Mojarro was deafly quiet. People exited their homes and looked around. “Where are the soldiers,” they began whispering to one another. The citizens looked around. Some send their sons to check around the perimeter and around the castle. Lark emerged from the forest. He walked up to the castle. Young boys and young men approached him. Lark touched one boy on his head. He was too young to be concerned about the whereabouts of soldiers. It was difficult to imagine what the boy had seen. What he may have experienced. His young eyes looked tainted. As if he had grown up overnight.
“Your Highness…No one is here. They have left. Is it over?” one boy asked. Lark shook his head no. “No son! Something else is going on. They will be back,” he replied. Lark put his hands up. The boys waited as he pushed to door to the castle open and slowly entered. It was abandoned. He wondered what had happened. The Eulachon soldiers were gone. He believed his eyes were deceiving him. It was impossible. Why leave when they had successfully gained control over the entire city. There was no part of it they did not occupy. They had men posted for miles.
Lark walked slowly through the castle, looking around and taking care to listen out for the faintest of noise. For any slight movement. He walked, holding onto the knife he fashioned from metals he found at the bottom of the sea. He would die fighting if men were inside. But the area was quiet to his pleasant surprise.
Lark opened another door. The wood creaked loudly. The element of surprise was foiled. Lark exhaled sharply. He pushed the door and entered the pantry as he continued to look for any unknown nermeins. He was prepared to kill them. No words would be exchanged. He didn’t have time to guess at intent. If they were Mojarro citizens they would be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Everything inside remained still. Lark picked up the pace, checking the rooms before running out the front door. The men were gone. He needed to get to his men quickly. The soldiers would surely be returning.
Lark made his way into the city. Young men followed behind him. Not a single citizen was out. Families had returned inside their homes out of fear. The sight saddened Lark. Usually the streets were filled with families going to visit one another. Many on leisure walks to the street markets and other places for fun. He continued walking, going door to door and banging for the occupants to emerge. “Knock on the doors. Tell your families they can come back out,” he said. The boys did as instructed. Women and men came out. They were happy to see their king.
“Lark! Lark!” the voices could be heard saying, as he passed them by. They looked at each other, in disbelief. Some were still in shock. Soon neighbors began to comfort one another. The ordeal had horrified them. They had lived in terror for months. Some of their elderly citizens were found perished from lack of water and food. The city of Mojarro had been devastated. And this day was the first sign of promise.
Lark made it to Casio’s home. He knocked and waited. Casio opened the door. He couldn’t believe his eyes. “Lark!” he said, as he looked him over searching for injuries. “Are you alright?” he asked. The men embraced. “Yes. I’m fine. Its time. We don’t have long. Gather as many soldiers as you can. Find Rotiro and Ziege. Round up citizens able to join our army. We need more men. Meet me on the castle grounds so we can be close to the sea,” he said. The women of Mojarro went back inside their homes. They had suffered greatly and the morale was at an all-time low.
Many women held Fin responsible. The queen’s popularity had plummeted. They believed their once beloved queen had brought something dangerous into existence. Her quest to open them spiritually and emotionally, had led to the men desires. Desires that made them abandon reason, and seek lustful release of what dwelled inside them. Lark watched, saddened by what he saw. A look of loss on their faces. They had no faith. No drive. And instead of standing with their men, and with the soldiers, they appeared to move away from unity. Lark hurt for them. He believed he had let their women down. He could think of nothing to say that would restore their faith.
One by one, they returned to their homes that were now their prisons. Shackled to it out of fear. Lark dropped his head. The men were now connected to the women. Without their support, he wasn’t sure how much fight they would have inside them. Lark turned to go back to the castle. A young Mojarroian male walked up to him.
“Are you Lark?” he excitedly asked, as his mother watched from the doorway. Lark smiled at him. “Yes, I am. Is your family okay?” Lark asked. “Yes, Your Majesty. We are fine. My mother says you are her hero. She knew you were alive. People were saying you were dead. That you had to be, because you would have saved us. I knew you would come,” the young nermein said. Lark stopped and placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder. His words bringing a tear to Lark’s eye. Lark was surprised. He hadn’t shed a tear since King Zander died.
