Chapter 3 - Survive the Twilight; Pray for Dusk

Chapter 3: Survive the Twilight, Pray for Dusk

“Where is it? Who has done this to her?” Taito screamed as he charged down the trail leading away from the waterfall grove to his mansion.

Dawn and Chester Bloem looked up from their gardening, surprised by Taito’s firm tromp across the lawn and restrained scowl aimed at them both. Mrs. Bloem cringed as Taito went straight through her newly planted poesies, but ‘he could do what he wishes,’ she thought. His face was not -they thought- angry, but more like a disappointed or hurt glaze was in his eyes. He did not take long to recover before complaints stirred up; fortunately, Mr. Bloem found words to say before Taito could make any regretful statements.

“Now calm down there.” he said, placing his hands on Taito’s heaving shoulders, “We haven’t done anything to anyone. Why don’tchya just talks ta me, okay? Just take a breath there, and tell me, what’s the matter.”

“My mother,” Taito started; his voice was shakey but Mr. Bloem stopped him and made him breathe a while before continuing. “Her grave stone, it’s missing; it was there yesterday, but now it’s gone. I can clearly see the tracks from a cart leading to and from the trail that leads there, and they come back here. Why did you do something like this?”

“Now don’t be so hasty to assume things you know nothing about there Taito.” Chester Bloem took Taito closer to the manor, and, pointing down the hill they stood atop, gave light to Taito’s problem. There was the tall stone monolith, cleaned of moss and grunge and wreathed with a rainbow of flowers, healthy and not dead like before, in a place that would be visible from any of the east side window’s in Taito’s manor. Mr. Bloem led Taito down the grassy grade, letting him stand alone at the grave marking as he slipped out of sight with his wife.

Taito hung his head low, embarrassed, yet relieved at the same time. Waving about his feet was a carpet of daisies- they were the closest looking kind to his mother’s favorite flower that the Valley could grow. The stone stood unharmed, looking better than before and when he kneeled before it, his knees did not get wet or muddy- it really was better this way.

At the bottom of the stone there was another inscription that had been covered up by moss for probably several years now. Taito had forgotten about it; he wrote it.

My Promise, I will never leave you mother, and I will never stop living to become stronger for you.”

Taito read the inscription that was written by his own hand, surprised he did not remember writing this until now. How dangerous things in part can be. Taito now felt sick, understanding more what Leif was always trying to say.

“I hope we haven’t crossed any boundaries now Taito.” Mrs. Bloem inquired. Taito knelt at the stone for almost ten minutes in silence when lady Bloem finally said something. “We only thought that perhaps with you making so many trips to her grave that this might be a better spot for you; since the waterfall is almost half an hour away from here. This should make things easier for you, and will help keep the stone in better condition longer.”

It happened when he talked with villagers, who had stories about Layella, a feeling of shame for feeling such emotion about his mother. The frail daisies all around him gave up some of their petals; the yellow things danced around in the wind and the smell and sight of them made him remember her even more. But it was good and not cold or uncomfortable like at the waterfall, and just seeing the flowers around in memory of her was good also. That was enough for him.

The elderly couple saw that every thing was all right, and they were elated when Taito turned to them, and thanked them with a firm embrace. Mr. Bloem tipped is hat to Taito before packing up his tools, and his wife kissed Taito gently on the cheek before leaving.

Taito knelt before the headstone, again, like he had done for five years, yet everything was different. The sound of a crashing water fall was absent from his ears and the feel of damp mud beneath his knees was gone, but so was the sulk on his face, and he was smiling. Taito felt happy to be able to visit his mother, and it felt not like a duty, or a sullen thing.

Soon Taito was at one of his dining room tables, sifting through a basket of blueberry muffins that one of the women baked him the other day. Besides the Bloems, there was no one else who had visited Taito’s mansion that morning or as time drew into the afternoon. It was a bit of a surprise to Taito, yet it allowed him to make a trip into the village himself. He thought that it was about time he did some work for the people; he had only been helped himself for the last month.

It was the very end of October, and harvest had already begun. In the Valley, rain was scarce even into winter, and not until late January would any heavy storms pass by, but even so, this autumn had been especially dry. The trees dotting the plains had few if any leaves remaining; the red and gold pieces crumbled more and more into the green grass under the rough winds of fall and the busy footsteps of passerby’s.

When Taito arrived in Westtown, like the trees around the city, the streets were completely barren. It was not completely strange, however, uncommon, that such a thing would happen in the cold seasons. There were usually multiple street carts and vendors outside if the weather allowed, but many of the non-food based businesses continued on indoors. Since every one knew each other well enough, it was natural for one to simply walk into a house on business. (There were few real shops, but living rooms made nice stores still.)

Despite being familiar with the regular customs, Taito could not help but feel a strangeness about the empty streets. He went first to Leif and Colleen’s house, and stepped inside, but the place was empty. He went back to their rooms, and only heard his soft echo through the paneled walls.

He exited there and surveyed the streets once more- no one. So he proceeded to knock on doors, and became very suspicious once every door knocked remained unanswered and unopened. Finally, off in the distance, he spotted a family leaving their home. Taito quickly ran to catch up with them.

“Excuse me, please!” Taito shouted, “Could you please tell me where the town has gone?” A worried chuckle escaped his lips as he trotted up to the people.

They were dressed mostly in shades of black and gray, a husband and wife with a young boy, all with a kind of quietness in their expressions. Taito did not really know who they were; he had seen their faces but no names came to mind.

“I am sorry, you are Taito Emerylis, Right?” asked the man. “I suppose you would not have heard since you live so far out west, but a terribly unfortunate accident has occurred on the eastern downs among some of the farms. You see, there was a fire that burned down several of the barns and houses. Most of the families living in them made it out alright, but there was a couple who did not, a husband and wife. There is a small service being held for them.”

“Who was it?” It was all Taito could find to say.

“Ewan and Cherry Cotton. You know their daughters, don’t you? Lin and Berry are struggling with it I hear. You should hurry and come since you are good friends with them.”

Taito’s heart sunk at the news, and he was hardly able to believe the words. He wanted ask the man more questions but they were already off before he could speak. Taito looked down at himself, examining his clothes; he was in no way dressed for a funeral, but turning for home now would probably make him miss the service. He was embarrassed, but decided that it was more important to be there for his good friends than the shade of his clothes.

