The Mountain's best kept Secret

10. The white horse

(Isabella's POV)

A familiar smile welcomed them in. Still in shock, he led her to the kitchen and dragged out a chair at the wooden table. It felt smooth against her palm as she moved it on along the table’s round edge. From pots made of clay to modest handmade furniture - everything in the cottage belonged to a forgotten time. ‘Am I dreaming? How could such a civilisation survive the modern world?’ She gawked. Candles chasing away the night suggested the home didn’t have electrical power. Also, her saviour washed his hands with water from a bucket. No plumbing?

After wiping his hands, he went to stand next to the gray-haired woman bending by the fireplace. He whispered something in her ear, to what she gave a nod. She hung a pot over the fire and sprinkled different herbs or spices into it, while they spoke in the language foreign to Isabella’s ears. The woman patted his shoulder twice, and without a word, he left the kitchen.

Before long, she then poured the contents of the pot into two cups and placed one in front of Isabella. “Usele” she pointed to the tea and sat down next to her. Parched from their journey, she clasped the cup and brought it to her mouth. Strong herbal smells filled her nose as she took a sip. “Hot!” she spat the liquid back and stared up, embarrassed. Poor manners never suited her tiny physique. The old lady only returned an amused smile. Both women sat at the table in silence, savoring their tea. Isabella shook her head and spoke; “You’re the white horse that saved me from drowning… Also, you’ve showed up in my dreams before meeting. How can that be?” She wished to express the questions haunting her, although aware they didn’t understand each other.

“It seems they intertwine your fate with Leo’s.” Sesa softly answered. 

Startled by Sesa’s remark, Isabella jumped from her chair and backed up to the closest corner, still limping. They trapped this frightened doe in the predator’s den. Then Leo came back through the kitchen door. “What’s going on?” he demanded. “You too! You lied to me all this time, taking me for a fool!” She cried with tear-filled eyes. Confused, he turned his gaze to Sesa seated at the table. “Nana, what did you do? Out of nowhere, we can understand each other?”

“I only gave her some herbal tea to drink, isn’t that the truth my girl?” Sesa innocently shrugged her shoulders. He placed the clothes in his hand on the table and walked over to the corner where Isabella cowered. “I apologise for my grandmother’s rude welcoming; she always likes to play tricks. To be fair, we can understand each other now.” He stepped closer.

“No, don’t come any closer! O my, I’m losing my mind. This isn’t happening!” She folded her arms over her head and fell to the floor. “Nana! Fix your mess!” He ordered and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. “Men… Always so impulsive.” Sesa rolled her eyes. 

“Here, put these on. It’s a sin to walk around in those types of cloths. Maybe its acceptable where you come from, but here, they’re traditionalist. She angled her head in anticipation for Isabella’s response. “Do you mock me? As if I paraded around in my swimwear?” she answered sharply. “Ha! I said they are conservative, not me. I admire your youth, dear. Behind closed doors, flaunt it to your heart’s desire, but outside you have to you blend in.” Baffled, Isabella clutched the blanket higher around her at the grey-hair woman’s swaggering remarks. Was she deaf? She had no other choice but to walk around half-naked! “But, please don’t mind me. I’m just a neglected old woman living with her bachelor grandson, waiting for better days. Although… it seemed my better days have arrived.” Sesa stood up and waddled around the table to hand her the cloths.

“Can I speak my mind?” Sesa asked before Isabella could retire to the other room. Without a word, she only glanced at the old woman. “I’m glad it’s you. Leo’s the only family I have left. So, you must know how much I love him.” Sesa’s conflicting behaviour and words sent her head in a spin. “Glad it’s me? You only showed hostility since I arrived.” “Like I said, don’t mind me. Old age crumbles the amiable walls put up by society. Doesn’t necessarily mean I am right in what I think and say. Leo likes to remind me of this.”

“Leo,” Isabella echoed his name. “Go change and join me for tea. I promise, it will be worth your while.” Reluctantly, she went to the small room opposite the kitchen and paused in front of the bed. ‘Simple’ was the word that came to mind. Similar to the room, she imagined living in on top of the cliff before falling through the cave floor. First, she dropped the blanket to expose her naked back. She swung around to see if anyone might stand by the door. No one. So she undressed and wiggled into the cloths they provided. ‘Mm, pleasant enough.’ she concluded. It was a simple white blouse and dark-coloured skirt. The blouse buttoned up all the way to her neck, and the skirt covered her knees. Conservative, indeed.

