Seal of the King (6 page)

David placed a reassuring hand on hers,
“I won’t let anything happen to you. Unfortunately, you can’t take your bow where we’re going. You’ll have to leave it in the car and borrow some more of my mother’s clothes. I don’t think we want to attract the kind of attention your leather armor would bring.”

She frowned at him as though she didn’t like this idea
too much. “I won’t go anywhere without my pack,” she stated, leaving no room for argument.

He
laughed, “I had no doubt about that.” She gave him a sheepish grin, having asserted herself so strongly only to end up unopposed.

“When you’re finished eating, you can pick out some clothes to wear. I would suggest some pants made of this type of cloth
,” he said pointing to his jeans, “and any top you like. She should have some boots or other shoes in there, and as soon as you’re ready, we’ll head out.” Aurora nodded her understanding. The moment she was done, he quickly began cleaning up. It didn’t take long, and he went back to his room so that he could be prepared too.

Aurora stood looking at the photos of his mother. Again that nagging feeling of an elusive memory tugged at her
, but it would have to wait. She had no trouble finding the pants, and was pleased to find they fit well. She didn’t want to look like his mother, but she was looking to get ideas of what to wear. She had been around men her entire life, but no one had affected her the way he did. He always reacted to her differently than she expected; he disarmed her. It was frightening, but, at the same time, drew her to him. She also never had a man comfort her except for her father. Men had tried to court her, asked her to become their wife, but she had no interest, and was not about to become someone’s trophy to sit at home. He was different though, he hadn’t acted the fool boasting, and trying to win her affections. He treated her with respect as an equal, and the way he looked at her was different. Most men looked at her shape with hungry eyes. He looked into her eyes, trying to see inside her.

She had never been with a man
, and in war she had seen too many women who had fallen victim to gangs of soldiers. She had seen their empty gazes, the bruises and broken skin, not to mention what she couldn’t see. She had little opportunity to see firsthand what a marriage of love was like, except her parents, and by the time she could start to understand, they had been taken from her. She had been alone ever since, and the few men who did try to have their way with her against her wishes, regretted that decision for the few remaining moments of their lives. She knew he would never treat her that way, even when she was vulnerable, and in his arms, he only offered her the comfort she was seeking, and nothing more. Even though when they touched she became weak, and felt a nervous excitement she didn’t quite understand, she felt safe.

Now she stood looking at her reflection, feeling silly for worrying about her appearance, perhaps for the first time in her life. She had found a
lovely light colored top, and a short leather jacket that reached to just above her waist. She had a trim well-toned athletic figure born of a hard life travelling on foot, and fighting in the war. She knew rich woman were voluptuous, and she was anything, but rich. She found some boots that came all the way up her calf, and laced snuggly around her pants. She knew it wasn’t important, but felt the need to look nice. She liked these clothes. They were comfortable, and allowed her to move freely. She inspected herself one more time all the way around, and when she was satisfied she headed to her room. Her pack lay on the bed. Seeing it there she realized that she had let it out of her sight. She couldn’t believe she would have done that, but everything was so different here, and most importantly she felt safe. Even so, there were some chances she would not take.

She opened her pack
, and began sorting through her things. He had said no bow, but she still wanted to be prepared, so she slid a small knife into each boot for easy access. She pulled out her pendant, and placed it around her neck dropping it inside her shirt. Then there was the box; it was about a foot long a few inches tall, and a few inches wide, tied with a string. She considered it, staring at it wondering what she should do. She was in an unknown land. Was it safer to leave it here under the protection of the seal? Or should she take it with her? Turning it over in her hands, she finally decided there were too many unknowns out there, and the seal had never failed. She looked around, and decided to slip it under the mattresses of her bed. She took out her clothes and looked at them. They were worn and tattered from her hard life too. So she laid them on the bed to be tended to later. She removed her cooking items, and some dried biscuits. Now all that was left were things she would not be without. There was a small throw blanket on a chair, and she packed it on top of her things to keep them hidden. She stood up and headed to the door. She was ready for whatever they would face.

