The days went by without troubles, no problems occurred in Shareb and everyone's life remained peacefully unchanged... except Amalthea's and, of course, Ma'el's. In nothing but a short time, their friendship had grown stronger and a deep bond had begun to form between them. She would always spend her time with him, alone or with Nell, showing him the surroundings: secret caves or beautiful places in the forest, and helping him to collect all sort of things. That was during the day; at night, she would stay with him in his camp and, after an interesting conversation, she would fall asleep... under the stars and under his kind stare...
The village was beautifully decorated with white flowers hanging all around. Everything was ready for the wedding.
"You look stunning, Sheri," Amalthea said softly.
"Do you really think so, Amalthea?" the bride asked.
"Of course, little one. Would I--"
She was abruptly interrupted by a scream and, to her horror, a masked man carrying a sword entered the room. "Sheri, Run!" Amalthea yelled, but Sheri didn't move, the scared girl just gave a desperate look to her older sister...
The man approached Sheri with the raised sword and met her wide opened eyes. "I will seek you again," he hissed and without another word... he attacked a helpless Sheri...
"NO!" Amalthea shouted...
"NO, SHERI!" Amalthea yelled, sitting bolt upright. Trembling, she continued screaming until she felt that a soothing voice was talking to her and that kind arms were holding her. Slowly, she calmed down and opened her eyes. Only then did she realize she was in Ma'el's arms with her head lying on his chest.
"Are you all right, Amalthea?" he asked softly, still holding her.
She raised her head to meet his worried gaze... and blinked in surprise. For a second she could have sworn there was a glow surrounding him. She quickly dismissed the idea. "Yes... It was just a nightmare," she answered and was taken aback by the defenseless
tone of her voice. "I... am fine," she repeated, as if trying to convince herself.
Ma'el just looked at her and for the first time he noticed how vulnerable... and beautiful she was. "Are you sure, my fried?" he insisted gently, knowing that she was not telling him the whole truth.
She smiled at the word and nodded. "Yes, thank you," she assured him in a steadier voice than before and then cleared her throat and lowered her eyes. "You can... release me," she said shyly.
Ma'el blinked and found himself not pleased by her request. For a strange reason, he wanted to hold her. Reluctantly, he did as he was told.
She shivered again and wrapped a blanket around herself.
"Dawn is still far. Why do you not try to sleep again?" he suggested to her, knowing that she needed to sleep a determinate number of hours.
"She shook her head. "I don't want to do it. This time I will watch while you sleep," she said, adding another stick to the fire.
He tilted his head and raised a hand. "I am not tired and I do not... need to sleep as much as you do. Close your eyes, I promise you no nightmares will disturb your dreams."
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and leaned back, sliding her hand under her head. "And how can you know that?" she asked suspiciously.
He smiled enigmatically and took a hand to his chest. "I am a scientist. I know... things," he stated solemnly.
She gave him a 'yeah, sure' look, kept quiet for a moment and then chuckled. "I don't know why, but I actually believe you," she said at last. "Good night, my Lord," she teased him, closing her eyes.
Ma'el waited until she fell asleep, then he carefully placed a glowing hand over her forehead. Seconds later, feeling that she relaxed, he withdrew it.
He cocked his head, worried by his friend. Perhaps tomorrow he could convince her to tell him what was upsetting her... after all, Amalthea had said several times that she trusted him. A slight smile appeared on his pale face. When he had first arrived to this planet, it had never occurred to him that he would become so close to a being so different from him.
"Sleep now, my friend," he whispered.
The next day they returned to the village and, even though Amalthea had not had more nightmares, she was tense and upset. It was a beautiful morning; the children were playing, the men were working on the land and the women were chatting and knitting. In other words, it was a perfect, ordinary day in Shareb, but still, Amalthea was not able to relax. Sighing, she sat on a stone bench, near a group of flowers. Distractedly, she picked one of them and smelled it.
Silently, someone sat by her side and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Will you share with me what is it that troubles you, Amalthea?" Ma'el asked, concerned.
She shook her head. "It's nothing. Don't worry."
"I thought you trusted me," he said sadly, withdrawing his hand.
"Of course I do!" she exclaimed. "It's just that I... well... I..." She stopped for a moment to gather her thoughts. "I just need some time to... forget my nightmares," she explained. "Will you give me some time?"
As an answer, he nodded and smiled.
She smiled back. "Thank you."
Suddenly, they heard agitated voices and a growing commotion. Then, Nell approached, running. "Amalthy, Amalthy, John, Ronin and Joran have returned!" the excited girl informed her friends.
"Where are they?" Amalthea asked, rising from the bench.
"In the main house, with Leila. She sent me to get you and Lord Ma'el," Nell replied, taking the redhead's hand. "John found something!"
Curious and unexplainably worried, Amalthea went with her. Intrigued, Ma'el followed them.
