CHAPTER TEN MIKEL

At the age of twenty she had moved away from her home village, to start a life in nearby Galon. Galon was a big place, Vivien could still remember the first time she walked down the main street, how excited she felt, as she took in the hustle and bustle of the main square. She had no idea of where she would stay, but as luck would have it, she got to know the wife of a trader, who needed some help. Every day she got up early tending a store on the market, selling everything from cutlery to household items. She had loved her job, Mayer the owner was a character who stood out in the crowd. Before long, she knew virtually everyone, her natural shyness eventually disappearing as she got used to her new surroundings.

Before long, she had met Mikel who was Mayer's nephew. For Vivien it was love at first sight. Mikel had dark brown hair, eyes that sparkled, and was someone who could also tell a good tale. Before long they were in a relationship which swept Vivien off her feet. She had never felt happier in her life. Every day was an adventure. Mikel had plans, determined he would make something of himself, Vivien felt giddy that she was part of it.

Then one unforgettable night fate struck on her life, in the most appalling way. Mikel had accompanied his Uncle on a trip to collect some supplies. Coming back through the Forest of Asteir, their wagon was attacked by bandits. Both of them had died, their throats cut.

Vivien's world lay in ruins, at first she was unable to take it all in. It felt as if it was happening to someone else, rather than her. She felt totally numb with the news. Her friends did their best to comfort her, but she knew there was only one place, in the world she wanted to be, and she made her way home.

Back home her mother had welcomed her like only a mother could. Vivien though, continued to mourn what had happened to Mikel and her hopes and dreams. She suddenly had no idea of what to do. She could of course go back to healing, but in truth she found herself unable think of anything, with any passion. She felt as if her life was at an end.

Not only that, she also felt tired and at times not very well. She put it down to the shock, and tried to put it behind her. But eventually it dawned on her, that there was a reason for her state. She was pregnant. For the first time she felt afraid, a woman pregnant on her own, would not be welcomed anywhere. Now she had to somehow struggle on her own. Suddenly the world seemed a big and frightening place.