Eight
The next day I got up early, leaving Jet and the rabbits still sleeping, to meet Karn early outside the archery range. When I got there I was surprised to see her already waiting. I could notice a nervous look in her eyes, one I had not seen the day before. Her eyes darted around.
“Hey, ready to practice?”
“Sure, listen Eric, would you mind if we took shots …somewhere..else?”
“I guess not, why-”
“No reason. Look, too many people around here anyway. I want to take our time, not worry if people are waiting. I know of a glen over that hill about ten minutes walk. It’ll give us room. You can teach me your method. I can teach you how to draw a bow!” She smiled, grabbing my arm and pulling me away from the range.
It was a short walk through the summer fields, with the grass waist high we soon lost sight of the fairgrounds. I could see the tension melt away from Karn’s face the further away we got. We eventually found ourselves in low ground besides a small brook. The trees were larger, the air cooler and no one was around as far as I could see. Karn herself took a quick look too. I could see her visibly relax.
“Everything ok?
“Yes, sure. Sorry. I had a fight with my father today. He... objects to me coming out here. He thinks I should stay at home.”
“Well, ok, I guess. You have chores?”
“What are you taking his side now?” Karn said it with a smile but I could detect a real question in there.
“No, no. I didn’t grow up with any sisters or brothers, they’d all moved away.I had to do all the chores. But the way I figure it if you do all the stuff you have to then you can do whatever you want.”
“Even if it isn’t proper for a lady?”
I laughed, maybe too loudly. “Well mi’lady, I didn't mean to offend. I figured you were just a regular ol gal. I didn't realize I was dealin with royal town folk.”
“What do you mean?” her face darkened, but I still didn't get it.
“Sorry, I was just joking. Back where I come from there are two types of folks, people on the mountain and town folk. Its the town folk who always put on airs, always talking about what girls ought to do or not do. But up on the mountain you just do what needs to be done. My momma did everything my daddy did ,maybe more. Heck, if she could’ve voted she would have been there right off even, she weren;t afraid of no one and was no ones fool.”
I looked up to see Karn smiling broadly.
“She sounds like a great lady, maybe one day I could meet her?”
“No, hardly, she died, uh, about a year back.”
“I- I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t know. I suppose there’s a lot of stuff you don't know... about me I mean.”
We stood there for a moment, the sounds of the summer day beginning to get louder as the sun rose up in the sky. I felt a strange sensation on my skin, like putting your hand under running water.
Finally Karn broke the spell.
“Are we going to sit around all day talking or are you going to show me how you shoot that bow so fast?”
We spent the morning taking turns, showing each other what we knew about the bow. Ever been in love Riley? Really in love?”
“Sure, I guess Pawpaw. There’s a girl, a senior, she makes me feel special you know. Like I’m the only one in the world.”
“Exactly, you know. It was like that. Maybe it was because we were alone, but it really did seem like the world had suddenly become so small, just the two of us. I can recall every moment of that day, I know I can. I remember the way the tall grass tickled my hands as we walked to retrieve arrows, or how the bird songs seemed so loud in the quiet of the glen. Karn’s brown hair in the sun, her smile and her laugh. I was pretty sure, right then, that I could spend a million years with her and not feel closer to her. “
“Did you kiss her pawpaw?”
The old man laughed. His eyes sparkled. “Yes, Riley, we kissed. It was towards evening. The sun was low, the breeze had died down. I swear the world stopped spinning there for a moment.
“Eric, I have to go now.“ Karn told me suddenly. “I have to be back in town before dark.”
“Go with me to the fair Karn, let’s look around, play some of the games.”
“I… I can’t. My father wouldn’t… like it.”
“Come on Karn, we can break the rules just once. I’ll go back with you and explain.”
“No! I mean, no. Anyway, you are awfully brave to say that without knowing my father. But, no. One day, soon. I promise.”
“Ok, but can meet again here, tomorrow? The tournament is only two days away.”
“Yes, ok.” Karn turned to leave when she turned back around and hooked her arm around my neck. Pulling my face towards hers. Yes, that was the kiss. It was THE kiss, you know. I had kissed a few girls at church socials an such but never like this. It shot through me like electricity. I swear when she finally broke away it almost hurt. When I opened my eyes she was looking at me in the strangest mix of happiness and fear. I thought maybe I had done something wrong.