“Thank you son. That means a lot to me. What is your name?” he asked. “My name is Tinslee. I will be your trusted guard when I am older,” he said. Lark chuckled. “Really! And I look forward to it,” Lark replied. The boy’s face took on a more serious look. He straightened his back. He cleared his throat. He tried to appear brave and strong, as he imagined the stance of a soldier. He wanted to look like them. Be like them.
“Can I help? My mother said I would make a fine soldier one day. I think I am ready sir,” he said. Lark chuckled. The boy was much too young to join his army. “What is your mother’s name. I have seen her before but I don’t recall it,” he said. “Her name is Valeira,” the boy said. Lark looked over at the woman and nodded. She smiled and nodded back. He looked at the young boy. The boy’s eyes were wide with anticipation. He was eager to be his mother’s hero. Lark could see it in his eyes. He knew that type of ambition. He’d had it himself for King Zander and Queen Aterra. The determination to protect and serve those he loved.
“You are too young to fight. But I have no doubt, you will make a fine soldier when the time is right. You will be my personal guard when you are old enough. But I have another job for you. Only if your mother permits,” he said. The boy ran to his mother. He excitedly asked her if he could help the king. Lark watched as the mother touched her son’s face and nodded yes. He quickly ran back to the paved road where Lark was standing. His face filled with joy.
“She said I can help. I stand humbly before you ready to serve. What do you need Sire?” the boy asked, as he stood to attention. “I need you to swim to Panga and retrieve Arfusei. Do you know him?” he asked. “Everyone knows you and Arfusei, Your Highness,” the boy replied. Lark smiled. “Great! He is in Panga. Travel there. Stay close to the surface of the sea. You will be welcomed with open arms there. They await word from us so don’t fear them. Tell them I sent you. Find Arfusei. Tell him he needs to return. Now go!” Lark ordered.
The boy ran off, headed towards the Trojian Sea. Lark bowed at his mother. She was in shock. Kings didn’t bow at their citizens. She nodded and turned and went inside her home. Lark continued to the castle. He needed to address his men and he was unsure how much time he’d have before the Eulachon soldiers returned.
A
ndreus walked between his men. His silence, slicing their confidence like paper. The men looked straight ahead as he walked past. Their eyes focused on the Palimora Sea. Andreus was making a point. He wanted the men to be saturated with their own fear. Something in his orders had gotten lost. And the main order was still not fulfilled. He asked for the central members of Zanders army to be captured and held as prisoners. Mainly Lark, who he despised. It was Lark who possessed Fin’s heart. It was Lark who tried to kill him. And Lark had managed to get into the heart and soul of his wife. The men had captured Ziege. But their drunkenness and negligence resulted in his ability to break free from capture. It was idiotic that one man could get away from many. Andreus was fuming.
He continued walking across many rows. His lieutenants standing at the head of the lines. Andreus was furious. He chuckled at times. Then sighed loudly at others times. It was obvious to everyone in attendance, that he was displeased. He
was prepared to speak. His voice would carry. Nermeins had great hearing. No bullhorn was needed. Even the faintest sound of his words would still be heard. Andreus stopped and stood straight. His jewel incrusted vest and crown a symbol of his win over Mojarro. The jewels were emeralds and rubies. Jewels found only in Mojarro. The vest and crown were his trophies. He should be proud of his victory. He wasn’t.
“Our win over Mojarro has been overshadow by acts of savagery towards the nermeins of that city. Acts that did not go unnoticed. Women and men as far away as Piratchu, know about the treatment suffered by regular citizens. Eulachon in now viewed as animals. Our own people are ashamed. Our women, terrified. How did this happen? Can someone explain to me? Anyone?” he said, looking at the faces of the young soldiers. He looked over at some of his lieutenants. No one spoke a word as they continued to gaze out into the horizon. Andreus walked slowly, his hands behind his back as he contemplated his next move.
