by HC MacDonald
“Oh, I see.” I now had a better understanding of what life was like for Leon, his sister and this village. To me just a bigger cage then the one I had come from.
“So, what was Leon doing outside your boundaries?” My mind again trying to connect the dots. Where we had met was not on their land, and given what Sanna said about leaving seemed odd he would be out there.
“We had an Asbjorn enter the Eastern side of our territory. He went to help. They chased it out of our land. Leon followed. Ethan was with him for a bit. They had lost the trail. Ethan came back. Leon wanted to search more. Sometimes that man can be so stubborn. You know men. They get an idea in their head and there is no stopping them.” Sanna replied.
For hours we talked and confided in each other. We were instantly bonded. I liked having a friend. I looked at the time and noticed it was close to lunch, which must have sent off an internal alarm cause Juji and Keiko started mentioning they were hungry; at that Sanna invited us to eat with her family.
I wrote a note for Leon so he would not worry. Out the door we went.
Sanna's’ home wasn’t much different then Leon's’. Both clean well kept modest log built cabins that blended into the landscape of pine trees and brush. The inside shared a similar layout only her’s was painted inside with vibrant colors of yellow and blue. Not the natural color of the wood like Leon’s place.
She quickly put us to work helping prep. She also made each of the kids and Sasha take a bath. What a soapy mess. Nothing like a puppy in a tub full of kids. She gave each one a clean new outfit to wear. I was so touched by the gesture my eyes began to water. Then she turned to me
“Your turn. Shower, clean up, bandages are in the drawer, use the cream in the basket by the sink on your wounds. There are clothes in my closet, so pick out an outfit before you go in to bathe. Lunch will be ready in 15 min; don’t take to long.”
How could I refuse! Into the bedroom I went shutting the door so no one could see the tears of gratitude run down my cheeks. I slid open the door holding her clothes. She had so many bold color choices. Vibrant reds, deep purples, golden yellows. I had never seen such beautiful clothing options. My wardrobe for ten years was black on black on black. Always dark, so I would blend into the shadows. I ran my fingers along the clothes and stopped at a soft sky blue long sleeve shirt. This was the one for me. I let a smile cross my face.
When I stepped out of the washroom, no more was I wearing battered stained black clothing but bright pastels. If my mother could see me now. As I thought it, my heart sank at the thought of her alone still trapped in the fortress. I had taken no more then two steps into the main room when I was greeted by the tall stranger that had dropped Leon at my door. He had short black hair, that was dark as night. Piercing green eyes the color of the pine trees outside the door. He was slightly taller then Leon, about the same physique. Shoulders just a bit broader. A memory of the black wolf from the trail the night prior entered my mind and I made the connection.
“Well, Ethan, introduce yourself! Are you going to just stare at her like before, or do I need to do all the work.” Exasperated she shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. With a wave of her hand, “Raina this is my husband Ethan. Ethan, you already met Raina. Now that introductions are done let’s eat.” I was glad Sanna was around, she made everything seem normal.
They were a cute affectionate couple. Sanna bossed him around. Ethan would wink, and say, “I love you too!” whenever she gave him an order. It was endearing. Reminded me of my parents once long ago. When supper was over, Sanna put Ethan to the task of finding a map. Together Ethan helped me plan my travels up to the Northern Coast. He was very wise giving me information on the landscape, threats to avoid, where Raiders of Nezra were currently and danger signs to watch for. I found it all very helpful. Sanna even volunteered Ethan to gather us some supplies for our trip and see us safely to the Ladow borders. It was all very thoughtful. Our plan was to prepare tomorrow then leave when the sun came up the following day. I would leave earlier, but they were planning to attend a wedding ceremony. I didn’t want to impose more than I was.
Night soon fell, I needed to get the kids back to Leon’s before they started drifting off. As I searched the small home for them, it was to late, Sasha and Keiko had snuggled into a bed and were fast asleep. Juji and Wyatt not far behind them. At that, Sanna insisted we stay the night.