The walk to the east down drew on longer than Taito expected. On the way he thought through several conversations in his mind that he was sure he would have with the Cotton twins; he planned out what he though would be the best and most comforting things to say in such a situation. The first thought that came to his mind was of the day that he found out his mother had died, of how no one was able to console him or even come near him for almost a while. He prepared a lengthy speech to deal with the girls in their time of trouble.

Taito eventually came to the eastern downs; the grassy knoll where the farms once lay was still smoking from the fire, and the smell was strong and overpowering. He soon noticed the ceremony taking place to the side of the gray dusty hill, a mass of dully dressed bodies crowned the grassy mound, actually mirroring the ash crowned rise next to them. It was already started; a man (Lin and Berry’s uncle) was speaking while the twins stood on either side of him, each silently holding a bouquet of flowers in their arms. There would be no real burial, because the fire duly took care of their bodies.

Taito surveyed the small crowd, eventually spotting Leif and Colleen, but he kept his place in the group, not wanting to disturb the service. He noticed that Leif would not look up at any point during the speeches; he only looked down at the ground with his arm linked tightly to Colleen’s. He mostly kept his eyes on Lin and Berry, hoping to make eye contact at some point, but neither did they lift their heads, and their hair kept view of their faces obscured.

The fast assembled funeral was composed of words from friends and family of the Ewan and Cherry (which was well over half of the Valley.) When all was spoken or, rather, many more wanted to speak but day was waning, so the people formed a line next to the daughters and moved in turn saying something of comfort or uplifting to them. Leif eventually noticed Taito in the back of the crowd, and waved subtly and then whispered in Colleen’s ear of his presence.

This part took much longer than the talking before; everyone was sure they had the perfect thing to say to the girls, but who can really know what exactly to say at times like these? Taito arranged it so he was last in the line to talk to the girls; he, too, was hoping that perhaps he could say something special to them. He was up next see them,

“Hello Berry, Lin.” He nodded his head respectfully.

The girls smiled to see him, and Berry leaned forward hugging him.

“We were not expecting to see you here,” said Lin, “but we’re indeed glad that you came. In fact, Berry was trying all morning to get someone over to your house to tell you.”

“Well I just happened to come into town when I heard the news.” This is where Taito was hoping to start his vast and deep monologue to them, but he could only get out, “I’m so very sorry for you two.” Then he lost all his words, and just stared stupidly at them. He sighed at his failure as the girls looked back and smiled.

“We thank you very much for coming Taito.” said Lin, “I don’t mean to sound rude, but we’re very tired, and would like spend the rest of the day by ourselves.”

“Um, Taito?” Lin interjected. “I was wondering if I could talk to you alone before we leave.”

Taito agreed, and they moved a short walk away from the dwindling crowd. The funeral had taken up the entire afternoon, and the sun was now very low in the sky. The falling sun led to a decline of temperature, Berry wrapped her arms tight around herself, and Taito could hear her teeth lightly clicking together.

“Taito,” she said suppressing the shivers, “I just wanted to say that I know how you feel every day of your life now, and I wanted to apologize for being so harsh toward you on our last visit.”

“No, don’t be. It’s exactly what I needed to here. I feel like I want to say something to you, just as nice, but I’m trouble getting it out.”

She chuckled at his kind voice. Her auburn locks fell over on eye, but she was too cold to remove her hands from her sides. So she looked up, tossing it aside, and she stared at the burgeoning starry sky.

“I’m really surprised to see you smiling.” said Taito, “I didn’t feel like being happy for a long time after my mother died. I don’t know how you’re doing it. You’ve had your head held high all day.”

Berry stepped closer to Taito, touching just one of her arms to his for a little warmth. She kept her eyes on the sky as she spoke, “All morning, I could only think about what I said to you last, and about how the last thing I wanted to be was a hypocrite. So I’m trying to be strong to show you that I can back up what I said.”

Taito looked down at her face, which was close to his, and in her eyes was the reflection of the stars she gazed at; they twinkled and glistened from tears pooling in her eyes.

“You know you don’t have to act like this. You already proved your strength.” said Taito.

Berry turned away from Taito as tears started to trail down her face, but he pulled her closer without saying anything. Berry recovered herself quickly, and asked Taito to walk her back to the crowd. They met up with Lin, and said goodnight after one last hug. Around the quiet group of Westtowners a flame was passed around to light some lamps that had been brought. After wandering long enough Taito found Leif and Colleen, who looked just as sullen as the twins. Leif hardly said anything, and Colleen struggled to hold back a series of yawns. Leif’s eyes were opened wide, almost forcefully more than average, and his face almost reflected the light from the lamps because it looked so pail. Taito was worried about his friend, every time he tried to speak to him Leif only answered as basically as he could and then went back to silence.

They arrived at Westtown with the caravan of townsfolk; all bid goodnight, lights from the lamps disappeared into doors and down streets, and the place quickly fell silent. Inside, Colleen decided on bed (not before offering Taito something to eat,) while Leif scurried around the house locking all of the windows, and closing the blinds behind them. When Colleen went upstairs to bed, Leif beckoned for Taito. When he pulled close, Taito noticed dark circles under his friend’s eyes, and he darted his gaze about the windows and the door, as if he was watching for something to burst through them.

“Is every thing alright, Leif? You look horrible.” Taito asked.

“I wasn’t able to sleep last night. I was standin up; awake in front of the door till dawn, just watchin.”

“Watching for what?” a sickening lump twisted up in his stomach. It was just the way Leif said it, and the look in his eyes- dread of whoever he saw.

“I saw him Taito.”

“Saw, who?” Taito felt dizzy for some reason, and found himself staring at the windows from the corner of his eyes. Leif lifted up his hand, pointing at Taito’s shoulder; he could hardly keep his voice from shaking, “The man who gave you that.” Leif pushed the words hard past the lump in his throat.

“No…” Taito tried to laugh it off. “No he isn’t real. This must have happened some other way. I must have just dreamed it. You’re just fooling with me now.”

“Come on, this isn’t some joke! I need you to listen to me now, because he’s in the Valley, and some how he knows our names and Colleen’s too. That’s what scares me the most. Taito, he threatened her life.”

“Why? Who is he?” Taito practically yelled the question.

“I don’t know, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt more scared than when I saw him. It got me thinkin, there hasn’t been a single person to ever come in or leave the Valley in over a hundred years.” Taito listened intently to Leif, “That is, there hasn’t been anybody new since you and your mom came here.”

Taito didn’t understand what Leif was talking about, “Wait, what are you saying? Since my mother and I did what?”

