***
Shane was glad to have been busy since the funeral. The pain of losing Cathy had tortured his mind. He had buried himself in his work and now was ready for a new phase of his life. After completing his basic and extensive MOS, Shane was prepared to begin his career as a Ranger in the United States Army.
It had been several months since he had gone home. He knew his parents wanted to see him, but the thought of going home without Cathy was something he just could not bring himself to do.
“Please come home for a visit,” Patricia pleaded. “We’d like to see you before you ship overseas.”
“I know, but…”
Steve had heard enough and interrupted, “But nothing. There is no reason you can’t come and see your mother. She’s worried sick about you. You barely write, and we’ve only spoken a handful of time since the funeral.”
“Dad, you know I’ve been busy.” Shane knew his excuse was a lie, but he did not want to admit the real reason why he stayed out of touch.
“Son, I know it’s been hard on you losing Cathy that way, but I don’t believe she’d want you cut off from those who love you.” Steve struggled to stay calm, but seeing the pain on Patricia’s face was overwhelming. “Damn it, I won’t take no for an answer. Am I understood!”
Shane knew there was no sense in arguing. He had to push back the pain and go home. “Okay, I’ll get it all scheduled. I’ll let you know when I’m flying in.”
Cries of joy filled his ears as his mother grabbed the phone receiver, “Thank you, this means more to me than you know. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I know, Mom. I’ve missed you, too. I need to go; I’ll talk to you as soon as I have a date. I love you both, goodbye.”
Setting his phone on the table, Shane rubbed his hands over his shaved scalp.
He knew it was best to go home before shipping out, but his parents worried expressions were unwelcome.
***
Nothing could have prepared him for the homecoming celebration at the airport when he landed. When he exited the plane, shouts of “Welcome home, Shane!” greeted him.
“Look at you. You’re so handsome in your uniform,” Patricia rushed up to Shane, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Hi, Mom,” burying his face in her hair, he breathed in her perfume.
“Oh, my, you’re so muscular,” Patricia giggled, this causing the group gathered around to laugh.
“Stop embarrassing him. Of course, he’s muscular. Our boy is a man now; he’s a Ranger,” Steve winked playfully. “It’s good to see you, Son.”
“Hi, Dad, it’s good to be home.”
Chapter 8
Nine Years Later
The sun climbed above the Afghan mountains, signaling the beginning of another day with its oppressive heat. A last cool, gentle breeze swept through the small valley where Shane and the rest of his unit waited on a ridge overlooking a small village.
“Well, that’s the last of the cool air,” Thompson groaned.
“Yeah, it sure makes you appreciate the cooler nights after spending a few days here,” Ramsey shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position. “Look at Campbell over there. He’s tugging at the bit to get some action. Poor kid has no idea what’s ahead of him.”
All the men turned and looked toward Campbell, who smiled sheepishly. This was his first mission, and he was excited. To finally use his training as a member of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment’s Delta Unit, a.k.a. Delta Force was long overdue.
Shane leaned back against a large rock, trying to stretch a kink out of his back. A warm feeling washed over him as he watched his brothers, huddled together, preparing for the rescue mission ahead. This was not Shane’s first, but something about this mission unnerved him. He could not quite put a finger on it, but he felt as though something unexpected was to happen.
Dropped in under the cover of night, they had walked nearly ten miles through treacherous conditions until they reached their target. Shane was thankful for the dark moon even though he enjoyed how the moonlight would paint the ground in this distant corner of the world. The last thing they needed was to be discovered by the jihadists patrolling the area.
When Shane’s unit received their latest orders, he prepared for the worst. They were to rescue three soldiers captured during a transport of supplies the previous month. Shane knew this would be a difficult mission. He knew they would not be in the best medical condition, if even still alive.
Even though he trusted his brothers with his life, Shane could not shake his growing sense of dread. Finding a somewhat comfortable position, Shane decided to go over the rescue plans again in his mind. He had lost too many good men over the years, so he did not want to leave anything to chance. Clearing his mind of such thoughts, Shane focused on the task ahead.
Time seemed to slow as they waited and watched. The Intel indicated the prisoners were held in a ramshackle building on the edge of the small village. Shane had never liked to go into the civilian villages. The chance for collateral damage was far too great. The use of innocent people as a shield showed no honor.
“Okay, we need to relax and keep an open eye on the activity down there. A more accurate head count is required of the hostiles in the village. We need to be fit and ready tonight when we go in, so we’ll take turns getting a couple hours of shut-eye.” Shane knew it would be difficult to sleep. However, the need to be sharp and on their game was of the utmost importance.
“Okay, Sarg., me and Campbell will take the first watch,” Ramsey snickered then elbowed Campbell in the side playfully. “Let’s see how good you are at identifying those Taliban assholes.”
The shocked expression on Campbell’s face caused the group to break out in muffled laughter. They all knew he was new at this sort of counter-terrorism operation, but they also knew he was well trained and capable of fulfilling his duty.
“Sounds good to me. Michaels and I can use some beauty sleep. Hell, he can use all of that he can get. The poor guy keeps chasing off the gals with that mug of his,” Thompson chuckled as he hunkered down for some much-needed rest.
