, Elijah took Malaki upstairs to get ready for bed. After a few minutes spent convincing Malaki to get into his bed clothes, Elijah helped his little brother settle in.
When he finally walked out into the corridor to wait at the top of the stairs for his older brother, he heard anxious whispers going back and forth between his mother and Solomon. Creeping forward to learn why they were so upset, Elijah heard his mother bring the conversation to a close.
“You have put this off for long enough. You know it’s going to happen, and so does he, so you might as well get it over with. Elijah will understand.” He couldn’t see her, but his mother’s voice was adamant.
“I just don’t want to do this to him, Mother. I can’t face him with this; it’s going to tear him apart.” His brother moved in and out of view, pacing the floor as he spoke.
“Of course it will hurt him, but he will get over it. You have tried your best for your brother, but your father already made arrangements with Sara’s. There is nothing you can do now but tell him. Besides, he hasn’t seen the girl in years; he’s probably over it by now.” Her tone had shifted as she tried to comfort Solomon.
“He hasn’t, Mother; I promise you that. I see it in his face every time he looks at me. He still loves her as much as he ever did, and I’m about to crush him all over again. I can’t shake the feeling that this is wrong, that I’m betraying my own brother. This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be, Mother. I can see it in her eyes as well. She has grown to care for me in a way, I think, but she still longs for Elijah.” Solomon’s voice sharpened with his anxiety.
Elijah turned to walk back to his room, wishing now he hadn’t been so suspicious, or so anxious to know what his brother seemed nervous about at the dinner table. He knew this day would come, but had tried not to think about it. Solomon was right, Elijah hadn’t seen Sara in years, but loved her just as intensely as he ever had.
His pull towards her was stronger than gravity; it had been a struggle for him every day… not to cause a fuss, not to leave in the middle of the night and escape with her, to just grit his teeth, lower his head, and bear the weight of it all.
“Elijah,” his brother had seen him and was calling from below. “Elijah, come down here; I need to talk to you, Brother.” His voice was shaky; Elijah just stood there silently for a moment with his back turned and his eyes shut. For a moment he thought he might lose control, but finally took a deep breath, gathered himself, and then turned around.
Elijah looked into his brother’s eyes and saw a desperate longing for acceptance. He took pity on him for a moment; he hated what was happening, but loved his brother with all his heart. Elijah closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as he gently rubbed his fingers across his eyelids. He knew what his brother wanted, but didn’t know if he could give it.
“Elijah, you know I don’t want to do this to you, but I also can’t do this without you; I can’t do this without your blessing, Brother. I need you to tell me it’s okay.” Elijah could see tears welling in Solomon’s eyes as he, too, struggled to fight them back. Elijah once again closed his eyes, trying to calm himself enough to speak. After a long moment of silence, he took a breath and finally began.
“Brother, I love you more than life. I would gladly take up any hardship to keep it from your shoulders. Neither time nor space, nor any happening, could dull the love that I have for you; it will always be there, no matter what you do. But I am afraid that is the most I can give you, because Sara is my heart, and it is against all the laws of heaven and nature for a man tear out his own heart and end his life. I cannot do it, Brother, but I will let you do it for me. I will lie on this table and hand you the knife to cut the heart from my chest, and I will hold you blameless. That is the best I can do.” A single tear rolled down his face as he spoke.
Solomon looked at him teary-eyed for a few moments and then nodded in acceptance.
“I do love her also, Brother; I want you to know that,” he said softly, then turned and went out the door. In all of Elijah’s life, there was never a more hollow or more deadening sound than the door slamming behind Solomon as he walked out of the castle that night.
Upstairs, Malaki had been waiting for his brothers, and when he heard the door slam below, he decided to investigate.
“Where is Sol going?” Malaki asked his mother as he peered down from the top of the stairs. “Don’t worry little one, he’ll be back. He’s gone to see Sara.” Esmeralda tried to comfort her youngest son. She knew how jealous Malaki could be when he had to share his brothers’ attention, especially Solomon’s. It didn’t help; he was upset.
“Why didn’t he tell me?” Malaki pouted; Solomon should have at least told him he was going to leave. He had been waiting patiently for his elder brother to come to bed, certain he could convince Solomon to tell him at least one grand tale of dragons and danger before Malaki had to go to sleep.
His hopes shattered, young Malaki ran across the bedroom and plopped down on the bed next to where Elijah was now lying, the boy’s arms crossed over his chest and tucked in defiance. A fierce frown pursed his lips and flared his nostrils.
“What’s wrong, little brother?” Elijah asked dully. The look on Malaki’s face would have at any other time made Elijah smile, but at this moment it was hard to even pretend interest.