“Savages…That’s the word being used to describe us. What a reputation. To be viewed as less than. As worthless barbarians,” he said, as he shook his head. “Who should I hold responsible?” he asked, as he pulled a long sword from his side. The men began to sweat. His lieutenants swallowed hard as he walked by. Andreus stopped at one. He looked the man in his eyes. “What about you? Any idea how my men lost their way. That was not my vision. We were to take the land. Make it our own. Now, every single Mojarroian is an enemy. An unyielding, unforgiving enemy. We will never be safe. The only way to live among them will be to bring ever increasing fear by becoming more heartless savages. Madaka will go up in flames. Do you see what this has created?” he asked.
The lieutenant began to tremble. Andreus looked down and turned from him. He turned quickly around, raising his blade, and cutting the man across the neck. His head fell forward. The man stood holding his flesh in his hands. Blood squirt between his fingers as the other soldiers watched in horror. Andreus watched the man dropped down to his knees then with one swift move, swung his blade again, removing his head completely. Andreus kicked the head towards the edge of the water then continued walking slowly. “Who else. Does anyone have answers or should I start taking heads. My blade is sharp. I am prepared to take many heads,” he said.
He walked up to one of the soldiers at the front of the line. He got close. He glared at the man. His face within inches of his. The soldier could feel his breath. “What is your name soldier?” he asked.
“It…it’s…Peiro, Your Highness,” he nervously replied. “Peiro! Son of Matow?” he asked. “Yes sire,” he replied. Andreus nodded. “Your father was a great man,” he said. Peiro gave a half-hearted smile. His father Matow had served King Orfe before his death. He retired with honors, and was living with his wife and elderly parents. Peiro hoped the king would spare him. They had history. A man from each generation of his family served the ruling king from generations before. Sweat began to bead off of his head. Andreus stood back. His sword still gripped firmly in his hand.
“It would be a shame if he never got to see you again,” he said. The soldier looked at Andreus. Fear filled his eyes. “I did not touch any of the women of Mojarro, Sire,” he said.
“That is not what I asked. I want to know how it started. Why were my orders abandoned? Why did you take liberties not given to you? The orders were to take the city, find the queen and her lover Lark and await further instruction. Instead you torture the residents. And yet still…No queen! No Lark!” he shouted. The soldier looked at his lieutenant. He took a deep breath, then looked back at Andreus. “We stopped looking. They are hiding. Mojarro is vast. Much more land than we expected with mountains and valleys, Sire. We gave up! We thought it was okay since the commanding soldiers didn’t say anything Your Highness,” he replied.
Andreus looked back at the lieutenant standing behind him. He turned and walked to him. “Is this true. It started with my commanders?” he asked. The man looked at Peiro. “Don’t look at him! I asked you a question,” he shouted. The man trembled. And in a fraction of a second and before the lieutenant could answer, Andreus raised his sword and swung it, severing his head. He turned around in a fit of rage.
“Listen to me carefully! Understand my words. You are to return to Mojarro. You are to keep the citizens imprisoned inside their homes until further notice. Find the queen and find Lark. Bring them to me alive. As for the citizens there…They are only allowed to leave to replenish their food supply. And they are only allowed to go in small groups. You are to return to Mojarro with fish and other foods we have here. They are to trade for what they need. They are a rich society. They must pay handsomely for what they consume. Otherwise, they can scavenge for it. They are not allowed to enter the waters. Even though the uaru are now under my control, no cotozens may enter the water. The uaru now reside deep at the bottom. And so there is nothing stopping the citizens from reaching our shores. They are enemies now. You have turned them against us. And I must consider my options. We can no longer combine the lands. They must stay there. And our citizens will stay here. This was not my plan, but now I have no choice. I am not happy about this. Disobey me this time and lose your head,” he said.
