Hard Choices

Chapter 3, Chronicle I
By William Black

The dream came as any other; bits and pieces without meaning in themselves.
Then the images began to coalesce... William tired to keep the creature in front of him, but it was quick at manoeuvring around his defences. The Druid knight attacked, yet without warning the creature's appearance changed. Where once stood a fearsome spectre, a beautiful woman now appeared. "Morion!" the knight hesitated.
That was all his enemy needed.... the creature attacked.
William hammered down on the beast; only to have the blade of his scimitar shatter into pieces like glass. The creature pulled the Druid knight into a hug, only to tear at the hapless knight's back with its bear like claws.
Then the creature released the knight and flung him to the ground.

William sat bolt upright shaking his head vigorously trying to forget the nightmare.
A woman was at his side almost immediately, calming him and putting gentle pressure on his good shoulder to lay him back down on the soft bed.
"Your were dreaming again," said the maiden. "About her?"
"No, not about her," the knight looked at the young woman with annoyance.
"I dreamt of the battle; about it! I have never fought such a vile creature before. It was beyond evil; it wished to destroy for the sake of destroying. For the 'pleasure' of seeing life drain away!"
"Well, my love, it is over. You won. Please let it go." The woman gently brushed her hand against William's cheek and her voice was a soothing purr. William looked at his lovely doctor, nurse, hostess, and friend.
Her hair was like a red halo around her soft-featured face. Her eyes sparkled with blue fire.
"So, Catherine, where is my daily dose of your foul smelling medicines?" The recovering knight said, but not unkindly.
Catherine, for her part, lay down next to him on her side; one arm propping up her head, while with the other she continued to stroke his face with her delicate fingers. "No more of my concoctions today, my brave knight. But I do have something that you might enjoy." She gave him a mischievous smile, and lowered her face to him; her lips taking his in gentle but persistent longing. His reaction was immediate and proved him well healed.

It was late into the day when William awoke again. Intertwined in his arms and resting comfortable was Catherine. Her warmth filled him with memories of long ago.
Why had things turned out as they had? Why was he destined to travel, to fight, and 'yes' to...
"No! I will stop these morbid thoughts. Enjoy the moment, the here and now!"
Isn't that what Catherine was always trying to tell him? Yet in his heart he knew the truth; regardless if anyone agreed with him. His destiny was cast in something harder than stone. It was cast in time itself. It saddened him that he could not bring anyone to understand his plight. For plight it was. A destiny not of his own choosing, dictated and prophesied before his birth, but one he would not give up even if he could. What a paradox! "I am the paradox," he thought sadly to himself.

He looked at the young woman next to him. Her destiny separate but interlaced with his; her love for him never in doubt. He kissed her lightly not wishing to wake her; but her eyelids fluttered in response. A low comfortable moan escaped from her lovely throat.
Her lips curved into a gentle smile as her hand moved to the back of his head to guide it down to her. Her mouth explored his in seer pleasure.
Yes, for today he would enjoy and remember these moments with his Lady. Tomorrow and the quest would come soon enough.

