"Yes." I continued walking.
The narrow hallway opened into the grand space of the ration pod. My nerves eased for a moment as I realized the majority of the clan was crowded inside the pod. Many of them collected their meal rations to take home near the back wall. The male clansmen horded near the middle of the pod. Although the fact that a gathering of this proportion could only be due to my announcement, I found myself to be more consumed with the relief that I had not over-rested. Time had not passed as I had assumed.
Much work set before me with having to create a list of able scavengers from within the pods as well as creating a list of goods to obtain for each of those chosen scavengers. My mind had decided to avoid the meeting of the males and get to work. Then, I heard his voice. I motioned for Mertio to follow me through the crowd of males for a better earshot.
"Times have been hard on our kind. Mother Vicar has seen better days. Our fate is settled inside the palms of Brother Harve now, and be it his will for us, able or not, to reach beyond the dignified realms of scavenging and thrust into battle." Lusk paused as he noticed Mertio and I edging toward the inside circle.
"Look at his infections." Mertio pointed to the rotting raven flesh of his father's toes as Lusk stumbled across his words in my presence.
His infections had grown drastically since our last discussion. Fluffy, cream-colored puss oozed between his toes. The flesh around the black infections crept with a red soreness. I knelt on one knee to closer inspect what his neglected flesh had become. In my presence, however, Lusk continued his speech with a different tone.
"Let it be known that any of us, no matter how unhealthy or weak of bones, that does not stand up with pride, dignity, and dedication under Brother Harve's command, well be that a pathetic coward without a leg to stand on." His nose held the air with a false bravado.
The timing was horrid and equally perfect as I stood from examining his feet. "Lusk, report with Mertio to the treatment pod. You appear to be in dire need of amputation."
I forced my eyes into a glare at the surrounding males as an undertow of chuckles waved through the crowd. My cheeks dimpled as I fought the urge to grin myself, considering the ironic shift of his speech. Mertio shoved himself underneath his father's arm as he carried his weight through the crowd. The gathering of males went their separate ways, many of them following behind me as I made my way to the ration collection line. I ignored the mumbles and jokes made of Lusk behind me. Although I could not argue the facts, I could not participate in such conversations.
Two females stood behind the ration line. They struggled as they juggled the jobs of four in this heavy shift. One rosy-cheeked stout female wiped sweat from her brow as she handed rations to each person in line. Another grumbled as her stack of washed ration containers tipped onto the floor. I hid my ration on a wooden rack well past the line.
"Allow my help," I smiled.
"Oh, my Dreamers, Brother Harve." The stout female blushed, "We could never ask your assistance."
"Mind your mouth! I need all the help I can get!" the container cleaner snarled.
I leaned beside her, helped her collect the fallen containers and tossed them back into the cleaning water. Her hair, twisted in tiny braids, slapped against me as she turned back and forth, pacing in her fury. I said nothing to her. I feared what damage her braids may cause my flesh should she actually try to hurt me. After a few swats, I found it smart to dart and weave as she flicked back and forth. The ground was soon free of containers.
"I wash. You dry," she commanded.
Silently I nodded.
"Every turn in here, be the same way," her voice growled as she scrubbed the containers. "She never shows. Head's a' achy. Back's a' achy. Rested through it. Or forgot. What be her reasoning this time? Your guess, as good as mine."
I was afraid to speak. This female was strong and angry. It became a challenge to catch all of the wet containers as she tossed them toward my head to dry. The stout female behind us giggled as she glanced in time to see me fetch a container. I had no need to ask which female she spoke of, but she demanded.
"Ask me who," she snapped. "Ask me who should be here!"
"Mopus," I whispered.
"Dreamers damned, yes!" She slammed a container on the ground. "That sorry piece of—"
"Cantanka!" the stout one interjected. "Mind your mouth in front of Brother Harve!"
The banter was the most entertainment I'd had in a long time. A laugh snorted through my nose before I had the chance to contain myself. Cantanka glared into my eyes. I cleared my throat as I looked away from the fierce gaze of that scary female. I dried my hands and backed away slowly.
