Algor

Algor

By: Katie Swinford

Elizabeth was just finishing her walk when she suddenly heard screams. She started to run, but she was still too late. When she finally reached the house the screams had stopped. She entered the cottage slowly.

“Mama, Papa, where are you?” The 16 year old shouted before pushing her blond hair behind her shoulder. “Papa, Mama.” She said again when no one replied. Then her eyes grew wider as she walked around. When she looked into the living room she gaped. There in the middle of a room of over turned furniture lay her parents in a pool of blood. She restrained the urge to scream. Instead she ran from the house to get help. At the first house she came to she knocked rapidly. The man who opened the door had graying hair and looked at her worriedly with green eyes. 

“Elizabeth what’s happened? Is someone hurt?” The man asked.

“Mama and Papa are hurt. I think they could be dead.” She managed to say holding back tears.

“Let’s go see.” The man told her before going inside to get his wife. Minutes later they were headed back to the house. Once inside Elizabeth did not want to go back into the room. So she just pointed towards the doorway. The woman who stayed with her had brown eyes and a long red braid down her back.  A moment later the man was back telling her that her parents were dead. She started to cry against the woman’s shoulder.

“It will all workout.” She said soothingly. She was inconsolable. Her only family in the world was dead.

“How did they die?” She managed to choke out.

“It looks like an animal attack. Not one I’ve seen before though.” He told her.

“William Mary could I stay with you for a while until I figure out what I’m going to do?” She asked.

“Of course.  The girls have been dying to see you.” William told her leading her out of the house. William and Margaret had three daughters. Lauren was the eldest and Elizabeth’s best friend. The other two were sic year old twins named Sarah and Anna. When She entered the house the twins were the first to greet her. They both had their red hair pulled back in two little braids. Their brown eyes excited with innocence.

“Girls let her breath.” Lauren laughed before holding out her arms to her best friend. She had the same red hair as her mother and sisters, but had her father’s green eyes. “What’s wrong?” She asked after seeing that Elizabeth had been crying.

“Her parents are dead.” William said finally coming in with Margaret. Lauren gasped.

“Elizabeth I am so sorry.” She said holding her friend close while she cried again. Then Elizabeth felt a light pull on her skirt. It was Anna the smaller twin.

“Elizabeth will you be living with us for a while. Me and Sarah will share our room.” The little girl offered innocently her other sister nodding behind her. Elizabeth had to smile at the little girls’ generosity.

“I will only be staying with you for a little while. I’ll share a room with Lauren for now ok.” Elizabeth told them. They nodded that they understood. There was very little conversation through dinner. After which they all went to bed. At first Elizabeth could not fall asleep and when she finally did her mind thought of all the creature that could have attacked her parents. She woke up in the middle of the night by a knocking on the door. She sat straight up and shook Lauren who was beside her awake.

“Someone’s here.” Elizabeth said shivering.  They each hurriedly got dressed. They crept past the sleeping twins down stairs. When they reached the main room three of the town’s men were talking to William.

“What is it? Has something happened?” Elizabeth asked her voice barely audible.

“More houses have been attacked. Most of the elders dead. It looks to be the same creature that killed your parents.” William told them.

“Do they know what the creature is?” Lauren asked.

“They still do not know.” Margaret told them shaking her head.

“Lauren, Elizabeth could you two please go care for the wounded? They are in the house of worship.” William asked before placing his hand across his eyes on thought.

“Of course father.” Lauren said. As the girls walked Lauren pulled back her long hair in a ribbon.

“I wonder why the Dazzah hasn’t caught the creature if it is bringing this much destruction.” Elizabeth asked thinking aloud. The Dazzah was the creature that the elders had made to protect the city of Algor centuries before. By now those elders were all gone though. However the elders had made the creature somehow immortal. So it could protect Algor forever. Finally the girls reached the house of worship. It had different sections leading off into small temples for each religion. Scattered around the building lay wounded people on all the available surfaces. As they tended to the wounded they lost track of time and one of the elders that were still alive He told the workers that that afternoon there would be a meeting there. As he started to walk out Elizabeth stopped him.

“Do you have any idea why the Dazzah has not attacked the creature who did all this?” She asked. He hesitated.

“That will be discussed this evening at the meeting. For now though there are people who I am sure could use your skill at healing.” He said before shooting her a fake smile. She could tell that he knew something that he was certainly not sharing. The day went by quickly with only a quick lunch and dinner of bread and cheese. When the meeting started she did her best to stay out of the way, but still listen intently. Everyone chatting among themselves every time the two remaining elders stopped speaking. Then Lauren was asking her to go fetch water out back at the pump. She nodded and grabbed two buckets. As she approached the pump she felt as though someone was watching her. She swallowed, but went on pumping. She had just finished filling up the first bucket when she heard a rustling in the surrounding woods. Elizabeth’s heart started to beat faster, she tried to pump the second bucket as fast as she could. Until she saw a creature step out of the woods into the moonlight. The creature looked like a wolf except it had claws and a beak. The creature growled as she backed away slowly with the buckets. Just as the creature raised it’s paw to attack her she heard a whistle like someone would use to summon a pet. The creature turned and left. She grabbed the buckets and ran inside before the creature could come back. She put the buckets down by Lauren and asked the elders if she could speak. They nodded.

“I just saw the creature. It just almost attacked me.  It looked like a wolf only it had claws and a beak.” She said finishing out of breath.

“What kind of creature is that?” She heard one woman shout.

“It seams like the prophecy has come true and the Dazzah has turned against us. Who was the first to die?” One of the elders asked. You could hear the crowd murmuring. 

“Elizabeth’s parents were the first to die. They were dead yesterday afternoon.” Lauren said speaking up her voice trembling. The other elder motioned Elizabeth to come forward with a sigh.

“This is the prophecy.

The first to die reborn again shall leave to save Algor. To find the keeper and destroy the creature killing old and young. The creature destined to protect will have  turned against us then.” He told her.

“What does that even mean? The first to die reborn again?” She asked. The elder shrugged.

“I think it’s you. Your parents died first and you are part of each of them.” Lauren pointed out from her spot behind Elizabeth.

“Who am I supposed to find then? Some kind of keeper, but the keeper of what?” Elizabeth asked not truly wanting to know.

“The keeper of the Dazzah I presume.” The first elder said. Elizabeth looked up at them confused.

