Aela (3 page)

Brude stood directly in front of the swords looking towards the moon through the main aperture, and holding his hand up in supplication, continued chanting the holy, sacred words. Directly behind him were the three long bronze swords which gave off a mysterious glow in the lamp light. Slowly the temple began to fill with the priests, musicians, warriors and the rest of the general population.

The atmosphere was intense with everyone feeling very excited and generally exilerated by the whole situation. Each one was chanting their own personal mantra that had been bestowed upon them when they had become initiated as adults and accepted fully into their clans. Rom was looking out for Aela, as he knew that she was with the other young women dancing in the procession, who would finally enter the Temple, forming a circle around the Swords.

Brude lifted his hand and everyone fell silent in an instant. He then stepped forward and was given a bronze, ornamental bowl which he raised above his head. Inside the bowl were strong smelling herbs and as Brude slowly moved the bowl from side to side, the smell of the herbs punctuated the air. Just at that moment the moon could be clearly seen through the aperture and he again began to rhythmically chant ‘Athunor, Athunor, Goddess of the Moon. All powerful one! Grace us with your presence so that we all can receive some of your power and wisdom!'

The priests and people generally, repeated Brude's words imploring Athunor to provide them with a good harvest, plentiful hunting, a healthy life, many children and happiness. The sick and infirm asked Athunor to miraculously make them well again. The old asked to be youthful and fit and the young women wished that Athunor would look favourably on the young man they wished to be romantically united.

With a quick movement of his hand, Brude indicated for the drums, flutes and harps to start playing melodiously again, as he continued to chant. Once the incense had burnt in the bowl, Brude walked slowly back towards a raised platform and placed the container on it.

Then young women came forward and started rhythmically to beat their feet on the ground and circle in pairs. The steps became faster and faster with the frenzy of the music as the sound of the drums became louder and louder. The dancers reached a gripping crescendo, swirling in intricate patterns around each other with their eyes glistening in the torchlight and sweat poring from their faces and bodies. Brude made another quick gesture with his hand, and the music abruptly ceased.

Then a procession of brightly dressed women came into the Temple carrying food in bronze bowls, either on their heads or held in their arms. This food was laid out in front of Brude and he blessed the offerings of the repast, and indicated to each leader of the clan to come forward and to partake by eating of a portion of the food that was set before them.

Throughout the evening there was much drinking and feasting among the people until the sun peeped over the horizon spreading, its luminous rays everywhere as a huge molten red golden disk rose once more slowly climbing towards the heavens. Then the people began to walk slowly back along the sacred pathway to their huts and compounds. As the new day was now dawning, they would be required to go about their working activities for another day.

All throughout the ceremony, Aela was looking out to see, where Rom was in the procession. Much to Rom's annoyance, he could not stop thinking about the beauty of Aela. Her deep blue eyes flashing with laughter and mystery and something even more alluring were the hidden pools of passion and heaven within those sparkling orbs. He remembered the subtle smell of her body, the curve of her breasts, softly rising and falling to the beat of her heart, beneath the blue-silver gown she was wearing. The strand of long blonde, glistening hair swinging enticingly across her soft oval shaped face, as she elegantly raised her arms towards, Athunor, Goddess of the Moon.

More passionate thoughts flitted across his mind, before he suddenly became aware that Brude was intently staring in his direction, as he had turned around to face the crowd. There was something in this look and action that made Rom shudder within himself. All his instincts for survival were aroused. he knew he must leave now, this moment or he would be dead by next sunset.

With one swift turn on his heels, he strode purposely along the pathway towards the thick dark trees on the edge of the clearing, into the brooding, sombre primeval forest. He could hear his heart beating quickly within his chest, knowing he could not turn around, but must continue forward to find the Sacred Sword for himself before returning home once more.

Rom's actions were equally watched by Aela from a distance. She was furious he had left without her! ‘How dare Rom leave without me,' Aela muttered.

She was angry, as this did not fit into her plan of being with Rom. In her mind, she had thought that all she needed to do was flash a brilliant smile, dropping her head and letting some of her blonde hair fall over her face. She felt that Rom couldn't resist this request and would be only too happy for her to accompany him.

Suddenly, she started to run after Rom as she saw his figure disappearing into the forest. ‘I'll show him! I'll follow him for a few miles and then show myself to him. He will have to agree for me to continue the journey with him, as I can't go back along the dark primal pathway alone and I will have to go with him on his quest.' She then started to laugh. ‘I'll beat him at his own game.'

So with very light and swift footsteps she ran along the pathway. Aela at first, was very pleased with herself, as she skipped merrily along the path but as the sunlight disappeared from above, she was swallowed up by the sombre gloom of the tall trees and she felt very uneasy within herself. She thought she heard a sudden movement on her left hand side and then another strange sound above in a branch of the gnarled, ancient oak tree directly in front of her. To make matters worse, the path abruptly disappeared at the foot of this mighty tree.

The branches were thickly covered with leaves obscuring the moss covered trunk and whatever else was lurking within the thick foliage. She sensed there was something there watching her every movement, waiting for a chance to leap wildly at her throat if she looked away. Aela heard her heart pounding against her chest as if to burst and there was a throbbing noise in her ears. Panic thoughts surged through her mind, she wanted to scream, but her throat was dry with fear. ‘What am I going to do? Where can I escape to? I do not want to die!'

Then a low, deep masculine voice shouted, ‘What the hell are you doing here?'

The thick foliage was torn apart and out leapt Rom, with his spear pointing at her heart, ready to plunge the weapon in, with all his mighty strength. His eyes were blazing red, his nostrils flaring and he was rapidly panting, with his legs astride, ready to spring on his prey.