"At least Bosh had a newborn," the stout female mumbled.
"When does Bosh not have a newborn?" Cantanka tossed a container against the back of the stout one's head.
"It's been a pleasure." I walked backward. "Much work to be done. Good resting to you both." With a nod I dashed away from the females, snagging my hidden rations along the way.
Hunger had set in well. Instead of taking my rations back into my pod, I sat alone at one of the empty tables far away from the ration line. Time passed swiftly as I savored my rations and began compiling the list for the scavenge attack. The pod had almost emptied as I neared the end of the lists. Pulling together the names with tasks hadn't been difficult, but one pod remained uncertain. It was time to check on Lusk.
~*~
His curdling high pitched screams echoed as I neared the winding hall before the treatment pod. Obviously, my diagnosis had been correct. I was somewhat shocked by this. A part of me may have hit a surge of sarcasm when I inspected his infections. A drab fabric covered the area in front of the frame from which the screams resonated.
Unsure if I were welcome during such a drastic procedure, I peeked through one corner of the fabric curtain. Mertio caught my eye as he held his father's shoulders. I could not see what the Crimson Robes were doing. The hacking sound of the saw left me dizzy without the sight of their actions. My hands allowed the fabric curtain to close.
The screams continued for only moments longer. Mertio attempted to calm his father with soft spoken words and prayer. Around the corner of the hallway I saw a figure coming near. By the round shape of the bottom half, I could only assume it was Mopus. As her slurred words confronted me, my assumptions were assured.
"I'sures hope you are done with bothering him with your plans for attack now." Her toothless snarl sent shivers down my spine.
Her saliva spewed across my face as she slurred her words. Mertio charged through the fabric as he heard her voice. He stood in between us as if there were about to be a brawl. My hand on his shoulder, I gently pushed him out of the middle. I lowered the hood of my cloak.
"My apologies, Madame Mopus," I nodded. "I was unaware of your deep rooted burdens. I am quite certain considering amputation, Lusk will count as exempt from the scavenge attack. I promise to weigh out his needed items of scavenge in order to not heavy your own load during the attack."
Her face, frozen in shock, seemed unaware that her mate's condition did not also exclude her from the scavenge. Her forehead wrinkled with tension. The Crimson Robe swooshed through the fabric curtain. We turned to face him, eager for his report.
"Brother Harve," he bowed, "Lusk needs no other to carry his list. I deem him worthy of battle with a day's rest."
"Worthy of battle?" Mopus barked. "You've cut off half his body!"
The Crimson Robe smiled. "Incorrect. Only seven toes."
"Be you sure that three toes are all that are needed and that wounds will be healed in time?" I inquired.
"Brother Harve, he has both of his large talon toes. He shall be fine to walk. As far as healing," he shrugged, "he has far less infection than he did earlier today."
"You make light of his ill health?" Mopus shook her finger in the face of the Crimson Robe.
"No more than he has, obviously." The Crimson Robe snorted as he pushed his way past her.
>
Mertio remained silent, his expression unreadable. I pulled the fabric back, clearing a path for Mopus to enter behind the curtain where Lusk rested. She snarled as she passed by. Mertio entered behind her. I followed close by him. Lusk was well into resting from the pain herbs the Crimson Robe administered. I lifted the covering over his feet.
My nose cringed at the sight of his butchered feet. Though peculiar by the shock of it, the Crimson Robe was correct. Lusk was in much better condition with the amputation complete. The lack of puss, fungus, and blackness enrapturing his flesh was nothing less than a miracle. Gently, I covered him.
"I assume these vials are medicinal." Mertio clanged two small glass bottles together. "Not for trading."
Mopus snarled and snatched the bottles from his hands. Squinting her eyes, she inspected the inscriptions etched into the glass. Her lips mumbled the dosing directions before she tucked them into her cloak pocket. I offered a blessing of recovery and excused myself from the curtained area. I had other matters to focus on.
