Chapter 19:(Eugene’s Story)

“SO, YOU SAY I don’t actually have to copulate in order to pass on this special cell thing? Your genetic thing?” Eugene argued with Galahad when he finally got free of his wife’s scolding for letting their son get hurt. She’d been shocked to find Alex bandaged and discover he’d fallen with his knife, which was always kept razor sharp. When she calmed down, Eugene went to the barn to check on their new cow.

It is transmitted much like AIDS.

“Like what?”

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Oh! It doesn’t really reach the United States until 1981. Sorry about that.

“What is it?”

A disease that does basically the opposite of what your cells are programmed to do. It prevents the body from fighting off any kind of disease. Its similarity is that it is also transmitted through the exchange of body fluids—most frequently through sex, but not exclusively.

“So, why should I be chasing down women through history to have sex with?”

How many people do you think you could convince to become your blood brothers? Or sisters?

“But I should look for opportunities?”

Perhaps don’t pass one up, but it takes a significant exchange in most instances for enough of the contaminant to be transferred to be passed down to future generations. Sex is far more efficient as it is transferred in the genes.

Eugene was not convinced, nor satisfied that his assignment was completely necessary. When he went to bed with Val that night to massage her and comfort her as she entered the final stages of her pregnancy, he had to admit that he wouldn’t exchange this love for anything.

Before mid-winter, baby Zora entered the world. Under Eugene and Val’s effort and guidance, the farm had become prosperous, providing most of what they needed for the family. Eugene had used some of the coins he had in his purse to purchase the cow and a pair of goats. Alex proved to be a hard worker when his daily instruction in swordplay ended. He had piled a full winter of wood near the house which kept them warm and toasty inside. The old woman had expected to freeze to death during the winter and join her departed husband, but she relished the role of grandmother to both Zora and Alex.

By mid-summer, Val was certain she was pregnant again. They certainly had not stinted on copulation. It seemed Val was always ready and willing to welcome her husband, and Eugene made sure she continued to enjoy it as much as he did.

Their second daughter, Danika, was born late the next winter. It was both a joyous and sad occasion. Widow Solace sickened and passed away soon after greeting the newborn.

“Why couldn’t I save her from the illness with my magic cells?” Eugene argued with Galahad again.

You’d have sex with the old woman?

“No! I could have given her my blood or saliva, couldn’t I?”

How? If you had suggested such a thing, you’d have been quickly declared to be a witch. To you it’s just science. To the people of the thirteenth century, it would be witchcraft.

“I was never this close with my mother. As soon as my father died, she moved to Florida and refused to come back north. I need to visit her soon.”

Eugene finished shoveling the dirt into the hole where they’d laid Widow Solace next to her husband. There was no question about the inheritance of the farm. The old woman had called the village elders to declare her will that Eugene and Val inherit the farm. They’d become rather popular members of the community, helping others to prosper as well. Eugene had even hired a strapping youth from a neighboring farm to help with plowing and planting.

Eugene redoubled his efforts to see that the family was provided for. The loss of Widow Solace had brought to mind that Eugene could not stay here forever.

“Husband, you have been worried. I feel it in your caress. Tell me what we have to be concerned about,” Val said as she stroked his body in bed one night.

The weather was beginning to get warmer and snow was melting. There hadn’t been much snow at the lower altitudes, though the mountains to the north remained white with winter.

“My time is coming,” Eugene said. “I will be forced to return to my world.”

“Oh, my love,” Val cried. “How will we survive?”

“I’ve tried to provide well for you. The house and barn are sound. Alex has proven to be a capable lad and is big for his age. With Fino to help, you can manage the farm. And I still have a few coins I can leave with you. I fear they won’t make you a princess again, other than in my eyes. But they will ensure you prosper,” Eugene said.

“I was married longer to the prince than I’ve been to you, but I don’t remember him at all. I shall never forget you.”

“Nor I you, my sweet.”

Yes, you will. It’s the nature of nature.

“Come, my husband. If you must leave soon, you must do your best to give me another child. If a boy, his name will be Eugen. If a girl, Eugenia. I shall tell her about her father every day and she will grow more beautiful than any in the land.”

“You paint a romantic fairy tale with words,” Eugene laughed.

Nonetheless, he did his best to drive the sadness away from his wife with renewed vigor.

It’s time to go.

“Why? Why must I leave my family. I want to stay.”

Eventually, even if you grew old and were near death here, you would return to your bed in Michigan one second after you left it. Can you imagine Lynn finding you an old dead man in your apartment?