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Open Your Eyes |
| Written by David Relic | |
| Tuesday, 08 July 2008 | |
 Jarek stared down at his hands, turning them over and examining them. The dirt and blood of battle was encrusted deep into the lines of his palms and fingers. His forearm straps were covered in a dried, sticky crimson and he longed to throw his armor to the soft grass. When he was younger, the filth of war that covered him always seemed to be permanent until he returned home to Paige. Walking through their cottage doorway, the scene always unfolded the same. Dropping his bags, his arms would wrap around his green eyed love and he would lift her small frame off the ground in an embrace. They would kiss, and Jarek would forget about all he'd done and all he'd seen. He would forget about the smell of death and the feeling of its dark hand floating above, searching for a life to pull from the living. When he returned home, all Jarek smelled was her, all he saw was her, and all he felt was her. He looked around. The sky was cloudless and bleak; he was alone for miles. His helm dropped to the grass, followed by his forearm straps and breastplate. Pulling his sword from its scabbard, he unbuckled his belt and let it fall to the ground. The relief was immediate and the sweat on his back began to cool. Holding his blade before him, he examined it, noting each of its tiny nicks and dings, remembering how each one got there. Some were from saving lives and others were from taking them. With a sigh, he tossed the weapon away from him. "You might need that," a sweet voice spoke from behind. He closed his eyes and turned slowly. "No," he said to her. "Not anymore...I should never have left you." She giggled. "Why are your eyes closed, Jarek? Do you not wish to see me?" "It is the only thing I wish to do," a tear streaked down his face. "But this is a dream and If I open my eyes, you'll be gone." "Open your eyes," she whispered. He opened them and he was standing on the top of a high cliff that looked out across a great sea. The sun was high and it sent thousands of sparkles across the water. His hands were clean and his armor was gone. "You see," Paige smiled, "I'm still here." His eyes took in his slim wife, her light hair and green eyes. She was barefoot in a soft white dress that swayed in the sea breeze and her hands were clasped behind her back. It was the most beautiful sight he‘d ever seen. He swiftly moved towards her and swept her up in his arms. "I never should have left you," he said. "I'm so sorry. I'll never leave you again." She shook her head, and this time it was her who began to cry. "You never left me, Jarek. We were always together. What you did was important, and is important still." "No," he replied. "I'm done fighting...killing." "You are not a killer, my love. You are a defender, a protector. For those who cannot protect themselves, you are a shield." He held her tight and looked around. The land was sharp and jagged stone, like something from a nightmare. "What is this place?" he asked. "I've seen it before." "It is a harsh land, all rock and devoid of life. But like so many things, Jarek, there is hope within." She pulled away from him and ran a hand through his thick red hair, staring into his dark eyes. A thin smile crossed her beautiful face. "No," he said. "I'll not leave you again." And moved to embrace her once more, but she stopped him with a light hand upon his chest. "It was I who left you, my love. And the only sadness I left behind in this world was your sadness. Remember me, but do not be sad. We will be together again." She began to walk backwards. "Why can't we stay here?" he called out. "I want to stay here with you." "There is more you must do, Jarek. You are a shield, and your duty is not yet finished." Jarek glanced down. Again, there was blood on his hands and his sword was once more in his grasp. "No," he said to himself. When he looked up, Paige was gone. "Paige? Paige!?" he called. "PAIGE!"
Jarek surged upwards with a razor sharp hunting knife in his hand. His back ached and he was breathing heavily. The pale glow of a crescent moon pierced through the canopy of a small copse of trees they had made camp in. Dawn was still a few hours away. "It was just a dream," Kile spoke through the dark. "How long was I out?" the red haired warrior asked gruffly, sheathing the knife. Kile shrugged his young shoulders. "Two or three hours. You haven't slept in over five days. If you don't get some rest, you'll be no good to either of us." "Saddle the horses," the warrior ordered, rising to his feet. "We're leaving in five minutes...I know where we have to go." Kile nodded his head. "I hope it was a good dream," he said softly... Copyright 2008 David Relic |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 July 2008 ) |
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