by Saxon Andrew
“Go to the Holy Cave. I’ll let them know you’re coming.”
“I’m going to take Dinah to the holding pen.” Jonathan nodded and walked away.
• • •
When they entered the main gate and turned toward the holding pen Andy saw two people waiting. It was Maxius and Lyla. He stopped in his tracks and after a moment walked forward with his arms extended to Lyla. She held up her hand and stopped him. Harmony watched what was going on and immediately understood that this was the woman Andy was committed to. She was beautiful! She shook her head as she looked up at the night sky, of course she was beautiful, this was Andy and every female would want him. He had his choice.
Andy looked at Lyla, “What?”
Lyla started crying and Maxius stepped forward, “Andy, we were told you were dead. We both suffered from your loss and we ended up comforting each other.” Maxius looked at the ground, “We loved you the most.” He looked up and gathered his strength, “I made Lyla my mate three months ago.”
Andy’s face showed his shock. Lyla quickly said, “We both understand that our union was done on false information and we have agreed to divorce.”
Andy looked at Harmony and said, “Take Dinah to the holding pen. It’s just ahead outside the wall.”
Harmony nodded and said, “Come.” Dinah followed her as she walked away. Lyla looked at Harmony and blurted out a sneer, “I was unfaithful because I thought you were dead. What’s your excuse!?!”
Harmony heard her and stopped. She rushed over and grabbed Lyla by the front of her shirt and pulled her up close to her face, “You sniveling snot. We were together six months and God knows I pressured him to forget his commitment to you. I finally came to understand that he would never dishonor his word. He told me about you and he remained true to you. You don’t deserve him to doubt his integrity.” She looked at Andy, “She is not worth it!” Harmony released Lyla’s shirt and pushed her away. She strode away with Dinah.
Andy watched her walk away and looked at Lyla, “I will not accept a divorce.” He looked at Maxius, “Do you love her?”
Maxius sighed, “Andy…”
“Do you love her? It’s not a hard question.”
Maxius looked at Andy, then at Lyla, and back at Andy, “I do.”
Andy looked at Lyla, “Do you love him?” Lyla looked down and Andy said, “I am a product of divorce and if I could go back and change it, I would. I will not participate in the two of you separating and dishonoring your vows.”
Lyla looked at Andy, “Is what she said true?”
“It is.”
“Then when you commit to her I know you’ll keep it.” Andy looked at Lyla with narrowed eyes. “Andy, Maxius and I still love you. We’re doing this because we owe it to you. We can’t live with the pain of having you left alone. I made you a commitment as well.”
“Do you love him?”
Lyla looked at Maxius and saw his heart breaking. “More than you can ever know.” Maxius’ head jerked up. Lyla looked at Andy, “I never really got to know you. You spent most of your time doing warrior things and didn’t have a great deal of time for us. I think I loved what you are more than who you are. I never really got to know you.” Lyla looked at Maxius, “I know his heart. And I have taken the time to know him. He is my true love.”
Andy smiled, “He’s the finest man I’ve ever met, Lyla. The two of you deserve your happiness. You have my blessing on your union.”
Lyla went to Maxius and he hugged her. She looked at Andy and said, “Now go to the one you truly love.” Andy started shaking his head. Lyla looked toward the holding pen, “I know love when I see it.”
Andy hugged Lyla and then hugged Maxius, “I’m really happy for you, my best friend.”
“Thank you. You need to go, she looked upset.” Andy nodded and started running.
Harmony stood at the holding pen and rubbed Dinah’s jaw. Her tears were flowing and she knew that Andy would honor his commitment. “Why are you crying?”
Harmony quickly rubbed her hands over her eyes and managed a small smile, “So when’s the day?”
“I guess you’ll have to tell me.”
“What?” Andy walked forward and pulled Harmony into his arms and kissed her. She felt it all the way down to her toes. She kept her eyes closed when he broke the kiss, “I guess this means she’s not going to be your mate.”
“No, she’s not. Do you know someone who might want me?”
