Chapter 15. One tree hill

It was still dark when Innis started out. He leant on his walking

stick, doubled over and out of breath.

Eurides stood beside him. "There's no need for any of this."

Innis coughed and saw specks of blood on his hand.

"Why are you suffering when you don't have to."

The top of the hill was close. Innis straightened up and waited

for the dizzyness to pass. "We're almost there."

*

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They sat on the stone wall of the lookout. The view across

the valley was lost in fog, but as the sun rose the fog retreated

from the ranges and hill tops to reveal a clear blue sky.

The growing warmth of the morning flattened the mist and pushed

it lower into the valley. The chalk horse carved into the valley wall

slowly appeared.

Innis smiled.

First the head and mane emerged. As the mist sank, the flank and tail

appeared, then the forelocks and hooves.

"Do you see her?"

"I do." Eurides said. "She's wading through the shallows of a silver sea."

"Just like you are." Innis said.

Eurides reached for his hand.

They sat and watched the mist drain out the valley.

"Is this how you want it to end " she said

A feeling of light headedness washed over Innis.

"Let me rest for a minute." He lay his head in her lap.

Eurides stroked his hair. "She'll be hidden from view

when the next War starts."

"The next War?" Innis said. "I thought this was the War

to end all Wars."

"Human nature, is what it is." Eurides said.

Innis slowly nodded. "This world belongs to my children now."

Eurides kissed his cheek. "I'll help you when you're ready."

Innis closed his eyes.

"Thank you my love." he whispered. "Thank you for everything."

Eurides wept.

"I am the destroyer of worlds." she said quietly. "I am she,

who will greet all with fire."

Her tears glistened as they fell on Innis.

"but what am I now... other than heart broken."

*