3531

by Black, John

  “Ok thank you for dropping by,” she watched him exit and disappear into the night.

  ***

  Meanwhile, Ashwin and Donovan settled on the floor in the middle of the room. “I wanted to talk to you in private.”

  Donovan crossed his legs and leaned forward a little. He really liked Ashwin. He had a expression of pride, but it was not haughty, maybe it was more like confidence. “Of course what can I do for you Ashwin?”

  “Information, actually. This alliance I keep hearing about, are they that evil?”

  “I will tell you what I know and what was on those linear chips. According to my parents, the alliance executed political enemies, and continuously spied on everyone. They took the citizens children at the age of five to six. My parents faked my death.”

  Ashwin frowned at the horrible stories. “So if they grow they could spread their influence this far south?”

  Donovan saw the seriousness of Ashwin's face. He was worried about his own village and his people. “I don't know if the desert waste land between this village and Sector seven is enough to keep them from ever crossing.”

  The two men sat silently for a few minutes. Donovan felt a little helpless, to give assurance that they would always be safe.

  “One day we will have to leave,” said Ashwin.

  Perplexed by his statement, Donovan looked at him. “Why do you say that?”

  “These rocks only offer enough shelter for several hundred people. We will need to find larger food resources, and shelter.”

  “When I settle down at that lake, I will scout the area and send word back to you, on the possible sites for a new home for you and your people.”

  Ashwin nodded with a stern smile. “When we passed through there years ago, nothing there could sustain life, there was not even a lake. The land in this region is healing.”

  “And maybe one day mankind can live together without butchering one another.” Donovan looked at his new friend, he respected.

  “That would be a day of honor and joy.” Ashwin stood, and the two men shook hands. They then parted to their respected homes.

  Donovan made his way down the path, when he spotted Scott dart into his own abode. Had Scott been spying on Rachel? He pushed the thought out of his mind.

  Rachel glanced up when Donovan entered the room. “Everything ok?” she asked.

  “Yes, was Scott just in here?”

  He only walked me home, he was a little stubborn about wanting to retire to his own accommodations, however Narendra, showed up.

  Donovan nodded his head, thinking Scott was just a little lonely, and thought nothing else about it.

  The crackling of the fire, gave its warmth has the night begin to chill. The couple snuggled into the sleeping bag.

  “No serious what did Ashwin want?” She watched her breath swirl in the night air.

  He turned on his side, making his shoulder pop in the process. “He was just worried that one day the alliance might extend its influence this far south.

  “From what I saw they were having a hard time just getting several towns under their iron claw.” She then buried her face into his chest, drawing from his stature. They then gave each other a kiss.

  “Did you get anything from the chips?”

  She sighed, thinking maybe it was a waste of time. “Only that the world at one time had seven oceans.”

  “Had, did one get misplaced?” Donovan asked in a teasing manner.

  Rachel started giggling at the corny joke. She watched him join in with a laugh of his own.

  “No what I thought was odd, several of the chips had a flash of some kind of lettering, I didn't understand and Simon couldn't figure it out neither.”

  “Lettering?”

  She turned her face to look at him. “Yes like maybe a different language or hidden message. To be frank, that's why I continued looking at the chips.”

  “Maybe you will discover something?”

  “Your parents seem like very intelligent people, I'm surprised you do not wish to view them, they are your family.”

  “I can barely remember anything, other then a few moments here and there when I was child.”

  “Maybe you should watch a few more?” speaking softly to him.

  “Its pointless, they didn't even care enough to show more memories or anything with the three of us together.” Donovan anger now rising. He could feel her hand caressing him to sooth his emotions. “I'm sorry Rachel, I didn't mean to yell at you.”

  “Its all right, I think it would make me angry too. We all suffered quite a bit. Maybe its better you don't remember much of your childhood and beyond, it might have been quite painful?”

  They shared a few kisses, before she nestled her face into his chest. Resting for a moment, she fingered his chest. “Donovan?” she whispered. She peeked up at him, but he was now asleep. With his arm tightly around her waist, she wasn't going anywhere, content she also went to sleep.

  Chapter 15

  The early morning drizzle, slowly cleared into a bright sunny day. Rachel looked at the window. She watched Red Sam carrying a large basket. Pushing the leather flap from the door, he entered.

  “Good morning, Rachel.”

  She smiled looking at the basket, enjoying the aroma of the food. “Do I smell coffee?” she squealed.

  “Yes compliments of Simon.” Red Sam, had never seen such enthusiasm over a simple drink before.

  Donovan entered the room, his short hair ruffled, a sure sign of a hard sleep. He wiped away the dribble form the corner of his mouth. “Whats all the fuss about?”

  “Donovan, you have to try a little of this coffee.”

  “Coffee?”

  Frowning at his lack of spirit, “coffee, you know a very aromatic drink that use to be a common, is now a very rare treat.”

  He took a sip, his expression was unchanged. “Its a little bitter to me.”

  “Oh give me that,” she snatched the drink from his hands.

  Donovan couldn't help but laugh. “I think its a little difficult to enjoy something you never had before?”

  They both stopped their exchange, because Red Sam was watching their conversation with such fascination.