“Karn, I…”
“I have to go now Eric. Meet me back here, tomorrow? Right here!” she was running away. I tell you I wanted to run after her with all my might, but I didn’t. Looking back I guess I should have been more concerned about how all of this was unfolding, but it’s a thing Riley, when you’re young. You don’t ask a lot of questions, least I didn’t. I was letting life wash over me, had been since I got to this place. It was like one of those hot summer days when you feel almost weak, you just let life happen and worry about tomorrow some other day.
NINE
I wandered back to the fair in a daze. I walked right past Jet in front of the archery range.
“Eri?”
“Oh, hey, uh what’s up?”
“You tell me. This is the third time today I’ve been back here looking for you. I thought maybe someone from last night’d recognized you. Where the heck have you been?”
“Um, I , uh, well, back there” I pointed vaguely back the way I’d come. “Been practicing…”
“With that girl from yesterday huh? That would explain the dazed look. Watch out for fair romances Eri, they’ll get you in the end.”
I smiled and Jet gave me a dirty look. “Crud, you’re in deep aren’t you Eri. What’s her name?”
“Karn. She’s amazing Jet... I think I’m-”
“Save it loverboy. She’s bound to break your heart.”
“You don’t even know her Jet, she’s an amazing shot with the bow…”
“Eri, do you know her? What, you met her when? Yesterday? Heck, on that level you and I should be married.”
“Not like that Jet. You ever been in love Jet, it’s like magic.”
“You ever been in love? is more like it. That’s puppy love mister. Anyway, I guess Walter and I will pick up your broken heart regardless. Come on, we’re going someplace new.”
“Where? Another tavern? ‘Cause last night was not that much fun for me.”
“No, no more taverns for now, too much going on. Nope, this is better, quieter. It’s a place not many folks get to see. No, shush and follow me lover boy.”
Jet and I left the fairgrounds and went back down the road we had come into town on. After a little ways we suddenly veered off the road, pushing through a hedge that seemed like any of the other hedges we had seen along the road. But on the other side of this one was a narrow, barely noticeable pathway that wound down a bank from the road. We walked for about fifteen minutes, Jet saying nothing (she was good at that) and the pathway often almost disappearing altogether. It didn’t help that it was getting darker as night was falling. Finally we stopped in front of a small bush. I wasn’t sure what was going on but I began to feel kind of nervous. I guess I had thought if Jet had wanted to do harm to me that she’d had plenty of chances before. But I wasn't sure.
“Ok Eri, serious business now. You gotta swear that you’ll never tell anyone about this ok?”
“Um sure Jet. But you’re kinda worrying me here…”
“Sorry Eri, nothing to worry about. Its just that we’re about to go into a burrow. You know what a burrow is?”
“You mean a rabbit burrow?”
“Exactly. See, the lepus like to live away from folks, no sense getting in the way. Most folks don’t know or don’t care where the Lepus live, and the rabbits like it like that. So, most folks have never seen a burrow. But I convinced Walter and Path to let you come tonight. So stay calm and watch your step. I guarantee it’ll be a better time than last night.”
“Um, ok. But how are we gonna fit into a burrow?” Jet looked at me like I had lost my mind, which I guess I had. She turned around and pushed through the bush. Behind it was a large hole, about 3 feet across. You did have to kinda bend sideways your way in, but once I did I found myself standing, comfortably, in a large long tunnel dug out of the dirt. I could hear voices echoing down the end of it.
“Come on! This is a rabbit named Satchel’s burrow. She’s friends with Path and Walter and lives with Andrew’s brother Mike.”
“Ok, say, why is it that Andrew has such a … well, normal name and everyone else seems to have strange names?”
“Like Walter? Well, anyways, good point, long story. Some other time. Now, relax, you’ll be fine.” That was the second time she’d warned me. It wasn't helping.
We came to the end of the corridor and it opened into a large dugout area. In one corner was a full fledged fireplace with a roaring fire. The walls were bare earth, but covering some of them were tapestries or colorful bolts of cloth. All around sat Lepus, either leaning up against the wall or just sitting on large pillows. There was no other furniture. In one spot there were baskets with vegetables and pots with steaming stews.
Since I had arrived I had never seen more than about four rabbits together, but here there were easily a couple dozen. All sorts of colored coats, from midnight black to pure white. Most however were some sort of grey mixture with perhaps a splash of black or white or brown.