“When you moved to the Valley, remember? You two were the last ones that have ever even set foot here. I was only eighty years old and I still remember. Please, I asked you not to joke around about this.” Leif’s voice fell very serious, but so did Taito’s,

“I’m not joking,” Taito said, “Now I know you’re messing around, because I haven’t the faintest idea of what you’re saying.”

The two could have argued on the subject for hours, and their voices had risen to a yell before another voice stepped in, “Leif Luvely, that’s enough out of you!”

It was Colleen; she was disturbed from her attempts at sleep, and came down the stairs still wearing her night gown. Aside from Leif, Taito was the only one she felt comfortable around in such clothing.

“I think both of you need to sit down, and let me help explain to you both… well let me

clear this up.”

Leif and Taito were led into the tavern and forced to wait as Colleen put up some tea. Leif lit a candle and set in a lamp at the center of the table amplifying the glow dancing over their faces. The bubbling water in the kitchen was the only sound for a while; Colleen was carefully deciding her words before speaking. They sat in silence, until the pot whistled shrill cries of burning pain. Colleen poured the tea and finally sat down with the boys, ready to talk,

“For some reason, Taito, this conversation has been put off for much longer than it probably should have. Not that anyone has been stressfully hiding it from you, but for years it’s been easily avoided. I have to tell you that Leif isn’t crazy. I don’t know any better way than to just say it: you’re not from here.”

“How can that be?” Taito would not even acknowledge the tea before him, he scrunched his face, sure that the siblings were delirious tonight. “I don’t remember anything like that. How can you say I’m not from here?”

“Your mother and I were close, and she told me many things about you and about your life before you came to the Valley, but nothing specific or even to say where you came from. She told me that you had gone through more pain than any of us could begin to imagine. That you had endured more fear than a boy, or any person should. She told me nothing that was secret, but there are things that most of the people in this valley couldn’t tell you.”

Taito sat with what felt like a rock in his stomach. He tried desperately to search the depths of his mind, but could find nothing beyond his memories of the Valley.

“When you moved to this place,” Colleen continued, “there was a man that came with the both of you; your mother never mentioned him, not even once in all the years we talked, but every one knew what he did. He came with the two of you and pleaded before the elders to let Layella and you live here.”

“Why would that be a problem? I mean why would he need permission?” Taito struggled to keep himself from snapping at Colleen, but still obvious tones of anger leaked from his expressions.

“I don’t know, and none of the elders will tell you either. I can tell you what else he did though. The man must have been incredibly powerful, because before leaving you two here, he placed some kind of spell on the Valley.”

“Come now sister, this is all startin to sound silly.” Leif was almost as confused as Taito. He thought the story was as deep as ‘Taito moved in a while ago with his mother, and that is all.’

“Brother, please.” She took a sip of the tea, and the boys could see that the cup was unsteady in her hand. This was hard for her. “Taito, the spell, or whatever, was cast on the forest that surrounds this Valley, so that no one could ever find this place again, but the condition was that no one would ever be able to leave. Strangely, there were no protests to the idea, and once again nobody will say why or even who the man was.”

Leif and Taito both looked at each other with the same thought in mind. ‘Could that cloaked man be the same person that Colleen was speaking of?’ They let her continue.

“There was not much else that I myself know, but…”

“But what?” Leif urged. Before she could continue, Taito jumped up from his chair, chest heaving in and out as he stared at Colleen in disbelief.

“Stop it.” He nearly hissed, “Just stop this, both of you are crazy, I can’t believe a word of what you’re saying.” Taito turned from the siblings and stormed out of the tavern into the dark night, leaving Leif and Colleen to sit in the lone light of the candle. They were unsure how to continue.

Taito could not see the road underfoot, but he had walked it plenty of times before. His meeting with Leif and Colleen upset him so much that he was struggling to stay on the path. He tried to think about other things, but his mind unavoidably ran back to the conversation, over and over again. ‘It couldn’t be true. This all has to be some kind of story. How could I not know all about myself?’ Taito strained his mind as he dug through his thoughts as far back as he could remember. There were no significant memories beyond the one of his mother crying in the bedroom, which was about one hundred years ago. Strangely, that would be accurate with what Colleen was telling him. It doesn’t make any sense though!

As he dwelled on the memory of his saddened mother, he was able to recall a little more detail about the event. He could remember walking through the mansion; it seemed much bigger in his mind. Every thing was wrapped in paper and rope, packed together as if it had all just been put there. Then he remembered, before walking into his mother’s room, a big strong hand rested down on his shoulder. He did not remember the face of who was talking, but he did remember that a voice came from him and what it said,

“Taito, you need to be strong for your mother. It’s your job to protect her. Know that every day is a chance to grow stronger…” and that was all.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Taito first made his way to his mother’s room. He stood in the doorway, staring at the bed trying to scry together more of the memory, but nothing came to mind. Under the bed was one of his mother’s diaries; written one-hundred years before, it would have been one of the first volumes that his mother had written in the Valley, that is, if they really had been new to the Valley at one time.

Taito still could not read any of the old writings; it was so horribly smeared and faded that no one would be able to read it. Taito eventually gave up hours into the night, lying down in his mother’s bed. It did not help much, for that night he dreamed of his mother and friends and their happy times in the Valley of Mo’Ore.

That night, after Taito left, Leif asked his sister what she was meant to say before Taito ran out.

“There was someone who would probably be willing to tell you more about all of this. His name is Zephyr. You know who I mean right? The one they call the young blood.”

Leif stood from his chair as he said, “Then tomorrow I’m goin to see him.”, and, saying nothing else, he marched upstairs to rest for the morrow.

The next day Taito awoke to the sound of rain (now outside the windows instead of leaking through every corner of the house.) This was the first storm in at least a month; thinking of the last rainfall made Taito sick to his stomach for fear of what may be causing them. The rhythmic pat of water droplets lulled him into a lazy state, and he felt like doing nothing but dawdle around the house for the morning, but he knew the conversation last night was important −and upsetting− and he thought that straightening up what was said would bring better understanding. Without even starting breakfast, Taito dressed and ran off to the village.

It was quicker than normal that he made it to Leif and Colleen’s house, being anxious to rid his mind of the rumor, also, halfway down the road the rain became heavier, drenching Taito who had left home without any kind of rain coat or umbrella. It was less, though, that he was avoiding the downpour, but that he was unsure if the storm was natural or not. He arrived at the tavern’s door (it was locked of course,) and began to knock impatiently. No one answered.