  “Please join us,” Donovan coaxed. They passed around the fruit and rice, the amounts were small, but it certainly was better then a VS-771.

  Red Sam, took smaller helpings, he could sense the two guest were hungry and not even use to food. “Narendra said he would met you by the little clearing on the far side of the village.”

  “Beyond where we eat our evening meal?” Donovan asked.

  Red Sam, shook his head, “when you take Rachel to Simon's home you'll see it, its where everyone practices archery. I should get going I have a lot of work to do.” The morning sun was not making its presence known.

  “Thank you for breakfast,” the couple chimed in unison.

  “What a fine young man,” she whispered.

  Rachel pushed a little of her food into his plate. He appreciated the loving gesture. “You need it more then I, please enjoy.”

  He grasped her hand tenderly, and didn't let go. Blinking her eyes several times, she looked up at him. “Are you all right?”

  He didn't say anything, just wanted to enjoy and remember the moment. “I'm fine, just wanting to make a new memory.”

  She lifted his hand and kissed it.

  “Of course its hard to compete with a cup of coffee.”

  She loved his sheepish grin, “oh stop.” Playfully she pushed him. He pretended she possessed great strength and rolled over taking her with him. She squealed with a surprise.

  “I think I love you,” he whispered with such ease.

  She was stunned, slowly a smile appeared on her face. Looking up at him, she searched his beautiful eyes. “I love you too.” They shared a kiss. “Daylight is burning Donovan.”

  “All right,” he grumbled. Soon they were at the door, heading over to Simon's house. From a distance Scott, watched the couple w
alking holding hands. He stopped near a tree and clutched his fist in a bit of jealousy.

  They found Simon outside his home, sitting on a crude chair, enjoying the sun.

  “Good morning,” they all made their exchange of salutations.

  Simon stood up, “You will find Narendra, over there.” he kindly gestured to a open field.

  “Trying to get rid of me that quick?” Donovan teased.

  Simon patted Donovan lightly. “I do get the better of the deal.”

  Rachel smiled from the pleasant compliment. Simon was a gentle spirit.

  “All right I get the hint.”

  “Wait a minute,” Rachel feeling happy took long leap, and then kissed Donovan on the cheek. He gave her a soft embrace.

  “Donovan come on over here for lunch, I have something I think you both will enjoy.”

  “All right, I look forward to it,” he then made his way over to Narendra. The warrior stood proudly. Donovan was slightly intimidated by his presence. His strong aura projected a fierce warrior.

  “Greetings Donovan.”

  Donovan became instantly aware of his powerful voice project such command. “Hello Narendra, thank you for taking the time to show me how to use a bow.”

  “Teaching someone, strengthens the entire village. We have much to cover and little time.” He handed Donovan a bow. The next two hours, he taught Donovan how to hold the bow, and pull the string. He had the strength to pull and hold the string for quite some time, while Narendra gave him instructions. Narendra paid attention to every detail and corrected anything he did wrong instantly.

  Meanwhile, Simon and Rachel went over more chips. She noted there was more strange lettering at the bottom of several more chips. Both were dumbfounded by what it stood for, or its meaning. She did enjoy the brief history on the world and its evolution in shapes. There was no mention if the world had changed from the first nuclear war.

  “I think its just the evolution of time, that is slowly changing the earth,” Simon finally suggested after watching another chip.

  “Maybe watching these chips is a waste of time.” Rachel stepped away from the little screen. She looked at Simon who was busy stoking the fire.

  While dropping wood in the newly made fire, he replied, “nothing is a waste of time, even besides something on there is important to you.”

  Rachel looked out the window watching Narendra and Donovan with bows, and talking. “Why do you think its important to me?”

  “Only you can answer that, but maybe its the mystery of the strange letters and symbols?”

  Rachel walked back towards Simon, “yes it does bother me, not sure why, it just does.” she paused a moment. “Can I help you with anything?”

  He raised up with a little grimace from being bent over. “I have corn meal in that large pot would you get it for me please?”

  “Of course,” and together, Simon showed her how they made corn meal cakes. He sprinkled some herbs on them and added some fish. They looked at each other and smiled.

  He kind of reminded her of her own father, he was kind and patient, and he loved to teach. His sense of humor was clever. She watched him use the last of his coffee. “I'll have to go searching for more coffee beans, until my own shrubs mature.”

  While it was a simple meal, the aroma of it made her even more hungry. She brought him some plates and cups.

  “Thank you, you may go get the men, its about ready,” he announced.

  “All right Simon.” She gingerly walked the distance to reach the two men. She felt happy for the first time in a long time, making her feel somewhat guilty, but why? She had a right to feel happy for a change. Once in range for normal conversation she slowed her pace down, “lunch is ready you two,”

  Narendra hair was loose and it had fallen to his shoulders. Its jet black color gleamed in the noon time sun. She realized he was slightly bigger then Donovan. Both equally powerful in her observation. “Ding ding lunch time?” she bellowed a bit louder.

  “All right time to eat,” said Narendra.

  She turned her gaze to Donovan. Beads of sweat poured form his body. Suddenly he seems so handsome and rugged. How did she miss that, she wondered.

