by Mary Ting
“Jack. Jaclyn.” William approached us, followed by John leading two horses, one of them Angel. He looked relieved to find us, but then he looked beyond me. “Where’s your father?”
“We got separated by the fire...” Violent shudders shook me and words stuck in my throat.
Jack blinked as water washed his face, and finished for me. “Richard held Longinus back so Jaclyn could escape. We need to gather as many men as possible and go back for him. We don’t have much time. The monsters will be coming after us, and then they will head to the town. Longinus is set on revenge. He wants human blood.”
“We must think on it. I’m with you on going back to save Richard. But you’re right, son, Longinus wants revenge. We don’t have much time.”
William tilted his head back, and I followed his line of vision. The rain had subdued the beanstalk fire somewhat, and cleared away most of the smoke. But the look on William’s face said it all. Hell had come to our land.
I gasped and held my breath at the most frightening sight I’d ever seen—monsters swarmed down the mountain like ants from a disturbed anthill. Their long nails dug and scratched as they made their way down, like cats sliding down a curtain. I recalled the deep grooves in the bare rock and shivered.
“We need to go.” Jack turned to me, rain dripping from his hair. He reached behind me to raise the hood of my cloak, and did the same to his.
“Thank you.” I shivered. The hood did little to protect me from the freezing rain soaking through, but it would have to do.
I ran to Angel and nuzzled her, my cheek against her neck. It was so good to see her alive and well. I had worried about her.
“Jack, you ride with Jaclyn on her horse, and I’ll ride with John on yours.” William adjusted his hat and cloak. “Hurry. Let us not waste another second. We must reach the village first.” He placed the palm of his hand up as if to catch the rain. “It’s falling faster, a good sign. It will slow the monsters too.”
William and John mounted Jack’s horse and took off. Angel, on the other hand, resisted Jack. Every time he tried to get a foot into the stirrup, she stamped and moved to the side. Finally, after a bit of Jack coaxing and whispering sweet nothings in her ear, she surrendered.
“Go, Angel.” I gave her soft rubs. “If he becomes too much of a burden, feel free to kick him off.”
Jack’s snort brushed the back of my neck, sending pleasant tingles down my spine. The faster I rode to town and gathered the men, the faster I would rescue Father. When arms sneaked around my waist, I slapped them.
“Keep your hands to yourself.”
“I need to hold on to something. What if I fall?”
“Fine.” I sighed.
The wind stayed with me, as I rode hard into the dark forest. The cold wrapped around me, but Jack’s hold gave me comfort. I welcomed his warmth, and his body sheltered my back from the rain, but it also bathed me in a pleasant tingling sensation.
My mind was upon him, for his chest pressed against my back and his thighs rubbed mine with every stride. I liked the feeling, too much. Though his advances unnerved me, Jack was being a good friend, and I appreciated his help.
He had promised to go back with me to help Father, and I believed him. He might be arrogant and stupid at times, but he was also a man of honor and integrity. He could have left me by the fire, but he had not.
“She’s just as stubborn as you,” Jack said. “You make a perfect team.”
“You better watch what you say. Angel might kick you off.”
Jack’s hands crept higher, so I slapped them lower.
“Sorry, just slipped. We are bouncing to Angel’s stride, after all.”
He snickered in my ear, and though I could not see his expression, I knew he wore a smirk.
“Jack.” William’s concerned voice bellowed in the darkness.
“Behind you, Father.”
When I glanced over my shoulder, the beanstalk darkened and disappeared. The fire had swallowed it up, leaving no trace. But the mountain remained black as night.
The mountain played tricks on my eyes, swaying like tree limbs in the breeze under the weight of the monsters climbing down. And the sight alone paralyzed me.
Angel felt my desperation and fear. She galloped over the muddy ground fast as lightning. The darkness and the rain would not slow her down, for Angel could reach home even with her eyes closed. I trusted her, as she did me.
