Seal of the King (38 page)

“I’m ready when you are
.”

“Great! Bob’s will be open by the time we get there.” David said. Then he stood
, and turned to the others. “Thank you so much, all of you. I have my cell phone with me so if you need us just call. I put the number over by the telephone.”

They all said goodbye
and Gabe walked the two of them out to the Jeep. “You two have a great time and don’t rush.”

David was holding the door for Aurora as she stepped up into the car. “Thanks Dad, you have a good time too, don’t let them work too hard.”

“I won’t. Call me later. I love you son.”

“
I love you too, Dad.”

“Keep an eye on him, Aurora. Make sure he stays out of trouble.”

“I will Gabe, but that’s much easier said than done.”

David hopped into the driver’s seat, started the car
, and said, “Alright, see you later Dad.”

Then he backed down the drive while Aurora gave him a self-satisfied grin. She enjoyed the way his family made her feel welcome
, and at ease. She was excited about them spending the day together alone while not on a dangerous journey. “How far is it to Bob Johnson’s?”

“Not far, 15 or 20 minutes. He’ll probably just be opening up when we get there. I’ve known him as long as I can remember. He can be a little colorful so don’t be too surprised
by anything he says.”

Aurora chuckled a little “we do seem to meet interesting people together.”

“Yes we do.”

They drove down the drive
, and onto the highway. They passed through a number of fields then David turned off the main road. Off to the right was a huge square building with a tin roof and sides, and a sign out front that said ‘Bob Johnson’s Sporting Goods’.

“What are sporting goods?”

“Oh, you’ll see.”

The dusty gravel parking lot crunched under the tires of the jeep as they pulled up in front of the building. There was only one truck in front
, and David knew it would be Bob’s. David and his dad had been coming here for as long as he could remember. They bought all their camping, hunting, riding, and fishing gear here, as well as work clothes for the farm. The outside was plain and unassuming, but inside it was packed from one end to the other.

David got out
, and went to get the door for Aurora offering her his hand to help her step down. They walked up to the front doors, to find them locked. David could see Bob standing at the counter with his back to the door. He knocked a couple of times and saw Bob turn and squint in their direction. Once he recognized David he waved, and headed their way.

Bob unlocked the door
, and pulling it open said with a big smile, “David it’s good to see you, and who is this pretty young lady?”

David
said, “This is Aurora. She and I are getting married tomorrow.”

Bob
said, “Well I’ll be” as they entered the building “I almost gave up on the idea. That’s terrific news. I must say, Aurora, this young man has never brought a girl here before. When he was young, he and his friends would come, and the other boys brought their girls trying to impress them, but not David. It’s very nice to meet you. You must be quite special.”

“
Thank you. It’s
nice
to meet you too.”

“Here, let me get the lights.”

When Bob flipped the switch Aurora froze staring at the enormity of it. There were tents set up on display, as well as racks of fishing poles, small boats, and it went on and on. She stared out at what looked like an endless sea of equipment that could supply an army. “What is this place?”

“
The best sporting goods store in the world. Bob has everything anyone needs for hunting, fishing, hiking, and a whole lot more.”

“
If I don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

“
Except for a wedding dress.”

Bob laughed,
“True, I guess, I had to draw the line somewhere.” The he added in a somber tone. ”Oh it is a shame your parents aren’t here to see your wedding.”

“
Actually Bob they are. Both of them are home, safe, and sound.”

“
What! When … I thought your dad was still in the hospital, and…. Well your mom?”

“
It is a long and exciting story that I’d hate to deprive my dad the opportunity to tell you. Why don’t you come over tomorrow for the wedding, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy giving you all the gritty details.”

“
For that, I might even close the store. I imagine you’re right. I’m sure he’d be disappointed if he didn’t get to tell me. Along with a few embellishments I imagine. I’ll be there. Now what are you two here for, the day before your wedding?”

“
We’re going up to Tom’s place in blue rock after the wedding, and plan to go hiking for a few days. We need some equipment, packs, a tent, and all weather clothes for Aurora.”

“
I can fix you up with all that no problem.”

“
Also, Aurora lost something very important to her, and we need to get a replacement.”

Aurora looked at him with a puzzled expression
and asked, “What?”

David
asked Bob, “Do you remember Tommy Hicks?”

“
Sure, how could I forget? He won every contest we had.”

“
He’s an amateur compared to her.”

Bob raised an eyebrow
and asked, “Really?”

“
I’ve never seen anything like it. Is everything set up in the back?”

“
You bet, I’ll lock the door until Eddie gets here. Ooh, this is going to be fun.”

“
What are you talking about?”

“
Come on I’ll show you.”

“
I’m right behind you. Don’t start without me.”

David
and Aurora headed toward the back of the building, weaving their way through a jungle of supplies. She was still mesmerized by the sheer volume of it, never mind all the things she’d never seen before. They arrived at a wall, behind a large rack of hiking boots. It was about ten feet tall and didn’t even go halfway up to the ceiling. David made his way to an archway. When they stepped through she saw a short fence made of posts dividing a large open space with targets at the far end. To her right was a rack with dozens of bows.

Aurora smiled
, and walked straight over to the rack, and began inspecting them. She turned to see David watching her with a big grin on his face, and said, “My bow never made it out of the tower.”

“
I know. I thought you might want a new one for our trip.”

