Pepper and Mikaela rode into a valley between the mountains. They followed the trail until just before nightfall. The trail had led to an outcropping of red and white rock faces. The area looked as if the land had been broken into pieces and turned on its side. Together they found a small recess in one of the red rocks which would protect them from the blowing cold winds.

Mikaela dismounted from Pepper’s back and gathered some kindling to start a fire. She pulled some dried jerky from the provisions in her pack for herself, then removed the saddle from Pepper’s back. Pepper made his way to a nearby patch of grass, chomping down after a long day’s ride.

Mikaela took a seat on one of the rocks and looked up into the night sky. The stars always caught her eyes. She wondered about other worlds, other lives, other places. As she looked in the night sky, she didn’t recognize any of the constellations. There were no Orion’s belt, no big or little dipper, no cassiopeia. However, the stars were still amazing as they twinkled in the night sky.

As Mikaela reflected on her journey, she realized she was missing home less than she thought she should. Out here, among nature, she felt free. Perhaps she was starting to understand why people chose to stay here instead of running back home. Freedom from responsibilities, freedom from obligations. Anything she could think of, she could make happen here, or so she thought.

In the distance, she heard a rustling in the brush. A small white-tailed deer stumbled out and looked at her. She walked closer to the fire, looking for warmth, and laid down, curled up. Pepper walked up, looked at the deer, then at Mikaela. He started to whinny, but Mikaela signaled to him to be quiet. Mikaela grabbed her satchel, and laid down, settling in for the night.

No sooner did Mikaela fall asleep did she wake up. Song birds greeted her as the sun began to stream daylight. When she woke, she thought it odd. No dreams overnight, at least that she could remember. The deer had left long before, but Pepper was already prancing around in a nearby field. Pepper spied she was awake and bolted over.

Mikaela looked at Pepper. “What are we doing, Pepper? Why am I here?” She no longer understood what this journey was about. This talk of an acushla waiting, the kind people Somewhere, the strange clan of Nowhere. Now she was here, alone, and while free, felt empty.

Pepper nodded his head towards his back, as if to say mount up. Mikaela shook her head no. Pepper stomped his feet, then whinnied for her to get on.

In the distance, Mikaela saw riders coming up fast. She wasn’t sure if they saw her, but she decided not to stick around to find out. Quickly she threw on the saddle and mounted up. “Let’s go Pepper. You get your way one more time.”

Mikaela found herself surrounded by tall hedges around and a starlit sky above. The labyrinth had only one direction to take…well two if she chose to turn back. She walked for a long time, enough for the stars above to move across the sky.

She grew tired, but knew she needed to continue on. Ahead she spotted a small bench though and took a seat. In the distance she heard a rustle from the hedges, and a small rabbit hopped out. He munched on some grass in front of her then just as quickly disappeared.

Mikaela finally smiled, a moment away from the crazy kidnapping group. She reflected, if everyone is from There, why don’t they want to go back? Why choose to stay here?

So far, nothing here, as beautiful as it was, would stop her from wanting to go home. She reclined. Just a moments rest. She drifted asleep.

“Ahem!” A voice cleared his throat.

Mikaela opened her eyes, and before her stood a man she had never seen before. Not the mystery man from her dreams, not Jed. Slowly, she focused in on his face. She remembered his face from the crowd at the festival. He had smiled at her then, but not in a lustful way.

“I’m Hank. Here,” he handed her a cup of warm tea. “This should help you resume your journey. May I walk with you a bit?”

Hank’s voice was kind and his demeanor sweet and unassuming. Mikaela shook her head yes. “Of course. I don’t understand any of this. Could you explain it to me?”

Hank offered his hand to assist Mikaela up from the bench and they resumed walking through the labyrinth.

“I am from Thaer too. It can be confusing to arrive here without prior knowledge. Most people dream of here long before they come.” Hank explained. “You are one of the few who came to us without prior dreams. It makes you unique. It means something or someone pulled you here.”

“Is that why they keep referencing my acushla? What is an acushla?” Mikaela questioned.

“It is possible your acushla pulled or pushed you here. It is possible from either direction. The word translates to ‘darling’… someone you care for deeply.”

