by R. A. Denny
Baskrod paused, closed his eyes, and shook his head, then looked up and continued, “I later learned that Zoltov pronounced the emperor dead that day and had him buried immediately. It was rumored that Dazbun was given lizard skins drugs and buried alive.”
“My dream…in it the emperor dreamt of his brother! It must be true and he dreams about it because he is guilty!”
“Yes, I believe that your dream confirms that the rumors were true.”
I shuddered. My life was linked to Daqqara through my blood, but I seemed to be linked to the evil Zoltov through my dreams.
“You need to know the truth, though you could lose your life for repeating it. Zoltov, the emperor in your dream, murdered the good Emperor Dazbun in order to become the new emperor. I know this is shocking news to you because the Webbies in Arvuk believe that Zoltov is their protector. I tell you the truth: he is a false protector. The “Emperor’s Harvest” is not a barley harvest. It is the harvesting of people, your people to be more precise. The Webbies of the Lanaduk are being killed upon his orders.”
“But, why?” I could not believe that even an evil emperor would order the death of so many innocent Webbies.
“Zoltov employed torture to learn the prophecy of the star from a member of my society. It appears that he has interpreted it based on his own guilt and paranoia. 'Out of the depths of the rocks we call: Hear our cries! As earth’s secrets unfold, he who sleeps will arise.’ He fears that the brother he buried alive will return to haunt him, and that Daqqara still lives to reveal the truth of his treachery.”
“But what does this seal have to do with all of this?” I asked.
“Long ago, in a time of great justice, peace and prosperity, the empire was governed by a council of ten who possessed three cylinder seals made of rare stones from the throne of Adon. Each Titilanzur Seal belonged to a different group: Webbies, Gliders and Armored. The guards you described in your dream were men of the Armored race, sometimes referred to as Rocks. The royal blue seal you possess belonged to the Webby, Rigiluk, one of that legendary ‘Ten of Tzoladia.’ In a violent coup, a group of Humans, or Sprinters as they are sometimes called, broke into the cave of the round table in Tzoladia during a meeting of the council, slaughtered the revered council members, and attempted to seize their ancient seals. The Webby Seal was confiscated by the rebels, but the other two disappeared on that day. The brutal rebel leader, Getaroz, pronounced himself the Emperor of Tzoladia. He instituted the worship of his chief god, Z, along with a panoply of other gods. The Humans of the city who opposed Getaroz were forced to go underground or flee. Many fled west and joined with refugees from Xardis to found the city of Karsos.
"Getaroz dubbed the confiscated Webby seal the 'Royal Seal of Z' and it was worn by every emperor since that time, until Dazbun. Dazbun believed that neither he, nor any of the other Unwebbed emperors had a right to wear the seal because it was obtained through treachery. When Dazbun gave the Webby Seal to your mother, he was trying to right a wrong that had occurred hundreds of years ago.
“Through spies, Serpotia learned of the gift. She let it be known that Dazbun had given the seal to your mother, a Webby, and she implied that it was treason. The myth of the Titilanzur Seals has been embellished over the years, with many tales of a lost city with streets paved of gold, and jewels dangling from the trees. Serpotia convinced the crowds, through rumors, that Dazbun possessed all of the seals, and had secretly given them to women who were his lovers. Two of the accused women remained in Tzoladia, where Zoltov gave them lizard skin drug and buried them alive with Dazbun, although they never possessed the seals. You can see the danger Daqqara faced if she had not escaped with me,” Baskrod explained.
I pulled the brilliant blue cylinder out from where it was tucked under my tunic and looked at it again. I could not make out a picture from the markings. It was hollow, with a large hole on one end, a smaller hole on the other and a small slit on its curved surface. “So this contains the secret to finding a city of gold?” I asked.
“I said only that many Tzoladians believe that it does,” Baskrod answered, mysteriously, as always. “In truth, the Webbies will not survive the destruction to come without that seal.”
He began his narrative again: “It is interesting that you have dreamed of Zoltov, since many of the problems in Tzoladia have been caused by Zoltov’s paranoia in the face of his own dreams. You see, he has dreamed of Daqqara’s child. He dreams of you.”
