by P. G. Thomas
Fury shook his head, “They are dwarf, and honor to families they have brought!”
“You’re confusing honor and life. Gods can do what they want, so here’s my challenge to you. Make a lake here, and for every tear shed by those who lost somebody in that battle, whether it be dwarf, elf, or midlander, place one drop in it. Let none evaporate, and just watch it grow, but I would suggest you make the droplets small, or you’ll have to cut down the forest to make rafts to float on.”
“In their minds,” began Fury, “I saw your acts, thinking you brave, but whatever magic has found you, it has also corrupted you.”
“We shall see brother,” and Tranquil waved her hand, creating a small empty pond. “When once again we can sense Mother’s children, we will do like he suggests.”
Zack, wanting to break the tension, asked, “How’s Sister?”
Ryan could feel the cold stare of the male god, “What? She’s your family!”
“How is she?” asked Lauren.
“That is—” and then Fury went quiet.
“A long story,” replied Lauren, finishing his sentence, “I would like to hear it.”
Fury smiled back, “While there are many that want much, your request I will not satisfy. Once again you arrive at the First Forest, without invitation.” Waving his hand, except for the dwarves, wolves and Earth Guards who stood motionless, chairs appeared for them all.
“Ryan, did you bring any translation ointment?” asked Lauren.
“No, why?”
“I was expecting him to say thanks, but that sounded like a mouthful of crap!” When Fury started to speak, Lauren held up her hand, “It’s too late. Will Mother wake soon.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Tranquil smiled, “Of Mother, the praise of many she receives, and while she stirs, does not wake. Of the Unchosen and his mentors both. Even though I see their injuries, I know not if the Essence Pure will be able to tend to them.” Pointing to the arm of Lauren’s chair, three small brilliant blue berries appeared, “If these are unable to restore their hearing, bring one here and other secrets I will search for.”
Nodding her thanks, Lauren spoke the reason for their visit, “The Battle of Nevermore. Where’s it going to happen?”
Fury smiled, “Only one granite obstructs my future.”
“Yeah, I know,” began Lauren, “so save your boasting for somebody who cares.”
Tranquil glared at Fury, “That stupid you cannot be—forgive me. I forgot who I was talking to. Since Ironhouse will never break their peace, Nevermore will never be!”
“The granite will compel them, that and revenge of attacks unjustified. They will break, and then engraved words will shatter.”
“The will of Ironhouse is strong like the metal they mine, as that was the reason Father sought them out. Even in the Champion’s mind, I can see his agreement with my thoughts. Your future will remain absent, as will my hopes of you ever understanding the paths of Mother and Father.”
“With this path ending today, my future arrives tomorrow.” Then Fury vanished.
Tranquil looked to Lauren, “Mother’s path follow, and trust her like she has trusted you.”
“I don’t understand,” replied Lauren.
“My brother I need to teach a lesson, maybe several.” Tranquil vanished.
Lauren squeezed her forehead between her hands, “It just never ends.” Before the Guardians or Earth Guards could ask, she spoke to the bracelet, “Gayne’s house,” and they all stepped back into the Bright Coast.
*******
Ryan woke the next morning to the crying triplets, mumbled, “Lauren, your daughters want you.”
“Our daughters!” Then she reached over, smiled, and pushed him out of the bed, “Since you’re already up.”
He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, “I was hoping they would’ve grown out of this by now.”
“Its music to my ears,” began Lauren, “You missed it, admit it!”
“Yes, my love.”
In the makeshift nursery in Logan’s room, Lauren picked up Samantha. Seeing the offensive brand, she kissed the babies forehead, “Don’t worry, sweetheart, we’ll get that fixed.” As she picked up Brooke, Ryan picked up Hope, and heading downstairs, the rest of the house waited for them. She looked at the sleepy eyes and nodding heads of her friends, smiled, “Get used to it. These are the treasures we were fighting for.” Before she could set Samantha down, Jasmine held out her hands, pleading with her large black eyes to hold the young child. Surrendering the whimpering babe, Lauren then placed Brooke in Panry’s hands. He held the child away from him, like it was diseased, and his eyes begged to have somebody relieve the burden from his arms. The result, Brooke began to cry louder.