“I have someone in mind. But did you mean that I’ll have to give you a date?”
“I did.”
“Is tonight too soon?” Andy’s smile turned to laughter. Harmony looked at him with a serious expression, “I knew that you really loved me.”
“Oh is that so?”
“I know love when I see it. Is tonight too soon!?!”
Andy looked into Harmony’s eyes and saw she was serious, “I guess I could have Harvey unite us. Why are you in such a hurry?”
“Because of all the wasted nights lost while we were traveling. And also because if you leave, I go with you.”
Andy smiled and said, “Let’s go discuss it with him.”
• • •
The leaders of the Community were waiting for them and Harvey frowned when Andy entered the cave holding Harmony’s hand. This meant trouble. Maxius and Lyla walked in behind them holding hands and Harvey blew out the breath he was holding. He heard Mark doing the same. They looked at each other in relief. Maxius took his place between Harvey and Mark and said, “You have called a meeting of the Elders. We are here to see what you have to say.”
Mark said, “I have another issue that will be dealt with immediately.”
Everyone in the cave looked at Mark as he stood up and said, “The Archers have decided that we will no longer accept any leader other than Andy. He will take the position immediately and the current leader will resign.”
The gathered Elders were shocked silent at what he said. Andy looked at Mark and said, “You should immediately resign your position leading the Archers and join me in banishment.” Mark looked at Andy with a stunned expression. “You don’t understand your duty to our community. You forget your oath and have betrayed your honor.” Andy glared at Mark, “I will never accept being Leader. I failed at the critical moment.” Andy looked at Maxius, “The best possible Leader we could have now occupies that position.” He looked back at Mark, “Our structures handed down from our forefathers are what bind us together. It is keeping those Holy Laws that keep us in harmony. You don’t just choose who you like to put in power. This is not a popularity contest. Those structures are there to make sure the best are chosen to lead us into the future. I detest your ignorance of what we are and how we arrived at this place in time. The Archers are here to defend our laws…not break them. You may not agree with what the Leader orders but you are honor bound to follow him.”
Andy stared at Mark with a fierceness that was clear to everyone present. Harmony watched him and saw his heart. She loved him so much she felt on fire.
Mark looked at Harvey and said, “Well?”
Harvey looked at him and shrugged, “I guess that about does it.”
Andy looked back and forth between them, “What is going on!?!”
Maxius stood and picked up a book beside him. He turned the pages and looked at Andy, “These words were written by Andy the First. He wrote; ‘Anyone selected to be the Leader of the People will first be tested to determine whether or not he is devoted to the survival and protection of the Community or is driven by his own selfish need for power. The test must be fair and it must be done before a new Leader may take power. If the one chosen does not pass the test, he will not be allowed to lead the Community.”
Andy lowered his head. Harmony saw his sorrow and felt his pain. She took his hand in hers and squeezed it.
Maxius looked at Andy and looked back at the book. “The one that fails will be banished for a year or until he returns. At that time he will be tested in a much harsher manner. Whil
e he is banished a temporary Leader will be chosen until the final test is given. If the test is failed again or the banished one fails to return, the temporary Leader will assume the title permanently. If the one who failed passes, he will be named the new Leader and the Community will celebrate having the best of us as the one to lead.”
Maxius looked at Andy, “This was the only way I would accept this position. I know your heart and I was certain you would not fail twice.”
Andy looked at the floor and shook his head, “I am not worthy.”
Harmony looked at him and said, “You are the finest and most honorable person I’ve ever known. It’s you who don’t know just how worthy you are. I think everyone in this room knows what I know.”
Andy looked at her with moist eyes and then looked at the gathered Elders who were all smiling. Harvey stood and said, “I also know your heart. You are the best of us.”
Andy looked at Harmony and she was nodding her head toward Harvey. Andy’s brow furrowed, “I’m not going to have to leave.”
Harmony said, “I don’t care if you do!”
Harvey said, “What?”