“The Keeper of the Dazzah is a man from an ancient family who watches over the Dazzah. Each generation is supposed to learn everything needed about the Dazzah. If anyone could help us it would surly be him.” The second elder said with a smile that must have been reassuring. However it only un eased Elizabeth even more. 

“Where will I find him?” Elizabeth asked.

“You can leave whenever you wish and it would be hard not to recognize him.” The same elder told her. Elizabeth nodded and the meeting broke apart.  She gathered a few provisions and was ready to set out, but suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Lauren. The girls hugged goodbye and Lauren put something into Elizabeth’s hand. When she opened up her hand she found the necklace her mother has always worn.

“Father picked it up off the floor at your house and I replaced the ribbon.” Lauren said. Tears started to well up in Elizabeth’s eyes. She had always admired the necklace and her mother had always promised that one day she could have it. Lauren had remembered that. She would miss her friend dearly.  Elizabeth looked at the simple oval locket now hanging on a small dark blue ribbon. She knew it had pictures of her mother and father in it. Then Elizabeth helped her bye tying it. The locket just hit her collar bone. With that she headed off into the woods. As she walked she started growing tired, but she knew how important it was to stay awake. Around dawn she heard a rustling in the bushes behind her then hands grab hold of her. One at her throat the other at her waist pulling her backwards. She felt one hand untie the ribbon on her necklace and start to loosen her corset while another ran down the side of her body before pulling her backward even more. Her breath quickened in fear feeling like a sheep caught by a wolf. Then suddenly she heard another rustling and thought that it must be more men to try to rape her.

“Hey let go of her.” She heard a strong male voice demand. Then suddenly the necklace was gone. And she was being shoved to the ground. Just before she fainted she felt herself being caught. “Relax you’re safe now.” She heard the same voice say. When she woke up she remembered feeling cold. Then she came to her senses she realized that a man was taking off her closes. She immediately started struggling. However she underestimated his strength and he easily pinned her arms to her side.

“Let me go. I don’t want you to rape me.” She demanded. She heard him chuckle.

“Trust me if I wanted to rape you I would have already.” He told her. Then she pushed him as hard as she could and pushed him back a step while at the same time loosing her balance and falling to the floor. “You little fool. You are spirited though that is a rare quality in women these days.” He said with a smile while helping her up. Then he helped her into the bed and pulled the covers over her.

“Thank you. Good night” She whispered as he left the room. When she woke up again her clothes were sitting newly washed on a chair. She quickly got dressed and just as she was finishing tightening her corset there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” She called.

“Jeremiah” She heard the voice from the woods say.

“Come in.” She said after a moment. Then she heard the door open, Her back was turned to the door so she had to turn around before seeing him for the first time. He stood at around six foot tall and he had blond curls and green eyes. The features on his face were so prominent that he look liked the carved angels in the house of worship back in Algor. She felt her heart start to race and her breath hitched in her throat for a moment.

“Who was it who attacked me in the woods?” She forced herself say.

“I have no idea.” He admitted.

“I’m sorry.” He told her.

“I have to leave now. Thank you for helping me though.” She told him.

“Where are you going?” He asked. She smiled.

“You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She admitted.

“You might be surprised.” He told her before stepping towards her. Elizabeth took a step back also. “Are we really going to play this game? I step you step. Really it’s ridiculous.” He told her. Elizabeth looked at him skeptically. “Listen you are no match for me. Like I said before if I wanted to rape you I could have already. Even while you slept.” He told her.

“I suppose we might have gotten off to a bad start.” She admitted.

“Well let’s try again shall we? To start why don’t you tell me where you were going.” He suggested.

“You’ll laugh at me.” She said. He just shrugged showing it did not really matter to him. “I have to find the keeper of the Dazzah so that I can rescue Algor.” She said before chewing on her bottom lip. When he heard this Jeremiah’s expression changed from slightly amused to pleased.

“Here I am.” He told her before laying down on the bed and putting his hands behind his head.

“What?” She asked completely shocked. Now he had her complete attention. Jeremiah sat up and laughed.

“I am the keeper of the Dazzah” He said as if explaining to a three year old. Elizabeth backed up against the wall. If what he said was true the Dazzah would not be far off. Her fear was confirmed when Jeremiah whistled and the Dazzah came into the room. It was the same creature she had seen on her last night in Algor when she had gone to pump water. Elizabeth let out a cry and backed farther into a corner of the room. She watched as he shooed the Dazzah out of the room. Then he crouched down in front of her and asked what was wrong.

“That creature killed my parents.” She told him trying not to shake.

“The Dazzah protects people. It doesn’t kill them.” Jeremiah protested. When he reached out and held her arms she quickly pulled her arm away.

“Well it did. It killed people and almost attacked me.” She said harshly. He  grabbed her and pulled her as if to shake her and she fought back for a while before he pinned her arms to her sides.

“Well you are safe here. I do not know how the Dazzah could have attacked someone, but I guess we will find out.” He told her. Elizabeth gritted her teeth.

“Let go of me right now.” She demanded. Jeremiah released his grip and she took a step back.

“I know what I saw.” She insisted before turning her back to him.

“I’ll be in the next room when you calm down enough to be logical. Elizabeth went over to the bed and just fell into it. She remembered how hard his grip had been, how she had thought him capable of anything. After a while she peeked out to see Jeremiah sitting silently beside the fire. The Dazzah was nowhere in site but she still stepped out cautiously. 

“I’m sorry I overreacted. I was just scared.” She explained. Her speaking seamed to pull Jeremiah out of his thoughts. 

“Oh it’s fine. I sometimes let my temper get control of me.” He told her sounding slightly humiliated.

“It’s fine.” She told him with a smile. Jeremiah stood up and wiped some dirt off his pants.

“Are you hungry?” He asked. Elizabeth nodded and Jeremiah motioned for her to sit down at a bench set up beside the table. Jeremiah brought her back a piece of bread and a bowl of soup. She tore off little piece and was careful eating the soup remembering the lessons in manners her mother had taught her from a young age.

“If you are hungry eat. There is no use in impressing me.” He told her with a smiled.

“Well I would rather eat slow and not choke.” She said with a laugh.

“It’s good to have someone to talk to. You were asleep for three days you know.” Jeremiah told her. Elizabeth was in shock.

