by S E Turner
Jena listened to her sentiments, she heard every word. She warmed hearing the reference to children and remembered that the Emperor had told her all those years ago that no man would ever love Ajeya or want to have children with her for they would be too repulsed by her disfigurement. And yet here she was, about to marry a man amongst men, a leader amongst leaders, and a spirit who loved her daughter as much as she did. No one saw the disfigurement anymore. All they saw was a fine young woman who was courageous in spirit and steadfast in commitment. They saw a woman whose beauty radiated love.
Colom's voice filled the auditorium again. 'Thank you, all of you, those words are timeless and heartfelt. They support the tribute of why marriage is so special to those who love and want to share their devotion. So now we will bond these people with our customary ritual. Keao, could you bring me the sword!'
The young father stepped forward and lifted the guilt-edged weapon from its resting place and gave it to Colom. The body was wiped with the ceremonial ribbons and the couples knelt before the weapon. At the same time, they pressed their thumb on an opposite blade and waited for the blood to run. Then they pressed their thumbs together and felt their bodies become one.
Colom lifted the sword and proclaimed, 'Today we have witnessed the joining of these people. They have declared their love in front of honoured guests and loved ones. The spirits have looked down on them and have blessed them all.'
He gave the sword back to Keao to wipe clean.
'Let nothing part these souls. Let no one come between them. Let the enemy weaken in their presence. When danger is near, the other will know. When sadness is abound, the other will feel it. Their totems have become as one, their souls are now a single entity. This is the word of the gods.' He held up his arms to the embossed ceiling and waited. After a few minutes of silence Colom held out his hands to conduct the next part of the ceremony.
'Who has the rings that will bind these people in marriage?'
'I do, I have the rings,' said Rufus. And he placed them on the blade that Keao held so proudly.
Colom took each ring in turn and blessed them. He then handed the sword for each couple to take their respective ring. 'These rings are a symbol of your love. There is no beginning or end, love is everlasting and bound in these solid circles forever.'
The captive audience held their breath as each couple took their ring, kissed it and placed it on their betrothed's finger. Jena's ring displayed the image of the boar, carved out to remind her how this animal changed her life; while Hagen had the eagle engraved to symbolise his freedom. Ajeya looked at the fine workmanship of the hare chasing on her band, epitomising infinity and everlasting love, and Dainn's bore the image of the stag; for strength, intelligence and valour.
Colom placed Jena's hands inside Hagen's. 'And now please declare the covenant of marriage.' He held their hands together as they proclaimed the vow as one.
'By the Hill Fort Tribe we pledge our love.
We swear by the soil and water and all that surrounds us.
We swear by the Eagle and the Boar that protect us.
We swear by the gods and the spirits who look down on us.
We swear by all those who are present. This is our word.'
They stepped back and allowed Ajeya and Dainn to step forward. Colom placed Ajeya's hands inside Dainn's. 'And now will you two please declare the covenant of marriage.' He held their hands together as they proclaimed the vow as one.
'By the Hill Fort Tribe we pledge our love.
We swear by the soil and water and all that surrounds us.
We swear by the Stag and the Hare that protect us.
We swear by the gods and the spirits who look down on us.
We swear by all those who are present. This is our word.'
Colom smiled at the union. 'I now offer you to tie your ribbons on the Blessing Tree. A small gesture for a life of plenty. For this oak is born from the tiny acorn, which, as a seed, is full of nature, knowledge and truth. Our Blessing Tree is an indication of the power of nature at an unseen level, for its very roots and life-giving tendrils are as vast as the tree that we see above. We might start as the acorn, but we grow and age like the mighty oak as we advance through our own lives. And all of you, as you grow with knowledge and spread your wings, be sure to take care of that which is unseen, for that is the true meaning of life.'
The newlyweds approached the tree and Jena took a purple ribbon from her bouquet and tied it on a branch. Then Hagen removed a small green cord from his pocket and wrapped his offering next to hers. Ajeya stepped forward and secured a lemon braid from her posy and Dainn took a golden strand from his wristband and secured it next to hers. They then prayed to the spirits before Colom swore the concluding rites.
'In the presence of the gods and spirits and animal totems, and with these people here present, I now pronounce you both husband and wife. Go and enjoy the day with your friends, enjoy the occasion with your loved ones and enjoy your lives as married couples.'
After Colom's final words, the newlyweds turned to walk up the aisle to their new life together. The path led to the celebration green where the musicians were playing and a wedding banquet was waiting.
Under the protection of the outdoor Blessing Tree, the first few notes of the reed pipes began to shiver across the lawn and the guests formed an arch. Not taking their eyes off each other and keeping their pierced thumbs together, they crouched through the dome amid the calls of well wishes and cheers. The women of the congregation picked up ribbons of pure silk and made circles around the two couples; entwining them and binding them as the material brushed against their bodies. Dainn had Ajeya's hand and pulled her closer into him; Hagen led Jena and together they paraded round the enclosure as the ribbons curled wildly and passionately casting a rainbow of colour at every turn.
