The Mountain's best kept Secret

17. Becoming someone else

(Isabella's POV)

“Where are you off to now?” She stood on the porch’s bottom step, dismayed by the two men saddling up their horses. Less than a week ago Leo returned from the village in a fit of rage, searching for Sesa. That day… That face… Forever engraved in her memory as the moment everything changed.

“Again, just leaving me behind, to do house chores to keep me from losing my mind!” Her shaky voice echoed. With no other’s than Sesa’s company; the day dragged its feet by and slowed down time torturing her. Every day the same. Yet now and then she tried to escape Sesa’s eagle eyes to explore her unknown world, but to no avail. Surely all the meaningless tasks in and around the house was Leo’s idea preventing her from wandering off, but she yearned to explore the forest’s beauty. Sometimes when resting on the porch, the whisper in the wind called to her—drawing her from her seat to follow it into the unknown. After she convinced Galli to go search for Leo at the Black Wood Tribe, she waited for Sesa to go about her day and slipped away. Then, before long, a red-faced Sesa caught up before she could make her ‘great escape’, and what a scolding indeed!

“Don’t worry yourself, we’ll be back before you know it.” Leo said while still busy with his horse. “But…” She unwillingly swallowed the rest of her sentence as Galli’s eyes warned her not to further object. She dreamt of Leo and their intimate moment at the waterfall ever since, but that sweet man disappeared while on his quest the past week. After he and Sesa disappeared behind the cottage, his new cold and distant persona froze her out as if she meant nothing to him. She closed her eye while calmly exhaling; The sound of water rushing down and crashing into the pool below filled her senses. His sent disappeared, but the water drops glistening on his dark-tanned skin captivated her. How can a man make her feel all tingly? The memory of him gently caressing her arm and complimenting her smile kept her heart from shattering, but was it merely a dream she coaxed up? How can this be the same man and more important - what happened when they were apart? Her heart ached at the thought that the sweet man was all a lie invented by herself.

After a brief silence, she opened her eyes and asked in a low voice, “So, when will you be back?”. Still, her question didn’t turn him around as if she said nothing. He kept pulling at the leather straps of the saddle. Next to him, however, Galli stopped and turned to her. He noticed her shaking hands and a glimpse of pity filled his eyes. “We, um, well, Sesa’s pantry and salt crypt are almost empty, so we’ll be gone for a few days.” He tried to explain, but suddenly her eye shot up at him and then to Leo with colour filling her cheeks once more. “You mean to say you’re going hunting?” The optimism in her voice clearly caught Leo off guard; as he stopped with what he was doing and picked up his head, but didn’t turn around to face her. Galli quickly cleared his throat and broke the awkward silence between them, “Yes, but not only to hunt.” He tied the noose tighter around his neck, “We need to fish, gather berries and nuts and so on. O yes! And how can I forget. Sesa needs some herbs only found next to the river.”

“Enough!” Leo shot daggers at his friend. Galli only explained their somewhat meaningless trip to cheer her up, but achieved the opposite; “Well then, I see no reason for me not to join you.” She stubbornly dropped her arms to her sides and stomped to Galli’s horse in order to climb on. “What?... No, no that’s not what I…” His protest reached deaf ears, because Isabella already decided—they will not leave her behind this time around. Leo turned around, revealing his bitter expression as she readied herself to climb on. “NO.” His deep voice equally chilling as his expressionless face. Don’t cry! Don’t you dare cry! Keep it together! She struggled to keep her emotions in check.

But, despite her best efforts, the tears rolling down her fair check betrayed her already bruised heart. I hate this stupid man! I hate him…

His cruel refusal gutted her like a sharp knife. Why am I this upset over a man’s words? She wondered with her gaze fixed on him. Suddenly she realized the origin of the hurt she felt; for many years she walked with a hollow heart amongst the crowd that not even Travis could fill. So, she had no choice but to become accustomed to the numbing loneliness that became her life. However, this was until she met the dark-tanned commander with straight black hair falling over his face. Her hollow heart filled up with unfamiliar emotions once she accepted his hand hiding in the thornbush. Since then it became like a drug; craving more and more of him.