The soldiers stood straight. Chin’s out. Back straight. No movement except for the rise of their chest, as they took in the crisp air. King Andreus actions had instilled fear in the hearts of every man in attendance. Some soldiers were angry. Some were ashamed. The behaviors of a few had tainted them as a whole. And their families would be disappointed.
But Andreus planned to win back their esteem. They were once, a highly respected army. The loss to Mojarro during the first war, was because of a disadvantage that was now solved. They had spears. They had knives. Many had swords and other sharp metal objects for defense. Their numbers ensured their survival and ensured their victory for whatever they wanted within Madaka. And they were poised to take it all. Mojarro, Panga and Piratchu. The sky was the limit.
“Now go! Make me proud,” Andreus finished, as he stood waiting for them to enter the water. The men walked with a new found sense of purpose. They would make their king proud. The lieutenants would be better leaders, prepared to kill any soldier caught breaking the rules. The men approached the edge of the sea. They entered, determined to carry out their orders. Some of the men turned and walked towards the city. They needed to collect fish and other food items. No one spoke a word. Andreus scoffed at them. He was beyond angry. But he was certain they were more determined than ever. Lark and Fin’s days were numbered.
“Father,” Guida greeted Halacai, as he entered the grand hall. A massive room used for entertaining and as a meeting room for the families. Guida sat watching Zion play while she waited on her mother to return from a run to gather food for the evening meal. Mayat still loved to cook despite the castle’s cooks and specialty chefs that worked there. “Where is your mother?” Halacai asked Guida, as he kneeled down to greet his grandson.
Halacai was still becoming acquainted with touch. He was older and used to the old ways of Madaka. But touched had him feeling alive. More in tune with himself. He reached for Zion’s small hand and held it, as he looked admiringly at him. A dark odd shaped birthmark caught his attention. “What is this on his foot?” Halacai asked. “What is it?” Guida asked, as she stopped knitting and looked over at her son. “That’s just a mark. I’m not sure how he got it. You never noticed? He’s had it since he was a baby,” she said. Halacai stood up. His back was stiff. “Oh I’m getting old,” he laughed. “Sure you are. Come sit down. You can’t keep up with Zion. He will have you too tired to swim home. Unless you want to live here again,” Guida said, looking her father intensely in the eye.
Halacai shook his head no. His move into the castle after Andreus was presumed dead, was only to help Guida run Eulachon. A job he took seriously. But now Andreus was back. And in a short time, had managed to ruin not only Eulachon, but the entire city of Mojarro. Halacai was still acting as prime minister between the cities but it was getting harder. And the othe
r cities were getting nervous.
Panga had stopped any outside communication and was trying to stay neutral to prevent a takeover. Queen Rasbora had ordered Piratchu citizens to stay close to their homes and only communicate with known citizens and their immediate families. Halacai believed Andreus was the devil. All of Madaka had been affected by his arrogance and misguided power. But besides the looming battle, Halacai had also grown suspicious of Andreus. There was something else going on. Something behind the scenes. Andreus no longer consulted with him and requested that he make announced visits to see his own family. But Halacai was no fool. He wasn’t there to visit. He hoped he could get answers. Guida was his only eyes and ears. If she would only talk.
“Come here little boy. I have your favorite,” Guida gushed, as she held out a sweet matis flower. Zion walked over, almost tumbling, as he took the candy like treat from her. Guida chuckled. Zion was tough. Resilient. He could fall dozens of times and would get up each time without feelings of defeat or getting discouraged. Halacai smiled at the young boy. His dark hair and small dark patch, was a distinct difference to his light-haired daughter and son in law. Halacai took notice.
Time was running out. Andreus would be home soon. Halacai turned to his daughter. The laughter and play time she was having with her son, was interrupted by a serious look on his face. “What’s wrong father?” she asked. “What do you mean? Do you not know what your own husband is doing?” he asked. Guida looked down. She sighed loudly. Andreus was a huge disappointment to her, but she knew better than to cross him. He was dangerous. She had already betrayed him and her life depended on staying close and keeping quiet.
Pretty Fin- Raging Seas Page 5