In the main house, Leila, a group of villagers and the scouts were talking, when Amalthea, Ma'el and Nell arrived. After the proper greetings, the old woman showed Amalthea John's finding: a hideous demon-like mask.
The redhead opened her eyes wide and, for a second, she could hear Sheri's scream. Frozen, her face turned as white as the Taelon's. "Where... did you... find it?" she managed to ask John.
"By the big river of Thelis," he answered. "I didn't see anyone, though."
"Do you know what it means, Amalthea?" Leila asked, suddenly very concerned by the younger woman's expression.
"Death," Amalthea answered in a far away voice. She shook herself and unconsciously laid a hand on the hilt of her sword. "You have to evacuate the village," she urged them. "As soon as you can. Perhaps the northern caves would be a good place to hide. I think--"
"Amalthea," Ma'el softly interrupted her. "Look at them."
She blinked and saw the terror in everyone's eyes, even Nell was close to tears now. Amalthea sighed and took a hand to her forehead. "I am sorry, Nell," she whispered and then turned to Leila. "Please believe me, you are in a great danger," she insisted, although in a calmer voice than before. "Leila, you know that I would never do anything to harm you. Please listen, I..."
"We trust you, Amalthea," a now pale Leila said sincerely, "but we must discuss this."
She nodded. "I understand, but please, don't take long. Time is essential now." With that, she left the house.
"I do trust her," Ma'el told them seriously and then he followed his friend.
He found her outside. She was pacing nervously and she had the sword in her hand. She saw his and stopped walking. "It was not my intention to scare them," she said with a sad smile.
"I know," he said gently. "You seem to be positively sure about the imminent danger," he added, gesturing with both hands.
She sighed deeply and nodded. "They are monsters, led by a... man called Bethan. Twenty years ago... they attacked... my village. Only I... survived," she finished in a whisper, bowing her head.
"You must have been younger than Nell," he stated in shock. "I am so sorry," he said sincerely and then it hit him. "Your nightmares... Sheri,"
"She was my... sister," she answered in a small voice.
Unable to stop himself, Ma'el embraced her. "I am so sorry," he repeated.
She dropped her sword and returned the hug. After a while, she broke free from his embrace, picked up the blade and put it away under her robe.
"What are you planning to do?" he asked, alarmed.
"I will go to investigate," she said seriously.
"Please be careful," he urged her.
She nodded and, without another word, she walked away, leaving a worried Ma'el behind.
******
Amalthea walked quickly through the forest, her hand tightly holding her sword and her heart beating crazily. Just when she had thought life was giving her a chance to start all over again, those monsters had to appear. Just when she had met someone so wonderful like Ma'el, Bethan had to show up again and threaten all the ones she loved...
"NO!" she yelled. "I will seek you!" Desperate and annoyed, she hurried to her destination, the big river of Thelis.
******
Meanwhile in Shareb, shortly after Amalthea's departure, Leila left the house and informed Ma'el about their decision: they would evacuate the village. The scientist nodded approvingly and, as he watched everyone busy gathering their few things, he could not take Amalthea and her dark expression out of his mind... nor her sword. He silently approached the young man who had found the mask and asked him the exact location of the place. Once he knew where it was, he went after his friend, hoping not to be too late.
******
Amalthea arrived to the river and, even though it was a nice place, she was not able to enjoy the sight. Without losing time, she completely surveyed the area, but she didn't find anything. Tired and frustrated, she knelt by the river to drink a little water. It was then when she felt the familiar hum. Holding the hilt tightly, she rose and turned. A man stood there, wrapped in a dark tunic and holding a sword. A nasty smile spread on his face. Immediately she knew it was one of Bethan men, perhaps the owner of the mask. The thought that such a monster had recruited other Immortals sent chills to her spine. However, she didn't show it, she just remained still and straight.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" the man said evilly, walking menacingly towards her.
"Did you lose something?" she asked in a deadly mocking tone. "Or did Bethan send you on an errand?"
He slightly stiffened at hearing Bethan's name, but then laughed dryly. "Your head will make an interesting... present," he said harshly.
He attacked her... and she answered...
******
Ma'el followed John's indications and soon he was walking the same path Amalthea had walked. He hurried under the trees, the unsettling feeling going deeper. Suddenly, he heard strange noises, like metal clashing. Carefully, he approached... and froze at the sight that greeted his eyes. Amalthea was fighting with a stranger, their swords colliding furiously. He blushed blue. Even though he was relieved to see that she seemed to be able to defeat her opponent, it pained him to see that she was capable of such violence.
Abruptly, the man fell and Ma'el finally relaxed. Amalthea had won and--
To his horror and disbelief, she raised her sword... to take the fallen one's life!
"NO AMALTHEA!" he shouted, leaving his hideout.
******
Amalthea blocked his blow with her sword and went a step back. She felt something strange on the ground and carefully slid a foot. The round stone was loose. An idea occurred to her, perhaps if she could annoy him enough... She went backwards. "Since when does Bethan have a... pet?" she asked with a smirk.
