Chapter Three
The journey home was taken at a leisurely pace. But when I came through the woods, I was shocked to see the community in such an uproar. Something had happened.
I ran from the trail and into the town, searching for a familiar face when I heard my mother's high pitch voice calling my name. I rushed forward into her arms as she enveloped me tightly, tears in her eyes.
"Mother, what happened here?" I gestured to the town in uproar. Mothers were grabbing their children and dragging them into their homes while the men were gathering up arms and shouting orders. There had been another attack. I looked up into my mother's eyes and she nodded.
"It was one of the woodsmen that work with your father. He was near the North border and it came out and attacked him. They are uncertain if he will be okay. When I heard the bells, I was fearful that the wolf would get you as well but here you are safe and sound. Come on home, you must be hungry." She rambled on.
I followed after her but looked to the woods, certain I saw a pair of warm brown eyes just in the trees.
My mother plopped me down at the table and prepared a bowl of beef stew as the door flew open, my father and Riley walking in, placing their weapons at the door. Riley then spied me and rushed forward to embrace me.
"Why were you so late returning? I was waiting for you at the edge of the trail but you never showed. And then the wolves came and," he shook his head free of the worry and smiled at me. "All that matters is you're safe now. And you hopefully have an answer for me?" he asked, his eyes pleading.
"I…" I fumbled with the words. I knew I wanted to say no but there was no way I could with everyone looking at me, just waiting for the three letter word to come out of my mouth.
"She's rendered speechless with all the excitement of the day. I suggest we allow her some sleep and she will have your answer for you in the morning, Riley." My mother stated.
He nodded and smiled but his face fell just a bit. "Shall you tell her the news or shall I? He looked to my father. I watched them both before my father cleared his throat in an uncomfortable manner.
"With the wolves attacking more frequently, we believe that you shouldn't visit your grandmother for a while. Just until Spring when you and Riley will are married and he can escort you."
"Grandmother needs someone to look after her. Mother is needed here which is why I make the journey. And it isn't that far. And I have my knife. I stay on the trail and don't put myself in danger. How can you do this to me?" I looked to them both but neither would dissolve their resolve. Riley was the first to speak.
"Sage, we are doing this for you. We just don't want anything to happen to you."
"I will not bury my daughter because she wanted to put her in the wolves' path! And my word is FINAL!" My father spat.
I ran from the room. This is what I had to look forward to. A lifetime of others deciding things for me and having to accept the injustices in my life. When I reached my room, I calmly undressed out of my forest wear; placing my travelling cloak and belt in my trunk. Riley appeared in the doorway, a sad smile on his lips. I sat on my bed and crossed my arms. How could he suggest to my father that I not venture into the woods to see my Grams? That was the only way I would see…him.
"Please don't be angry with me. I think that it would be safer for you to stay here in the village with your mother. And once we are married, we can move your grandmother into our home and you can care for her."
I could tell that Riley was trying his best to make me happy but if he knew me at all, he would know that the life he is suggesting isn't one that I want. But Riley would give me anything if he knew it would make me happy. Maybe I could learn to be happy with him. Riley would be an excellent provider and a wonderful husband. He was already loved by my parents and he was very handsome. I should just forget about Jacob and marry Riley. It is what is expected of me and I know I could never defy my parents.
I opened my mouth to speak when Riley crashed his lips down on mine. His kiss was hungry and searching, full of lust and desire. It was nice. Riley leaned into me, pushing his hand into the soft mound that was my left breast. A moan escaped his lip. But it felt wrong. I didn't feel the passion or the love he was trying to convey. It just felt like he was not my intended. I knew I needed to stop this before it progressed any further.
"STOP!"
Riley quickly withdrew and blushed sheepishly. "I am sorry Sage. I shouldn't have. You're going to be my wife and I should have respected your honor."
"You're right Riley. I am going to be your wife. I accept your offering."
A smile a mile wide broke out on his face and he gathered me into his arms and squeezed me tightly just as a loud howl ripped through the air.