Hunger finally roused them from the bed.
William felt good enough to prepare them a light dinner. As they sat together, William's mind returned to the battle he had fought with the otherworldly beast.
He remembered the hatred it had for life itself. Its poison a shadowy memory in his blood. Catherine seemed to sense the knight's mind wondering and placed her hand on his to distract him.
"Will, tonight I want to take you into the woods," she said in a serious tone.
"Oh?" The knight cocked an eyebrow at her.
"No, not for THAT!!!" She said slapping his hand playfully.
"You need to rid yourself of the contamination that is left, and you need to do it tonight during the full moon." Her face was stern, but not unkind. "Will, I fear you are dying. Not physically, but in your heart. I can feel you slipping away from me."
William looked away gazing out the window at the forest, the green hues deepening with the waning of the afternoon light. "Catherine, my heart remains forever yours. This seems to sadden you." The knight glanced sharply back at the young woman.
Now it was Catherine's turn to look away. She lowered her gaze to look at her hand holding that of the knight's. "You know I can never have you fully. Even if things were different you would still be off on some stupid quest. You need a cause to fight for."
The knight removed his hand from under hers and stood.
"Catherine," he said, slowly walking to the window, "I will say this only one more time, for I fear that with the repetition of it your heart has grown dull with its sound.
But I love you more than all else; more than my own life! My questing would end if for you!"
His voice was deep but controlled, "But this is not possible, is it?" He paused to give her a chance to answer, but she only looked at him sadly. "Therefore, I go about doing the only other thing that can occupy my heart. If this is wrong, then I am the greatest of offenders!"
"As for this poison eating away at my soul, maybe it is providence that has allowed it. My plight will spur me on to accomplish that which I would not dare otherwise."
After a moments thought he added, "No! I shall NOT go through the ritual tonight. I will not have this dark thing removed from me. It feeds me. I will either control it or be destroyed by it!"
The knight's features had changed; the kindness that was naturally there left far behind. His features were those of a man who had seen too many deaths and cared not that one more should die; himself.
"Forever the martyr, eh?" Catherine's voice was sharp with sarcasm. "You are wrong! You could settle down here with me if you wanted to! We would be happy! But 'No' you have to go on damn fool quests, for this is your "destiny" you say. Well, to hell with destiny! To hell with you!"
Tears were flowing freely down her cheeks.
Then her eyes reflected the regret she felt at her words. "Will, I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean that last bit. I know how much this means to you, but why do we lie to one another?"
"Catherine, I am not lying to you! I do have to go and appear before Morion. It is my pledge. But I am through. I want to be with you. Please believe me, but even if you don't, it does not change the truth of my words."
William's features were back to normal; gentle and caring. "Say, you can come with me. I would love to introduce you. Your beauty, charm, and wisdom would outshine all the Ladies of the court! And I need your company, for the days are darker when away from you."
Catherine looked at him and felt the temptation rise. He was her beloved knight first and foremost. To go with him and be his partner in questing was alluring.
She had been with him on other expeditions, and they made a great team. Why not go with him? Because she too had here promises to keep.
When they were fulfilled, maybe then. But until then, her heart was his.
She just could not say how much for fear that he would become "unfocused". And an unfocused knight was usually a dead knight. No, he had to remain on task; at least for now.
"No, my beloved. I must stay here." She attempted to vale the sadness in her voice. But this Druid knight had the uncanny and annoying ability to see deep within her heart; to the truths hidden there.
The knight looked at her with longing. He wanted her to be with him, but knew it was not the right time. Not yet. Therefore, he went over to the chair by the door where his shield, armour, and other personal belongings were. From a leather pouch he withdrew a crystalline stone. Its surface was smooth as glass and almost totally transparent; except for a certain cloudiness at its heart.
"Beloved," William began solemnly, "this is my 'Soul Stone'. Before that last battle, I foresaw what was to happen and the poison that would infect me. To save that part of me which makes me who I am, I fervently prayed that God would allow me to put a bit of myself within this stone. I won't tell you what happened or how I accomplished it, but believe me, it is so. You shall be able to feel my warmth within." With that William stepped over to Catherine, took her hand in his, and placed the crystal on her palm. She closed her fist instinctively fearing it might somehow escape from her. She felt the warm fire within its core, and it frightened her.
William smiled at the surprise in her eyes but then grew grave, "As long as you hold it in love of me, I will remain safe and will be able to battle the darkness both within and without. If you should ever loose it out of neglect or destroy it, my life as you know it is over." He could see her doubts rise, "It is true, whether you except it or not. If my soul is lost because of this dark thing, then my life, as you and I know it, is finished. Catherine, I don't want to become what IT was. The ceremony you advised for tonight would not rid me of this dark thing either; it is too strong. I know it. As for the stone, you can never return it too me."
The knight continued, "However, if your love of me should ever grow cold, please tell me, and I will tell you how to safely dispose of the stone."
"Will! Please stop, this is too much! How can you burden me with such a responsibility!"
"Because Catherine, I have no other choice. I have no one else who loves me as much. No, please don't argue. It is true. I have searched long and hard. I have many who love me, but never with the quality you possess. I have faith in you, Catherine. But should you fail me?" He lifted her face to gaze deeply into her eyes, "I will still love you with the intensity of a thousand suns; until time and times pass away."
William felt better that his 'Soul Stone' was with his Lady.
It was a great burden to place on her, but a greater threat to everyone else should the poison win the day. The poison was not just the "dark soul" of a man
. The knight knew that every man and woman had their "bad side" that often came out, but this was different. This was an entity with a life all its own; a malevolent ooze living in the heart and soul that waited patiently for an opening to possess its host.
With the Soul Stone in Catherine's hands, the evil could not infect him totally. For it could not possess that which it could not infect. The Druid knight had a fighting chance.
Catherine looked into her beloved's eyes. His words were true, she knew, though she did not want to admit it to herself. She loved him greatly. But was she up to the task he had given her? She chuckled to herself, for she had always said "I can do anything I set my mind to." This conviction of heart was what the Druid knight was counting on.
She stood up and walked over to the far wall away from the table. She removed the leather sachet she had constantly around her neck and placed the stone within its warmth. "Beloved, I will treasure and protect this always." He followed her to take her into his arms. "My lady, it is late. Let us take our rest, for tomorrow I must be on my way."
It was her turn to cock an eyebrow at him, "Rest is not what I had in mind!". She pulled him close, kissing him with such passion that all but the moment evaporated from his mind. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