It worked.
"How you dare!" The man went angrily to her, but in doing so, he stumble and fell, loosing his sword in the process.
"One monster less," she whispered, raising her blade, but she never gave the final blow, as a scream interrupted her.
Startled, she turned and realized it was Ma'el. Seeing his shocked, horrified expression, she unconsciously began to lower her sword...
Unfortunately for her, the fallen man took advantage of her momentary distraction. He quickly rolled on his side, grabbed his sword and, before Amalthea could react, he thrust the blade on her stomach. She fell silently to the ground.
"NO!" Ma'el screamed, completely losing his façade.
The man looked at the sparkling creature and, really scared, he ran away.
Shaking with grief and guilt, Ma'el approached her and knelt by her side, still in his true form. She slowly turned her head to him and gasped.
"Do not be afraid," he soothed her, carefully holding her and laying her head on his lap. He stroked her hair, softly. "It is just me," he said, recovering his disguise. "What have I done to you?" he whispered, desperate, staring at her bleeding wound. "I am so sorry."
"Everything will be... all... right," she said in a barely audible voice, weakly holding his free hand.
"It was my fault," he insisted, glowing uncontrollably again.
"No..." she said, meeting his almost transparent eyes.
"But I..."
"Please..." she begged and managed a smile. Slowly, she released him and her green eyes lost their light.
"NO! AL'THELAN!" Ma'el yelled and suddenly froze. Finally he had been able to put into words what she really meant for him... but now it was too late. She was gone to the void. "Please, return to me, Al'thelan," he whispered, even though he knew it was useless. Feeling miserable and completely alone, he took a hand to her face and gently closed her eyes. He knew he had to take her to the village, but he just could not, did not want to... let her go.
Unexpectedly, to his utter disbelief and amazement, her body began to shake and her eyes fluttered open.
Amalthea blinked and stretched her arms. Slowly, she managed to sit and raised her eyes to Ma'el's. They stared at each other in shock for a long, silent moment.
"I guess... it is... time to... share... our secrets," she whispered shyly, nervously stroking a strand of hair.
"Indeed," he agreed softly, losing his human appearance again.
She opened her eyes wide and, unable to stop herself, she extended her arm to touch him. Sparkling brighter, he reached to her. Feeling an incredible tenderness flowing to her body through their linked hands, she flushed and bit her lower lip. "Who... are... you?"
"I could ask you the same question," he said, recovering his disguise.
She smiled and sighed. "You are right." She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "I--"
"Wait," he interrupted her, holding her hand tightly. "Among my kind there is an easier way to... share our secrets," he explained lowering his gaze to their joined hands. He smiled at her puzzled expression. "Just close your eyes."
Without hesitation, she did so. Immediately, she felt how his incredibly powerful and tender presence... embraced her mind. Beyond amazement, she learned he was from a completely different -and advanced- world. Beings of light capable of traveling through the stars! She sensed his love for his fellow Taelons -that was his kind's name- especially for his... child! She also felt his yearning for knowledge; she witnessed his amazingly long life.
Then, she felt how he gently began to probe her mind, his curiosity reaching to her... but suddenly, all the tenderness vanished... and he withdrew. However, before he had severed their contact, she was able to feel a wave of utter disappointment, perhaps a barely contained disgust... that broke her heart.
Ma'el quickly lowered his hand and remained staring at her. Amalthea opened her eyes and all the questions she might have had remained unspoken; they were unnecessary. His shocked expression and the true horror and alarm set in his blue eyes said it all. He simply had not liked what he had seen. He had not liked... her... and their friendship was over. Deeply hurt by the rejection Amalthea bowed her head and took something out from her pocket: the green stone he had given her. She placed it on the ground. "I... understand," she whispered, then she rose and silently walked away.
Only when she had disappeared from his sight, did Ma'el manage to pick up the stone. He rose and braced himself. He was mentally shaken. How could he have ever imagined the violent feelings hidden within her? When he had learned she had taken lives, he had panicked and he had had to withdraw. He shook his head. He should have never attempted a sharing with her... but he had been so happy to see her return from the void. He lost his façade for a second. Yes, so happy... and she had trusted him completely in doing a sharing, but he...
As he eyed the green stone, guilt began to rise within him. He knew Amalthea had felt his disappointment and he had felt her pain just before he closed their link, and when she had met his eyes...
Annoyed with himself, he balled his hands into fists. What happened with him? First, he had grieved the lost of his Al'thelan and then, when she had miraculously returned to him... he had just... rejected her! Worst of all, he had judged her and condemned her... for things she had done before they met!
His guilt turned into a deep shame. How he could have been so selfish... and cruel with her? And she told him she had understand... "Please forgive me," he whispered to her absent self and, with a determined expression, he went after her.
...Unfortunately, he found someone else first...
******