“Leif, Colleen! Someone answer me now!” horrid thoughts flooded his mind for reasons he knew not. Damn you Leif, you have me paranoid for no reason too!

Hearing the desperate cries, Colleen clattered down the stairs with worry on her face. She pulled open the door letting Taito in, and was attacked by an earful of questions from her friend.

“I am here, what’s wrong Taito?” Her quiet voice calmed Taito a little.

“Is Leif here?” He asked.

“No, He isn’t. Is something wrong?”

“Well, it’s-” Taito paused for a moment. He was acting foolish. Inside the restaurant sat a few of the regular customers, and looking out the window, he saw groups of townsfolk scurrying across the slippery roads to various houses. There was nothing abnormal about the morning, or the storm; it had only carried him to unrealistic conclusions. “I just- I wanted to apologize for my behavior last night, and I was hoping that perhaps you could tell me the rest of what you know.”

“Let me make you breakfast first.” She said heading back into the kitchen. Taito nodded at her predictable gesture of kindness and sat down at the counter to wait for the meal. She would not answer any of his questions until he had finished eating the cakes and eggs, so he hurriedly swallowed them to get on to the information.

“Zephyr.” She started once Taito’s plate was wiped clean. “You recognize the name don’t you? And I’m sure you have heard all of the stories about him right?”

Taito could remember that when they were kids, many of the children had scary stories pertaining to a man that leaved deep in the northern woods- all alone. The stories all became laughably unrealistic as they got older; a bitter angry hermit living deep in the forest was a basic tale only children would invent.

“Your mother knew him better than anyone else around here did, and she told me all of the truths about him, mostly to ease my fears from the stories. He was a young man that, a long time ago, had gotten lost in the surrounding hills and eventually wandered into our village. Unfortunately for him, it was right at the time that the man who sealed the Valley had come with you and Layella. By the time that Zephyr had made his way to the village, the man had cast the spell –or whatever it was that he did− and claimed that he would not be able to reverse it. Zephyr was furious at being trapped in this place, but was somehow persuaded by the man to stay peaceably.

I wanted to tell you, Taito, that Zephyr would perhaps be able to answer more questions for you than I. But I want you to know that there isn‘t much more for you to discover. You and your mother were put here for a reason, and you’re not supposed to leave. It would be best for you to move on from all of this nonsense of a cloaked man terrorizing the Valley, and go back to the way things were.”

Taito acted as if he ignored her last words, “Where is Leif?”

She sighed and said, “He left this morning to talk to Zephyr. It would be better if you focused on remember the events I’ve told you, than trying to find out more things you won’t be able to recall.”

“I’m going to go talk to him too.” said Taito. Nothing Colleen was saying was even reaching his ears. “I’ll catch up with Leif, but I want you to stay hidden. I think you should close the restaurant for the day.”

Colleen reached out to grab his arm, but Taito jerked away from her grip. Even though she could not see his face, Colleen felt the tension in his muscles. His fear radiated through the room like a thick fog.

“Taito please-” she was upset by his lack of attention, “please tell me this is nothing. I wish you would tell me that this is all in fun. I can’t believe you when you say that there is a man out there meaning to hurt any of us.”

Taito grabbed his blind friend’s hand jerking it toward his chest.

“What is wrong? What is it that has you so afraid all of a sudden!” she whispered harshly, hoping no attention from the customers would be drawn to them.

“This!” Taito took Colleen’s hand and shoved it down his shirt over his scar. She gasped and tried to pull back, but he held tighter to her wrist.

“Feel this, my scar, it is not natural, and it is very real.”

Colleen managed to rip her hand away. What she felt drove the breath from her chest; the intricacy of the scar was unlike anything she had ever touched before. It was almost able to take form in her mind, and she knew she never wanted to touch it again.

“You of all people Colleen,” Taito said, “I thought you would be able to see it. Your sight may be gone but your other senses are stronger than both mine and Leif’s. You can sense and see things we cannot. Do you not feel what is going on?

Colleen did not answer, but rather responded with a slap to his cheek. Her expression was worse than if she had taken a dagger to his chest; utter dread flooded her face, but it was obvious that she tried to hide it as she turned away from him.

“Colleen…” but before Taito could go any further she ran away up the stairs into her room, locking the door behind her. He left her alone, and instead, assured the few people sitting in the dinning room that Colleen had fallen ill and would need to rest for the day. After he cleared the house, Taito blew out every candle leaving the place dim and still. He left, hoping that Colleen would stay inside until he or Leif got back.

Stepping outside, Taito noticed that the streets were empty now. He waited a while, guarded from the rain under the eaves, for someone to step outside, or any kind of life to show up, but the storm above seemed too thick and foreboding for anyone to want to come out. The horrible memory of what happened last time he walked out of Leif and Colleen’s house into this storm brought his hairs up on end. He quickly ran from the spot towards the northern end of town.

Taito rounded a corner, trying to keep under cover from the rain. As Taito approached the border of Westtown, crossing the last street before stepping into the open fields, a cold hand clapped down on his shoulder. It grasped tight, and tugged at his mantle spinning Taito around abruptly. There was Leif, just as pale faced as he. The two stood in the wet windy road looking at each other, unsure of what to say or how to proceed.

Taito was the first to speak, “Where have you been? You left Colleen alone at home when a menace may be out there.”

“Thought you didn’t think he was real?” said Leif. He sounded tired, and the rain droned out his quiet voice.

“I don’t even know now.” Taito said clenching the spot where his scar was.

“I’ve been out goin door to door tryin to warn the villagers to stay inside and keep their eyes open for anything odd. But all I’ve really accomplished is makin angry parents for scarin their children, and convincing people that you and I are absolutely insane. No one, not even my sister, wants to believe that we’ve seen this ‘cloaked man’.

‘Friend, I believe this place is in danger. I didn get to tell you last night, but he was the one who burned down the whole east down- who killed Lin and Berry’s parents.”

Leif shook like he was cold and he stared past Taito, sorting through the stores of his mind. “I saw… I saw his eyes, Taito, and in them I saw my sister. He means to take her life.”

“Don’t worry, Leif. We’ll figure out what’s going on. No matter what we’ll take care of this. Colleen’s going to be okay.”

“Thanks. Somehow, I believe it when you say it.” Leif said, smiling for the first time all morning. The temperature dropped almost instantly, frosting the friends’ breath, making it visible.

“Hold your thanks for later.” Taito said looking up at the sky. “We aren’t safe yet, but I think we have a leg up on what to do. Your sister mentioned the man, Zephyr. Did you already talk with him? Colleen said that’s where you had gone this morning.”

