The Isle of Ilkchild (The King of Three Bloods Book 4)

by Russ L. Howard

  Just as the Golden Obelisk is placed on the east end of the table so is the twelve foot Silver Labrys of Mawva placed on the west end of the table and casts its evening shadow over the table at the summer solstice. The labrys is a double headed axe, or hour glass and represents the Great Mother, the moon or Eye of Mawva, known as the Sacred Butterfly. It is the woman force. The Golden Obelisk represents the All Father, the right Eye of Howrus, the sun and the man force. Mawva was Howrus’s wife and the foremother of the Herewardi, the first to embrace the practice of polygamy and known as the first faery-queen.

  Howrus was the first swan lord. We know him as the Swan Knight. He had this table made out of Merry Land granite as a lasting memorial and witness to all generations who followed. The name of Howrus is seldom spoken except in a low breath or a whisper and most of the time it is abbreviated as Hrus, which is also the Herewardi word for earth or ea-urth. The mark of Howrus is displayed in the east like the rising sun above every elder moot. We call him the Sun King because he was the first to rise of the new generation of Herewardi. Howrus is a name at the mention of which all Herewardi lords most reverently bow. It was said that those who took counsel around the Law Table, would ever after be assured victory in any righteous undertaking. The Golden Obelisk of Os-Syr-Rus is the symbol of the fecundity and the vitality of Herewardom or the Lost Key. Its peak will be the first to receive the light of day. Thus its peak is known as Howrus.

  Along with the Law Stone, the Golden Obelisk, and the Silver Labrys, Muryh brought the religious sculptures and stones that he has been working on for years to add to the holy temple or House of the Ur Fyr when it should be constructed.

  He has shipped the marble stones that make a square within a four leaf clover for windows as well as many statues and art pieces. He also sculpted marble columns shaped and curved like a spine for pillars in the temple. Now the keystones that are pelvises are for the arches beneath the earth. The keystones that will go on the arches above the earth are to be buttocks and the upper stories will employ the sculpted shoulders while the very uppermost floor will ultimately display keystones with swan wings for the Herewardi deliver their sermons through stones. Thus from the ground to the top of the temple there will be thirty-three steps culminating at the Holy Core.

  Chapter 18 : Muryh’s Statues, Fromer’s Indignation, and Dummy

  It was the day of the Runic Half-Moonth of Gifu on the twenty-eighth day of the Haelige Moonth, a time of reunions. Taneshewa stood inside her tent waiting for Sagwi to join her, and for Faechild to leave Sur Sceaf’s tent before she engaged her. The day before, Faechild had arranged for them to go up to the stone top to fetch the remaining crates containing their missing household goods. She watched through a crack in the tent door as Sur Sceaf left Faechild’s tent and went to the hall where the Sharaka women were taking their rotation for preparing breakfast.

  Taneshewa opened the tent door as Sagwi approaching said, “I’s sorry I’s late. Redith had me make her a fresh batch of rouge.”

  “That’s alright because Sur Sceaf just left Faechild’s tent and I’m sure she is still getting ready.”

  “You feelin alright dhere child?” Sagwi asked, peering intently into Taneshewa’s eyes. “Der sometun bofering you?”

  Taneshewa should have known Sagwi would pick up on her mood. “It’s just all I got from Sur Sceaf when we arrived was a kiss and a hug and then four short nights together for the past three weeks in the tent, and each time he left before breakfast because he had business to tend to.”

  “What you ‘spect him to do?”

  Taneshewa looked down at her lady moccasins. “I expected it to be like the moonth we honey-mooned.”

  “I’m surprised Miss Boss didn’t ‘splain to you how it’s gonna be. Surrey is now da high lord of dhis here place.”

  “Well, she did warn us Sur Sceaf would be very busy getting everybody settled, but I didn’t think that meant hardly seeing him at all.”

  “Well, chile, even if you’s da only wife, it’d be dhis way. Miss Boss is right, he’s got all kinds of tings to do and probably doin just da best he can to keep his nose ‘bove da water. But I understand how disappointed you is since dhat’s all you been tinken about since we left, specially wif you being pregnant.”

  “What? However did you know that?” Taneshewa was taken aback.

  Sagwi grinned and patted Ahy’s cheek, “I’s knows dhese tings.”

  “Please don’t say anything until I’ve told Surrey.”

