Part two: Ambrosia Saga

I awakened with a start, and realized it was pitch black. I soon noticed what had awoken me; there were deep rumbling voices outside. Glancing at my father’s bedding, told me he was outside. But, the voices did not sound like his, or Camden. The voices were coming from behind the hut, which was where the forest was. The palisades hadn’t been completed on that side yet, as they were only about half way done. I couldn’t think of any reason why anyone would be over there this late at night.1

As I listened to the voices, I knew they were none I recognized. The pacing and accents were not familiar. One was a male voice, high pitched, and it sounded very strange to me. It seemed there were two other deeper voices; they didn’t talk nearly as often.2

I slowly crept towards the door, while my eyes adjusted to the lack of light. I pushed only a small part of the flap aside, kneeling on the ground to keep from being noticed. There was no moon tonight, and there was a light haze shielding the starlight as well. It was very dark, and I could barely make out the silhouettes of the trees and other hut. But there were definitely no people right outside, in the middle of our yard.3

Still keeping low to the ground, I slowly slid out of the hut, trying to be as quiet as I could. I couldn’t hear the voices from here, and I didn’t see any sign of my father or anyone else. Continuing my mission of discreetness, I slowly made my way around the side of my hut, away from the voices and towards the small shed. We kept our tools in the shed, and I planned on grabbing a scythe, just to be on the safe side.4

There were no clues that anything was going to happen, but I just had this feeling deep inside that told me to prepare. I don’t know if there was energy in the night air that led my survival instincts, but they were in high action tonight.5

I jolted, and almost screamed, when I realized there was a body next to me. Luckily I realized it was Keenan before my mouth even opened. He held his finger to my lips, telling me to be quiet. Realizing it was unnecessary, he removed his finger, looking somewhat embarrassed.6

“Stay put.” He said firmly. He was holding a sword I noticed. My father must have shown him the hiding place for his weapons, which was under the ground in the shed. He gently pressed my shoulder down and against the back of the hut. Keenan’s eyes were blazing in the darkness, as he leaned in closer to me. 7

As quickly as he had appeared, he was gone. The stillness of the night began to frighten me much more than before. I pressed myself against the cold, hard clay hut wall. His appearance had really supported my theory of danger tonight. I tried to lessen my breathing, so not to bring any noticeable noise my direction.8

Suddenly the noises of battle erupted from on the other side of the hut. I could hear metal clashing, and deep voices yelling. I couldn’t make out what they said, but I heard my father speak in anger, threatening I think. A few more shouted curses and thudding sounds, and some rustling in the bushes and forest nearby. It was followed by complete quiet.9

The second wave of quietness was almost worse. Knowing that something had happened, but not knowing the results, it was very nerve wracking. My heart began to pound against my chest, and I felt a burning sensation in my lungs as I struggled to remain calm.10

Just as I thought I might lose consciousness, Keenan was right beside me once more. This time, his hand was gently gripping my shoulder to keep me from falling over.11

I took a deep breath and steadied myself. I put my hand up. “I’m okay.” I said, and I looked up into his eyes. They were steady with concern. 12

“And everyone else? What happened?” I asked. 13

“Everyone’s fine.” He said with no hesitation. “It was two bandits. They were easy enough to take care of. I think they expected less people here.”14

I looked down, relieved everything was fine. After taking his arm off me, Keenan had put it over his stomach, and I now noticed why. His shirt was soaked with a dark liquid.15

“Are you bleeding?” I asked as I quickly pulled his arm away. His shirt was ruined, torn and stained with dark blood. I couldn’t see the extent of the wound in the darkness, but it looked very deep, although not very long. But those were those most dangerous, due to blood loss or because of where the swords hits. I reached out to pull his shirt off the wound and look closer, when he suddenly pulled back and replaced his arm.16

His face was very intense, and firm. I realized his eyes were still blazing from the battle, and he was tensed as though he would flee at any moment. “I am fine.” He said fiercely. 17

I tore a strip off the bottom of my skirt. I knew there was no use arguing with him, and it needed to at least be covered up, so I offered him the makeshift bandage. My night shift was probably the cleanest cloth we had readily available. His large hand gently took the cloth, I felt his finger brush mine and it felt like a tiny spark. 18