The air was heavy and thick, filled with smoke from the fireplace but also from, I later learned, pips full of lavender. The Lepus smoked it to relax,.The smell was overwhelming at first, but as I stood on the threshold I slowly got adjusted to the smell and the lack of light. I later also learned that Lepus have excellent night vision and prefer low lighting. The only light was from the fire. What I could not get used to was the chatter of many voices, almost all speaking in a language I could not understand. It had not occurred to me until then that the Lepus would speak a different language. For that matter it hadn’t even really occurred to me that it was strange that people here spoke English so as I could understand it.
Jet went in first and I suppose I thought I would slip in and sit beside her someplace, but as soon as I came into the large area Walter’s booming voice rang out above the chatter.
“Jet! Eri! Welcome. Come in Eri, don’t be shy!” Of course that made me immediately feel about as shy as I could, but I stepped in and tried to smile, now that every rabbit’s eyes were on me.
“Everyone, this is Eri!” Walter said as he hoped towards me. He then repeated it in Lepus. What can only be described as a friendly murmur went up from the crowd. As Walter came closer he put a paw on my shoulder.
“Come on Eri, come sit with Path and I. I’ve been telling everyone about you, all good I promise.”
“Really?”
“Oh sure, I told em all about how your sloppy shooting accidently saved my life!”
“Great. Did you also mention me saving your life again last night? Or was that an accident too?” Walter laughed and nudged me into a far corner by the fire.
Most of the crowd had turned back to their conversations, but more than a few rabbits kept looking in my direction. I guess human visitors were still pretty rare. Jet had already made herself at home next to Path talking to, much to my surprise, another girl. I don’t know why I thought we were the only people here.
“Eri, this is Grace. She’s a friend.” Karn explained, as if that explained anything. I smiled and nodded at a slight girl, who seemed younger than Jet and certainly less hard edged. She had long brown hair that she kept tied up in what seemed like a fancy hairdo. She and Jet quickly turned back to talking.
I sat down next to Walter and Path, a rabbit I had met briefly the night before at the drinking tent. He had been with the others around the campfire afterwards, but by then I had passed out underneath the cart. Path was brown with a dark, almost black, stripe running down his back. He has green eyes and a balck nose.
“Hello Eri, good to see you again. Sorry to cut and run last night. Tonight should be less, exciting...I hope!”
“Hi Path, yea, I hope so. Not what I call fun.” He laughed a hearty laugh.
“So Eri, tell me the story of how you got here? Walter says you fell out of the Bamboo forest? Is that possible?”
“Um, I guess. I mean, I did. I don’t rightly know how I got here, I was just walking and before I knew it I crossed a creek and tumbled out into a field. Next thing I know I see giant rabbits and people.”
“Bet that was a shock. I know, I’ve been there.”
“What do you mean?” I was confused, had he come from someplace else too?
“I’ve been to the other side. I know how small us Lepus are over there.”
“Really? You’ve been back home, I mean where I’m from? Why?”
“Some of us have gone there from time to time. Not especially welcoming though.”
Walter came back by this time with several mugs.
“Beer, non of that cider junk. And help yourself to some bean stew. It’s good stuff.”
“Thanks. So is this some sort of tavern then?” I asked, after taking a deep draft of the quite good if not exactly cold beer.
“Nope, it’s Satchel’s place.” I was about to ask who Satchel was when Path cut in.
“So, Eri, sorry to press, but did you know about here before you came? Did someone tell you about it then?”
“Uh, no. I had no idea, like I said I was just out walking…”
“Hunting Rabbit more like it” Walter said with a dismissive laugh. Path snorted.
“That’s why its not safe then.. iddint eh?”
“Look” I started defensively.
“It’s ok Eri,” Walter cut me short. “We’ve both been there, to your side of things. We understand things are different. The most important thing is you are here now and you seem like a decent sort. What is past is past. Here, try the stew already.”
It was good, beans flavored with a hearty hot spice, with a slice of rich white bread n the side. I had more than I should, and a few more beers too. Walter and Path talked about where their jobs took them recently. Walter’s all over, Path’s down to the southern desert. Like Walter Path was a guard for a group of people, this time tax collectors. They talked about people I didn’t know, often calling them their Lepus names, using odd sounds, clicks and even twitches in their noes to say words that I could not follow.
I was more worn out than I realized. My tiredness coupled with the heat from the fire and the strong lavender smoke made my eyes heavy. Before I knew it I had passed out asleep.