  “How bout jour bride-sisters. Any of dhem know dhis yet?”

  “No one has said anything, but I think it’s as if they just all expect it.”

  “Of course dhey do. My Surrey be a potent man.”

  Leaving the tent they walked over to Faechild’s tent and Ahy called out, “Faechild, its Ahy and Sagwi. We’re heading on up the hill. Are you ready to go?”

  “Not quite, go ahead without me, just give me a few moments to dress and I’ll meet you at the stone top.”

  Sagwi winked at Taneshewa and raised her eyebrows then whispered, “Probably still a hummin from last night.”

  Taneshewa raised her finger to her mouth and said, “Ssh! You’ll embarrass her.” Then they made their way up to the stone top through the crowds of people. Each day the stone top and the mound looked more and more like a central market place bustling with people and animals. Although busy, everyone seemed happy to be there.

  “Sagwi, this is just like when all the Buffalo Tribes assembled for their great pow wows.”

  “Only dher’s a whole lot more folks here and some look a lot different from us. Like dhem der Hicks.” She glanced over and saw the green-clad Hickoryans.

  Climbing up to stone top they crossed paths with Fromer and Linney who rushed to the top. Taneshewa signed peace and Fromer waved back before he and his lackey rushed ahead.

  Sagwi spit, “Dhere’s a dark spirit about dhat man, der is.”

  “That’s for sure Sagwi, I feel the same way,” Taneshewa said as they followed the path upwards, “he gives me the creeps.”

  When they reached the top, they saw a covered stone statue being pulled by ropes and rolled on logs with great effort. Men and mule lent their strength to pulling the covered statues inching carefully along under Muryh’s directing eye. While they waited for their household goods and packages to be brought to the stone top, they chatted with passers by, many of whom knew Sagwi by sight.

  Sagwi watched with bright-eyed interest, “Dhem dhere Herewardi sure be goin to a whole lot of trouble carven dhem big ol stones into all kinds of shapes and dhen carryin it all da way up here. Dhey may call it art, but I’s callin it totems. It’s sure easier to carve ‘em outta wood.”

  “Paloma told me that these statues have great religious significance and are what they call religious art.”

  “Hum!”

  Taneshewa smiled, “Here comes Faechild. Woo hoo! Over here.”

  Faechild wended her way through the crowd toward them.

  “That’s quite the climb,” she said fanning her face with her hand. “I’m already exhausted.”

  “Probably causin you rode dhat stallion all night long.” Sagwi said with a poke to the ribs.

  “What stallion?” Faechild said. “I’ve been walking everywhere since I’ve been here.”

  Taneshewa laughed, “Faechild, she’s talking about Surrey.”

  “Oh! That stallion.” She looked very pleased with herself as she changed the subject. “Well, are you ladies ready to see the wares and goods coming up?”

  “Sure enough,” Sagwi said. “I ain’t come up here for da exercise. I’s missin my hides and my medicines. Both Redith and I are startin to feel our ol rheumatism kick in. I’s still gots achin joints and bones.”

  Taneshewa spotted Paloma with Arundel, Aelfheah, and Brekka standing along the trail by a stack of large crates. On the other side of the trail stood Fromer and Linney sorting their packages like two vultures picking over a carcass.

  Pa
loma said to the boys, “That’s my package. Pull it to the side.” Dutifully, Arundel fetched a crate and he and Aelfheah placed it in the stack. “That small hamper with the red ribbon is also mine. Fetch it for me, Brekka. Now, the crates with the green ribbons are Swan Hilde’s. Please put them in one stack. She and her boys will be along directly and her twins can be like squabbling wolves.”

  Paloma glanced up at them, “Oh, thank heavens, I don’t have to sort your stuff as well. If you wish, I can have my boys and Brekka help you.”

  “Perhaps, if you could spare the young Prince Arundel.”

  The ladies watched as two burly longshoremen carried a crate marked with a red ribbon. One of them stumbled over a stone and let go of his end. The crate came crashing to the ground. One of the longshoremen said, “Sorry lady.”

  As he turned and walked back down the path, Paloma said, “At least it wasn’t my dishes.” Then she turned to Aelfheah and said, “Put that one with my stack. Honestly some of those sailors act like they’re hauling rocks. Those are some valuable heirlooms in that crate. Take it easy with it.”

