The Alterator's Light by Dan Brigman

Author:Dan Brigman [Brigman, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781694382252
Published: 2019-10-08T06:00:00+00:00

15 — Forlorn Hopes

The muted brightness of the day’s light shone through the sheer curtains and fell upon both companions simultaneously. Stirring in his bed, Einar groaned as he rubbed his burning eyes. He caught a low moan from Saen’s position, and pangs of guilt washed over him. Here I am sleeping in a bed, and she’s been near-upright in a chair.

Through a stifled yawn, Einar said, “Saen, I’d gladly switch positions with you. You can’t have slept well there.”

“I didn’t sleep much looking over you, anyway.” Still rubbing his eyes, Einar heard a hint of a smile in her words. “Holli checked in on us several times. She is rather upset with you.”

Einar pulled his hands down and pushed the blanket back then replied, “I can only imagine what Ellia told her, and I’d probably agree. Holli’s a cousin by marriage, but I hope the still-intact marriage vows will help persuade Holli to help us.” He let out a long sigh then continued, “She’s already done more than I ever would have expected.”

The room’s only door opened, interrupting the two friends. They watched Holli enter holding a platter of steaming food and drink. “Ahhh, I see the sloths are awake. I had hoped so considering its nearing midday and all.”

“Midday?” issued from both companions in a near yelp.

“Yes. Midday. Am I not speaking plain enough for the two of you?”

“Holli, my appreciation is beyond words for what you’ve done. But I cannot abide the sarcasm. I know you and I have not gotten along well in the past, but I’d like to offer my side of the story. I’m sure Ellia offered enough to diminish my abilities.”

The cups and bowls jostled while Holli placed the platter on a small wooden table matching the design of the chair Saen still sat upon. Holli strode to the curtains and threw them wide to a gasp of startled pain from her guests. Holli turned, vehemence blazing in her eyes, and said, “Einar, you are a fool. It’s not what Ellia said, but the mere fact she is traveling south without you and with all three children in tow. She didn’t need to say one word about your circumstances.”

Holli alternated her gaze between the blinking visages of the bedraggled guests and laughed. “Once, nothing could have separated Ellia from your side, Einar. Something you have done pushed her away.” She pointed a finger at Einar, continuing, “You and you alone. There are no two sides to this story. In your mind, only yours is true, yet she and the children are hapless witnesses to your continual mistakes and lack of care for their well-being.”

Sighing deeply and seeing that the companions’ jaws hung wide open, Holli continued, “I’ve honestly never really thought much of you, Einar. You followed some crazy dream of changing reality to your whims. That is the path of a single man, not of a husband, and especially not of a father.” Pacing closer to Einar, she laid a hand on his shoulder.

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