by Frank David
“But she is Lady Autumn. Her hand was forced when God threatened her child. You cannot blame a mother for doing what is necessary for her son, can you?” Carter posed the question.
“Why did God remove her from paradise? She must have done something wrong for him to turn on her?” Autumn eyed the old man. She could see he was thinking of a way to explain it that would put Diana in a positive light.
“She would not bow down to Barius’ demands. She believed she was his equal which is why Barius wanted her gone.” Carter smiled knowing he had honored his Goddess in the explanation.
“Why does Autumn speak so well for her age?” Alexis looked at the girl with suspicion.
“It is the Imperial blood,” Carter responded. “The Imperials are not like us. Their blood is the blood of God, giving them insight and knowledge beyond their years. I spent many years as a boy among them before Diana brought me here. I noticed the Imperial children were not like other children. I could sense those whose blood was purer. The words they used. The way they carried themselves. They were like small adults, even at earlier ages. Those whose blood was not as pure were more child-like. Autumn’s blood appears to be close to pure.”
Autumn ignored their words. She was still trying to figure out why the two deities would continue a war neither could hope to win.
Carter could sense the confusion in the young girl. “Both knew they would not win but they needed to lighten the hold the other had over the people of Saaveth. This was their goal.”
“Continue with the story, Carter,” Alexis commanded as she and Autumn returned to their seats.
“Drevniy travelled the lands gathering Diana’s followers and ordering them to make the journey to Uhl. Some of the followers listened, others ignored the man and remained in their settlements.” Carter began. “He would spend ten years wondering Saaveth. In the region now known as Savien, his destiny took a turn he had not expected.
****
Drevniy had wandered much of the land. He was coming to the ends of the known world. He ventured into a dense forest. He was not sure if Dianites called this area home, but he could not leave it unexplored. If even one of the followers called the forest home, he needed to bring them to Uhl.
The underbrush was thick and tangled around his feet as he walked. The sun was blocked by the canvas of thick trees which covered the ceiling of the forest. He continued, slowly, doing his best to make little noise. The air in the forest was heavy, making his breathing labored. He feared he was not as quiet as he had wished.
He paused. He could hear the voice in his head. It was a woman. He could not discern if she was a follower of Diana or God. Her words made little sense to him, her mind rambled. He tried to understand her thoughts, but it was difficult.
He moved. His foot found a twig. The snap echoed through the silence. He stood motionless as the forest came alive with movement and sound. He heard the howls coming from the distance. The brush to his right began to move, as if something was approaching. His hand went to his sword as the beast leaped from its cover. It knocked him to the ground.
“What are you doing here?” the voice asked, as he opened his eyes.
It was not a beast. It was a woman. Her light hair was tangled with leaves and sticks. Her face was covered in dirt. She wore skins for cover. Her green eyes peered at him. He was sure if she were clean she would be quite lovely.
“Why are you here?” she demanded. She sat atop him preventing his movement.
He could feel her nails digging at his throat as he fought to allow the words to escape his mouth.
“I am Drevniy,” he said softly. “I mean you no harm.”
“Have you come to hunt my friends?” The woman glared at him.
“No, I come looking for Dianites,” he confessed.
“What is this Dianites?” She tightened her grip on this throat.
“Not what, but who. They follow the Goddess, Diana.” He coughed as the grip tightened.
“I am the only one of our kind who calls the forest home. I know of no Diana.” She eased her grip believing he meant her no harm. She stood and offered her hand to help him to his feet.
“You follow God?” He brushed himself off as he got his balance.
“Who is God? I follow no one. I follow the animals who call the forest home.”
“What is your name?” He stared at her.
“I am called Dana,” she answered, still unsure of her visitor. “I am the protector of the animals who call the forest home.”
“How long have you lived in the forest?” he asked.
“For as long as I can remember.” Her eyes showed pain.
“Where are your parents?”
“The animals told me they were killed by evil men.” She said it as though it was common for animals to speak with people.
“The animals told you?” He understood now why her thoughts were unclear. The woman was obviously insane.
“The wolves who raised me shared the story of my parents’ fate. They were chased deep into these woods by men wielding weapons like the one at your side,” she pointed at his sword. “Mother wolf told me that my mother asked her to take me and protect me from the men. Mother wolf complied with the request. Mother wolf and her pack protected me and now I protect all the creatures in return.”
“You can speak with the animals?” Drevniy was sure the woman was delusional.
She stared at him, sensing his disbelief. “Come!” she called out.
The brush began to move. Drevniy stepped back. He felt something against his back. He turned to see the large white wolf, its fangs exposed. He stepped back, away from the beast.
“No!” she commanded. The white wolf lowered its jowls, covering its fangs.
He watched as the animals gathered around her. There were wolves, deer, bears, and birds of every variety. Animals large and small made their way to her. He stood in awe as the animals watched him.
“How do you protect them? You are only a girl and you appear to have no weapons,” he said.