Keenan rose, turning to put the wrap around his stomach, lifting up his shirt. I realized I didn’t need to be hiding against the hut anymore and stood up as well. Without turning he said, “Your father and brother are taking care of the bandits’ bodies. Your sister and Maura are in the other hut.”19

He turned back towards me, his eyes still gleaming, looking dangerous. “You should go be with them. Thank you for the bandage.” Turning to leave, he gave a slight bow, just the slightest inclination of his head and shoulders, his arm still pressed over his stomach.20

It struck me as very odd. People around here do not bow, except to perhaps the chieftains. And I suddenly realized what struck me so odd about Keenan. He seemed so out of place like he didn’t belong, and yet seemed such an integrated part of the world that it seemed natural. When he was in the forest, it didn’t seem disturbed by his presence. But the way he spoke and acted, somehow didn’t seem to fit.21

“Wait,” I said, taking a few steps in the direction he had gone, towards the shed. “What about …?” I thought to ask too late, he was gone. He kept mentioning two bandits, but I was sure I had heard three voices in the forest earlier.22

#23

The next day, while Keenan was helping Camden cut the trees into posts, I watched for any weakness or indications he was in pain. I was worried about the gash, it had looked rather large even in the darkness last night. But, he didn’t seem to fatigue or favor the area at all. 24

I finally found an opportunity to speak with him alone when he went to gather more water for the clay. I offered to carry one of the buckets, and at first he looked at me skeptically.25

“Won’t your sister worry?” he asked, one eyebrow raised.26

“Not if I’m with you.” I shrugged, gripping the bucket I had picked up in my hand. I was determined to find out more about him, and the attack last night.27

“Alright.” He said, and we turned down towards the path. I let out a breath and was relieved Ula hadn’t stepped out of the hut yet. I knew she probably wouldn’t let me go.28

Spring was in full bloom now, and the days were becoming warmer. The breezes carried along the scent of lavender and jasmine. Keenan and I walked slower than usual, enjoying the peace of the forest.29

“Are you hurt?” I asked quietly, trying to sound casual.30

I think I heard him sigh before he replied, glancing in my direction. “No. I told you last night, I’m fine.”31

We were almost at the river when I asked, “I saw my brother watching you today; did he see you get hurt too?” 32

Keenan stopped walking abruptly, and I took a second to stop and turn towards him. I was afraid I had made him mad, but when I looked at him his eyes were amused, but his mouth was grim. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re too curious?” 33

“No.” I said firmly, crossing my arms over my chest. Once again, I wasn’t sure if he were teasing me or not. “And why do you always ask questions with questions?”34

This time he laughed. A smile was on his lips that made my stomach do little flips. I turned back towards the water and set my bucket on a rock.35

Keenan had come up behind me, and he set his buckets beside mine. “You really want to know?” he whispered so quietly, I almost doubted whether I heard him or not.36

I partially turned toward him, and he was closer than I thought. The wind shifted and my hair blew towards him, a few strands touching his arm. I looked up into his eyes, and they were serious, but kind. His face was set as stone, and unable to read. I nodded slowly.37

He reached down and lifted his shirt, showing me his stomach where I had seen the wound the night before. There was a feint white line, which was almost unnoticeable. But, there was no gaping wound and no sign of a recent one either. I reached out instinctively to trace the white line, and he allowed me, although I heard his sharp intake of breath as I lightly brushed his skin.38

“See, I’m fine.” He said as he tugged the shirt down. “No wound.”39

“Liar.” I said strongly and turned to the river with my bucket in hand. I took a few steps in the water to cool my feet, and bent to plunge my bucket into the water. It filled quickly, as the river was really strong this time of year. I returned and set the bucket down on the rock again. 40

I vaguely noticed that Keenan hadn’t really moved; it was as though he was deep in thought. So, I was startled when he spoke abruptly, louder than he usually did. “You wouldn’t believe me.”41

I turned towards him, looking at him for a moment. He looked younger than he had a few moments ago, his eyes a lighter green with worry creased on his forehead. I asked him, “Do you want to go for a walk? I don’t think the water is needed right away.” Or at least I hoped not.42