Angel caught up to Jack’s horse and galloped by its side. Two bright lanterns, like two north stars, led the way out of the forest. When the road split into two, we took the one I’d not traveled before, toward Jack’s town.
Chapter Eighteen
Jack’s Town
When I opened my eyes, fleecy clouds stretched across the periwinkle sky, a start of a new day. My head rested on Jack’s shoulder. While one of his arms held me, the other one held fast to the reins, guiding Angel onto an unfamiliar road.
Blood rushed to my cheeks, despite the bitter wind. I sat up and wiped drool off my chin, ashamed to have fallen asleep. My damp tunic clung wetly to my skin, and strands of hair stuck to my face. But I need not worry about such foolish things. I could bear embarrassment, but I could not bear the thought of Father imprisoned on the mountain with the monsters.
When we passed the barren winter fields, we came upon barns and cottages. At last we reached the village and the pungent scent of soil and dung welcomed me.
“Sorry,” I said. “I closed my eyes and fell asleep.”
“You need not be sorry. ’Tis good you rested.”
My cheeks flushed, but I did not respond.
I had been so busy fighting for my life I had not given much thought to learning my parents were not truly my own. Who had been my real mother and father? Were they living? Why had they left me? What was the purpose of the lance?
Perhaps my real mother had had me out of wedlock, and she’d given me away to escape the shame. I made up stories. I was good at that. Many questions plagued me, but only the woman who gave me life could answer them.
As for me, the people who had raised me were my truest mother and father. They had given me food, shelter, love, and all I needed. After we rescued Father, we would have the chance to talk. And if by a miracle chance of fate my real mother found me, it would not change my love for Mother and Father.
But how different might my life be? Would I live in a town? A castle? Did my mother have Mary’s blood?
I frowned, tightened my fists, and cursed at fate, for I knew these questions would never be answered. And worse still, my life had been a lie, and the truth finally revealed itself.
Jack slowed Angel when children greeted us with smiles and laughs. Their faces and clothes bore smudges from tumbling about the dirt and grass. I took in the unexpected beauty of his town. The houses sat on parsley-green pastures surrounded by lazy hills, unlike the tight spacing of homes in other towns.
Some of the homes were covered with living grass, making it seem like they were part of the landscape. Behind the hills, a blue and silver waterfall splashed into a stream where women washed clothes. The sheep, cows, chickens, geese, and other animals roamed within pens at each house we passed. The welcoming atmosphere made me feel at home.
Men, women, and children came out of their houses and gathered about with curious eyes. Some stared in confusion, but most smiled broadly. I smiled back and wished I’d had neighbors and such kinship growing up. Though I understood why my parents felt the need to keep me away from others and how much they had sacrificed for me, but I still missed it.
We stopped at John’s house to deliver him, and then we traveled several houses down. Two men charged out when we dismounted. Their similarly dark hair, features, and build proclaimed them to be Jack’s brothers.
“Father. Jack.” The first brother’s voice burst to life.
“James. Jonathas.”
William offered the biggest smile I’d ever seen him give, and welcomed James into his arms, and then th
e second brother.
The brothers embraced Jack, patting each other on the back. I recognized James as the oldest, and the love between them warmed my heart.
Where was their mother? I waited patiently to ask after they exchanged news.
“We’re sorry. They would not let anyone leave,” Jonathas explained.
William frowned. “Who would not let you?”
“Father Henry,” James answered. “He declared God told him we should not face the devil, and God would save us. He also said God told him the whole village would be sent to Hell if they sought the devil. We tried leaving, but every time we did, men stopped us with whatever weapons they had. Please, Father, believe me. We tried.”
William nodded, patting James’s back. “I believe you, and I know exactly what men you speak of.”
“How did you get out, Jack?” Jonathas scratched his head.
“I ran when the meeting began. When Father is absent, you two represent the family. But they would not miss me.”
Silence.
I flinched when the brothers turned to me.
“Is that—?” Jonathas’s eyes roamed my body, especially my face.