I don’t know how long I slept. When I woke up with a start Walter and Path had left me alone in the corner, but otherwise I couldn’t tell how much time had passed. The fire was still going, the room full of Lepus and the overwhelming lavender smoke. As I looked around I suddenly felt sick, and panicked. The room was closing in on me the air hard to breath, the food and beer I ate earlier was not settling in well. I had an urge to be sick.
I stood up and as fast as I could made my way for the door out. Some rabbit I didn’t know tried to stop me, asking if I was ok. I pushed past and found the corridor outside. I ran down it and stumbled out into the cold night air.
It was much later, the sun had gone down and the stars were up. The air felt fantastically fresh and clean. I took deep breaths, as if I had been running for a long time, to try and clear out the smoke. I then stopped; stood up and fought back the feeling of rising sick in my stomach. Once the feeling passed I found a small rock to sit on and sat, collecting my thoughts.
It wasn’t long before I felt the presence of someone sitting down next to me, it was Walter, putting his furry bulk uncomfortably on the edge of the rock. I scooted over to give him more room.
“You ok?”
“Sure, better now. I don’t know, I felt ill back in there. Too much I guess. Too hot, too much smoke, maybe it was the beer. Not sure.”
Walter did not reply, he just sat looking up at the stars. I looked up too.
“These the same stars as you got Eri?”
“Seems so. I can pick out the same constellations, I think.”
“You goin’ back?” The suddenness of the question caught me off guard. I hadn’t thought about it much, but what got to me is that I hadn’t thought about it much.
“I don’t know. I guess after last night it might be wise.” Walter snorted, but did not say anything.
“There’s not much for me back home you know? My parents died last year, got killed in an accident. Got no brothers or sisters. All my friends from school left early, got married. The rest of those kids were from down off the mountain, in town. They might as well lived on the moon.”
“Are people who live on the mountain different?”
“Sure and no, depends. We stick together. Down in town they got coloreds and Issues, but up on the side of the mountain we just have neighbors really. It’s not perfect, we got some mean ones, but generally people are ok.”
“So why not go back?”
“Dunno. Why should I? No family, just a house on some land, not even a farm really. Always felt at loose ends there, like I wanted to leave but couldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“No motivation I guess. But I got here and it’s all been so easy. I met you guys, everything’s fallen into place. And then there’s Karn…”
“Aha!” Walter, who had been slowly reclining on the rock, sat back up. “I knew it! You found yourself a little snuggler and it has messed with your mind.” Walter said it with a smile, but I could tell he was somewhat serious.
“No, it’s different-“
“Eri, you’ve known her for what, two days now.”
“You sound like Jet. It Doesn’t matter.” We sat in silence- I couldn’t offer a defense, he knew better than to push it.
“Ever wonder why you’re here Eri?”
“You mean like life?”
“No, no, I mean here, right here right now. Do you know how many people have come from the other side?”
“No. I guess not many though.”
“Try none. You’re the first person I’ve ever heard of coming through the bamboo. We Lepus go back and forth a bit, but not humans.”
“Why? I mean why do you go there?”
“Long story.” Walter said it with such finality I knew he wasn’t going to elaborate. After a while I stood up, stretching my legs and yawning.
“Could I even go back then? I mean, is it difficult to go back and forth.” Walter said nothing, he gave a small shrug. I stood there, in the cold night air, staring at the deep night sky.
“So, Walter, why am I here then?”
“Not sure Eri, but I don’t think it’s an accident. Some Lepus think that we need ahuman to speak for us, save us from... the way things are. I think most of us thought it meant Humans would cross over to our kingdom on the other side of the mountains…”
“But you won’t let us through, right?”
“Right… another long story” Walter said, seeing the look in my eyes.
“So you think I am the guy who is gonna save the Lepus? What from?”
“I don’t know and no, you’re not the guy, I know that much.”
“Wait, why not? Maybe that is why I’m here then, it would make sense-“
“No, it doesn’t. It will be someone who is more connected to things, able to talk to those in power.”
“Well, then, I am off the hook. I guess this makes me just someone you have to lug around then.”
Walter laughed. “It’s getting late Eri. You’ll earn your keep I am sure, just not right now. I’ll grab a blanket from inside, you can sleep under the stars tonight.” Walter hopped back in the burrow and came back out a minute later with a large fuzzy wool blanket. I think I was asleep before he even went back inside again.
