Chapter Five: Moments of Apprehension

In all of middle-earth, no secret was as well-kept as the one that revealed the hidden passageways into Henneth Annûn. Few men knew of this secret refuge, and fewer still had ever been in it. And no man who looked upon it from the outside would have known it existed had he not some prior knowledge to the fact. It was a fortress guarded in stealth and it melded seamlessly with its environment.

To come upon the retreat, one would think they had entered a small oasis of lushness and beauty. To the uninformed observer, it would have taken shrewd wisdom to have discerned something so secretive in a place so mystically lovely. And that mind would become suspect to its intent had it not seen the beauty first before growing wary of deeper mistrust. In a relaxed frame, the scene partaken was of natural charm, surely one of Yavanna's greatest gifts. Only the darkest of souls, darker than the orcs or fell creatures of Mordor, could have suspected something more was here than the fairest of lands.

In seeing it, the eye was immediately riveted to the centerpiece of the scene: a cascade of water that fell from stories above a rocky platform into a river of water and stone. Deep green shrubbery canopied the cliffs of its descent, and the sound of the water falling to the staggered bed below was thunderous and bold. The craggy rocks at her base were jagged incisors of stone, pushed up from the earth, and about them were smaller remnants of the same stone, shattered over time into razor sharp fragments of their former selves. The water flattened as the depth became great beneath the rocks, and a wide expanse of water filled that basin before the river narrowed and carried on its course. A pool of conjoined cerulean and indigo formed there, and when the sun shone down on that spot, the water took on the color of liquid sapphires studded with diamonds. The flow of the water slowed at this point to only a slight current and fish of all types gathered here to feed and to mate. Hanging branches of nearby trees bowed gracefully to the pristine waters beneath them, as smooth and slick stones outlined the shore that led to the rock wall that stood witness to it all. The terrain was laced with ferns and mosses and vines cascading downward to meet the water's edge. Boxwood and ilex in deep penetrating greens dotted the hillsides leading away from it as the river left the lagooned area. It tapered into a deep and narrow channel that continued its course down the long, sloping lands, until eventually, it meandered its way into the Anduin. And from that peak near the falls, looking into the setting sun, one could plainly see the great expanse of that river from the vistas offered.

They paused on their horses before dismounting, gazing upon the serenity of the place that would be their temporary home. They breathed in the freshness of the cool, breezy air, and a cleansing aroma of water and earth wafted in the breeze. A sense of tranquility settled upon them. The sound of the falls echoed off of the rocks and added a sort of music to the scene, giving a backdrop to the carefree chirping of the birds playing in the treetops. Eowyn smiled, while Arwen closed her eyes and let her senses absorb the atmosphere. Faramir sighed happily, and Legolas looked most pleased, while Gimli gazed back at the view of the Anduin. The six accompanying soldiers looked on, awed and proud that in a way this was a part of their Gondor home. Aragorn's chuckle broke the reverie as he looked upon all of their faces. His laughter told them that he was the happiest among them to be there.

It was Faramir who spoke first. He turned to Legolas and said, "I don't think I remember seeing so many waterfalls in the course of this trail. Has my memory gone wrong?"

The elf smiled at this. "Nay," he said, "Your memory serves you well. It is the land that has changed. She seems to be filled with a joy unnamed. Many underground rivers have sprung to the surface, and new fountains abound of late. The elves believe that it is brought on by the new growth in the region and that the water has found a new course for her routes. I only know that I am glad and proud of the work we have done here. We have been able to coax out more hidden beauty. That was an unimaginable feat to the tarnish that was here a dozen years past."

"It is a magnificent accomplishment," Eowyn echoed, and even Gimli grunted his approval.

The elf kept his eyes fixed on the landscape as a shy smile accepted the compliment. They had reached the hidden entrance of their resting place and he was glad to be here. And while they could appreciate the beauty of this place for more, no others who would have wandered the region could know that a fortress lie buried within the heart of that waterfall. It had been built by men over a century past as a refuge from the attacks of the orcs and Southron men in that land, and it was well concealed. This was a safe place for the company.

The entries to Henneth Annûn were hidden. So well hidden, in fact, that in all the long years of Sauron's reign over the lands on which it stood, Henneth Annûn had never been discovered by the fell creatures that wandered there. The doors were camouflaged in the rocky places on the hills about it, concealed well by boulders and stone protrusions and penetrating shrubberies. They had long been kept secret by the Rangers and militia that guarded this territory, and now they fell under the protection of the elves. The tedious passageways to the main hall were vastly dark in places, varying greatly in texture and pitch. The corridors widened and narrowed so precariously that in times of need for stealth, the way could be guarded against intruders by guards who could lay in wait.

