“Well, generally citizens of Luthania are not so inconsiderate. That gentleman, unfortunately was….well, transferred from another town. He has not been very willing to adjust to our customs.” Ethan’s face went blank and he stared ahead, as though watching something intently. Emily followed his gaze and only caught a glimpse of a white outfit and black hair disappearing around a corner.
“Who was that?”
“Huh, what?”
“The woman that went around the corner, who was she?” Emily could tell there was importance to this matter and eyed Ethan’s reaction carefully.
Ethan hesitated a moment, as though caught in a trance, his expression was completely blank. “I don’t know. Anyway, follow me, we are almost to the cafeteria”
“A cafeteria? That’s where we’re going?” That hardly sounds like a date…Emily was almost disappointed, but felt she should be relieved. They continued ahead for a few moments before arriving at a city square of some sorts.
“This square gets busy intermittently; so please stay close.” Not a moment after Ethan stated the words, traffic appeared out of nowhere. Lovely cars rushed by every corner, convertibles, luxury trucks, all of the finest makes and models. Every driver matched their vehicles. Expensive sunglasses, designer purses, stylish clothes, and perfect hairstyles were the theme. Not only was it reoccurring, but it was without exception. There were certainly older, classic cars passing by as well, but they were all restored to nearly perfect condition. There was not a single clunker to be found. Emily pictured her ’97 beat up bug driving amongst them. With peeling paint and a broken tail light, it would certainly stand out like a sore thumb. A question then began burning in her mind but she was uncertain how to ask in a proper manner. “Um…”
“Yes?” Ethan’s footsteps stilled, as he braced for whatever question was about to arise.
“Is everyone here….well…rich?” Ethan immediately burst into laughter. After several seconds, he composed himself. Emily regretted even asking the question.
“Did you hear nothing of my explanation earlier?” He did not wait for her to reply. “This place can fulfill all your desires. Whatever you may want, you can have it here.”
“So, let me get this straight. If I want an Italian race car, I can just have it? What’s the catch?” Emily did not believe in free handouts. Her father always reinforced that one must earn whatever they seek to gain. His wisdom on that particular topic was undeniable.
“Exactly. As a matter of fact, if you would like, we can go pick one up for you from the Auto Supercenter after lunch.” Ethan’s words were direct, no bullshit.
“Are you serious?? There is no catch, no work I must do first?” Emily was flabbergasted.
“Absolutely not….If you choose to become a citizen of Luthania, there will be occasional tasks, such as mine to mend wounds, but those are based upon your experience and desire.” Ethan smiled brightly, proudly as he spoke the words. “Now, come on, the cafeteria is just over there.”
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17. A Slippery Slope
Renee braced for impact for several seconds, but there was nothing. No fire rained down against her skin, no sounds of panic escaped from the animals.
Nothing.
Daring to peek, she saw they all remained still, calmly watching the sky. “What was that?!” The flames were headed straight towards us. She was on her feet now, ready to demand answers. “I mean, the fire…..and how….I don’t understand how we weren’t hit?” The emerald-eyed woman glanced her way as a light smile spread across her face. Then, she immediately turned her attention toward the sky. What kind of an answer is that, lady? Renee sighed loudly then took in a deep breath.
Perhaps she’s trying to tell me something though…Renee redirected her sight towards the sky. Another fireball was already heading their direction. She fought her instinct, forcing her eyes to remain open. She needed an explanation, she needed to know.
The fire approached ever closer, yet no form of defense rose against it. The woman and all the creatures simply remained standing, almost motionless. Everything slowed, seconds lasted hours. Renee continued to fight her urge to look away.
The fireball was only fifty feet above them when something incredible happened. It dissipated. It seemed some invisible shield stood between them and it. As it bounded off the unseen surface, sparks of light and fire spread across the sky, yet none fell to the ground where they were positioned. Then it was gone, no sign of the hellish fire remained. They all stood completely unharmed. The animals returned to their meal. They all appeared unfazed by the event.