“I’m never going to fall in love, Elijah, and you shouldn’t either!” Malaki grumbled jealously. The look on the child’s face was now serious, and his tone was grave as he warned Elijah of the perils of love.
“You are right little brother; I promise to try my best.” Elijah forced a smile and then kissed Malaki on the forehead. “Don’t worry, I will never love anyone more than you little brother, and neither will Solomon. Don’t be so hard on him.” Elijah said, trying to comfort the boy. Malaki looked at Elijah for a minute, as if considering his suggestion, but as he scrunched his nose once again Elijah knew his advice would be ignored.
Waiting for Solomon’s return, Elijah listened to his younger brother’s chatter a long while. He could sense
Malaki’s voice losing its fervor as he drifted off to sleep lying next to him on the small bed. Tired from his own labors, the soft bed beneath him and the fresh smell of soap rising up from the sheets around him made Elijah’s eyes grow heavy and, though he tried to fight it, he, too, fell asleep.
Chapter 51
It was a long walk to Sara’s house, especially at night, but Solomon had a lot on his mind and was glad for the extra time. Elijah had been in love with the girl for as long as he could remember, and tonight Solomon’s actions would change everything. He had already received permission from her father, and the marriage had been arranged; the proposal was just a formality.
Still, his trepidation grew as the distance to her cottage shrank. Soon he could see her face.
There she was, smiling as she sat on a small wooden stump on the hillside and watched fireflies dance. She truly was a beautiful creature and would make a wonderful wife.
In the years since their betrothal, Solomon truly had fallen in love with the young woman he’d once seen as just a silly little girl. If it only concerned him, this would be the easiest decision of his life. When she noticed him approaching, she gestured gracefully towards the fireflies and smiled politely.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Could we take a walk? I need to talk to you; it’s important.” He took her hand to help her up, and Sara glanced at him again, looking perplexed, but came along willingly. After walking a few minutes in silence in the near dark, Sara grew impatient.
“Solomon, please, we’ve been walking forever. Tell me what’s wrong.” She stopped walking and leaned against a large tree.
“Do you ever think about your future?” Solomon stood beside her and braced himself on a low branch.
“Of course I do, every day. Why do you ask?” She reached around the tree and picked at the bark.
“Just walk with me a bit more; we are almost there.” He began to move faster and Sara did her best to keep up. “Here we are.” Solomon smiled and opened his arms to encompass the landscape. Beneath the moonlight Sara could see a small cottage, an expanse of grass, an old garden patch, and a steep hill capped with a huge stone.
Taking her hand, he led her up the hill to the stone. “Do you remember this stone?” Solomon asked as they climbed.
“Of course I do; this is one of the places Elijah and I used to play when we were small.” As she spoke, she walked around the stone and carefully caressed its side. “It brings back so many memories.” A smile lit her face as she turned back to Solomon.
“How many of those memories are of me?” Solomon already knew the answer.
“Come on! I want to show you something else …” Solomon jumped off of the rock and ran towards the forest.
“Where are we going now?”
Solomon didn’t answer, just watched to make sure she kept pace as he led her into the woods and a few minutes further.
“Do you remember this place?” he asked, his voice cracking. The toppled tree was mostly rotted and sprouted with seedlings, but she remembered it well. How could she ever forget?
“What are you doing, Solomon?” Her voice was also shaky as she tried to hide her emotions.
“Tell me your memory of this place, please.” Solomon knelt down and grasped her hand.
“This is also where Elijah and I used to play.” She gasped for air, and tears sprang to her eyes.
“Is this where I found you two after your father sent me looking for you? Is this where I found you with Elijah the night we all learned you and I were to be wed?” After he finished speaking there was a long moment of silence.
“Please Sara, tell me, is this the place?” Solomon’s eyes were red as he held back tears.
“Yes Solomon! This is the place! You know this is the place!” She sat on the ground and began to cry.
“Does this place still mean anything to you? Does it hold value?” Solomon stood. He could see in her expression as she gazed at every tree, every leaf, every stone, it was still precious to her.
“I only have one more question left.” Solomon spoke quietly as he grasped her hand. “Sara, do you love me?” In the quiet moment, Solomon stared into her eyes, as if trying to see into her mind. Sara looked away nervously.
“Not the way you want me to.” She lifted her eyes to meet his.
“Do you still love Elijah?”
Sara’s head jerked upright, her eyes narrowed, filled with anger and sorrow. “Why would you ask me that? I haven’t even spoken to him in years.” She turned to hide her face, but her feelings were transparent.
“Sara.” Solomon grabbed her by the arm and twirled her around. “Elijah is still in love with you. He loves you as much today as he did yesterday and three years ago. I do love you Sara, but I also love my brother, and I will not stand in the way of your happiness together.”