He studied me so closely it made me nervous. Then he tugged at my tunic and put a hand on my hair. James, the eldest, gave me a knowing smile. He recognized the grown-up me.
I thought I heard a light growl from Jack, who stood beside me.
“Yes, ’tis Jaclyn. You remember Richard’s daughter?” Jack stood taller, crossing his arms. Almost predatorily.
Hearing my father’s name thrusted a dagger into my heart. Thoughts of my parents drove me to the edge of despair. There was much to fear.
Tired, hungry, weary of horror and assaulted by Longinus—the nightmare had just begun. Monsters threatened to wipe out entire towns, and they were on their way. When would they reach this place?
Today? Tonight? Tomorrow? No one was safe.
Though I tried to be as polite and cheerful as Jack’s brothers, my somber thoughts distracted me. I wanted to crawl into my chamber and cry or vomit. Beaten like a rug and tempted to lose faith, I prepared my heart for the dread to come.
Where was God? Would He stop Longinus from ripping out God’s people’s hearts and damning their souls? How could I remain strong and not lose hope when darkness clouded my faith? Why was this happening to us?
Why?
“Indeed I do remember you, Jaclyn.” James went around Jack and picked me up. “You’ve grown to a beautiful lady. I wish we had met in happier times.”
Jonathas pushed James to the side and held me tightly. “Little Jaclyn, the one Jack had fancied. I believe under those rags and dirt, you’ve become quite beautiful.”
Despite my worry, I blushed, ignoring the jest about Jack having a crush on me. Their teasing almost distracted me from the grim fate that might await my father and the village.
“I did not fancy Jaclyn, you dolt.” Jack smacked his brother on the head.
Then Jonathas wrestled Jack to the ground.
“Boys. There’s no time to waste on tomfoolery.” William cleared his throat and flashed a glance at me, seemingly embarrassed by his sons’ actions. “We need to gather men tonight to rescue Richard, and no priest’s men will stop us. We must also warn the people. Monsters are coming.”
That got their attention, and they stiffened.
“What monsters, Father? They’re coming here?” Jonathas looked around as though one breathed on his neck.
“Have you gone mad?” James asked.
“Let’s get in the house and I’ll explain.” William tilted his head. “First, we need to feed ourselves. James, take the horses to the stable, clean them up, and fetch them water and food.”
I followed William into the house. The fire crackling and the scent of something delicious cooking in the pot churned my stomach. Jack’s house looked like mine, even the barn. Inside, the house was tidy with simple furniture and an extra bedchamber, but I still saw no sign of their mother.
I recalled Jack’s mother being pretty and a bit plump. She had been kind and gentle the few times I had seen her.
“Please sit.” Jack’s eyes followed me like a hawk’s. He guided me to my place across from William and sat next to me.
Jonathas placed three bowls of soup on the table. Keeping his gaze on me, he said, “We had our fill before you arrived. Please, eat.”
The vegetable and barley soup felt like heaven’s touch to my belly. I felt guilty eating a warm meal when Father suffered in the hands of the devils. I took another sip, savoring the delicious taste, reminding myself I needed the strength. Father would want me to eat.
I cleared my throat. “Jonathas, has my mother gone?”
Mother had traveled alone at night to William’s town. I hoped and prayed she was well. My throat tightened, and I held my breath for his answer.
“Yes.” Jonathas sat beside his father. “We are thankful for her journey here. Days or weeks might have passed before we thought to worry. We are also grateful for you. If not for you, none of us would have known the monsters took Father.”
William nodded solemnly and slurped his soup.
I lowered my head, thinking about Father.
Jonathas’s forehead creased with worry. “After the meeting, when no man volunteered for the search party, she said she needed to go home to you. We sent Luke, a helper from the church, so she would not ride alone. Did you not see her? Wait. How did you...?” He scratched the back of his head.
I hadn’t told Jack’s brother I had been with them in the cave. They must think I had come in search of Mother.
A gust of wind blew inside the house when James entered. He headed for the fire and rubbed his arms briskly as his teeth chattered.