***

David was waiting patiently near the door looking out the window. He was keenly aware that, in some ways, he was seeing this place for the first time. Something had happened to him last night that made him see everything differently. Everything seemed so much more alive than ever before. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but felt that somehow it was significant. He heard Aurora trying to sneak up on him, and smiled. “Hello,” he said, and he could hear her sigh with amused frustration.

"I'm starting to think you do have eyes in the back of your head," she said. He turned to look at her. She stood tall and confident before him, and for a moment he had no words. His silence caused her to falter slightly. “Do I look alright? I wasn’t sure if these clothes were right for me.” She asked, feeling self-conscious.

He grinned, “You’re nothing short of perfect,” he said. She flushed
, and looked around for some way to change the subject. “Are you ready to go, then?” He asked her.

Regaining herself she said confidently “Yes.”

He reached out for her hand “Then we should be off.”

David held Aurora’s hand as she climbed into the Jeep. He chuckled to himself when he noticed the slight bulge in her boots. She may have agreed to leave her bow, but he assumed she would be prepared. Little did she know he had a few things up his sleeve too.  Everything about her captured his imagination. He knew she was not someone to be underestimated, but there was so much more. Considering the enormity of everything that he was discovering, in such a short period of time, he thought it was only because of her, that he was not sitting in a corner asking, why me? He had been on autopilot for the past six years, going through the motions, wandering aimlessly, doing what he had always done without a sense of purpose. She lit a fire in him. He wanted to be worthy of her presence in his life. If he had been forthright, he would have had to admit that this woman of his dreams was all he ever wanted. Now that she was here he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her, of not getting to know her fully, not just what the small glimpses of her told him. So far, he was not disappointed. In fact, every minute they spent together made him want more.

He climbed into the seat next to her, took her hand, looked at her
, and said, “And so it begins.” She nodded her agreement, and they set off. It wasn’t far to the facility where his father was. Aurora asked him about the roads, buildings; all the things he took for granted that she had never seen before. It felt as if they had barely started when they were pulling into the drive.

Massive grounds in the middle of a lonely stretch of road surrounded the facility
. It offered the peace and quiet its residences needed to recover, or in more severe cases like his father, exist undisturbed. There were only a few vehicles there, and David guessed they had arrived between shifts prior to the noontime meals. He hadn’t planned it that way but was glad. He didn’t want to have to answer a lot of questions.

"They're rather strict about visitors,"
David said, “so follow my lead. I know most of the staff so they may not say anything, but just in case I have to make something up, try not to act surprised.”

Aurora replied, “I’ll play along.”

David added, “One more thing, no matter what, stay with me. Please make sure we don’t get separated.” He gave her a serious look to drive his point home.

“You can count on it.” She said.

David opened her door, and took her hand helping her out of the car. They turned, and headed up the walk, neither one of them letting go. It felt natural walking with her, holding her hand, but it was also their silent affirmation of solidarity. The both knew that these were the first steps on a long road ahead; that no matter the outcome today, it was significant.

Entering the building, David made his way directly to the reception area just as he had countless times before.
"Hello Eleanor. I see you're looking as lovely as ever," he said in a slightly sugary voice to the woman behind the desk. “How are they treating you today?”

She looked up from her work flashing a skeptical smile at him. “Don’t think you can smooth talk me, David. They are treating me as badly as ever. How are you?”

David leaned against the counter “I’m OK. Overworked as usual, but I carved out some time to come see my father.”

She peered up at him “but it isn’t Thursday,” she said. Then David saw the sinister shadow behind her eyes. It sent a cold chill through him
. He saw for the first time, who this woman that he had seen every week for the past six years, truly was. He could feel the darkness in her, the hatred, and anger that burned inside. Being this close to her, made his skin crawl, and it took all of his self-control not to recoil in horror. “I see you have a guest today, and who is this young lady?” She said without her usual friendly tone.

David realizing this was trouble, felt that he had to do something bold to assuage her suspicions.
David said, “Eleanor if anyone beside you were asking, I wouldn’t risk spoiling the surprise.” Eleanor raised her eyebrows, “But if you promise not to tell.” He added.

“David, how long have you known me? I’m not one to gossip.” She stated firmly.