“Three days?” She asked in wonder.

“Well one was just coming here. Then you slept for a full day and today is the three days. You woke up while I undressed you though. You’re clothes were wet because it rained and I was afraid you may become ill.” He told her. She fidgeted suddenly very uncomfortable. “Oh don’t worry I didn’t do anything. I left you chemise on because it was mostly dry.” He told her now embarrassed.

“Well if it’s been three days we really should go back to Algor since I found you.” She told him.

“I completely agree.” He told her leaning in so close that their faces were only a few inches away.

“Do you still not believe me that the Dazzah killed people?” She asked. He leaned back in his chair before replying.

“I only doubt you slightly.” He told her. 

“When do you think we should leave?” She asked him finally finishing off her bread.

“I would say first thing tomorrow morning. It takes a full day to get there. It will probably take two though since we will most likely stop for lunch and to get water.” He told her. Elizabeth nodded in agreement. She realized that he had walked all night to get her there. She must have not seamed in very good health. The rest of the day was spent talking about various things. Elizabeth quickly felt at home with him. When it grew dark he told her there was something he wanted to show her. They went outside and walked across the yard.

“What are we doing?” She asked when he laid down on the grass.

“Looking at the stars. Lie down and you can see them very well.” He promised her. She did as he said.

“You’re right it’s beautiful.” She told him with a smile.

“My father used to bring me out here at night.” He told her. He seamed to be looking back on the memory inside his mind.

“My father used to take me fishing and hunting as a child.” She admitted. She smiled at the memory of her father teaching her how to bait the fish and how to shoot arrows.

“Really? Most women would never hunt.” He asked in a surprised tone.

“Well that’s just the thing. My father always told me that he would never have a daughter who knew nothing about hunting and providing herself with food.” She told him. She remembered when her father had told this to her. She had been six years old at the time. Before he became a member of the council and had to make decisions for the whole village. She had wanted to be just like her father. She looked over at Jeremiah and he did not look like the Keeper of the Dazzah with his hands behind his head lying down on the cool grass. He just looked like a normal boy. She suddenly wanted to touch him so much. Not being able to resist she put a hand on his arm. He looked over at her. She had his full attention.

“Do any of the stars have names?” She asked him. Quickly covering herself.

“Yes. My father taught me some of them.” He admitted. He was obviously pleased with the way the conversation was going. Then he pointed out the ones whose names he could remember and told her some of the stories involving their names. She was having such fun listening to him she did not realize how late it was getting. “I never knew any of that.” She said shivering a little in the cold.

“We should go inside and get some rest for the journey tomorrow.” He suggested. Once inside the house they both went right off to sleep. When she woke up the next morning she heard Jeremiah moving around in the next room so she knew he was already awake. She had been so tired the past night that she had not even to bothered to remove anything except her corset. She fixed her hair, put her corset back on, then grabbed her pack and stepped out into the next room. She set her pack down on the floor by the door and sat down at the table where Jeremiah had breakfast sitting out. It consisted of eggs, toast, and water. They ate in silence until Jeremiah finally said something.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked.

“Yes I did actually. Thank you.” She told him.

“That’s good.” He replied before finishing off his food. Elizabeth could not tell if he was simply a man of few words or if he just didn’t trust her. However she knew if they were going to succeed she had to get him to trust her completely. Once she finished eating a few seconds later they grabbed their packs and started off after washing the dishes. When they were about half way across the yard Jeremiah whistled. The same whistle she had heard in the woods. Then she saw the Dazzah run across the yard to catch up with them. She still did not completely trust the Dazzah, but she was not dumb enough to not see that to have Jeremiah’s help was to have the Dazzah there also. The Dazzah was like a loyal pet to Jeremiah. If she was wrong and the Dazzah had not killed her parents and the other people in the village the Dazzah could prove to be a powerful weapon. However the Dazzah was the only explanation to the injuries she had tended to her last night in Algor that came to mind. She had tended many other injures, but those had been unique. She had not noticed how long they had been walking till Jeremiah said something to her.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked.

“I was just remembering the injures I saw on my last night in Algor. I had never seen injures like it from anything before. I don’t know that I will ever forget those wounds.” She admitted. She looked up at the sky and by the position of the sun she judged that they may have been walking for about half an hour.

“Death is cruel. It is something we are always aware of, but never want to acknowledge, and sometimes the more horrific things in our lives are the things we never forget.

“That is true. I think though that people should acknowledge death more then they do. So they will not be as shocked when it happens.” She told him. He nodded in agreement.

“You are a rare person. Most people do not think that way. I think you are right though.” He admitted. He laughed at something his smile was infectious. 

“What is it? Death usually is not something to smile about.” She told him.

“Oh nothing. It’s just you remind me of some of the things my parents used to say.” He told her. They talked very little that day. When they stopped for lunch Elizabeth felt she had to ask him something.

“What would you do it the Dazzah had attacked people?” She asked. Jeremiah glanced at the Dazzah then gave her a odd look.

“I have no idea. If he had attacked people I guess I would have to keep him under strict vigilance.” He told her. She looked over at the Dazzah then she heard it growl at her. It looked ready to attack, but Jeremiah yelled at it to stop and it relaxed a little. “He’s not usually this temperamental.” He promised her. He sounded a little surprised.

“If you say so. I don’t know that I quite trust him though. He may have attacked my parents.” She told him.

“I understand.” He told her. She took a bite out of the piece of bread she was holding. She had to do something to keep herself from yelling. She doubted he understood. She knew he had not come home to find his parents dead. When he looked over at her he frowned slightly.

“Did I say something wrong?” He asked.

“No not really. It’s just I came home one day and I was the one to find my parents murdered.” She told him holding back tears at he memory of her parents dead bodies.

“I am so sorry. I did not know. So you think the Dazzah killed your parents. I understand why you don’t trust him.” He said putting an arm around her.

“I know you didn’t know. I don’t blame you.” She told him allowing him to pull her closer so she could cry against his chest.

“I shouldn’t have said anything.” He said running a hand over her hair. She laughed slightly at an old memory. Also happy to have a handsome young man holding her.

“What is so funny?” He asked.

“Nothing. Just my father used to hold me like this when I used to have nightmares.” She admitted.

“Do you miss your parents?” He asked.

