Once Eve mounted the horse her mind slowly wondered. She wanted to be the one to raise him and see his growth. "Thank you," said Eve with a solemn voice.
The two priests nodded withdrawing from the premise of Eve's space.
Little one can you listen to me? Do you want to know the meaning of an under priest? An under priest is someone who cares for the dead. Those two priests who brought the horses are under priests. I am absolutely frightened. I have never been outside this village. I hope the head priest brings you back here. I will ensure that he does. Her hands stung from the way she clenched the reins.
Eve casted the crowd one last look, overwhelmed with a momentary sense of shame, she flushed. Thoughts of their judgments echoed in her mind. All she wanted was a bright future for her child. One where her child would not have to sacrifice himself.
Coal gently pulled on the reins of his horse. Turning to the east, he journeyed forward a few trots.
Eve took a few moments longer to indulge in the scenery around her, soaking in the final memory of her village.
As she finally pulled on the reins, a male villager started to reach for her. "Foolishness!" The villager screamed at Eve as he grabbed at her leg. He continued, "You do not have to do this! You do not have to follow him!" The villager tried to pull her down from her horse.
Eve kicked him hard. "How can you possibly understand how I feel! How can you possibly understand?" Eve screamed.
That villager retreated into the crowd after she scolded him.
Coal called back to her." Hurry up".
Eve heard a sudden cry. She spotted her niece who broke into loud, uncontrollable wails.
The little girl screamed, "Mommy why is Eve leaving?!" Her sister placed both of her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
A hush fell over the crowd as Eve's sister spoke. "Eve has to go; she has to die for us." She sounded calm, but those around her sister could tell she was falling apart.
"Why mommy, when there are much worse people out there! Those people deserve to die, not Eve!"
Eve's sister pulled her daughter into a hug. "Listen closely Trisista. It is not about who is right, or who is wrong. It is about how much you are willing to give."
Coal turned around, approached and asked, "Are you certain about this?"
"Yes," said Eve. She closed her eyes. One of her hands found her midsection. She gently rubbed circles. You and the others lack awareness of my immense willingness to give." She faded into her thoughts. Am I acting correctly, little one? Before we go, there's one more thing I need to handle.
"Coal," Eve called out to him.
Coal glanced at her in acknowledgment.
"I want you to bring my child back here for my sister to raise," said Eve.
"Consider it done, if that's your desire." After he spoke, he had his horse trot ahead leaving the village.
Eve, upon also leaving the village, discovered a desolate land of sand and dunes. She wandered if there was more to see, and where did the travelers come from with their wares.
After they traveled a while on horseback Eve's eyes danced around the bland scenery. Her eyes noticed Coal had stopped. She trotted closer only to see his face buried in an old map.
Eve glanced over. "Is everything alright," she asked him quietly.
Coal let lose an irritated sigh. "No, I cannot seem to find it."
Eve stayed silent looking around.
"It should be around here." Coal kept checking the map, and the area around him.
"What are you looking for? "Eve tried not to sound skeptical.
"I am looking for the campsite for tonight." He huffed annoyed, "I cannot properly read it."
Eve spotted a low cliff formation with a tent under it, or what looked like a tent. "Is that it."
Coal glanced at the map again before he replied to her. "No, but we can stop for tonight."
Eve sighed taking a break would be wonderful. Suddenly, drowsiness overcame her. She wondered closely behind Coal until he dismounted.
After Coal dismounted, he walked over to the flank of Eve's horse. He gently helped her down. He took hold of both reins leading the horses to the camping area.
Eve stumbled when her feet made contact with the ground.
Her eyes dart over to the camping area. A displeased look appeared on her face. There seemed to be only one tent.
"If this is the correct camping ground, it would be for the priest. To demonstrate the sacrifice's dedication, they would need to brave the night," said coal.
"I think I am giving away enough to him. If he does not respect that, then is he really worth following. I am giving away my motherhood, my life, and the memories I will never have. Is that not enough," Eve grumbled
Coal appeared thoughtful for a moment to her as he hitched the horses to a nearby rock.