The woman’s voice now rang out, her tone filled with reassurance. “Do you see now, my dear? I would not have asked you to stand strong if I did not know your safety was ensured.” Her voice was gentle, as always. The statement was simply a truthful correction rather than something born out of anger.
I failed her. I should have trusted her…but then again, I barely know her. Despite the argument in her mind, looking up into the woman’s shining, perfect eyes, Renee reflected upon the hug during her arrival. How could I have doubted? She showed me love immediately, as a complete stranger…more so than my own parents ever did…Guilt filled Renee and she stood there some time, without uttering a single word. “I am sorry for not trusting you more.”
“You are fine, my dear. I understand how this must all seem to you. You are from a place far from these lands and the customs of Neveah are all new to you. Would you like to understand more about what happened?”
Renee felt like it was her first day of kindergarten and the concept of learning filled her with joy again. “Yes, please. Where did that fireball come from?”
The woman's eyes instantly lit up. “Follow me, I will show you somewhere quieter where we can talk.” It was just now Renee realized the animal noises all returned back to their normal status. No, actually they were louder. It was as though the animals were talking amongst themselves. Renee imagined them discussing the recent news of the fireball, theorizing about its cause and what it would mean for them if the barrier ever failed to stop the flaming balls of doom. The woman started strolling down a nearby path that led further from the village, into the woods. Renee followed accordingly.
“Wait!” The word was meant to remain a thought. Blurting it out, every animal stopped and turned her way. Renee blushed deeply.
“Yes, my dear, what is it?” After saying this, the woman waved her hand towards the animals, implying they should return to their own affairs. They obeyed accordingly and the noise resumed.
“Sam! I still have not seen Sam!” Renee could not believe a simple fireball distracted her from the idea of seeing her lost friend.
A smile spread across the woman’s face. “You want to trust me, correct?”
Renee did not like where this was going. “Yes,” she mumbled.
“You shall see Sam very soon. First, you must understand a few things about Neveah. When I am done explaining, I promise you shall see your friend.” The woman’s eyes were as genuine and steadfast as ever.
Renee could not comprehend anyone ever doubting this incredible woman. “Ok. Well, let’s go then, no sense in wasting time.” Renee rushed down the path as joy filled her. Finally, I will see Sam. I hope they’re treating him as well as they are treating me here. I’m sure they are….I can’t wait!
They continued onward for some time, passing incredible sights, but Renee hardly noticed. Her mind was fixed on thoughts of Sam. The woman bounded behind her gracefully, with a questionably permanent smile fixed upon her face. Joy filled them both.
Renee picked up the pace. She was at a full jog now. It took almost no effort at all. She was not sweating or breathing heavily in the slightest. She always hated jogging; but now she felt a sense of empowerment with every quickened step. The faintest sound of the woman’s voice echoed behind her….Was that her voice? She must be way back there. Renee pushed on. Suddenly, the woman’s steps sounded right behind her.
; “Wait!” This was a full on scream now and the woman’s tone resonated with concern. Renee looked back at her. The woman’s smile was gone as she reached out her arm towards Renee.
“Whaaatt?” Feelings of annoyance formed in Renee’s mind. However, before the thought processed any further, the woman grasped her hand, jerking her to a stop. Dirt and rocks flew beneath her feet as Renee was drug to the ground.
“What the hell?!” Renee yelled the words out of sheer, instinctual anger. As she looked closer into the woman’s eyes, she could see the woman was deeply hurt. Next Renee realized there was not a mark on the woman’s body or on her clothing. There was not even the slightest sign of dirt, blood or anything, for that matter, even though she was also dragged across the ground. The woman, trying to catch her breath, raised a finger and pointed forward, in front of Renee. Renee turned forward and, once again, was instantaneously filled with guilt. There, not five feet from her leg, was an enormous drop off. The cliff stretched at least twenty feet above the lake and waterfall swimming pool. If the circumstances were different, the view would have been magnificently beautiful. However, fear was the only thing running through Renee’s mind now.