Jasmine scolded him with her eyes, “It is a babe, not a sword. Hold it like this.”
Defiance protested in his eyes, but pulling the child closer, he felt the young girl tug on his deer ear. “I do not know how to hold a child,” and then he tried to hand the baby back to Lauren.
She declined, “Get used to it. Those are the Earth Mothers you were sent to protect and serve.”
“They are your children, so you can tend to needs young.”
“I can’t yet. I need to go to Alron and Ironhouse.”
“Lauren,” started Ryan, “I can do that.”
“I know, but Logan is my brother. Gayne and Mirtza were injured because of me,” and then her voice trailed off into a whisper, “Ironhouse, John, the rest.”
“Technically, it was his plan,” replied Eric.
“Anywhere else but here,” Steve began to protest.
Lauren sighed, “Right now, that’s old news. Eric and Steve, you need to find a portal bracelet, check up on Jedimac, and if necessary, help see to the needs of Ironhouse. The rest of us, after breakfast we’re going to Alron.”
Jaykil stepped forward, “Earth Mother Ironhouse, with our honor restored, stubble now grows back. Of us?”
“I thought you would like to go back to your mine.”
Breax shook his head, “We will return to the fortress to search for cut beards and honor lost.”
When an image of the four bald Granite Guardians formed in her mind, she wiped away the forming tears, “If you wish, you can escort Steve and Eric back.”
“You bestow great honor to us,” replied Jaykil, and then they both went to check on the four mourning blood wolves.
Panry was wiping the baby drool off his cheek, “Of your daughters?”
“We’re taking them with us,” replied Lauren, “because they’ll never leave our sight unless necessary. Don’t worry, as we’ll make arrangements in Alron.”
The night before, Ryan had explained to the house staff that Gayne and Mirtza would be away for a few days, and that they should continue with their routine duties. After the meal, Steve, Eric, and the two Ironhouse Guardians opened a portal, heading to Zymse fortress, as Ryan opened one to Alron. Lauren entered it, followed by her three remaining Earth Guards: Jacping Burntwood, Oxron Icefeather, and Jasmine Ironwood. Finally, Panry Moonshadow, Cethail Highbreeze, and Erust Huntinghawk entered, each carrying one of the triplets.
Alron was extremely active, as some were running errands for the injured Ironhouse, and others were gossiping about the events, especially the tall dwarves. Some pointed at Lauren, calling her the Earth Mother who had saved them the last time, as others shared their doubts since the crowd was so small.
Having walked halfway down the long street, they saw Gingaar surrounded by her blood wolf mounted Granite Guardians, as she commanded the volunteers. Then she ran over to them, hugged Lauren, “Earth Mother, they told tell me you were fine, but I did worry. Your daughters?” Panry quickly offered Samantha to her. Wrapping her arms around the young one, Gingaar smiled, “They have your eyes and spirit.”
Lauren scanned the chaos, “How is Ironhouse?”
The smile vanished from her face, “Some injuries were—they are legends now. Bastards still occupy many beds, so all offer
ed to help. Pintar offered rooms for…”
“Bor called them Rockeaters,” replied Lauren.
Gingaar shrugged her shoulders, “that is an odd diet.”
“How are…” Lauren began to realize the effects of the berry were diminishing.
“Mirtza, Gayne, and the Unchosen, I mean Earth Mother—,” then Gingaar pushed away her tears, “I am sorry, but I do not have a cure for their injuries.”
“It’s okay, I brought something to help them, and—”
Gingaar’s breathing was labored, “I tried, but—He woke once,” and then she paused, remembering the six closest he had killed when first woken. “I know it was not the Bastard. I made him sleep. Perchance when Mother wakes.”
“Where are they?”
“Three stay with Earth Mother, but your brother, you will need to find Ramy—find Ramy. Now, I have many to help, so we will talk later.”
When they stood in front of Zack’s house, three wolves and one Earth Guard stared at Lauren.
Then the door opened, “Dudette, baby Dudettes, husband of Dudette.”