Dana looked at him. She raised her hand slowly. The animals retreated, moving from the woman. The ground beneath his feet began to tremble. He could see the soil begin to split, opening beneath his feet. He stepped back as a mound began to form from the hole. The mound rose in front of him blocking him from Dana.
He felt something on his leg. He looked down to see a vine moving up his leg. Its grip tightened as it coiled up his leg. He struggled to free himself, but his resistance was pointless. He reached down to remove the vine, but another came down from above and grabbed his arm, wrapping itself around him.
The woman laughed. She lowered her arms and the mound disappeared into the hole and the vines released him.
“I am sorry, but you did ask,” she continued, laughing as she approached him. She put her hand on his chest. “You are good,” she commented removing her hand. “You hunt only to survive, not for sport. Follow me.” She ran off into the thick brush. Drevniy struggled to keep up with her.
She led him to a clearing. The ceiling of trees had cleared, and the area was bathed in bright sunlight. The colors of the flowers that filled the field glowed. A large tree sat in the center of the clearing. Dana ran to the tree and scaled the trunk making it to the top in a matter of seconds. Drevniy tried to follow but struggled. Dana laughed from her perch.
“This is my home. You are welcome to stay,” she said as she jumped from the branch. She landed beside him with a loud thud. “You are the first to enter the forest with a pure heart. Most come to hunt the animals for sport. I deal with them harshly.”
“How do you know my heart is pure?” he asked, still taking in the beauty of the area.
“I can feel you. When I touched you, your heart spoke to me, showed me your intentions.”
“How is it you know our language if you were raised by animals?” he inquired.
“I can hear the thoughts of those who enter the forest. I learned from listening.” She laughed. “You seem
thirsty.” She raised her hand as a small pond formed in the middle of the meadow.
Drevniy rushed to the water and dropped to his knees. He began to drink.
“Will you stay with me?” she asked as he continued to drink.
****
“Drevniy stayed with her for two years. He told her about his task and what life was like beyond the forest,” Carter explained. “After two years Drevniy needed to return to Uhl. He had searched and retrieved all the followers who would agree to join him.”
“What about Dana?” Autumn asked.
“She did not want to leave the forest, but she did not want him to go either. It was the animals who finally convinced her she should leave with him. The two started the journey to Uhl. It took them six months to reach the others. The followers had moved to Beag, home of Drevniy’s true father,” Carter paused. “Fate had guided Diana’s people to this land.”
“What happened when they returned? Were Dana and Drevniy married?” Autumn sat at the edge of her seat.
“Yes, they were married.” Carter smiled. “Dana became pregnant shortly after they were married.”
“Rumors of a planned attack on a Dianite settlement to the east had reached Beag. Drevniy took several men to help the settlement against the others. He left his pregnant wife and set out toward the settlement.” Carter stopped. He sat looking at the girls. He worried the story would upset them.
“Continue,” Alexis said, placing her hand on his.
“It would seem Drevniy had become well known among the others. Somehow, they had discovered his quest. The others wanted to send a message to him, stop him. The rumors about the attack on the other settlement were untrue. The others used it to remove Drevniy from Beag. The village was unprepared when the armies of the others descended upon them. Dana commanded the animals to attack the others as they burned the village. The animals of the area did as instructed, and lashed out against the intruders. The men defeated her animals quickly. Some of the men had powers of their own. This was unexpected. She stood alone in the center of the village as the men closed in. They had her surrounded, there was nowhere she could run. She looked out beyond the men. The villagers were dying on the swords of the others. She watched as villagers burst into flames. Strong winds blew others far distances.
“Tears filled her eyes as she placed her hand on the child growing inside of her. She knew the men would not let her survive the day. She raised her hands as tears flowed down her face. The water began to flow from beneath her feet. She felt the sword as it entered her chest. She fell, but the water continued to flow, increasing in intensity. The men ran from the area trying to escape the rising waters. The waters reached out and pulled the men back, trapping them in the current. Dana was not yet dead and did her best to ensure many of the others would die with her.
“When Drevniy discovered the rumors were untrue, he and his men hurried back to Beag. He was greeted with the new sea at the edge of Uhl. He knew his wife and the others were gone. It was then he gathered his men and went in search of the man who commanded the armies of the others, Declan.” Carter stopped. “You know the story of the conflict between the two. That is the only part of the tale that both sides agree on. I hope this has shown you that Declan was an unjust man. He brought the war to us. We wanted peace, but Declan wanted dominance.”
“I am the granddaughter of Diana. My powers will be coming soon, and I will use those powers to bring our people glory,” Alexis said. “We will take back the lands which are rightfully ours.”
“I hope you are correct, Majesty.” The old man smiled. “Zabytyy has been good to our people, but returning to the home of our ancestors would be nice. I imagine a time when you reign over all of Saaveth.”
“The stories I have been told were lies. I will stand with you against my people.” Autumn stood and went to Alexis. “I am embarrassed by what my people have done to your people.”
“Together, we will make them pay.” Alexis smiled as she embraced Autumn. The two girls rushed out of the room.
“I have done as you instructed.” Carter turned to see Diana standing in the far corner.
