Song of Elizabeth

            The storm passed in its fury and the night became an ominous calm. A bright moon illuminated the now peaceful waters. I lay closely in Joshua's arms, feeling his wakefulness, which intensified my fears. Was he concerned about our safety? What had happened in the past between the two men that had left them cautious, bitter enemies? At last, I drifted off into a fitful sleep, anxious for the morning sunrise.

            I awoke in the darkness and Joshua was gone! His rifle lay beside me where he had lain. My heart pounded in alarm. He had gone to kill Cottonmouth! Armed with what? His hunting knife, hatchet and spear? He had left the rifle with me. If he failed in his endeavor, then Cottonmouth would doubtless come looking for me. The evil lustful look in his hooded eyes had filled me with loathing. Joshua had understood his intent.  To get to me as he would surely try, Cottonmouth would have to kill Joshua first. And Joshua had gone to kill him, certain that he would come for me and there was only one thing to do. Prevent his coming. Forever!

            He had left me with the gun. If Cottonmouth killed Joshua, then I must kill Cottonmouth.  Joshua must have slipped away as soon as I had fallen asleep. His lovemaking had been gentle, tender.  And all the time he had known what he must do. I was paralyzed with choking fear.

            My heart pounded loudly while I fought gripping waves of terror. If Joshua didn’t return, Cottonmouth would eventually find me, and I must be prepared to kill him. I wouldn’t have a second chance. There was no future beyond that fact! Any plans of returning home to the Forked Deer, or finding help, were minute to the obvious fact — kill Cottonmouth first! Joshua had taught me to use his gun; in the wilderness, this knowledge could mean the difference between life and death. If my trembling fingers could pull the trigger, I would have no compunction in sending Cottonmouth straight to Hell, for if he came for me, Joshua would already be dead. 

            I listened to the hostile sounds of the night; the frogs and crickets sounded like battalions of enemy soldiers. The call of the owl caused me to jump in alarm. The dark shadows of the trees standing out in the water stood as menacing sentinels. What might be lurking behind them?  I had never known such fear, but I warned myself that I must not panic. I could do that later when the danger was past. What if Joshua didn't return? He was my world, my song of love, my song of life, and I would not want to live without him.

            Suddenly I heard the quiet swishing of the waves.