  The four sat on the rocky floor, passing around the meal, Simon then generously poured them all some coffee.

  “No one makes corn meal cakes better then Simon,” boasted Narendra.

  “Thank you,” he smiled looking at his long time friend.

  Donovan had a piece of the cake break off. He gathered it with his fingers and ate it. “Anything new on the chips?”

  She watched him, knowing no food went to waste. “Just more of the same thing information that is useless, but the lettering and symbols on some of the chips is frustrating for there seems to be no meaning and chip one hundred is not working or something.” She was surprised Donovan didn't gloat over being right. Maybe they both understood, it would have been hard for someone to reveal what might be important to someone in the future

  “Well if your almost finished I would continue on.” He could see her frustration on watching so much of those chips, he was really to restless to sit and watch something like that, almost has if his soul was to fidgety. He was searching for something, but what he didn't know, nor understood himself.

  Narendra, watched the couple close, but he could not get his mind off Rachel. He could sense the interest was there, but he respected his friendships with both of them to do anything, that would jeopardize that.

  The group grew quiet as the meal came to a end. “We have much more work to do.” Narendra rose up. “Thank you for the good meal Simon,” he added gratefully.

  Rachel drank the last few sips of coffee, not wanting it to come to a end.

  Narendra chuckled, “perhaps going out and trying to find more coffee beans for Rachel is a priority.”

  Donovan handed her his share of the coffee, which she accepted eagerly. Did her gluttony show that bad, she felt her cheeks grow hot from shame.

  The two men went back to the field to work on his archery skill. Donovan knew it would take time to master the skill, and it would take more then just a day of training and practice, but Narendra ever sharp disciplined skill got him on the right path.

  After several hours of shooting arrows they came to a stop. “I wish you didn't have to go.”

  Donovan was pleasantly surprised by his words, “thank you Narendra. I'm not insulted by your village rules. I feel like I need to move on anyway.”

  “I have been to that lake several times, it would make a good home, maybe time to time, I will come see the two of you.”

  Donovan looked down at his own feet a moment. “I don't understand why your village didn't stop there to began with?”

  “It was not there when we passed through the first time. The land in this region is healing and growing.”

  Narendra looked past Donovan's shoulders and his eyes narrowed with a hint of suspicion. Donovan turned to see Scott approaching.

  “I couldn't help but over hear, your leaving?”

  “Yes I am,” Donovan answered.

  “Wouldn't it be better to stay here with Rachel and I?” Scott asked.

  “She is going with him,” Narendra countered.

  Scott grew uncomfortable, “oh I see. Donovan I would be glad to accompany you two.”

  “I thought you already agreed to stay here?” Narendra dislike of Scott, magnified.

  “Well I haven't made up my mind yet.”

  Donovan said nothing, has he wiped his brow removing the beads of sweat.

  Observing this, Narendra motioned for Donovan to follow him. Together they went to a bend in the creek near the village, and washed their faces.

  Scott watched them depart, followed a few steps but changed his mind and headed for the main building for the evening meal.

  “You learn quickly my friend.” Narendra then scooped a handful of water and drank.

  “Thank you I had a good teacher.” They watched several woman gathe
r up the creek from them washing cloths and gathering water. “I'm going to miss you Narendra, I haven't known you long but I already consider you a close friend.”

  “Likewise, Donovan.” Narendra however didn't care for Scott nor his company.

  Donovan felt revived after washing up. Slowly the two men headed back towards the village.

  Rachel arrived at the building with Simon and Red Sam, sitting down in her spot the conversations were low and seemly private. Scott sat next to her. “I understand your not staying here, when Donovan leaves tomorrow?”

  Her expression turned a bit nervous. “Yes I am, but I fail to understand why this is any of your concern?”

  “Well its not and I'm sorry, but wouldn't you think its safer here?”

  She looked at him, “you were in sector seven. You know how rough that was with all the gangs and the alliance, if I can survive that, I think I can handle anything out there.”

  Others entered the room, including Donovan and Narendra, all taking their arranged seating.

  “Then can I go with you two please?” Scott pleaded.

  “I thought you wanted to stay here?” Donovan asked, taking a plate of food and pulling off a humble serving.

  “Well I was, but I sense I'm not really welcomed here.” he whispered looking about nervously.

  “You expect people to just automatically accept you?” Donovan gazed at Scott. He waited patiently for him to take the latest plate that was being passed around. He was certainly going to miss this food.

  “You're right, I shouldn't. I wasn't expecting any special treatment however.” Scott, only took a very small portion this time, has he accepted the plate, and passed it on.

  “Well You are welcome to go with us, that would help with security.”

  With hesitation, Rachel finally nodded in agreement.

  “Thank you, thank you both, I'll not let you down.”

  Donovan was only able to eat half of the food on his plate. He pushed it off on Rachel's plate.

  “Why?” she asked, looking at him with concern.

  With a weak expression, he gazed at her. “You're so beautiful.”

  “Thank you, but you should really eat, this is the last meal for a while.” Her attempt to make him take the food didn't work. She knew the fact they were leaving was disturbing him.