Scribbled Dreams by Rob Garbin

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The line was strong and dark at either corner, but in the center, nothing. He cursed. Feeling the paper in the center, he searched for a waxy coating that might explain the problem. He could feel nothing. Crumbling the paper and tossing it across the picnic table he sat at in the park, Jerry packed up his supplies and headed home. He decided to tell the art store that they had a bad batch of paper and get his money back.

Jerry was so frustrated by a mornings wasted work that he did not see the hooded figure step out from the dense woods at the edge of the park clearing. The figure watched warily until Jerry turned down the path leading out of the park. Pulling back the hood of his cape, the figure revealed a hansom face with gray hair just beginning to show at the temples. A scar cut from the jaw of the man across the chin ending below the strong mouth. He walked toward the table bending down to retrieve the discarded drawing. The arm that reached out was covered in chain mail. He carefully unraveled the picture with a smile pulling the scar tight across his chin. Turning, he began to sketch images in the air leaving pale glowing lines that left a four-foot spiral at the center. A final flourish finished the image.

The center of the design fogged then cleared to show another wood with a soft sun dappled floor. The trees and brush were pale green with spring growth and butterflies flitted from wildflower to wildflower. The man ducked his head as he stepped through the porthole. A short distance down the trail, a dark horse tugged at its reins while cropping the nearby grass. From the saddle, a great-jeweled sword hung.

The man turned as he heard the sound of hoof beats approaching. The woman astride the delicate white horse was stunning. She had slightly slanted almond colored eyes and auburn hair full of spring blossoms. She jumped off her horse before it came to a full stop. The man had just enough time to set his feet before she ran into his awaiting arms. After a few hurried passionate kisses, she sighed and laid her head against his broad chest. Jerry pushed her gently back to look into her eyes.

"Why such a greeting Alefin?" he said.

"I was worried about you" she replied. "You left without any word yesterday morning and did not take any guards with you."
A small tear fell from her eye.

"Darling, the wars are far behind us and I can take care of myself."

"I know, but I can't help worrying just the same. Why did you come here anyway?"

"To bring you a memory from our past," he said as he handed her the wrinkled paper. A new tear, one of joy, trickled down her face as she saw her face in the drawing, a much younger but still hers.