by Anni Antoni
What was spoken of in this meeting must never reach the ears of Bronwyn.” Pelle said quietly to me as we left Prince Evrat and walked across the compound. “She is happy and wants to make a life here. And she is such a social being, she will thrive on the contact with people around her. All the years we have been travelling have been lonely and difficult for her.” He paused and shook his head, folding his arms across his chest.
“Won’t she suspect we are keeping something from her?” I asked, worried about the enormity of the secret we would be hiding.
“No.” He smiled fondly. “She is a simple soul at heart. If we keep the true conditions of our tenancy from her, she will remain happy. Meanwhile, we keep our heads down, keep working hard and gain favor with the Prince so our position here will remain safe."
Pelle stopped walking and peered intently into my face in the gathering gloom. “Promise me you will keep this secret Joshaviah.”
All the evil and self-interest I saw around me in humans was just one aspect of their character. Pelle was showing me another side of humans.
They really were noble, brave and concerned with the welfare of those they loved. I took fresh hope from his unselfish words. It amazed me. Here I was, supposed to be his Guardian and help make his life better, and he was sharing words of wisdom with me.
Aware of my own inadequacy in that moment, I appreciated the true depths of human nature -- great depths which came to the fore when they were under pressure.
I felt ashamed of my despair in his presence and determined I would serve him better. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I solemnly vowed.
“Bronwyn will never hear a word of it from me.”
Oh, yes, we easily kept our secret from Bronwyn, and, as Pelle predicted, she was happy in Juffort. I watched her blossom as she got to know other families.
She loved being with the other women and children. Together they often had craft meetings, weaving woolen cloth, sewing garments or cooking together, exchanging knowledge and tips. Happy chatter surrounded her most of the time. For her it was the ideal life.
Pelle and I, on the other hand, worked hard at our craft. We had to teach the other metalsmiths our methods because Prince Evrat decided we should have no secrets from each other, in the interests of ‘community solidarity’, as he put it.
In theory, this was good, it meant that our superior methods would not be lost if something happened to us. All the metalsmiths produced the highest quality goods for the fort, thanks to Pelle’s knowledge. High quality weapons were made and stockpiled daily.
However, it also meant we were replaceable if the Prince took a dislike to us. I was sure that was his thinking, when he ordered us to teach everything we knew to all the metal workers.
They, in turn, resented us showing up their inadequacies, putting them at a disadvantage with the Prince. They learned our methods, but openly resented us. I constantly watched them around Pelle, half expecting treachery.
Pelle’s life, and the lives of his wife and children depended on our being able to win the favor and approval of the Prince as well as avoid making enemies among the common people in the fort. I sensed how vulnerable they were and feared for their safety.
Juffort was not a benevolent place. Our favored position could change in a heartbeat. Guilt for allowing my human family to be placed in this position and worry for their continued safety ate into me.
The confinement, the smell and the proximity to humans who were much less altruistic than Pelle and his family, got to me. There were times when, feeling suffocated, I had to flash away in the dead of night to somewhere beautiful, remote and far away from humans of the kind I had come to despise.
One evening under a huge full moon, I was laying back in a cloud of flowers in an open meadow. The scent of the flowers saturated the air, relaxing me to the point of drowsiness and my heart opened to the quiet beauty of the world around me.
Moments like these, I treasured on Earth. Nothing I knew of could compare with the tranquil beauty of such places.
Suddenly a rush of wind slapped me, and a tall attractive being stood in front of me. Immediately wide awake, I scrambled to my feet, startled, but not sensing any danger.
"Who are you?" I asked. The question bounced out of me before I could think.
Joy overtook me, as I recognized another being like me. I was no longer alone on Earth. Hope blossomed in my breast as I wondered if he was also a Guardian.
Chapter 10.
New Ways of Seeing Things
The tall being laughed.
“I’ve been aware of your presence for some time, and I thought I'd pay you a visit. I’m like you, a Guardian. Marron is my name. You don't appear to be in contact with any other Guardians. Am I correct?”
I had been aching for contact with other beings like myself. Joy and relief at meeting someone like me on Earth, another Guardian, washed over me.
“My name is Joshaviah.” I introduced myself, grinning my delight, “and I’ve met no-one like myself since I came here. Have you? And how were you aware of my presence?” So many questions bounced around my brain, I could have questioned him all night. Shutting my mouth, and swallowing my excitement, I let him continue.
“I came here years ago,” said Marron. “And I’ve been aware of your presence because I can mindspeak. Haven’t you been taught that?”
I shook my head. “No. Training in healing, but little else, just a set of dire warnings.” I laughed and shrugged my shoulders.
Marron frowned. “That is unfortunate. More preparation than that is necessary for a successful life here, unless they wanted you to fail. Besides, they should have put you in a Guardian group, so you could have training and experience before you met with humans. That was my experience, and the early days on my own were still difficult."
My eyes popped open in surprise. “A group? No group was discussed with me. My superiors left me here alone, no contacts, no instructions on how to do anything, apart from advising me to stay away from humans until I got to know them better.” Shrugging my shoulders at the obviously absurd advice, I stopped talking and grinned.