Once in the main hall, the scene quickly changed from that of the winding, dark corridors. The sound of rushing waters was consistent and bold, though not so loud that one could not speak, and after a while it grew to be a continuous background sound, easily absorbed for its naturalness as a din perceivable only if thought upon. A slow, consistent breeze stirred within the room, brought on by the play of the water. Water was everywhere forming a curtain wall before a great opening in the stone face. And at this point, one would realize they were looking through the falls that regaled the view of the Anduin River far beyond. At sunset, the room was alive in colors that bounced off the walls, ricocheting fire within the chamber. If one were a careful observer, peering at the falls from the outside at that moment of sunset, when the light played most magnificently on the chamber, then one might see there was a cavern within that great fountain as all shadows within it were revealed.

Beyond the doorways, there was one other means of exit from the cavern within the waterfall. The popular routes were invariably the two paths that brought any visitor in, but the alternative method for departure was through the curtain of water. No one ever went this way though, for to do so would surely mean death. The craggy stones at a distance below would gladly meet anyone who dared leave by this route.

Legolas dismounted and began unloading their supplies. The others followed suit. He was rejoicing their arrival at this stronghold. This place would be their home and it felt safe to him. He had feared it would not. But he sensed no evil in these woods, only the innocence of nature, and he felt the wall of anxiety that had building within him all this last portion of the trip begin to ease.

It had started that morning, just as they had begun to leave Doro Lanthiron. A messenger from one of the northern restoration teams arrived just as they were making ready the horses for departure. Legolas recognized the guardsman. The soldier's face carried an expression that betrayed deep concern and as he saw his Lord standing by, he dismounted quickly and immediately made his way to bow before Legolas. The elven lord could not help but feel anxiety.

"What is it, Hallathôn?" Legolas asked.

"Your pardon, my Lord," the tall guardsman said, rising to face the ruler of the elven land. "I do not mean to interrupt your departure, but I have news of distress to report. I did not think it could wait."

"You may speak freely here, Hallathôn. What is your news?"

The fair-haired elf regarded the rest of the party before going on. Aragorn and Faramir exchanged small smiles between themselves at the wariness of the elf. Out of respect for Legolas' authority, they remained back, but listened attentively to what he had to say. Glancing back to Legolas, Hallathôn said with visible fear, "Three elves are missing from the team we were leading, my Lord."

Legolas' stiffened and he felt more than saw several of his friends within earshot tense up at these words. This was not the type of news he would have wanted to hear at the moment, and he understood the other elf's anxious manner. "How long have they been gone?" he asked. Concern made his brow crease. At his side he saw Aragorn and Faramir step forward and he glimpsed similar expressions of worry on their faces.

"Only a day," came the reply, and Legolas breathed a silent sigh of relief. It was not that long to be gone and he forced his hands to relax their almost automatic tendency to clench into fists. Hallathôn went on, "They were to have reported to our base camp yesterday afternoon. They were at the northernmost point where the forests meet the wash in Nindalf. There is still much harm to the plants and the soils there. We have been working to repair the damage."

"Were they there with horses?" asked Legolas.

"No, my Lord. The lands are still too boggy in that area. Horses would be swamped down if they rode into the region. The three traveled on foot," Hallathôn answered.

Legolas looked at his friends as he considered this. He pondered the time and location for the missing elves, and he began to deduce that nature might be more to blame in the disappearance of his fellows than things unnatural. He reminded himself to first always look for answers that were the most obvious as he continued, "There has been more rain in that territory this season than in past years, has there not? And in the past week especially so?" When he received an affirmative nod to both questions, he went on, "Then is it possible the answer is that? Perhaps they were only slowed in their return by the foulness of weather. That region is a flood plain for the Anduin. If there is reason for concern, it should be only to help free them from any dangers the elements may impose on them. As they were without horses, it will be harder to track them, but you must try. I will assume you are already in search of them, but gather a second team and bring them into the area immediately. Find them, Hallathôn. I do not wish to report losses to their families."