“Yes. I miss them so much. They were so wonderful. I was especially close to my father.” She told him. “What about you? Do you miss your parents?” She asked him. She felt his body grow tense. Then he let go of her and turned away.

“My mother died giving birth to me. My father died when I was 6. He had been sick for a long time. Since before I was born actually. He taught me everything I needed to know though. I don’t really remember much about him. Most of the time we spent together was learning and drilling my knowledge of the Dazzah. So there is not really much to miss. He was a good father though. He helped me with anything I wanted to try.” He told her.

“I’m so sorry. It must have been hard. Have you been on your own since then?” She asked scooting closer to him.

“Yes. I still remember my father’s last words. He told her to always remember three things. To live my life doing these things. He said to never harm a women of force a women to do anything she didn’t want to do, then he told me to always protect others, and that one day the fate of Algor would depend on me. I have tried every day since then to make him proud.” He told her.

“You are making him proud. You are helping to save Algor. Protecting the people there. You saved me. I’m sure were your father here he would be very proud.” She told him putting a hand on his arm. Then he turned around.

“Thank you. I think we should get going now though.” He suggested.

“I suppose so.” She told him standing up. He took hold of one of her hands.

“Thank you for listening. It means so much to me.” He told her. When she looked at him she could tell he was still upset.

“I think we should stay till you relax a bit.” She told him sitting back down still holding onto his hand.

“I’m fine.” He insisted lightly give her a little squeeze before letting go of it.

“If you’re sure.” She told him.

“I’m sure.” He told her. She wanted to kiss him when their eyes met. She quickly stood up before she simply grabbed onto him and started kissing him. The rest of the day they walked in silence. When they made camp for the night Elizabeth broke the silence.

“How far are we from Algor?” She asked.

“Well not too much farther. I think we may be able to reach the city by tomorrow afternoon.” He told her.

“Oh it will be nice to be back home again.” She told him trying not to let her disappointment show.

“I’m sure it will be.” He said handing her half a loaf of bread to tear a piece off of. “So what was your life like before all this happened?” He asked her trying to make casual conversation.

“It was nice. It was always just me, mother, and father. My best friend’s name is Lauren. She has two little sisters. Anna and Sarah. They are both 6. They always want me and Lauren to play along with them. We usually do.” She admitted.

“It sounds lovely. I hope I will get to meet them.” Jeremiah told her.

“If you want I will make sure I introduce you. What about you? What was your life like?” She inquired.

“Quiet, but lonely.” He confided.

“No neighbors or anything? I’m sure a man like you must have a few admirers.” She said. He laughed.

“No actually. You are the first person to be in my house since my father died. Did you have any suitors? ” He asked her.

“A few. No one special though. All of them only saw me as a woman to keep house and bear children. I do not want to marry someone who thinks that way.” She told him.

“Well most men think that way. Surely you will have a time finding a husband.” He joked. She just rolled her eyes.

“You don’t think that way do you? There are surely others who think the same way.” She told him. He laughed and flashed her a warm smile. Then he leaned in close to her. His face was barely half a foot away.

“What did you mean a man like me?” He asked. She could hardly think having him that close.

“Well you are obviously handsome. You must know that just if you have ever looked in a mirror. I know many women back in Algor who would love to be courted by you.” She said trying not to sound breathless. He looked slightly shocked.

“Well I bet you will have many more suitors that you will have your choice of. You are a very attractive woman. No man could fail to see that.” He told her before leaning in even closer and kissing her. As she kissed him back she felt him pull her closer. As if by her kissing him back he gained an invitation to hold her closer. Her heart started to race. Then he suddenly let go of her. The rest of the night went quickly as they set out their blankets by the fire. Elizabeth lay down to sleep. In her dreams she kept reliving the moment when he had kissed her. Only her dreams did not stop at the point it had in reality. In her dream they were holding each other even closer exploring each other. She woke herself up before her dream could go to the extreme. She opened her eyes to see Jeremiah lying beside her looking into the fire. He looked to be deep in thought.

“Hello.” She said to him making him look back at her.

“Hello. Can’t you sleep either?” He asked.

“Oh I slept for a while.” She said remembering her dream.

“I saw.” He laughed.

“Listen I have to ask. Why did you kiss me?” She inquired blushing.

“I’m sorry if I offended you.” He said sounding self conscious.

“No it was nice. I was just a little caught off guard.” She admitted. He smiled. “Can I tell you something?” She asked him. He nodded. “Well I do not exactly know how to say this. Basically you are in my mind the perfect man. You’re handsome, smart, kind, and I could go on, but I won’t” She told him. It was obviously not what he had expected her to say. She couldn’t help but blush as he looked at her. “I felt I should tell you.” She mumbled. She laid back down on her back and he did the same.

“How long?” He asked.

“What do you mean?” She asked confused.

“How long have you felt this way about me?” He asked. She hesitated only for a moment.

“Well I found you attractive from the first. Then the rest just happened.” She told him.

“Well I could tell you were special from that first night when I rescued you in the woods.” He said. She scooted closer to him.

“So I have told you what I feel. What about you?” She asked. She smiled and sat looking at her.

“Do you have an idea how beautiful you are?” He asked. She shook her head.

“You look like an angel right now. Your hair falling behind you and your green eyes reflecting the firelight. You’re so stunning.” HE told her before leaning down and kissing her forehead. She sighed as he then planted a single kiss on her throat. He pulled her closer and her dress scrunched up showing her thigh. He placed her hand there and she let out a gasp of surprise.

“I’m stopping.” He promised pulling away. She smiled up at him.

“You should really sleep.” She told him.

“I probably should. The question though is weather my body will let me.” HE said lying back down and putting his hands behind his head.

“Just try. You have to be tired.” She told him. He nodded and closed his eyes. She stayed awake until she heard his breathing slow and she knew he was asleep. Only then did she finally go back to sleep. When she woke up the next day Jeremiah was finishing packing up his things. He must not have noticed her waking up because he simply continued packing. She sat up and tried to fix her hair a tad before going over to him.

“Good morning.” She said. He looked up and noticed her standing beside him.

“Good morning. About last night. We should  probably forget it ever happened.” He suggested. She looked at him curiously.

“Why would you say that? It did happen. If you regret it so much why did you do it?” she asked putting her hands on her hips.

