"Mertio, a talk is due," I yelled to be known over the noise.
"Be my attention not occupied fully by your eyes?" his sarcasm bellowed.
The small ones of our village were a soft spot for me. I often enjoyed using my free time to play with them, help them, and teach them the virtues of the Dwerger. Though, these young ones had been untamed for too long. Their snarky voices compared to the shrills of the horned monsters above and they seemed as equally possessed with darkness. I often thought that if any ancient Dwerger acted as this pod did, I could fully understand, well beyond the white missing from our eyes, why our kind was banished into the bowels of the land.
I refused to raise my voice and only smiled at the children to gain their attention. One of them stuck a tongue out at me. Another used a hand gesture that I did not understand beyond the fact that it was not intended for politeness. Mertio laughed at me. I suppose I would have done the same. He pushed off the floor and brushed the dust from his torso. He growled like a mighty Dragon as he lunged for the small ones. The rumbling startled me as much as it did them.
They did not fear him. His was a tender heart beneath the gruff exterior. He pinned the group into the corner and pressed them against the wall until the fight of kicking and screaming had exhausted each of them. He shushed them a final time before he allowed his arms to relax enough for them to move.
"Brother Harve has a need to speak to me," his tone softly asserted. "You will remain calm and still should you expect your rations this evening. I could very well consume them myself."
Silence filled the nook as the young ones realized well enough that they could be put to sleep with grumbling stomachs. Mertio turned to me as he brushed his long tangled locks from his face. He led me into an unlit area where a small table of tree bindings hugged the wall. I pulled a stool beneath me. Mertio sat on the stool beside me and flicked small bugs and rodents from the table top. I humbly pretended not to notice.
"If Mother Vicar wishes me to take the blame for the attack, I am honored to serve her." Mertio seemed well aware of my visit.
"Willingly, you would call yourself the cause of her injuries?" I raised my brow. "No need for force from the muscles?"
"I have no need to take any more lashings this week," he chuckled. "It is my duty to protect the Holy Mother in any form that I may be blessed to carry."
"I am not here to ask such burdens from you, child." I leaned my elbow against the sticky table. "I simply wish to know the happenings of the scavenge. What went wrong?"
"First, I must confess," his head bowed before me, "I did seek out the sweet desires of my Lusk and Mopus. I was victorious in this search."
His hand reached into his clothing. A small linen wrapping, he placed into my hands. The sweet aroma of warmed fruit tickled the inside of my nose. It had been ages since I had tasted fruit without rawness. My mouth watered as I forced myself to slip the sweet into my cloak. It would be sent for the ill needing the natural sugars. Sugars that did not mesh with the large indulged frame of Lusk. Such sweetness could only make him larger and more weak. Mertio often pleaded with his maker about this. Lusk treated him as if he were a simple mind after his edible treasures.
"Forgiven, Mertio," I lay a kiss against his forehead. "Time to explain the scavenge to me."
The strong young lad lost himself in the details of the evening. He began his tale from the prayer that I was present for. He apologized for Lusk's rambling prayer which had interrupted Mother Vicar and her own blessing. Then, he gave me an in-depth account of the horror that awaited the Holy Mother above ground.
"It was an easy scavenge for all of us, which should have been our warning. All of our typical needs seemed to be placed in the open beams of the moons-light. Most of us grabbed our bounty and returned down the hole swiftly. I had gathered my list of items for the night in a matter of moments. Looking back, I knew better than to search out the sweet inside of their homes, but with so much time to pass for a normal scavenge, Dreamers bless me, I owned the chance. Had I not, I would have never stumbled across them."
"Across them?" I leaned in with full attention.
