Chapter 41
Laid to Rest
It was the wee hours of dawn when Thaddeus placed the last of the large stones on the mound of dirt that concealed the remains of Dysut. In the short period of time that Dysut was in the clutches of the Everafter, every one of his limbs had been removed from his torso. Thaddeus did not know why, but he felt bad for the Faun. He seemed like a loving creature, and Thaddeus felt that a proper burial was the least he could do.
Caleb had fastened two pieces of wood together forming a cross. He placed it at the head of the grave and pulled out a worn leather bound book from his satchel. The book had a word on it that the others had never seen before. The word was "HOLY BIBLE." He clutched the worn book to his chest and began to speak under his breath. When Caleb got to his feet, he found the others standing around him, staring curiously.
“What is that symbol you place on his grave?” Rasmere asked.
“It is a cross,” Caleb replied.
“What is its significance?” asked the Engenium once more.
“It is a symbol for the love of Christ,” Caleb replied.
“What is a Christ?” Rasmere asked.
Caleb then realized that the world he was currently in did not know of Christianity.
“He is who I put my faith in. He was the savior of my world. This cross represents his love,” Caleb replied.
Rasmere, along with the others, seemed confused by this. They had never heard of such a person before in their world, but after all, Caleb was not from their world.
“What is the book you hold?” asked Thaddeus.
“It is called the Bible. It is the word, laws, and promises of my God,” answered Caleb.
“Ah,” replied Thaddeus. “The gods. This Christ you speak of is another god.”
Caleb became greatly offended by this statement. He looked as if he had just been slapped across the face. He took to his feet and said, “He is not just another god. He is the God, the only God.”
Thaddeus could sense that he had somehow offended Caleb. He decided it best to let this conversation die down.
“Well, you shall have to tell me more about your God when we have the time,” Thaddeus said in a calm voice.
“I would like that,” Caleb replied as his anger dwindled.
After a short period of time they started to gather their things and prepare for the journey ahead. They still had a long way to go; it was at least another two day trip to where they had planned to meet up with Locmire and the others. Given their current circumstances it would most likely be another three days.
Rasmere had just returned from the forest with a dozen small rabbits and began to field dress them. He decided it would be nice for his traveling companions to have a hot meal before they departed. The sun had fully risen above the horizon, and a thin layer of fog was disappearing into the dense forest.
“Need a light?” asked River.
The Forest Engenium looked up to her and nodded his head, “Yes. A small fire would be great."
With a wave of her staff, and a muttered word, a small fire sprung from the ground.
“Thank you,” Rasmere replied. "I find your magical abilities fascinating. I wish I possessed your talents."
“You’re welcome,” River said as she stood looking down at him. “Do you need anything else?”
“No,” he simply stated.
“You can fetch some water,” Azonis said as he strolled over next to them.
River was appalled by his chauvinism. She replied, “I am no slave. I do not fetch anything for anyone.”
"Do you not know who you are speaking to?" Azonis asked sharply.
"Oh, but I do, my Lord," River said sarcastically, as she gave an over exaggerated bow.
“You mind your tongue, woman,” said the Sestian angrily.
At those words Rasmere bolted up and came nose to nose with Azonis.
“You will mind your tongue,” declared Rasmere.
Azonis began to speak, but Rasmere did not give him the chance.
“You will order no one around anymore. Out here, you are not the Sestian of Lasticall. You are no more special than any of the rest of us. You are no longer my master, and with that being said, I suggest you be the one who minds his tongue.”
Azonis was speechless. In all of his life, no one had ever spoken to him this way, especially a Forest Engenium. He knew that if he did not act now, all of the respect he had worked so hard to gain would be lost. He drew his sword and readied his shield. Rasmere jumped back and drew the string of his bow.
“That is enough!” Thaddeus called out. “All of you! That is enough!”
Silence fell over the camp. All eyes fell upon the King.
“This ends now!” he roared. “All of these petty differences must be put aside, or we will fail. Whatever problems we have had are now behind us. This ends now, or I will end it for you.”
An uneasy silence loomed in the air. Tension was setting in like a thick fog.
He began again. “We may fail for many reasons. We may be out matched and outnumbered. We may be slaughtered during our next encounter with this darkness that plagues our lands. There are a multitude of circumstance that could potentially cause our demise. I can tell you that we will NOT fail because we are unable to put aside our egos, our personal differences, and our pride.” He gave them a final disgusted look and marched off into the forest.
The others stood awkwardly, feeling ashamed of themselves. Thaddeus's words seemed to really find a home with Azonis.
“I regret the remarks that I made moments ago. My comments were very unbecoming of me. I ask for your forgiveness,” the High Engenium said as he took a knee and bowed to River.
“As do I,” replied the Mage.
He stood back up, swallowed his pride, and addressed Rasmere. “My friend,” he said as he fell to a knee. “I truly regret my actions toward you. You have been a loyal Hand and, at times, friend. I promise you that when this is all over I will dramatically change the way your people are treated in our kingdom. I am truly sorry for my poor behavior. It has been a trying time for us all.”
Rasmere stood with a look of contentment on his face. We have heard these promises too many times before, he thought. “Apology accepted,” replied Rasmere as he quickly knelt back down and returned to preparing his kill.
The sun was now in full bloom as they finished their breakfast, which was an awkward meal to say the least. The events that had transpired earlier were still looming in everyone’s minds. At least their stomachs were full, and they had gotten a short rest.
Thaddeus’s temperament was at its boiling point after the squabble between his fellow party members. It was evident that he was at his breaking point, and it would be best if no one provoked him any further. The day had started out on a bad note, and their already long trip had been made even longer as their horses were driven off during the attack at their camp the night before. They had much ground to cover and time was precious. Thaddeus feared that his present company, not Hasbarie, was going to pose the most serious threat. For the moment, the apologies had been made, the tempers had calmed and the group was acting pleasant enough toward one another.
Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 60