Children threw petals at them, the men threw coins at them, the drums beat like a hundred hearts, and the flutes whispered through the silks. And above the festival of love, the gong sounded its deep sonorous call, bursting into a wave of shrill tones which echoed across the throng.
In the courtyard, the spit was turning, and the cauldrons were simmering. The smell of freshly baked bread, pies, and cakes were wafting. Sweet aromatic fragrances of infused wine, of orange and ginger deserts, of cinnamon and lemon cakes, tantalised the tastebuds. And amid the raucous laughter of speeches, anecdotes, renditions and song, the bridal party celebrated until the early hours, and when it was time to sleep, those who couldn't make it back to their lodges were happy to lay where they fell, under a canopy of stars and a bright full moon.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Over the next few weeks, Dainn and Ajeya were so engrossed in military tactics that they barely had a moment in the day to enjoy their time together as newlyweds. Ajeya attended meetings and training sessions, while Dainn discussed logistics and troop movements. Hardly an hour passed when neither one of them wasn't embroiled in the finest details, from overseeing the operation of the newly constructed Ballistas, to the best method of transporting the rocks onto the battlefield.
The tribe were preparing for the biggest battle in the history of clan life. The men had begun to feel restless now and eager to get on with their tasks and rid this General once and for all. Mothers and wives began foraging and preparing vast amounts of wholesome nutritious food to build them up. The massive cauldrons were continually simmering on the hearths with something gastronomically delightful. The stables were restocked with fresh straw and hay daily. The horses were constantly pampered and groomed, put out to grass in the day and brought back to their warm stables at eventide.
The blacksmith and newly appointed armourer had made a selection of mail shirts, mail leggings, protective headgear, gauntlets and a collection of weapons that included a two-handed sword, a battle axe, a mace, a dagger, a lance, as well as reinforced spears and double-edged swords. The best archers would use mahogany bows with ivory tipped arrows. Foot soldiers were drilled with the use of shi
elds. The cavalry were instructed to charge.
Stroking the proud arched neck of her horse Moonlight, Ajeya called out to the recently assembled cavalry. 'I know that these beasts can be easily frightened, and they become skittish at the slightest movement, but a trained cavalry horse is quite a different thing.'
She stood high in the saddle and instructed her foot soldiers to stand their ground with their shields in place. 'Do not falter, do not waver, stand your ground.'
She wheeled her horse around and cantered back some distance. Then wielding her sword, gave the battle cry and galloped towards the shield wall. Moonlight felt her passion and determination, and, with the sight of the outstretched sword in her peripheral vision, kept charging towards the wall until Ajeya turned her off to the side. She reined her horse to a halt and addressed the cavalry chargers.
'Yes, these animals are gentle giants who eat only oats and grass, but with your strength and courage, they will give themselves to you and will be your guides as we attack our enemy.'
As the hours became days, the cavalry had mock battles on their chargers and learned to become as one, guiding their horses with their knees and shooting a hail of arrows into the raised shields. Other targets had been placed adjacent to the shields and the riders would turn in their saddles to fire even more arrows into those targets. Every man who took part in the displays was fuelled with the power of revenge and each target became the face of the General or the heart of the Emperor. And while Ajeya looked on from the sides, atop of Moonlight, they both embraced their fellow warriors. The Hill Fort Tribe had gone from simple farmers to an elite army in a matter of weeks, and with Ajeya and Dainn at the helm, every man, woman and child felt unbeatable.
The day was warming towards noon when the sighting was called from the watchtower. The two approaching men were the messengers on route with the long-awaited news. They were in full gallop by the time they reached the fort on the far side of the forest.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The General's party had a two day ride. Behind him marched a thousand soldiers, half on horseback and half again on foot. His spies had informed him that there was no army in the region, and so he was revelling in his glory already, for victory had been his at every turn. He rode at complete ease, his hands loose on the rein and his white gloves crisp and clean without one crease or blemish.
This was the man who instilled fear at his very name and had brought the clans and royal houses to their knees; killing some, enslaving many, with no regard for human life whatsoever. Now, with the Empire of Ataxata, its provinces and all surrounding land within his grasp, his greed and hunger had no boundaries at all.
He had decided to go through the pass of the Giant's Claw which took them past rivers, ravines, and mountains on their course back to the borders. This was Clan domain and it had to be taken at all cost. This would become part of his growing Empire now. All subjects would be massacred; not one infant would be left alive to come looking for him in years to come. He didn't want to spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder. No, they all had to go. The cavalry clattered its way along the palace roads and out of the city at dusk. Lights were on in the small pink houses and curtains twitched nervously as the entourage rode out of town. The hard stone road that gave away the cavalry morphed into soft green verges, and a light summer breeze pushed small dark clouds to shower and bring the scent of primroses from grassy mounds. Compounds of condensation billowed from wide nostrils. Rustling armour and chain mail signalled a dense layer of bodies and beasts. Each soldier and captain strode forward, navigating the others uniformly. They were focused, anxious, silently praying and preparing for the discipline of battle. With the army behind him immersed in their own thoughts, the General reined his horse to a halt.