Leif answered shaking his head, “I ran out this morning, sayin that’s what I was gonna do. But the thing is I have no idea where to find him…. It will be difficult, I figure, but they say he lives somewhere in the northern wood. I’m sure there’s a trail or somethin that’ll lead to him. I mean, farmers make deliveries to him, so it can’t be completely thicket.”

“Maybe we can just ask the farmers along the northern wood were he lives.” Taito added, and Leif nodded in agreement to the idea.

“Alright,” Taito mused, “So I think there are around four different farms along the northern plains, mostly cattle and I think one…” he kept on talking but Leif did not hear him. Leif suddenly became distracted as a quite voice came into his head.

‘How are you Leif?’

It was eerily polite. ‘What are you doing out here in the rain? Its awfully cold out.’

Every joint in Leif’s body locked up, and his eyes darted about frantically. He held his head stiff to keep Taito unaware. Leif clenched his fists tight as he hissed under his breath,

‘You’ll stay back you demon.’

‘Hmhm, I have an idea that’ll make you say otherwise. I’m shocked that you left you sister alone.’

Leif let out a shaky gasp. Taito kept talking about his plan.

‘I can see her now. She’s definitely afraid of something, but she hasn’t even seen me yet now has she?”

“No!” Leif shouted, startling Taito who was only a foot from his face. Leif backed away, tossing his head from side to side looking for the voices owner, and he held out his fists ready to fight should he see the man.

“You stay away!” he screamed. “I’ll kill ya! I’ll kill ya!”

“Leif, what is it? What’s wrong?” Taito shivered, unsure of what was happening, but he was sure it had something to do with the dangerous stranger. Taito kept a cautious eye on his back, thinking the man could sneak up behind him at any moment. Leif fell down to his knees, distraught that he could do nothing at all. He spoke to Taito who was crouched down next to him, “We can’t leave Colleen alone. I won’t feel safe until she’s with us.”

Leif could feel the eyes of the cloaked man on him, watching and listening to every thing they said. He threw his head back, watching the clouds.

Taito nodded completely agreeing with the idea, but was unsure if they would be able to get Colleen to come with them. He was a little nervous about the confrontation they had just minutes before.

“What was that all about?” Only the sound of the wind and rain replied to Taito. “If it’s him, you can tell me. No matter what he says, don’t forget that I’m your friend Leif, your brother."

“My… brother?”

“You and Colleen are the only family I have now.” Taito said, helping Leif to his feet. “We need to stick together through this, right?”

Thunder rumbled between their words; Leif and Taito felt sick at the idea of who was behind it. They darted through town, back to the house, both with hope that Colleen was left untouched. Once inside, Leif called out for his sister; she was still upstairs locked in her room. Hearing her brother’s voice, Colleen staggered down the stairs as fast as she could

“Brother, you’re back, thank God. I was afraid that you had been caught up in this terrible storm. Is Taito with you?”

Leif reached for his sisters hands; they were trembling, and he could tell she was trying to hide it. Taito was silent, an awkward tension still hovered between them, and shamefully he was glad she could not see him.

“Colleen,” There was a definite drop in Leif’s tone than what was normal, and Colleen sensed it instantly, only giving more reason to her trembling hands. “I know before, that you said you didn’t believe that there was anything weird going on in the Valley, but I’ve seen and heard it. I don’t know how else to say it, but I’m afraid.”

“Leif, I-” she was interrupted by Leif again.

“No, you need to hear me sister.” Leif firmly grabbed her shoulders. “I love you more than my own life. I’ve been thinking, and I want to make you a promise. You too Taito, I want you to hear this. Whatever it takes, I will keep you safe Colleen. I’ll give my life, without hesitation, to save yours. There’s this guy that I’ve seen, and he said some things- things about hurting you.”

Leif eyed over his shoulder, just slight enough to know Taito stood near. He took half a step, guiding his sister, and he pulled close to her ear and whispered so Taito could not hear, “I’ll do whatever it takes, and give him whatever he wants to keep you safe.”

“Leif, you mustn’t-”

“C’mon.” Leif released his vice on her arms, and motioned for Taito to prepare. “We have to go to where you’ll be safe.”

“Where are you going?” Colleen faltered; she felt her brother’s warmth leave her alone in the dining room.

“If you’re with us we can protect you,” Leif called from behind the kitchen counter. “If you’re alone there’ll nothing to stop that demon from coming here.” Leif grew quiet, as he watched Taito exit up the stairs for more supplies, and with Colleen standing idly in the dining room he gingerly opened one of the kitchen drawers. His hand cupped over a shiny metal blade and he grasped its handle, slid it out –nearly fainting at it making even a slight noise- and pocketed the small steak knife without either of his companions knowing.

“We are going to make our way to the northern wood,” Leif rose his voice as he shut the door; his sister was infamous for hearing everything. “We’re goin to try and find the man that you mentioned, Zephyr. If you have nothing else that you can tell us, then we need some kind of idea about what this cloaked person is here for or even how it is that he’s in the Valley at all.” Leif checked out the windows; it was still raining heavily. “I think we should leave now if we are to make it before evening. If we move quickly and take the long way, it will probably take several hours to reach the border of the north woods, but we should be well hidden.”

“Hidden?” Colleen barely said in a whisper. As Leif passed her again, she reached out taking hold of his wrist. He stopped, and she reached down with her other arm to his pocket, but Leif shifted away. She did not try again, but Leif knew she had figured out what he had done.

“Leif,” She did not move, nor reach for him or anything, “Why do you have that? You’re serious about this aren’t you?”

“I joke a lot sister.” Leif said. “But never have I taken something this far, have I?”

She shook her head, and was quiet again. The rain plinking against the windows put tempo to the awkward silence. Colleen jumped when her brother’s footsteps picked up again. Trying to gain voice, Colleen stumbled behind her brother’s speedy pace, and she was able to choke out some words, “I have to tell you something then.” But he did not hear because Taito had returned from upstairs with an armful of garment which he plopped on the table.

Taito brought down three cloaks and a backpack to store a few things in. There was one green cloak, which Leif insisted Colleen should wear, so that he could easily identify her from Taito; the other two were black.

“About the walk there,” Taito slipped on his rain gear, and filled up the backpack while he spoke, “I don’t know what you think Leif, but I’m a little nervous about being watched. If we took the main road there, anyone at all could see us from any direction along the fields. It would take longer, but what if we took the long way around through the forest itself, until we reach the northern end. We just cut into the east wood and walk up through there.”

