Maiden's Saber

by Marion Faith St. James

  Gareth rubs an unshaven jaw. “Stranger and stranger is your land.”

  “This openness works for us. Come, I will show you your rooms. Amari and Dian will share my chamber. I have plenty of blankets and sleeping mats. Gareth, Truk and Holl-tu will share the large room next to my fathers.”

  “If it be acceptable to your hospitality, I prefer to sleep outside under the night sky.” Gareth says.

  Mimna responds, as this was normal to sleep outside a warm house. “The garden has long benches that will hold your large frame. I will bring you some blankets to lie upon and cover against the night cold. Beyond the shrubbery is a washing pool. I will bring long tunics so your clothes can be cleaned. The smell of decay and death is upon your bodies.”

  Mimna opens a large cupboard and pulls out several gray robes made from spider silk. She hands one to each, and then shows them their rooms.

  Natsha feels the material and says. “My revered grandmother used spider silk in her weaving. I thought this craft was no longer used and died with her?”

  Mimna gives Holl-tu the last tunic from across her arm. “We have used this method of weaving the tough silk from the large cave spiders for eons. On Linkhorn Point is a cavern where we cultivate the spiders. We bring them small game and large bugs from below. In return, the Aranea gives us their silk freely.

  Each city has many seamstresses. One just needs to ask for something to be woven, and provide their measurements. In a day or two, it will be left on your windowsill. Nothing is exchanged or bartered.”

  Mimna gestures toward the entrance to the house. “Leave your clothes outside the door. I have summoned helpers which will wash and dry your coverings.

  I know you are great warriors. Please keep your weapons at hand if you wish, but you will not need them here. None dares to scale the mountains with the people of stone on watch. Many have tried—many have given their lives for that foolish notion.”

  While the men wait, the women retreat to the washing pool, disrobe and sink below the sun-warmed liquid. Bars of course soap had been set on the edges of the pool.

  A matronly woman stands off to the side directing the other women in various tasks of attending to the downlanders. With a single clap of her hands, a young girl appears carrying flasks of thick fluid, which turns out to be oils.

  She empties them into the water and says. “This will soften the skin and take away the coarseness left by the soaps.” Her task done, she disappears around the corner of the flowery shrubs.

  As Amari and Natsha acting like children splash at each other, Dian is working her water magic by making shimmering swans, and other aquatic animals swim about them.

  Several other females with ankle-length Kirtles move about picking up their soiled tunics and trousers. A golden-haired woman gently takes Amari’s blue and white warrior’s dress from the ground. She smiles and bows her head at the Maiden with an air of respect.

  Changing robes and sandals are laid out for each of the women. For their hair, various brushes, picks and combs are lying on a fine silken cloth. After drying themselves, the warrior women dress, then comb and braid their hair.

  Refreshed, they leave the pool to the men.

  Amari and Natsha carry their swords in scabbards strung across their backs. The crossbows, daggers and such are back in their sleeping chamber. Amari will never leave Katana far from her reach.

  The matron seeing Amari and the other two woman are dressed and ready to leave, purses her lips and whistles several notes.

  That action summons a man who comes from another lush garden. He kneels near the basin and moves a lever at the end of the pool. The soapy water quickly drains from the bath and flows over the rocks and down the side of the mountain.

  He closes the lever and walks to the opposite end of the basin while the warrior women watch. He pushes on a metal lever. Natsha marvels at the simple engineering as the pool fills again with fresh cool water. The fluid spills from a wide pipe. The source of the water must come from a storage place further up the mountain.

  The men enjoy their bath as well. Once dressed the men carry their dirty clothes and leave them where Mimna instructed. Moments later, the clothes are gone. No one saw who came and took the garments away.

  While the warriors were bathing and getting dressed, a long table is prepared; laden with food and drink. Sweet-smelling flowers are scattered in various places upon the table.

  Mimna beckons to Amari and the others. “Come, sit and refresh yourselves with drink. This is a nectar made from bee’s honey and mountain goat milk. We call it Sicera. It is sweet and warm. You will not find such as this in the lowlands.”

