Willa raced down the dirt path kicking up dust behind
her. She skidded around the curve nearly
colliding with the crooked oak tree but caught herself just shy of impact. Gaining speed again she dashed up the hill,
crested the top and tucked her shoulder in letting momentum carry her in a
controlled tumble down the hill. As she
neared the bottom, she untucked and landed on her feet. Without a pause she sprinted the last stretch
and reached the massive stone structure.
The archway over the doors seemed to frown down at her. She dusted off her clothes, straightened her
back and calmly knocked.
Footsteps echoed down the hall as Willa waited. The door creaked open just as the bell
gonged. Willa’s eyes twinkled in
mischief as Garet looked down at her with disapproval.
“On time, as usual.”
Garet stated.
Willa bowed with perfect dignity and respect. “Thank you, sir.”
Garet rolled his eyes and stepped back bringing the
huge door with him. “Enter.”
Willa nodded and walked inside. She forced her mouth to stay shut as her eyes
took in the amazing artistry of the stone hallway. One day, she would create such beautiful
imagery.
“This way.”
Garet shuffled past her gesturing slightly with his hand.
Willa fell in step behind him peeking at the
tapestries draping the walls. The
adventures they must have had, Willa thought.
One day she would have splendid adventures, too. She would travel the world, the universe and
write stories of her adventures. She
would paint pictures and weave tapestries, too.
People would tell tales of her legendary journeys.
“Ahem.” Garet
was staring down at her holding a door ajar.
Willa shook herself out of her imagination and blushed
slightly. Bowing her head, she slipped
inside the door. The door shut silently pushing
a small gush of wind at her back.
“Willa, my dear.
Come. Come.” The gentle, old voice beckoned her.
She smiled warmly as she walked into the fire light. She bent and kissed Eden’s wrinkled cheek as
the gnarled hand enveloped hers. Willa
knelt down by the chair and looked into the fire.
“Do you see it, dear?”
Eden asked.
“Yes, yes. I
do.” Willa said concentrating on the
image that slowly came into focus.
“What do you see?”
“It’s…hard to say.”
“Try, dear.”
“It’s kind of grey but sparkly, too.” Willa leaned forward as if that would help
the image become clear. “I can’t tell
what it is, though.”
“Yes, it is hard to tell.” Eden shifted.
At the movement Willa turned her head and looked
directly into Eden’s eyes. Eyes that had
once
been clouded now looked just as the image did. Grey with sparkles. Willa’s brow furrowed.
“What’s going on?”
She whispered.
“That is the question, my dear. That is the question.” Eden turned back toward the fire.
Willa looked down at her lap, still holding Eden’s
hand, clasping it for comfort. “I’m
afraid.”
“Yes, dear. As
you should be. But do not let fear turn
you away from your path.” Eden said
gently squeezing Willa’s hand. “We all
depend on you now. You are the one who
must answer the question.”
“Me? But I
still have so much to learn. Isn’t there
someone else?” Willa wanted adventure
but she assumed it would be when she was much older. It was easier to be brave when adventure
seemed a ways off in the future.
“You are the one, dear. I’ve known for a long time this day would
come. You are ready. It is time.”
Eden placed her other hand on top of Willa’s head.
Willa wanted to cry but the comfort that flowed from
Eden soon filled her heart. From this
comfort came strength which filled her spirit.
“Yes, it is time.”
Willa stood, bowed low to Eden before gently releasing
the gnarled hand. Willa stared for a
moment longer, etching the old woman’s image into her mind. Slowly Eden smiled as if knowing.
“It is time, dear.”
Willa bowed one more time then turned and walked to
the door. At the door she hesitated just
for a second, waiting for any last words but none came. She slipped out the door, down the hall and
into the dark of night.