James blew into his cupped hands, shivering. “It’s freezing out there. It seems colder than yesterday.”
“I found Jaclyn at Black Mountain.” Jack cut a glance at me and rubbed the back of his head nervously. “She went alone.” There was a surprise admiration in his tone.
I forgave him for taking me away from my father until he opened his mouth again. “Jaclyn, you could have been killed.”
His tone was mild, but I disliked being scolded by Jack in front of his brothers like a child. Father had trained me to use a sword and raised me to be strong, to defend myself. Had he not seen my strange healing power? Had he not heard Longinus’s words?
After everything we had seen and survived, maybe Jack believed it all madness. Longinus’s claims were outlandish. Perhaps I was going mad.
The brothers’ eyes grew wider as if waiting for me to say something, but I kept silent. I pressed my lips together and dug my nails into my palms underneath the table. As a guest in Jack’s home, I would respect him and his family and keep calm.
People judge parents by their children’s manners in public. I would make my parents proud. But then again, our circumstances were not normal, and I wasn’t with strangers. Our parents were old friends, so I decided to speak up after all.
“What’s wrong, Jack? Awed by my skill in battle? After all, I did knock you down a couple of times.”
I got up to take my bowl to the wash basin, hiding the heat rising up my neck. Sure, I had bested Jack, but belittling him in front of his brothers made me no better.”
The brothers chuckled.
“I like her,” James said, eyebrows waggling. “She has wit and fire.”
“She is strong.” Jonathas ruffled Jack’s hair.
“Be silent.” Jack scowled and swatted his brother’s hand with his spoon. “She’s special. She’s—”
I understood he felt deeply worried for me, but I didn’t want Jack to spill who I was. I spun around and shook my head, begging Jack not to say more about what had happened. Healing as I did was a mystery, the others would think it the devil’s work.
William’s chair slid back and he rose.
I welcomed the interruption.
“I’ll be in the barn to gather a few things.” Willi
am headed for the door. “James and Jonathas, come with me. I’ll explain about the monsters, and then I need you to get the town ready for the meeting. We can’t wait for nightfall. That is when the monsters will come for us. We must get the people out before sunset.”
William had seemed to be deep in thought throughout the dinner conversation. I was glad he had not heard our childish nonsense.
Jonathas fixed his hat and stopped when he met my eyes. “What will Jaclyn do? Women are not welcome at the meeting.”
“Some men don’t deserve to be at the meeting. They are not men. They are cowards. I’ve seen braver women.” Jack looked my way.
“I agree with you, brother. But the law is the law. However”—James adjusted his cloak and glanced at my body—“she’s already dressed like a man. Pull back the hair, have the hood cover most of Jaclyn’s eyes, keep the dirt on her face, and they will not know.” He winked.
Dirt on my face? Dear heavens.
I hid my face, embarrassed.
When everyone left, the air seemed to warm.
Jack came toward me with his and his father’s bowls in hand. “I’m sorry.” He set the spoons inside the basin. “’Twas not my intention to scold you like a child.”
“I forgive you.” I gazed at the glistening fire, unable to meet his eyes. “We’ve been in Hell the past couple of days. I’m sure you’re not yourself.”
I leaned against the wall for support and studied him as he tossed more wood into the fire. His perfect chestnut hair fell over his brow. Thick eyebrows and long eyelashes, too beautiful for a man, framed his stunning green eyes. He had high cheekbones like his mother and a strong jaw like his father. And the stubble along his jawline made him very appealing.
“Where is your mother? I have not seen her yet.” I asked the question I’d been puzzling over.
Jack lowered his head down for a second and then met my gaze. His face—a mask of perfect serenity. “My mother passed a year ago.”
Pain and pity scorched my heart, and words failed me. “I’m sorry, Jack.”
Without much thought, I draped my arms around him and collided against the wall of his hard chest. He smelled like wood and burnt leaves, and my heart thundered when our bodies touched. Heat ignited inside me in places it should not.