“Ya, that’s what I was just sayin to Colleen.” Leif was helping Colleen with her sleeves and hem; the cloak was baggy on long for her. As Leif assisted his sister, the tiny bell on the house clock chimed four o’clock. Taito glanced again outside, and began to reconsider their departure.

“Hey Leif, I’m starting to think leaving now isn’t the greatest idea. It’ll be dark long before we can reach the north forest, and once we get there, we’ll have no clue where to look first. With this storm, it’ll be too dark to find any kind of path. Maybe we should wait and leave earlier tomorrow.”

“It’s not a problem,” Leif said, “We can just ask one of the farmers who live around there for directions and a light. That was our original plan anyway right? Besides, I don’t feel like waiting around here any longer without some kind of answers.”

The air outside was cold enough so that the rain had turned into sleet, and the afternoon grew dim being draped with black clouds over head. The three companions huddled close together under the eaves of the sibling’s tavern -quiet except for the rain; they were afraid to move much further. Leif grabbed hold of his sister’s arm and, without a word stepped into the storm and paced down the road. Taito trotted to catch up, all the while keeping his glance on the sky.

They left Easttown without seeing any of the villagers; all the lights in the houses were out, despite it being barely dinner time. The road led quickly to the forest, and the three slipped quietly passed the still birches. The canopy of leaves between them and the clouds gave a feeling of security to the friends, and unanimously they exhaled a sigh of relief. The wood was light, at least the trees were spaced apart far enough to trek comfortably through, and their vision was unimpaired so they could keep watch at least half a mile in all directions.

Aside from the serious mood hovering between them, Leif and Colleen found a reason to smile, and they were able to laugh even while their touching hands nervously shook. Leif looked down at his sister’s smile finding warmth in the frigid weather. He lowered his voice when he spoke to her, “You laughing at the same thing I am?”

Colleen nodded her head. Smile or not, she was still too afraid to do much else.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been here huh?” said Leif, “Is it okay if I’m little scared again?”

Colleen snickered, but quickly clapped her hand to her mouth. Leif and Colleen had grown up in Westtown their entire lives, and so had walked near this forest on frequent occasion. When they were young, there were stories of monsters and killers living in the wood, and Leif was terribly afraid to even walk along side the forest, but unfortunately, their school that they attended was on the other side of it. It was hardly a ten minute walk to cut through the narrowest part, but Leif still struggled to keep from crying when he neared it. He had to hold Colleen’s hand before setting foot on the path, but to keep him from being made fun of, Colleen said she was the one who was scared, and claimed Leif held her hand to keep her calm.

“In truth brother,” Colleen whispered, “I’m scared this time too.”

“As long as neither of us cries…” Leif smiled, “I don’t think we have to worry about being made fun of though.”

Taito had fallen behind a ways, constantly pausing to survey their surroundings. Every leaf that flipped in the wind and every fleeting creature in the wood stole Taito’s breath and dazed his focus. The pelting rain on his face was beginning to annoy him, and already he was beginning to tire even though they had walked only a couple hours; the rain made the earth muddy and taxing to march through. Seeing his friend was almost out of sight, Leif stopped his sister and waited for Taito to catch up.

“How much longer you think until we get there?” Leif whispered to his friend.

Taito was tired and did not answer; rather, he pretended like he did not hear him, and just passed the siblings continuing on into the wood. Leif shrugged it off, and determined himself, that they were probably halfway to the farmlands just by the north wood.

Another hour passed, and this time, Taito led the group and Leif and Colleen was the ones falling behind, and Taito was forced to wait for them. Taito stood still, but looked restless and unhappy to be idle.

“Let’s try to move a little faster.” He said, “We’re slowing down too much.”

“It’s my fault.” Colleen bowed her head, sorry for being such a burden. “I’m not used to being this far into the forest.”

“Here,” Leif let go of her hand, and crouched down at her feet, “Climb on my back, sis. If I carry you things’ll go a lot faster for us and it’ll be easier on you.”

She was hesitant at first, and she wanted to assure that she didn’t need such help, but was feeling to guilty for slowing them down to complain. Now they were able to pick up the pace, still traveling in silence. One hour passed and they still could not see the edge of the northern wood. Taito became impatient and pushed harder, breaking into a light jog. Although, he was so wet and winded that he could barely keep a steady step.

“Taito, slow down.” Leif called, “I can’t keep up so well with a load on my back.”

“Then let me take her for a while.”

Colleen dismounted her steed of a brother; Leif circled his arm twisting out all the knots. The rain continued to pour, soaking through their cloaks, damping their hair, and quickly soaking the rest of their clothes. Cold strings of rain drops trailed down the back of Taito’s neck like nails of ice clawing his skin and he froze, but not from the cold.

Oddly, the sky grew dim, and he felt a pressure in his head. Taito held out his hand signaling Leif and Colleen to stop. There were no birds calling nor frogs croaking, even the moans from the bending trees stopped; there was just the endless barrage of rain on earth around them.

“What’s wrong?” Leif came close and hushed his voice to its lowest point.

“How long have we been out here?” Taito said. Ever since they stepped into the forest, Taito had made no eye contact with Leif or Colleen, but instead, kept a wary patrol on the surroundings. Still he refused to look at Leif while he spoke. The stockier of the two companions gave no answer, but mimicked his friend and surveyed the trees for trouble. He could not see anything in particular, but had taken notice of the sudden disappearance of forest life.

“It shouldn’t be time for the sun to set. Why is it so dark all of a sudden?” said Taito. The clouds were collecting together in billowing black tufts, and the earth below them suffered in the darkness they inflicted. Thunder boomed, like laughter at those below the sky; whoever would cry for the sun at point would only be scoffed at by the swelling storm.

Colleen’s breath began to quiver loudly, like she was in pain and trying to suppress it. Taito snapped his neck back, and glared sharply at Leif. It was the first direct contact he had made all evening, and it did not sit well with Leif. He crept forward, setting his hand on Taito, about to speak up about his reaction when Taito interjected, “Just keep it down.”

Sweat from Taito’s brow mixed in with the rain running into his eyes; he raised his hands up to rub them clear, and when he lowered his arms he saw a dark blot on the crest of a hill far from the border of the wood. Taito stared hard at the thing, waiting to see if it would move; his eyes shook in their sockets, in pain of falling out. Finally, he had to blink –the blot was gone from the hill when we opened his eyes again.