“Shut up, Zack,” replied Ryan.
He smiled, “The sweet sound of old friends reuniting, sort of missed it, Pop Tart.” He cleared a path to the door, “Do they still have those?”
Ryan shook his head, “Pop Tart? They should call you Humor Absent.”
“What does Nur see in you?” asked Lauren.
“I’m out of this world, Dudette.”
“That’s just a polite way of saying you’re an alien,” replied Ryan.
Nur pushed him away from the door, and seeing the babies, she ran outside, “They’re so big. How old are they?”
“Just over a year,” replied Ryan. “These are our daughters: Samantha, Hope, and Brooke.”
Lauren pointed in the same order, “Samantha, Brooke, and Hope. Don’t worry, pushover, one day you’ll be able to tell them apart.”
“Yes, my love.”
Turning, Nur saw two shadows in the door clinging to their father, “Let’s go inside since they are still grounded.”
When all eleven were inside, Lauren asked to see John.
Nur took her up to the Earth Guards sleeping quarters where she saw the three, and beside John, his silent Earth Guard Careel Dawnfalcon stood.
“What happened?” asked John.
When she failed to respond, he laid back down. “Fine play this game and don’t answer me.”
Gayne also sat up, “Earth Mother, I have never heard a magic spell so loud. Please, tell me that I am not…” Then his voice went silent like his hearing.
Lauren approached each, smiled, and in her hand, she held out a berry. Issuing a quiet Earth Bond, each took one, yawned and fell asleep.
When they went back downstairs, the three triplets were crying, and Panry was holding Samantha at arm’s length, “Your daughter has fouled her cloth.”
“Zack, I have a favor to ask. I need baby food, diapers, clothes, and more. Can I borrow some gold to get the necessary supplies?”
“Dudette, if you had twins—just kidding. I’ll get out the pry bar and scare off the moths.”
Then she turned to Nur, “Can you take Panry shopping to purchase those items?”
“You have misspoken,” Panry began, “Her name is Jasmine.”
“No,” replied Lauren, “Mother sent you to serve them, and right now they’re hungry and soiled.”
“That is not a duty for an elf male.”
Zack smiled, “You’re on dirty diaper duty, Dude.”
“When Mother wakes,” said Lauren, “would you like me to tell her how her brave Earth Guard failed to protect his Earth Mother’s bottom—from a painful rash?”
Panry pulled Samantha to his chest, “No, but there are three!”
“We can help,” replied Sam and Hope in unison.
Lauren wiggled her index finger, calling them over, and gave them a big hug. “I’m so proud of the both of you. You were very brave to do what you did.”
Nur cleared her throat.
Lauren continued, “But you should have told your Mom.”
“We know,” they answered in unison. “Can we change into otters? It will make them smile.”
Nur pointed to Panry, “Earth Guard, you are with me. Zack, you need to stay home and help.”
Panry stood immediately.
“Your Earth Bonds won’t work on me,” and then Zack saw the look in her eyes, “Yes, my Queen.”
Nur smiled, “I figured it is about time I started to train him.”
A sly smile crept up on Ryan.
Nur pointed at him, “I can give you some tips if you want.”
He wiped the smile from his face, “It won’t be necessary, my love.”
“Come on, pushover,” and then Lauren took a long breath, “Let’s go visit Logan.”
On the steps of the Alron Town Watch, Ramy greeted the two legends and three Earth Guards. “I heard you were in town, Earth Mother.”
“How bad—no, don’t tell me. I already have enough images that’ll haunt me for too long. Can you please take me to my brother?”
“Even though I know you are above the laws, if you cannot control him…” Then the Captain of the Watch opened the door.
Looking at her brother through the bars, Lauren saw him chained to the bench and the dark tattoos on his arms, “How many?”
Ryan stepped forward, pushing away a tear, “Don’t even think of answering.”
“Would not even if you paid me.”
“What do we do, Ryan?” asked Lauren.
“Maybe he needs some tranquility to get rid of his fury?”
She nodded, “I don’t think we’ve any choice. Please, let us in.”
