Ripe Hearts

Two weeks pass swiftly on the Roy acreage. Roaring wind and relentless rain engulf the home of Lucius and Astrid Roy. The shallow footsteps of Lucius run down a creaky flight of stairs. Dawn sets in and Lucius prepares breakfast with his sister Astrid. With the eggs and toast prepared, Astrid and Lucius sit down to discuss personal matters.

“Are you going to help me clean the dishes and utensils this time?” Astrid queries.

“I still have business to take care of in attic” Lucius replies.

“Can it wait? You know you’re not the only person living here.” Astrid remarks.

Lucius gives Astrid a blank stare.

“Dad is gone and I don’t have many things on my mind right now. Lucius replies.

“That can wait Lucius, you have been too fixated on the attic.” Astrid remarks.

“Alright, I’m going to help you clean up, but there is something I need to show you.” Lucius urges.

Lucius and Astrid amicably work to clean around the kitchen. They walk up three levels of the dust ridden house to reach the attic. Water leaks through the roof and the wood floors have an earthy smell.

“This better be important. This house may collapse on us if you continue to obsess over this attic.” Astrid remarks.

“You are right, but you need to take a look at this first.” Lucius replies.

A little black book rests on a desk at left end corner of the attic. A note lies inconspicuously behind of the cover of the black book. Baffled by what they see, Lucius and Astrid open the front cover of the book to examine the note. The note reads, “If you happen to find this book, examine my messages to find the bounty I left behind for you. Your hearts are ripe. Always use your intuition, but never forget to reason. To my beloved children. -Marcus Roy.”

“What should we do Lucius?” Astrid asks.

Before Lucius can answer, the whistling sound of truck grabs the attention of Astrid and Lucius. They both peer out the water streaking window of the attic. Suddenly there is a fervent knock on the door. Lucius and Astrid scramble down to answer the door.

“Good morning, I’m just here to deliver some mail. Is there a gentleman by the name of Marcus Roy that I can speak to?” The mail deliverer asks.

Lucius and Astrid look at each other and then melancholically gaze at the floor.

“He is no longer with us.” Lucius mutters.

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that. One of the envelopes of mail I have here contains a check with an amount of twenty thousand dollars.” The mail deliverer replies.

Lucius and Astrid drop their mouths in astonishment.

“Is there a particular sender of this check?” Astrid replies.

“It’s a good old gift from the state. Everyone in this county will be receiving one. Well, I won’t take any more of your time.” The mail deliverer says.

Astrid and Lucius ponder in limbo for an hour. Lucius prods at his sister.

“I say we investigate into what dad left behind” Lucius says.

“I’m not too sure about this Lucius, we don’t know where this bounty is and how far away this bounty is.” Astrid replies.

“He may have left something of a great value behind Astrid, it has to be worth looking into.” Lucius replies.

“We just received 20,000 from the state, I think this will be sufficient to take care of expenses for now Lucius.” Astrid remarks.

“His bounty doesn’t necessarily have to hold a monetary value. This is from our loving father Astrid. I am curious to see what he left for us. This could be an adventure.” Lucius replies.

“Alright brother, I’m convinced.” Astrid replies.

“That’s the spirit Astrid. We should take the check with us.” Lucius replies.

“I agree brother, we can put it in the knapsack and take it with us. Where do we start?” Astrid asks.

“The first page has a map and tells us to head east through the meadow, reach the Pine Creek within the Alekhine Forest.” Lucius replies.

With the information their dad left in the book, Astrid and Lucius commence their journey holding high hopes of a safe and quick journey. Reaching the meadows, Lucius and Astrid reflect on their early childhood. With the rain cleared up, sunlight shines down on the wildflowers. Nostalgia hits Astrid and Lucius from the minty aroma of the wildflowers. Astrid has a look of tranquility on her face as she closes her eyes to reminisce.

“What is on your mind sister?” Lucius asks.

“Nothing brings me peace like remembering the picnics we had on this meadow with our parents.” Astrid replies.

“Our matters had more simplicity back then.” Lucius says.

“Wish we could go back and relive our childhood over and over again Lucius.” Astrid remarks.

“The good moments in our reality are not lasting sister. Nevertheless, we can keep those moments alive in our hearts and minds.” Lucius responds.