Well, that was until he suddenly ignored her, and despite this she must admit that him pulling away made her crave his attention even more. But this will end today, otherwise all the warm emotions he once filled her with will slowly seep away… She’ll rather keep her half-filled heart than drown in loneliness again. No, I will not cry anymore! Especially not for him! Just as she refused to cower away from his empty gaze, she decided this: Leo will not control her feelings any longer. Supposing something was amiss that caused him to change his mind about her, she can simply no longer stand by and be collateral damage. Now, he needed to sort out his own heart and feelings. Until then, the two men will not be the same in her mind—one; the gentle man that saved her, and second; this bitter commander with no warmth towards her.

Her thoughts of longing eventually turned to that of anger, “I can’t breathe…” She softly uttered. “I’m slowly suffocating while hidden away day and night. Please… I’ll stay out of your way.” Although she wanted to hate him, her half-filled heart stood no chance. She quickly straighter her back, therefore her restless hands stopped trembling. Then, because of her soft plead, Leo’s cold eyes softened, but still said nothing to ease the tense atmosphere between the two. Galli, standing a short distance away, quickly budged in, “Brother, allow her to accompany us. She can be of much use to us if you think about it.” Both their heads snapped to him. “Such as?” Leo asked, puzzled.

“Well, um, like… She can cook our meals while we’re away, or, um, she can feed and keep our horses hydrated…” Galli grasped at straws. “O yes, and she can search for Sesa’s herbs near the river. Less work for us!” Galli grinned proudly at his quick-witted answer, while placing a hand on his hip. “Seriously? That is the best you could come up with?” Annoyed, Isabella rolled her eyes at him before turning to Leo, “I will not beg you anymore, but please consider this: if you leave me behind and return in a few days, you will not find me here.” After saying this, she lifted her head high, turned on her heels and walked back.

Just before she reached the steps, Leo unexpectedly called out, “Fine.” Surprised, she froze mid-step, but refrained from looking back provided that, after seeing her excited smile, he might change his mind. With a calm voice she replied, “I’ll go get my things.” And hurried to her room. Once out of their sight, an excited shriek escaped her, but an unexpected knock on the door disturbed her celebration dance. Without giving whoever permission to enter, the door screeched open to reveal the frail old figure. “Sesa, o you scared me!” Isabella grabbed her chest as if she saw a ghost.

“So, I heard Leo agreed to you accompanying them? Mm.” Sesa carefully studied her reaction. “Well, to be honest, it’s in their best interest to take me with.” Isabella defended herself while grabbing a few clothing items from the dresser. “How so?” Sesa asked with curiosity, gawking at the clumsy girl stuffing things in a sack. “Why are you being nosy?” Isabella ignored her question. “My dear, when am I ever not nosy?” The old woman let out a laugh.

“If you must know; men like to eat, so I can keep their bellies full, besides I’m a splendid cook.” She shrugged and attempted to leave the room, but Sesa blocked her way with her cane. “And? That doesn’t sound like any fun at all.” Sesa teased, unlike Isabella that’s in a hurry to leave. “I will also feed their horses and collect YOUR herbs near the river. Happy now? Can I please go?” She shamelessly repeated Galli’s words, although she scolded him for it earlier. “If you say so…” As Sesa stepped out of the doorway, Isabella noticed how much the greyed-hair woman aged since she arrived and felt sorry for her.

After exiting the room, she looked back at her; their eyes engaging in a silent conversation: ‘I cannot word my genuine reasons for wanting to go... But, I need to get out of here, because I’m lost in this unfamiliar world and hiding away with you isn’t helping. Also, the whisper keeps calling me to find it. But… then there’s Leo.'

“O Isabella, I don’t know what fate has in store for you, but remember this, no matter the struggle, if you can overcome it, fate will do the rest.” She let out a sigh before leaving her room. Huh? No, now is not the time to dwell on Sesa’s word-games. She brushed off her comment and grabbed another blanket, then quickly made her way outside. There, the two men waited on horseback, ready to leave. “Get on.” Leo scoffed while stepping off to pick her up onto his horse. “Mm, no thanks, I’ll ride with Galli.” With a head held high, she passed and went to Galli’s horse. “What are you waiting for? Help me on.” But she didn’t notice Leo’s gaze quickly darkened watching them. “Um, no, you can’t, I am…” Before he could think of an excuse, Leo leaped onto his horse and went off into the forest. “Well? Are you going to help me?” She stubbornly placed a hand on her hip.