We sat by the fire listening to Sanna share the latest village gossip. It felt great to fully relax. I had allowed my mind to wonder to the upcoming travels ahead, no longer paying attention to Sanna’s gossip. My attention was drawn back to her when she stated the question, “So it’s all settled then.”
“What is settled?” I inquired, confused by the statement.
“The wedding, you are coming as our guest. I insist.”
“No, no, no. I can’t come. I don’t want to bring attention to myself, and I am not familiar with your customs. So, No, I can’t go.” I insisted back. Upset with myself for not paying more attention to her.
“You already agreed and I accepted, so to bad.” Sanna reprimanded.
Somehow, I got myself roped into festivities that now I couldn’t get out of. I could tell by the tone in her voice, she was not going to let me back out. With that finalized the topic was done.
It was getting late. Ethan began trying to get Sanna to go to bed, when the front door flew open with a bang. Leon charged in red faced and out of breath. He looked angry. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you!” he practically screamed.
Before I could say anything, from behind me yelling back was Sanna.
“We left you a note. If you had read it, you too would have been invited over for dinner and conversation. Now, acting like a spoiled child, you are not welcome in my home until you apologize. So... I’m waiting ... and while your at it, the children are asleep so keep you voice down.” She scolded him.
He looked from me to her to me to Ethan. Who shrugged his shoulders and gave him a ‘sorry I can’t help you bud’ look. Then Leon turned on his heels and headed for the entrance. With a loud slam of the door, left.
Sanna, gave a fuming sigh, then eyed me with a mischievous smile. She then bid me goodnight. Ethan on the other hand followed her with his tail between his legs into his room and shut the door.
I smiled to myself, not really understanding this brother sister dynamic. I laid down on the floor by the fire happy we were safe, happy we had made a friend, happy we had a plan in place. I was at peace. Sleep came easily.
Chapter 13
Council
Leon
The Council Chamber was still dark. It was a tall majestic building made of carved thick cedar with wooden spirals reaching the sky. The ivy covered outer doors were carved with landscapes of Ladow. I entered the building. The foyer vast and open. The ceiling stretching to the tops of the spirals. At the far end two more giant wooden carved doors in a deep red stain stood closed. Only a faint light breaking out from under the door, showed me a sign that they were meeting.
I awaited patiently running over the debating points in my mind. I ran my hand through my hair again. It was my nervous tick. I sat in a chair in the hall awaiting my time. It wouldn’t come fast enough.
The door slowly swung open. Elder Raoul stepped out of the deliberation room and walked toward me. He was a kind older man. He had grey hair that was neatly pulled back into a band. He was clean shaven with a chiseled face. Once a large man, now, he was much thinner and frail.
Years ago he had been captured by a Raider party. Taken to Nezra's’ fortress. He didn’t talk about it much. I knew from stories that he was there for three years before he escaped. He had been to the arena battles, starved and tortured while there. It was rumored that when he finally escaped, it was because he had help from someone on the inside. He made a trade for his freedom.
There were many speculations on what the trade was. Some said he bartered the life of others in hiding. Others said he gave Ne
zra special recipes for potions in return for his freedom. Still some say he promised Raiders gold and silver from the village treasury to secure his freedom. I didn’t give in to village gossip. His past was his to share. Now, he spent his time amongst the ancient books in the Atheneum Library. Taking on a mentorship role within the council rather than deal with the politics and day to day matters.
Elder Raoul came and sat by me. He put his hand on my knee.
“Be cautious of your speech.” He warned.
“Is Erebos creating drama in the council?”
“He is causing unrest if that is your question.” Elder Raoul responded wisely. “I think it wisest to leave out details that may cause additional questions to be asked.” He continued to say. “I will be waiting in the Atheneum amongst my books when you are done. Please do come see me.” He stood and continued his slow walk out the main door onto the village paths. I remained seated now deciphering my thoughts.
