by Nikki Landis
“I’ll never forget,” I whispered, “thank you.”
I turned to Kellen, our eyes meeting and closing the few feet of distance swiftly. His hand brushed against my arm as soft as a feather’s caress. Time was meaningless in that moment. Something important had happened to me today and I was very glad that he was there to help and protect me, to lend his sword and his shoulder to cry on if I needed it. It was pivotal, this clarity that had penetrated my mind and my heart. I sensed the light inside me and let it take hold. All of the darkness was chased away. In that moment I had been healed.
We stood for a while longer and then I pulled Kellen away. I was quiet as we walked back to the Hummer. Inside, we sat for a few minutes. I finally broke the silence, knowing he waited on me.
“Thank you for bringing me today Kellen. I really needed to come. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to deal with their death until I got here. It’s ironic but…I feel at peace now.”
He gently grasped my chin in his hand and stared into my eyes. “I know Rhiannon. I want you to know…I am here for you. You can count on me. Always. Not because I am ordered to, but because I want to.” His thumb brushed my bottom lip again. “I’m glad you feel better. I was worried about you for a minute.”
He leaned closer and his eyes darted to my lips quickly before they were back to searching mine. I leaned in to him and pressed a kiss on his cheek, letting my lips linger for a moment. I heard him sigh as he pulled me close and gave me a hug, holding me tightly for a moment before he released me and smiled his infamous grin. I sat back and buckled my seatbelt, rolling my eyes playfully.
“Well, I think I should take you home so you can change your clothes. And…would you like to do something else today?” He asked, sounding a little unsure.
“Yes, let’s get out of these wet clothes and go out for a movie and dinner or something like that. I don’t feel like staying home today,” I answered him, keeping my voice even and calm.
I did not want to let on how excited I was to spend more time with him. The usual butterflies were tickling my stomach even as my heart rate picked up in response. He nodded and drove me home. I tried not to stare as I wondered if I had the same effect on him as he did on me. But Kellen gave no outward indication of his feelings. He rarely did, if I was honest. He carefully guarded himself. I glimpsed moments of raw emotion, like last night, but not often enough to be sure of anything.
We changed and left quickly, filling Gran in on our plans. At the movies, we saw an action adventure film. It was decent. I noted with humor he steered far away from anything romantic. We sat with our hands touching the whole time but he didn’t make any advances. Not even once.
I was learning something about Kellen, he was a gentleman. He always acted honorably, even if it went against his personal desires. A rare but endearing trait.
Afterwards he took me to a little diner close to the theatre that was quiet and not very crowded. We sat way in the back and had the space to ourselves. Although the circular booth was large he scooted close to me and leaned back against the seat, his arm behind me.
I was sipping on some peach iced tea when we started talking. Every nerve in my body was aware of his arm but I pretended not to notice.
“So, I am curious again. More questions, are you ready?”
“Yes, go ahead.” He told me laughing.
“You and Gran have both mentioned the existence of an enemy. But…who is this enemy Kellen?”
“Ah, I see. Well, it is a great evil presence that has never been seen to my knowledge. The Guardians have been trying to figure out the real identity of the enemy for many years. He constantly eludes us. He is known by several names in our world: Nidhogg, the evil serpent, is one of the most popular. The tricky part is that he always has some kind of general to do his bidding. We are often misled by this general, thinking he is the true enemy. This has happened numerous times.”
I thought about that. What kind of a general?
“A general? What do you mean?”
“Well, many years ago, during the Great War with our people, there was a general named Tynan. We believed he was the true enemy. After the Guardians eventually defeated and destroyed him, there was a small amount of peace in our land. Then a new general emerged about fifty years later, one who pillaged, murdered, and burned in his desire to dominate our world. It was years of fighting to defeat him.”
“I see. Just when you thought you had won, another general emerged. Is that what you mean?” I asked.