“Verily brother, the Pine Creek isn’t far.” Astrid remarks.

Entering the Alekhine forest, Astrid and Lucius have blighted vision from the darkness that encompasses the forest. Thick trees block much of the light from entering the forest. Within a mile Astrid and Lucius start to hear the rush of a stream of water. As Astrid and Lucius get closer to the stream, they can hear the sharp snickering of a group of people.

“We’re getting close” Astrid remarks.

“We’re also not alone” Lucius replies.

Reaching the Pine Creek; Astrid and Lucius leer at a gang of feral-like individuals. One of the individuals sitting on a small boulder near the creek pauses in his laughter. A young male individual of mid-height, short curly brown hair, scruffy jeans, and a worn-down brown sleeveless shirt. With a smirk on his face, he gets up to approach Astrid and Lucius.

“What brings y’all over here?” the individual asks.

Lucius stands firm as he senses the haughtiness of the individual.

“We’re just passing by.” Lucius replies.

The individual gazes at the knapsack that Astrid is holding.

“You know, food is hard to come by these days. You have anything you can spare for me and my crew?” the individual asks.

Astrid is frozen in place staring at the individual like a deer caught in a car’s headlights.

“We’re not a generous pair. You have a nice day.” Lucius replies.

The individual’s smirk fades away and he gives a malevolent glare to Lucius. Reaching into his left pocket, he pulls out a sharpened buck knife. Lucius looks in shock and his own thought process stops.

“Give me the knapsack or I’ll let you guess what will happen

next.” the individual says insolently.

Without much option Lucius looks at Astrid in dismay.

“Give him knapsack sister” says Lucius in a state of impotence.

“Lucius” replies Astrid looking hesitant.

“We have no other choice right now.” Lucius urges.

Astrid reaches out to the individual with the knapsack and the individual snatches the knapsack. Ignoring the black book, the individual seizes the check.

“Ah this is a generous find. Twenty thousand dollars. A well-deserved bounty.” the individual boastfully says.

Astrid’s look of shock turns into violent rage. She bolts at the individual to deliver a swift punishment. Lucius restrains Astrid before she can land a blow.

“Let it go sister. We have a more important bounty to find and keep.” Lucius says.

Astrid sheds tears and complies with Lucius.

“What should we do to dispose of these weaklings Winston?” shouts a member from the gang.

“I think this discovered check is enough satisfaction for today. We can reap many benefits.” the individual replies.

The individual throws the knapsack at Astrid.

“Winston Wallace is my name. Remember me and be thankful for being spared. Have a nice life” the individual says.

Lucius gives Winston a look of disdain. Without saying anything he leads Astrid away from the gang. Astrid and Lucius walk a mile north of the Pine Creek. They set up a camp near a group of densely populated trees. Night has set in and the full moon glows upon the forest. Lucius and Astrid avoid creating fire, to stay hidden from potential danger.

“Why did you restrain me Lucius?” Astrid questions.

“We had no choice sister. Two of us against that entire gang. We could have found our own demise.” replies Lucius.

“I can’t take the feeling of being helpless.” Astrid says.

“Neither can I, but we had to do what was reasonable. We have to look forward now” Lucius replies.

Astrid acknowledges Lucius.

“We are nearing the doorstep of our father’s bounty. We need to travel another half mile north to the wellspring of the Pine Creek. Dad left a note to find a cave near the wellspring.” Lucius says.

Astrid eyes two rocks resting near one of the trees. She grabs one and hands another to Lucius.

“We don’t know if encounter that gang again. Hold on to this rock.” Astrid says.

Lucius grips the rock firmly in his hand. Adrenaline rushes through his body and his body tightens. He gazes blankly in front of him. Astrid notices and grabs Lucius’s hand.

“It will be alright brother. We have each other.” Astrid says.

Lucius looks to the ground below him and relaxes. They both go to sleep.

Dawn sets in and the sunlight appears faintly on the horizon. Lucius and Astrid awaken to sounds of chirping birds. Lucius spots howl-like sounds distant in the forest.

“Can you hear that?” Lucius asks.

“Yes, we have to move.” Astrid replies.