“I did not say I regretted it. I said nothing of the sort. You just do not understand. IT is better for you if you simply forget me.” He told her. He reached for her, but she stepped away from him.

“Fine then we can simply finish going to Algor. You can help us and then go back to being a recluse.” She said angrily. When in reality she just felt hurt. What had she done to make him want to forget her. When she looked at him she regretted her words. He looked hurt and shocked. She horridly packed and they set out. They did not stop for lunch, but simply walked on. They reached Algor in the early afternoon. The town looked deserted. Elizabeth ran to Lauren’s house. No one was home though.

“Where is everyone?” She asked mainly to herself. Then she heard a scream coming from the town’s center. She and Jeremiah ran as fast as they could towards the sound the Dazzah trotting behind them. What they saw was a shock. There in the center of the city was a creature identical to the Dazzah in every way.

“What is going on?” She heard Jeremiah asked. Then the creature started walking towards the city house of worship where everyone was huddled together. The men were armed and standing in front of the women and children ready to protect their friends and families. “Do not attack it. It will not work.” Jeremiah called to the men. The creature turned towards them. As it started to come towards them Elizabeth froze in fright. Then she heard Jeremiah telling her something. “Run. Get to the rest of the people. Now go.” He instructed giving her a light shove. Then she took of running  and the creature looked at her for a moment, but she just kept running. Somehow the creature never caught her. When she finally reached the rest of the people she turned and watched as Jeremiah tired to distract the creature. Then suddenly the creature lunged at him. She couldn’t see much until out of nowhere the Dazzah toppled the other creature off Jeremiah. For a while the two creatures fought. Then the other creature bounded off into the woods. The Dazzah walked over to Jeremiah’s body and stood guard. Then Elizabeth ran as fast as she could to him. Jeremiah had many injuries. He had a deep cut in his chest. His pants were torn from the creature’s claws and she could see deep scratches on his thighs. His shirt was ripped open and he was bleeding a lot. One arm had a cut so deep she thought she could see his tendons. She took stock of his injuries as she wiped some of the blood off his face. He was barely conscious, but she could tell that he was in great pain.

“Jeremiah it’s me Elizabeth I’m here.” She said

“Elizabeth I have to tell you something.” He barely managed.

“Hush we can talk when you’re well.” She insisted. He shook his head and took a deep breath.

“No I may not live and you have to know this.” He told her taking her hand in his.

“Very well what is it?” She asked. She felt like crying knowing every word may be taking minutes off his life.

“I do not regret last night. The reason I said that is because all the women who marry men from my family die. I did not want that to happen to you. My mother lived the longest because she was the toughest one. I could not make you think that we could marry when I knew you might die. I wanted to explain this morning, but the way you looked at me I knew you wouldn’t listen even if I tried.” He said. Stopping for a moment to breath a few times.

“Rest. Save your energy. You are not going to die today.” She said.

“I won’t live and you have to know this.” He insisted. Then Elizabeth felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see everyone behind her with Lauren at the front right behind her. Some men carried Jeremiah inside and Elizabeth and Lauren were left alone. Elizabeth stood up and brushed away the tears that finally came knowing Jeremiah could die at any second. She tried to follow everyone back inside, but Lauren stopped her.

“I have to help him.” She insisted.

“Later first you need to calm down. You will be no help when you’re upset like this. You have to be strong. Tell me who he is.” Lauren suggested.

“The man I was supposed to find. The keeper of the Dazzah.” She started. Then she preceded to tell Lauren everything that had happened. When she got to the argument she started to be overwhelmed.  Now that she knew his reasons she regretted what she had said even more. “Now he could be dying. He wasted energy to tell me what he meant. If I hadn’t run the creature would not have attacked him.” She said just as she felt a cold nose on her arm. She looked down to see the Dazzah looking up at her with sad eyes. She patted his head then walked into the church. Jeremiah was lying on the floor near the front. There were far more people wounded then when she had left. She sat down next to him and rested his head in her lap stroking his forehead as he slept. Worrying that he would never wake up. Her other hand held his which returned to pressure. After a time she cleaned his wounds. The deep cuts had been stitched up. As she dapped at a small cut on his face he woke up. When he saw who it was he protested.

“Help the others. I’m not that important.” He insisted. She didn’t listen though.

“I’m not leaving you.” He said he shook his head.

“I can’t ask you to stay with me especially now that you know how I feel about you.” He said. She sighed not feeling like arguing.

“You need to rest and you are in no state to argue with me. You need to take it easy until the stitches heal.” He told him before going back to work. Every time he tried to protest she would put a finger to his lips and tell him to be still. Eventually he just laughed and gave up. He laid his head back in her lap into defeat.

“I never thought I would be ordered around by you.” He said with a smile.

“Well you will just have to get used to it.” She said squeezing his hand before wrapping bandages around his stomach. When she was finished she ran her fingers through his hair washing a few bits of blood out of it.

“Why don’t you help the others now. I’m good as new.” He said.

“You just want me to leave so you can find a prettier girl to help you. I don’t want that to happen.” She teased. He smiled.

“To find a prettier girl I am fairly sure would be impossible. It is amazing to me how you can bring joy in a sad time like this.” He told her.

“At least we know the Dazzah wasn’t responsible for the attacks.” She said he nodded in agreement.

“I have more to tell you. Same as earlier.  The thing is the Keeper of the Dazzah and his family has to be reclusive. Each generation has to until the Dazzah dies. I knew you loved the people here. How could I ask you to give them all up. When I saved you my first though was that you could be the one I married. However when I found out you were looking for the Keeper of the Dazzah I knew it was impossible. I still don’t think I could ever ask you to give everything up for me.” He admitted.

“You worry to much. It is my choice and if it comes to it I choose to be with you.” She said. He let out a sigh of exasperation.

“I have to …” He started but she stopped him.

“Do not even say it. You are not going to die. Would you like to go to my house? It would be a quiet place to rest.” She said. He nodded.

“It would be nice to be able to be in a quiet place.” He said. They walked to her house together. When they got upstairs to her room he laid down on her bed and she lay beside him and rested her head on his good arm. Then they heard a knock on the door downstairs. Elizabeth rushed downstairs to answer the door to find Lauren waiting there.