“You really like to tread on the edge of danger, darn girl. Fine, give me your hand, but if he kills me in my sleep tonight, your to blame.” “Ouch! I’m sorry, but he is impossible these days.” She apologized after Galli harshly pushed her on and joined at the front. Then, after she encircled his waist, his muscles suddenly tensed up that made her giggle, “Why are you so tense? Where am I supposed to hold to prevent me from falling off?” “I’m as good as dead.” He mumbled under his breath, yet the ends of his mouth secretly curled up at the warmth of her touch.

“Come, we need to catch up.” Galli cleared his throat before nudging his horse to follow the prince. “By the way; where are we going?” She asked over his shoulder, and to what he answered, “We’ll make our way to the river to set up camp. Thereafter, we will hunt, fish and gather.” After a while galloping through the trees rustling in the wind, she spoke again, “I know you only said all those things earlier to convince Leo to bring me with, but surely, I can help you gather some things? Then, I am of actual use to you.” Galli laughed out loud, “Sure, princess, did you really think you’ll get away without doing your part?” Without warning, he earned a punch on his back for his silly joke, but truthfully his attention made her forget about the cold prince momentarily.

The tall dense treetops only allowed patched of filtered light to pass through, creating a scene full of mystery and wonder. Not far ahead, Leo’s horse appeared and walked at a steady pace, therefore Galli kept his distance to not infuriate his prince any further. They silently walked like this for the next few hours. Isabella’s mind became clouded with boredom and before long, she fell asleep with her cheek pressed against Galli’s back. “I’ll wake you as soon as we arrive.” He whispered kindly.

“Mm…” she softly moaned while drifting off to the clammy smell of morning dew lingering around. Once swept up in her dream, a girl with similar features to her own stood on top of a tall cliff in front of her. The blonde girl just stood there, lifeless, staring into the depths below. “No, don’t jump!” But only a squeal escaped from her mute lips. Alarmed, she grabbed her throat then leap forward to hold the girl back from jumping, “No!” Oddly, like in one’s dreams, her feet refused to move; therefore, stuck without a voice or compliant limbs. The tender dream quickly turned into a nightmare and even Galli noticed her making slight jolting movements as she slept.

Terrified, she watched as the blond unexpectedly turned around to look at her. Emotionless, a face like her own, stared back and started muttering… What are you saying? I can’t understand you! Frustration built, and the sky became dark. She hopelessly stood with her gaze fixed on the girl, but then, she recalled where she heard that unmistaken whispering before! It’s the same as the whisper carried by the wind! “Why are you doing this?” She shouted without sound, then calmly, the girl turned back around and leaped from the cliff, still whispering the sounds of the wind.

“Isabella, hey wake up. Are you ok?” Galli halted his horse, then turned around to grab her arm to prevent her from falling. “What happened?” His worried eyes met hers. “Huh?” She touched her forehead, as to calm down. “O, no, I’m fine. Just a bad dream.” She flashed him a forced smile. “I don’t have to explain the dangers of falling asleep on horseback, not to mention having a bad dream.” Puzzled, she tilted her head, still dazed from the dream, but then his clicking tongue made her frown. “You almost took me with you on your way down!” Galli pretended to fall from the horse. Since when can we choose our dream, you arrogant man! She disapproved of his comment only in her thoughts.

“Never mind, we have arrived and will set up camp over there.” As Galli pointed to an open spot not to close to the river or edge of the forest, she noticed the rushing waters snaking through the mountains. “Wow…” She gasped, then twisted her head around in awe at the magical beauty of this place. “How is it that every time I discover an unknown part of this forest, it is more beautiful than the previous?”

“Took you long enough, come there’s plenty to do before nightfall.” Leo sat on his horse, barking orders. “Yes, of course.” Galli nodded obediently and jumped from his horse to untie the sacks hanging from the saddle. Still seated, Isabella noticed the duo’s dynamics shifting; when alone together, nothing can separate them, but in her presence, the two friends’ hierarchy shifts dramatically and turns from ‘brothers’ to prince and subject.

