Jack stands near the mounds of Ori and Maliki's graves, oblivious as to how he got there. The mist surrounds him, swirling with the wind. Why is he standing in the dark?
"What the hell is going on?"
Suddenly, the wind howls and the mist shifts into a whirlwind. Jack hears Hank howling in the distance. He wails long and loud, baying at the moon in the shadows. Jack doesn't feel fear, but he does slide his hands to his belt out of habit. He wears no belt. He is dressed in his sleeping clothes.
"What the fuck?"
Through the mist he sees a figure floating in his direction. He shifts his gaze and notices another. Both slice through the trees crossing paths and shape shifting. Jack's pulse spikes. He feels naked without his weapons. Hank, his trusted companion, is not at his side. Suddenly, the wind calms. The swirling mist settles. Hank goes silent.
Jack rubs his eyes and sees Ori and Maliki floating in front of him. They seem to be healthy and complete. More so than the last time Jack had seen them. He goes to embrace them, but his arms cut through smokey vapors.
"Jack. We come to you as a sign and to deliver a message from the ancestors of the mountain. The Elders desire to express their pleasure with your efforts to assist the runners."
"As for us, please understand we are not bitter. The cruelness of the world is what took us from you. We hold no grudge."
Jack is stunned. His mind twitches as he processes the words. He chokes up at the site of his sons. His longs for them to return to him, so he can protect them. So he can keep them safe.
"We feel your pain father. You are free of our suffering. You did the best you could!"
"But now this opportunity has befallen you. It is imperative that you protect and prepare the warrior Sofia, for what lies ahead. There is danger lurking outside the area of Blue Mountain."
Jack clears his throat and wipes his damp eyes. He speaks.
"I am grateful to the Elders for sending you to see me. I miss you both tremendously and although I hear and accept your forgiveness, I will never be able to completely forgive myself for what happened to both of you."
The brothers continue.
"Jack. The Elders have appointed us guides for you and Sofia. We are now your guardians for eternity so long as you remain on the mountain. However, it is imperative that you prepare her for the harsh realities outside this sanctuary. She is special. She has been chosen as a savior of the enslaved."
Jack nods his head, realizing now that his life has been coopted for this mission.
"I accept the proposal you have presented. Please inform the Elders that I will prepare, protect, and defend this young woman with my life if so determined."
The brothers nod in agreement, assuring Jack they will deliver his message to the Blue Mountain Council of Elders.
"Do not expect to see us often Jack. You may feel our presence at times. We have faith in your ability to prepare the chosen one. We have visited her in the days past, setting the course for you to guide our sister. God be with you father!"
The wind picks up and Jack hears Hank begin to howl again. He reaches out as the vapors of Ori and Maliki begin to swirl. He wants to hug them. To tell them he loves them, but in an instant, they are gone.
Jack is left standing alone at the mounds. The night is quiet. The stars are bright. The feeling of warmth surrounds him. He feels like he is being hugged, being wrapped in a warm safe blanket. He feels as if a great weight is lifted from his shoulders. He hears a twig snap and turs to see Hank standing at his side.
"I know boy, we have our work cut out for us!"
After a minute, they slowly walk back to the cabin. He quietly opens the door and Hank drops in his favorite spot. Jack's gaze shifts to Sofia, snuggled up small in the center of their bed. He slides quietly in beside her. They sleep soundly.
Jack wakes to the aroma of bacon frying. His eyes open and he shifts onto his side, sliding up on one elbow to observe the scene being enacted before him. Sofia is a whirlwind around the hearth. Hank follows her wherever she goes. When she stops for a task, his but hits the floor and he waits patiently for her next move.
Sofia catches Jack's movements out of the corner of her eye. She quickly prepares a cup of coffee with a touch of cream and a teaspoon of honey. She glides across the floor and presents it to him.
"Good morning sleepy head!"