"The winged ones. They had Mother Vicar. They laughed. They taunted her as she fell to her knees, wounded. Blood dripped from her face as they kicked and slapped her. The male winged one mocked our faith. He spit in her face and teased her for thinking that the Dreamers blessed the Hollow tree berries after the dual eclipse. We know what healing power they hold. Yet, he taunted her. Mother Vicar snarled and snipped at their fingers as they beat her. She was not weak, only defenseless against them both. The female winged one fluttered about, her hair blowing in the night breeze, claiming the land. Damning us. Calling us the Dreamers' mishap. That is when Mother Vicar snapped."
"I can not imagine the Holy Mother losing her wit." I turned away.
"Mother Vicar did not lose her wit. She truly thought she could defend herself. She darted toward the female, catching her foot before she flew too high. Mother Vicar snatched her down and snapped one of her wings from her back with her bare hands. The female screeched in pain. The male pounced on the Holy Mother from behind, choking her. I could see her flesh turning blue. She was losing the battle. I darted from the shadows of the trees, but he heard the limbs snap beneath my feet before I could assail him. His hand reached for a dagger tied near his waist and he stabbed my shoulder twice. Mother Vicar battled with the wounded winged one. She bit her and the female yelped. The male turned to stab Mother Vicar. I chased after him, jumping and planting my feet against his spine. Before I realized what I had done, I ripped both of his wings from his shoulders down to his lower back. His blood splattered my face, making me look more injured than I surely was. It was during my attack that Mother Vicar grabbed his dagger and slit both of their throats to put them out of their misery. Sadly, the faster we raced back toward our hole, the weaker she grew. I carried her until I had sight of the Crimson Robes."
Stunned, I silently went over his story inside the walls of my own mind. Mertio struggled to read me and as I parted my lips to speak, the door to the nook flew open. Lusk and Mopus danced into the room. The small ones rushed to them, their silence broken.
Staring straight into Mertio's face, they seemed not to notice his injuries. Mopus bragged over the beauty of Bosh's newest spawn and how strong Bosh was to deliver another so soon after her last. Lusk passed right by us, plopping onto the floor to play with the young ones. Mertio smiled and nodded as his own mother told of her excitement. I waited for her to notice her child's battered flesh. She never took a breath between words long enough to notice. I cleared my throat for interruption.
"Mertio fell into an ambush during the scavenge this evening." I pointed to his wounds.
"Oh, you look horrible!" his mother gasped, seeing his injuries for the first time. "Did you make it back in time to feed them?"
Mertio's head fell in shame. "I have not fed them."
Mopus sighed as she stomped away. I repeated my news to Lusk. He nodded without looking our way as he continued playing with the young ones. Mertio shrugged his shoulders as he gathered the night rations for each of them. I walked toward Lusk. I leaned beside him and continued my words.
"He saved the life of the Holy Mother this scavenge," I informed him as my lips tightened. "She fell into a plotted ambush. Had he not been intent on seeking out your sweet, she would have been alone in her demise."
Lusk's attention drew toward me. "The Dreamers do work in mysterious ways." he excused his request for illegal scavenging. "So my Mertio served me well."
"Actually, he turned in the sweet for the ill and the faint." I held my head with pride in the young Dwerger.
"Oh," Lusk shrugged. "Is there a reward or extra ration provided for the life-saver of the Holy Mother?"
"There is only the undying pride in knowing that one has served well." My eyes smiled toward Mertio.
Lusk chuckled. "Doubts assured that will trade well in the village."
Shocked by hi
s greediness, I bit my tongue to stanch the harsh words my mind gathered to spout at him. My heart knew better. Harsh words would offer nothing for Mertio, as well. I turned to walk out of their nook. In passing, Mertio nodded a silent gratitude, for which, I adored him even more.
"Mertio is banned from the next two scavenges due to his injuries," my voice yelled politely as my back faced the pod. "Someone from your pod must replace him until then."
I made my way to the door. Even the young ones remained silent during my exit. Well aware as I was that my ruling would upset Mertio, it would roust Lusk into mandatory responsibility. Mertio well deserved the rest. I made my way toward my small lonely pod and allowed myself rest before checking on Mother Vicar again.
