Dragonheart Part 2
Trees shivered harder as Heero and Wing left the forest. Ahead a clearing widened out bordered by brushy grasses and willowy saplings. The creek bent away leaving behind only a soft splashing as it hurried on its journey.
The sun was shrouded in twilight and ominous thunder rumbled in the distant. Heero encouraged Wing into a trot hoping to outrun the impending storm. A well-worn path led out of the clearing.
"This has to lead somewhere." Heero reasoned bending low to avoid a low hanging branch.
When he straightened his eyes caught a glimpse of a human outline directly ahead. A few more strides from Wing put the partially hidden figure in plain sight. The person appeared to be gathering mushrooms, placing them into a wicker basket.
Further study told Heero that a female was doing the wild harvesting. Each time the maiden bent over a long braid of reddish hair slipped over her back and each time she stood up it would sway along her hips. The fact that she was dressed in trousers did seem peculiar but Heero was unfamiliar with the local customs so he did not dwell on the odd attire.
Realizing that the maiden had to live nearby Heero decided to inquire about shelter. Even if his night's lodging was in a barn or stable it made no difference. The war had taught him to be thankful for any refuge no matter how humble.
"Excuse me Miss, can you help me?" Heero called loudly above the approaching storm. He had no wish to frighten her or cause any trouble. Simple directions to a reasonably dry haven was all that was required and then he would be on his way.
The maiden pivoted to follow the phantom voice until she found the owner sitting astride a handsome horse. Judging by the stranger's garments and the sword sheathed at his side she immediately recognized him as a soldier.
Standing boldly before the warrior and his mount the young lady did not seem afraid or even mildly curious. Setting down the basket she walked nearer. "I am not a Miss but perhaps I can help you." she...I mean he...replied.
It was not unusual for the men of Heero's time to wear their hair long. Heero's heavy mane had grown considerably during the war, so much so that he often pulled it back in a ponytail. But hair of that extreme length was rare especially among the peasants who had their hair shortly shorn to keep it from becoming tangled as they worked. No...long hair was usually reserved for the elite who had the time and funds to care for it properly.
However this man, whom Heero guessed to be about his age, had maintained his lengthy locks in excellent condition. The cinnamon tresses shone with a luster that raveled the fairest noblewomen Heero had known. Equally shiny bangs feathered over his forehead and stray strands curved over high cheekbones in a very becoming fashion.
Upon closer inspection Heero discovered that even though the hair might say "female" that the strong shoulders and narrow hips were definitely male. And the trousers' coarse fabric, while not as delicate as the imported silk that clothed the "Ladies of the Manor", was not nearly thick enough to conceal the unquestionable bulge of manhood.
Heero felt his face flush as he realized he was spending far too much time gazing at the man's lower region. Averting his eyes he hoped that the uncharacteristic blush would not be noticed.
"I beg your pardon...sir." Heero fumbled over his words wishing that the fitful wind would quickly cool his hot cheeks.
The young man with the incredible hair paused to pat Wing's velvety nose. "Do not worry about your mistake," he stated stepping up beside Heero's leg, "the error is easily made. Now how may I help you?"
Heero found himself staring again. This time it was not his surprise that the "she" was a "he" or his fascination with the braided hair but what now captured his attention was the voice. There was a magical sound as the words flowed over two perfectly parted lips. There was a sweet melody that spoke of honey and cream and a lilt that would put the songbirds to shame.
A sturdy crack of thunder snapped Heero out of his trace. The gale rose stiffly at his back and windblown droplets began to pelt the soldier and his horse. Heero leaned into the fine spray, "Could you direct me to shelter for the night?" he shouted above the howling wind that caused his cape to flare out behind him.
The beautiful stranger lifted a slender hand to shield his face, "I have room in my house." he answered locking his sight on the lone warrior.
Lightning slithered through the angry sky like a serpent. As the heavens blazed and the white light momentarily sparkled across the man's eyes Heero was yet again held in awe. Those eyes that suddenly seemed older than the man's youthful exterior were the strangest shade of violet.
An involuntary gasp caught in Heero's chest and it took all his presence of mind to remember to breathe again. Was this person not a man after all but an angel sent to guide Heero home? How could a man be so beautiful? And how could someone who Heero didn't know existed just minutes before beguile him so thoroughly?