She left the top two buttons undone after pulling at it a few times. A dull mirror revealed stands of hair pointing in every direction. The dark circles under her eyes revealed her tired soul. “Euh!” she wailed at her sad appearance. Quickly she pulled her hair back and redid her high ponytail. ‘That will have to do for now.’ she thought.

Upon her return to the kitchen,  Sesa poured tea into both cups. “Wonderful, your covered.” she joked and placed the teacups on the table. “Thank u for providing me cloths. Is it yours?” “Goodness, no! If I had the figure to fit in to those, why would I wear these rags?” she laughed. “They belonged to Leo’s former love…” she trailed off, taking a sip from her cup. “O…” Isabella awkwardly shifted in her chair. “My dear, around me you will have to develop thicker skin.”

“I know you’re the white horse, so please tell me the truth.” she begged. “What would you like to know?” Astounded by Sesa’s straightforward answer, she stared at her for a few seconds before responding. “The whisper in the wind that led me here, was that you?” “I saved you from drowning, but no, I wasn’t present after that. Interesting, though…” Sesa trailed off while rubbing her chin. “Ok, then tell me—why does this place not seem the same as the one we left behind?” Sesa sharply inhaled before answering. “My dear, there’s lots you have to learn before you can fully understand how our world works. I vow to reveal all in due time.”

Sesa stood up, but before she could exit the kitchen, Isabella asked, “World? We’re not in the same world, anymore?” Sesa nodded and tuned back. “Your tea is getting cold.” She noted. ‘Tea?! She just told me I am in a different world and she’s worried about my tea getting cold?!’ Isabella frowned. “But… How?” She pressed. “The ‘how’ is easy, the ‘why’ is still a mystery to me.” Sesa covered her shoulders against the cold and sat back down. “Many years ago, our tribe lived peacefully here in the forest. Until the modern man came and taught our people all things new. We welcomed the scientific advances that made our lives easier. But, there was a price to pay. The modern man wanted to dig up our forest.”

“What the modern man didn’t see coming, was us - the Delliingham forest’s keepers. They thought us weak with only spears and arrows to defend ourselves, while they had many metallic weapons. Supposedly, we were at their mercy. Their mindset also became their downfall, because they didn’t know the forest is alive!”. Sesa cleared her throat. “I’m afraid I don’t follow...” She frowned, because all plants are ‘alive’—what made this forest any different? “You told me about whispers in the wind calling you, remember?” “Yes, but you said you know nothing about that?” She answered. “No, I suggested it wasn’t my doing. The whispers you heard was the forest calling you. It communicates with its people when they’re prepared to listen.”

“But… How’s that possible?”. She asked with one brow pulled up. “I’m not aware of how the spirit of the forest came to be, but it’s our life source and that of the river, trees, animals and mountains.” “So, what happened? With the modern man, I mean.” Isabella spoke after a brief silence. “One day, the villagers stopped hearing the spirit in the wind, and came to realise it was dying. The modern man also came back to collect what we owed—chopped trees, dug up the soil, killed animals and polluted the rivers. Rich with rare minerals they sought, they just took whatever they wanted.” Tears welled up in Sesa’s eyes. “That sounds horrible, but also just like where I come from. We did all those things to our world.”

“True, because our world was part of yours, until the day our forest fought back.” Captivated by Sesa’s story, she leaned forward with her fists tucked under her chin. “Please tell me more.” Sesa smirked at the young girl’s interest, despite tears rolling down her face. “The forest chose my bloodline to protect it from further destruction. So, my great-great-great grandmother recognised the forest’s call to duty and became its first custodian. It bestowed great power onto her in order to drive the modern man away. With the help of our Valgi warriors, of course. A brutal battle indeed, but their weapons couldn’t match her unmeasurable powers. Soon after, they all deserted the forest.”