Not planning on entertaining the two’s mental arm-wrestling match, she swung her leg over to the opposite side and glided off. She will not wait around for ‘orders’ from the ice prince, rather prove herself useful and keep out of their way. So, she helped Galli carry some things and dropped it on a pile where Leo said they’ll make camp. “Where are you going?” Leo’s scolding voice sounded from behind her. “While you busy bossing Galli around, I’ll go gather firewood.” She replied without looking back and continued her search.

Before long, Isabella walked along the river beaming with life and quickly lost herself in the beautiful surroundings. Every day since she arrived here, she yearned to learn more of the forest, and finally she has a chance to. So, what Sesa told me about their ancestors sending the outsiders away was true, because how else does a place like this still exist? For a while, she reflected on her world and all their natural resources exploited for man’s own financial gain.

Suddenly, she heard it! The whisper carried by the wind… It calls out to her, and this time she will pursue it. Enchanted, she blindly followed the whisper deeper and deeper into the dark forest.

xxx

She didn’t notice the time ticking by, but as soon as she woke up from her enchanted daze, she stood in front of the campsite with both men frantically rushing towards her. Their lips kept moving, but the loud ringing in her eyes was all she heard. Standing there, dazed, the chilly evening breeze on her skin felt strange. Looking at them running towards her, Leo’s eyes, wild with worry, met hers before the warmth of his chest crushed her into him. For a minute, he held her in his arms, lending his warmth to her freezing body. Mm, this feels so good… No, wait! What is he doing? Why are they suddenly acting like this?

Reluctantly, she pushed him away, but he grabbed her wrists, “Where have you been?” His voice urgent and the stern sharp look returned to his face. “Huh?” Was all Isabella could manage and looked around her, still lightheaded. “I, um, went looking for firewood, but then…” Suddenly, earlier events flooded back, and her head snapped up, “I heard the whisper calling out to me so clearly!”

“What are you talking about?” Leo’s grip on her wrists tightened. “Ouch, what is going on and why are you acting so strange?” She twisted her hands to free herself from his grasp. After a brief silence, Galli answered, “You went missing for more than half a day. We’ve been looking for you everywhere and almost lost our minds, then out of nowhere you stumbled back looking like a ghost.” “What? That can’t be? I just left and…” She trailed off, rubbing her sore wrists, and plopped down, flustered, next to the fire. Yes, it must be true… Peering up at the disappearing sun, she recalled leaving when it still hung high in the sky. How can this be? She sat, tightly pinching her eyes closed, since it may help her remember what transpired in those hours missing from her memory.

“What’s going on, Isabella? You’re talking about whispers and have no recollection of where you’ve been since this morning.” Galli lowered his voice after glancing at Leo walking away. “Can you truly not remember where you’ve been? I’ve never seen him so upset.” “I’m not making this up! The last thing I can remember was walking next to the river, then heard the whisper. It felt like some sort of out-of-body experience following it; I had no control over my body and suddenly stepped into someone else’s dream. But after that, I stood here with you two crazies running and shouting.”

“You talk about this ‘whisper’ as if you’ve heard it before?” Galli pressed in order to understand what lead to her disappearance. “Well, yes. I first heard it right before we came here, still in my world. Back then, it was too vague to distinguish between the sounds of nature and an actually whisper. No one else seems to hear it, no wait, Grace hinted to me, she also heard it, but again, Grace could’ve just teased me. After arriving, it has become clearer and more urgent, as if it had something important to share.”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to make of this.” Galli shook his head in disbelief and stood up to fetch her a drink of water. Where did you lead me, and why can’t I remember anything? Then, unexpectedly, Leo disturbed her thoughts, “If Sesa was here, she would have said it was the forest calling out to you. But, in my opinion, you most probably dosed off somewhere under a Seagbalm tree.” “What do you mean by that?” She crossed her arms to what he answered, “The Seagbalm tree emits a hallucinogenic sap that renders its victims in a deep sleep that can last for days. Many experiences vivid dreams and some never wake up. Here, the forest’s filled with them.”