“I am so sorry. I did not mean to hurt you.” The woman’s voice was soft, almost angelic.
“No, it is me who should be sorry. You saved my life! Thank you!” Renee’s common sense finally caught up to her. “I should have listened when you told me to wait.” They both stood to their feet as Renee brushed the dirt off of her attire.
Looking back down the trail, Renee now noticed the gravel path ceased several feet back. How did I miss that? She turned her attention toward the woman, with apologetic eyes. “How about you lead from now on?” A weak smile crossed her face.
The woman chuckled and agreed. “Yes, I think that would be a good idea.” She then turned to their right and started making her way through the crowded trees. Renee cautiously followed in the woman’s steps.
“Be cautious up here, the path gets rather steep.” The woman slowed her pace even more. Renee, looking ahead, saw why. The trail became so steep, it appeared impassible. The angle of the hill was at least seventy degrees. Renee felt a knot forming in her throat and she swallowed hard. "How are we going to make it?”
“Follow my lead and no matter what, please, do not rush.” The woman’s voice was still soft but far more direct than previously. Her words were undoubtedly an imperative warning. She proceeded down the trail by initially supporting herself against a tree. Then, while still clinging to a branch with her right hand, she stretched out her left arm and reached for another tree trunk further down the hill. Her feet followed the transition accordingly.
Renee proceeded employing the exact same method. They continued on for some time, making what seemed like no progress. She felt much like a snail trying to cross a highway. Finally, her urge to speak up overwhelmed her. “I do not understand…why couldn’t we have just talked at the top of the hill?” Her impatience was obvious.
“Did I not ask you to trust me? This journey may be painfully slow but, sometimes, that is exactly the right path in life. Remember that, Renee.”
Renee….wait a minute…Something about her voice struck a chord. She had not distinctly spoken her name this entire time; and now it dawned on Renee. “The woman in the woods….who said it was a coral snake…that was you?!”
The woman giggled. “Yes, of course, silly. I have always been there, even when you did not see me.”
Renee was flabbergasted. At last, it was all starting to make sense. Wait, if she has seen me the whole time, then she knows I ran away…Renee decided not to verbally open that can of worms. All she truly wanted was to see Sam, alive and well. The explanation of this mysterious and incredible land seemed completely irrelevant in contrast with the well being of her friend. Several more minutes passed in silence, each of them slowly making their way down the hill. At last, the woman spoke. “We are almost there.” Renee could see up ahead, how the path leveled off and, once again, became passable by ordinary means.
At last, her foot met the solid, flat surface. She was half tempted to bend down and kiss the ground. Of course, she learned far too much about soil in her Biology class to even give the thought any seriousness. “Are we here? Is this where we can talk?” Renee’s eagerness was getting the best of her. She so desperately wanted to have this conversation over with so she could see Sam.
“Almost.” The woman continued slowly taking steps forward. Renee longed to leap ahead of her at a full sprint, but remembered her recent near disaster at the edge of the cliff; and opted out of that idea.
Ahead, Renee could make out a stone bench, nestled amongst the trees. Beyond that, she could barely identify the pools of water that so majestically caught her attention upon her initial arrival. Renee loved to swim and she was quite good at it. Of course, she admittedly owed her father for that one.
When she was only six years old, she almost drowned. It was at a pool party in front of her entire school. One of the teachers jumped in and saved Renee. She was humiliated and swore to never go into the water again. Her father's intentions were different. He forced her to take swimming lessons, starting with beginner classes until she eventually joined a swim team. At the time, she hated him for it, loathed his choice in the matter. Now, looking at this beautiful pool up ahead, she wanted to sincerely thank him for doing something right.
As though she picked up on Renee’s trance, the woman presented an idea. “Would you like to take a swim before our discussion?”