“So how did the forest move to another world?” She patiently asked. “I’m glad to see our history interests you.” Sesa noted before going on. “The ‘Great Restorer’, they hailed her, but she sensed another war would come in the future. The modern man would return with bigger weapons to claim the forest’s wealth. Using all her knowledge about the magic spells given to her, she pushed our forest into this other world. She hid a secret passage to travel between them for it the future calls of it. Sadly, she sacrificed her life by doing so. Magic always comes at a price.” Her mouth hung open at Sesa’s story. “Is that how we crossed into your world? The cave is the hidden passage!” “Until now, only one other person crossed, but I never found out how.” Suddenly, Sesa’s expression became urgent, “My girl, please you must guard this secret with your life! If this knowledge falls into the wrong hands, it could be disastrous…”

“I understand and vow to safeguard the mountain’s secret with my life. But, I have to find my friends and return home as soon as possible.” “Yes, but first we need to rest. Leo will return before sunrise and help find them. Come, let me show you to your room.” Both stood up and Sesa took her to the room next to where she dressed. “Here, it’s not much, but you’ll be comfortable. Good night, girl.” “Isabella.” she proclaimed as Sesa walked out. “Pardon?” She asked over her shoulder, too stiff to turn around. “My name—please call me Isabella.”

Deep water sounds all around.

“Isabella… come”. The grey-haired figure effortlessly rode on the white horse through the thick darkness. Both shined so bright—chasing away her black surroundings. She grabbed Isabella’s hand and pulled her towards the surface.

White nothingness.

Isabella opened her eyes to the morning sun shining through the curtains. The same dream tormented her slumber once again. “Sesa,” She murmured. She only recently learned the woman’s name in her dreams that sometimes took the shape of a white horse. She still didn’t understand her dream’s meaning, yet she learned the forest called her by name to fulfil a greater purpose.

With her friends still missing, she had no time to waste. Travis’s noble face haunted her, because by sacrificing his own freedom, he allowed her to escape. She must find out what happened to them, or where they’re held captive. Then find the cave to get back home. “Home?”. The word sounded odd saying it out loud. This other world felt more of a home than her own, and she loathed herself for feeling this way. Was it something to do with the forest calling her, or her saviour, Leo? ‘Forget it, his heart belongs to another, Sesa said so herself.’ She rebuked.

The sun stretched its brilliant rays far and wide to reveal the new day. Seated at the modest table, Leo engaged Sesa in a serious conversation. At first, Isabella went unnoticed standing in the doorway. She pushed a strand of hair from her face, unsure of how to approach them. Freshly baked bread filled the kitchen and made her belly grumble. “Good morning, Isabella. After a tough couple of days, I hope you slept well?” Sesa noticed her a minute later. “I slept fine, thank u”. “No dreams pestered you last night?” “Nope.” She lied and walked towards them. Unfortunately, a loose floorboard laid slightly out of place that escaped her notice. Without warning, she tripped and fell.

Before she could hit the floor, Leo’s powerful arms caught and pulled her to him. She clenched to his steady embrace, so the one side of his mouth curled up, “Are you always this clumsy?” This dark-skinned stranger’s stare left her speechless. “O my! Leo, fix that plank before someone else gets hurt.” Sesa said, pretending to be alarmed. He helped Isabella to a chair and sat her down. “Wonder if you had something to do with this?” He hissed through his teeth, unmasking his grandmother’s poor attempt to bring them together. He filled a cup with water and handed it to Isabella. “Thank u.” She panted still; because every moment they touched; chaos erupted within her.

“Help me find my friends.” Isabella begged him, still standing next to her. “I went out last night looking for Galli. He is my most trusted subject and friend. I instructed him to join the other warriors nearby the river before finding you. I wasn’t aware they already captured you and your friends.”

“And, did you find him?” Her eyes flashed a hint of hope. “Sadly, no. They haven’t returned to the village. My guess—they’re still on route or took your friends to another village.” Her head slumped. “My dear, our warriors are ruthless, but just. They’re honour don’t allow them to hurt innocent people. They’ll receive a trail where after their fate will be decided. Before then, no one would harm them.” Sesa tried to lift her spirit. “No… You weren’t there. The one man’s bloodlust showed. He kicked Travis in the head, so hard…” She covered her face, reliving the cruel moment. “He sacrificed himself to save me! So, we have to find them before it’s too late.” She stared at Leo for help with tears running down his cheeks.

“The man you’re speaking of is Canis, king Rogan’s enforcer. And yes, it’s wise to stay out of his way. This changes things.” he paused while staring out of the window. “I’ll go find them.” He abruptly broke the silence and went to his room. “Wha…” Isabella stared at him in confusion and jumped up. “I’m coming with you!” She yelled, following him. “Are you delusional? You can hardly walk and will hold me back.”

“That’s not fair! I demand to come with you—their my friends I’m indebted to.” She objected. He spun around and grabbed her by the arms. “You don’t understand the type of danger your friends are in. If they look anything like you, that makes it even worse.” He breathed heavily, clutching her arms. “I need you to stay here and be safe.” He released her.

