The Afternoon

This lifestyle continued for the next four weeks. The two, Eli and Rachel, slept next to each other, ate together, talked together, fished and cooked together, and enjoyed each other's company. They were sitting by a fire one afternoon, when suddenly, They heard a call from an unfamiliar voice. Eli had regained his strength, so he grabbed his sword and fastened it to his waist in case of emergency.

The two walked out, and by now Rachel's belly started to swell. She told Eli that she could feel two sets of kicks every now and then. One baby kicked more than the other apparently. She said so with a weak smile...

They attached the voice to a body when they saw a short stout, old man with a large wagon pulled by a horse. Trinkets, grains, and silk could be seen from inside the wagon. The horse was white, and the short man had light green skin. He sized up the young man with a sword at his waist and the pregnant woman. Their presence contrasted the destruction and blue blood spilled from each house.

He said, "I recognize one of you, but I don't know you young man."

Eli was still wary but said, "Eli, you can call me Eli."

"A Black-cloth I see..." said the old man

He turned to Rachel and said, "It's good to see you again Hann--"

Rachel cut him off and said, "Rachel, my name's Rachel."

The old man looked keenly at the woman. He paused for a while then said, "Ah! I see. I must have been mistaken. Well, it's nice to meet you Rachel and you as well, Eli."

"The pleasure is ours," said Eli.

"That wouldn't happen to be your child would it?" asked the old man as he pointed his gaze to Rachel's belly.

"No sir," said Eli, "It's Rachel's"

"I see..." said the old man, "Well! you wouldn't mind allowing me and my horse stay the night with you two. It's getting dark, and I haven't had my supper."

"We'd be glad to have you," said Rachel.

And so, the three began to prepare dinner as the rolling clouds grew darker and the light began to dim.