A hand slapped Taito’s back grabbing his shirt and yanking him away from the tree he crouched behind. He almost screamed when another hand palmed his mouth; Leif hissed for him to be quiet –Taito almost fainted when he saw it was only Leif.

“Don’t let up yet.” Leif pointed deeper into the woods, a black figure, like what Taito saw only seconds before, was wandering around the forest, about half a mile away. The thing would disappear behind a tree, and every time it came back out the three gasped. Taito pulled on Leif’s iron grasp, struggling like he wanted to run, but the stronger friend refused to let him go.

“We can’t run. He’ll see us.” Leif said.

Colleen was hunched behind her brother, waiting for him to give some kind of order. Leif eventually freed Taito, and the three just stood together, staring at this body that moved closer every second that they did nothing. This time, it was Taito who startled Leif by grabbing his arm, and having gained his attention, Taito pointed up, motioning for them to climb the tree. Leif silently nodded and began to clamber up the slippery bark skinned trunk. Once he was footed on the lowest branch, Taito hoisted Colleen up to him, and Leif took her in arm climbing up higher; Taito quickly followed.

The sat at a height low enough to keep watch on their surroundings, yet with enough leaf spotted branches between them and the ground to be hidden. Taito crouched on the branch with his face watching the ground for almost twenty minutes before the silhouette came in sight again. Taito briefly waved his hand for his companions to beware, and he held his breath waiting for either a safe time to move, or death to find them.

They waited –too long Leif thought, and even Taito wondered if they had sat in the tree for longer than needed. Another ten minutes passed since Taito saw anything that seemed suspicious, and finally he groaned, and said it should be safe to climb down. It was painful, having been crouched on narrow branches for a little less than an hour, and their crawl down almost became a limp fall. At the base of the tree the companions sprawled out on the forest floor, stretching their muscles and kneading out the knotted cramps in their legs.

Taito got up sooner than his friends; without word Leif knew he was being urged to do the same. Waiting around in a dark wood where a strange man with murderous intent may be hiding was perfect motivation to get the group walking. Colleen was still sore, so she rode on Leif’s back, and she whispered in his ear great thanks for the care he was showing her. But They did not even pass two trees before Leif slowed significantly, and after a few more steps he collapsed, falling into a kneel panting.

“Brother, what’s wrong? Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, give me a moment.” he said through clenched teeth, “My legs have no strength, just let me rest for a sec.”

“No, we need to keep going,” said Taito. “He could come back at any moment. Let Colleen up; I can carry her for a while.”

“No!” Leif shouted. He rolled back onto his feet off his knees, and slowly stood up, legs shaking and teeth gnashing. “I’ve got it, really.”

She’s my responsibility. I promised you that I’d do whatever it takes to protect you, Colleen. My strength isn’t gone yet, because it can’t be gone.

“Now c’mon, I’m sick of this rain and this forest.” Leif said as he trudged forward.

Taito said nothing, but only smiled. He let Leif have his way; if he protested, even if for the sake of their safety by keeping a fast pace, Leif would have caused a stir, and thereby drawing more attention to them. It was really better to let the dog chew on his bone than to try to take it away –you can get bit that way.

In the time that it took to get the cramps pressed out of their legs, the companions had walked through the rest of the eastern forest. The trees ended, and –even though the rain barred their sight− the northern stretch of wood waited for their arrival. That was where Zephyr was supposed to be, however, none of them knew exactly where or how they would find him. About five miles from the tip of the eastern wood was the property of Mr. and Mrs. Chaff; they were sheep and goat farmers, and, hopefully, would be able to give them good directions to Zephyr.

“Alright,” Taito said. They stood behind the outermost trees of the forest, leaning behind them as if a watcher was outside the forest waiting. “We need to come up with some kind of plan to get across this down.”

“What do you mean?” said Leif. They had tried whispering, but the rain was falling harder forcing them to yell.

“That’s open field out there. That man would be able to see us easily if he’s anywhere near here.” said Taito.

“Are you kidding? Look at this rain, I can barely see you, and I’m just two feet away from you.” Leif held up his hand pointing a finger in the air. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

Colleen slapped her brother’s back, scolding him for playing at such a time. After a few ideas back and forth, they realized there are no strategies for sneaking across an open field. It was either go, or don’t go.

“I’m going to make a dead run for it, Taito.” Leif said as he lifted Colleen onto his back. She wrapped her arms tight around his neck, and kissed the back of his head.

“I’ll be right there with you.” said Taito.

Leif was ignoring his friend, making sure that Colleen was situated on his back and that his grip was tight. The wind pushed against their encroachment into the field; any direction they turned it was in their face. Taito easily pulled ahead of his weighted down friend, and, looking back to check on Leif, he noticed the slightest of movements through the sea of rain.

A pain smashed Taito’s ears, like cupped hands had slapped the sides of his head. The throbbing pressure was not from a noise, or anything actually touching his head, but because the pounding rain had ceased. It did not slow, but just stopped; the transition from dinning rainfall to quiet night had a debilitating affect on his running.

Taito fell on his hands and knees, the grass below his shaking palms glowed silver; above, the clouds had disappeared, and the moon poured light onto the field. They were left in the open now; Leif was no where in sight, and Taito scrambled to his feet spinning helplessly around looking for his fear. Then he saw the strange man, standing at the mouth of the wood; his golden eyes were all Taito could make out, but that was enough to steal his breath.

“Run faster Leif! He’s coming!” Taito cried. He wasn’t even sure if Leif was close enough to hear, and Taito’s gaze was too locked on the dark man for him to turn and check.

“What are you doing?” Leif’s voice screamed across the night. Taito tore his head away from the man, and looked at Leif who frantically waved his arms from the next down. For reasons unknown to Leif and Colleen, and even himself, Taito turned his back to his companions and took a stance facing the cloaked man. His hands changed into fists and his dazed eyes squinted into a glare.

What am I doing?! Taito, against all sense, reacted like he wanted to hold off the adversary. Leif cocked is head sideways, baffled at his friend’s obviously fear induced act of craziness. He took a step forward, prepared to stand by his best friend when Taito’s now serious voice shouted for him to go on. The only way Leif could push beyond the guilt of actually leaving his brother to stand alone was the feel of Colleen’s nervous breath on the back of his neck. He knew if he put her down, she would not argue, but in conflicting resolve for either his brother or his sister’s safety, Leif chose his true blooded relative, and ran away from Taito.