“Yes, Rhiannon. Now we are dealing with more attacks, more bloodshed, and more destruction. Another general will come forward. In fact, we know of his existence. My father is concerned. He knows the pattern. The frustrating part is always defeating the generals but never finding the source of the true evil, the one who raises and leads them.”
Hmmm, I wondered how any of this could be related to me.
“Do you think all of this has anything to do with me and the enemy crossing the gateway to this side?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. It could be. My instinct is yes. I don’t want you to worry. There isn’t a reason to be concerned about it for now.”
Easy for him to say. I nodded, pausing to take a sip of my drink.
“Would these generals send demons to do their bidding?”
“Perhaps, it’s more than possible.” He seemed uncomfortable again.
I was curious about his family and life in this other world, in his world. What was his past like?
“Would you tell me more about you and your life on the other side of the portal, in the other world?” I asked him curiously, changing the subject.
He started to tell me about his childhood and the happy upbringing he had. Then he told me about being a Guardian and how much he loved it. His favorite memories were being a part of the Guardian army. He loved protecting people and being a soldier. He was very good at it and rose in the ranks until he was leading his own men. I could hear the pride in his voice. I knew he had worked very hard to reach this point.
“Kellen, I’m concerned. The same enemy that destroyed my parents is now after me. I’m terrified of meeting the same fate. What am I going to do? Do you have a plan?” I asked him, switching the direction of the conversation.
“First, I want you to know that your bloodline is very strong and very old. Your descendants go so far back that it is almost impossible to trace. In my world, your family is one of the oldest and purest. Second, I always have a plan.” He winked at me before continuing. “Basically right now I am going to be watching everything around us and protect you but if anything else happens…I may have to improvise. Don’t worry about it for now. Unless another attack happens, we will continue forward as we have.”
“Kellen, I trust you. Really I do. Besides, you have already saved my life and proven your loyalty. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. One more thing Rhiannon.” He leaned close and let his arm drape around my shoulders. “It may have been your parent’s fate to die at the hands of the enemy but that is not your fate. I refuse to believe it. You are destined for something more. There is a reason you survived and stayed hidden all of these years. You have a purpose. I believe in you and I think you will accomplish great things.”
Kellen was looking into my eyes, holding my gaze as he spoke. There was a tenderness there that enthralled me. It pulled me close, connecting us by an invisible thread. Tears sprang to my eyes. I was so touched by his words and his confidence in me, I was left almost speechless. I squeezed his other free hand, not taking my eyes from his.
“Kellen, I am so lucky to have your friendship. Thank you for believing in me and for protecting me. It means more to me than I can describe.” I tried not to let my voice waver too much.
“Rhiannon, I…feel the same. I appreciate your friendship too.”
He leaned closer, his eyes betraying some of that deep emotion again, and leaned his forehead close to mine. “More than you know, more than I can say.”
Kellen squeezed my hand back and let go as our food arrived. We were quiet through most of dinner, lost I imagine, both deep in our thoughts. I noticed he watched my face often, as if searching for something. I’m not sure what he was looking for. I would smile back, hoping it was nothing serious.
It was late when we walked out to the Hummer. Kellen was holding my hand as he often did now and we paused by the passenger door as he hit the locks. I looked up at his face, curious to see if he still had that searching expression in his eyes. It seemed that he did.
I raised my hand to his cheek and looked deep into his eyes. His expression was soft, transfixing me.
“Kellen, I…” I suddenly choked up and couldn’t finish, unsure of what I was trying to say.
I lifted my lips to his cheek and kissed him softly, lingering a moment before I backed away. His expression this time took me by surprise, so full of intensity that I couldn’t look away. I lost track of time or reality, completely mesmerized. He suddenly pulled me close, hugging me tightly for a minute, locked in his embrace, before letting go. He immediately opened the door for me and I got in, noticing he shut it quickly.