The elf bowed to Legolas and backed away, leaving the Lord of the elves to his friends. Legolas looked to them and took in and expelled a deep breath. He initially had concluded foul play was at work and he chided himself for those grim thoughts. He knew well that these lands were cleared of the evil of Sauron's rule, even if his natural instinct had been to suspect darkness at play. It was a natural defense, his wont from long years of battle, and it seemed it was his friends' as well. They had mirrored his expressions, but had noticably relaxed when Legolas continued the line of questioning and other theories began to take shape. Still, he felt the need to take a wary stance. Despite the reassurance his solution offered, a tug of anxiety nagged at his mind and Legolas warred with himself as he looked directly at Aragorn and frowned. A fear of something unknown brushed lightly through his soul. He said to the King, "It might be wise to postpone this trip for a few days, until these elves are found."

Aragorn's eyes narrowed. Grim distress was clearly evident within the depth of his dismay. He clearly wanted to continue their journey. He said, "I do not understand, Legolas. I agree with your assessment. Weather seems most probable a cause. Do you think there is reason to suspect more?"

Legolas could only shake his head. His fear was undefined, a glancing apprehension at best. He began to doubt his own intuition. Still, he spoke. "I believe that you are under my care while in this region. Be their disappearance weather-related or not, it would serve best to be cautious when it comes to your welfare, your Highness," Legolas answered with formality.

Faramir looked disappointed and thus chimed in with his opinion, "But these lands are safe, Legolas. I foresee no harm in going on as we planned."

Legolas looked apologetic for his concern. "I am only trying to guard your safety. And I am thinking of my duty to those missing and their families. I believe these lands are clean as well, but there are three elves missing, and that must weigh in our decision. I will do as you order, my Lords, but allow me to be prudent in my part of it," he said in answer. He knew how much his friends, especially Aragorn, wanted and needed this break. They were not alone in this. He too felt the need to be free of his burdens for a time. Legolas did not wish to see the journey postponed any more than they did, but he took his position seriously, and he had agreed to safeguard this trip.

Legolas and Faramir directed their gaze to Aragorn. The handsome King frowned as he raised his hand to his chin in thought. At last he answered, "I comprehend your part in this, Legolas, and I respect the protection you are trying to offer us. But I think it may be overly cautious and not worth a delay. We travel in your realm. Your men may find you if your services are needed. But I believe there is little to fear. They have not been gone that long and the area the elves were reported lost is nigh twenty leagues from where we are destined. Henneth Annûn is a stronghold. I believe we will be safe to journey on. And most probably we will learn along the way that the culprit for the elves' delay was weather indeed." Aragorn looked to Faramir, who exchanged a pleased smile with this answer, but Legolas cast his eyes down. Aragorn placed a hand to the elf's forearm in a kindly gesture and said, "Come, my friend. I put my faith in your people. I know well that there is nothing of darkness to fear. Let us break from this place, and continue on our way."

Legolas nodded his assent, but in the back of his mind, the worry continued to sing to his soul. Somehow, he felt, this trip would not go as they wished it. That worry stayed with him still, but it had grown considerably smaller upon there arrival at Henneth Annûn.

And yet, as the adventurers dismounted and began to unload and make their way forth into the hidden entrances of this fortress, they did not perceive that they were being watched. Two forward looking eyes took them in with its sharp vision. The bright yellow orbs saw two elves in their party, and it knew this is what she had asked for. The bird of prey spread her great wings to a width greater than a man's arm, and vaulted herself upward to find her way back to her mistress.

****

"Help me"

She could hear his pale words lick her ear, and knew it was beginning again.

She was fully aware of where she was. She was sitting on the bench at the front of the vardo, driving onward to meet the rest of her tribe. They had been on the road one full day, and they had this one yet to complete before they would rejoin their family in the appointed place. She had dozed off with the rocking motion the wagon offered on the long day of travel over this empty road, and though her eyes were closed, she was hyperaware of everything about her. She could feel the strong arms of her youngest son graze against her as he flicked the reins to the team, clicking his tongue in urging their forward progress. She could hear the rattling of pots and pans and goods within the confines of the wagon as the muffled snores of her middle son echoed with the incessant rattle. She could feel the soft brush of wind caress her face as flickers of sun radiated between the tree branches over her head warming her skin when they reached it. She could smell the heady scent of earth and moss and flora mixing as they reached her nostrils creating an intoxicating perfume. The snorts of the horses and the soft thuds of their feet echoed in the hollow path the road made as it crossed through the corridor of trees. And even the minutest sounds of buzzing flies near the flicking tails of the quarterhorses, the rasping pants of the dogs that followed the wagon, and the chomping on the metal bits within the horses' mouths was received and digested by her sensitive ears. And yet she was asleep, held there by a power that seemed to overwhelm and control her and she felt the world spinning miserably away as the dream took possession of her again.