Andy looked in Harmony’s eyes and he saw it. He now knew what love looked like and he knew it wouldn’t wait. He turned to Harvey and said, “I want you to unite Harmony and me now.”
“WHAT?”
“I’ll not take another step until you make her my mate.”
“You can’t do this so suddenly. The community should be a part of this union and have some time to adjust to this.” Andy looked at Harvey and remained silent. Harvey looked at Maxius, “You’re still the Leader; what do you say about this.”
Maxius looked at Andy and smiled, “If you won’t do it, I will.”
Harvey shook his head, this takes planning. This is not something that can be rushed into without thought. Who are going to be the two witnesses that will testify to their commitment?”
Maxius said, “I will testify for Andy.”
Lyla stepped forward, “And I’ll testify for Harmony.”
Harvey shook his head and looked around the room. He stood up and paced back and forth muttering and then he turned and looked at Andy, “All right! If this is going to happen, I will not unite the two of you dressed like two Archers emerging from a mud battle with a swamp reptile.” He looked at Maxius, “Take them and get them dressed for the occasion. We’ll do it outside at the central fire pit. You have one hour to get ready.” Harvey shouted, “No one will discuss the Holy Words that were read tonight! This testing must remain a Holy Secret. Am I clear!?!”
The entire assembly yelled, “Yes Elder.”
Harvey looked at Maxius and Andy, “Now go! You’re wasting valuable time.”
Lyla pulled Harmony away from Andy and said, “Come with me. I have just the thing.” Harmony felt Maxius pull Andy away and she left with Lila but couldn’t take her eyes off Andy.
• • •
Harvey watched them leave and counted to twenty. He looked at those in the cave and said, “What are you doing sitting around. You need to tell the Community what’s going on.” Everyone remained frozen and Harvey said, “NOW!” The room emptied faster than a bucket with an arrow shot in it. He grabbed two young attendants and said, “Start the fire immediately; make it as big as possible. Now go and make it happen!” The attendants ran out and Harvey looked up at the ceiling and yelled at the other Judges, “Get the drums started and I want them loud enough to be heard ten miles from here, now go!” Harvey watched the room empty; the Community needed to see that this union was approved by Maxius and Lyla. They had to know that it was pure. Destiny had stepped in and now the Community would emerge stronger. He smiled and went to put on his robes.
• • •
Harmony sat in a chair and looked at Lyla in the mirror behind her fixing her hair. She was impressed with Lyla’s beauty and after a moment said, “I’m curious about what you’re thinking.”
Lyla looked at Harmony in the mirror and softly smiled, “I guess I’m thinking how life seems to find a way for good things to happen.”
“But aren’t you disappointed at not being mated to Andy?”
Lyla shook her head, “It wouldn’t have been a happy relationship. I saw that once I gave my heart to Maxius.”
“Why? Is there something I’m not seeing?”
Lyla started brushing her hair again and shook her head, “No, I think you’re seeing things clearly. Andy is a warrior and that is where he is going to spend his time. I’m a top ranked Archer but I am not a Master Archer. I can defend the Community from attack…I ride the Cursors but I don’t fly the gliders.” Lyla paused, “I suspect you will be selecting a Cursor to ride shortly and I know you want to fly.”
“How do you know that?”
“I saw your face when you passed the Gliders stacked against the wall.”
Harmony sighed, “You’re right. I think it’s amazing to be able to soar in the winds.”
“You’ll eventually become a Master Warrior, however; learning the bow is going to take you a long time.”
“You’re probably right about that.” Harmony turned around, “Are you really ok with this?”
Lyla smiled, “Andy was faithful when he was with you. I could see it in his face when I accused him of not being honorable. You only confirmed it with your temper tantrum. I do love him, but not as a lover. His keeping his agreement with me confirms that, in his own way, he loves me as well. I don’t think most men would have been able to resist you.”
“But you’re so much prettier than I am, Lyla.”
Lyla looked at Harmony in the mirror and tilted her head, “Are you that blind?”
“What?”