Kellen drove us home quietly. It wasn’t unpleasant. I enjoyed the silence and his company. His presence was comforting to me. He said goodnight to me at the front door, kissing me on the cheek briefly this time, and left to secure my safety. When I looked out my balcony doors before I climbed into bed I saw him pacing. He looked up and smiled as I waved and went to bed. I fell right to sleep that night, feeling happy and carefree.
Chapter Eleven
It was obvious to my friends at school that Kellen and I were getting closer. I had excitedly pulled Emily and Mariah aside and told them Kellen asked me to prom. We had jumped up and down together and screamed. I finally had a date and we would all be together. We quickly agreed to do the limo rental again this year as a group. Kellen held my hand at the lunch table as we all discussed the details. I was so happy that things were working out. It almost, but not quite, made me forget about all of the weird stuff that had been happening.
One Saturday, I invited Kellen to spend the afternoon with me and see my relaxing spot in the forest. I still hadn’t been back since the Minotaur and I was missing it terribly. There was no way I could go without him, it wasn’t safe.
Skipping downstairs, I bumped into Gran in the kitchen. She smiled, shaking her head at me and clucking her tongue.
“Rhia, dear, always in a hurry these days. What are your plans today?” She asked me, laughing.
“Well, I am taking Kellen over to my thoughtful spot in the glade and thought we could enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. Maybe a nature hike too. I’m not sure about later.”
“Sounds fun dear, why don’t you take a basket with you? I made egg salad and cut up a bunch of melon earlier. Tell Kellen I made these just for him.” She showed me her freshly baked blueberry muffins, cooling on a rack.
I grinned. “I’m sure he will enjoy these very much. I doubt there will be any left.”
We both laughed and I gave her a quick hug.
“You will be on your own for dinner tonight. Gramps and I are going to the annual Vets Picnic and will be gone until late tonight. Enjoy yourself today.”
“All right. Thanks Gran. I will. You too. Love you!” I told her, grinning widely.
“Ditto! See you later Hun.”
Gran left and I set to work packing the picnic basket. I made several egg salad sandwiches, added a bunch of the melon, and tossed in a bag of chips and pretzels. Then I wrapped up a bunch of muffins and threw those in. Remembering how much Kellen could eat, I decided to add a couple of roast beef sandwiches too from Gran’s leftover pot roast. Adding a few water bottles, Gatorade, and a couple of sodas; the basket was finally full…and heavy.
I was just finishing up when the doorbell rang. I took a deep breath and answered the door, planting a huge smile on my face.
“Good morning!” I told him brightly.
Kellen’s face lit up. “Hi, good morning.” He grinned, handing me a bouquet of daisies.
“Oh wow, thank you Kellen. Come on in.”
I walked into the kitchen and took out a vase, filling it with the flowers and water. They looked very pretty on the dining room table. I was getting ready to tell him so when I turned and noticed he was right there. Literally inches in front of me. Darn those butterflies, I thought as my stomach started to flutter again.
“The flowers…” I trailed off, completely distracted by the way he was looking at me.
“Rhiannon…I um.” He cleared his throat. “I just thought you might enjoy a little surprise.”
His voice was low and unsteady, very unlike him.
“Thank you…they are very pretty in here, don’t you think?”
I raised my hand and put it against his cheek. “Thank you again, it was so thoughtful of you.” My voice was low and soft.
He took my hand and held it. “Rhia…I wanted to say-”
He was interrupted by Gran and Gramps coming down the stairs. Kellen quickly moved away and walked over to the picnic basket, pretending to finish packing.
“We have to leave now. See you later. Don’t forget to lock up. Bye Kellen.” Gran told him warmly.
“Bye Ma’am, bye Sir.” Kellen told them both.
After they left, I walked over to the picnic basket. “A little surprise by me for you. A picnic today under my favorite tree. Would you carry it for me? It’s quite heavy. Packing for your stomach is a chore.” I told him laughing.
He laughed too. “Great idea. Ready to go?”
