Ellipsis - Creators of Six #1

by Jacob White

  “Well, your guess is as good as mine. I thought they were going to try and capture me but instead, they tried to eat my face off. Also, have you found out anything on the rebellion?” I asked.

  “Only what we already knew but the main force is in the mountains somewhere. After I see to you tonight, I will go looking. You should go ahead and go up. Laila was right. You look horrible.”

  “You should see yourself, walking around with food in your teeth.”

  “Weaver… I know when you are lying… but nice try.” I stood and mumbled to myself as I walked up the stairs. Gibi beat me there as I went into the tent Anna had already set up.

  “Well, you didn’t waste any time, I see.” Both were eating and drinking at the table.

  “Weaver, I'm sorry you have suffered so much anguish regarding your sleeping arrangements. It must have been horrible.” Laila smiled at me as I took a seat.

  “It was, truly. I had two people constantly harassing me and always making jests about me.” Anna smiled at Laila. We continued to eat more filling food with Gibi spoke of our journey here. That’s when I heard the door slam open.

  “You didn’t lock the door?” I asked Anna.

  “You were the last one in.” I walked to the flap and there she was. My Les was two arm reaches away but I couldn’t manage to move. She looked so tired making my heart break.

  “Weaver… please, if you're in here… please.” She turned in circles and began to cry. She sank onto the bed. “Please come back to me…” I turned to Anna and Laila and they looked at me with sadness knowing the choice I had to make. Either I let the girl I love see me go crazy or I leave it as it is between us. Leaving behind a memory of me telling her I had loved her before I left. My heart was being ripped from my chest. I couldn’t bare it any longer. I walked out and just stood there. She looked up and finally saw me. Tears flooded her face, running up to me and reaching her arms around my back. It was just as natural to wrap mine around her.

  She pushed back and slapped me across the face. Then another. “What in Gibi’s name do you think you were doing? You left me behind! I told you I was always with you no matter what.” She continued to pummel my chest as I pulled her close.

  “I'm so sorry, it was the hardest decision I've ever made.”

  “Why didn’t you make it with me! I deserve that much!”

  “You do and even more but… I couldn’t stand the thought of you seeing me like this. I didn’t want you to see me lose my mind and ruin the image of me you had.”

  “So, what were you going to do, huh? Hand off the bloody stone then go die alone somewhere? Oh, I'm sorry, go die with Anna at your side?”

  “As a matter of fact, I was. But do not blame Anna for being here. She stopped me on the night I left. Gibi convinced me to take her with me. As a precaution, if I didn’t make it here and I had to hand the stone off.”

  “That’s a shit excuse Weaver! You shouldn’t have to… l’d.…” She started crying again. “I have to be there… When you go… I want to be next to you, no matter what. Please don’t push me away…” I kissed the top of her head.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay? Okay, what?”

  “Okay, you will stay with me until the end. If you wish it.”

  “Silly man… you already know the answer to that.” She embraced me again.

  “Gibi… go ahead and let everyone know where I am.”

  “Oh, I did, they are downstairs.”

  “You led them here, didn’t you?”

  “I wouldn’t betray you like that. I just told them they might want to follow Laila.”

  “Gibi… we are going to have a talk about trust.”

  “I doubt it, but sure.” I let Anna know everyone was downstairs and down we went before Les stopped me as they left. She shut the door and jumped onto me, kissing me as if it would be the last one.

  “I hate you for what you did to me. If you weren't going to die, I'd kill you myself.”

  “I'll tell you what, once we meet again after you grow old, you can kill me every day in the afterlife.”

  “You can count on it.” She continued to kiss me. “I missed you so much… I was so worried. Every night I would try to come to you. I didn’t care about anything else even those stupid pups.”

  “I know. Laila told me. But it was beyond idiotic. I hope you see that.”

  “I do, but it was just as stupid you running off in the middle of the night.”

  “Fair point.”

  “Oh! And don’t think for one damned second you are getting off kissing with Anna.”

  “Wait for what?”

  “Yeah, Gibi already told me. I tried to punch him when he said he did that thing again that draws people together.”

  “I'm sorry… Every night I had to get drunk to prevent my magic going out of control from a nightmare. It just made things worse in the seduction department. I promise you we never laid together, well we laid together but not like that.”

  “Uh huh... That’s twice now you’ve kissed others… I’m starting to think I am nothing to you. You are mine! I am beyond furious with you. But I missed you so damn much.”

  She kissed me again and again.

  “Les don’t say that. Every night you were in my thoughts. Every night! My soul ripped in half knowing I wronged you again. Please Les. Please forgive me.”

  “Weaver I am dangerously in love with you. Meaning I will kill you if I have too.” I smiled but she didn’t” However, I will overlook this considering I left you at a vulnerable moment. Well, that and your dying. I swear when Liam gets locked away I’m going to trick Gibi inside as well.”

  “I know you're angry. I would never hurt you on purpose. It's just, I have all these feelings messing with my head. You have to know, you are the one I love, the one I always wanted to be with.”

  “Wanted?”

  “Yes, wanted… now I want to marry you and start a family someday. But we both know that’s not a possibility anymore.”