It was strange, the sensation of the dream, for though she could clearly remember it, each time her reactions were the same, as if she had learned nothing from her prior visits there. In some ways, it always seemed fresh and anew to her, and in other ways she knew every word that would be said, every image she would see. The dream had been replayed in her mind so many times in the last several months and though it was the same, it always seemed to be changing.

She could hear his words so clearly, speaking as if he were there at her side, the brush of his breath tickling her skin. She trembled as she thought to herself, Bäla. She felt him taking her ragged hand in his own. It was as if that had the power to wake her, for she found that suddenly she could lift her head and gaze upon him. But he was not there and she was no longer in the wagon. Instead, she was somehow standing at the base of a pool with a great fountain of water cascading down into it. The lagoon was deep azure, and its beauty was stunning. It took her breath away. As she had looked at the vision, all terror faded from her mind. She found she could walk freely about this cool place, and she strolled to the edge of the water, touching her finger to it. She laughed at the cool, cleansing quality of it, so real it was. A strong urge made her want to step into the water, as if there was something within it that could wash away all her ugliness and sin. She was tempted, but a hand touched her shoulder, and as she spun around, she realized she was no longer beside the pool. Her place had been transformed and she saw she was actually within the waterfall as it crashed down into the pool. She looked with awe, for she had never seen the world from this perspective. Before her stood a curtain of water, and the setting sun beyond created a rainbow of fire, flickering its light wildly about her. A light breeze brushed against her face. "Fire. Water. Wind," she uttered, reciting three of the elements in the most powerful of incantations. "Earth," she continued as she layed her hand to the smooth, stone walls. The four elements were here and this hold could be made a Protected Place. Magic of great power could be conceived with that. An electric thrill ran down her spine, for places like this were quite rare.

"Three more suns will rise and set hence it will be as this, and on that night, the moon will be at its fullest. The magic will be at its greatest between the sun's and the moon's departure in the sky on that night. Our dreams may then be fulfilled."

She spun around to see him and gasped at his appearance before her. It was Bäla Bäla as he had been in his younger years, when she had first met him, when she had fallen in love. She felt unheralded joy at seeing him again. She was so lost in the waking world without him. He smiled his beautiful smile at her, and she felt instantly serene and happy in his presence. Young and handsome he was, with sandy hair and sparkling grey eyes. A rugged, strong jaw set off his light beard, and he was tall and broad, and she wanted to melt into his arms. "Bäla," she softly whispered to the man she loved.

"Bring me back," he whispered. "Bring me back, my love, and we will rule together." Then he took her in his arms and she felt safe. His words went on, growing stronger as her arms wrapped about him. He stroked her hair. "We shall be young once again and we shall live forever!"

"Yes," she said without thinking. Just the feel of his arms about her was enough to make her do anything he asked. She wanted him. She needed him.

"Then shall we begin with the lesson?" he said as he drew back a step. She nodded her head eagerly, happy to do whatever it was that would please him. She knew what was to come in her pre-warned mind, just as she could feel the rocking of the wagon on which she really sat, but she could not break away from the dream and so she went on, wanting only to gain his pleasure. He held something in his hands and her dreaming mind was peaked in curiosity as her foreknowledge told her exactly what was there.

He revealed what he held. Two lumps of raw flesh lay in his hands, one large and one quite small. They moved and she recognized that they were hearts, still pulsing, still beating, though severed from their natural bodies. "These things you will need to stave off the demons: the heart of an immortal being; and the heart of one as yet unborn. They will free you from death's hold." Blood poured from the pools forming in his hands as he shifted the organs into hers. Suddenly grown frightened, she raised her face to him, looking into his eyes. Evil resided there, piercing and impenetrable, and yet she still followed his words, mesmerized by his power. It was magic darker than any she had delved in thus far, and her fingers trembled at it. Yet she instinctively knew how to complete the taking of this power. He heart pulsed a rhythm that throbbed at her temples. She felt leaden and weak and it took a moment to regain her strength as the energy of his spell slid into her hands. In her mind, she was almost removed, drifting away from the scene as it transpired about her. She watched with apathy as his hands cupped around hers and urged her next motions. He pulled away, and she lifted the flesh to the light and pushed the two beating hearts into one form, uttering a grim blackness of words as she did so. Fire welled on her fingertips as the two organs merged into one.