  Mimna does not sit, but remains standing at one end of the table as a proper hostess. “We must wait for father to bless this meal before we can eat. He should be concluding his early-morning council meeting and arriving shortly.”

  She asks the Maiden sitting next to her. Tell me Amari. Where have you been these many years? We thought your spirit gone from this earthly realm?”

  Amari recounts the events to Mimna, also for Truk and Holl-tu’s hearing of what she can remember from the last battle. Which is very little? She goes on to tell of being awakened by Gareth’s blood; their escape from the Dragon’s Grave and the chance meeting of Dian at the sea’s edge.

  While all were talking and drinking, a large man fills the doorframe as he passes through. His presence commands the room.

  Mimna goes to him and bows. “Fàilte Father, these are the ones I did the telling about.” She stretches her hand to encompass all those sitting there.

  Amari and her companions rise from their chairs and bow in sign of respect to the man who has offered his home for their sanctuary.

  He searches the eyes of each one before beckoning them to sit again. He turns his gaze to the Maiden. “My daughter speaks highly of you Morwynig,” as he focuses his attention on Amari.

  Amari relaxes, as she knows Mimna’s father is paying her a great respect by using the ancient title of Morwynig, for Maiden.

  “We often send our men to be among the lowlanders to listen and watch. Many years ago, there was talk of your exploits. They brought back tales of your bewitching beauty and the swiftness of your sword in sending many a dark lord to the underworld.”

  He nods at his daughter. “When Mimna returned—she was silent for a time and kept to herself. When prodded for answers to her sullenness, it was only that she fought at your side, and the Druids took your spirit. I could tell her heart was hurt. After a time of morning, she came back to be the daughter I knew well. She is a good teacher of the young ones.”

  “I speak for my companions,” Amari says while making a sign across her forehead. “I pray the god of light bless you and yours for the hospitality you have shown us this day, here among the clouds.”

  “My home and the lands above the clouds welcome you and those who are shield brothers and sisters to my daughter.”

  Amari looks to Natsha at her side and nods.

  “Gentle sir, I am Natsha Mod-gin; Daughter to Seris Mod-gin, once leader and master of the Thieves Guild. Alas, I am all that remains of my clan. A rival clan thought to wipe my kin from this world. The man who sired me died in treachery. He was murdered while in his own bed. My brother’s death was dealt in the same manner.

  I live only because I chose that dire night to sleep with my mare, as she was about to birth a new fold. Those who put to death my kin by sword were slaughtered by the king’s soldiers when they tried to waylay the tax carriage.”

  Natsha can see Mimna’s father watching her as she spoke. “I swore my allegiance to the Maiden after she awoke in the tomb we were plundering. I no longer follow the thieves’ path. My way is now of the light which fights to defeat the dark.”

  Natsha sits as Ataltalean nods.

  Gareth is the next to stand. “Lord Ataltalean, I am Gareth, a seasoned sailor and traveler of distant seas. Uncountable years did I ply the wind and waves. My travels took me to distant lands and
people. I have seen many things; I have fought many battles.

  Natsha and I formed a bond that cannot be broken. It was by chance we brought the Maiden to life. My blood is what breathed life into her while in the death-sleep. Like my sword sister Natsha, we have given oath and promise to join Amari on her quest.”

  Gareth lays his hand upon Dian’s shoulder next to him.

  She rises and bows. “Father of Mimna, I am called Dian Iverkin. Untold years ago, I was cursed by the evil witch Urel. She turned me into a Nix, and I would be eternally bound to the sea. I lured many a hapless man to their deaths under the salt. Although, I vow, these of which I speak were evil. No man or woman that held honesty and truth in their hearts I gathered not.

  Because I slew the foul water beast that would have taken Natsha for its meal, did Amari lift the curse and set me free. I, like my brother Gareth and sister Natsha have also joined Amari and her adventures. Her quest is my quest. Her Enemies or friends, will I treat the same.