The messenger pod was dark and quiet. Only one messenger called for duty during the resting times. The messengers were graced with dusty sage tinted robes. The one on duty dozed in the shadows of the pod. I tapped my knuckles against the wooden bark table his head rested against. Startled, he jumped onto his feet.
"Brother Harve!" he knelt before me.
"Stand, Sage." I offered a hand to help him back onto his feet.
"The list," he paused. "It is ready?"
I nodded as I slid the papers across his table. His eyes strained to focus on the names and duties. He searched for his pod amongst the names. His heartbeat echoed between us as he found his pod listed near the bottom. Only he and his father existed in his pod. Both names appeared on the list.
"Gratitude, Brother Harve." his face gnarled into a forced grin. "Quite the easiest of duties."
I knew his words lacked sincerity. The tremble in his voice as well as the falseness of his smile told the truth. Though their duties were small, the items they were to obtain were well into the territory of the winged ones. Very few had to travel closer. I would guard them as I passed them.
"You need another Sage to deliver these messages. Collect one, maybe two more and be about your route," I instructed. "I insist that everyone know their duties as soon as possible, to prepare."
He bowed as I left the pod. My feet scurried as I made my way toward my own pod. The ground dusted around me as I paced. My feet ached with dryness. I needed rest. Soon, I would work harder than I had ever had the honor to do. Falling to sleep came as no challenge once I entered the comfort of my pod.
~*~
Time to wake came too quickly. My eyes burnt with the desire for more rest. I had no choice but to rise and begin the journey of the day, however. The hallways crowded with the clan. A newfound confidence resonated in each of them. Nods and waves met me as I passed. No one halted me to argue their duties of the scavenge. I reminded each of them to gather soon for instructions. Each group of the gathered clan took my words well.
Two guards protected each side of her door as I approached. They never carried an expression across their faces, which kept my nerves uneasy. I refused guards of my own for that very reason. From birth, they were trained to trust no one. I often felt that my future role in this clan caused them to trust me even less than the others. They bowed as I entered her room.
"Mother Vicar, dear," I entered with happiness to see her loving face. "How are you feeling?"
"My precious, Harve." The weakness in her voice shook against her bones. "Your leadership of the clan has surpassed my highest expectations."
I knelt beside her, taking her frail hand into my own. Her injuries, though minute, had taken a toll on her body. My reflection mirrored back at me as I gazed into her onyx eyes. I could not see how any living being could gaze into the eyes of Mother Vicar and doubt her purity.
"I know I am handling the clan rather differently than you," I explained. "I never want you to think—"
"That you found me as an unworthy leader?" she giggled. "Never, dear. Never."
"The clan will return to your reign as soon as you mend." I kissed her hand.
"The clan is in your possession now." She shook her head. "I will never regain the strength to carry the clan as in the past. I am holding on only to see you become the leader you were meant to be."
"Mother Vicar," I protested.
"Hush, dearest Harve. I have groomed you to be the leader you are becoming since you took your first breath, as I held you in my arms."
"You can not give up with such ease." I rubbed the white hair away from her eyes.
"This is not giving up." She squeezed my hand. "This is passing the torch on to my heir. It is my greatest honor."
"Mother Vicar..." she interrupted my words.
"For one time, could you simply call me Mother?" she smiled. "Go. Lead your clan now."
"Yes." I turned toward the door looking back for a final glance before approaching my army. "I love you, Mother." Her lips puckered against the tips of her fingers as I looked away.
The clan gathered in full force. Even more faces waited for my words compared to my last speech. Their smiles gave me comfort and confidence. Mertio lingered near the back of the crowd. Mopus, Bosh, and Lusk hid behind his strong shoulders. Lusk carried a walking stick, though he forgot to use it as a crutch. I was pleased to see how well he had healed. We Dwerger tend to be resilient beings.