“I have to talk to both of you.” Lauren insisted. Once they got upstairs they went to sit in so Jeremiah could hear. “I thought it was suspicious that there were two creatures so I went to go reread the prophecy. The elders did not tell us all of it. It continues to say. But nothing is as it seams. The truth lies in the ones you respect most. The Dazzah will attack itself, and one citizen must sacrifice her blood. To save the town, to win the peace, and restore the world anew. The keeper will have to pay his due, but for the town to survive. He must not die.” She told them. They all sort of looked at each other.

“Why did the elder’s not tell us all of it?” Elizabeth asked. Lauren shrugged.

“Perhaps they only thought to tell us what we needed at the time.” Lauren suggested.

“No one takes prophecy lightly especially not a city’s elders.” Jeremiah pointed out. The girls both looked at him.

“Why then wouldn’t they tell us?” Elizabeth asked sitting beside him. “I think they’re hiding something. We need to find out what it is.” He said.

“Jeremiah I do no like this. According to the prophecy you might be in danger of dying. I don’t like it one bit.” She told him the concern obvious in her voice.

“I already almost did.” He reminded her.

“What about the line that says One citizen must sacrifice her blood.” Lauren asked.

“I wouldn’t worry about that. Many women have lost blood already.

“Just make sure you both are careful. I can only be so much help.” Jeremiah told them.

“I will just make sure you to take that advice.” Lauren said before leaving. Elizabeth put a hand on his chest and cuddled up next to him. He ran a hand up and down her neck and the top of her shoulder. Eventually he just rested his hand on her back.

“I love you.” She whispered  her voice barely audible.

“I love you to.” He said before kissing her head.

“You need to rest. You have not been getting enough sleep.” She told him.

“I will sleep when it is dark.” He insisted.

“Fine what should we do till then?” She asked resting her head on his chest.

“We could go warn the people and prepare them for the next attack.” He suggested.

“How long would it take you to teach them?” She asked.

“Well it took me six years to learn everything I know. They probably do not need to know everything I know though.” He told her.

“Well you were young. Most of the people are adults and they learn fast.” She told him.

“It may take a few days at the least.” He told her. She insisted that he did not start teaching the people till morning.

“The sooner they start learning the sooner they will be able to defend themselves.” He told her trying to get up.

“You need to rest. At least until tomorrow morning.” She said pushing him back down.

“I swear you are going to be the death of me.” He joked.

“Do what I saw I know what I am doing my mother taught me and she was a smart women.” She said before kissing him. He pulled her down towards him with his good arm. She just laid there watching him so a while. After a while she went down to get them dinner.

“You stay in that bed. I am going down to get food. If you are not lying down when I get back you are in deep trouble.” She told him.

“Oh I am just so scared.” He joked. Then she walked downstairs and quickly made a soup. When she got back upstairs he was sitting up in bed waiting for her. She set down a tray with bowls, a pot of soup and bread and water on the night stand. “It smells delicious.” He said.

“Wait till you try it.” She said handing him a bowl and spoon. Then she got herself some soup and sat down beside him. When they were full she took everything back downstairs to the kitchen. Halfway up the stairs there was a knock at the door. When she opened the door it was Lauren again.

“I found something big. Do you have your father’s papers?” She asked. Elizabeth nodded.

“Yes he kept all his papers concerning business. His study is upstairs.” She told her.

“We need to look through them especially anything concerning the council.” Lauren told her. Elizabeth nodded and they went upstairs. Jeremiah was leaning against the door frame of her room when they go upstairs.

“What is going on?” He asked.

“Lauren needs to look at my father’s papers.” Elizabeth told him.

“What are you looking for?” Jeremiah asked.

“Well I noticed that out of all the attacks only people on the council died. Elizabeth’s father was one of the most influential members on the council.” Lauren said.

“My father kept a detailed journal. He sometimes spent hours writing in it. Mother and I were the only two other then father who knew about it. There could be something else.” Elizabeth told them before rushing into the study and quickly getting out an old leather bound journal. By the time Lauren and Jeremiah go into the room Elizabeth was already flipping through the pages. The two others looked over her shoulders in curiosity.

“What language is that?” Jeremiah asked.

“It is a secret language my father and I came up with when I was little. Mother could not even read it.” Elizabeth explained.

“You made up a whole language?”  Lauren asked impressed. Elizabeth nodded. Elizabeth skimmed over the pages. Nothing of importance. Only notes from unimportant council meetings and things about everyday life. When she was about halfway through the book she found something.

“Here.” She said making the others come over.

“What is it?” Jeremiah asked. Elizabeth pointed at a spot about half way down the page.

“You see from here to here?” She asked pointing few various sentences.  They nodded. “It’s the prophecy. After that it says. The council is turmoil. There is one among us and I will not say names at the moment who wishes without realizing it to destroy the city. I do not know what to do. I fear for my family’s lives. Especially Elizabeth’s. She is wise even only being 16. I know if anything happens to our town and for some reason I think she could be the only able to save us.” She said before nearing tears. Her father had been worried about something. 

“Is there anything else?” Jeremiah asked. She kept flipping.

“Not yet. I will tell you if I find anything. A few pages later there was more. “Here I found something. It says Edwin came today. He wants me to help him create this monster. I thank the lord Elizabeth was not at home. She would have done something to anger him. He was threatening me and I know she would have done something rash. The girl is fearless. Which may come in handy is she ever is faced with a challenge. I just can not see why Edwin wants this. If his plan succeeds the people will be in great danger. Another Dazzah lord help us all if he is hell bent on this.” She told them. Then the book went blank.

“Is that it?” Lauren asked. Elizabeth shook her head.

“It can’t be. That was the day before the attacks started. I know he was writing in it that day.” She said. Then she suddenly remembered something. She flipped to the back of the book and found an entry from the day of the attack.

“How did you know to?” Lauren said.

“Father used to leave me notes back here. This entry is the most recent. He wrote. Edwin has succeeded somehow. He told us tonight that he had. He told us whoever stood in his way would be in great danger. I wrote this back here because Elizabeth knows to look back here for anything important from me.” She told him. Then she flipped to the back of the page and found a note.

“What is that?” Jeremiah asked.