Mikaela looked thoughtfully at Hank. “Thank you for explaining that. I don’t know who that would be however.”

A smile came over Hank’s face. “Some who come here are escaping from something, they don’t normally come here without some sort of longing.” He hoped she wouldn’t know what she desired and that he could convince her to stay with him. “The clan is helping me find confidence and make connections. They set this up for me to meet you.”

Mikaela found herself flattered but curious. “Why me? Why you?”

Hank and Mikaela continued to walk the labyrinth while they got to know each other more. The turns in the labyrinth started coming faster as they spoke. Finally they reached the center.

Mikaela’s mind continued to nag her. Hank was a lovely man, kind, sweet, but there was something amiss.

They entered a small courtyard which appeared to be the center of the labyrinth. She looked around. A small tiered fountain with roses climbing on it trickled water. A small bench for two sat opposite the fountain and on the other side, a straight section which appeared to lead out of the labyrinth.

She took a seat on the bench, and Hank joined her. “Will you stay and take a journey with me?” He looked up and looked at the fountain, “or will you chance it all for the unknown?”

His offer was attractive. During their talk he spoke of travels and comfort and devotion. Any sane woman would leap at the chance to be with someone like Hank.

Then the mystery man’s voice came back to her, You will make it through. Hold on. She felt a chill down her spine and turned to Hank. “Will you let me go if I choose to go?”

Hank looked down to his hands, “Of course.”

She could tell he was crushed. “If I stay, can I leave later?”

He paused a moment. His kindness started to melt away. “Why would you do this? Pick me now or go.”

He stood up and kicked a pebble which smacked into the fountain and splashed some water onto the roses. The droplets looked like tears on the roses.

She stood up and quietly whispered, “I am sorry. I must go.” Her heart knew this was the best decision, although she felt saddened to see Hank in such a way.

Mikaela made her way forward, her steps quickened as she approached the arch marking the end of the labyrinth. She looked back one time and waved good bye to Hank. He nodded and she swore she saw him smile before he turned to head back.

When she exited the labyrinth, Pepper was standing, freshly brushed, saddled and ready to go. Her clothing and satchel were attached to the saddle, along with some provisions for their journey.

She looked around and quickly changed back into her riding clothes. She kept the dress, it could come in handy.

She mounted Pepper. “Where to now Pepper?”

Pepper pranced a moment, then took off through the valley towards the snow-capped mountains.

The sisters entered Mikaela’s tent. The one with the loose braids walked over to Mikaela and placed a wreath of wild flowers and greenery upon her head. “Come, it is time,” the sister announced.

As they walked out of the ten, Mikaela realized the sun was setting in the distance, and saw a large fire with the clan gathered around. There was drumming and clapping coming from the people gathered around the fire. Some members danced about in circles and Mikaela suspected a little drinking was already underway.

Mikaela’s mind spun. Could she escape tonight or will someone be watching her too closely? She looked about and spied Pepper was penned up with some other horse just outside the encampment. As she looked around, her menacing guard walked in front of her blocking her view of the pen and, tilting his head sideways, shook his finger in a wagging pattern indicating no.

She looked to the ground then turned back in the directions the sisters were guiding her. She recalled what the mystery man from her dream told her Keep looking forward. It’s the only way through. So she walked on, semi-willingly, with the sisters.

The bearded man from earlier walked up to the sisters and Mikaela. “Fine work sisters! She is perfect.”

Mikaela looked up at him. “Are you Hank?”

The man laughed again, as if she said something hilarious. “Oh, dear child, no, I am not Hank! That’s funny!” He looked at the sisters and nodded at them to leave them. “Come with me. What is your name child?”

“Mikaela. And yours?”

“I’m known as Jed in this clan. I have also gone by Fitz in another life.”

“Another life?”

“Oh yes! All except the children have had another life before we reached Nowhere. Many of have chosen to stay in Nowhere. Some have opted for other locations, such as Somewhere.”

“Where are you originally from then?”

“Oh child, we are all from There. Even you are from There; I can tell.”

Mikaela’s head was spinning. All of these people came from her time, her home? Her voice squeaked out, “How?”

Jed looked at her kindly, “How does not matter. Why probably matters more. Confused yet?”

