Search for the Red Wizard

Andrew, we really should be leaving. I need to get us home before nightfall.” “There's no rush. You can stay here with us. My mother likes having company and we have the room. Besides, I'd like to get to know you better.” “There's nothing to know. I apologize to you and your family, but we must go. We have obligations and a journey ahead of us.” “Ethan and I could go with you, if you won't stay.” I was in a panic; I couldn't think straight. “That's a thoughtful gesture. I appreciate your offer. Really I do, but we need to get back to our home. Besides that you're not allowed in the woods, according to Josh. No, I guess you are, but-- we don't want your family to worry.” I was really flustered. “You have friends there according to Anna. And they are welcome here too.” “What has she told you?” Alarmed, I looked in her direction. Anna and Ethan were holding hands and drawing closer to one another. I had to get her away and now. I needed to leave for my own sake too. I felt nervous and on edge. I wasn't in control of things, even my own emotions. There was no doubt that the men in this family had a seductive allure. “She said she has some women friends in the forest who are trying to get home too. As you can see we have a shortage of women in our household. Why not join us?” I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was this man propositioning us and asking us to move in bed and baggage? “Surely you've met other young women in the town who would make acceptable partners or companions for you and your brothers” “The ones we've met have been abused by this world. You are new and unharmed. You are special. You haven't been subjected to the dangers of this world. You could use our protection and we could offer you a happy life here. Besides that there is a certain attraction between us-- a connection. Can't you feel it? I do.” I was feeling myself swayed by his words, but in my head I knew this was not the answer to our problem. It was not the time for attachments or attractions, I told myself. True I felt pulled to him physically and there was a yearning in me for stability, but I wasn't interested in accepting this invitation. “I'm not sure that the others would be so ready to come here. Anna and I need to go home and talk with them. I think it best if you not come. The forest is extremely dangerous. We've survived by being cautious and lucky. Let's not tamper with what works. Give us some time to talk with the others in our group.” I stood up. “We must go. It was a pleasure to meet you.” He stepped closer and extended his hand. I touched his and felt an electric charge between us. “I speak for you and will wait for your return.” Our hands were still touching. I couldn't seem to break away. “What is this power you have?” I stood on almost a height equal to his and our eyes connected once more. “We call it `the elfin touch' of love. Our family has always known when the right person enters their life. There is a current of life between us. It cannot be broken. It may be the same with Ethan and Anna. If so, they too are bound by it. Don't fight it. Its power is greater than life itself.” “What if it wasn't the right person? Could you make a mistake?” “I suppose so. It could be longing or loneliness and not connection. Be assured I know what I feel about you is more than longing or loneliness. You know it too. Don't be afraid of it. Together we have great things to do. We will share our lives and our dreams.” “Hold on a moment. You're going too fast.” I tried to collect myself and regain my composure. “You aren't from earth are you?” I looked into his eyes when I asked him this and suddenly I could barely hold on to reality, so powerful was the attraction between us. It was if an electric current was holding us together. I was fighting the urge to draw closer to him. I wasn't succeeding. I fought for control, it was gone. I tried to breathe slower. I closed my eyes and fought the attraction. I found only a few shards of restraint. He answered my question as he continued to hold my hand and looked at my face. “Our parents are from the place you call earth, but, as you no doubt realize, from a different time. Our mother lived in the elf kingdom. I know you're not of that realm, but we are compatible. It was the same with my parents. They are compatible. Our father entered this world's fairy realm when he was a lad. There he met our mother. He never left her side. We are the offspring of that match. Fear us not, nor fear your feelings. These are honest and true feelings. Don't resist them,” thus saying he drew me to him. I felt the warmth of his breath on my cheek. The smell of him filled my mind with vistas of green hills and valleys, swift flowing brooks, and rippling wheat. I swayed against him and heard the beating of his heart in rhythm with my own. I found myself sinking further into his green eyes which seemed to swirl with streaks of deep blue and golden stars. I trembled. He held me closer. His lips brushed my cheek and sought my lips. The gentle touch of his lips on mine sent streams of liquid heat through my body. My body trembled at his caresses. I felt desire, longing, and waves of consuming passion. I desired him. I wanted him. All my thoughts of returning to the house in the woods fled my mind. I drew even closer to him as if we were melting and merging into one. Suddenly I felt an extremely sharp pain. A second deep jab in my left hip broke into my trance-like state. It was a cat's claw digging into me deeper and deeper. I realized it was Monay. His action had brought me back to reality. I pulled back drawing my body from his. I panted in gulps of air as I fought to recapture my breath. Breathlessly I gasped, “We really must go.