Aurora lifted her hand
, and gently touched a long bow running her finger down the smooth surface. Hers had been handmade and had a rough texture to it after years of use. These were like polished pieces of art to her. Bob appeared through the doorway looking excited at the prospect of a good demonstration.

“Yes that’s a nice one
, but I’m thinking this one over here might be a good place to start.” Bob said as he walked over to the rack, and pulled down a short bow then grabbed an arrow for her.

Aurora took it as Bob handed it to her
, and said, “Go ahead try it.”

Aurora walked to the fence
, knocked the arrow, and pulled back on the string. As she let it fly she turned back, and said, “I like more tension on the string.”

Bob stood speechless as the arrow struck a perfect bull
’s-eye. Stammering he said, “Well, I can’t argue with that.”

David chuckled a little
but didn’t say anything. Bob walked over and took a long bow off the rack. “Tell me if this one’s too strong for you.”

Aurora held the bow for a moment looking at the camouflage finish feeling the weight
, and taking another arrow she knocked it, took aim, and fired. She turned smiling as the arrow found the target directly next to her first shot. “I like this one much better.”

Bob
hooted, “I’ll be! You sure are something young lady. Let’s try a few more just for fun.”

David stood
and watched as Bob had her try every type of bow he had, giddy as she hit the targets dead center every time. Aurora had a grand time too. David imagined that trying all these bows would be like some women trying on dresses or shoes. Aurora had never had so many choices of anything before.

Finally
, Bob said, “I have never seen anything like it before. David I knew you weren’t one to exaggerate, but I thought maybe you were blinded by love. Now I know you are, but I sure can understand why.”

“Thanks Bob, Aurora did you find one you like?”

“I think I still like the long bow the best.”

“Let’s be sure then shall we?” David said then he walked over
, and grabbed 6 arrows. He laid each of them on the counter about 6 feet back from the fence about 4 feet apart, and said, “how fast do you think you can deliver these 6?”

Aurora gave him a wicked grin
and sprang into action. She was fluid motion spinning from one arrow to the next knocking, and releasing it before the previous had even reached the target. She was standing bow in hand, smiling broadly at David looking calm and relaxed as the last arrow struck. All 6 of her shots were bull’s-eyes.

David stood smiling back at her as Bob exploded with laughter. “You two are quite something. Oh I’m going to be at that wedding.
In fact,
this bow is my wedding gift.”

“
Bob you don’t have to do that.”

“
Are you kidding me, no one else can ever do that bow justice, especially after today. I insist.”

Aurora walked over
and gave Bob a kiss on the cheek “thank you so much. That’s very kind of you.”

Bob was blushing now “We’d better get you two fixed up for your trip.”

“Yes, we still have a wedding dress to buy.”

The three of them walked through the store
, with Bob’s guidance, and got Aurora some hiking books and clothes, the camping gear; everything they would need in record time. Bob knew where every item was, and which ones would be the best. Ernie had arrived, and was standing up front when they came up to check out. He looked at Bob with a strange expression, not used to seeing him so buoyant.

"Hi Ernie,"
David said, “How have you been?”

“
I’m doing ok, what’s up with Bob?”

“
Ernie you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Help me ring them up; they need to get a move on. The bow, arrows, and quiver are on me.”

Ernie, eyes wide
said, “Ok if you say so.”

With the gear all loaded in the car
, they said goodbye, and as David and Aurora were pulling out, Bob shouted, “I’ll see you two tomorrow.”

David headed back to the highway
, and turned to Aurora, and asked, “What’d you think of Bob?”

“
Oh what a sweet man. That was so nice of him to give me the bow.”

“I have known Bob almost my whole life
. I’ve never seen him as excited as he was watching you hit all those targets.”

“I’ve just always been good with a bow ever since I was a little girl.” Aurora said. “Thank you for taking me there. I’ve never seen so many things in one place or bought so much from a shop before. Actually I rarely ever bought anything from a shop.”

“You’re welcome. Think of today as a wedding gift. I normally don’t spend much money on myself so we can afford to splurge. Now that you’re living in this world you need to be able to blend in.”

“Where are we going next?”

“To get your wedding gown. They may need to alter it. We can get you fitted then come back later to pick it up.”

Aurora couldn’t help
but sit there smiling. She was getting a wedding dress. She hadn’t had a dress of her own since she was a little girl, and now she was going to have one fitted for her. Without realizing it, she reached over and put her hand on David’s arm. He looked at her, and smiled, but didn’t say anything so she could be alone with her thoughts.

She sat looking out the window gazing at the plowed fields that had yielded their crops
, and were now sitting idle until spring. Her thoughts were quiet, taking in the peaceful countryside. Everything looked so neat, and cared for, unlike the war-torn land they had left. Something caught her attention; she looked forward and saw the buildings of the city rising up ahead of them.

In a voice filled with awe
, she asked, “Is that the city? It’s enormous. I’ve never seen such tall buildings.”

“
Yes it is. Actually it isn’t very large, compared to some.”

“Really? I can’t even imagine.” She said
, her voice distant as she tried to soak it all in.

As they approached the city the traffic started to build
, and David could see Aurora looking back and forth as businesses and homes began to sprout up along the highway. It was a beautiful sunny day, and there were a lot of people out, going about their daily lives. She was startled when a big rig passed them, and the Jeep swayed a little from the wind.