“This is Sarah. We’re getting married, and I couldn’t wait to come, and tell dad.”

Aurora gripped his hand tightly to steady herself. She had been prepared for a charade
but had not expected this. She felt a flutter inside, her face suddenly hot, and realized she was smiling.

"Oh my, David, that is wonderful news,"
Eleanor said, her voice at ease again. “I had no idea you were seeing anyone. You never mentioned anything.”

David pushed back from the counter
and put his arm around Aurora. “We met last season at a livestock auction. Her father is a farmer too, and I proposed to her this weekend. Can you believe she accepted?” He said with a smile.

“How lovely, Sarah you are a lucky girl. This young man is
extremely kind, and I have never seen anyone as attentive to a patient here as he is to his father. I’m sure he will take excellent care of you.”

“
Thank you. It was all so sudden, but I couldn’t resist him.” Aurora said putting her arm around him, and squeezing. Then she looked up at him and smiled.

Not wanting to risk any unnecessary conversation that might uncover their
charade David said. “We’re going to head up. I can’t wait to tell Dad.”

Eleanor stood unexpectedly
, and asked, “Excuse me, but I have to ask, what is in your bag dear? It’s rather large for a purse.” She had a cold gaze on her face, and again, he saw the shadow rage in her eyes.

“I made him a throw for his lap. I thought, sitting all day, he might get cold from time to time.” Aurora reached into her pack
, and pulled out the corner of a knitted throw from his mother’s things to show her.

Eleanor looked at it for a moment
, and then gave a small smile. “As thoughtful as he is I see. You two should be quite happy together. Enjoy your visit.” Eleanor said then sat back down in her chair.

“Thank you Eleanor. We’ll be sure to say goodbye on our way out.” David said as they walked off. He marveled at Aurora’s quick thinking.

Once on the elevator he pulled Aurora to him, and she fell into his arms. Aurora was unsure what he was doing, and was still unsteady from his talk of marriage, but once in his embrace, she didn’t care. He placed his cheek next to hers and whispered into her ear. “I hope I didn’t offend you with my talk of marriage.”

She managed a small “
No, I was just surprised.”

He whispered back to her “I felt we needed something big to distract her
, and you were brilliant.” Her face flushed at his compliment, and she was glad he couldn’t see it. “There’s something wrong here. I saw a shadow behind her eyes twice. I think we’re in danger. Remember what I said, and stay close to me. Whatever happens, we must not be separated.” At those words, she regained her composure. She nodded her head against his letting him know she understood.

He let go of her
, and they turned to face the doors, instinctively clasping hands again. Since they were only going to the second floor the elevator stopped a moment later, and the doors opened. With the slightest apprehension, they moved into the hallway. He knew they were in danger, but didn’t know how much. He was uncertain whether or not his ruse was going to work. He only hoped it would get them in and out, without any trouble. He walked down to the recreation room where the patients were this time of day. The door was open, and as they approached the room, they saw the giant orderly, Gordon. Gordon was a mountain of a man. He stood a full head taller than David, and had to weigh 200 pounds more. He was mostly muscle, just the kind of person to help keep a crowd in line.

“Hello there Gordon, how are you doing today?” David asked in a jovial tone.

Gordon stood, and looked at the two of them. ”Eleanor said you were on your way up.” Gordon said in a low gruff voice. He looked the two of them up, and down, and David felt a twinge of annoyance as he lingered on Aurora. “Your father’s over by the window.”

He made eye cont
act with David, and the shadow was there behind his eyes, too. David put his hand on Aurora’s back and gently prodded her into the room. He scanned the room to see if he could spot anything else out of the ordinary, and he noticed the other two doors. They were undoubtedly locked, but there, nonetheless. As they made their way to the window, he spotted his father with his back to them. Seeing him sitting there, a shell of the man he was, always made him feel a pang of pain at his core. This time was no different. He walked up to his father, and moved around in front of him “Hi Dad. How are you today?” He asked even though he knew he would not get an answer. “I brought someone to meet you.” David looked at Aurora, and saw that her eyes were bright, and she gave him a sad smile. She moved around in front of his father, and knelt down to look at him.