“You did well,” Diana smiled. “You have given them what they will need to grow their hatred for God’s people. I thought it might be harder to move Autumn.”
“I did not like lying to the queen.” Carter moved closer to the Goddess.
“Lies are necessary in war,” Diana said as he approached. “You have served me well. I can sense the conflict inside of you. You want to tell them the truth.”
“No, Goddess, I will not tell them the truth. I gave them the story you wished. I will distance myself from them.” Carter stepped back, increasing the distance between them.
“Do you think moving from me will protect you?” Diana stared as the man went for his throat. She increased the pressure. She watched as the man clawed, fighting for air. “I am sorry it had to end this way, but you would betray me. I have come too far to allow you to do that.” The man fell to the ground before her. “Now, I hope you find peace.” Diana vanished before she was discovered.
Chapter Twenty-Five – Felicia and Sofia
Sofia was relieved to be back on Hulsterian soil. She had been gone too long, but she wanted to make sure Joseph was safe before returning. The voyage home was uneventful. She jumped from the carriage as it stopped in front of Rothmar. She was about to run off when she remembered Felicia needed assistance. The two had been away about five months and the child growing inside of Felicia had begun to take its toll on the woman’s body.
Felicia stepped down. She was no longer the agile woman she once was. Her stomach was now pronounced with the child. She got her breath as she stared at the stairs before her.
“I know you are excited to see your sister. Do not worry about me. Go.” She kissed Sofia as she ran off. Felicia struggled with the stairs.
The guards opened the doors as Sofia approached. “Where is my sister?” She could hardly contain the excitement in her voice.
“Imperial Princess, the Empress is in her room, resting,” the guard responded.
“Is everything alright?” she asked.
“The Empress is having trouble with this pregnancy.” Sofia rushed off before he could finish his statement.
“Please assist Lady Felicia,” she shouted back to the guards, as she rushed up the stairs.
Sofia reached the hall of Stela’s chambers. She ran to her sister’s room. The guards opened the doors as she approached. One of the guards stopped her. “You must be announced, Princess,” he said, standing in her way, while the other guard entered the room.
“Get out of my way,” Sofia ordered but the guard would not budge.
“You may enter, Princess,” the other guard called out.
“Thank you,” she said as she passed him. She saw Stela lying in the bed. Harris was at her side. Her mother and sister were there as well.
“Stela, what is wrong?” she asked, rushing to her sister and sitting on Stela’s bed.
“Nothing to worry about, Sofia,” Stela laughed. “It is simply a precaution. The doctor believes I should stay off my feet for a few days.”
“Listen to him,” Sofia scolded.
“Is Felicia with you?” Harris asked.
“Yes, she is downstairs. You might want to go down and help her. She struggles getting about.” Sofia looked at him. “It is your fault, you know.”
“I will go check on Felicia.” Harris stood and took his leave of the women.
“Are you sure everything is okay?” Sofia sensed Stela was not being completely honest with her. She tried to scan her sister’s thoughts but was unsuccessful.
“Your gift does not work on me,” Stela laughed. “I took a bit of a fall a couple days ago. It was nothing.”
“How far along are you?” Sofia asked, looking at her belly. She appeared to be about six months but that was not possible.
“Officially, I am three months but truthfully, I am four months.” Stela blushe
d as she admitted she was pregnant before the wedding.
“Harris seems to have quite the effect on women,” Sofia laughed.
“How is Joseph?” Stela asked, sitting up.
“Stela, he is amazing. The powers the boy possesses are beyond reason. He should have at most three powers, but we saw him display three powers on our trip, along with his visions.” Sofia moved her hair out of her face.
“Roderick’s note said something about his powers, but he did not go into detail.” Stela shuffled, trying to get comfortable.
“I do not think you have to worry about Joseph. He is able to protect himself. When we first arrived in Xasha the palace was vacant. The staff had all abandoned their posts. They were protesting Joseph’s arrival. He was there less than three days before he convinced the staff to return to their posts. When we left the people were changed, they loved him.” Sofia moved to allow her sister to get comfortable.
“I am glad he is able to protect himself. I was worried about what he might face. He was so worried about leaving.” Stela moved her hand to her belly.
“He is the least of your concerns,” Sofia paused. She looked at her mother and sister who sat silent. “I am sorry we were not back in time for your wedding.”
“It is fine. I am happy you stayed with him as long as you did. I am glad he has Roderick with him,” Stela smiled.
“Stories of the wedding reached Xasha,” Sofia began. “It would seem the stories reached every corner of Saaveth, from what I heard.”
“I am sure,” Stela laughed.
“I cannot believe you threatened Braynard and still live to talk about it. What was Diana like?” Sofia fidgeted, waiting for her response.
Stela told Sofia the details of the wedding and her run-in with Braynard and Diana. She explained the deaths of the queen and Courtney.
****
Harris rushed down the stairs. He found Felicia seated. He was torn. He wanted to rush to her. The child growing inside of her was his, after all. He also knew she did not want anyone, outside of the Imperial family, to know he was the child’s father.