“That’s not his problem. The gals take one look at me and just don’t want to settle for less,” Ramsey teased.
Thompson shrugged, not wanting to add to his friend’s playful beat down. “To be honest, I seem to remember a little hottie telling you she wasn’t interested in rolling in the sheets with your sorry-ass not long ago.”
“Come on, guys, no gal with a lick of sense would want to hook up with any of us. We aren’t the stay home in the little white house with a picket fence sort of guys,” Shane interrupted, hoping to put an end to the playful banter.
Shane had always liked Chuck Thompson. They had met a few years back on a joint mission, and instantly became friends. His quick wit and crazy sense of humor were the things Shane enjoyed most. Thompson always seemed to have a way of pulling him out of the dark recesses of his mind where he appears to go, far too often.
“Hell, whose talking about a house with a picket fence? I’m talking about a little fun in the sheets,” Ramsey taunted.
“Well, you can sit there and think of all the women waiting for you when we get done here. I’m going to get some rest,” Shane pulled his helmet down over his eyes, trying to hide his amusement at this crazy conversation. It only took a few moments before he drifted off to sleep.
~~~
“Meic, wake up. The sun is up, and it is time to eat,” Rhosyn grabbed the thick blanket and pulled it back, exposing the muscular body of her beloved husband.
“Woman, do you want me to catch my death? Come here.” Grabbing Rhosyn by the waist, Meic pulled her down on the straw-stuffed matting on the dirt floor, clutching her tightly in his arms.
“Stop, my love, I have much to do today. Arlana and Keeva are going to help me prepare the wool for weaving. Our sheep have provided us an abundance this year.”
“
Weaving; you find that more important than pleasing your husband on this cold morning?” Meic buried his face into her thick, auburn hair, breathing in the scent of the spices and herbs she used when bathing.
Rhosyn wiggled in his grasp, trying not to laugh. “You need to get up and prepare for the day. We are in need of meat to prepare if you want to have food stored before the snows arrive.”
Realizing there was no sense in continuing with this playful moment, Meic released his grasp on Rhosyn and jumped to his feet. Flashing a mischievous smile, Meic offered an outstretched hand. “You will pay for this seduction tonight, my love.”
“I should hope so. If it were not for the sun burning through the morning fog, I would have liked to stay beside you.” Rhosyn took his offered hand then stood. “I fear our child is hungry. Look he moves.”
Grasping Meic’s large hand, Rhosyn placed it on her growing belly. The sensation of butterflies teased his palm until suddenly, a strong kick brought joyful laughter to both proud parents.
“My son will be a mighty warrior and hunter like his father,” Meic beamed with pride.
“Let’s just hope he’s not late at starting the day as his father,” Rhosyn teased as she turned and walked to the hearth.
Kneeling next to a large kettle of porridge hanging above the fire, she took the large wooden spoon and filled a bowl then handed it to Meic. “I have several turnips and onions, so with some of the meat you bring home today, I’ll make a nice stew. You always like my stew.”
Taking the bowl of porridge, Meic sat on a stool next to the small table. Before taking a bite, he reached for the jar of fresh honey and added some to the porridge.
“Meic, what are you doing? The day is begun, and still, you have not come outside to greet it.” Albion, Meic’s friend since childhood, shouted in his deep, guttural voice.
“Come inside and join me for this feast my beautiful wife has prepared.”
It only took a moment before the wooden door swung wide, and Albion stood there, blocking the rays of the sun with his massive frame.
“You know me, I never refuse the offer of a feast,” Albion licked his lips. Joining Meic at the table, he held out an empty bowl.
“My goodness, does not my friend, Keena feed you? I must speak with her.” Rhosyn filled the bowl with the hot substance and handed it back.
Lifting the bowl to his face, Albion inhaled deeply. “I must say you are a lucky man, my old friend. Your woman is the best cook in the village.”
Taking a large mouthful, Albion rolled his eyes and groaned with pleasure. “Yes, you are one lucky man.”
***
Once they had finished eating, both men placed their bowls on the small table then stood.
“Albion, let us go hunting. My lovely wife has a need for meat to prepare a stew for my dinner. She has also informed me we need to prepare for this winter. She has reminded me it will not be long before the time of the snows,” Meic winked at Rhosyn playfully.
“Well, I say we must obey. I don’t want you to face the wrath of your woman should you not provide her with the meat she requests. We both know not to cross a woman heavy with child,” Albion chuckled.
Rhosyn was about to protest when Meic took her into his arms. “Take care of our son, my love. I shall return before the sun disappears behind the mountains. I will bring you enough meat to last us until the snows melt.”
“I await your return. Please be careful,” Rhosyn wrapped her arms around Meic’s neck, and they shared a passionate kiss.
“Come on, you two. This is not the time for passion,” Albion slapped Meic on the shoulder. “We are wasting the day’s light with such things.”
Pulling away from her embrace, Meic looked at his old friend who stood by the door and smiled. “You only say that because your wife is bored with your sorry attempts to satisfy her, my old friend.”
