A WARRIOR’S LOVE

Darling, I don’t see the harm in leaving Emma here while we go to the fort... it’s only a days ride and back. Mrs. Reynolds cajoled her husband smiling at him as he set a cup of coffee down in front of him.

Mr. Reynolds scowled wiping his mouth with his hand not wanting to have to deal with her over this. Looking over at his daughter, he grunted his approval, ignoring the coffee and got to his feet.

I am going out to hitch the team. Be ready in ten minutes woman or I leave without you. He snarled not appreciating his wife’s overbearing manner so early in the day. Turning to Emma as he put his hat on, he looked about the cabin. Have your chores done by the time we get back, ya hear me?

Emma nodded and set about clearing the breakfast table while her mother pulled her apron off. After he left, Emma sighed in relief.

Thank you mother. I really didn’t want to go. She said placing the dishes in a bucket to be washed outside.

Patting her on the arm, Mrs. Reynolds nodded and smiled. I understand dear…. Just do as your father tells you. We will be home later tonight.

It was an hour later; Emma finally finished tidying up the cabin and then set to collecting the eggs from the barn. Picking up the basket under the counter, she opened the door and smiled as the fresh air hit her full in the face.

She looked out towards the forest where 2 weeks before, she had met up with the warrior Tokaalah and felt smug knowing he was going to be there waiting for her.

And you can just wait all day. Such arrogance,, save my life and thinks he can order me about indeed! She said aloud picking up her hem as she made her way down the porch steps.

You are late. A deep voice sounded behind her making her squeal in fright.

Whirling about, she was shocked to see Tokaalah standing by the end of the porch leaning casually on the house, arms crossed over his wide chest.

Looking around for a moment, Emma quickly collected herself, lifting her chin up slightly not wanting him to know how badly he had frightened her.

Late for what? She shot back knowing exactly what he was referring to.

He stared back at her for a moment and then slowly walked towards her, his long blue black hair lifted at the ends in the breeze.

Taking a few steps back, Emma tried to keep a distance between them; her attention focused on the man before her.

You taunt me.

Emma saw his dark eyes flash at her with what she assumed was anger at her curt words. No, I’m not.. Look, what do you want with me? Why do you keep coming back here?

Tokaalah looked her up and down making Emma feel suddenly uneasy. Was what her father said true? Was he coming to take her away?

He saw the look of apprehension cross her face and knew instinctively what she was thinking. It made him wonder if what she feared was what he really intended from the start. She haunted his dreams, disrupted his thoughts constantly and caused him mistakes in his daily life. He had even sought a vision to help which never came leaving him many unanswered questions.

Bringing his thoughts back, he again moved towards her, purposely ignoring her question.

Emma in turn, took yet another step back wishing she had gone to the fort with her parents.

You better leave. I am expecting visitors. She bluffed clutching the small basket in her hands.

Tokaalah shook his head and kept coming at her. No one comes. He said quietly still approaching her.

A feeling of panic took over and she spun on her heel, dropping the basket and ran for the barn.

Tokaalah followed her at his same easy pace, confident she would not get far.

Emma pulled the large door open and scrambled up the small ladder leading to the hayloft. Quickly, she buried herself under some bales of loose hay and waited, her heart banging in her chest.

The sound of the door below creaked open and a shaft of sunshine filtered inside, illuminating his outline. He paused in the door, listening for her.

Peering down between the slats in the loft, she saw him step further inside, looking casually about the barn.

The minutes ticked by and all too soon, he was standing directly under her, his eyes cast upwards. Come down. He said simply.

Emma held her breathe, unwilling to just give in to his demand. She had to get away, perhaps get some help.

Moving to the door, he turned and stood still, his eyes still gazing up in her general direction. Come now. His voice took on a stern edge making her flush with a mixture of fear and defiance. She knew he would win.

Reluctantly, she emerged from the hay, brushing off her skirts and stared down at him.

Tokaalah waited for her to come down the ladder, admiring the flash of her legs under her skirts as she moved it aside as not to fall.

I am not going anywhere with you. Do you understand me? She announced purposely staying a few feet from him.

Ignoring her refusal, he opened the door behind him waiting for her.

Emma shook her head. No. Don’t you listen? I am not….

She never had time to finish her retort for he launched himself towards her before she could react and grabbed her wrist, pulling her after him.

Let me go! She cried out, resisting him with all she had.

Tokaalah had enough. Turning, he delivered a swift blow to her neck, crumpling her at his feet. Lifting her easily from the ground, he swung her up and marched her outside to his now waiting horse. I will never let you go again. He vowed knowing she never heard him.