David had his hand on his father’s as
Aurora looked up into his face. "David, look," she said urgently.

He saw
a single tear running down his father’s cheek. David knelt down to look into his father’s eyes. He was shocked to see a battle raging between darkness and light, and his father’s light was fading. David sat frozen for a moment then stood abruptly. Reaching down for Aurora’s hand, he helped her to her feet.

“Sarah, why don’t you show Dad the throw you made him?” Unsure what he was doing, Aurora reached into her pack without hesitation
and pulled out the throw. She gently placed it on his lap, and after she had arranged it to her satisfaction, David said, “Sweetheart, let’s take dad out for a stroll in the fresh air. With your new throw on his lap and the sun shining, it’s a perfect day for it.”

She looked at him for a clue
, but he offered nothing. “That sounds like a wonderful idea,” she said. David reached down, unlocked the wheels of the chair, and then turned it towards the door with Aurora close by his side.

When Gordon saw them coming he stood up. “What are you doing?”
He asked in a gruff voice.

“I’m going to take my dad outside for a little stroll so we can talk in private. Perhaps Eleanor didn’t tell you
, but Sarah and I are getting married, and I want to tell him all about her, but a little privacy would be nice.”

Gordon stood there looking at him. David knew he wasn’t a rocket scientist
, and he could see that Gordon wasn’t sure what he should do. Deciding to press on while he had the advantage, David pushed the chair forward past Gordon, Aurora right at his side. As the elevator doors closed, he saw Gordon heading their way. David leaned over as if to kiss Aurora, and whispered in her ear. “We have to hurry.”

When the
elevator doors opened he strode straight for the exit. Then he heard Eleanor call after him. “David, what do you think you are doing?”

David stopped
, and turned keeping one hand on the chair. “I’m just taking Dad outside for some fresh air so I can tell him all about our plans.”

Eleanor moved out from behind her desk
and made a beeline straight to them. “David, I don’t think it is a good idea for you to take him outside. We don’t want him to get sick now, do we?” Not only did he see the darkness swell in her, but he saw her face, as if for the first time. Her skin was like a sickly mask covering something hideous, and evil underneath.

David was thinking fast. He knew they needed to get outside as soon as possible. “He has the throw that Sarah made for him. That should be enough.” David said in as casual a tone as he could muster.

“Why don’t we check with one of the doctors?” Eleanor spluttered trying to stall him.

“Eleanor, I have come
to this facility every week for the past 6 years, I signed my father into this facility so he could have the best care, and I pay for him to stay here. Are you suggesting that I would do anything that would jeopardize him?” Eleanor was at a loss for words. David pressed on “I know everyone here has his best interest in mind, but this is the most significant part of my adult life, and I want to share it with him. Now we are going outside for a brief walk on a beautiful sunny day, and if you delay me any further, I will have to reconsider if he belongs here.” Eleanor stood there fuming. She knew she couldn’t stop him by herself. David turned and moved quickly to the door. As he, Aurora, and his father stepped outside, he could sense them coming. Gordon, Eleanor, and a second orderly were rushing to catch them.

For a moment
, David was terrified. He didn’t know how he was going to save his father from these beasts. He had promised to protect Aurora, and instead he had brought her here, placing, not only her life at risk, but her very soul. He had acted foolishly, and they may have to pay the price. Then his fear turned to anger at those who were threatening them. As his fury grew, it drew power into him from all around them. It felt like a charge of static electricity coursing through him, and his mind became clear. He heard the door open behind them as their pursuers hurried to catch up.

David paused
, and bent down as if checking the wheel. As the three of them began closing in on them, in one fluid motion, David, pulling one of the daggers from Aurora’s boot, turned and plunged it into Gordon’s chest. He let out a horrible howl like a wild beast, and suddenly began convulsing where he stood. The other two stopped dead in their tracks looking at him. Gordon began writhing, his arms flailing as he seemed to be deflating in front of them. Without hesitation, David turned to the other orderly, and, seeing the same shadowy rage in his eyes, grabbed his head, and pulled it down bringing his knee up to meet it.