Sacrifice

The boy had stopped crying. After two hours of struggle and misery, even the trees seemed relieved at the silence, but Aleck could not shake the heavy sense of foreboding as they traveled deeper into the slowly darkening forest. He shifted nervously in the saddle, his eyes ever watchful. He knew the stories of this place.

The child was a heavy weight in Aleck’s arms as he guided his weary horse through the tight knit trees. Though now the air was still and quiet, he could not forget the heart wrenching sound of the boy's cries, could still hear their shrill notes and feel their anguish deep in his bones. Those cries were nothing compared to the mother’s cries. Aleck shut those out. Closed them off from his memories with a door of iron, and threw away the key. It was the only way he’d be able to carry on with his mission, the only way he’d come out on the other side of this heinous ordeal with any semblance of self left.

At three years old, the boy had just enough understanding to know his perfect world was breaking, but too little to grasp the intricacies of what was happening and so he had wailed, and Aleck had ignored him. In short, the boy was innocent. He was something Aleck should have been protecting, not delivering into hell. Despite his inner turmoil, Aleck guided his increasingly anxious horse closer and closer to that place no one entered, the darkest part of the forest. The place where nightmares began.

It was obvious when drew closer to their destination. Little signs had guided him, like bones hanging from branches or symbols carved into the trees, some left as a warning, some as a guide. He was not the first to carry out a task such as this.

Upon reaching the clearing with the large stone in the middle, Aleck stopped for a moment. The air felt ominous and all was silent. Gone was the twittering of birds, the soft shuffling of rodents in the underbrush. Even his horse, though clearly uncomfortable, kept still and quiet. This was a predatory silence and it made the hair stand up on the back of Aleck's neck.

Once again, he shoved down the doubt, forced himself to halt his horse and prepare to dismount with his blissfully unaware burden tucked safe in his arms. He moved as if in a trance, on the one hand praying to the gods the child would not wake, that he wouldn't have to look in the boy's eyes as he left him to his grisly fate and on the other hand so ashamed of his actions he had to physically force his body to move. It was as if he were watching some other man carry out the task. Somehow, that made each movement towards his dreadful goal possible. He could pretend he was someone else.

In the end the boy did wake, but thankfully, he was so exhausted that he sat on the little rock Aleck placed him upon without a fuss. Aleck handed him a piece of bread, told him he’d be back soon and turned away, bile rising in his throat. Only, he felt a tug on his jacket and could not move. He turned back to see the boy had grabbed a fistful of his clothing, held it tightly with a strength uncanny in one so young and again, Aleck had to force himself to squat down, taking the boy's hands in his own.

“I promise, little one. I’ll be right back.” His voice broke and he took a steadying breath. “Just stay here.”

The boy’s lip trembled, but he nodded numbly and his hands fell to his lap, cradling the piece of bread. In one fluid and unfeeling movement, Aleck rose, fetched his horse and left the clearing. He did not look back.

—-

The boy sat on the rock. Remembering what the big man had said, he tried his best to stay still and when he became bored, he nibbled on the bread. It was not as good as the bread his mother gave him, but he ate it anyway. Thinking of his mother made the tears begin to fall again, so he sobbed for a while, wishing his mother and father would come walking out of the forest like it had all been some big joke. Somehow, he knew it wasn’t. Just as somehow, he knew the big man would not return.

As he started to nod off to sleep, a deep rumbling, like the sound of thunder, seemed to reverberate throughout the forest. The boy jolted awake, eyes wide with fear. Another rumble and the ground seemed to vibrate beneath him. It was not completely dark yet and that brought some relief, but even so, it was hard to see through the thick trees beyond the clearing. The boy shut his eyes, he did not want to see what was beyond. Suddenly, a great roar erupted and the boy jumped in fright, squeezing his eyes shut even tighter. The sound made him think of a bear. Like the stories his father told of great beasts. Beasts that took ten men to kill. This sounded bigger.