Galli let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, that must be it! Don’t wonder off by yourself again. The forest is a two-edge sword; as dangerous as beautiful.” This truth resonated in her heart, but she could only give him a half-hearted smile, although she knew, deep down, this was not the case. They don’t believe me, but how can anyone? I sound like a crazy person! If only I can remember… “Wait… I remember something!” She suddenly jumped up. “It was dark where ever I was, and I heard the screams of a young woman, followed by babies crying.” “U huh, you need something stronger that water, come!” Galli patted her on the back, but quickly removed his hands as Leo clearly disapproved.

This was no dream… Their innocent cries still lingered at the back of my mind. Why show me this image? If only I can remember in greater detail, but the truth hid deep within, waiting to be found.

After they ate next to the fire, she announced that she’ll turn in for the night, “I’m exhausted after everything that happened today. I’ll turn in for the night.” She stood up and made herself comfortable on one blanket laid out nearby. “No.” Leo’s voice sounded in the quiet night. “Huh?” She paused. “The tent is yours; we will sleep outside.” The dim light dancing from the flames made his face look even more handsome. Get a grip. She shyly smiled and settled into the tent for the night. Don’t read too much into it, yet Galli said he got so upset after I disappeared. This made her heart flutter for a few moments before falling asleep.

Early the next morning loud ‘clings’ and ‘clangs’ sounded outside. Still sleepily, she peeked out to scold whoever is making so much noise. “Morning princess! I see you had a good night’s rest.” Galli joked at the state of her hair; all tangled and standing in every direction. “What are you doing? It’s still dark, and here you are waking up the entire forest.” She moaned.

Unexpectedly, Leo appeared from behind the tent, therefore she quickly fell backward into the tent to hide her messy appearance. Why am I flustered by him? She hid her head between her hands. “After yesterday’s disappearance, we can’t afford to leave you here alone, so get dressed. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us.” Leo said before his footsteps disappeared. She rolled her eyes at the way he spoke so superior. And I didn’t disappear yesterday! Annoyed by the man still imprisoning her love, she quickly dressed and tied her long blond hair into a loose ponytail. All I need now is some water to wash my face with. She looked around, but then, as if Galli could read her mind, he stuck his hand into the tent with a bowl of water. This kind gesture made her smile broadly, “Thank u!” She thanked him and first took a large drink of water.

Before long, the three of them made their way into the dense forest, both men with a bow in hand. “I’ve never gone hunting before today.” Galli smirked at her confession, “You don’t say?” He commented with a hint of sarcasm, seeing her anxious expression. “Anyway, you’re just here to accompany us, so relax!” Her eyes squinted, misconstruing his innocent comment, asking, “Why not? Because I’m a woman and not capable of this sort of thing?” After pulling up her shoulders, she quickly stomped to Leo’s side, leaving him behind, gawping. “That’s not what I meant…” He murmured, dumbfounded by her sudden outburst.

“Shh, look.” Leo pointed to something on the ground in front of them. “What is it?” She curiously dropped to investigate the small impressions in mud. “It looks like a small buck’s tracks?” Excited, she stood back up, eyes searching around for the animal. “Are you ready?” His challenging smile worried her. “What do you mean by that?” She crossed her arms. “Didn’t you just disagree with Galli about woman not being able to hunt? So, here is your chance to prove us wrong.” The cold prince shifted the bow from one shoulder to the other. I will prove you wrong and wipe that smirk off both your faces! So, she rolled up her sleeves, “Ok, then show me what to do.”

“We first need to track her.” He motioned to follow and led them deeper in. At first, adrenalin rushed through her veins, tiptoeing after, but soon got bored as a few minutes turned to more. “Are you sure you’re going the wright way?” She muttered. “Shh!” Galli silenced her from the back. Like ducks in a row, the three walked in a line, with Leo ahead, Isabella in the middle and Galli at the back. But then, unexpectedly, Leo signalled for them to stop. Without looking backwards, his hand reached for hers. Gently, he pulled her in front of him and handed her the bow. “Shh, take this. I’ll show you how.” He whispered before positioning himself behind her. With his left hand, he lifted the bow in hers. Next, he placed an arrow in her right hand. Slowly, they drew back the bowstring until it lightly caressed her cheek. The way he touched her… Unleased her thoughts like wild horses.

            Focus, Isabella.

“I can’t…” She uttered as the pounding of her heart became deafening. Unexpectedly, he hugged her trembling body from behind, “Yes, you can—take a deep breath.”

            Inhale.