'We must rest now,' he said at last, finding a dense area of forest with the mountain range on the horizon. 'We must collect our thoughts and remember why we are here. Remember no man or boy must be left breathing, and Skyrah must be taken alive to be my prisoner. Do you all understand that?' He looked at them severely as a thousand faces nodded to him. 'If anyone harms that girl, I will personally disembowel him.' His smile was cruel as he savoured the image. 'We will leave at first light. Any man not in line when I am ready to leave will be hung by the neck.'
'When do we attack the clan, my lord?' asked a rogue dweller, eager for his first taste of blood.
'We attack at dusk. That is always the best hour in my experience. They are seldom prepared and never expect a twilight raid. So, rest now; for tomorrow will be a long day for all of us, but remember, it will yield the greatest prize.'
They all dismounted and loosely tied their horses to the branches. The soldiers and captains helped with the weapons. They took off most of their cumbersome clothing and made themselves as comfortable as they could. The down and outs, rogues and thieves made jests in hushed voices—they didn't care what lay ahead or who they killed, they just wanted to sever some limbs and be paid handsomely for the privilege of it. But the soldiers and captains who had sworn allegiance to the Emperor in waiting knew that those men would not be paid at all, and most would not return home anyway.
The tall soldier pines and gnarled old oaks closed around them. The trees were huge and dark, menacing and threatening. Their limbs wove through one another and creaked with every breath of wind. Their higher branches scratched tantalisingly at the hare in the moon. The woods were full of whispers here, where even the bravest nocturnal animals and insects hid silently away.
As General Domitrius Corbulo and his army turned in for the night, a group of six clan men went unnoticed as they slid down the trees and made their way to a concealed river. They took delivery of their horses and split into three directions.
'May the gods be with you,' Kal whispered. 'I will go to the Clan of the Giant's Claw with Jonha and then on to the Marshland tribe. Sable and Godan, go to the Hill Fort. Nemi and Bray, go back and tell Laith at the Clan of the Mountain Lion. The General is on the move and will attack at dusk tomorrow.'
'To Freedom!'
They raised their arms in a salute and disappeared into the night.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
The gates were dragged open and the men galloped in sending a hail of dust on their arrival. The first rider dismounted quickly before his charger had come to a full stop, and the other pulled his horse's head into an arch before jumping off. Dainn had already been alerted and was there ready to greet them. Storm had also spotted them and was the next to arrive. A groom rushed over to take the reins and led the drenched, snorting horses to the stables.
'We come with news,' said Sable catching his breath.
'Come, we shall go to the Meeting House at once,' said Dainn, guiding the way. 'Storm, gather everyone. We must all hear this together.'
Peira and Jena prepared the welcoming drinks and were busy making fresh bread and mutton pies for the entire congregation.
Sable and Godan were in grim talks inside the yawn of the doors with Colom and Dainn as Storm and the other imprisoned boys rushed back and listened in on the proceedings. Shaking heads were interspersed with concerned gasps, and nodding heads met with thin smiles.
Worried faces filed in amid murmurs of raised whispers. Speculation and trepidation filled the room and the air of discontent could be split with a knife.
When all of the tribe were seated, Dainn called for hush. The varied tones trailed off and at last he could introduce the men. 'Thank you everyone for coming here so quickly–and I know that this rushed meeting has caused concern for most of you. We live in troubled times and there have been so many changes, so I thank you for your cooperation.' His anguished smile tripped round the hall. 'So, without wishing to keep you waiting any longer, I would like you to welcome our guests Sable and Godan from the Clan of the Mountain Lion. These men have brought us news of the General and I now hand you over to Sable who will endeavour to fill you in.'
Sable bowed to Dainn, and standing next to Godan, began t
o share what they had been told.
'Good afternoon, good people of the Hill Fort Tribe. My clan send their warmest wishes and want to share their gratitude with the gods for bringing our boys home safely.'
Stamping feet and raised voices acknowledged his well-meaning words.
'I know that we share a common enemy that must be eradicated.'
Murmurs of agreement echoed round the chambers.
'We recently had a visit from someone who worked at the Palace. This informant is to be trusted and comes to us amid concerns for the safety of our clans.' His voice remained stern and grim. 'We all know of the Emperor's and the General's reputation. We are afraid of them. They are both cold, ruthless, and vicious in character. They have instilled fear amongst people who thought it was the wolves and bears that deserved our fear. But not so. The Emperor and The General are the most wicked of predators any of us have had to deal with.'
'They are barbarians,' came a voice from the back.
Jena shivered at the mention of the Emperor. Hagen put a loving arm around her shoulders.
Sable continued. 'For too long, the Emperor and the General have been invincible. They have rendered us all helpless with their warfare of fear and dread. They have preyed on the weak and vulnerable. They have attacked the unarmed and the unprepared. They have imprisoned some of our greatest men. But today, that regime ends!'