~*~
A vast span of time passed until the next scavenge. I had agreed with the Crimson Robes that we should hold off until Mother Vicar was fully healed. Her aged bones were taking longer to heal than we had anticipated. Our rations and supplies dwindled well below the levels of comfort. I had no choice but to take action. I set a meeting in the entry pod for the coming evening.
Most of the clan gathered promptly. I saw fear in the eyes that focused on me. I began with a prayer. The Crimson Robes gathered by each side of me as I announced that I would be leading the next scavenge. The clan seem pleased. During the cheer and praise, Lusk and Mopus made their way through the crowd to stand near Mertio.
Lusk appeared a bit too relaxed for someone about to scavenge for the first time in ages. At that point, it occurred to me what was the cause for his calmness. Such time had passed since the last scavenge, he must have been assured that Mertio was well healed to the point of claiming the scavenging spot for their pod. Lusk would be partially correct in that assumption, however. Mertio was of clear health. It simply seemed unjust. Luckily, that injustice would not stand this time.
"Unlike the usual scavenges, we are dire in our supplies," I announced. "Be it possible to plot multiple raids in a short span, but I see a better way."
The crowd silenced when I announced the first change in mission ever known, although it was needed, considering the plotted attack on the Holy Mother. A moment passed before I collected my thoughts well enough to deliver a half-planned mission that came across as fully-plotted. This was my first time taking the lead of the clan. I had to appear self assured in order to keep their confidence. Lusk and Mopus conversed about other happenings, obviously of more importance. Mertio eased forward to hear my words, since he assumed himself the only one in his pod this mission affected.
"Multiple missions would not be as sly as what I have in mind. By the third mission, they would expect us, and we could all fall into a trap such as our own experienced Holy Mother," Firm hand gestures accented my words. "We take but one scavenge and take well beyond what we need to survive. Not only to restore our stock, but to remind the land dwellers that though they had the power to banish us, we conformed, we were not conquered. We must show our strength. Strength in numbers."
Expressions became confused. Whispers before me, I was losing the attention of the clan. Sweat gathered along my face. A Crimson Robe nudged my spine. I had to finish. I could not back down.
"Three units from each pod must prepare for what can only be called an attack. Should less than three well-aged Dwerger not exist in your pod, only one may remain behind to look after small ones or to carry name-sake should no one from your pod return."
The clan noted my seriousness. No one questioned the plan. The Crimson Robes began a wave of cheer and applause. Having the healing ones behind me spoke louder than having the muscle's support.
"This mission must not fail. Each scavenger will be provided a detailed list before resting time. Study it. Master it. Work with your pod to bring back nothing less that you are enlisted to obtain." I locked my eyes onto Lusk's. "Not attending without just cause will result in instant banishment from your pod, from our clan. A punishment of becoming a wondering nomad with a target surrounding you as you walk the above ground as, what the others consider, the damned."
Lusk gulped. I watched Mertio's eyes bulge as he realized that the others in his pod would protest and could very well choose to become nomads before the scavenge occurred. With a chant of prayer led by the Crimson Robes, I made my way through the crowd. Lips remained silent during the chant. The eyes that followed my path through the crowd spoke much louder than any words could have possibly managed. Fear of such an unheard of attack and understanding for the purpose of my plan beamed from the coal-glazed eyes that encircled me. A firm grip restrained my shoulder.
"I carry the strength of two, possibly three Dwerger," Mertio's eyes pleaded. "Easily, I could obtain the lists of just as many."
"Bless you, young heart." My lips stretched in an understanding grin.
I patted his hand as I walked away. There was no need to argue with Mertio. His will and dedication to his pod were only second to his faith. I could never risk losing such an asset to our clan by allowing him to carry the burdens of several. Lusk simply nodded as I passed through the edge of the crowd.
