A WARRIOR’S LOVE

Emma became aware of movement, a slight side to side feeling as the fog slowly lifted from her brain. Her neck hurt and something hard was wrapped about her waist, seemingly holding her in place. Moaning, she brought her hand to her eyes, squinting against the still bright day. The sight of the back of a horses head directly in front of her made her force her eyes open a bit more.

Looking down, she saw what held her was an arm. His arm. Weakly, she struggled in his grip making the horse beneath give a snort of displeasure at her kicking foot on his side.

Tokaalah jerked her waist sharply making her gasp in pain. Do not fight me. He said from behind her, his other hand holding the reins and supporting her back.

Turning her head, his face came into focus as did their surroundings. She had no idea where they were. The land was completely foreign to her.

Where are you taking me? She asked fighting back the nausea she was feeling.

Home. He said immediately his eyes on constant alert for any enemies. He had been very careful not to be seen this far and had no intention of being discovered now.

Emma again looked about and shook her head in confusion. This isn’t my home. I don’t understand… She attempted to shift away from him, uncomfortable with the feel of his body pressed against hers only to be firmly pulled back again. Please,, let me go, I wont tell anyone what happened.

Tokaalah remained silent, keeping their balance astride the bare backed horse. The insides of her thighs ached, not being used to riding in such a manner making her want to curse him aloud.

They rode on for hours, with Emma slipping in and out of consciousness until it became dark. Waking up in time to feel him place her on the ground under a tree stump, she watched him pull the blanket from over the horse and bring it to her. Kneeling down, he handed it to her. Reluctantly, she accepted it pulling it around her shoulders yet hating the smell of it.

Where are we? She asked as he tended to his horse in the semi darkness.

Tokaalah looked down at her for a moment before answering. Two days from my village and many hours from yours.

Emma looked away, her bladder screaming for relief. Blushing heavily, she pondered how to ask permission to relieve herself. Getting to her feet rather unsteadily, she clutched the stump for support.

I need,,,, privacy. She mumbled embarrassed beyond words. Emma hoped he would understand her meaning without having to go into details.

Thankfully he indicated with his head she could go. Dropping the blanket from her shoulders, she made her way into the shadows, only to be stopped by his voice. Run from me and I will hunt you down.

Mrs Reynolds sat at the table; her trembling hands patted her hair down at the nape of her neck as she listened to the men talking on the porch. She wouldn’t just leave with any word. I know my girl, why can’t you understand that?

The voice of her husband sounded harsh in her ears making her close eyes against the sound.

Now Mr Reynolds,, I never implied such a thing,, alls I’m saying is maybe she went out for a walk and got herself lost.

No damn you,, she was taken from us. Do your job and find her! He interrupted the General, his arms swinging wildly as he began to shout with frustration. Turning to Major Davis, he gripped his arm, giving him a shake. You,, Davis,, you are in love with my daughter,,,,, now you go find her! Explain to your General here what sort of girl she really is!

The Major nodded, holding up his hand trying to calm the older man down. Yes sir,,, I will try sir.. Now please, go inside and tend to Mrs Reynolds, she must be worried sick.

Bah,, of course she is,, aren’t you? Emma is supposed to be here and she isn’t. She’s a good girl.. Spirited yes,,, but a good girl. You find her,,,, you find her tonight! He waved a finger at him as he disappeared into the cabin, muttering away to himself.

Major Davis sighed, turning to the General and the other men. Mr. Reynolds is correct when he says she wouldn’t just walk off. Perhaps we could begin a search for the girl sir?

The older man rubbed his whiskered chin, the other hand at his hip as he thought. Well, I suppose in order to keep the peace and stop a panic from arising in the area; we will start at first light. Just to keep the peace mind you… I still think she has wandered off.

Davis was disappointed but readily agreed knowing how cantankerous the old man could become. Yes sir. Thank you sir. He saluted and spun on his heel to give the Reynolds the news.