Aela quickly drew back, feeling very afraid. Her thoughts were racing, Is he going to kill me now? This was not the kind, gentle Rom she had known, but a raging, wild animal searching for prey.

Rom instantly read her thoughts, and with one arm, he withdrew his spear to his side, simultaneously flashing a brilliant, friendly smile. ‘Do not be afraid of me. I won't harm you, Aela. You gave me such a fright. I thought you were a wild bear about to leap at me, for the kill.'

Upon hearing his explanation, Aela burst into tears of relief. ‘I was so frightened that you would run your spear through my heart.' Aela went on sobbing, hardly catching her breath between each loud wail.

It was now Rom's turn to feel very uncomfortable. This was not the impression he wanted to make on Aela, whom he adored with all his might. Somehow Aela read his thoughts of uneasiness and instinctively knew she had an advantage. She very sweetly replied, ‘I know you will always look after me, Rom. I always feel so safe when you are near me.' She carefully lifted her head, looking so innocent and demure, widening her large, sapphire blue eyes as she peeked through her luxuriant gleaming blonde hair. Rom immediately rose to her plea, ‘I will always protect you, Aela.'

‘Well, Rom, I want to go with you in your quest for the Sacred Sword.'

There was a moment's silence, with both staring at the other, as the words hung between the two. Aela broke the stalemate by saying, ‘Please let me come with you. I will be such a help to you.'

‘How?' demanded Rom. ‘You do not know how to throw a spear, or run an enemy through with a sword.'

Not to be outdone, Aela exclaimed, ‘I can use a spear and a sword. I was taught by my father before he died.'

Rom was unimpressed, but could not think of a quick reply. Suddenly, voices were heard from a distance somewhere behind them. That settled the matter, so with a quick movement of his hand he indicated to Aela to follow him and at the same time he placed his index finger to his lips, for her to be silent.

Aela and Rom together walked quickly between the trees, as they rapidly moved through the forest. They travelled, one behind the other for some time before Aela could not stand the silence any longer. ‘Where are we going, Rom? I am tired and hungry. I want to rest.'

Without further prompting, Aela collapsed on the ground, in a tired little heap. Rom reluctantly turned around, resting with one arm on his spear. ‘We have to reach the lake before sunset, where we will be safe for the night.'

‘How far is the lake? I am too tired to walk much further,' Aela crossly replied.

‘You can stay here if you like, but I am going on,' said Rom. With one swift step he strode on through the dense foliage.

Panic, quickly engulfed Aela and she leapt to her feet, speedily running after Rom. ‘Don't leave me on my own!' she shouted.

They both continued to push their way through the trees for sometime, then suddenly they simultaneously they found themselves together, emerging into the bright warm sunshine. In front of them was the clear waters of a large lake, surrounded by a dense, dark primal forest. Aela and Rom stood motionless, side by side, staring straight towards the lake, as if the deep, still water would unlock the mysteries lurking down below the watery surface.

‘This is not going to get us anywhere. We are wasting time. It will soon be dark and we must choose a safe camping place now,' Rom muttered, half to himself as well as for Aela's benefit to impress upon her that he was very much in charge of the situation.

A loud animal roar was heard uncomfortably near at hand. They quickly looked at each other. Aela exclaimed, ‘It is a giant bear. We are going to be killed!'

Rom angrily turned on her, ‘Stop making that noise. The bear will hear us, pick up our scent and come after us.'

By now Rom was feeling very frustrated all round, wishing that Aela would disappear back into the forest, so that he could get on with his original quest for the Sacred Sword. Aela, sensing Rom's displeasure of her, instantly calmed down. ‘I am so sorry, Rom for making such a fuss. I will do whatever you think is best.'

Immediately Rom relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Come this way. We will shelter beneath this giant tree for a while.'

It was not very long before Aela and Rom fell asleep, lying close to each other on the ground, as they were both completely exhausted from their recent physical exertions.

CHAPTER 2

The Quest

T
he soft pink light rippled over the horizon as the sun appeared, announcing the beginning of a new day for everyone. Aela was the first to stir, slowly opening her eyes to see the heavily muscled arm of Rom near her face. She could hear his steady rhythmic breathing, as he lay on his side facing towards the trunk of the tree.

Without warning Rom sprang to his feet clasping his spear in readiness to strike at any unknown enemy who would leap towards him from the surrounding thick foliage.

‘What are we going to do Rom? I am so hungry as I haven't eaten anything since leaving home,' complained Aela.

‘Let us go this way,' replied Rom, and disappeared into the foliage.

Aela sprung to her feet making sure she kept up with Rom as they pushed the low lying branches apart to clear their pathway through the thick woods. Then there was a clearance amongst the trees and they could glimpse a clear blue sky above their heads. They found themselves situated at the edge of a lake where the dark forest ended. Aela and Rom both looked up at the sky, simultaneously they spotted a thin column of wispy smoke slowly rising, plus the pungent smell of fish being cooked filling their nostrils. Without even waiting another second, they started running in that direction along the water's edge.

To their surprise they came upon a sandy bank and saw a figure stooping over a fire intent on their task. On hearing footsteps approaching the crouched figure spun around, ‘Who are you? Do not come any nearer or I will split your heart with my dagger,' shouted the person.

‘We come in peace,' replied Rom, ‘We do not mean to harm you in any way.'

The human stood still, with the dagger half raised in their hand. ‘My name is Rom and this is Aela. We come in peace.'