Albion was about to protest when a smile crossed his lips. “You may be right. Her moods have been dark lately. I guess I should pay more attention to her needs.”
Both men stood in silence for a moment, then burst out laughing.
“Get out of here, you two, before you say more than I want to hear,” Rhosyn giggled.
“I’m sorry for offending you,” Albion felt his face grow warm. “It was not my intention to...”
“Her offended? It would take more than that to offend my woman,” Meic winked as he held the hut door open for his friend. “I shall return in a few hours.”
Meic then followed Albion outside. “You have a good woman there, my friend. I see she is heavy with child. It should not be long now.”
“True, our son should be ready to come into the world any day now. He is strong. He kicks with great force, and by the size of her belly, I would say he is going to be large, too.”
The two men exchanged worried glances. Even though Rhosyn was a strong and healthy woman, she was small in stature. Each man knew that having a large child could be difficult for a first-time mother, especially if the child was bigger than most.
Wanting to ease their feelings, Albion slapped his friend on the shoulder. “Your wife and son will be fine. Rhosyn will give you a son that will grow up to be a great man like his father.”
Forcing his concern aside, Meic enjoyed the idea of having a son he could teach the ways of the hunter and warrior. “Well, at least one of us needs to provide a son to grow up and be a leader. My dear friend seems to only have daughters.”
Albion stopped and looked at his friend. He was about to protest the statement when he suddenly burst out laughing. “True, I guess I’ll just have to keep working on that.”
“Well, then it’s best we go hunting so you can return and begin.” Meic chuckled when Albion nodded his agreement.
***
The sun set low in the sky when Meic and Albion returned to the village. It had been a good day, as the Gods had provided a bountiful hunt.
“Meic, hurry, your child comes. Keena and several of the other women are with her.” Darby cried out with urgency. “Rhosyn cries out for you.”
Meic looked over at Albion, who gave him a reassuring wink. “Go, I will tend to the meat and join you later to meet our newest member of the clan.”
Without saying a word, Meic dropped the deer he had slung over his shoulders and ran toward their hut. His heart beat with such force, he felt as though it would burst from his chest.
Screams of agony filled the air the closer he got, causing Meic to fear the worst. He had heard the cries of women during the birthing time, but this sounded much worse.
“Rhosyn!” Meic cried out as he reached the door to their small hut.
He was about to enter when the door swung wide.
“Move out of my way,” Meic growled.
Keena placed her hand on his chest and pushed him backward. “You do not need to go in there in this state of mind. You need to control your emotions and be strong for Rhosyn. The child is too big and is trapped inside the womb. She has lost much blood and grows weaker by the moment. We have tried everything we can to deliver the child, but our efforts have been in vain. She and your child are in the hands of the Gods now.”
What did she say? The words seemed to spin in his mind.
“Meic, do you understand what I’m telling you?” Keena could see the confusion in his eyes, but she did not know of any other way to tell him.
A dark force seemed to wrap around Meic, choking off all hope for life. After a few moments, he nodded his understanding.
“Please try to remain calm. Rhosyn is weak, and the loss of blood has caused her to be pale.” Keena reached out and took Meic by the hand, and then led him inside.
Nothing could have prepared him for the vision of his beautiful wife lying on the bedding where just hours before they had slept. Her auburn hair was matted and wet from sweat. Her normally porcelain complexion was now blotchy and pale. Meic fought the desire to sweep her up into his
embrace to prevent the God, Bile from taking her to the Otherworld.
“Come to me,” Rhosyn said in a strained whisper.
Without a second thought, Meic found himself kneeling beside Rhosyn with her hand in his.
“I’m so sorry, my love,” tears filled her eyes.
“You have no need to be sorry. Women have problems with birth all the time. Our son just wants a grand entrance.” Meic gently squeezed her hand, forcing a smile.
He was about to speak again when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. Turning to see who it was, he found himself gazing into the eyes of the Ovate. “Meic, I’m sorry, but Rhosyn and your child are nearing the time for their journey to the Otherworld.”
On the verge of protest, Meic heard a soft voice fill his ears. “My love, do not be angry. It is my time to leave this life and prepare for the next. Please understand that I do not wish to leave, but the Gods desire more from you.”
A tear escaped the corner of her eye. “Please let me feel your lips on mine once more.”
Meic had never known such sorrow. How could he go on without her? Why would the Gods take her and their child away from him? He should have stayed home. Maybe there was something he could have done to prevent this from happening.
Leaning forward, the moment their lips met her lifeforce slipped from her body. In his entire life, Meic had never experienced the sensation that flowed through his body at that moment. It was as though an unbreakable bond was forged between them. A powerful link that would last for all time.
Chapter 9
The murmuring sound of voices awakened Shane from his sleep.
“Hey there, Sleeping Beauty,” Thompson grinned.
“We’ve got a head-count of the hostiles.
There are seventeen of the bastards,” a wicked grin shown on Blair’s face.
“How about the villager’s,” Shane stood, stretching the kinks out of his back.
“I counted twenty-three men, eighteen women, and a handful of kids,” Campbell’s eyes sparkled with excitement.