He pulled her close and forced a smile. “I am calling off our engagement; I don’t care what our fathers say.” Solomon twirled her away, but held on to her hand. “Please, Sara, let’s get back. Let me take you to Elijah.” He was eager to get back to the castle and tell his brother the news.
“Yes, please!” She was all smiles and giggles; her heart leapt with joy. “But we need to tell my mother first.” The pair raced back to Sara’s cottage, even though she was nervous about what her mother might say. As they approached the cottage, they saw two figures standing outside.
Chapter 52
Suddenly a terrible pain tore through Elijah’s beautiful vision, and then another, but he refused to open his eyes for fear of waking far from the sweet peace that had vanished at the onslaught of pain that ripped at his back and seared through his mind.
“Pick him up.” A deep voice vibrated next to his ear. Elijah could feel bodies on all sides of him, propping him up, and then another vicious sting, this time in his back. Finally Elijah opened his eyes to see a vampire holding the grips of the two long swords protruding from Elijah’s abdomen. He tried to move back, but was met by an iron-like grip around his neck. He didn’t fight; he wanted to die, hoping it would take him back to his vision of Sara.
“Move backwards to the wagon.” It was the same voice. The vampire in front of him took a couple steps back. “Now get out of the way!” The voice grew louder. He pulled the two swords from Elijah’s body and quickly moved to his right. Elijah saw a large wooden wagon with huge iron wheels carrying an iron box. There was a sudden stinging sensation as another sword was pulled from his back. A hand around his neck pushed his head down while someone kicked him from behind, forcing him into the open box.
Why won’t they just kill me? He struggled to turn, to see enough to figure out their intent, and just before the door was shut behind him he saw the familiar mask and glowing blue eyes. Then he saw it; a scar in the shape of a cross just below the masked man’s ear. Immediately, he was transported to the past. There was someone on top of him, holding him down, and he saw a man holding Sara. The man’s eyes were glowing an icy blue; as he turned his head Elijah saw a cross-shaped scar below his ear.
“It is you!” he shouted as the heavy iron door clanged shut.
He heard iron scraping against iron as someone locked the door. He heard chains rattling and another lock clicking into place, but he could see nothing, only darkness. Elijah pounded on the walls of his prison; he pushed as hard as he could, but couldn’t get any leverage from his cramped position inside the tiny space. He couldn’t believe the man who had helped his father kill Sara had been so close to him for so long. He was angry; how could he have been so stupid? Why hadn’t he remembered that scar sooner? He had suspected the man’s identity for a while, so why hadn’t he simply ripped the mask off instead of endlessly wondering?
The wagon carried Elijah back to the camp; he heard cheers and laughter as they passed through. Finally the wagon came to a stop. He heard footsteps, people moving around him.
“You were able to capture him?” Elijah knew that voice; it was the Khan. “Good, but now what to do
?” Elijah could hear him pacing around the wagon.
“Kill him.” Elijah heard the voice that had caged him.
“He is strong; we don’t even know how strong, but at least strong enough to kill more than twenty vampires single-handedly.” Elijah smiled to hear the Khan’s concern.
“When I got there he was weak, just lying on the ground; but no matter, I assure you that I can deal with him.”
“Nonetheless, I recommend you put that box on a fire and let him smell the stink of his own burning flesh as it continues to heal and burn at the same time. If that doesn’t kill him we will try something else in a few days,” the Khan instructed. “Did the men find his friend?”
“No; it seems he fled the camp when the men left to raid the town,” the man in the mask replied.
Elijah was relieved to learn he hadn’t condemned Hassan yet again to a terrible fate.
“Make sure to station a few vampires here to watch the wagon at all times,” the Khan commanded. Elijah heard someone pounding on the outside of the box. “Elijah! I would have taken you to your father and let him kill you, but now you will die here, all because you couldn’t follow simple fucking orders.” He tapped on the outside of Elijah’s box a couple of times, as if punctuating his comments, before Elijah heard him walking away.
Chapter 53
From the edge of the forest, Hassan peered down at the Mongol force in the depths of the valley. Earlier that day Hassan had watched the giant in the mask force Elijah into a metal box.
He had been keeping an eye on the Khan earlier when he saw a vampire hurrying through the camp to inform the Khan Elijah needed twice as many barrels. Soon more and more vampires raced into camp, hysterically telling tales of Elijah’s rampage, of his madness.
Hassan had sprinted to the town, hoping to save him, but was too late. After watching them force Elijah into the box, he hurried back to camp, where he sneaked into a guard’s tent and quickly disguised himself as a human soldier. He had been only a few yards away, watching through a slit in the guard’s tent, while the Khan ranted at Elijah in his iron prison.
Apotheosis of the Immortal Page 21