Oh, I want to swim so badly, that would be so much fun….no, the sooner we get this chat over with, the sooner I can see Sam…“Well….” Renee did not need to struggle with the words any further. They were now almost to the water’s edge and she saw a sight that overjoyed her far more than any amount of water. “SAM!”
There, in the middle of the pool-like lake was the blonde-haired boy. Renee did not hesitate another second. She rushed into the water, full clothing and all, and ran straight toward him. To Renee’s surprise, the water was not cold at all. In fact, she just now realized despite the autumn season, Neveah was not chilly in the least. It was a perfect temperature here. Renee did not allow her mind to focus on this interesting fact any longer. Sam was alive and well!
The boy barely had a chance to turn around before she was at his side. She slung her freshly soaked arms around him in an instant embrace. “Sam, I’m so glad you’re ok. I was so worried. I woke up in the woods and you were just gone. I didn’t know what to think; but you’re here now and you’re ok…oh Sam!” She released him mid-speech, but re-grasped the boy. Realizing how brash she was, she freed him from her grip and awaited a response. Sam just chuckled as a giant, embarrassed smile crossed his face. Renee blushed in response, somewhat regretting the dramatic embrace.
“It’s very good to see you too, Renee. I would have been extremely worried myself; but Miria assured me that you would be in Neveah very soon.” His voice was calm, the same, yet somehow changed. His face seemed aglow.
“Wait, who?” Renee realized the name was completely unfamiliar to her.
“Miria, silly, over there.” He pointed to where the bench rested. The woman was Renee’s guide sat there, waiting patiently.
How had I not asked her name? This woman has shown me nothing but kindness and I was too caught up in myself to even ask a simple question…Renee felt truly disappointed in herself but this was a happy moment. She was finally seeing Sam again. She could not allow anything to ruin this so she played it off. “Oh yes, Miria! She is wonderful! So, how did you get here, Sam? Did you go through the cave too?”
Sam raised a quizzical brow. “What cave?”
“Guess not….” Renee felt an awkward silence coming. Great, now he’s going to think I’m crazy all over again…
To her pleasant surprise, Sam also seemed less quick to judge now and simply answered her previous question. “I just woke up here. I am not certain exactly how, to be honest. I remember
traveling through the woods, seeing the snake and then running. The next thing I knew, I was here, waking up…”
“Well, I’m just so happy you’re ok.” Renee could not contain the massive smile forming across her face. “Oh, I have something for you.” She reached into her one stitched pocket. She anticipated the astonished look on Sam’s face. Unfortunately, to her surprise, the object was no longer there. “What? Oh no!” Renee started to panic. She dug as deeply as possible into the pocket…then it dawned on her. “I must have dropped it when I fell. I have to go back and find it!” She immediately started sloshing through the water.
“Wait, what’s your rush? What did you lose?” Sam’s genuine, immediate concern was shocking. Renee anticipated a smart remark of some form or a joke, but it was as though he matured drastically just since their parting.
“Your coin…..I’ve been carrying it this entire time and now it’s just gone. It must be at the top of that hill, I’m certain of it. We can find it.” Renee was back in mission mode. She needed to find the trinket that was so valued during the loss of her friend.
Sam laughed loudly and then barely managed a question amongst his laughter. “Why?”
“What do you mean, why? I thought that coin was important to you. You always carried it. Your dad gave it to you, for crying out loud!” Renee was blatantly distressed.
“Renee, look around you, really look….” Sam’s tone was calm again, very serious in nature. As Renee drew her full attention to the view, she instantly understood.
The water sparkled as though diamonds rested upon its smooth surface. The trees waved in the wind, as if they were welcoming a new friend. From here, she could see the huts of Neveah, including those stretching out above the water’s surface. Birds chirped all around as the sun’s warmth tickled her cheeks. She took a deep breath as the smell of pine trees and flowers filled her nostrils. Her every sense was tantalized by her surroundings. “Wow. It is really incredible.”
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 9