“Okay.” He said, and he let me lead the way up the path, and I turned towards the path that led to the hill top clearing that I often went to. It was near the time when the lilies there should be beginning to bloom. I loved them the best of all the flowers surrounding the forest.43

When we reached the clearing, I paused to enjoy the view. The clearing was almost entirely covered in little white lilies. There were even more this year, than any before I had seen in fact. There was only a small spot to one side cleared, and I headed towards the spot to sit on the grass. 44

Keenan settled himself beside me. I waited quietly, for him to decide when and if to speak. I supposed I had pried enough, and was starting to feel bad for becoming a pest to him. I hoped I hadn’t upset him too much. I was just thinking about apologizing and asking him to forget the whole thing when suddenly he shifted to face me.45

“I have to admit something,” he started slowly, thinking of his words. “I have felt a connection to you. You are the first person in a… long time that I have felt the desire to confide in.” He paused, looking at me. His hand reached out towards my hair, and I froze as he plucked a small lily bloom out of my hair. 46

“You are honest, and pure, and accept things so readily. I am not sure if that is what draws me to you, but I feel I can trust you.” His eyes became serious, but still held that light glimmer. I became acutely aware of what those sorts of words could mean.47

“I cannot mislead you, so I will tell you the truth if you so desire. But I fear you may ask me to leave afterwards, and I will accept that willingly if that is your wish.” He waited for me to respond, and he did not rush me. 48

Why would whatever he has to say make me want him to leave? He had easily won over the trust and admiration of my family, but why does he think my whim would change things so abruptly. I was drawn to him as well, and I personally didn’t want him to leave if I could help it. I hadn’t known him but these few weeks, but I felt comfortable with him. I realized abruptly that I trusted him as well. It hadn’t even occurred to me that he could have been involved with last night’s bandits, but logically it could be a possibility. Which made me think about the third voice, but I would need to remember to ask about that later. But I knew he could not have been involved; he had helped protect us.49

“I certainly have no problem accepting things as they are.” I stated, as a matter of fact, but also as assurance that I would listen and try and accept what he had to say.50

He nodded and leaned back a little, “The wound you saw last night was real enough.”51

He paused, allowing me to realize what he said. 52

“The scar…” I whispered.53

“Yes,” he nodded. “I heal very quickly. Although the wound was deep, the pain was difficult last night. But, as you can see I am fully healed today.”54

“Who are you?” I asked. 55

“Now that is the real question.” Keenan looked at me, his eyes beginning to darken again to their usually forest green shade. A small smile crept upon his face; he looked down, almost ashamed. It almost seemed as if that had been the question he had been waiting for from me for the past few days.56

“I have been alive for a very,” he paused, looking at me significantly, “very long time.”57

He let that sink in before continuing. “How long, exactly?” I asked. It seemed a reasonable follow up question, even in such an uncommon subject.58

“Well,” he laughed a little as he put his head back to think, “About…600 years I think.”59

“600? You think?” I tried to keep the trembling out of my voice, and I wasn’t sure I succeeded too well. 60

“Well, calendars are different everywhere, it’s hard to keep track.” He said defensively, and seriously.61

I stared at him, to see if he was teasing me, but he seemed very somber. 62

“I said it would be hard to believe.” He replied. I supposed he had. Perhaps he was telling the truth, and he was reaching out to me to talk to about it.63

“How did it happen?” I asked. Perhaps if I understood everything, it would make more sense.64

“I was a fisherman,” he started, “when I was…mortal. One day I had caught a very mysterious fish. It was very odd looking, and it seemed to be from the deeper seas. We first fed a bit of the fish to a dog to be sure it wasn’t poisonous. When the dog was fine the next day I ate some for dinner that evening. It was sweet and very tender. I shared some with my good friend, and little did I know.” He paused and looked down, his face tight with emotional pain. “The fish was cursed. Neither of us grows old, nor do we die from our wounds. As you saw, they heal.”65

It was silent for a while. I absorbed his story, wondering why he thought it was a curse. Perhaps after so many years of life he felt bitter, and alone. Except for his one good friend he mentioned.66