  Aelfheah hefted the crate and turned. Taneshewa froze. Her chest grew cold with resistance. She was ready for a fight when Aelfheah put down the crate.

  “Forgive me, Lady Taneshewa. Forgive me for how forward I was with you. I stand before you embarrassed by my past behaviors. I was so totally enthralled by your beauty that I became overwhelmed and intoxicated by it. I know I behaved unseemly, but now that I’m over it there will never be a problem again, I assure you.” He raised an arm to the square, “Od’s honor!”

  Taneshewa felt her insides go warm again, “It is a strong brave that can admit he was in error. I am sure you will make some woman a fine husband someday.”

  “I just hope to regain your trust and your respect, my lady, as the rightful wife of my father.”

  “You have my respect for the honesty you display and for owning the wrongness of your attraction to your father’s wife.”

  Paloma interrupted, “Faechild, there is only one basket with your yellow ribbon and Ahy, I haven’t seen any blue ribbons yet.”

  Sagwi said, “I ain’t seen none of mine here yet eter. I’d recognize dhem even dhough dhey ain’t marked. I reckon dhey be comin wif da next crew of men.”

  Ahy asked Paloma, “Should we stay or should we go?”

  Sagwi answered for her, “Ain’t no way I’s makin dhat climb again, chil. Ju two do what ju want.”

  Just as another longshoreman carried up two baskets, a gust of wind whipped the dust into a swirling cloud that tore Linney’s hat from his head and sent him racing after it. Trying not to laugh, Ahy noticed the wind blew one side of the cover off of the sculpture.

  “Oh! Look! It’s a statue of a naked woman with a bird coming out of her head.” Taneshewa said. “What does it mean?”

  Faechild laughed. “It’s a sculpture of Mawva, the wife of Howrus. Muryh said he had her kneeling with her hands raised to heaven in a swan swear and a swan’s neck and head rising out of her forehead as if it were part of her body. The swan’s mouth holds the sacred twig from which dangles the golden obelisk. It’s a tribute to Herewardi women who will restore the sacred powers of vitality. Someday, he hopes to house her in the temple. In the meantime the tabernacle will shield her from profane eyes.”

  “Wif dhat swan comin out of her head it’s almost like her spirit be reachin outta her body.”

  “I believe that was part of the intent,” Faechild said. “It is beautiful!”

  Suddenly, Taneshewa was feeling a little queasy. She pulled up her hood to block the wind and looked around for a place to sit. As she was turning she saw Fromer and Linney stomping over to the statue.

  “Damnation. Carnal, sensual, and devilish damnation it is,” Fromer exclaimed in a loud voice; his tubby little finger accusingly pointing to the statue. “By god, these profane idols were supposed to be covered and not seen. We gave them all day yesterday to do their heathen worship. Does it ever stop? Such obscene nakedness! Thank god, there are no civilized children here to see this abomination.”

  Paloma drew in a quick breath. “She was covered, Brother Fromer,” she said in a cold firm voice. “Perhaps you are not aware of the swift wind that is blowing just now.”

  Sagwi said, “T’aint nothin ju ain’t ever sucked on as a babe. Or maybe dhat wife of yours don’t take to showin ‘em to the likes of you.”

  “Silence, you hag, I’ll not be lectured by the likes of a heathen witch doctor.” In a fury, he reached down, picked up a rock, and hurled it at the statue of Mawva. The rock made a clank as it struck her on the cheek and marred the beauty of the face.

  Before Fromer could take any satisfaction in smiting ‘the idol,’ a strong broad shouldered man struck Fromer with such a force it hurled him to the ground. Within a split second Muryh had pounced on Fromer and grabbed him by the throat in the powerful stranglehold of a stone mason. “You ever let me see you violate another work of mine, you puny little cockroach, and I’ll snap your scrawny neck off you.” Then roughly releasing the wide-eyed vandal he gritted. “You got that?”

  Fromer choked out, “Got it.”

  Taneshewa was so in shock over the swiftness of the events that it took her a moment to recover. When she did she realized that she had greatly enjoyed watching Fromer get thumped. She leaned over to Paloma and whispered, “Too bad, Meny wasn’t here to witness this.”

  * * *

  Hunkered down in the star thistle and wild oats on the edge of the Pitter camp at Copperopolis Wose watched the young Apache boy, Zoot, come out to pick tomatoes growing in a small fenced garden nearby. He perched silently. The boy didn’t even see him sitting there among the plants. He made sure the boy was alone, then grabbed him by the arm and held his finger to his lip with his other hand for silence. The boy tipped his head that he understood.