"Now would be a good time to decide." The man declared as the wind whipped his braid around his neck.
The rain stinging Heero's face and the chilly wind sending a shiver down his spine helped him fight off his puzzled amazement. He blinked but regained only a degree of his composure. "What?" he mumbled still spellbound by the beautiful boy.
The young man picked up his basket and glanced down the path, "Do you want to come home with me or not?" he asked moping back damp bangs from his enchanting eyes.
Heero shook his head sending his heavy mane cascading over his shoulders. "Yes I would like to go home with you. Thank you sir."
"Sir is too formal," the man replied with a hint of amusement in his honeycomb voice. "My name is Duo."
"Just Duo?"
"That is enough name, isn't it?"
A slight smile tugged at Heero's mouth as he offered his hand, "Ride with me Duo." he invited.
Duo handed Heero the basket, clasped the offered hand and in one fluid motion slipped up behind the soldier. He took back the basket holding it in one hand and with the other hand loosely held onto Heero's waist.
"It is not far." he stated nodding down the path.
As the clouds burst and the thunder boomed and the lightning set the sky on fire Wing needed no additional encouragement to set off at a gallop. Like his master and the mysterious rider he had no wish to prolong their exposure to the foul elements.
*********
The small thatched roof house set on a higher level than the path. It was not clear whether the difference in elevation was intentional or if over time the ground around it had worn away. But the raised placement kept the water streaming downhill and not inside, which was good, since the sky had decided to weep out all its tears at once.
A faint yellow glow shone around shutters that were shut up against the rain and the thin trail of smoke that drifted from the stone chimney told Heero that light and some measure of warmth awaited inside.
Heero swung his leg over the saddle and slid his soggy rear end over Wing's drenched side. The awkward dismount landed in the sloppy soil splattering mud over his boots. His cape stuck binding his arm as he reached up to take the mushroom laden basket.
Heero's newly found host displayed a more graceful descent seeming to float rather than plunge from Wing's back. "Go in." the young man instructed handing Heero the basket and tilting his head towards the door. "I'll put up your horse and make sure he is fed and dry."
Heero hesitated. It was not that he didn't trust the man even though he knew nothing about him and probably should have been a bit weary but as a soldier he took care of his own responsibilities.
But being in a waterlogged condition and knowing that his host, too, was soaked to the skin Heero decided that standing in the storm debating the finer points of ethical behavior was not practical.
"Thank you." he replied turning towards the simple dwelling.
Duo made a clicking sound with his tongue then tugged on the reins to guide Wing to the crude but comfortable stable.
*********
Rusty hinges squeaked in protest as Heero pushed open the door and entered a single room half the size of his bedroom at home. To his left a fireplace glowed with flaming logs and red embers. A rough-hewn table and three plain chairs set in the center. A tall cupboard and freestanding clothes closet took up most of the back wall. To the right a rectangle frame built into the floor held a straw mattress and two tightly woven blankets.
Larger baskets of vegetables sat by the fireplace. Wild onions and various dried herbs filled smaller baskets and several bottles of homemade wine were nestled in a straw lined box.
An iron kettle rested on the blackened hearth next to the wood box and fire tools. A pot of stew bubbled over the fire. What appeared to be biscuits had been wrapped in an unbleached cotton napkin and placed in a wooden bowl on the cupboard.
Delicious scents from the cooking pot triggered Heero's hunger and the fire hastily reminded him that he was chilled to the core. He set the basket on the table and with extra effort removed his cape and draped it over a chair to dry. His mud-splattered boots were placed by the hearth.
Rubbing his hands together to increase the blood flow Heero leaned nearer to the fireplace's welcome warmth. Stringy strands of hair curtained his face making him wish that he had a cord to tie back the bothersome tresses.
Outside the wind howled, the shutters rattled but the fierce weather could not invade the tiny thatched habitat. All around the war-worn soldier were tiny comforts that turned the house into a tidy home. A wine bottle filled with wildflowers set on the table and, to his surprise, Heero discovered several books lying on the bed.
"There is more to this man named Duo than appears on the surface." Heero mumbled to himself as his finger traced over one book's tattered cover. "If he can read...." The last words were cut off by a boom of thunder making Heero very thankful that he and Wing was not out in the downpour.
As Heero stood in the middle of many contradictions he began to wonder if his previous speculations about the man's place of origin, either earthly or heavenly, might require further investigation.