Hearing the sounds the howls, Lucius and Astrid trek northward. They follow the creek and ascend through dirt and rock. Lucius and Astrid move quickly but the distant howls haunt them. The howls grow in intensity little by little.

“We have to move faster.” Lucius urges.

A voice shouts from the direction of the howls.

“I can smell fresh meat!”

Another voice can be heard from the direction of the howls.

“This way. It’s a one-way road. they can’t evade us.”

Lucius and Astrid pick up more speed. The howls fade and the sounds of rushing water become more distinct.

“Lucius, I can see the cave. The water is raining in front of it!” Astrid exclaims.

“Yes.” Lucius replies.

Lucius and Astrid enter the cave with caution but are stunned by the beauty inside it. Radiant purple crystals rest on rocks along the left side of the cave. Lustrous white cave pearls illuminate the right side of the cave.

“Beautiful place.” Lucius says.

“Dad always had a taste in tranquil sites.” Astrid says.

“Is this the bounty dad wants us to find Lucius?” Astrid asks.

“No sister, we have to find a chest. There is a key attached to the last page of the book.” Lucius replies.

Lucius and Astrid roam the cave. Searching the right side of the cave, Lucius and Astrid come upon a figure covered by a brown cloth. They remove the cloth to unveil a chest. This is a chest that is polished and untainted. Lucius and Astrid look at each other with intrigue.

“Let’s give it a try” suggests Astrid.

Lucius inserts the key into the chest. They are amazed by what they discover. A composite bow and a quiver holding arrows. Next to the bow is a Winchester lever-action rifle and cartridges.

“The old bow and rifle!” Lucius remarks.

“From our childhood Lucius. We would enjoy firing them in the mountain ranges.” Astrid says.

“Load it up sister.” Lucius urges.

Loading six of the hollow-pointed bullets, Astrid cocks the gun lever back and fires diagonally onto the ceiling. The sounds of gunfire echo through the cave. The deep penetration of the bullet into the ceiling shows the potential stopping power of the gun.

“Just like old times” remarks Lucius.

“Let’s head home Lucius.” Astrid replies.

“Come on sister let’s stay here awhile.” Lucius replies.

“I have a bad feeling. I want us to get home.” Astrid urges.

“Let’s head out.” Lucius replies.

Astrid and Lucius make their way through the entrance of the cave. As they creep to the entrance of the cave, they can hear the sound of howls once again. Astrid grips the rifle timidly.

“We were followed here Lucius.” Astrid remarks.

Before Lucius can reply, a figure pops out of the raining water at the entrance.

“Peek a boo!” shouts Winston Wallace.

Winston slaps the gun out of Astrid’s hands. Winston’s gang rushes through the raining and grabs a hold of Lucius and the composite bow.

“Run Astrid!” shouts Lucius.

“There is nothing you can do to get away. You belong to us now!” Winston replies.

Astrid cries in fear. She throws a feeble punch at Winston’s face. Winston absorbs the blow laughing.

“Try again!” replies Winston with laughter.

Overwhelmed with fear, Astrid gets a surge of adrenaline and throws a left hook. The hook connects on Winston’s jaw and causes Winton’s head to jerk. Winston hits the ground. One of Winton’s gang members tries to lunge at Astrid. Astrid dodges the lunge and picks up the Winchester rifle pointing the rifle at the gang.

“Let go of my brother you filthy cowards!” cries Astrid.

The gang lets Lucius go in fear. Lucius lands a punch on a member of the gang holding their bow and retains the bow in his hand. With rage in her eyes, Astrid points the rifle at Winston who is helpless on the ground.

“Please don’t” cries Winston lifting his hand in front of the gun barrel in terror.

“Give us our check you creep” replies Lucius.

Winston takes the check from his pocket with shaking hands. Lucius snatches the check.

“My name is Astrid Roy. This is my brother Lucius Roy. Remember us. Remember we spared you.” remarks Astrid.

“Let’s go” shouts Winston at his crew.

Winston gets up in a pathetic manner and runs out of the cave in humiliation. Astrid jumps at Lucius giving him a hug. Relief comes over them.

“I’ll never hold you back sister. Never again.” remarks Lucius.

With ripened hearts, Astrid and Lucius make their journey back home.