Marron’s frown grew deeper, then he shook his head. “That's Council logic for you.,” he said. “I fear they're getting worse.”
“Worse? I don't understand. Who’s getting worse?”
Marron rubbed his forehead. “The Council. There were doubts when we Chosen Ones were first granted the privilege of living among humans. That had never happened before. Our group of warriors were the first to request it, and there was a lot of opposition and jealousy.
“The Council, who are ultimately in charge of us, decided we could live on Earth, as long as we took some responsibility for helping humans, and gave up all contact with the Creator, like the humans we care for.”
“Some responsibility? The impression given to me was that being a Guardian, and helping humans, was my sole purpose for being on Earth.”
“Not at all,” said Marron emphatically. “Acting as Guardian is merely part of the bargain. Living here, with free will, is your reward. Our group, the Chosen Ones, carry the ongoing reward for our ancestors’ services in defeating demons and banishing them to the Underworld. Ever since that time, the best of the new Chosen Ones, are granted the privilege of living on Earth.”
Puzzled confusion wracked my brain. Never having heard the full background story of why I could live on Earth, I had so many questions to ask I didn't even know where to begin.
Much of what he said was new to me. Amazed at how little information I had before being left on Earth, I stared at Marron open-mouthed, wondering why I was not informed of all this before coming here.
“We should enjoy ourselves as well as being Guardians. It’s our reward for past services given by our ancestors, and there is much here to enjoy.” He smiled at me. “It shouldn’t be all duty. Oh no. We should pursue our own interests as well. It benefits both Guardians and humans. By doing so we distance ourselves and can more objectively serve our
humans.”
“I never consider enjoying myself. The weight of responsibility of caring for Pelle and his family, every day, is overwhelming. And especially now as I’ve helped them become virtual slaves. There is no time to enjoy myself. I’m always worried about the family’s safety and preventing them heading to more disasters.” Shaking my head, I gave him a wry grin.
“Oh, my goodness,” said Marron, his hands flying to his cheeks in dismay. “Tell me you don’t live with your humans?”
“But I do live with them, within days of arriving on Earth. It seemed the logical thing to do. Is that not advised?” Things were not making sense. It seemed I had done even more wrongs than I realized.
“It's understandable. You had no companions and were ill prepared, but it’s not a good idea, it’s much too difficult, especially for a new Guardian. What terrible conditions you’ve faced. The Council is failing in their duty to new Guardians, it’s obvious.” Marron’s eyes widened in shock.
“I've felt like a total failure since we moved to Juffort. We had to pay for the protection of the fort -- all our worldly goods. Now we own nothing. If we ever wish to leave, we go with only the clothes on our backs.
“Even our tools belong to our leader now. And I doubt they would let us leave if we asked to, because we provide a useful service. We make weapons for the fort.” I looked to him in despair. “The truth is, I allowed them to walk into the place where we are now and become nothing but slaves. At times my guilt is overwhelming. I don't know what I was thinking.” Shame overwhelmed me and I hung my head.
Marron put his hand on my shoulder. “How could you have known? Don’t be so hard on yourself. The truth is you improved these people's lives.”
“I don’t see it.”
“Didn't you save a life?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Consider this.” Marron sat down in the field of flowers and beckoned me to sit with him. “Without you, a man would have died. The wife and children, not being able to fix the wagon to carry their goods would have been forced to leave the wagon with what they could carry. They would soon have run out of supplies and things to trade. But even before that happened, bandits would probably have come, taken everything they owned and probably killed them, or worse. Is this not so?”
“Knowing the type of people traveling those roads, I must agree with you.” Not sure where the conversation was heading, I frowned.
“You see, you saved them from that. You gave them another chance at life – a wonderful gift. What you must realize, is you cannot change a person's destiny. You aren't even supposed to. If they wanted to seek shelter in a fort, then as their Guardian you are permitted to help them do that, but not make the decision whether to do it or not. That takes away their free will. And free will is a delightful reward living on Earth brings. We all have free will to pursue our dreams and desires, humans and Guardians alike.”
He put a different perspective on things, which I welcomed.
“Stop carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders Joshaviah.” Marron laughed. “You're here to enjoy yourself as much as anything else. Remember that, and don't take everything so seriously.”
Sighing, I shook my head. If only it was that easy. “But it's so hard when you see the humans you are supposed to help, buy themselves into a life of slavery. They did it voluntarily, and while I watched. I didn’t know how to stop it. The wife doesn't realize it but the husband does. I see no way out for them.”
“It is hard. We identify with the humans in our charge. I know only too well. However, we must allow them to make their mistakes, and, if we can, try to help them overcome those mistakes, but only if they ask us.”
Marron rubbed the back of his head and continued. “From what I understand, you live among warlike and aggressive people. That makes it even harder. Not all humans are like them. There are many areas of the world where people live in peace, run their farms or hunt for a living and are happy to live together in peace, in small settlements.”