Mikaela just stared at him.

“Good. You should be. Your acushla will pale in comparison to what we have to offer in Nowhere. But Nowhere must also accept you. You, my dear, are very different than others from There. I don’t believe you can even comprehend it.”

Mikaela looked up at him, then realized they were standing in front of a hedge labyrinth.

“Tonight, we will find out if you will find Hank, or if you will pass on from Nowhere.” Jed waved his hand at the entrance of the labyrinth. “But first, we will dine. Come with me, dear.”

Jed took Mikaela by the arm back towards the fire. The clan was singing and dancing still. Some had started eating as well. Jed picked up a bowl and handed it to the cook who had worked on the feast. “For the lady.”

The cook nodded, turned, and pulled out a piece of what appears to be chicken from a large pot, then poured other cooked broth and vegetables over it, then handed it back to Jed.

Jed turned to Mikaela. In a non-accented voice he whispered, “It’s like chicken soup.”

In that moment, she realized Jed was not from this world, as he did not have their accent. Her eyes grew wide.

He laid his finger across his lips, indicating for her to say nothing.

Mikaela wasn’t sure if she could trust him to help her, but shook her head yes.

Jed’s voice piped up and the accent returned, “Eat up, child. You’ll need your strength tonight!”

The sisters walked by and giggled. Some of the men of the clan watched Mikaela as she walked with Jed, some with lust in their eyes, others with disgust. Mikaela felt she was on show for the highest bidder or something, and became self-conscious. The sheer dress in the cold air revealed far more than she was comfortable with.

Again, those words came back to her. Keep looking forward. It’s the only way through. She lifted her chin and continued to keep up with Jed instead of being bashful and falling behind.

Finally Jed settled onto a stump and patted for Mikaela to sit next to him. She did and they both ate. Mikaela continued to look around at the group.

Everyone was fair haired and fair skinned in the group as well as light-eyed. It was odd to see no one with dark hair or dark eyes. Most of the women were petite, no taller than 5-foot 2-inches, and even most of the men were under 6 feet. Jed and Mikaela’s guard were the exceptions as they were both over 6 feet tall.

If Mikaela had not felt like a captive, she might have enjoyed herself. The clan enjoyed laughter, sang, and danced away the night.

As the fire and frivolity died down, Jed stood up. In a booming voice he announced “It is time! Mikaela, please join me.” He stretched out his hand to her.

Tired and weary, she took his hand. She could no longer think straight and longed for sleep. But, she knew that soon would be her chance to escape.

Jed escorted Mikaela to the entrance of the hedge. Her guard followed closely behind. “Your journey starts here,” Jed announced again so the whole group behind them could here. In a quieter voice under his breath, he then told her “Keep looking forward. It’s the only way through.”

Mikaela noted his words and walked into the labyrinth.

Martha, looking over Mikaela, spoke to Jonathan. “Do you think she’s the one?”

Mikaela could hear them, but was not able to move. She struggled to open her eyes. She realized she was blindfolded and her hands and legs were bound.

Jonathan replied, “Of course she is.” He bent in front of her and waved something in front of her face. As she faded, she heard him continue. “She was riding Pepper. We have to stop this. I’ll take her to the mountain clan. They’ll know what to do with her.”

Mikaela blacked out again.

The cart jostled Mikaela back awake. She found herself in the back of a horse drawn wagon in a pile of hay. She was still bound, but the blindfold was no longer over her eyes. “Where are you taking me?” she demanded.

Jonathan looked back toward her, “Don’t you worry. No harm will come to you, but we had to intercede. No one gets their acushla in Nowhere, ever.

Mikaela thought to herself, There’s that word again. “What is an acushla?”

Jonathan laughed heartily as if Mikaela has just told the funniest joke ever. “Never you mind! If you don’t know, you don’t need to know.”

He snapped the reigns. Pepper and another horse were drawing the wagon. Pepper whinnied in protest.

“Stop, you’re hurting him!” Mikaela pleaded with Jonathan.

Jonathan slowed the wagon and stopped. He turned around. “I’m not going to take any sass from you.” He climbed over the seat and waved something in front of Mikaela’s nose which knocked her out again.