  Wose whispered, “Is Zoot your name, little fellow?”

  The boy whispered back, “Yes, I am called Zoot.”

  “How old are you Zoot?”

  “I’m coming on eight winters.”

  “Well, Zoot, I am Wose of the Herewardi. I see you are an Apache and that you come and go freely from the Cha’Kal’s tent. Am I right, you are a slave?”

  The boy tightened his fist and squared his thin shoulders, “No Apache is ever a slave,” he whispered proudly. “They make me to do the work of a slave, but I will pick the day of my freedom soon enough.”

  Wose admired the boy’s spirit. “I can free you now, but I could use your help in getting some information first.”

  The boy shook his head, “I don’t want to be free just yet.”

  That puzzled him. “Why ever not?”

  “Captain Zorn Gore Tooth took my brother, Chise. Went with him when he left for Frisco and I will not leave here without him.”

  “What business did the captain have in Frisco?”

  “Pirating! He arranged for a Mexus ship to capture another ship of important Sharaka people, so he could make them pay big monies for ransom. Cha’Kal’s troops are complaining about lack of good food. Gore Tooth said he would be back by the next half-moon with monies enough to buy food with. Hatched some sort of plan to get ransom money. My brother and me only have each other. That dog, Zorn, killed the rest of my family.”

  “Well, have you ever heard of Mesculera Coloratus?”

  “Of course, the Apache chief of chiefs, he’s my father; though to us he is called Mangus.”

  “He is my friend. If you help me, I shall help you to rejoin him again.”

  The boy’s dark eyes shone, “That would be more than we had hoped for.”

  Wose took another look around, then put his mouth close to the boy’s ear. “Here’s the plan.”

  * * *

  Sur Sceaf went to the tent where Swan Hilde was teaching all of his children their lessons with the help of the older children. He stepped in and his children smiled. Swan Hilde turned in surprise and said, “My lord, what brings you he
re in the midst of your busy day?”

  “I came to see Russell. I heard he is feeling bad and wanted to see me.”

  “He seems to have a stomach ache. Maybe he got some bad water or is just adjusting to the water here. Or maybe he got exposed to the wind too much at the Law Stone’s dedication. He’s over there in the corner, on a bed.”

  Sur Sceaf walked back to the corner and sat on the thick pallet on which Russell lay.

  The boy looked up from his blanket. “Fa, can you bless me. I’ve got eels in my belly.”

  “Eels! What do you mean?”

  “Mom said I have eels in my tummy.”

  Swan Hilde corrected, “I said you were ill in your tummy. That means you’re sick in your tummy.”

  “Well, it is no matter.” Sur Sceaf said, “I shall bless you son, but you know if I heal you, you’re going to have to work hard to help your brother with his chores.”

  “Maybe you should just leave me sick then, but will you tell us a story, Fa. Please!”

  “Only if it’s alright with your teacher.”

  “Go right ahead,” Swan Hilde said, “I could use the break.” She turned to the other children in the tent and said, “Gather round fa for a story.”

  “What story should I tell?”

  Russell said, “Please, tell us the story of Dummy. That’s my favorite.”

  Sur Sceaf waited till the children had gathered around and seated themselves before the pallet. “Once upon a time there was a little brother whose bigger brothers all called Dummy because he could never do his chores right, had problems learning in school, and broke valuable items such as windows and Mama’s favorite vase.” He winked at Russell. “And there was the time he caught his bedroom on fire playing with candles.”

  “That’s just like me.” Russell shouted.

  “No it isn’t, it was me!” Ev’Rhett declared, “I was the one that broke Mama’s vase, not you.”

  “Well no matter who it was, the wise old king said, someday I will have to leave my realm to a new king and it will be whichever son can get me the prettiest tapestry. So the father took a handful of feathers from a swan, marked each one with a color for each son, and waited til the wind blew then he cast them up and the feathers blew in all directions. The sons chased their particular color. But Dummy’s feather fell to the ground right in front of him.” The kids all laughed. “He studied the feather while his brothers ran after theirs. He noticed the turf beneath his feather was odd, and buried underneath it was a curiously wrought iron door that led down to a deep cave. He lit a candle and went down in the cave where he came upon the Toad King.”