A strange silence spread over the clearing, but still, the boy did not dare open an eye. He slid down the rock, leaning his back against it and huddling there in the leaves as a great shadow loomed over him, taking what little light was left in the clearing and casting him in near darkness. He did not dare look up. Heat wafted out around him, reminding him of the breath of the hounds from home and though he was frightened, his small body relaxed a little as the heat warmed him. A faint glow, like the beginnings of a fire, crept towards him through his closed lids and he glanced up for a quick peek.

Teeth and flames filled the space above him and he shrank back against the rock, unable to look away. Then the whole world went dark.

—-

After stopping multiple times to dismount in heaving gasps, Aleck leaned against a tree, retching. He hadn’t made it far. He was sure there was nothing left in his stomach, but his body refused to stop turning itself out. It was a small price to pay for what he’d done. He knew this would haunt him till the end of his days. Even if it was necessary, even if it meant the survival of the whole of Ilium.

How could someone so small be such a threat? The further he had gone from the palace, the more doubts had crept in, though he hadn’t let them surface until now. Now, the deed was done and there was no turning back, but that did not stop his mind from replaying everything over and over. Aleck had suffered before, but this was a new kind of torture, reliving each agonizing moment, constantly wondering if he'd done the right thing or if he had had any choice at all. It was unbearable.

The previous night, he’d been stationed just outside the royal apartments when the seer, an ancient man called Diakonas, had told the king what he’d interpreted. Aleck had heard everything.

“Tell me again.” The king had asked, defeat in his voice.

“Your wife’s vision of flames and death, a vision that occurred while she was playing with your youngest son. It means the downfall of Ilium is coming and it is connected to the boy. Only one can survive and you must make the choice.”

“And, there is no other way?” The king asked this question quietly, almost as if to himself alone.

“I see no other way.” Answered the seer, seemingly devoid of emotion. "My interpretation was clear. If the boy is allowed to survive to manhood, then the destruction of Ilium will follow. Countless lives will be lost."

“One life for the whole of Ilium. It seems a fair trade…if only it were not my son.” The king’s voice broke and there was a long pause. “How will I tell his mother?”

“I will speak with her, together we will make her understand.”

The seer’s rasping voice had raised the hairs on Aleck’s neck, but he could not discount the gravity of what Diakonas had said. Wiser men than him had ignored the seer’s words in the past and it had proven to be their doom. It was not his place, or the kings, to question the seer, only to follow his guidance.

Even so, in that moment, Aleck would not have traded places with Ilium's ruler for all the gold in the city. He knew how much the king doted on his children, his two boys especially. Aleck resolved to forget he’d ever heard such a conversation. He would return to the barracks at the end of his shift and go about his duties as if it had been any other day. He owed the king that much.

Only, moments later he was called into the king's rooms and every hope of forgetting the seer's voice was dashed to pieces as he was given his new orders.

As a reward for his and his family's unwavering loyalty, Aleck was given the task of escorting the young prince to his fate. Oh, the gods were cruel and full of humor, he’d thought as he listened to the king, his words full of praise along with the faintest hint of entreating desperation. That desperation and the look in his king's eyes had decided it. Aleck had agreed, for what choice did he have? Despite the king's words, Aleck knew his life was forfeit if he refused and most likely that of his family as well.

The rest of that night went by in a blur and much of what had happened he would try never to revisit. The arguments between the king and queen, the tears, even his own doubts that seemed so inconsequential compared to theirs, had all been almost more than he could bear. A few moments of hasty preparations and a cryptic farewell to his father were all he’d had time for before he and his doomed charge were off, just as the sun was creeping over the golden hills to the east.

That last sight of his beautiful city in the morning light had strengthened his resolve. Ilium stood atop the hill, golden and impregnable and Aleck felt a sense of pride unlike anything he'd ever experienced. He would do whatever needed to be done to save Ilium and its people, no matter how atrocious.