The cavern grew brighter. A flash of light caught the corner of her eye as she saw the knife he wielded. He came to her side and she nodded for him to proceed. Raising his hand, he thrust the blade deeply into her chest. She gasped though she knew there was nothing she would do to stop it, and was surprised to find she felt no pain. His deft skills were startling as she looked to see that his incision became a rapidly opening hole where her heart lie. Except that it was void. She grimaced at the vacant emptiness of the cavity and the power that seemed to reside in that darkness. It seemed hungry, yearning, like an open mouth and she placed the gift of the melded hearts into its greedy blackness. It swallowed the beating mass whole and then quickly disappeared again back into her form. And all the while, the glowing light within the cavern sparked ever brighter, like a fire stoked to a bright intensity, ever-changing and fierce. It highlighted his rapt features as she continued the incantations.

She stumbled as a resonating tremble coursed through her body. She felt her soul expand and contract as the new organ began to take hold of her body. A breath of wind wrapped itself around her, working its way up her form starting at her feet and roughly pulled at her as it wound its way around, growing stronger as it went. The walls of the cavern rumbled in threat as if they were about to crash in on her while the sounds of the water grew thunderously loud. Fire glanced in her eyes from the setting sun and she felt momentarily blinded as all these things descended on her simultaneously. And then suddenly they ceased and the world came back as it was meant to be. Except for her. She was different. She was better. She was more alive than she could ever remember feeling before. She looked up at him and she could see his reaction to it all. Her loveliness was reflected in the mirrors of his eyes and she could see an instance of lust gripping him. She laughed at the pleasure of that old feeling. She was young and fresh and beautiful again. She no longer stood hunched and crippled and sickly. Vitality ran rapid through her veins and the joy in that gave her strength. She loved this feeling. She had nearly forgotten what it was like, but in regaining it, she knew she would willingly do whatever was needed to bring this to her. The reward of a youthful body was worth any risks. She desperately wanted this.

And then she remembered herself.

"But how can I have this? You tease me with this desire," she sobbed, "I do not have this Place. I do not have the elf. And the unborn I could take it from the girl, but it would destroy Mattias!"

He looked at her with cold eyes, penetrating her mind with the depth of his blackest thoughts, and she cringed, knowing well what he wanted from her. "Shall we continue the lesson?" he asked, and she knew that whether she wished it or not, she could not look away. Time sped rapidly forward as the mood in the cavern changed with the substitution of moonlight playing on the curtain of water. He lay himself down on the floor before her, the beginnings of evil recitations slipping from his lips as he positioned himself before the torrent of water. She knelt down and touched him, stroking her hands over his body, his hair, his face, her voice rising up to meet his. The room grew dimmer in the cool light as they went on, just the opposite of the incantation that brought her back her youth. His words went on, the pitch growing stronger as the sound of his voice began to rend harm to her ears. She winced as the noise that was her voice as well grew painful to hear. She was echoing his words, though they came not from her own conscious thoughts. They slipped from her mouth without her intent to say them. Louder and louder they grew. She tried to raise her hands to her ears to shut them out but she was captive to his body, unable to do anything but touch him and issue the spell forward. Her voice went on with it. She could not control it. It hurt her ears, and her throat grew parched from the heat that her voice threw out. Her head ached at the noise echoing over and over again within the chamber and she squinted her eyes shut. She felt as if she would collapse from the sound alone, splitting her skull with the heaviness of the repercussions. Between words, she sobbed in agony. Tears leaked from the corners of her closed eyes as pain rang through her head. And then it grew deadly quiet.

She opened her eyes. There was barely any light to see, and she knelt in closer to see him. He did not move, and she brushed her hands up to his face as she crept nearer. Her ears rang in their recovery from the sound, and her voice sounded tinny and small as she called his name. "Bäla?" and then a shock rocked her mind as the playing light in the falls registered the outline of his face. She cried for what she came to see. Mattias! Her son. Her eldest, dearest child. She was astounded. It had been Bäla before, and now here layed her son? But how? He was unmoving and she realized he was dead! Her heart quailed. Truly did she love him, and now he was gone. No! She threw herself on the still body, shrieking out her lament, willing him back to life. No! No! No!

She stayed like that for long minutes, burying her face into the cold flesh of his neck and chest as she lay against them. It cannot be, she thought. Not my son!