I thought about Prince Evrat and his preparations for war and our constant weapon making. “You are correct in your assessment of the area where I live. We are preparing for war now. I help make the weapons. When we make enough weapons, war will be waged.”
Marron looked worried. "You may be expected to go with them. They may want you to become involved in the war effort when you are no longer required to make so many weapons."
My mouth fell open -- I hadn't thought of that. My blood ran cold. “You mean I'd be required to kill humans for the Prince?”
“That's right.” He frowned. “You are young, strong and healthy, an obvious choice for a soldier. You’ve landed yourself in a difficult position.”
“Warnings not to harm any humans when I came here were stressed, repeatedly, and the punishment is elimination. Not only that, the idea of killing humans, even the ones I despise, repulses me.” Despair, as I considered all my mistakes, twisted my insides.
“Yes, it is difficult.” said Marron frowning. Both hands flew to the top of his head as though his brain hurt. “It’s natural for us to protect humans, not kill them.
“The Council keep changing their mind on the war issue, I believe. However, the thing is, if, to keep your identity secret, you can’t avoid going to war, I don't think they can hold it against you. After all, the first instruction given is to live among humans in secret. That over-rides everything, I believe.”
The sky was growing lighter, and I realized I needed to go back to the fort. It would never do if I was discovered missing from my sleeping quarters.
“I must get back, Marron,” I said “It's been helpful talking to you. I could ask you questions for days, you have already given me much valuable information.”
“If you need me again just repeat my name, and I’ll come to you. Pick an open place where you’ll be alone.”
I clasped his hand and said goodbye and he wished me good luck. Then I flashed back to the fort.
Marron had given me a lot to consider, but he had also given me hope. Perhaps things were not so dire. He showed me I had improved the lives of my humans after all, and it was not altogether my fault they had landed in slavery.
We lived in a dangerous, aggressive, warlike society, but at least Bronwyn and the children were safe and happy.
Marron was right. I had been too hard on myself. I resolved to, what’s that expression? Ah yes, ‘lighten up,’ as you say today, and try to cheer Pelle up too. If I made the best of things, life may not be too bad in the fort… but then, my life was never predictable.
Chapter 11.
Things Change
I arrived back at Juffort before the children were awake. Dawn was breaking, and the sky was noticeably lighter.
Pelle was already up. He knocked on the door of the sleeping quarters I shared with the children.
“I see you haven't slept here again,” he grinned at me. “Been out in the fresh air?”
Sheepishly, I nodded. He was fully aware of my need to get away from humans at times. He never questioned me, just accepted I needed to go and I would be back, as usual. I loved him for that.
“Fancy sword practice this morning, before we have anything to eat?” I asked him, still buoyed up by my conversation with Marron.
His eyes shone. He loved sword practice with me. I usually beat him, but sometimes his superior training had me at a disadvantage.
We put on an entertaining show for those interested in watching. So far, still reeling from the terms of our ‘tenancy’ agreement, we had seldom practiced at the fort.
We took our swords and walked outside. Although still early, it was light enough for clear visibility in the courtyard. A small crowd gathered around us as we stood at the ready with our weapons.
I put my sword up and Pelle did the same. "Ready?" I grinned at him.
“Ready,” he replied watching me intently. He made the first lightning-fast move, but I blocked it and countered with a parry. He danced nimbly aside. The c
rowd watching us was getting bigger. Someone clapped.
I sidestepped a blow from Pelle. We had our routine down to such a fine art it looked as though we faced injury, but we knew what we were doing, and were just practicing specific moves.
A horrified gasp came from within the crowd. Curious, I looked for the source. The most beautiful young lady I had ever laid eyes on was looking at me, eyes wide in terror.
I had to fight down the urge to run to her side and reassure her it was only play, and we wouldn’t hurt each other. I quite forgot I was sword fighting until Pelle tapped me on the shoulder with his sword. The crowd laughed.
“Distracted by a pretty face?” Pelle grinned at me. “That will never do. Focus Joshaviah, focus.” He chuckled and winked at me.
We were just getting back into the routine of things – lunge, parry, sidestep and again, lunge, parry, sidestep. As before, the same gasp caught my ear.
Turning, I looked over at the young lady. Wide-eyed, she had her hands covering her mouth. I smiled at her, trying to show her it wasn't serious.
Again, Pelle’s sword tapped my shoulder. “We may have had enough practice for today, your concentration is not up to it.” He winked at me again. “I must say she is pretty though,” he whispered, putting his arm over my shoulder.
All I managed was a nod as she had rendered me speechless. The vision of her perfect face burned in my brain.
A large crowd had gathered by then. We were just putting our swords away and were about to go in for our morning meal, when Arbiter Berkant came out in full regalia.
A long woolen tunic, dyed purple, graced his thin frame, and a strange hat that looked like a small, dead animal, sat on his head. Thumping a large, carved stick on the ground to gain attention, he called out in a booming voice, oozing with self-importance.
“Hear ye, hear ye all,” he announced. “Our most glorious leader, Prince Evrat, has a message for you this morning. He will deliver it personally. Stop what you're doing and gather round. This message concerns every one of you. No exceptions.”