“You’re friend is with the Durotriges?” I asked, remembering him mentioning that before.67

He nodded, bringing himself out of his memories. “Yes, I think so. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, but I believe he may have been heading there.”68

We were quiet for a while. I thought about what he had told me, and I assumed he thought about the past. I somehow believed him, I’m not sure if it was just because I wanted to believe him. But, I told him I would accept anything he offered. And this was certainly something that needed blind acceptance. Keenan had always been kind, and never seemed a threat. In fact he may have quite possibly saved all of our lives.69

I had no good reason not to believe him. I felt I owed him my acceptance. Until I was shown otherwise, I would believe Keenan.70

I admired him, while he was still lost in thought. His hair was spotted with sunlight, and red streaks stood out against dark black. The muscles in his arm stood out as he leaned back on his arms. My stomach began to flutter a bit again, but heart thudded on steadily. 71

“May I ask one thing?” whispering, hesitating to interrupt his thoughts. 72

“Just one?” he asked, smiling.73

I couldn’t resist smiling back. But I knew this one may be one he didn’t want to answer. “Why do you say it’s a curse?” I waited a moment. “I personally, wouldn’t mind more time in this world. As I know life is short for most people, and even shorter for others.”74

He took a moment before answering, his smile not wavering, but his eyes did darken a bit. “Although our lives are long, it is still a very difficult world. Many loved ones and friends die, yet we always remain.”75

The sorrow must outweigh the joys, I suppose. Especially if you were all alone, like Keenan currently was. Perhaps that was why he was seeking his friend. I began to feel sad for him. The world seemed large, even though I had never left further than a few days travel. Keenan had probably seen a lot of it, and knew a lot more of pain and hardship than I could imagine. But, some part of me wondered why it would still be a curse. Perhaps there are good things that can be accomplished, maybe ways to help. I had a hard time believing that there wouldn’t be some greater purpose for the existence of these two men. There must be some greater reason for that fish to have existed in the first place.76

#77

Although I had been faced with an interesting phenomenon to ponder, days went on as usual. My health seemed stable, so I helped with chores around the farm. There was an increased anxiety, and more time and effort was being put forth to finish the palisades. Even Ula, with all her house chores, spent time mixing clay or holding posts. 78

I had noticed that Ula tended to help Keenan more, trying to be near him and have reason to speak with him. I began to feel bad for her as I realized her feelings for Keenan may possibly be real. With his circumstances, there was no hope for a future with him. He probably couldn’t stay in many places long, as the fact that he doesn’t age would be noticed. 79

Maura tried to help as much as she could, but pregnancy was progressing. She found herself more tired, and her feet would ache. One afternoon, a few days before Bealltainn, I was sitting on the ground rubbing Maura’s feet. I really enjoyed Maura’s company. She was closer to my age, being only a couple years older, which had been a nice change. She was getting plump and round now with child, and that amazed and intrigued me as well. She had been a small, slight girl when she arrived; and now she was becoming a woman. Her blonde hair had begun to shine and shimmer with a golden color while she was pregnant; she really looked beautiful to me.80

Suddenly Maura’s head snapped up and her hand went to her stomach. I became worried, until I saw a small smile creep on her face. She looked at me, “He’s kicking, want to feel?”81

She took my hand and placed it on her belly. Her skin felt firm and taunt under my hand, and suddenly there was a hard push against my hand. My eyes flew open in amazement, as the baby inside began to pound against my hand. Almost as though he knew I was there, and was reacting. I smiled, looking up at Maura.82

“You think it’s a boy?” I asked. 83

“My ma said that if the baby carries higher up that it’s a boy, so I think so.” Maura said as she absently stroked her belly. “But, we’ll see.”84

Maura decided to go rest in her hut. As she walked away, I knew that she and Camden would have to leave soon. The palisades were almost finished, and then there would be really no excuse for them to go to Maura’s mothers. I had been feeling very good once spring had started, and I could help father and Ula to keep up with the work from Camden’s absence.85

