Deeds of Their Past by Mike Carss

Author:Mike Carss [Carss, Mike]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-08-29T12:00:00+00:00

* * *

Brohm shook Nathan awake.

He gasped and coughed, reeling about in the dim glow of the fire, now only embers. Sullen morning light emerging from the cave’s exit did nothing to illuminate their camp. Remnants of the putrid taste lingering in his mouth caused him to heave. Brohm held him close, his face creased with concern.

“What’s wrong?”

Nathan managed to catch his breath, and peered deeper into the cave. “Just . . . just a nightmare.”

“Again? Come on, let’s get outta here.”

They packed up quickly and climbed out of the cave to find a dusting of snow covering the ground. The stark contrast between the virgin snow and dark wet stone lent an air of desolation. A leaden sky completed the scene, complimenting Nathan’s mood perfectly.

The path widened, allowing them to ride next to each other, yet they travelled in silence for most of the morning. Finally, Brohm asked the question Nathan knew was coming.

“So, what was the nightmare about?”

“It was awful. I was trying to find you, but got lost in the dark.”

Nathan decided to keep the worst part of the dream to himself.

“They’re just dreams though,” Brohm said.

“I’m telling you, this is different. They don’t drift away like forgotten memories.”

“It’s nothing to be afraid of once you’re awake.”

“That’s what I’m trying to say. These don’t seem like dreams. They feel too real.”

Brohm briefly looked over to Nathan. “C’mon l’il buddy. Just try to forget about it.”

Despite Nathan’s best efforts, the nightmare kept repeating in his head.

Grey skies continued unabated, and the light flurries became a cold drizzle by evening. Brohm’s few attempts to lift his spirits did nothing to clear Nathan’s dark mood. They set up camp under a small overhang, sitting with their backs against the wall. Without a word, Brohm pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. The simple gesture helped to soothe his mind, allowing him to close his eyes without fear of his dreams.

The next morning brought a thick fog, slowing their progress, but it soon melted away to reveal blue skies. A crisp breeze blew at their back, and the oppression he felt dissipated with it, lightening the mood between the two men.

By early afternoon, they crested the final rise. Beyond held a majestic view of a wide, green valley that Nathan judged to be at least a kilometre down from their location. The vale cut its way west, veering north farther out, with colossal mountains lining both sides. A river, sparkling blue in the sunlight, snaked its way through the greenery.

“Beauty, yuh?” Brohm said in wonder.

Nathan nodded, taking it all in. After nearly a week of grey rock, the sudden colour seared his eyes, yet he found it impossible to look away. The trail lazily switchbacked down the side of the mountain. Once halfway down, they came upon a great cascading waterfall that fed the river below. The water crashed its way across many ledges, with a particular shelf large enough to step onto safely.

Nathan dismounted and called back to Brohm.

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