The Crimson Robes stood near, as well as guards I tried to ignore. My speech came across well accepted. I explained the training tasks of the next few days and which member of the clan was in charge of which skill. I had but one final task and called for Mertio to stand with me.
"This fine young man, the rescuer of Mother Vicar, will take his earned and noble place by my side." Mertio beamed through the blushing of his cheeks.
His pod had not heard the grand announcement over their own personal banter. A wave of applause rumbled through the clan. Still, his pod did not take notice. Mertio nodded. I turned around and reached into a wooden crate behind me. An offering to Mertio, I handed him a robe the same hue as my own.
"Here by known as my own apprentice, second in command, I give you, Brother Mertio." My voice echoed as far as an ear could hear.
Mertio bowed as I draped his new robe over his shoulders. The hood covered his head as he looked up and then to the clan before him. I blessed him with a prayer of protection by The Dreamers. His pod stood in silence, dumbfounded. I offered him the floor.
His speech was heartwarming and true to the virtues a future Alpha should carry. The clan adored him. The females swooned before his strength and newfound political power. Bosh dashed off, kids straggling behind her, in a tantrum. No one chased after her. I closed the assembly.
"Please report in rotation with your pod to each training point. Your commander will inform you when you are prepared to move to the next point. No other being of our world could survive under the conditions that we have made our daily life. We are all warriors. We will thrive once again. "With the Dreamers, may you each be shielded. Bless you."
Mertio remained close by my side as we exited the assembly. We did not speak. We both avoided his previous pod. He was my heir now. Naturally, his eyes lingered on Lusk and Mopus as we lost ourselves in the crowd.
"My pod may have changed by law, yet I still was created to protect them." He pulled the sleeve of my robe.
"You will, Brother Mertio." I pulled my sleeve from his grasp. "Your destiny is to protect them all."
"I must train with the Lusk pod," he insisted.
"By all means." I held my hand allowing him to pass.
I gave myself a moment of silent prayer inside the seclusion of my pod before reporting to my first training point. The pit of my stomach churned with excitement and fear. Mother had protected and sheltered me for so long. She made her choices. It was time that I made my own.
~*~
Mertio's chin hit t
he floor as I walked into the training point where the Lusk pod waited for instruction. I winked and stood in line behind them. Luckily, our first point was an easy skill. I felt for the Dwerger that were not used to raids. Many of them started out at much more advanced training points. The instructor bowed to us before he spoke and then explained is expertize.
A small male with a hunched spine had no interest in physical exertions. He explained the simple mistakes of grabbing the wrong herbs and berries. Making each of us smell, taste and feel the proper herbs and berries while pointing out the small details that could cost our lives by choosing from a dangerous imitation. Lusk and Mopus paid full attention. I was rather impressed.
A good bit of time passed before we noticed the next group had gathered behind us. The male with the twisted back directed us toward our next training point where we learned how to use nature for quick weapons. Mertio seemed to have this skill down and he even pointed out a few tips the instructor had failed to mention.
"Webbings of the wood crawlers, are not only strong enough to make traps or transport heavy loot, also strong enough to strangle a being to death, if need be," Mertio noted.
"Highly morbid, Brother Mertio," I scorned.
"Indeed. You have my word to refrain from strangulation should a winged one get a hold of you," he winked.
With a heavy breath and a smile, I remained silent throughout the rest of the training station. The other stations moved swiftly. Lusk and Mopus possessed dedicated attention toward the training. I pondered if possibly seeing a member of their pod reach a high rank in the clan finally gave them a level of self-worth. Then I heard their whispers during mid-day rations.
"Almost done with this charade." Lusk jiggled as he laughed under his breath.
"We should have left before all of this training," Mopus poked her lips out over her toothless gums. "It's making my head ache."
"This is better," he winked. "When we vanish during the scavenge, we have the others to decoy our escape and we will be considered heroes in our death for not returning."
"True," Mopus snickered. "When we do return, we will be treated as royalty, not deserters."
Seven Deadly Sins Page 20