The next morning brought the dull greyness of fog and clouds. William woke with Catherine in his arms as he wished it could always be. She awoke with a contented moan and kissed him lightly. "That was a time to remember, eh?" She gave him a mischievous look.
The knight hugged her tightly. "It is one for the books, as they say," he said with a laugh.
"Well, let's get something to eat before I have to send you on your way."
Catherine was first out of bed. She dressed quickly and started the morning meal before William dressed and made his way to her.

They ate their meal in silence, only glancing at each other periodically, as if embarrassed at what they might say. Once the meal was finished, Will offered to help with the dishes. "No, that is my duty for today. We have to get you on your way. Lady Morion must be worried sick about you; especially after that note I sent by Arrow to her."
The knight hadn't thought about the great eagle since Catherine sent the message to Morion. "I am surprised Arrow has not returned to see how I am doing," the knight's voice gave away his disappointment.
"Arrow knows I am a good doctor," Catherine said with a wry smile. "I healed his wing and gave him to you. Remember?"
"How could I forget." But still the feeling of being alone hammered into the knight's heart. Or was it the feeling that he was about to leave the woman he loved best, his soul mate?
"You have taken care of Arrow quite well all these years. Now I have another gift for you."
Catherine got up and walked over to a large wooden chest in the corner. Numerous runes were intricately carved into its dark surface. A huge lock protected its contents, but sprang open instantly at her gentle touch. She removed several robes and dresses. Under these she found what she sought. She brought out a long object covered with velvet. After closing and securing the lid of the chest, she presented the object to her knight.
"Beloved, you lost your sword to that dark creature in the garden battle. Thus I want you to have this as a replacement."
The knight removed the object from its scarlet shroud, revealing a magnificent sabre with a jewel and rune studded hilt. "My Lady, my love! It's the most beautiful sword I have ever seen," then he thought of his words, "if a weapon can be considered beautiful. With this I will be invincible!"
She laughed at him. "That's what I'm counting on. By the way, you forgot the scabbard," She removed the dazzling piece from the same velvet casement. The scabbard itself was covered with runes and jewels. "My beloved deserves nothing but the best to fight the darkness without."

The knight tested the balance and strength of the sword. When he was finished he placed it into the scabbard and strapped it to his side. Sadness filled his eyes, a perfect reflection of what was in his heart. He stepped over to Catherine to take her in his arms one last time. "Catherine," he started to say, but she put her slender fingers to his lips.
"I know William." She put her forehead against his.
The knight raised her face to his. "I do love you." He kissed her lightly, then turning, he walked out of the door and to the barn where his horse was stabled. He quickly prepared for the journey and led the horse out to stand in the morning fog.

Catherine brought him provisions for the trip, and neatly packed them into his saddle bags. Her eyes were red, but the tears had been wiped clean away. "Be careful, my beloved. I want you to return to me healthy next time."
"When I return to you, beloved, I will be in great shape. I will prove it upon my return." His eyes sparkled with confidence and a little wickedness. She nodded with a smile, "I know, and I will prove your mettle upon said return."
William mounted his horse, and turned to face Catherine. "Beloved, please know I will be back. I mean this."
"William, I know. I count on it. I want it. Please stop fretting about such things. I will be here, or there. I will stay in touch." With this she turned and walked slowly back to the cottage. William watched her go, his heart heavy. He remembered a song he had once heard, "The Old Ways," its tune and words haunted him. Then he spurred his steed back towards the path that led into the woods. He headed for Morion's realm, but his heart and soul were with Catherine as he knew they always would be.

William Black ©


Continues...


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