Ember of a New World

by Watson, Tom

  Brig'dha was from a high ranked family in her tribe, though Ember did not fully understand what that meant. She had left with her husband to seek rare items from the south to better their position in their tribe. Apparently, rare items or feats of bravery, strength, and other displays of prowess were all important tools in ascending to the highest afterlife and even raising the status of a family. Ember didn't understand some of these notions, but she was determined to learn more about these strange people from the edge of the world, as well as what she might find when she finally confronted the Greatest River. She even asked about Kanter's talking fish or bear people, to which both women laughed. The long conversations attracted the attention of others from the group and soon Brig'dha was telling stories of her home to all who would listen, and most would.

  One of the most interesting things Brig'dha spoke of were the large stones which were erected on a hill near her village. The stones, according to Brig'dha, were as tall as a man and took entire seasons to erect. Every solstice and equinox, as her people understood them, the village elders would gather to perform rituals on the hill. The tribe would adorn themselves in paints and feathers, dancing for the entire night. Brig'dha told of how much she enjoyed the food, the rituals, and the beautiful body art. Each family tried to outperform the next in complexity and coloring. Thick black paints would be applied to the body in intricate patterns and swirls. The swirl pattern on Brig'dha's necklace was fashioned after some of their shapes.

  As the group spent the next two ten-days walking northeast, the friends talked and became closer, Brig'dha, Kis’tra, Sv'en, Ven'Gar, Tor'kal, Ena, Kat'ja, Ana, E'lyse, and even shy Eva. Ember had missed this sort of close bond which she had shared with her friends in her village. It was nice to be around people who she could speak to and laugh with. Each day was made more enjoyable with the presence of so many friends. Ember was only saddened when she considered how soon she might give it all up for her chance to travel to the end of the world.

  One day, three ten-days and three more days after leaving the south, Ember walked the crest of a rise and was confronted by the scene of the Great River running before her. Her heart filled with hope until she caught sight of her friends. She would be leaving them soon, and the thought was enough to bring a tear to her eyes. Ember stood before the Great River again, weeping. The river seemed to be both her salvation and the source of her greatest sorrows. Ember quickly dried her eyes before her friends took notice.

  Over the next day, the group maneuvered to the river shore and then along to where the warm season camp was situated. There was less talk as they approached the camp. Everyone felt sadness at what was to come. The group would spend perhaps three or four nights at the camp before continuing north to their lands, two or three ten-days away. The rest would do E'lyse well, for she was quite tired from walking. Breastfeeding took much out of a person who was expending energy hiking at the same time. She had to drink water often, and she needed plenty of food, though she had lost some of her weight during the three ten-days of walking with a baby drinking much of it away.

  When the camp was located, the group entered and quickly moved about securing the area and checking on the status of the material left behind. The rocks, being rocks, were in great shape, but most of the disposable mats and material had rotted into the growing area and would produce great crops next season. In just a season, the camp had been overtaken by animals. Tracks from deer and smaller animals could be found everywhere. Not much plant life had grown, due to the cold season. Nor'Gar had explained that after a warm season unattended, the camp would become fully overgrown by plants and small seedlings.

  That night, the group sat around the hearth with a raging fire talking about the results of a full harvest's trip. They had many large bundles of woven flax, many exotic spices and colorings. Beads, toys, spiritual items, and seeds had been obtained, as well. They would be in great shape once they returned. Unfortunately, they would have to say goodbye to their greatest find of all, a good friend, the she-warrior Ember. A lot had changed since the group had left Tornhemal. Vander was born of E’lyse, and now Eva, Sv'en's lover, was showing what might be early signs of a child on the way. Sv'en had explained that she was just a hardy eater, though this comment had earned him a slap from Eva. Even Aya had achieved her greatest hope, becoming the lover of Ven’Gar, a likely future leader of these long trips.

  That night, Ember slept under a starry sky to the light of a waning moon. The wet season was about to start, but the night was dry and warm enough to sleep in without being uncomfortable. Ember watched the stars as they hung motionless in the sky. Every now and then she saw a streak of light pass by. There were many more of these oddities than normal. Ember, Kis’tra, and Brig'dha spent much of the early night on their backs discussing what the tiny bits of light might be made of and what, if anything, did they mean. All of these meanings seemed to cause Ember such undue trouble.

  Deep down, Ember wondered if it was all meaningless. She wondered if people just lived and died, because... The spirits were elusive and rarely performed any tasks she asked of them. Were they even real? She found that it really didn't change the way she would feel about life if they were not. She had no proof that they were real or were not real, so what difference did it make? Ember decided that she would continue to speak to the spirits. If they were real, they might listen. If they were not, the act alone would bring her some calm.

  The next morning, Ember awoke with a sense of wonder and anticipation. A final journey, the end to a long task, was nearing. She was both sad and excited at the same time. The real problem Ember had with leaving her friends was that she knew that she might never see them again. If her quest could be finished and if she returned at all, Ember hoped that she might be able to journey to the village of Tornhemal. She was not sure how long she might stay, but that would be a decision for another time.