Another hour past before the thick doors opened again. Elder Erebos stepped into the corridor and waved me to come. He was the opposite of Elder Raoul in every way. Where Raoul was kind and giving. Erebos was cruel and demeaning. Erebos twisted words, meaning, and information to get his agendas passed. He was an arrogant, pompous politician. In my opinion, power hungry. He was head seat of the council. When Raoul stepped back from head seat, Erebos was quick to strike. I think he had something to do with Raoul stepping back. It was luck that Raoul was still on the board. When I needed him, he had my back. The same could not be said for Erebos. I wasn’t sure where Erebos’s loyalties lied.
I walked into the deliberation room. The room was set up with a half circle of chairs facing a single podium. Two chairs were empty. Mine and Elder Raoul’s. I stood at the podium ready to address the council.
Generalization would be best I thought. “I have come to request permission for refugee’s that wish to stay within our village border.” I started. Any amount of detail would bring on to many questions. I continued. “It is a small family of children seeking our protection.” I waited.
“How many are in this family?” Elder Gregory asked.
“Four.”
“Please elaborate.” He insisted.
“One older girl, two younger girls, and a small boy, Elder.”
Elder Gregory continued, “How did you come across them?”
“Headed back from my chase of the Asbjorn, they were on the path ahead of me.” I lied.
Elder Erebos chimed in, “On the chase you were not sanctioned to go, is that correct?”
“Yes, Erebos, I did venture out further then required. I am apologetic for my actions of being over zealous in protecting our village.” Was my reply.
“In your zealousness, you left your village unprotected. Do you not realize the possible risks you put the village in?” He asked with a sly smile.
“Yes, I thought the risk of the Asbjorn returning was greater than any new risks on the village. We are at peace with our neighbors, and there have been no sightings of Raider parties headed in our direction. Given the Asbjorn attack, I felt the risk of ending the threat a better decision.” I snarled back. My temper was coming to the surface. I was having to fight it down and hold my tongue.
“Do you not believe that the decisions here are for the betterment of the whole village,” he scolded.
“Of course I do!” I answered shaking my head in unbelief that he would ask that.
“Then why purposely discard the decision of the council in regards to chasing and retaliating against a beast?” he smiled again as he asked.
“Again, I felt that ridding the village of the beast would keep it from returning and causing more injuries or lives. It was not my intention to discard the suggestions of the council. As chief of this village, I am entitled to make alternative decisions for the well fare of the village.” I said thru clenched teeth.
“Now that you have dismissed the council and disregarded our requests you would like us to allow for one of yours. Is this correct?” He snickered.
“I did not dismiss or disregard the council. The two instances are not related. I am requesting we do not abandon these children to the threats of the land, and show compassion in allowing them to stay.” I was exasperated. I wanted to throw Erebos thru a window.
Erebos smiled again. “So we are UN-compassionate if we choose to deny your request. Have we not shown compassion for our people?”
“Yes, the council has shown compassion, I am asking we show it again.”
“You want the council to change the rules because you broke them, to allow people you met on a path you were not to be on in the first place to stay with us? What do you know of them? They could be spy’s for Nezra. Have you verified they are not?” Erebos asked.
I could see the other members of the council where nodding in agreement to the idea Raina and the children were spies. I couldn’t tell them the truth. It would only lead to more questions and problems. Erebos had already tainted them. Using words like people instead of children, spies instead of travelers. He had twisted my words to influence the board. I ran my hand thru my hair for the umpteenth time knowing the decision would be no, I had lost.
“No, I cannot verify they are not. As children, I would hope they are not. If they were, maybe we can be impressionable enough to gain their loyalty and make them an asset to our village.” I responded knowing I was defeated.