Yes there was definitely an unexplained essence sharing the house with the perplexing man. Every corner, every inch exuded an energy that tingled in Heero's gut-level instincts. But whether those transcendental sensations were spectral or spiritual in nature Heero could not tell.
Flickering firelight danced over the planked walls and log-beam ceiling mingling solid objects and vague silhouettes into a strange distortion of light and shadows. This merger of purplish gloom and fanciful twinkling could have easily fooled Heero's eyesight and caused his imagination to go beyond rational reasoning if he had been inclined to engage in nonsensical fantasies.
"Your dreams are enough to handle now." Heero sighed retuning to the fire to ward off a stubborn chill.
With another creak the door opened and Heero's enigmatic host hurried inside. Even soaked, with his bangs hanging in wet ribbons over his face, the young man was still stunning. "The heavens must really be sad." Duo stated wringing water from his braid.
"Let me light a lamp." he offered searching through the wood box for a long stick. The stick was lit from the fire then the flame was carefully transferred to an oil lamp on the table. More phantasmic illusions were set in motion and the tingle in Heero's insides amplified.
"Please sit down." Duo motioned to a chair before placing the mushrooms in the wicker container with the dried herbs. Returning to the table Heero's host motioned again. "Let me have your coat." He instructed.
Heero handed over his dark blue uniform coat and the man hung it over a rope fastened from corner to corner. " It rains here a lot in spring so I have to dry inside most of the time. I am sure you must be hungry," he continued stirring the stew pot. "Let me get bowls and we will eat."
As much as Heero wanted a to ease his hunger pangs he had to the honest with Duo, "I have nothing to give you in return."
Duo took two wooden bowls, cups and spoons from the cupboard and set them on the table. "Your company is all that I require." he stated gathering up the biscuits and a bottle of wine.
Duo filled the bowls with stew and sprinkled a few dried herbs on top for flavor. "Be careful its hot." he cautioned as he set a bowl at each place. "Sorry there is no meat." he added with a sigh.
Heero dipped into the steaming vegetables and blew to cool off the spoonful. "Mmmm...good." he declared savoring the delicious stew.
The compliment caused a small smile to grace Duo's lips, "It isn't fancy but its filling and there is plenty."
Heero replied pulled a biscuit in half and dipped into the thick broth. "This is far better than what I normally had at camp."
Duo swallowed and washed his bite down with a sip of wine. "You were in the war?"
Heero shook is head, "Yes but I am trying to put that behind me now." he answered quietly lowing his eyes to gaze at his bowl.
Both men remained silent for awhile taking the time to enjoy the food and each other's company. Duo could tell by Heero's reaction to his question that the soldier wished to forget the war and its horrors or at least try. Besides there were plenty of pleasant conversations that didn't involve man's senseless disputes and the life alterations that they caused.
Heero finally broke the silence, "So your only name is Duo?"
"Yes."
"But you must have a surname."
Duo pulled apart another biscuit, "I have no family left and no records," he explained, "so I am just me and that is sufficient for my needs."
"Have you always lived here?"
"No just five years."
"And before that?" Heero pressed even though Duo's history was none of his business.
"There." Duo replied pointing in the direction of the distance mountain range.
Then Duo decided that it was time to redirect the soldier's line of thought, "Where is your home?"
"On the other side of the Great Mountains."
"Do you have family there?"
"My father, an aunt and several cousins." Heero replied scooping up the last spoonful of stew.
"Would you like some more, I know you still must be hungry."
"Yes, please."
Heero's bowl refilled Duo settled back in his chair to enjoy his wine. "No brothers or sisters."
"No only me."
"I bet that your father is proud of you." Duo commented then immediately regretted his statement.. The grieved look that flickered over Heero's eyes told him that, probably, Heero and his father had not been in agreement over his decision to join the army.
"Forgive me, I shouldn't be so meddlesome."
Heero acknowledged the apology with a silent nod before the hint of sadness was replaced by drooping eyelids. Despite his best efforts he couldn't stifle a yawn.
Duo took immediate notice of Heero's weariness. "I think we need to get settled for the night." he announced, "Go on to bed and I will clean up." he insisted.
"I can't take your bed," Heero replied with equal insistence, "If you can spare a blanket I will be fine on the floor by the fireplace."