“It is a note to me. It says My dearest Daughter Elizabeth, If you are reading this then something has gone terrible wrong and you are in grave danger. There are most likely many things you are wondering. It all boils down to this. I am obviously not there. Most likely because of Edwin. He has created a creature exactly like the Dazzah in everyway only this creature was made to kill, not to protect. You need to find the Keeper of the Dazzah right away. He is  most likely the only one who can help you right now. You will have to be very careful. You need to find a way to destroy the creature. Remember I love you always. Your father.” When she finished reading it aloud many emotions rushed through her. She wanted to cry while at eh same time she wanted to beat Edwin to a pulp for what he had done to her parents.

“Oh my god.” She heard Lauren say.

“Who on earth is Edwin?” Jeremiah asked.

“The only elder still alive. I should have seen it.” Lauren said.

“I swear to God he is going to wish he never stepped foot in this house.” Elizabeth said. She scooped up the journal and ran from the room. Jeremiah grabbed her by the hand and stopped her.

“Calm down you can not think straight if you are angry.” He told her.

“I can not calm down until that murderer had paid for what he did to my parents.” She said. She tried to hold back tears knowing someone she had trusted for all her life had betrayed her family. She felt lonely until Jeremiah pulled her towards him and held her close.

“Do not worry he will get what he deserves. I promise.” He told her. She stopped crying and looked up at him. “Are you better now?” He asked wiping the tears off her face. She nodded. “Good it will all be fine.” He said before giving her a quick kiss. She stepped back out of the protection of his arms.

“I am going to stop this right now before more people get hurt.” She said walking down the stairs and out the door.

“She is not hesitant is she?” Jeremiah asked.

“Never has been and we have known each other since we were babies.” Lauren said before following Elizabeth out of the house. Jeremiah came along to. Elizabeth got to the church just before the other two. She walked right up to Edwin and slapped him across the face.

“How dare you. All of these people are hurt because of you.” She said angrily.

“I have no idea what you are referring to. If you told me I may be able to try to help.” He said. Elizabeth held up the journal for everyone to see her voice rising top be heard.

“All of you knew my father. This is his journal. In it I have read about what happened to bring the creature to life. My father wrote that Edwin did the deed. You know he did not lie and he raised me the same way.” She said. Edwin held out his hand.

“The proof?” he asked.

“You will not be able to read it. It is written in a language that only my father and I know.” She told him.

“How then can we believe you? If no one else can read it how do we know you are telling the truth?” He asked.

“How can we trust you when you did not even tell us all of the prophecy?” Lauren asked defending her best friend.

“There is more to the prophecy?” A villager asked.

“Yes the full prophecy says: The first to die reborn again. Shall leave to save Algor. To find the keeper and destroy the creature killing young and old. The creature destined to protect us will have turned against us then, but nothing is as it seams. The truth lies in the ones you respect most. The Dazzah shall attack itself, and one citizen must sacrifice her blood. To save the town to win back peace and restore the world anew. The keeper must pay his due, but for the town to survive he must not die.” Jeremiah said finishing then looking over at Elizabeth he gave him s look of amazement.

“How did you know all that?” She asked in a whisper.

“My father made me memorize it when I was four years old and made me recite it everyday.” He explained. She held Jeremiah’s hand as they waited for Edwin’s reply.

“How do we know to trust you?” Edwin asked.

“Just think about it. The prophecy says that he truth lies with the ones we respect most. Who do we trust more then our elders on the council?” Elizabeth asked. “Are you even going to try to defend yourself?” She asked Edwin.

“ I do not need to justify myself. What I did was for the good of all of you.” He said.

“You killed the rest of the council because they opposed you.” Elizabeth said challenging him. He said nothing so she just went on. “You are power hungry and need to learn what is truly good for the people.” She said.

“Leave the politics to the men. Your little head can not handle such things.” Edwin said patting her cheek.

“You disgust me. I know more of what is right for this town then you do. You endangered all of us.” She said getting right in his face.

“You need to learn your place. Your duty is the bear children and keep house. Not to dwindle in politics.” He said raising a hand to strike her. However Jeremiah grabbed his arm . Then he pulled Elizabeth lightly behind him.

“I dare you to talk to me that way. If I ever see you talk to anyone or raise your hand to smack another person again, especially Elizabeth, I will knock you flat on you back.” Jeremiah threatened. Everyone looked shocked.

“You know nothing of our customs. Why do you care what we do?” Edwin asked.

“The Dazzah protects Algor. I protect the Dazzah. When innocent people are put in danger it becomes my business.” He said. Elizabeth put a hand on his shoulder.

“Calm down.” She urged him. He reached back a gave her hand a little squeeze. “Fighting is not going to do any good. We just need to get the people to see reason.” She told him quietly. He nodded.

“I will teach you to defend yourselves.” Jeremiah said looking at everyone.

“What do we need to learn?” Sarah piped up innocently form Lauren’s side. Jeremiah squatted down to look at the little girl.

“I am going to teach all of you to protect yourselves so that no one else will get hurt. We don’t want anyone else hurt do we?” He asked. She shook her head. “For now I need to rest. I will start teaching you tomorrow morning.” Her said addressing everyone. Everyone nodded in agreement. Then Jeremiah and Elizabeth headed back to the house.

“I wish you hadn’t threatened him. He may try to hurt you.” Elizabeth told him about halfway there.

“I can protect myself. I will be fine.” He promised kissing her hand then entwining his fingers with hers.

“I still worry though. I do not want anyone else hurt. Especially you.” She admitted. He turned towards her and pulled her towards him.

“Tomorrow I will start teaching them what they need to know. Then after this new creature is killed you will be able to live in peace again.” He told her. Her head had been resting on his shoulder, but now she looked up at him.

“Don’t you mean that we will be able to live in peace?” She asked.

“No I said what I meant.” He said.

“Are you really leaving after everything is done? Do I mean so little to you?” She asked looking at him sadly.

“You mean everything to me. And you know the kind of life I have to live.” He told her guiltily. 

“Well being reclusive does not mean you have to be completely alone.” She protested.

“True, but I don’t know if you could deal with my lifestyle.” He joked pulling her closer filling the minimal gap between their bodies. He was taller then she was and her head only met his chest, but she thought they looked fine together.

“I want to be wherever you are. We are all the other has. Neither of us should be alone.” She told him putting a hand on his chest.

“You are right. You just do not know how right you are.” He said before kissing her. Then he held her at arms length for a moment studying her. “I still can not believe that you feel the same way. I feel like this is all a dream. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen loves me. This has to be a dream.” He said.