  There was a general sadness amongst the group over the next four days as they rested and Ember and Brig'dha prepared to leave. Kis’tra and Ember exchanged their goodbye's many times those last few days. Following the people of Tornhemal to their home was never a real option for Ember. She had to either travel to the farthest western point of the world or return to her tribe in disgrace. Regardless, she wanted to one day visit her friends of Tornhemal, and to that end Ember promised she would see the brave people of Tornhemal once more. She was unsure of the truth of her promise, life was very unpredictable as far as she could see, and perhaps she would.

  In truth, the village of Tornhemal was not very far from Ember's native village. The people of Tornhemal were an extreme southern thrust of a much different culture to the north. During a warm season, she could likely make the journey. Most importantly, Ember was starting to feel that, given a warm season, she actually could make that journey by herself. She was starting to feel control over her environment, at least to some extent. Her archery skills and hard-learned lessons over the past seasons had prepared her for the open wilds as nothing else could. Unfortunately, she had little control over her feelings about leaving her good friends.

  Sv'en and Tor'kal made ready the little boat during the last four days. They filled it with supplies and added additional grooves in the side of the boat for Brig'dha to use an oar. After preparing the boat, Sv'en and Tor'kal spent a little more time working with Ember on her archery skills. Ember was still having troubles with her form, but she was really mastering the bow quickly. Neither of the men wanted to admit it to themselves, but deep down they both knew she would likely end up needing the bow for more than hunting.

  On the last night before leaving, Ember sat beside Nor'Gar, who was by the main fire warming himself. For a time, the two just sat and watched the stars. Ember had not said a proper goodbye to High Hunter Nor'Gar and was having trouble bringing herself to do just that. After a short while, Nor'Gar started speaking. He did so comfortably using his native language and the trade language, mixed, as Ember could now understand both reasonably well. The words
flowed much more naturally when both languages were combined.

  “This may have-been my final trip-south, Ember,” he said with a half-smile.

  “What do-you mean? You-are mighty High Hunter Nor'Gar. You-will have many chances to-make this journey in coming season!” Ember said.

  “I grow-old, Ember,” Nor'Gar said. As soon as he had said it, he smiled and reassured the suddenly worried Ember.

  “I won't be-leaving any-time soon, but my-body cannot stand long days of walking, anymore. Time for younger men, women, to-take my-place, perhaps Ven'Gar. I-think Aya may-have relaxed, a little.” Ember started to say something, but Nor'Gar cut her off with a smile.

  “Do-not worry for-me young Ember. You-have completed me, in ways you-cannot understand. This final journey has-been my-greatest and worthy to-be my-last.” Ember just sat there watching the old man as he sat back and thought about something seen only to his eyes. She wondered what he meant by, “You-have completed me...” Perhaps she would never know.

  After a short time, other members of the group came to the fire for a group social event. They enjoyed each other’s company. The fire was always the place for people to sit and talk to one another. Ember was full of mixed emotions welling deep inside of her. She opted to merely listen to the other speaking as the night progressed.

  While Ember sat around the fire with the rest of her friends from Tornhemal, she breathlessly sang a mournful song of loss. Before she had realized it, Ember's voice had become loud enough for several people to hear. At first, Ember was embarrassed, but Tor'kal quickly waved his hands in an encouraging way. Ember looked to Nor'Gar and Kis’tra, seeing approving glances from each. Ember slowly began to sing a more cheerful song, aloud and for the entire group to hear. After a short time, Ember's words filled the forest and brought a tear to Nor'Gar's eye. Ember enjoyed her final night with her friends with song and dance.

  The next morning was a mix of emotions as the people of Tornhemal waved and cheered Ember and Brig'dha off on their journey. Before they left, each member of the group had come forward to say their farewells to Ember and Brig'dha. Many of the men had even addressed Ember as a warrior or hunter. Sv'en had been the strangest of all for he had actually shed a tear while trying to tell a joke as they said goodbye. He had explained that it was part of the joke, a gimmick, but Ember knew better. Even Aya had come forward and given Ember a slight bow, a sign of respect. Aya's position was generally secured as the most likely wife to Ven'Gar. Ven’Gar was just glad Aya had been semi-cowed by Ember.

  When the time had come to leave, Ember was assailed by Kis’tra who came rushing forward to grab her in a tight and emotional embrace which lasted much longer than the customs of her people would usually allow. Neither woman cared. Kis’tra hugged Ember once more and spoke to her so only the two could hear.

  “I-will miss-you Ember. You are my very-best friend. Please, take good-care of Brig'dha and come to-see me and Zhek, some day.”

  Ember was full of emotions and trying not to cry, so she simply nodded yes, and whispered, “I will.”

  Chapter 18: The Spoils

  Warfare in Ember's time was probably quite simple and manual. Walled towns and organized defensive or offensive forces were probably very rare. In fact, the idea of wide scale war was likely unknown to anyone at this time. Small “battles” might occur between two or more tribes over land or resources, but the scale of these conflicts was likely very limited. The people from the village of Nes maintained only a handful of “warriors” to defend their village. In an actual attack, everyone would be forced to fight. Designated “warriors” were really more of a quick “reaction force” or deterrent than anything else.