  Next to rise is the dwarf. “Sire, I am so named Truk. My sword arm fought at the side of the Maiden many years past. I was captured by the king’s men and sent to the dungeon to live my life in torment. Amari and the others gathered her were also captured.

  With the help of my blade brother Roarken, we escaped and found ourselves in your lands. I knew Mimna was of the Black Angels, and Amari wished to find her. Our journey is not without sadness. Roarken was slain by a beast we believe was sent by the Blood Druids. His spirit and body now soar with other valiant warriors among the stars.”

  Ataltalean spits on the floor. “Those evil ones still exist?”

  “Yes” Holl-tu answers and stands. “I am Holl-tu Seaject; a mystic seer to those who wish to know the future; magician and worker of magic to entertain the people of this land. Finally, sorcerer and friend to those assembled here. I too have given my oath and joined their quest. We seek the last two swords of the Kcaj. Only with the power of those united blades can the Blood Druids truly be defeated.”

  The Black Angel leader rubs a furrowed brow. “Those of the dark have tried for ages to gain our mountain cities. Only the secret of the light shaft that transports and the stone people who guard the foundations of these peaks have kept them away.

  As no attempts have been made to climb up here in the last two decades, except by treasure-seeking fools, we thought the Druids were all swept away. Now you tell me that they exist and have followed you to our lands. Mimna, did you know of this?”

  “I did learn of the Druids before I brought my friends here, but those of the stone, assured me none were anywhere to be found. How many skulls lay crushed below by the hands of the Cylok people? Our secret still holds. We are safe father, as none may enter here unless we wish it.”

  “I am not at ease my daughter. Send scouts to join with the stone guardians. Have them give warnings if anyone approaches.”

  “Yes father” Mimna says. She leaves the table and disappears out the door in a run to carry out her father’s wishes.

  “Ataltalean, we did not wish to bring war to your doorstep,” Amari says. “We will take our leave and journey back down and away.”

  “No Maiden! I promised my daughter to grant you three days of hospitality here. I will not let an uneasy feeling break that pledge. Please eat what has been prepared for you. We will talk about the threat of Druids later.”

  Amari bows her head and gives thanks; she eats of the greens and fruits before her. The rest begin eating in earnest. Mimna joins them a short time later and tells her father it has been done as he commanded. She joins the others in the abundant fair set on the table.

  They all eat in silence until Gareth brings forth a toe-bending belch.

  Amari and Natsha look him in the eyes and shake their collective heads.

  “What? I do honor to those who prepared this meal. My stomach is only saying, thank you.”

  Smiles cross everyone’s faces—including Ataltalean, who gives a burp of his own. The rest of the meal holds lively conversation and laughter.

  They all partake of another round of Sicera, which softens the bodies and relaxes the spirit. With sleepy eyes, they all turn in early as the past days’ adventures have depleted their energy and drive. They have a sanctuary here, so always being on guard is relaxed for a time.

  All is quiet save for the loud snoring coming from the men’s chambers. Mimna passes the open door and marvels Truk and Holl-tu can even sleep with that racket.

  She spies Amari on the balcony overlooking the city. “Sister what troubles you that you cannot rest?”

  “I faire well Mimna. I am just reliving the events which brought me here. My mind poses many questions that I have no answers.”

  “Is there any that I might resolve?”

  “No, and thank you! You have been a valiant friend and sword sister to me those many years ago. It saddens me that I remain young while the ages have passed with you. Your body troubles you, I can tell.”

  “Yes Amari, I cannot shed the ache that courses through my bones. We were of the same age back then, now I am fifty years your senior. The battles we fought. The adventures I welcomed to occupy my mind in an effort not to think of the loss of you.

  I missed you Amari. We were as sisters in both battle and companionship. I thank the gods you are here next to me now.”

