The Tale of Two friends
Folken was not taking the test very well. After his first nightmare, he continued to have several others during the next few days. I was watching over Folken when I heard a knock. I took one last glance at Folken and then retreated to the back. It was Keith and his arms were filled with bags of food.
"This is a lot of food Keith," I remarked catching some bread falling from his arms piled with things.
"I figured I'd save you the trouble," he replied following me in and placing everything on my worktable.
"Where are you going?" I asked as he turned to leave.
"To get the buckets for a refill of water," he called out leaving again.
There were loaves of bread, cheese, apples, carrots, tomatoes and wine. I remembered Keith saying once that they gave a soldier wine so they could sedate him. I opened the cork and sniffed; grape wine. He also bought extra bandages and more clothing for Folken. I began to sort all the items and proceeded to make lunch. By the time Keith returned I had made two cheese sandwiches.
"I got some twigs and branches for a fire and two buckets full of water," he announced proudly.
"I'll heat up the water while you eat," I suggested lighting the fireplace. The small iron oven, which held the fire, was built into the bricks. There was a wooden bar to heat food or water over it. It took about 15 minutes to heat the water. I tried to wake Folken up but he wouldn't budge. I sighed sitting down tiredly.
"Why don't you take a nap, I'll look after Folken," he said.
"Thanks Keith," I said gratefully heading to my room.
I never realized how tired I was until I crawled into bed.
It's been half an hour since Shayla went to bed. I watched Folken from my seat at the kitchen table. According to what Shayla said about Folken having nightmares, all I've heard was mumbling in his sleep. I heard a grunting noise. I look over to see Folken rising up.
"Where's the storm?" he replied absently.
"The what!" I asked confused.
"Never mind, where's Shayndel?" He looked around the room.
How'd he know her real name?
"She's resting," I answered shortly.
"So I guess you were with her when you found me?" he figured out after a short pause.
"Don't know what she was thinking but at least this keeps her busy. I would find the time but I can't always get away," I grumbled.
"How long have Shayla and you known each other," he inquired.
I noted he switched back to her nickname.
"About two years, her grandma had died and she needed a job," I replied.
"What's she like?" he asked curiously.
"She's a determined woman. She's understanding and caring like a sister," I said self-righteously.
"A sister," he repeated.
"Shayndel always looks for the best in people. What do you think is going on with Shayla and me?" I demanded.
"Nothing, I just thought…" he stammered.
"Well you thought wrong. We have too much in common," I stated.
I remember the days where Grandma Rose would take me on picnics in the forest. How I loved those days. I'd run through the fields of grass and flowers, twirl around and fall back onto the ground feeling the soft grass beneath me. We would eat our lunch while studying the clouds. There was always a patch of daisies near by and every time I would pluck the petals. My eyes would be closed and I would feel the gentle breeze ruffling the grass and my hair in circles. A soft caress against my lips as if I was holding a rose to my lips. It never seemed to end and breaking the suspense I open my eyes to see….
Bang! Bang! I wanted to ignore the sound but it didn't seem to fade. Finally I reluctantly got out of bed so I could close the shutter. Since I was up I decided to check on Folken. The sun was going to set, snow was pelting again. I looked at Folken; all those times where our faces were inches apart, I never realized that he was quite handsome. He seemed like a polite man raised by his mother to respect the ways of women. I sat down on my lounge chair watching him sleep peacefully and feel asleep. Thrashing sounds became aware to me as I vaguely woke up. My brain immediately registers to check on Folken. He's having another nightmare, but this time it's different. His actions are more violent and I'm afraid he's going to hurt himself. I pin Folken's arms down with one arm and then I paralyse his chest with my other hand. He seemed calm for a moment but all of sudden he began to thrash around even more. He let out a roar as if he was trying to get out of a cage. How could he have so much strength when I restricted his body? I poked my finger to undo it. That seemed to enable him to move more freely. I threw my body on top of his trying to keep him down.
"Stop Folken, stop!" I said a little more fiercely.
He snapped out of his nightmare.
"Shayndel?" he asked questioningly. I raised my head.
"Are you alright? What do you remember?" I pressed.
"Nyria and Earia, the cats I raised were talking to me and then it was like I couldn't say goodbye to them because I was being pulled away. I started to fight it," he explained.
"That was me," I admitted meekly. "I just couldn't stand it anymore to see you have those horrible recollections," I said frustrated.
I felt a gentle brush against my cheek. I couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes.
"It's true that I have many buried memories but I learned something valuable just now, do you know what it is?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"Eyria and Naria told me that they had given their lives because I had saved them and to avenge their deaths I should try to live the way I wanted it to be. They were the closest thing to the real me. I know I can't give up because I have been given a second chance just how I remembered a certain woman say."
"I guess it all comes back at me," I said sniffling.
"I believe you are right," he took a deep breath before replying. "I have something to tell you."
"I am listening," I said attentively looking into his eyes.
"My full name is Folken Lacour de Fanel. I am the lost prince of Fanelia."