“Look like me?” She asked staring at him throwing things in a sack. “Yes,” “What does that even mean?” She asked, annoyed. “Have you not noticed how different you look apart from my people?” He stepped closer. “Golden hair…” Step closer. “Eyes bluer than the sky…” Step closer. “Skin white and soft as silk.” He paused inches from her. “You are a priceless gem, and many kings have declared war over a woman looking like you. I won’t let it happen again.” He sadly whispered next to her ear. “It sounds like you loved her very much.” she swallowed. “Yes, we all did.” Was all he could manage.

Isabella closed her eyes and inhaled his scent she craved when he’s not near. Learning that he deeply loved another made her heart ache. He kept staring down, exploring every part of her face, shoulders, and breasts. “Do you also desire a gem like that?” Her words dripped liked honey. “All warriors take up a life of celibacy, so it doesn’t matter what I desire.” He turned away and went on packing. “O…” Her voice low. “I’ll be back soon. Promise me you’ll stay here undetected?” She just gave a nod and watched him leave.

After a while, she couldn’t help staring at the door as if Leo would come back any minute. Troubled and confused with all she felt for him, Sesa’s hand on her shoulder surprised her, “Leo is the most capable man I know, and not saying this because he’s my grandson. Did you know he’s second in command of the Valgi warriors? He gave up his right in order to stay with me.” Sesa shook her head, smiling. “That man’s stare can turn you to stone, but if you win his heart, you have him for life. I’ve heard his also a beast under the covers…” Sesa teased.

“O my! That’s uncalled for!” Isabella blushed and escaped to the kitchen. She broke a piece of bread, and sat alone eating her breakfast, thankful Sesa didn’t follow her. ‘How could Sesa say such a thing if Leo just told her he could never marry? Was it because he lost his first love?’ Unexpectedly, a knock on the door startled her. “My dear Sesa, are your home?” A high-pitched voice came from the front door. Sesa appeared and motioned Isabella to go hide in her room. She patted and pulled at her cloths until she looked presentable. Slowly waddling to the door, her wooden cane made a ‘thud’ every second step.

“O, Adria, good morning. What brings you here so early?” She warily asked. “You won’t believe what I just saw! The warriors came riding in with strange looking prisoners. And the boy looked remarkably like queen Maya!” She exclaimed. “Shush! Came in, quickly.” Sesa lead her to the kitchen and poured tea. “When did you see them arrive?” Sesa asked. “About an hour ago, but do you think he could have family relations with the queen? That is why I instantly thought of you, being the former king’s mother and all. Thinking about it, it makes sense that king Rogan would detain him after discovering the queen had another heir—he’s a threat to his position.” Adria rumbled on.

“Stop speculating this instant. Queen Maya would never do such a thing!” Sesa reprimanded her. “My apologies, I’m sure there’s another explanation for their familiarity.” The unwanted guest dropped her gaze. “Adria, this is important. Can you remember how many prisoners they brought with them?” “Um, yes; three men.” She answered. “Men? Are you sure?” “Well, I could only see one’s face. I couldn’t see the other’s faces. What else can they be?” Adria frowned. “Women, maybe?” “No, can’t be. They would never treat women so harshly. On second thought, Canis lead them. O for goodness’ sake! You don’t think…” She trailed off.

“Where did they take them?” Sesa’s questions became more urgent. “I, um, got distracted by the notion of the queen having another child, and came straight here.” She admitted. “Think, in what direction did they ride?”

“To the castle, I assume.” “Thank u, please finish your tea and then we must part ways. I have a lot to do before Leo returns.” Sesa lied. “I watched Leo leave as I walked up the road. How is our prince doing?” “Busy, you know how trying a commander’s life could be is. You must go now, thank u for stopping by. I will come visit you next week!” Sesa shoved her out the door. Satisfied with sending Adria on her way, she waddled back and found Isabella standing in the hallway with a perplexed stare.

“Earlier, you said ‘his right’ to be head of the Valgi warriors. What did you imply?” Isabella crossed her arms. “Because he finished first in his training group, he had the right to lead them.” Sesa spoke the truth. “Stop lying. I overheard your conversation - king’s mother and prince?” “Let me stop you right there, young lady! I have never lied to you. Yes, I’ve been vague in my answers, but that is to protect you. I do not disclose information you are not ready to hear.” Sesa passed her to the kitchen. “So, it’s true? Leo’s a prince?”