  “I missed you as well Mimna. I thought all my old friends went on to their ancestors. Still, my mind wonders at the reasons the Druids did not kill me, but sent me to the death-sleep. I was their sworn enemy. Katana and I slew many of their Druid brothers. By all that is evil, they should have carved my body and fed it to the beasts. They did not. Maybe they feared Katana still in my grasp and the Goddess’ sword would not let them corrupt my body to dust.”

  Mimna grasps Amari’s hand in true friendship. “It may be that your quest those many years hence, is not fulfilled. You swore to rid this land of the evil that enslaves the inhabitants of Aventine and beyond its borders.

  The task put on you by the gods was to favor those who worked the land and existed by honest means. No one could protect them from the shade until you rose up against the evil that chose to oppress.

  My spirit tells me that your tasks are not complete. Look at those that follow you now; a thief, a sailor, an old dwarf, a cursed woman of the sea and an aged wizard. Not a worthy cast of warriors by the standards of the sword, but all pure of heart, courageous and honor-bound to follow you into eternity if you asked them. I remember the Ords and the others who were with us decades ago. With you at the fore, we could face danger and thwart fear without flinching.”

  “You may be right sister. My quest is what drives me again this day. I lost many memories while lying in that cold tomb. However, little by little, bits and pieces come back to me. Every waking moment, the ancient spells I used to cast and the magic that I can bring forth from Katana grows stronger.

  I vow this day, as I did those decades ago not to rest until the evil is driven from this land. No, not driven that they may infect others beyond Aventine, but destroyed, so the darkness will fade from all lands.”

  Amari rubs her eyes and pushes the hair behind her ears. “Mimna, I grow weary—let us retire this night.”

  “As you wish my sister, for tomorrow I will show you all the great cities above the clouds. Your name has already traveled to every corner of our mountains. Many wish to see you in the flesh and pay respect. All know you are the Maiden who swings the saber of light.

  There is also another task of great importance on the morrow. You must speak to the Oracle of the Black Angels, who lives in the caves below where we now stand. She has sent word you must attend to her. It is a telling of a vision she must voice to you—and you alone.”

  “I have not heard of such an Oracle.” Amari says. “Oracles and seers follow either the light or the shade. Which is she?”

  “Neither. Her sight into the future is for all who will listen; be it those who do evil or those who shun the dark.”

&nb
sp; “Then I will meet with this one on the morrow.”

  Mimna and Amari retire to their sleeping mats and cover themselves from the night air which flows through the open windows. Even with Gareth snoring in the next room, the two women fall asleep next to Dian.

  The sweet and light singing of a song bird awakens first Amari, then Dian. Now fully awake, the Maiden props herself on elbows and looks to the window. Settled on the sill is a beautiful green and orange thrush. The soft chirping fills the room as others stir from their sleep. Amari whistles a delicate and haunting tune. The small bird answers her in almost the same notes.

  “Are you actually talking to the bird Maiden?” Dian asks.

  “Not really. Although some of the notes can be words of sorts. The real communication is the feeling the wee bird sends forth into the room. It is almost a welcome to the morning. A greeting; the sky is awake, so should you be.”

  Dian stands to get a better look, and the bird takes wing. The whistling can still be heard, as the winged creature must have found another perch on the roof.

  Dian turns from the window a little sad. “I am sorry that I scared away such a lovely creature,” She tells Amari.

  “I do not think you frightened it Dian. I believe it just said good morning and was ready to leave and carry its waking to others.”

  “You are sweet to consider my feelings Amari.”

  The Maiden smiles and gets up from her sleeping mat. With a wave of her hand, the wrinkles and crumpled look of her sleeping gown disappears. She goes into the next room to find generous amounts of food has been prepared and placed on the long table where they ate the night before.

  There are sweet maslin breads, seeds, nuts, roots and berries. At each end of the table is steaming plates of meats and greens. Even though Amari does not eat flesh of animals, she can still tell it is rabbit and mutton. A plate of fish is set aside at the place where Amari sat last night.

  I smile as Mimna remembered my aversion to meat, but love of the scaled ones.

  Large earthen pitchers of water and what could be more Sicera as well.