The bell was rung. The debate over. Erebos and the Elders took a moment to cast there votes. Six to two was the vote for denying my request. I was given three days to see them out of our borders. I felt deflated. I watched as the council left the room through a back door. Before Erebos left, he turned to me and asked, “If you tracked the Asbjorn, then why did it return before you did?” He smiled at me, walked out door, and let it close behind him. I ran my hand thru my hair again. I turned and headed out to see Elder Raoul. We needed to talk.
The Atheneum was located half a mile away from the council chambers. Most things in our village had a good half or full mile between them. It helped us to control damages and contain threats. If we had people or buildings closer together, there would be the opportunity for more destruction and injuries. I was glad for the walk. It would help me shed the anger and disappointment I felt before seeing Raoul.
Deep in my thoughts, I was at the door to the Atheneum before I knew it. The building was hidden underground. A green carved door stood framed in the forest. It was carved with all manner of animals, plants, and decorations. It was flanked on either side by a large pine trees that hid the walls to the covered stairwell the door opened up into.
I walked down the iron spiral staircase to the open room. Shelves were lined row by row as far as one could see. Tiny orbs floating above the shelves lighted the room. It was as bright as noon day. The walls were carved stone with decorations, stories, and designs. Village artists would come in and add to the collection from time to time. It was always changing.
I walked by several rows of shelves when I saw Raoul sitting in a chair amongst piles of stacked books. He looked up from the scroll he was studying and waved me over. I came and sat on a stack of old herbology books next to him. He rolled the scroll back up and set it to the side of his chair on the floor.
“So my boy, are you going to tell me of your adventure?” He asked with a glint in his eye. Then waited patiently for me to respond.
“Where do I begin?” I said to myself more than him, and ran my fingers thru my hair trying to figure out where to start.
“Begin at the chase. Did you catch him?” He asked eagerly.
“No, I need your help,” I started. “I found myself in the Koboldrone’s snare. Lost in the nightmares.”
“Are you sure it was them?” His eyebrow raised, concern on his face.
“Yes, I met her there. I mean the children there. I don’t know what happened. I was trapped in a nightmare, and the next minute I was following this girl. I can’t explain it.” I was so confused.
Raoul ru
bbed his chin and nodded. He was thinking. I waited for him to come to a conclusion. After a while he asked, “Explain to me your dream.”
I told him my dream, of the smells that entered my mind, of the girl. I then rambled on about the building, arms, red screen, the explosion. Then about the children.
He sat quietly listening to all I had to say. Rubbing his chin he merely said, “I see.”
I didn’t see. I didn’t understand at all what had happened. “What is it?” I asked him. “What can you tell me?”
Raoul responded, “I must seek my books for answers. This will take me some time. Are you sure the girl is not one of us?”
“Yeah, pretty sure. I can find out today when I see her. Do you think you’ll have the answers to my questions in these books?” I queried.
“We will see. Met me tomorrow mid day. We will talk then.”
At that I said my good byes and left the building. When I opened the door to the outside it was dark. The entire day had slipped by me. I felt a worry in the back of my mind. I had left Raina and the children alone without so much of a word as to my whereabouts. I began to worry about them. How strange it was that in so little time, they had managed to consume my thoughts.
I hurried to my home as quickly as I could without drawing extra attention to myself. The last thing I needed was rumors spreading thru the village. I got to the house and it was completely dark. As late as the hour was, I thought they may be sleeping and didn’t want to wake them. I quietly slipped into the house and let my eyes adjust to the darkness before moving about. Raina was not sleeping in the main room. I went to my second bedroom. No one was there. Then to my room. No one there either. Panic began to well up inside me. I turned on lights and rechecked the entire house. It was empty. I ran outside, then down the path that lead to the meadow. No signs of them in the meadow or beyond. I ran back and searched the woods around my home. Had they left? Had they gotten lost? Where could they be? My mind was panicking. I needed help if I was to find them. Ethan would help. He knew they were here anyway. I knew I could trust him to not say anything and keep our search quiet. I ran to Ethan’s home.