“It does feel like a dream, but is if it is it surly is a good dream.” She told him before they walked the rest of the way home. Right as she was about to lie down he came into her room.

“This can’t be a dream. It is to realistic.” He said before walking back to his room down the hall. She fell asleep quickly and had peaceful dreams. When she woke up the next morning she heard a knock at her door. She opened it to see Jeremiah bringing in their breakfast. “Good morning.” He told her with a smile. She felt a little self conscious. She thought she must look terrible in her old nightgown with her hair a complete mess. Then she decided it did not matter. If she wanted to be with Jeremiah he would most likely see her like this every morning, and far more. She noticed Jeremiah kept watching her as they ate.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked. He gave her a smile.

“I am just trying to figure out why you would want me.” He told her. She reached for his hands.

“What do you not understand. You are handsome, smart, and tenacious. Why would any woman not want you?” She asked. He laughed and pulled her across the bed to be sitting in his lap. She cuddled close to him.

“I love you.” He whispered before planting several kisses in her head. She buried her face against his shoulder.

“I love you to so much.” She said. He leaned down and kissed her lovingly. Then he planted a kiss on her shoulder before they finished breakfast. Then they went to meet everyone at the church. Everyone was waiting.

“The first thing you need to know is that there is only one way to kill the creature. The same way you could kill the Dazzah. It can only be killed by a direct stab in the heart.” Jeremiah explained. Everyone looked at him a little surprised to see the Dazzah behind Jeremiah.

“What about that?” One woman asked.

“He will not hurt you. He could be a great asset in defending all of you.” Elizabeth told them. Then Jeremiah went on teaching them various things he thought would be helpful for them to know. They didn’t see Edwin all day. Elizabeth could not help, but to suspect that he was up to something. When she told this to Jeremiah he suggested that at lunch time they went to look for him. They did not find him in his house and the woods were to massive to search. Finally they went to check the place where the elders met. He was there. He was facing them across the room with a knife in hand. “What are you doing?” Elizabeth asked.

“Waiting for you. You were the one who foiled my plan.” He said angrily. 

“Elizabeth he was the one who attacked you in the woods the night I rescued you.” Jeremiah told her.

“You are right. I knew killing her would be the best option. Of course you had to act the part of the hero and rescue the damsel in distress.” Edwin said pointing the knife at Jeremiah.

“Why did you want to kill me?” She asked.

“The rest of the elders were getting in my way and I killed them. I wanted to help the people, but they opposed me. Especially your father. I was going to kill you along with your parents, but no, you couldn’t have been in the house that day. I knew you would keep looking and eventually find out everything and I could not very well have that.” Edwin told her.

“You are crazy.” Elizabeth accused.

“Not crazy simply a visionary. You two just are unfortunate enough to stand in my way.” He said laughing.

“What are you going to kill us like you killed the council?” She asked.

“Well you figured it out. Only I am going to kill you first, and make you little lover here watch as I do it.” Edwin said.

“I will not let you hurt her while I still breath.” Jeremiah said.

“Well I guess we will just have to arrange that won’t we.” Edwin said before foolishly charging at Jeremiah. Elizabeth was not sure what happened. What she thought happened was that at the moment Edwin was about to stab Jeremiah in the heart Jeremiah suddenly had a knife and stabbed him first. Edwin’s lifeless body fell to the floor and Jeremiah leaned against the wall and slid to the ground.

“Are you alright?” Elizabeth asked him. Jeremiah nodded.

“The fool forgot to protect himself.” He said in shock.

“Where did you get a knife to stab him?” Elizabeth asked.

“I keep a knife in my sleeve in case I ever had to cut an animal loose from a trap or something. I ended up killing someone with it though.” He said. She moved his face to force him to look at her.

“Listen to me. You did it in self defense. He tried to killed you and he would have tried to kill me to. There is no shame in protecting people. You just saved Algor.” She told him. He managed to get a hold of himself.

“We’re not safe yet. The creature still has to be killed.” He told her standing up. They went outside to find the Dazzah and the other creature dead on the lawn in the center of town. Lauren came running over to them.

“I do not know what happened. They were fighting and then they just fell down dead.” She told them.

“What could have happened?” Elizabeth asked. Jeremiah shrugged.

“I have no idea. The only thing that could be possible would be if they both stabbed each other in the heart, but there is no blood.” He said.

“Oh my god. Lauren do you remember what my father used to tell us when we were little. He told us that at least one elder must stay alive otherwise the Dazzah would die. Because the creature was made by the original council there had to be someone in that position for the Dazzah to live.” Elizabeth said.

“I though it was only a myth.” Lauren said.

“What are you talking about? Why wouldn’t I know about this?” Jeremiah asked.

“Well when we were little my father told us that at least one of the members of the council had to be alive of the Dazzah would die. I always thought it was only a story though.” Elizabeth told him. He smiled.

“Obviously not. The original council may have told their children. It was passed on and became a myth over the years. I do not know why I would not have know though.” He said.

“It must be hard loosing the Dazzah. I know he has been in your family far before you were born. I am so sorry.” She told him putting an arm around him.

“I will be fine. The important thing is that we succeeded and everyone is safe. We are both free to live peaceful lives.” He said.

“Yes a peaceful life together. I think I have had enough adventure to last me a life time.” She said. She sighed.

“I can not ask you to marry me. You shouldn’t have to choose.” He said.

“What do you not want to marry me?” She asked.

“Of course I want to marry you. I just do not think it is right to make you choose me above you friends and home.” He said.

“You could stay in Algor the Dazzah is dead so you have no reason not to marry me.” She said.

“Well I guess we are getting married then.” He said not realizing what he said. Then he suddenly realized it. “That does not count.” He protested.

“I think it does.” She said.

“No I have to do it proper.” He said. He took her hands in his. “Will you marry me? I mean are you willing to put up with me?” He asked.

“Yes.” She said before kissing him. He pulled her close and would not let go for a few minutes even after they stopped kissing. They got married the very next day. Elizabeth wore her mother’s wedding dress. A year later they found out they were going to have their first child. They named him Dammian. Growing up he often asked to hear the story of how his parents had met. A new council was founded. Jeremiah, Elizabeth, and Lauren were three of the six members. They tried to prepare Algor incase there was ever another crisis.