—-

A booming roar, louder and more terrifying than any sound he had ever heard interrupted his reverie, jolting him upright. His horse shied, but luckily Aleck kept a hold of the reins, preventing the frightened creature from bolting. For a moment of indecisiveness, Aleck stood still as stone, as if suspended, before he erupted into motion. In one fluid movement, he mounted his horse and the two turned back towards the forest, towards that horrifying sound. Towards his fate.

Soon, the forest became too thick for anything more than a fast trot. As he weaved in and out of the trees, Aleck’s anxiety grew. He imagined all sorts of terrible images, not the least of which being the charred, lifeless remains of a small child. Whatever he found would be his fault, he knew it. As much as he wanted to run from what he’d done, if there was any way he could change it, he’d take that chance.

It was almost full dark, with just a sliver of sunlight peeking through the trees ahead, as Aleck made it to the clearing. He could see the silhouette of the rock where he’d placed the boy, but no sign of the child. He dismounted slowly. Now that he was faced with the consequences of his actions, he was loath to move quickly. As he stepped into the clearing, his boots crunched with a strange crispy sound and his nostrils flared at the smell of fire. Though there was little light to see by, it was clear the entire area had been charred to a crisp. He knew that whatever he found on the other side of that rock would change his life forever.

Without warning, the shadows ahead of him shifted. Aleck stilled in shock as a massive form stretched up, wings folded and long neck curled almost to the tops of the massive trees. Following the shape of the dark sillouette, he could see a long tail wrapped around the base of the rock. With the sun disappearing behind the beast, it was hard to make out details, but there was no mistaking what he was facing. This was the monster of the wood, the dragon his people had feared and sacrificed to for longer than he could remember, but no one had seen for years.

Reaching one arm slowly behind his back, Aleck grasped his sword, only to quickly release it as a low growl erupted from the beast. As the last of the sunlight left the wood, the two stared at one another for a few moments more before, to Aleck’s shock, the beast turned and left the clearing, its' long tail slithering around the rock and massive wings tucked close.

As if released from some sort of trance, Aleck leapt around the rock and crouched down beside the body of the boy. Tears streamed down his face, before his mind registered the sight. To his amazement, the boy was unharmed. He lay curled atop charred leaves, his arms wrapped around himself, deep in sleep. Aleck choked on a small sob, then sent a silent prayer to the gods and lifted the boy into his arms, smiling at the small sounds of protest from the exhausted child.

With a quick glance back towards where the dragon had disappeared, he walked to fetch his horse. There would be enough time later to contemplate the strange events of the evening, but it was time for action now. He scratched the gelding beneath his long forelock, pleased the horse had not run away at the sight of the dragon, for they would be lost without the faithful animal. He knew they could not return to Ilium, that would be a death sentence for them both, so they needed to find somewhere safe. That he’d already decided to raise the boy on his own was a fact he’d hardly had time to contemplate, but it was a fact. Cradling the child in one arm, and without the slightest clue as to what they would do, Aleck mounted his horse and rode out of the clearing.

—-

In the end and with an irony Aleck should have expected, the safest place for them both turned out to be the wood. After weeks of constantly moving, inner debating and dodging curious inquiries from farmers and other travelers, Aleck found himself guiding his horse back towards the quiet and safety of the deepest part of the forest. There was sanctuary in a place that brought fear to all others, especially for two people that needed secrecy above all else. Since the dragon had spared, or been unable to kill the boy, surely he was safe from the beast? On the other hand, was safety all the boy needed? Aleck was not an overly superstitious man, but it was clear even to him that the boy was special and he wondered if he was the right person to guide him toward the right path. He only hoped he had made the right decision, though dreams of the prophecy kept him awake many nights.

These thoughts and others plagued Aleck, but as weeks turned into months and months into years, their refuge became a true haven and their duo a true family. Sometimes Aleck would have to travel into the surrounding villages to gather supplies, in the beginning resorting to thievery, but as the boy, whom he called Alexander, began to grow he was able to offer small jobs in exchange for what they needed. The dragon did not bother them, but Aleck could feel its presence. Each time he left, a shadow would appear behind the small hut he’d built, a shadow large and ominous and carrying with it the stench of flames, but strangely enough, as time went on it no longer made Aleck’s heart lurch in fear, but in relief. There was a strange sort of trust between himself and the beast and it grew with the passing of time. He always knew Alexander would be safe while he was away.