This was unnerving. I wanted to know more but we were interrupted when Manhera started to stir, mumbling softly where she lay on the blankets.
Baskrod smiled. “Your birth is, of course, where Manhera comes into the story.”
I looked down at the lovely young woman at the bottom of the boat. All of the features of her slender face were slightly curved. The tip of her nose curved up, leaving an impression of softness. Her long dark lashes fell onto her cheeks like a veil. When she opened her eyes, I could see the sideways tear drop shape of each eye with a wide lid above it and the pool of deep green within. I looked away quickly so she wouldn’t see that I was staring at her. Manhera unwound her braid from the top of her head, and the full auburn-colored braid fell to below her waist.
“Is anyone hungry?” she asked, immediately thinking of our needs instead of her own. The girls in Arvuk spent most of their time with their mothers cooking, grinding grain, spinning, weaving, and caring for children, while the boys went off with the men to work in the fields, fish, or care for animals. This meant that women in Arvuk spent their lives nurturing others. As a healer, Manhera had become ultrasensitive to other’s needs.
“Yes, thank you. I’d like to taste some of the bread that Vlabrez’ wife packed for us,” Baskrod answered.
“I’d like some too,” I agreed. “Assuming he didn’t poison it!” I added, chuckling a little nervously before I ate the bread.
As we rounded a bend, we came to a junction where another river joined the Lanaduk from the east to form a much wider river. In front of us, the larger river spread around numerous islands, some of which were floating islands made of reeds. Like the fingers of a hand, many tributaries branched off in every direction. As I guided our boat past the maze of islands I stared at the Webbies walking and working among houses made of reeds. Their homes looked like baskets turned upside down. They paid us no attention.
For a moment, we stared in wonder at the floating islands of reed. But I wasn’t going to let Baskrod end his story before it was finished.
“Baskrod was telling me a story about my birthmother, Daqqara. He was about to tell me about my birth,” I explained to Manhera.
“Yes, yes of course,” Baskrod said, as he straightened the red felt cap on his head so that the tip fell forward. “As for your birth, Manhera explained to you that I brought Daqqara to the birthing hut of Manhera’s aunt, who was a healer and midwife. It was important that it be among Webbies far from Tzoladia. By Adon’s grace, your adopted mother, Anada was also in the hut that night. Tragically, her baby was stillborn. Manhera placed you in Anada’s arms and she never knew that you were not hers. She loved you like her own. I am sorry that I could not have told you sooner, but you can probably see that it was safer for you not to know.” Baskrod looked into my eyes and laid a hand on my shoulder. “I have watched over and prayed for you all these years and the Lord Adon has been good. I know this is a lot to take in all at once and so suddenly, but I will do my best to help you in this journey.”
‘Thank you,” I replied. “It’s all so hard to take in. It doesn’t seem real.”
“It will take some time for you to adjust to all of this, I know.”
“What about my birth father, do you know who he is? Is he still alive?” I said, almost afraid of the answer.
“I am sorry, but your birth father has been dead for many years,” he said, dismissing the subject. “For now, let us concentrate on getting you safely to Tzoladia.”
Beyond the reed village, the further we went, the w
ider and busier the river became. There were many small reed boats like our own, but soon I spotted larger boats made of wood, some with much larger sails made from cloth. I carefully manned my oars so as not to run into any of the other boats. There were more boats crowded into this area of the river delta than I had ever seen in my life near the shores of Arvuk.
Manhera poured out some tea and handed me a cup. “We’re almost out of tea leaves.” She told Baskrod, seeming concerned.
“This tea is from what you call the Mesmeringa Forest, right?” I asked.
“Yes, the herbs and teas are rare and expensive. The fabric of my red tunic is also made by the Gliders. They keep their secrets closely guarded,” Baskrod said.
“Maybe when I meet that Glider, the girl you called, Brita was it…she will give us more?”