"The floor is too hard and the wind too furious." Duo declared, "There is plenty of room and I do not mind sharing. Now to bed with you before I make you sleep in the stable." he winked.
Heero unbuckled his sword and carefully laid it on the floor within easy reach. There was still too much soldier in him to ever be too far from his weapon. His boots came off next but like the sword they were also set within easy reach.
His back ached and his cold-stiff muscles complained as he eased down on the surprisingly soft straw mattress. Unfolding a blanket he spread the woolen cover over his exhausted body.
Turning on his side Heero fought to stay awake so he could watch Duo as he busied himself with his kitchen chores. The plates, cups and spoons were placed in a wooden bucket and put out in the rain to soak. The morning would be soon enough to scrub off any remaining food. The pot was set on the hearth, that, too, could wait until the next sunrise.
The wind had calmed and the pounding rain had evened out into a steady patter on the roof. One last check of his handiwork and Duo blew out the lamp. Once more the fire evoked shivering shadows. A few more logs, added to bank the blaze for the night, sparked up tiny embers and momentarily brightening the night-shrouded room.
Slipping off his own battered boots Duo slid them under the table so no one would tip over them should they find it necessary to get up during the night. Heero's fatigued-dulled mind barely registered the straw shifting as Duo slipped in next to his guest and the second blanket was employed against the tattletale dampness
"Good dreams." Duo wished with his own drowsy yawn before he realized that his bedmate had already fallen asleep. With a sigh Duo tucked his braid under the blanket then curled on his side with his back toward Heero.
*********
Shiny slivers of moonlight crept between the shutters. The rain had ceased and wisps of silver clouds drifted across the star-studded sky. Like silken threads the thin strips rippled across Heero's hair then shimmered down his cheeks lending a faint glow to his golden skin.
Determined to rouse the sleeping soldier the invading light paused over his eyes as the clouds dissolved away to let the unfiltered rays shine through. Heero eyelids tightened against the increased glare but the light would not give up its taunting. Slowly the lids parted. One blink, the another to ease into the unwelcome brightness.
Pushing heavy hair over his shoulder Heero exposed his entire face to the light. With cruses grumbled under his breath he raised a hand to shield his partly opened eyes then rubbing his flattened palms over the tacky film that blurred his vision.
Propping up on one elbow the rudely awakened soldier squinted at the uncooperative slats that had allowed the heavenly light to sneak through. He was about to change his position to face away from the annoying brilliance when he realized that he was alone.
"Perhaps nature called." Heero muttered but if Duo had indeed gone outside to "take care of business" he had been away long enough for his body's imprint in the straw to get cold.
Heero shrugged, "His house, his business." he sighed untangling the blanket and preparing to return to his interrupted slumber.
The night breeze moved about on cat's paws but its prowling was not completely silent. A faint noise was carried through the window to touch Heero's hearing. At first he assumed that it was an owl or some other nocturnal creature making the odd sounds but upon closer scrutiny he discovered that someone was singing.
"Not awake." he told himself believing that his senses were still affected by the remnants of sleep. But his ears heard the melodious tune, his mind told him that the song was real and that it was coming from outside.
While his soldier's instincts urged him to investigate, Heero's sleep-starved body only wanted to return to dreamland. The singing came again. Sweet notes drifted on each puff of air, the tune continued the entice Heero to rise from the bed's warmth and step out into the moon-drenched night.
Finally giving into the mysterious calling Heero sat up, rubbed more residue from his eyes and got shakily to his feet. Stopping by the dwindling fire he pulled on his boots and draped his cape over his shoulders to ward off the dewy chill.
Heero paused outside to let his eyes adjust. Now the singing was clearly heard but it had taken on a measured rhythm, a mantra of repeated syllabic sounds. Again his instincts prodded him to find the strange cadence's source as his soul was quickly becoming bewitched by Siren's song.
A narrow path cut across the forest border. As if to encourage his search the clouds gave up their misty veil to allow the full moon rule over the heavens. A single shaft illuminated the path and the breeze gently parted the low hanging branches.
Without any consideration for his safety, Heero set a straightway course down the well-worn trail. The forest towered on both sides and he swore that something with glowing eyes watched him from the leafy concealment. Each step through the seemingly enchanted forest brought him nearer to the object of his quest. Now he could plainly hear the voice as well as the hauntingly beautiful song.
TBC...
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