Despite Aleck’s inexperience and their isolation, Alexander grew into a strong, kind and intelligent young man. The forest was his home and he knew every rock, tree and creature that shared it with them. On his forays into the surrounding villages, Aleck had brought back books, tools and even livestock, so the boy had missed nothing in his upbringing aside from the company of other people.

That did not stop the boy from questioning. Though they were miles from Ilium, there were places in the wood, atop the highest trees or rocky hillsides, where one could see the golden lights of the city far in the distance or the smattering of villages throughout the countryside. Alexander knew he wasn’t to leave the wood, but it was clear to Aleck that one day the boy’s curiosity would lead him astray and he could hardly blame him. Instead, he tried his best to keep the boy occupied with learning, training and chores. All the things Aleck’s own father had taught him and more.

“Why do I have to plant seeds and weed the garden when you do it so much better?” The edges of Alexander’s mouth bent into a sly smile and Aleck swatted him with the back of his hand, hiding his own smile. At almost sixteen, Alexander was much more interested in practicing his archery or swordplay than gardening. The boy was completely enamored of the tales of legendary heroes, fearsome monsters and glorious battles. Sometimes, Aleck regretted all the stories he’d read to him as a child, for the boy had a grand imagination and an infuriating incapacity for sitting still longer than a few moments.

“You know the importance of getting this done early, now stop complaining and help me finish.”

Just then, a shadow passed over them and they both froze. Alexander jumped to his feet, his eyes to the sky, straining to see through the dense treetops. The boy's tension and excitement was almost palpable and Aleck let out a sigh of resignation.

“This is it.” Alexander murmured, almost to himself. “There is enough daylight and we know her favorite places. I will find her today.”

“Now, just wait a moment.” Started Aleck, but it was too late. The boy let out a sharp whistle and a moment later a black wolf came flying out of the underbrush. Aleck chuckled to himself, he knew there was no use arguing.

“Are you ready, Nyx?” Alexander patted the wolf's head and the two dashed into the hut, the boy rummaging about in his haste to gather supplies.

Aleck ran a hand through his hair in frustration, but could not help feeling a small bit of pride in the boy's determination. Though the dragon had become an unofficial part of their small family over the years, offering them much needed protection, she’d never truly revealed herself and her true appearance was still somewhat of a mystery. Sometimes it would be a shadow moving through the wood, or they’d see the flick of a scaled tail, or the smell of flames in the air. Despite that mystery, for some inexplicable reason, Aleck had been sure from the beginning that she was female.

He had been content to leave things as they were. Afterall, there were parts of this story he’d kept from the boy, but Alexander could not. For the last five years, he’d been determined to confront the beast, to see her for himself and maybe even find out why she’d spared him all those years ago. Aleck had not revealed everything, of course, but he had told the boy he’d found him in the clearing, miraculously unharmed by the dragon's flames. Sometimes, he wished he had not, but it had been the only way to explain their strange and silent pact with the dragon, the only way to ensure a young boy felt no fear of the monster in the wood. Yet, the story had only made Alexander burn with curiosity and over the years that curiosity had become an obsession, even more so than that of the city.

The hut’s door slammed shut as Alexander and his shadow burst out, running towards the trees, a pack slung across his back. “Back before dark!” He shouted before Aleck could get a word in and Aleck sat back on his heels, defeated.

At least the boy had Nyx, he thought. Aleck had found the wolf as a scrawny abandoned pup when Alexander was eight years old and had brought the tiny creature back home with him, to the lonely child’s immense delight. The two of them had been inseparable ever since.

