Runalli-4 Read online

jungle. Our footsteps falling, I realized in wonder, on ground that’s never felt humans tread across its surface.

  As we moved, only the sounds of my feet and labored breathing—as I struggled to match her pace—broke the stillness of the night to mingle with those of the jungle.

  She moved with effortless silence, like a creature born to this world. If not for the vision of her walking an arm’s length before me, I might have doubted her presence entirely.

  Her pace tugged me to the limits of my endurance. Whether this was design or reflex, it forced me to concentrate on my footing and breathing. The whirlwind of questions in my head remained unspoken.

  For ages, it seemed, we moved. She wove her way through the latticework of roots and plants, I stumbled behind…

  My fatigue showed. I tripped, fell, forced my way on then tripped again. And the pattern repeated. Her steps were spry. Just when my endurance neared its end and I thought I’d pass out on my feet if I forced another step, I beheld a shimmering surface.

  I stopped in bewilderment and looked to her. Unless appearances deceived me it was a portal. But what was it doing here, in the middle of Kuthgar-9’s rainforest? Where were the machinery and power supply necessary for its function? Where was the telltale arch, the cables and support structure? Where was the control pad to enter the destination?

  This portal hung, a giant silver mirror, suspended between the roots of the largest tree I’d ever seen.

  “How?” I gasped.

  She looked at me. Her smile suggested the answer lay beyond my comprehension. “You have much to learn, Robert.” She said, “But now is not the time.”

  She looked deep in my eyes. I realized then I’d never comprehended the true nature of her beauty. She was a force of nature. Like a sunset or silence after a spring rain, she filled me with wonder, with hope, with peace. She was a balm for my troubled soul. I could no more possess her than one could a star. And, like the gravity of a star, her presence trapped me in orbit. I knew then, if I’d retained any portion of myself through the years, it was gone now.

  I was lost to all but her.

  The ambient light slowly increased. Night was releasing its dark grip on the planet. Morning sounds wafted through the air.

  “Where am I going?” I asked. I knew she wasn’t following. As I knew that, despite my desires, I must leave.

  “Trust, Robert. It will take you where you must go.” She beckoned me to step through.

  Unable to help myself I pleaded, “Wait! Before I go... Will I ever see you again?” I had to know, the thought of leaving her was agony.

  “Yes, Robert. When you have lived your life, we will meet again.” She reached out and placed her palm gently against my chest. Warmth filled my being. A tear traced its way down her cheek as she continued, “There are things you must do...that only you can do.” She smiled. Her eyes searched mine. “But most importantly, you must live your life. When the time is right, I will find you.” Then she took my face between her hands and kissed me. It was not deep, nor passionate, but it was enough.

  Softly she pushed me toward the portal’s gleaming surface. I was loath to leave her, but knew I must. I felt... No, I knew she was right. There were things I’d yet to accomplish. I’d known it all along but been afraid to realize it.

  For a brief time I stood motionless before the mirror surface, studying her, memorizing her reflection, marveling at her beauty.

  Finally I took a deep breath, released it.

  With peace from the knowledge I’d see her again, I stepped forward. The familiar rush of ice flowed over my skin as I entered the portal.