Mikaela returned to dreamland. The jostling of the wagon translated into her riding on the back of a magnificent stallion. She realized the man from her earlier dream was riding with her, his arm loosely wrapped around her waist.

The rhythm of the horse’s stride lifted them up and dropped them in unison on its back.

His breath was warm on her neck. She turned to catch a glance of him. He whispered, “Keep looking forward,” in an ominous voice. “It’s the only way through.”

She found herself looking forward and watched the light stream down, lighting the trail’s path. The forest around them was dark. Mist floated above the forest floor. The call of an owl echoed through the trees.

“Where are we going?” she asked the man, who started holding her tighter against him. She relaxed in his arm; she knew she could trust him for some reason.

“You’ll make it through. Just hold on.” With that, the stallion began to race as did her heart.

Mikaela’s eyes opened with a flash. She realized she was no longer bound, but instead found herself in a makeshift tent. A hand made quilt covered her. She was free to get up and move. There was a small bowl of food and some water on a wobbly stump next to where she was laying.

She could hear voices outside her tent. They spoke English, but with a heavy accent. She caught pieces of conversations as people passed the tent.

“Yeah, she’s the one they say. I don’t believe it. Pepper’s lost it.”

“Did you see her hair? It’s dark and short. I’ve never seen a lady with short hair!”

“I bet she’s a witch!”

“We can’t let them meet. What do we do with her?”

The voices carried on. Mikaela walked up to the flaps of the tent and spied outside. There was a large man standing in front of her tent, looking toward the door. He saw her come to the flap.

He smiled a goofy grin and waved at her, then stood imposingly, raised his eyebrow, and signaled to her to stay in the tent.

She shrunk back from the flap and sat back down, wrapping herself in the quilt. The chill of the mountain air streamed into the tent.

She could smell food cooking outside and realized she was hungry. She picked up the small bowl and looked into it. There appeared to be beans in the bottom, so she ate a few spoonfuls to quiet her stomach. While eating, she heard approaching steps. A voice came from outside, “Ya’ decent?”

She was surprised she was asked. “Um, yes.”

The flap lifted and a man with two women entered the tent. He took a seat and the women kneeled, one on each side.

One woman had two very long braids, one on each side of her face. The other had her braids coiled up on her head. They appeared to be sisters, with light eyes and auburn red hair. They were clothed in simple dresses, no adornments and no jewelry.

The man was dressed in pants covered by chaps and a simple shirt. His hair and beard were salt and pepper.

The women whispered to each other, but loud enough for all to hear.

“Her acushla awaits.”

“She cannot reach her acushla.”

“We must prevent her acushla from getting her.”

“No one gets their acushla in Nowhere.”

The man raised his hand. “Shush, women! We are not the ones to decide such things. Only fate can.” He turned to Mikaela. “I have something better than your acushla. Will you entertain us first?”

Mikaela still had no idea and frustrated, asked, “What is an acushla?”

The trio bust into laughter. The man spoke up, “Jonathan was right, you are hilarious!” He turned to each of the ladies, “Will you get her ready for the evening?”

They shook their heads at him indicating yes. He stood up and departed the tent.

Mikaela looked at these two women who started busying themselves in the tent, pulling out a gown and what looked like charcoal and berries.

Mikaela thought to herself, I really need to wake up from this dream soon. This is getting weird!

The woman with the long braids signaled to Mikaela to stand up. Mikaela looked around, realizing they were going to force her to change into the gown they had pulled out. It was a light white cotton dress. She recognized the stitching around the neck. It was similar to the nightgown Mrs. Taylor had given her, but this one looked to be suited more for wearing as a dress.

“I’ll dress myself, if that’s okay?” Mikaela requested.

The ladies looked at each other and shrugged, and turned back to the other items they pulled out. One looked over her shoulder and waved at Mikaela to go ahead.

Mikaela shimmied out of her riding pants and shirt, then quickly put the gown on. It was very sheer, showing the outlines of her undergarments.

“It’s too sheer. Do you have something else? Can’t I just wear my clothes?”

The ladies giggled again and turned around. “No dear, this is what you must wear. It’s what we all wear on these days.”

Mikaela became concerned. What was this group planning to do to her? She started thinking about ways of escape.

