Captain Hawkins
Matthew Ryan Fischer
In the dark forest, on a hidden path, a solider made his way, sure
to remain hidden in the shadows. Captain Hawkins. His militia was stationed south
of the town, waiting and ready, but he had business to attend to first with several
of the town elders.
The nights grew dark and long. The winds were cold. A shadow had
fallen over the village and past sins were coming due. If his men were to go to
war, he wanted answers first. His men were brave but he wouldn’t waste their
lives needlessly.
Hawkins studied the trees, looking for a clue. Someone had carved
a face. Nature meant something here. Nature had power. Ancient power. He wasn’t
sure what he believed, but knew not to question the men in charge. They were in
touch with something beyond his comprehension. They didn’t explain and he didn’t
want to know. They frightened him, but he had learned to live with the feeling.
This was the place. Sacred and protected.
He made a campfire and
waited for them to arrive.
Hawkins read the notes in the journal. An ancient text telling of
explorers and native tribes and their gods. He saw no secrets that mattered.
There was no future here, only the past. He wasn’t sure why she had given it to
him to read. Vanessa. A lovely creature, but an enigma. He wished he didn’t
need her so. He was a fool and would do anything for her. He wasn’t sure she
would feel the same.
What secret was there that he should be looking for? What battle
was fought that he was to learn from? Vanessa had been unclear.
The smell of the bog wafted through the air. There was no reason
for it here. It was miles away. But he could feel the stench, the warm mush of
mud beneath his feet. He was no longer at his fire, no longer protected, but was
somewhere else. Watching something else.
He caught a glimpse. Eyes in the dark. There were leaves where
there should have been hair. Bark instead of skin. But the features were soft,
gentle. Feminine.
Hawkins didn’t understand. He hid his eyes. He wanted to be back
with his men. He wanted to leave this countryside and never look back.
He opened his eyes and the moment had passed. He was in the forest
again. The smell was of fallen leaves. The trees were still. The creature,
gone.
This night couldn’t end soon enough, he thought to himself as he
inched closer to the warmth from the fire.
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