“Her name is Brina, and like you, she carries a Titilanzur Seal which is far more valuable than any cloths, teas or medicines.”
I was delighted to learn this. “So, I have the Webby Seal, and Brina has the Glider Seal. Who has the Armored Seal?” I felt I was finally beginning to put things together.
“That is a very good question. The Armored Seal could be a problem, since it went missing during the rebellion. I am hoping that Rhabdom may have found a clue. He has lived among the Armored for many years,” Baskrod responded, sounding concerned. “All three seals must be brought together in Tzoladia for the secret to be revealed.
The river, if I could even still call it the Lanaduk, had become wider and wilder. The wind was picking up slightly, and the air had a crispness and a strong smell that seemed to open my nostrils. Suddenly, Baskrod started hurriedly giving us directions.
“Soon this river will empty into the Ortaz Sea, which is such a large body of water that it is possible to go out so far that you can no longer see land in any direction. Fortunately the wind has picked up and is blowing to the southwest, which is the direction that we need to go. Be prepared for higher waves. Keep within sight of the shore, but do not go so close as to run aground. Stay clear of the larger ships. With the wind blowing steadily, we should make good time. When it starts to get dark, we’ll find a cove for the night. By tomorrow, we should be in the Webby capital of Waduk. We’ll obtain better transportation in Waduk and then head on to Tzoladia.”
I tried to concentrate on all Baskrod’s directions, but I would not let him drift away from the question that so bothered me.
“But why are you taking me to Tzoladia, where there is a murderous emperor that wants to kill me to take my cylinder seal?” I demanded.
“The prophecy says that in the last days the new star will appear. These are evil times Amanki. In order for the Webbies, the Armored and the Gliders to survive extinction, the three Titilanzur Seals must be brought together in Tzoladia, for together they hold the secret that will lead your peoples to safety and protect them from the destruction that is to come. This is the destiny for which Adon has chosen you. Sometimes we must go through things rather than around them,” Baskrod answered.
I looked down at the cylinder seal hanging from my neck and grasped it in my hand. Suddenly it felt like the weight of the world was hanging there.
“Trust in Adon with all your heart. He will sustain you,” Baskrod assured me.
I still felt frightened and alone. “I will try. But I miss my home,” I said.
“You have been a refugee all your life. Now, at last, you are going home to Tzoladia.”
Chapter 37
Trees - Brina
I was awakened from my sleep once, late in the day, by a clap of thunder. Even though dense foliage above kept off a lot of the rain, I could still hear the constant pinging of the water on the roof of our home. It lulled me back to sleep. Hours later, I was awakened by the sounds of my family bustling about the house. I wanted to roll over in my hammock and just go back to sleep, but I couldn’t, because this was the eve of my departure. The thought hit me like a bolt of lightning. I would never wake up in this hammock in this house again. I tried not to think that thought. But try as I might, I could not make it fly away.
I would never wake up in my hammock in my house again.
We had all gotten up so early that the sun was still up. “I hope the rain helped you get a good day’s sleep,” Mama said, trying to put a positive spin on the weather as I walked into the kitchen and took my seat.
My seat. Papa had built that chair. So many little things. Who would sit there when I was gone? This was not good. I knew I had to quit torturing myself. I had to let go of the past and look forward to my future. Barque was going with me. I would get to ride in a great boat. I would see all kinds of places and things beyond my wildest dreams.
“I did sleep surprisingly well,” I answered my mama, as she handed me a slice of mesmeringa nut bread spread with raspberry jelly. Raspberry jelly was a delicacy since people had to venture to the ground to pick the berries. Mama saved it for special occasions.
“Yummy! Thank you!”
“I’ve wrapped up an extra loaf of the bread for your journey,” she said.
That was all Ceila needed to get started. “Where are you going, Brina?”
“On a great journey on a boat!” I answered for the umpteenth time.
“Will there be magpies there?” she asked, and I realized that I would probably be able to get some messages to my family by magpie.
“Yes, I will send you magpie messages!” I answered, and she started giggling with delight.