~*~
The winding halls of my home felt similar to a labrinyth as my mind raced with plans for the unprecedented raid. I paced well ahead of the crowd toward my pod. I shut and latched my door swiftly, taking a deep breath as I realized I was alone. Mother Vicar would hear of my first move as a temporary leader. There was not a single bone inside of my tensed flesh that thought she would approve. No other option existed. I needed to think of my responses to her obvious questions.
Why so many scavengers? Is this a plot of necessity or one of vengeance? How will the winged ones retaliate to this attack? How do I plan to prepare my own clan for battle before we fully run out of supplies?
My head started to spin. This all seemed well plotted in my mind before I announced to the masses that this was the plan. Even lacking the answers to all of the questions that raced through my mind, I saw no alternative. I fell on top of my slumber frame. I didn't feel the need to think anymore. Prayer was all that could offer a slight comfort to my soul.
The dryness that consumed my mouth appeared to be the only cause for my waking. I swallowed several times, trying to loosen the stiffness in my throat. My eyes still carried weight. I forced them open, unsure of how much time lapsed since my sobbing prayer led to my exhausted resting. My bones creaked as I stretched into standing.
The hallways outside my pod echoed with nothing other than silence. My stomach churned. I had promised to deliver the lists of scavengers and items to obtain before resting time. The silence assured I had already failed my first promise as a leader. My feet stumbled over one another as I darted toward the door. Throwing the latch up, I swung the door open.
Mertio stood on the other side of the door. I gasped in shock of seeing another awake. His fist balled in the air as if he were about to knock against my door. Time did not allow his pleading. I pushed him out of my way.
"Wait!" he begged.
Against my better judgment, I stopped mid-run. Silently allowing a sigh, I turned to him with my head held lowly. The dirt dusted up beneath his talon-like toes as he came toward me. My head raised to meet his eyes. His wore sadness and concern.
"This is about my Lusk," he admitted with his hands held out to his sides.
His posture showed agitation with me. Mertio knew I had little time for hearing his case again concerning his desire to carry the weight for his pod in the scavenge. My heart felt for him. Throwing my arm over his shoulders, I cuddled him into a half embrace as I prepared myself to listen to the burdens on his own heart.
"I know my pod is less than favored by the others in this clan." His eye focused on the dust clouds of dirt around his heavy steps. "I have tried to pull extra weight in hopes of our pod becoming less hated, but I am sure there is more that I could and should be doing."
"No one has said that your pod is less favored, dear Mertio." I pulled him closer.
"You may have not spoken these words aloud, Brothe
r Harve." He shrugged. "Thought them, I am sure. Others openly speak what your faith will not allow you to say each day."
"I can speak to the others. Remind them of our morals."
"No." His back stiffened under my arm. "This is not what I am asking of you."
"I can not give you what you ask of me, Mertio." My voice grew hoarse as I whispered through the dryness of my tongue. "Dare I allow one pod to conform to their own laws as I demand all others to obey with pride?"
"I do not debate your logic and leadership, Harve," His lip quivered. "I dare not ask for Lusk. I ask for me."
"I see you as my own son in many ways, Mertio, but do not ask me to bend the laws of the clan for the worries of your heart."
"He is not well." Mertio fought tears as they pooled in the corners of his eyes.
I began walking again, leaving Mertio behind. I was aware of Lusk's failing health. For years, I spent my spare time checking on him in between visits from the Crimson Robes. I had pleaded with him to take care of himself. For his sake. For the sake of his young ones.
"The skin casing of our souls, this is a gift from The Dreamers. Our Gods give us but one casing for our soul. When we neglect our skin, our bodies, we neglect the purpose given to us by The Dreamers." I continued walking.
"Infection seeps well into his flesh," Mertio chased behind me, "unfit for scavenging."
"We've had other scavengers troll above ground with far heavier injuries." I paused to look at him. "What of the oils for his infections?"
"You know well what happened to the oils, Brother Harve."
Seven Deadly Sins Page 19