I noticed that Keenan had been attaching posts nearby, and he was beginning on a new section. I offered to hold the post for him, as he tied it with twine and began patting the bottom with clay to hold it in place. We worked in comfortable silence for a few moments, when Camden walked past. Keenan didn’t see him, because he was bent to his task, but Camden was watching Keenan. He didn’t look angry, just weary and inquisitive. Camden trust Keenan, otherwise he wouldn’t have let him stay here, but something must have happened.86

“Keenan,” I began, “did something happen with my brother?” asking quietly, for Camden had just walked away towards the field where the goats and sheep were kept.87

Keenan looked up at me briefly, “Camden?” he thought for a moment, “Why?”88

“Well,” I shrugged with one shoulder, “he just seems to be watching you sometimes.”89

Keenan stood up, having finished with the current post. “I was not very careful.” He started, “On the first day I was helping him with the posts, I stabbed my hand. It was a very small cut, but it healed very fast. He must have seen that, even though I tried to cover it up.” He looked at, still thinking with furrowed brows, when a small smile began on his face. His green eyes glimmered as he looked at my pointedly, “Or, perhaps he’s worried because I seem to be spending a lot of time with his beautiful baby sister.”90

I felt my face redden, and turned to look away. Point taken. That could be Camden’s concern. He was protective of me; there was no doubt about that. But, I had seen Camden watching Keenan, and it didn’t seem as though he felt protective, more like he was wondering about Keenan. And if he had seen him hurt himself, and then the wound disappear as I had, then Camden would certainly have some questions.91

Having thought of Keenans wound reminded me of something else I wanted to discuss with him. While I had been thinking he had grabbed another post, and I held it while he began with the clay again.92

“The night of the attack,” I began; he didn’t look up and continued working, “you said there were two bandits, right?”93

“Yes, two.” He said as his dark hair bobbed once as he nodded while he continued to work.94

“But, when I was in the hut, I thought I heard three voices.”95

He paused then, with a clump of clay in his hand, and looked up at me. “You heard the voices?”96

“Yes,” I answered as he rose to stand in front of me. “That’s what woke me up. I thought there were three voices: two deep voices and one higher male voice.”97

He looked at me, and thought for a while. I could see his eyes sparkle, as he was thinking. His mouth became a thin line, and he looked down briefly. 98

“I had wondered if there were three, myself,” He said slowly. “I had heard them in the forest, as they approached. But I thought perhaps I had heard the movements wrong, and that those two were just really careless.” 99

His eyes seemed to focus, as he looked at me again. “Your father doesn’t have any enemies does he?”100

I was taken aback by this thought. We led a fairly quiet life here, and only had a lot of ties with the Catuvellauni tribe, which were peaceful and harbored a lot of trade. 101

“I don’t think so.” I said startled by the uncertainty I heard, and said more steadily, “I wouldn’t see why.”102

Keenan nodded, accepting my answer. “It was probably a random raid.” He stated, as if to finalize whatever thoughts he had been thinking about.103

We continued working until it was time for me to help Ula prepare the evening meal. As Ula and I cooked and stirred, I could hear Camden and my father discussing plans to pay a visit to the nearest village, Vervlamivm. It was a three day journey, and I hadn’t been there myself in over a year.104

“We will take a goat or two, and the wool we have stored up as tribute for the Chieftain.” My father’s deep voice rumbled. He didn’t talk much, but when he did everyone listened. He was a large man, and had an easy way to earn respect of people. Not only because of his size or strength, he was gentle and genuinely concerned for people. People were automatically drawn to his warmth and trusting demeanor.105

“Will you be going, Brogan?” Keenan asked, a small part of me smiling at hearing his voice interacting like he was part of the family.106

“No,” my father replied, “Camden will be going. And soon I hope, by the looks of Maura.”107

I heard Camden and father exchange a slight laugh, then my brother replied “The fence should been done within the week. I can go after that and be back quickly.”108

That would be cutting is close, in my opinion. Camden needed to be near Maura, in case the baby decided to come early. As I glanced to Ula, she thought it wasn’t a good idea either, since she was grimacing and had stopped stirring the stew. Our eyes met, and we knew there was no point in disturbing their fireside conversations now. But, later we would certainly put in our say. And Maura would surely have some as well.109

I fell asleep that night thinking about Keenan, mainly his beautiful eyes and smile that made my heart beat a bit faster.110