  “Weaver, I love you, and I always will. You have to know I would have given anything for that to come true.” I kissed her deeply again knowing that I was a complete fool for thinking about anyone else. She was always the one I wanted. I had been an enormous ass. We broke apart and leaned our heads together.

  “When are you going to take me to bed?” Her question took me off guard, but it still made me smile.

  “I hope you know, you have turned me into a crazed sex monster.”

  “I have that effect on people.”

  “Created many monsters, have we?”

  “Even if I have, I wouldn’t tell you.” She kissed me again and we walked downstairs. I held her hand so tight as though afraid of losing it. I knew I made a mistake letting her see me. But I could be selfish. That was my justification even though she would see my final breaths. Everyone stood up and embraced me even Aden had a smile as he hugged me.

  “You look like shit.”

  “Thanks, Dirk. Happy to see you again as well.”

  “Well next time, take me along. They are so dull without you, Well, I mean boring that I had no one to make fun of.” I clinked cups with him as we drank our ale. I looked to Laila, but she wasn’t drinking or smiling.

  “Laila, are you okay?”

  “I'm fine… just tired.”

  “Have you been having nightmares?” I felt her shutter from the question. “Dear god’s Laila, I'm so sorry. Gibi told me he took care of it for you.”

  “He did, but these past two nights it failed. They have just taken a toll on me is all.”

  “Why wouldn’t you ask me to bless you?”

  “You have enough a big enough burden. I didn’t want to add to it.”

  “Well, as soon as we get upstairs we are going to make the exchange and have a peaceful night’s sleep.” She nodded and looked a little relieved as she began drinking. We headed back upstairs as a group, not fearing much as we know robbers would be wiped from existence if they tried. We walked into t
he room and it had completely changed. The tent was nowhere to be seen. The room now looked like the inside of the tent. The only difference was the three tubs and beds for all and a huge table of food.

  “Gibi, this is amazing. Are you okay? Have you been sensed?”

  “Of course not. This is nothing. I have always kept some essentials in the in-between.”

  “The what now?” Dirk asked.

  “It's not important. I'll explain later. But first, get cleaned up, eat, sleep, mate, and drink.”

  “Just had to add mate, didn’t you?” I mumbled.

  “It was more for Dirk than anyone else.” Dirk raised a glass to Gibi in recognition. Before I knew it, the three women were in the tubs leaving everyone else to wait. We were finishing up and Laila and I made our exchange. It was the best feeling to date. I must have been dangerously off. I stumbled to bed, with fatigue already hitting me hard and laid down. I felt Les come next to me in her slip and backed into me. I fell asleep with no nightmares just a pure, warm, deep rest.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The Ice Path

  I woke up in the same position but without Les. Everyone else was at the table eating.

  “The living dead rises” Dirk said with a mouth full of food.

  “He does indeed. Do I look less menacing?”

  “Yes…but something is wrong…”

  “What!”

  “Your face…”

  “Dirk, just say it.”

  “Well, it seems you have gotten uglier in the night… Les… I will gladly take his place by your side. If you have the need to empty your stomach at the sight of him.” Everyone laughed at my expense once again but Les came to my rescue.

  “Dearest Dirk, I would humbly accept this offer...” Dirk’s grin grew. “But, the thought of you even standing next to me brings a future of greater sickness.” I walked behind Les with a smile.

  “Why are you smiling? She didn’t disagree with me about that thing you call a face.” I realized he was right, then looked to Les. She raised a hand to my face and kissed me. I sat down next to her.

  “You still haven't said I’m amazingly dashing…”

  “I know, I wouldn’t want you to get a fat head. However, you and Laila look much better.”

  “I'll take it.” I was happy we were all once together again. I looked back and saw my action of running away did nothing except risk my life for no reason. I was a fool when I made that choice. Of course, it was under the assumption I would be long done with all this by the time they arrived. Mid-thought and the middle of our morning meal, Gibi lavishly appeared in our room.

  “My dearest children, give me your offerings of love.” He was once again sitting on a throne with a leg draped over. Anna and Les both picked up fruit from the table and threw it at him. He merely smiled, caught it mid-flight, and ate it. “This will suffice.” He stood and the throne dissipated.

  “You know, when we first met him, he was so proper.” Anna pointed out. “But now he is comparable to Dirk.” Ralph laughed and his booming chuckle it took us by surprise from his deep voice.

  “I am still proper, just more… friendly, helpful, amazing, handsome—”

  “Humble… mischievous…” Les added. “Destroyer of love… uglier than a— “I was the one to break the near hostile banter to prevent Les from continuing.

  “Oh, mighty Gibi, what news do you have?” The mood seemed to shift.

  “Well, I found an outpost, well several in the mountains behind us. They were simple in structure, but the mountains add a defense most could not conquer. There is, however, once that appears much more well-built, so I went to look. I believe our man is there…”

  “But…”

  “But…he happens to be the leader of the rebellion as well.”

  “Well shit…” Aden said to himself. Once again, he was faced with another choice over a kingdom or the world.