TEN
I can tell you I was up pretty early the next day to meet Karn again. The day was warm and clear, there was a buzz around the fair. Tomorrow would be the archery competition and then in two days the wedding. I made my way down the field where Karn and I had gotten off to the day before and waited. It was mid-morning before she came. I smiled at her as she stove thought the tall grass, but her face was creased with worry.
I started to say something and she put her hand up.
“Eric, listen, I can’t explain but we can’t meet anymore.” She said breathlessly like she had been practicing it for hours, as I guess she had been.
I started to protest,but she again put up her hand.
“Look,it’s nothing about you. I mean, it is about you I guess, but nothing you can help.”
“Karn, what on earth is this about? Why can’t we meet? I mean, why not?”
“It’s...complicated. My father got wind of... us... and put his foot down... why are you smiling?”
“Nothing,I just had no idea there even was an “us.”
“Eric, I'm serious. Look, there isn’t an us anyway, I mean, not... Look.... I don't know.”
“Karn, look at me,” I took her hand, she looked up. “You’re right, there isn't an us. I've only known you for a few days.But I think.. I think there is something here.Maybe not an us yet, but maybe two people who like each other enough to spend time together. I’ve never met anyone, any girl, like you, back where I’m from.”
Karn smiled, her eyes wet. “Me neither Eric. There has never been anyone like you. But this is serious stuff. I.. I can’t do.. this...anymore.” She let go and backed up a few steps.
“Karn, let me come talk to your father.I can explain.”
“No! No, please listen to me Eri.My father... is.. important.I mean, he would not understand. He means well but he has a lot on his plate. Listen Eri, please, listen to me now. Don’t. If you even come into the town I am afraid... I ‘m afraid he might... something bad might happen.”
I stood there, rooted to the spot. I could tell Karn was holding back tears, but fighting them well. I tried to think of what to say, but her look and the sound of her voice made me stop short. I suddenly became aware of the day- the air was warm but not humid, the sun shining brightly, the small breeze moving the grass. Colors were brilliant, the blue of the sky, the gold of the tall grass. But most of all Karn. Her brown hair being blown by the same small breeze as the grass. Her brilliant green eyes, her red lips. It dawned on me that I was in love with her. I mean really in love, like nothing I had ever felt or have ever felt since. It was love, a painful pit in my stomach, a yearning so deep that I could not forget it.
Finally words came to me.
“Will you be at the tournament then?”
“No... I mean maybe, I guess. But I won’t be able to see you. Eri, I... I would very much like to kiss you.”
And so we did, right there in the field of tall grass, under the endlessly clear skyin a country I had never heard of.
After a moment she pulled away.
“Good luck be with you Eri. After tomorrow promise me you’ll go back home and forget about me.”
“I can’t Karn, I can’t promise either one. “I smiled at her, but she did not smile back.
“Goodbye Eri.” She turned and walked back across the field.
I think I stood there for about an hour, trying very hard to remember that moment. I guess I did pretty much.
I saw Jet and Walter later that afternoon. I decided that the only thing to do was to go to the tourney the next day. And if I was to do that I should practice, so I was at my best. I think I had a wild idea in my head that if I won I could convince Karn’s father that I was worthy, or something. So, there I was, later towards evening, still shooting arrows when Jet and Walter came up behind me. Walter cleared his throat. I put down the bow and put the arrow I was about to let fly back in the quiver.
“Surprised to find you here Eri, thought you’d be making time down by the river with Karn.” Jet said sitting down cross legged in the grass.
“No.” was all I said. I didn't want to talk about anything yet, but Jet had other ideas. She sprang up.
“Shoot, sorry Eri, what happened?”
“Nothing...”
Walter put a paw on Jet’s shoulder, but Jet brushed it off.
“Eri, what’s going on? Did you have a fight with her or something?”
“No! Look, I don't know what’s going on. She was late, and then when appeared it was to tell me it was off.”
“I had no idea it was on.” Walter offered from behind Jet. She turned and glared at him.
“Me neither Walter. Look, I don't know, her dad is upset with her seeing me. Evidently he’s a big wig and told her he’d kill me if I got near her again.It’s not worth it. You guys were right, it was puppy love.”
“Ok Eri,”Jet said, “But your face says something very different.”
“Whatever, let’s just go get as much beer as we can. But not too much, I need to be here ready to go tomorrow. I am going to win this thing like no one ever has.”
Jet looked at Walter, who just shrugged his wide shoulders.