The ladies added ribbons to the waist and sleeves of the gown, smashed the berries and applied the juice to her cheeks and lips. They then outlined her eyes with charcoal.

Mikaela was certain she looked affright. She rarely wore make-up as it was and this felt heavy on her skin.

“She’s beautiful, sister. Don’t you think?”

“Oh, most definitely. Hank will be pleased.”

Mikaela picked up the name, “Who’s Hank? Is he the man I met earlier?”

The ladies just giggled again. “We’ll be back to get you in a bit.”

Mikaela peeked out of the tent as they left. There appeared to be a festival like atmosphere outside, but her large guard still stood at the entrance of the tent. He gave her another grin, waved, and pointed her back into the tent. His deep voice said one word, “Wait.”

She stepped back into the tent and started devising how to get away from this encampment. She longed to just wake up from this dream as it had started turning into a nightmare.

Pepper took the lead, guiding Mikaela to the next stop in their journey. The mountains were closer now, but still off in the distance. As they left Somewhere, farms of wheat, hay, and corn surrounded them. They passed a few farm houses along the trail; most were quiet with friendly farmers waving hello now and then.

They continued on the trail until mid-afternoon. As the sun floated high above the pair, thirst began to set in. Mikaela reached for a small canteen, but there was only a small sip left. She and Pepper kept an eye out for a stream. They happened upon a small bridge which should go over a creek, but the creek bed was dry.

Pepper continued to plod along. The fields went from flourishing to dry and dusty as their journey continued. At the next farm, they heard some people working outside. Mikaela pulled Pepper’s reigns to direct him to the farmhouse.

Pepper resisted, but only momentarily. He was tired and thirsty as well. He spotted a small trough in the field and hoped the people would be kind enough to let him have a sip.

As Mikaela and Pepper approached the house, the woman of the house hollered for her mate. “Jonathan, we have guests. They look exhausted. Bring something to drink.”

Mikaela slowly moved off Pepper’s back. “Hello, ma’am. Might we trouble you for some…”

“drink? on its way. Take your horse over to the trough so he can get some as well. You look parched and famished.”

Jonathan walked up and handed Mikaela a clay cup filled with some form of liquid. “It’s beer, dear. Better to drink out here than the water.”

Mikaela thanked Jonathan and took a sip. She choked down the liquid as she was not a fan of beer, but it was better than nothing. Mikaela forced a smile.

The lady of the home piped up, “Jon, why did you bring her beer.” She turned to Mikaela. “I’m Martha. Would you let me brew you some tea? Boiling the water will make it better to drink.”

Mikaela smiled, “Tea would be perfect.” She looked around. This was a time before refrigeration, so iced tea would be off the table, but hot tea would do.

Martha laced her arm in Mikaela’s and showed her to the house. “Does your horse need to be tied up?”

Mikaela shook her head no. “He’s a good horse. I think we’ll be fine.” Mikaela looked forward to a few moments off Pepper’s back, and she was sure Pepper would enjoy a few minutes as well.

Once inside, Martha set a pot of water to boil over the fire and set out some mugs. She added tea leaves to the boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes.

Jonathan escorted Mikaela to a small table with a few chairs and asked her to have a seat.

“Thank you for being so welcoming. The road is long and I am not quite sure where Pepper is taking me,” Mikaela shared.

Jonathan lifted his eyebrow toward Martha, then turned back to Mikaela. “Pepper, you say. Is that your horse’s name? How did you come up with it?”

Martha walked over to prepare the tea and came back with the mugs. “Would you like some sugar dear?”

Mikaela smiled. “Yes, please.” she refocused back on Jonathan. “Actually, Pepper found me. He was by a lake miles from here. I didn’t name him; that’s the name on his reigns. He’s been my guide on our journey.”

Jonathan chuckled. “Now, that’s a story! I’ve never heard of such a thing. A horse as a guide.”

“Drink up, dear,” Martha motioned to the cup of tea. “Enjoy it while it’s hot.”

Mikaela lifted the cup to her lips. The tea was fragrant and sweet. “This is delish….” Mikaela collapsed mid-sentence, falling to the floor.