Ramy nodded, “I trust you Earth Mother, but…” When he banged his sword on the floor, two dozen Watch rushed in with long pole arms, “I cannot let him free.”
The berry Lauren had created expired, and the cascade of waterworks that followed would have made the greatest of waterfalls weep in shame.
Ryan pulled her to his chest, letting his dry shirt absorb her wet tears, and when she wrapped her arm around him, he gently removed the gold bracelet. He turned to Ramy, “Open it or call a blacksmith.” When the metal barred door opened, he picked up his wife, carrying her into the closed space.
Ramy held out the keys to the locks.
With Lauren hurting, feeling her pain, the rage answered. Pushing the bracelet into his rock chest, he reached down, crushed the locks, and with his other rock arm, picked up the sleeping Bastard. “To te First Forest,” and they all entered the portal.
*******
As Eric and Steve materialized in the courtyard, the Black Watch were laying the silent sheet-wrapped corpses on wagons. Before they placed each, the Earth Daughters cleansed the bodies, so when the loved ones looked down on the fallen, they would not see the horror, and blood vanished from clothing, body, and hair. Placing worthless bandages over mortal wounds, they did their best to disguise the horrific life ending details. Even as the strange black-masked men still lined the walls, numerous dwarves scoured the courtyards, looking for the lost beards. Along the walls of the courtyard, flies buzzed over the fallen Darkpaye and Calicon men that Zymse’s had employed, and in the back corner, where the small grove of trees once stood, a large pile of black ash swirled in the wind.
They both walked over to a figure standing in the middle of the courtyard that they knew to be Jedimac.
“Until Ironhouse has made their journey home, we are keeping out all who inquire about loved ones, as I did not want any to think that dwarves were responsible. Anything of value, I have secured for Earth Mother, and I have calculated my fee, including a percentage of undiscovered wealth. I would suggest you let Rage Heart,” and then Jedimac nodded towards Steve, “or Empty Pockets go through the house, as Zymse has employed magic to secure certain rooms.”
Steve nodded towards the back corner, “What happened?”
“The Bastards here lit up th
eir fallen brothers,” began Jedimac. “While I was unsure if Earth Mother would approve, I had no way to stop them.”
Eric nodded, “Why did you help?”
“This is my city. When you leave, and I do so hope it will be soon, I still have a business to run here, a life to live. My motivation was that simple.”
“You’re lying,” replied Steve.
“Unless you can declare evidence validating your accusations, my word should be of sufficient currency.”
Standing beside a smaller wagon, Bor had placed several of the different sized golems that had attacked them with numerous appendages on it. He walked over to the three, “No beards find can we. Take me and brothers silent to Ironhouse.” Calling out, the remaining dwarves ran towards the seven wagons. Bor then turned to Jedimac and Eric, “Tell friend strange, Ironhouse thanks him and Earth Mothers many.”
After Eric had relaid the message, he added, “Keep a list of names of the Calicon families that retrieve their loved ones. They were probably just trying to make ends meet, and I’m sure Lauren will want to do something for the families. It wasn’t their fight, just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Steve nodded. Ever-shifting shades of gray.
Walking up beside the lead wagon, Eric pulled off the bracelet and spoke two words: “Ironhouse stables.”
*******
With the clearing absent of arguing Gods, when they arrived the hellish call from Ryan jettisoned into the forest, making both immediately appear.
“She grieves?” was the first question from the male god.
“She hurts,” replied Ryan, “would you like to feel her pain?”
“Rage Heart,” began Tranquil. “This is a place of peace.”
Then a tall, slender whirlwind began to circle them, howling a mournful cry.
“You’ll help, or I will turn this place into a pile of toothpicks!”
“I have wondered often of your name,” began Fury, “but it is both honest and worthy. In his dreams, I can see the hand of Zymse, and this pot, we will try to unstir.”
“DREAMS!” exclaimed Tranquil. “Should you anger me, such dreams I will gift your gentle sleep.”
“Sister, tender I was trying to be.” Then the whirlwind increased in speed, “Not you Sister, Tranquil!” Fury turned, “Rage Heart, leave her first son here, as this forest has many secrets, and explore them all, we will.”