And then his corpse drew breath. She jumped aright as his eyes opened. She gasped! Alive? Oh, yes! Alive! Mattias! But her joy was only momentary. It was not right! It was not Mattias who gazed up at her. It was Bäla. He was there, his soul, gazing at her from within her son's body. "No!" she screamed out in anger understanding now what had happened, returning again to her loss. She looked at him in disbelief. "How could you do this? He is your son as well as mine! How can you take him so blithely?"

He stared at her, ignoring the tears welling in her eyes as a cold smile crested his lips. "There is no time to argue this, Bregus. The moon comes too fastthis will be done!" he said, gripping her face in his hand. "Unless there is another body to host my soul, this will have to do."

She cried inwardly. My son? I must sacrifice my son?

"You have work, Bregus!" he pointed to the cascading water with his free hand. "Find it! It is needed for us both!"

Then his mood drastically changed as he recognized her dread, and his grip softened. He lightly stroked her cheek. "We will be lovers again. Do you not want this? Do you not want me again in your life?" He nuzzled into the nape of her neck, hot breath whispering onto the flesh there, his lips brushing the rim of her ear. Involuntarily, she moaned, and in shock, she knew she had given her answer.

As instantly as the intimacy had appeared, it was gone, and she saw again her son's face gleaming with light of his evil shining in his eyes. He was a wretched thing to behold, and she sobbed. He held her jaw fiercely with his strong hand and she felt his fingers dig into her cheeks as he whispered harshly, "Do not fail me! Your doom lies with mine!" Pushing her away, his eyes were afire and they burned to her soul and his voice reached into her chest and tugged at her newly immortal soul. "You must succeed, or we shall both suffer forever!"

He truly frightened her. She backed away, shaking her head to him. "No! There is not time enough. I do not have the things we need. I would need to get all of them to help me. The girl I would need her help too, and she will not! Not knowing her own life is to be sacrificed!"

"The elf is coming with others. They are coming to you now."

Her knees buckled at the wave of the words. This was new news! She gasped at the suddenness of this information as he went on.

"They bring with them the secret of this Place."

She found she could not breathe. This was not a regular part of the dream. What had happened to cause this change? She found her equilibrium faulty at the revelation of this news. Could this be true? She remembered the stones and what they had said to her question of the Protected Place. It is close. It will be found. She felt her confidence renewing. "When?" she gushed.

His face grew impassive. "They are coming now. They bring even more to you if you will see it," he said.

"But how? Where?" she asked in utter disbelief.

"You are clever, Bregus. You will find a way to get everything you need. I know you will."

"Yes, yes, of course," she whispered back. She did not like being pushed into solutions on her own. He desired that she find a way to get this done yet she was torn. She wanted him, wanted this body, but did she want it enough to sacrifice her son? She was unsure. And the girl still posed a problem. It gave her strength to argue, "She will fight any spell I cast her way. She is opposed to us!"

"She does not know of us! She knows you! Fix this! Threaten her! Overpower her! It matters not! Find a way! There is no more time!"

She shrank back. She knew he did not like to be opposed, and she regretted that she had spoken out. An evil grin gleaned his face as he said, "Do I need to remind you what will occur if you fail? Another lesson perhaps?"

"No! No!" she cried out, knowing even in her innocence within the dream that something horrific would come. She glanced desperately about her, but she could already feel the burning tentacles of the demons licking her skin.

His smile grew wider as her fear increased. He whispered as his face came within inches of hers, "Do not disappoint me, my love. See now our fate if you fail me." His eyes shown with malice as he moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue. And then he kissed her as the demons began to devour her body. Her skin began to char where they touched her and the pain was overwhelming.

"NO!" she cried out.

And then she was awake and her youngest son was at her side on the bench of the wagon.

"Mother?" he asked in concern.

She looked around her, taking in all of her surroundings, her heart racing in her panic. She did not answer. She had barely heard him.

"Mother? Are you well?" he asked again as he reined the horses to a halt.

"No, do not stop! Keep moving forward!" she shrieked out. And then as he flicked the reins across the backs of the horses, she leaned back and sighed. Her eyes were panicky and lost, but a small smile of relief crept on her face. She resigned herself. She knew she would do this thing as she recalled the new contents revealed to her. She said, "It was only the dream again, Curtik. Do not fear. It is a good thing. I saw our salvation, my son. We never needed to leave the others. In this I was wrong. We must reach our camp tonight. We are about to be saved."

Then she whispered to herself the words she had heard in the dream, "They are coming."