  Ember was not skilled with weapons, not only because she was a woman, but also because her people never really battled. She wouldn't know how to set large traps for attackers or proper combat techniques. Her simple pit spike traps, though effective, were entirely of her devising. Ember's people were peaceful and only defended themselves on the extremely rare occasions when such defense was needed. In fact, her village had never been raided or even threatened in Ember's short life.

  Ember's only major offensive skill was archery, which she had refined with Sv'en and Tork'al as her instructors. Though she was a natural with a bow, her skills would require many years to become advanced, being learned so late in life. Ember took extremely well to the bow and had quickly become a skilled archer. Within perhaps two to four thousand years, this status quo would greatly change. Ember's people would become some of the greatest warriors of ancient Europe, thwarting the likes of even the Roman Empire.

  Ember found herself back where she had started, drifting down the Great River in a small boat. The difference this time was her new friend Brig'dha, sitting right behind her, and a greater sense of purpose than she had when her journey first started. Since that fateful sunny day nearly twenty three ten-days ago, she had traveled as a trader, been huntress and hunted, captive and captor, and now perhaps even a warrior. Ember had truly lived. More importantly, Brig'dha had given Ember the purpose in her quest she had sought for nearly a full harvest. Sometimes Ember wondered if quests and tasks were more about a person finding the reason to match their beliefs and less about “destiny”, but she couldn't be sure. Too many of the events of late had been hard to quantify outside of fate. What really bothered Ember was that she had caught herself actually feeling some enjoyment from her travels. In an odd way, the adventure and mysteries were very fulfilling, and it was partially this sense of wonder which helped drive Ember towards her goal. Ember let out a small laugh while thinking about such things.

  Brig'dha stared at Ember's long red hair as she laughed about some unknown thought. Brig'dha really didn't know what was so funny, but she supposed that Ember had some deeper insight than she. Ember seemed relaxed and even carefree in the face of events which frightened Brig'dha to even think about. The night she had been rescued, Ember had, by all accounts, broken the face of the man for whose crimes she was to have been killed. It was even said that she had fought a powerful warrior from some other land and killed him with a single arrow. Of course, that Sv'en fellow had told her the story, and he had seemed a little too flamboyant in his telling. Brig'dha couldn't deny that Ember had been the one to free her and even grown men had called her “Ember the Warrior”.

  Ember really interested Brig'dha the most because of what the old hunter Nor'Gar had called her. Once, she had overheard Nor'Gar call Ember, “moon dancer”. The name sounded pretty to Brig'dha, but it also confused her. She couldn't imagine where the name had come from. What were even more interesting to Brig'dha were the similarities between Ember and a legend from her own tribe of a Goddess named Brid'da, for whom Brig'dha was named. All in all, Brig'dha respected Ember and was glad to have her as a guide on her way home. She only hoped that Ember would find whatever it was she sought when they arrived.

  Brig'dha and Ember both spent the long day keeping the boat steady as they floated down the Great River. The water provided ample time, and the gentle sway and pleasant slopping sound helped relax both women into thinking over their lives and where they were going. Ember would occasionally sing a song as the two drifted. Brig'dha truly enjoyed Ember's songs.

  While she carefully guided the little boat down the river, Ember mulled over what to do next. As she thought of her past few seasons and the slowly warming land, she considered what she would do after the task was complete. Perhaps she could return to her tribe and see how Yellow Flower's was coming with her task, a beaded skirt or some such domestic chore.

  How would she put it?

  Hello Flowers, I have beaten two men to the ground, saved a life, journeyed to the end of the world, and seen the sights, so how's your dress coming? The prospect was delightfully petty, bringing another giggle to Ember's mouth. Perhaps she could return to the people of Tornhemal or even organize such a trade group from her own people.

  Ember laughed out loud again. Reflection could be its own reward. M
ost women wouldn't be afforded the right to discuss such things, but Ember would return as experienced as a hunter and with a piece of warm ice, or perhaps it was fallen sky. Ember was still not sure what the blue rock was, but it was the size of her hand and would emphasize her position, should she suggest a trading group to her people. Ember sat back in the boat and smiled at the thought. Behind her, Brig'dha sat helping Ember steer the craft down the river. She was still at a loss over what Ember found so amusing.

  The introspection was suddenly ended when a poorly anticipated change in the flow of the river caused a splash of icy water to cover both women. The low ride of the boat was a constant worry, and simply the result of two women in a boat really built for one. Luckily, Sv'en had given Ember two clay pots to scoop water out if water got into the craft. Ember hoped that another storm would not arrive.

  The snow on the shores was melting, and the warm sun was starting to win over the cool nights. The result was the Great River flowing faster and being filled higher than usual due to the melting snow. Ember and Brig'dha spent much of the first day keeping the boat steady as they sped down the river, taking occasional breaks in the smoother parts to day dream.

  After their first day of moving down the quickly flowing river, the changes were already apparent. The river here was twice the width of her home banks and the flat lands were becoming coastal inlands, with greater numbers of reeds and scrub bushes than they had seen before. Ember was unsure of how much farther they would have to travel, but Brig’dha seemed to believe they were getting close to the Greatest River.