Mikaela wondered if, when she fell asleep in her dream, would she have another dream or return home to reality. She curled up under the sheets of the small bed in the inn and drifted off.

As Mikaela slept, she saw visions of an ethereal setting, and she found herself standing behind a bare backed man sawing wood. His shoulder and arm muscles rippled in the light which streamed down through the trees. He set down his saw and wiped his brow.

Mikaela found herself holding a tall cold glass of lemonade. “Would you like a sip?” She asked.

He straightened his back and slowly turned around. He smiled a crooked grin and his eyes sparkled in the light. His strong hand reached out. “Sounds delicious!”

Delicious was an understatement, Mikaela thought to herself. But, everyone looks perfect in dreamland. She looked down and admired herself…she hadn’t looked this good since she was twenty.

She stretched out her hand to him. His fingers lightly brushed hers, sending little tremors of excitement through her. Sparks of attraction flashed between them as their eyes met once more.

She could stare at those eyes all day. He looked into hers, as if he were reading her soul, then lifted the glass to his lips. Those lips have probably kissed a thousand lasses before. All she wanted was just one.

As he lowered the glass down, he saw the wanting in her eyes. His lips curled at the corners as he spoke. “Thank you.”

He handed the glass back to her, brushed her cheek lightly, then turned to go back to work.

Mikaela suddenly woke, still in the inn. Her dreams teased her. Not even a kiss? She looked around and realized daylight had started streaming through the window. Time to get up anyhow, she thought to herself.

She donned her worn dress and headed out. Harold stopped her just before she made it out of the door of the inn.

“Ms. Mikaela, won’t you have at least a biscuit before you head out for the day?” He inquired. “I have just brewed some tea, have a moment with me will you?”

Mikaela looked over Harold. He was such a sweet man; she couldn’t say no to him. So she slid into one of the two chairs he had set up for tea and sipped his brew. “This is lovely tea, Harold. Thank you.”

Harold chuckled, “Don’t thank me, thank the missus! She made breakfast this morning; she’s still back in the kitchen you know.”

Mikaela heard nothing from the back of the inn, but continued to smile and make small talk with Harold. As her tea faded and the biscuits disappeared, she realized how much time had passed.

“Thank you for a lovely breakfast and conversation this morning, Harold. I must get over to Mrs. Taylor’s though.” Mikaela stood up.

Harold shuffled out of his chair and with a quick nod, bid Mikaela thank you and farewell.

Mikaela admired the sky this mid-morning. Somewhere was sunny and the clouds floated across the sky.

Mikaela made her way into the Clothier and greeted Mrs. Taylor.

“Good morning, Ms. Mikaela,” she greeted back. “I have your items ready. I hope they are to your liking.”

Mikaela unfolded the garments and checked them out. Two sets of riding pants with blousen shirts. “These are perfect!”

Mrs. Taylor smiled with pleasure. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She stumbled into the back of her shop and brought out a pair of soft leather boots. “Would these fit you?”

Mikaela’s eyes lit up. The leather was supple and boots would be so much more suited for a journey. “How much, Mrs. Taylor?”

Mrs. Taylor blushed a little. “For you, just a single silver coin, if you have?”

Mikaela was startled, only one coin? She looked in her purse, and pulled out one. “Will this do?” She wasn’t sure of their monetary system, but everything was copper, silver, or gold in her bag.

“Oh yes my dear. That will be perfect. Here, you need a satchel to carry your goods.” Mrs. Taylor handed her a roll which she could attach to Pepper’s saddle.

Mikaela was touched by Mrs. Taylor’s kindness. “Can I give you a hug?”

Mrs. Taylor’s face lit up. “Of course my dear! Such a good soul!”

Mikaela gave her a hug then bid her farewell. “Thank you for everything!”

Mikaela headed to the stables and checked in on Pepper. Pepper reared at the door and was ready to head out. “Whoa, Pepper! We can head out in a minute. Let me put my affairs in order.”

Pepper calmed for a minute, then neighed at her naggingly. Mikaela opened the stall door and led Pepper to the inn’s hitching post then patted him on the face. “I’ll be right back.”

She went back to the inn, changed into her new clothes, and closed up her affairs with Harold, then she and Pepper headed back out on their journey.