“I want to know what you’re doing too.” A hand struck Taito’s throat, and pulled him close to the cloaked man smiling face. The stranger had moved a mile in only a few seconds. The tight grasp was held long enough to blacken Taito’s vision before the cloaked man dropped his victim watching him crumple to his knees.

“So I hear you’re looking for answers about me.” he said, “You really don’t recognize me, do you? When I showed up last month to say ‘hi’ I thought you were just playing with me, but it’s true. Why don’t you remember?”

“What?” Taito crawled backwards, hoping to find a moment to run, but he was sure he would not be able to escape. The cloaked man extended his hand to the frightened crab-walker; his smile meant something sinister −Taito was sure. Why he responded by reaching for the hand, Taito didn’t know; he screamed at himself to stop, but all he could do was watch as he grabbed it and was pulled to his feet. It was only for a moment, but his shoulder (the rose shaped scar) felt pinched and hot, enough to scream out loud in the cloaked man’s face.

“Since I showed up you’ve been wondering about some things.” He said. The shout and stray globes of spit thrown at his face did nothing to faze him. “It burns away at your heart, and obviously your shoulder.” He chuckled as Taito staggered backwards holding his chest hissing in pain. “Something inside you keeps asking, ‘what is all of this?’ and it won’t stop until you know exactly what you’re seeking. When I touched you, and gave you that.” He pointed to Taito’s shoulder, “It was as if I had opened a painful wound from your past, like I triggered a scene, a smell or a feeling that you can’t quite remember, right?

‘You may not have realized it, but I’ve been watching you.”

Taito recovered from the shocking hurt. The last thing the cloaked man said did not surprise him.

“You know, every decision you’ve made, since that scar, and every choice was so you could find out more about who you are. You long to know, and your desires have put your friends in danger.”

“Do you think letting that guy and his blind sister running around out here while I’m around is safe? What were you thinking letting them come with you?”

He was right, and Taito knew it; he should have come by himself, but he let a blind girl be dragged into running from a madman. He had to warn them, Taito thought as he ran away from the man in the black cloak. The wave of hills seemed to rise and fall endlessly into the starlit backdrop, and even after cresting several of the mounds Taito felt no closer to his friends. The sweat seeping through his skin chilled in the autumn night air, and his breathing quickly became heavy. Looking back, the cloaked man was gone, and even though the run felt endless, Taito thankfully came to the northern forest.

The place was in a shallow ravine; the shrubs and trees created what looked like a wide green river and the trees were like tall spikes in the waves. On the opposite side of the river of leaves was the rest of the thick forest that spread out until the end of the Valley. Off in the distance Taito could see what looked like thick black billows of smoke lifting above the trees.

Taito began down the hill towards what he hoped was Zephyr’s house, but for some reason his legs could not keep up with the rapid descent of the hill. Like a dead carcass he tripped and stumbled down the hill, struggling to kick out his legs to stop, but they were weak and useless. Finally he tumbled to a stop in the thick foliage at the river of leaves where he lay motionless for a moment, out of breath and his chest throbbing. He quickly scrambled through the dense bushes deeper into the ravine.

Then his piercing voice called out into the night, sending more chills up Taito’s back than the cold air could, “What are you doing? I just told you it’s your fault your friends are in danger, and then you go looking for them again?”

Taito spun around trying to find where he was now, and after making a full circle he found himself looking into the familiar pair of frightening gold eyes.

Damn it, what was I thinking!

The cloaked man scoffed; he heard Taito’s thought, and replied to it, “Yeah, I don’t know, but it’s too late to turn back now. Everything’s been set into motion, and your friends have been pulled into this all because of you.

‘By the way, I promise you, they’re going to get hurt now. I just wanted to give a little heads up. I can’t see into the future (that’s probably the only thing I can’t do), but I do know they’re in a lot of trouble now.

Taito stretched his hands out, trying not to make fists (he was afraid of even threatening this man) and his breath could be seen steaming from his flared nostrils, “I don’t even know what is happening right now!”

“And that is just the way I like it.” said the man, “To keep you in the dark about everything, it’s fun. I’m not sure why you don’t remember me; it kind of hurts, but at the same time I’m loving this fear I see in your eyes.”

“Just stop it…. What do you want?” Taito tried to sound brave.

“Right now? I just wanted to see you. And now,” the man laughed, and moved his gaze past Taito; he was looking at something else. “I want to mess with you, and see how strong you are.

You can’t see them, but I can. Your friends, I’m watching them, and it’s actually pretty funny. They’re crying for your safety, at least the girl is. The man -Leif right?- he’s throwing a fit about trying to come find you, but his sister’s just holding him back.”

“What is it you’re doing?! If you don’t mean to kill me than why should I even run?”

“Because I can leave you alive, I can kill your friends, I can murder this Valley, burn it until it’s nothing but ash. I don’t doubt that you would die in an instant for someone you don’t even know. Just remember this: I’m here only to make your life hell, because I simply want to.”

Taito still did understand why this man had appeared in the Valley. The things he said only made his mind darker, cloudier. He did not know what to do, if he should fight or run, who to protect, or even if he had the ability to protect anyone. Taito was sure there was no way to stop someone like this -whatever he was. What if I just leave? If I’m no longer around anyone, he won’t have anyone to hurt.”

“So run. Get out of here. Just remember, this is only the beginning, it’s the twilight of the darkness that’s coming over this place, and it’s going to be a very long night.”

“So all I have to do is survive it,” Taito stepped away from the man. His legs weren’t shaking, his breath was steady and his voice clear. “And I’ll just wait for dusk. The sun never sets forever.”

“You better pray while you wait, Taito.”

Branches snapped and leaves flew through the air as Taito tore into the woods away from the cloaked man. He struggled to keep his pace because the trees and bushes became much too thick. It became painful to crawl over the closely quartered trees; most of the bushes were cypresses, ugly and sharp to the touch, and an occasional blackberry bramble would come to prove itself even more of a bother than the cypress bushes. Taito did not really notice the pricks of scratches from the biting bushes; his mind was fixated on his companions. I have to leave. He thought. I don’t even know what’s happening, but I can’t stay here.

He broke into a clearing just big enough to let him lie down. The moonlight was pale behind the papery clouds, and whatever light was left filtered through the trees like soft drops of water speckling Taito with dancing silver spots atop his motionless body, and the face he wore entailed that the cloaked man’s words were on his mind. That night he slept with the haunting truth that a brooding weight was upon his tranquil home. He was left with the foreboding thought that he was powerless against something he did not even know.