We walked along the sidewalk in silence until Kellen took my hand and pulled me through the narrow pathway that led to the glade. Surprised, I looked at him. He winked back. I should have known that he would know how to get there. I bet he knew the whole forest by now. Soon, we came through the line of trees and out the other side that led to the meadow, tree stumps, and willow tree. I smiled at him and squeezed his hand.
I pulled him over to the willow and gestured to him to drop the basket. I spread out the blanket under the tree and sat down, pulling him with me. We leaned back against the tree, our legs spread out in front of us. Kellen took my hand again and held it. Sighing contentedly, I leaned my head on his shoulder, watching the breeze blowing through the tall grass and wildflowers. It moved and waved gently, playing and teasing like a small child’s fingers.
We spent the next few hours talking and playing catch with an old softball he had in his pocket. I picked some wildflowers and stuck one behind my left ear, enjoying the beauty all around us. It wasn’t hard to spend time together with him, sit in silence, or share my thoughts. As someone who is more of a private person by nature, it surprised me how easily I could open myself up to him and trust him. Almost implicitly. Without reserve.
“Hungry?” I asked Kellen, realizing it was almost noon.
“Do you have to ask?” He responded, laughing and reaching for the basket.
I took out all of the goodies, spreading out the food on the blanket. I made him two plates and handed them over with a smile. His grin was ridiculous and I rolled my eyes playfully. I made my own plate and sat chewing thoughtfully on egg salad when he spoke up.
“Rhiannon, this is awesome. Egg salad that rivals my mother’s. No easy task.”
“Well Gran is an amazing cook and she made me promise to tell you that the blueberry muffins were made fresh this morning in your honor.”
“Wow, I will have to thank her later. Are we having dinner tonight with them?” He asked nonchalantly.
“Um no, they went to an all day picnic out of town. They won’t be back until late tonight. Gran told me to make other dinner plans,” I told him, watching his face closely.
“Oh, I see. Well…maybe we should stay in and watch a movie tonight. Maybe order some Chinese or something? What do you think?” He responded lightly.
“That’s fine, but I d
on’t want to watch another super hero flick. How about an old classic? I was thinking…Star Wars.”
“Awesome idea, I haven’t seen it in a long time.”
If Kellen was as excited or nervous about having the evening and house to ourselves as I was, he didn’t show it. This was sure to be an interesting day…and night. For some reason, it felt different today. I couldn’t figure out why. We had been spending plenty of time together but it hadn’t felt so intimate before, with the exception of the balcony not long ago. We hadn’t said a word about it and I never came out on the balcony unless fully clothed.
We finished our picnic, Kellen eating everything I didn’t. I shook my head at him, always amazed at his appetite. It was a pleasant afternoon. We took a nature walk, watched the clouds roll by in the sky above us, and talked for so long I almost forgot the time. It was the perfect day, without interruption or worry or anything else to mar it. Walking hand in hand, we sat on the porch and rocked as the sun was setting again.
Kellen was sitting on the living room couch as I put Star Wars in the Blu-Ray player. We were waiting on our Chinese to be delivered. Kellen was lounging on the couch, grinning at me ear to ear when I turned around. Ah-ha, I thought. I knew it.
“You knew, didn’t you? Kellen…” I started to accuse, but he burst out laughing.
“Yes, guilty as charged. I heard your Gran tell you this morning. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but the kitchen window was open and I was walking around the house, doing a quick perimeter check. Forgive me…” He told me, still laughing.
“Oh Kellen, you are such a brat. Fine…but next time…” I drifted off, hinting he would be in trouble.
My comment only seemed to amuse him more. “Or what?” He challenged me, his eyes teasing.
I playfully punched him on the arm and he grabbed me, tossing me lightly on the couch and grinning. I tried to get up, but he started tickling my sides. Kicking and flailing my arms, I burst out laughing. Kellen’s arm slipped and we tumbled onto the carpet, a tangled heap on the floor. I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe. I looked up and into his eyes, which had switched from teasing to serious. Kellen’s body tensed and he jumped up quickly, turning his back.