Everybody talked happily, which helped it seem like a normal meal. By the time we stepped outside, the rain had stopped, but a few drops of water still fell from the soaked branches. Before I knew it, Papa and Leifen were helping me load all of my goods in bags onto the ropeway. I would carry Eej with me. I had reluctantly allowed my papa’s wooden carvings and my mama’s bread to be placed on the pulley system, since the dive across the waterfall would be easier with less to carry. I walked around every room of the house one last time, engraving every detail in my mind.
“Let’s take a quick climb to the treetop,” Papa said to me, just before we were about to leave for the appointed meeting trees on the banks of the Alfon River. He motioned for me to go before him, and I looped around the staircase to the top. With Papa at my side, I silently gazed across the tops of the canopy. It was as if I was looking across puffy green clouds, far above the rest of the world. The grey clouds in the sky above were moving rapidly away. I was sorry I could not see the stars, since it was not dark, but we were leaving late in the daylight so that we would travel through the night.
“Any news of Baskrod?” I don’t know why I asked it. Obviously, Papa would have already told me if Baskrod had come.
“No, but when he arrives, I will let him know where you have gone.”
I just nodded my head.
“I love you Brina,” Papa said.
“I love you too, Papa.”
“Let us pray to the Creator, Adon, that Baskrod will be able to find you.”
I lifted my arms toward the sky with my palms uplifted as one might do to catch moonbeams when it is a bright night and Papa did the same, our glides draping toward the platform.
“Father above,” my papa began, “thank you for Brina. Wrap her in your glides and keep her safe, so she may flourish. Help Baskrod to find her. Lead her to her destiny.”
“Father above, Adon,” I echoed in my own way, “thank you for my wonderful family. Wrap them in your glides. May they always be blessed with the abundance of the mesmeringa. Lead them to their destinies.”
We paused in silence and then my papa hugged me before we had to return to the others for final preparations downstairs.
Before I knew it, the time had come. I took a last look around the big room in the only house I had lived in all my life. Then we went out onto the terrace. With my head held high, and with Glorna at my side, I launched myself into the air. My whole family, including little Ceila, glided through the forest with me toward the banks of the Alfon River. At each
tree trunk stop, we made sure my supplies had arrived on the ropes and been sent on toward the river.
It was not often that I went as far west through the forest as the Alfon. The closer we got, the louder the noise, like millions of raindrops falling on the roof all at once. There would not be any speeches or music made on the edge of the waterfall, since nobody would have been able to hear the words over the sound.
I could see that the trees around us were already crowded with people. I started to look about for other people I knew who would be joining me on this journey, but I was distracted by the river. From my perch high in a tree on the hilltop, I observed the river as it calmly flowed toward me from around a bend, then streamed more rapidly the closer it came to the edge of the precipice. The water, clear as crystal just before it disappeared over a rounded edge, fell into a mist, down and down until it joined the churning wild white water in the valley far below. The height of the falls was equal to that of a grown mesmeringa and I was high above the top of the falls in my tree. When I looked at the river far below, I could see the water battering the rocks and the mist rising like smoke. In the distance below, the river rushed through the wooded banks and then made a sharp turn and disappeared among the trees, where I knew the Kalpok port lay. The view of the river, cutting its way through the forest that stretched to the horizon, filled me with awe, much like when I gazed far into the starry sky at night. Adon had created a world that was large and varied beyond my imagination. What wonders will I find on my journey?
I had been to Kalpok port in the valley a few times, where I had seen brave Gliders sail through the air from trees along the banks and land gracefully in boats, without having to go to the ground or into the water. It was still dangerous, even in the boats, because the giant cats could swim and of course, Gliders could not. Some courageous merchants or fisherman risked coming up the Alfon to exchange their goods for precious mesmeringa silk, but always with their bows at the ready. Whenever Baskrod visited, he wore a mask with a face on it on the back of his head. The cats were known to attack men from behind, so wearing a mask sometimes fooled them, but it was no guarantee. Although the cats preferred Gliders to Ground Dwellers, if they were hungry enough then they would also attack ground dwelling men.