Eve flinched and drew in a breath. "Hey, little one, please refrain from being so restless inside me. It must be the new environment," Eve whispered. "Her attention momentarily drifted from the sparse campsite to Coal's physical features. He was a blonde with sharp distraught facial features.
Eve winced moving toward the campsite. Coal left the horses to build a fire. Once she reached the area, she sat down watching him for a few seconds before her eyes grew heavy. She leaned back on a rock and fell asleep.
Several hours later Eve awoke smelling cooked meat. It was delightful to her senses. Her mouth watered at the nutty citrus scent.
Coal barely glanced up at her before he spoke. "Give up and go home."
Eve puffed out her cheeks. "Then who will be the sacrifice!?"
"I will." Coal answered her calmly.
Eve lost control of her emotions screaming at him. "No, do you not realize it is against our religion to sacrifice a priest. So many people count on you. You are there to lead, and guide. If you die, who will lead that one soul you did not? To Dai' lan 'Riku that is the biggest crime you can commit!"
"Does being a mother frighten you that much, that you would rather die?" Coal stated bitterly.
Eve sprung up slapping Coal across the face. The sound revibrated through the valley of sand.
His face turned to the side with widened eyes.
"Terrified of motherhood, yet eager to hold my baby in my arms. I would gladly take another way if it existed," Screamed Eve. She faced away from Coal only to experience the sensation of a sharp object scraping her throat. A thin line of blood leaked from the blade pressed against her. Eve shivered. Fear coursed through her veins. Her hands immediately went to her stomach. "What -what -do you want!?"
"Give me all of your valuables." A rustic, rusty voice spoke out of the darkness surrounding them.
"We cannot," Eve responded trembling harder. "All we have in our possession is the religious objects needed for my sacrifice."
"I am not asking. I am telling you, miss." The man leaned in closer. The dim light of the fire illuminated his sneer.
Eve could see Coal in her peripheral vision moving to stand.
Coal placed one hand behind to push himself up.
Eve noticed three other bandits suddenly surrounding him. They laughed sinisterly. She squeezed her eyes shut. Her right hand formed a fist and rested on her lips. Little one, I am scared, but I will protect you. Eve focused on her thoughts. Ensuring his future is my priority, but what can I do to protect my child? I am unarmed. Eve glanced over at Coal, who nodded.
"We must sacrifice her to obtain a miracle, from Dai'lan ' riku. So, he does not destroy everything. I beg of you spare what little valuables we have," said coal.
The fire's light illustrated the expression change on the bandit leader's face. "Dai' lan ' riku does not exist."
Coal responded to the bandit leader, "How do you know?"
"He has never provided a miracle before," said the bandit leader.
"How about I make a deal. After we sacrifice Eve and no miracle happens, you can take the religious items and kill me." Coal spoke calmly. He held his arms open toward the bandit's.
The bandit leader snickered. "What if we kill you here and now?"
"You will not. You are curious. You want to find your miracle. As stated in the proverb of the Nalisille, "Though you seemingly walk alone, Dai'lan 'Riku does not abandon. Even if you are weak, hungry, or injured, hold steadfast your miracle is coming."
"What happens if we don't remain steadfast? Bandits need to eat as well," said the leader.
Coal replied, "Then I will feed you, and give you rations."
The bandit leader removed his sword from Eve's throat. His brow furrowed as an unexpected emotion travel throughout him. He wrinkled his nose and sheathed his sword.
"I will feed you, but I ask one thing in return for your men to drop their weapons from my person." Coal eyed the three bandit's surrounding him.
The bandits surrounding Coal yelled "kill them, torture them, stab them!"