  “I do not think all of you should progress the mountain. Some parts are high and little room to maneuver.” He looked to Ralph, who got a grunted in return.

  “Okay, so how do we decide who stays other than Ralph?” I asked the group. “I would recommend Laila, Les, and Aden remains while Dirk, Gibi, Anna, and I go.”

  “No.” was all Les said.

  “Les... Ple—”

  “I'm about to consider you truly a fool if you mention my name once more without yours involved. I am going no matter what. Of course, I'd rather not freeze to death following you, but I will.”

  “Okay then… Les, me, and Aden…”

  “No, that won't work either…” Aden said in a low voice.

  “Okay, then someone else makes a suggestion including me and… Les.” She smiled at me and patted my leg. Aden spoke up

  “Including you two, it should be Anna and me. This means Laila will have Ralph and Dirk to protect her if the need arises.” He looked to his sister and took her hand. His face relaxed. I already knew he had received a gift from Laila that I have taken many times.

  “How far is it?” Ralph asked.

  “About two days, now that the next cold season is coming upon us. This means snow could be found lower on the path’s.”

  “So, if we leave today, this could be done and over with by the third day?” Aden asked.

  “Well Weavers journey… Much more is to come for the rest of you.” Gibi’s shoulders slumped and he gave me a small smile.

  “I’m so sorry my boy.” I only replied with a head nod.

  “Great, let's get what we need and head out.” I stood trying to sound confident and started to dress in my leathers. In three days’ time, I would be heading to my end. I was breaking inside and wasn’t sure how to say goodbye to the group. I decided to get dressed and wait outside, that way no one would be forced into an awkward goodbye. I grabbed my pack and went straight to the door. I was blocked by Ralph’s thick body. He nodded his head towards the other side of the room where everyone was standing.

  “Weaver, you weren't thinking of sneaking out again, were you?” Laila asked.

  “No, was just going to wait outside to avoid making any awkward goodbyes.”

  “Well come here so we can get started,” Dirk said with a small smile. I slowly went in front of them. One at a time, I embraced every single one except those going on my final journey. I came up to Laila and squeezed harder than I should have. She began speaking my in mind.

  “Weaver, you are one of the bravest men I have ever known. I am sorry you must face death. Any lesser of a man would have turned or made a deal by now. I hope you understand that.”

  “It's okay. I do it for all of you here. So that you all have a chance to stab Liam through the eye for me. But now that you mention it… I could run…” That comment was able to manage a smile.

  “Weaver… I will miss you deeply.”

  “As I will you. Please accept this gift one last time.” I put my forehead to hers and poured all of the love I had into her, hoping it might last more than a day. Tears streamed down her cheeks as I felt her love and hope enter me.

  “I love you, Weaver, more than a friend. I hope you know that.”

  “If things were different, I would be a very lucky man, to have you.” I kissed her forehead and stepped back. She was doing nothing to hide her tears. She was a beautiful, proud woman and this world will need her long after I am gone. Facing the group, I tried to offer words of wisdom before I left.

  “My friends please do not mourn my death but live to make it mean something. I care for you all deeply… yes, Dirk, even you, but no you can't have Les.”

  “It's like you can read minds.” The group chuckled at his comment.

  “Take care… all of you. Also, if you have a chance, stab Liam a couple of times.” I ended up saying a few more silent goodbyes and then found myself looking at my horse Blessing.

  “Ralph had him brought up from the encampment.” Anna told me.

  “Let's go.” We have three days to say any final goodbyes but I couldn’t ha
ndle any more right now.

  We led our horses slowly through the dirt streets with bits of stone worked in. I nearly snapped my ankle a handful of times. We came upon a large archway manned by several guards including the one Anna flirted with.

  “My lady! Who are these you ride with into the mountain pass?”

  “Well, that one there is your prince.” Mouths open they all gave a fist to their chest as a show of respect.

  “I waited for you…” He whispered towards Anna.

  “Wait once more in one weeks’ time, I assure you I will come.” This made my stomach lurch, but it was no longer my place to request anything from her. The guards eventually let us pass. Anna refused to look at me for the entire day until we broke for our first camp.

  Once again, Gibi had provided his belongings from the in-between but three beds this time around. We unsaddled the horses and brushed them down. We found some feed to give them to replenish their strength as Anna provided water for a drink. The others were now inside except for Anna and me.

  “Anna, why do you ignore me?”

  “It's not that I'm ignoring you, well slightly, but…”

  “But what?”

  “I am going to have to watch the love of my life, my only family; and observe him descend into madness. Please don’t make this any harder for me, be with Les and be happy. I will cherish the memories we had for the rest of my time.”

  She brushed past me and walked inside. She was right of course but I still needed her help on the last leg of my journey. Shortly after I followed her inside. She was already in the bath that was now secluded by screens and hanging fabric. I sat down at the table with Aden and Les.

  “Aden, please don’t take offense when I ask this next question.”

  “I will try.” I suppose that was good enough.

  “Why did you decide to come? There is still great danger that lays ahead of us and I know your feelings don’t exactly leave me in an appealing light?”

  He let out a long sigh.