Rising to his feet, Aleck groaned at the stiffness in his knees and pressed on his lower back with one hand. He was no longer a young man, but he had no regrets. There were still secrets between them, secrets he’d have to reveal one day, but he’d let the boy have his fun for now. The prophecy he’d heard the seer speak of that night, so long ago, was still an ever present weight in his mind, but he hoped he’d carry that burden a little longer. There would be time enough in the years to come.

—-

Alexander ran through the forest on near silent footsteps, Nyx a few paces ahead. He was so familiar with the wood, every step was automatic and sometimes he believed he could do it blindfolded.

He knew her patterns by now and had an idea of where she was going. His only hope was to get there fast enough and stay undetected. That the great beast had eluded them for so many years was testament to her speed and stealth, or perhaps it was more uncanny than that. Aleck had never seemed bothered by it, he smiled when Alexander talked of her and laughed when he gave chase, as if he knew more than he let on. Which was true, Alexander was sure of it. He knew there were many things Aleck kept from him, but he’d been a good father to him, so he tried his best to be patient.

This was different. This was something he could do and not feel like he’d betrayed Aleck. He still did not know how he’d approach her once he found her, but somehow he knew it would change his life, or at the very least give him some answers.

The underbrush became thicker and they slowed to a walk. Nyx panted and whined, looking up at Alexander before bounding ahead again. Alexander could smell the faintest hint of soot and ash in the air, though the forest here was green and thriving. They were close.

He heard her then, a deep rumbling ahead like faraway thunder. The early morning light did not quite penetrate the lush branches overhead so the wood was full of shadows. Alexander gestured to Nyx to move behind him and the wolf only too happily obliged as the two of them crept closer. A shadow moved ahead, large and threatening, but Alexander did not stop. His steps were quiet on the soft green moss below and he was confident they were still undetected. A soft trickling sound indicated they were close to the spring and sure enough he could see the light reflecting the water on the leaves up ahead, could smell the freshness of the pool mingled with the stench of burning.

As he crept closer, he could just make out the silhouette of her body, the long serpentine shape of her and the horned head dipped towards the waters edge. His heart thrummed in excitement, this was the closest he’d ever been to her and her sheer size and beauty was breathtaking. Her body was covered in scales of the deepest green, black and gold and though her wings were tucked in close, he could tell they would be magnificent when outstretched.

A loud crack reverberated through the trees. The beast's head snapped up and with a speed uncanny for one so large, she disappeared into the forest, her tail sliding smoothly through the water as she left, distrubing the smoothness of the surface. Alexander cursed, kicking the guilty twig with his boot. Nyx barked one short yap, sharing in his frustration and Alexander scratched him behind the ears.

“We’ll get her next time, boy.” The wolf whined his agreement and trotted towards the brook.

Alexander followed, marveling at the ripples still present on the clear blue surface of the water, the only sign left of her presence. Though he’d been here before, it felt different, more ethereal than he remembered. Even Nyx seemed to notice the strange stillness, almost like a foreboding and sat by the edge of the small pool panting. Lost in thought, Alexander hadn’t realized that the ripples on the surface of the water had not dissipated. They flowed still, in perfect concentric circles and he watched, mesmerized, until they began to shift and reshape.

Images began to appear and Alexander sat on his knees transfixed. Through the haze, he made out high walls with an army waiting below, the shouts of the men clear and loud in the quiet of the wood. Next, he saw hundreds of ships traveling a vast ocean, the men toiling the oars sweating and heaving with effort and determination. The water rippled again and Alexander almost jumped back as flames and destruction took over. He tried to make out details, but the flames were too overwhelming and he found himself feeling fear and sadness without quite knowing why.

Finally, a flash of a girl, hair red gold in the sunlight and laughing as she ran through a field of wildflowers. Her eyes were a deep blue, matching the dress she wore and he knew he’d never see anything so beautiful for as long as he lived. He also knew at that moment that he would never stop until he found her. The warnings of the previous images were inconsequential compared to the pull he felt when he saw her face, meant nothing compared to the magnetic tug against his heart, a tug that did not diminish even as the images disappeared.

Alexander rose as if in a trance and he knew nothing would ever be the same again.

—-`