Lyla shook her head and continued pinning Harmony’s hair up, “You are without doubt the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Your white hair is extraordinary and I think you should know that the first Leader married a woman with hair reputed to be white, just like yours.”
“Were they happy?”
“They were extremely happy until she was killed.”
“Oh!”
“Andy did eventually remarry but he suffered for many years at the loss of Linnae. She was also a warrior.”
Harmony took a deep breath and said, “Thank you, Lyla. I’m sorry I lost my temper.”
“Don’t be. You confirmed what I needed to know.”
Harmony’s eyebrows went down, “What is that incessant drum beating about?”
Lyla smiled, “I suspect it’s Harvey letting the Community know something big is about to happen. Sending you out to dress was just a way to buy time for him to gather the people.”
“Do you think they are going to accept an outsider as Andy’s mate?”
“Once they take a look at you, they’ll understand.”
“Oh, Lyla.”
“I’m serious. You’ll see. We women have a way of knowing how men see us.”
“I guess.”
“You’ll see.”
• • •
Andy put on the blue Archer’s Uniform and noticed that the Leader’s Seal was on the left chest. “What is this?”
“I’ve never worn a uniform with the Seal. I was holding this for you.”
“Maxius, I really believe you would make a better leader than me.”
Maxius shook his head, “That’s why you are better than I’ll ever be. If what you’ve told me about those Destroyers is true, the Community needs a Leader with good tactical skills. You are the best in that department. I have to say that Harmony is really impressive.”
Andy smiled and nodded, “I fought hard the entire time we were together not to fall for her. I guess I failed; but I kept my promise. Even Dinah loves her.”
“Have you taken a close look at Dinah?”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s starting to turn pink.”
Andy’s eyes went wide, “I haven’t noticed. How far along…”
“She’s close.”
Andy shook his he
ad and said, “I’ll handle this after the ceremony.”
Maxius nodded and smiled, “You look manly now.”
Andy laughed and punched Maxius on the arm, “Oh be quiet. Let’s go find a beautiful blonde woman.”
“Right behind you.”
They stepped out of Andy’s home and saw hundreds of people running toward the huge bonfire. Andy shook his head, “It looks like Harvey is getting his way.”
“Doesn’t he always?”
“I guess.” Andy turned to his parents who were watching the mad rush and said, “I know you’re going to really love Harmony.”
His mother hugged him and his father shook his hand, “I know she’s really special if she has your heart.” Andy Senior extended his hand to Maxius, “I’m sorry if I caused you any problems.”
Maxius smiled, “It’s ok; everything is turning out like it should.”
“Oh?”
Maxius looked at Andy, “You didn’t tell him?”
“Hey, I have a mate to unite with tonight. First things first.”
Andy’s father looked at Maxius, “Tell me what?”
“Andy is now the Community’s Leader. I was holding the position for his return.”
Andy’s father lowered his head and started shaking it. Andy put his arm around his shoulders, “You have to trust that our laws and covenants will cause the best outcome.” Andy smiled and said, “Let’s go!” He said, “By the way, Harmony doesn’t speak Latin but she does understand English.”
Andy ,Senior, said, “The language spoken by the original Leader.” Andy stopped for a moment and looked at his father. “And his first mate had white hair.”
Andy stared at his father and saw he really thought this was destiny operating. He looked at Maxius who had a serious expression. “Hey, it just worked out this way.”
His mother smiled, “If you say so, let’s go get this done.”
The four entered the ancient gate to the original walls and saw a clear path to the fire that had Archers holding back the crowd. The entire area was filled with humanity and thousands more were looking from the Roman walls that towered over the original settlement. As Andy started up the path, the first Archers immediately saw the Leader’s Seal on Andy’s uniform and started cheering. The civilians wondered what they were cheering about but word spread instantly through the crowd that Andy was wearing the Leader’s uniform. Many hesitated until they saw Maxius clapping along with the Archers. They joined in and the roar was incredibly loud. They arrived at the fire and Andy’s parents took a seat on the ground next to Harvey.