"Run!"
The word is etched into my brain as I watch my mentor and friend fight, although havoc has risen and mayhem has let loose, he still continued to fight. Soft tears run down my face, remembering a time when he told me a story, one I would never forget.
Flashback 9 years ago...
"Alastair, Alastair, oh please do read me a story" I beg. "I'm busy" I pout grabbing his leather sachet, "Just one please" I whine stretching out my last words for extra effect. He looks down at me and my sulking, "Fine but only after you take that unpleasant face off" he says assertively. I smile from ear to ear agreeing. "I promise" He huffs "Get in bed before I change my mind." I hurriedly scurry underneath the thick sheets laying down on my backside as Alastair sits on my bedside and watches me seep into the bed. "Once there was a pale, dark-haired man who was very lonely." "Why was he lonely?" "All things must meet this man, so they shunned him." "Did he chase them?" Alastair shook his head and said, "He tried indeed, but it was of no use; his sadness only deepened" "Whatever did this poor man do then?" I queried curiously. "He took an ax and split himself in two; right down the middle." Whispering I half knowingly asked, "So he would always have a friend." he answered repeating back to me, "So he would always have a friend." A silence swept across my bedroom, signaling the end of the story. "Why must the story end there? Can it not continue?" "There is no continuing after death." "Must he die? Can he not live?" "That is the story and it has always been, now sleep," he says gruffly rising from my bedside. "Alastair.." "What" "I'm frightened kiss me goodnight" "No." "Please I promise not to pester or be a bother!" "No." "But I'll behave well all day tomorrow and-" "No." "Please." My voice comes out more of a whisper than anticipated when suddenly Alastair plants a kiss on my forehead. "Goodbye child." That night I fell asleep soundly feeling the warmth of satisfaction running through my veins, knowing I was beginning to warm up to Alastair the protector, day by day.
Present time...
My dear friend and mentor, you were kind and studious, but very humble and thoughtful. I wish you nothing but the best of sleep my dear friend. "Goodbye Alastair"