Chapter 11
Daniel and Heather arrived for breakfast after most everyone else had eaten. The mood was a bit more subdued but everyone still seemed upbeat. The King sat with Heather and Daniel as they ate. When they finished eating Heather said, “I would speak with my Father.”
Everyone began leaving the campfire even Daniel but Heather asked he and Jeremy to stay. Heather now began to discuss military strategy with her Father. The shy young woman from last night had been transformed into a forceful military strategist. She and her Father debated the proposed attack as equals. It was decided to split the northern army only after they had pushed across the valley and gained access to the plains south of the great valley. A small division would then push easterly to secure the trade route from the forest. From this vantage point they would march to the walled city of the Southern Kingdom. This division would be designed to move rapidly expecting only light opposition. The main force would continue the frontal assault moving directly to the city. The major resistance was expected along this line of attack.
Heather’s plan was to begin the movement up the valley by sending out multiple scouting parties. Two scouts would be sent back to the forest requesting the assistance of the forest people in securing an emergency supply of the sacred water. They would travel their leapfrog way to speed the journey. Jeremy volunteered but Heather requested he seek other volunteers so that his services could be kept with them. Daniel expressed his concern about his inability to keep up. Heather replied, “We are planning a three-week period before my Father’s division reaches the upper end of the trade route. Most of the work will be done by our scouting parties. We will not move from this campsite for two weeks and then we’ll move at your speed. I would expect that with proper scouting we will be able to move at least as fast as my Father’s division. And you, my husband, will be allowed to ride our only horse.”
“I have never ridden a horse.”
The King chimed in, “Sounds like you’re about to learn.”
The discussion moved on to the issue of supplies. Heather was confident that the hunters would be able to keep them reasonably supplied with food. The cold weather was an issue and additional blankets and clothes would be welcomed. The King responded that their supplies were very adequate and they would provide additional blankets and tents for them. Clothes would be more difficult but they would try. The Forest Folk tended to be taller and thinner than those of the Northern Kingdom. The discussion turned to the final assault of the walled city. Heather could see no significant role for her hunters from the forest. A traditional siege just didn’t require their skills. They decided that after the trading party was safely guided to the Kings camp those of the forest would be allowed to return to their homes. Heather and Daniel would join directly with the King’s army along with those from the forest who decided to stay on.
The King suggested that Ben be assigned the role of envoy between their camps. Heather agreed that it would be a good choice and said she would ask Ben to accept the position. The King pointed out their differences in leadership saying, “You ask people and they respond to you. I order people and they respond to me, but we both get the job done.”
Daniel said, “When your daughter asks, saying no just isn’t possible.”
The King responded, “She’s been like that since she was a young child. I’m sure you are used to it by now.”
“I have been married but a day, but I am already fairly well-trained.”
Heather objected, “Now you two just stop it, you’re making me sound like a tyrant.”
Daniel squeezed her hand and said, “But a most beautiful one.”
It came time for the King to depart and Daniel watched his wife change again from the warrior back to the young woman whose eyes filled with tears as her Father rode off. Daniel stood next to her each providing the other support. They had a quiet day but by nightfall Heather was again in charge. She said, “We should have a meeting.”
Those not out hunting or on scouting missions were soon assembled. Heather began their version of the council by outlining the battle plan she and her Father had agreed upon. It would be their responsibility to secure the trade route from the forest to the Southern Kingdom. Her Father’s army would send a division to secure the upper reaches of the trail as it ascended to the plains of the Southern Kingdom. Heather outlined her plan of initial far ranging scouting efforts followed by concentrated surprise attacks on the Southern army outpost. The need for the sacred water was discussed and she asked for two volunteers to carry the request back to the Forest Council. Ben volunteered but Heather asked him if he instead would accept the position of envoy to her Father’s army. His acceptance was automatic. Other volunteers stepped forward. There was a lengthy discussion about whether their small army should disband. Heather was of the opinion that most of those of the forest should return to their homes to support their families during the hard times. The decision of the hunters was to stay with Heather until the job was done. Their loyalty and dedication brought tears to her eyes. She accepted their decision but added that anyone who felt the need to return home would be free to do so.
Daniel began to compose the letter of request from Heather to the Forest Council; he added a request of his own for the remnants of his powder making supplies. He made two copies, one for each messenger. The trip would be dangerous because of the early winter conditions as well as the chance of discovery by enemy troops. Scouting parties of two scouts each were sent out to cover the valley floor up to the great bridge and the trade route. Soon the camp seemed almost deserted. They were well-stocked with provisions and firewood. It became almost a pleasant interlude for Daniel and Heather. Daniel’s strength was increasing more rapidly and he was able to take short walks after another day of rest.
They were newlyweds but much of their talk was not about the future of their lives together but rather of the problems of the present. Heather resumed her practice of the sword. Daniel was content to be an observer; he had no desire to learn the skills of warfare. When he was able to walk a reasonable distance, Heather decided it was time for his riding lessons. Daniel accepted help in mounting the horse which seemed much larger from a top than from the ground. His first lesson was simply being led around in a circle. His anxiety was so high that he was exhausted after just a few minutes. He decided to adjust their approach. He started spending time just talking to the horse. He would feed it small bunches of grass and touch it. He learned how to feel the horse’s muscles and massaged areas that were tender. The horse accepted his touch and Daniel soon lost his fear of the animal. His next lesson went much smoother. He had a pretty good idea of what the horse was feeling now he just needed to learn how to control his inputs to the horse.
Daniel’s success with his riding allowed them to begin moving up the great gorge a few days ahead of schedule. The reports from the King’s army were encouraging. They had crossed the river successfully and were pushing across the valley floor. The Southern army was resisting but not with the intensity they expected. The King had asked for scouting reports along their flanks. Several of the scouts were diverted to providing this long-range information back to Ben and the King. Their own scouts had reported only minimal Southern army presence in the valley. Only the crossing of the trade route was heavily guarded.
Heather reassembled the hunters into a tighter group as they moved up the valley. They used surprise to overwhelm the small enemy encampments they came upon. The Southern soldiers were offered either imprisonment or the opportunity to sign a pledge of nonaggression and return to their homes. They all chose to return to their homes. Daniel’s concern about the shortage of sacred water persisted; even the soldiers were without adequate supplies. Jeremy finally suggested that they just ask the locals about the problem. When Daniel told Heather that he and Jeremy were going to visit the nearby village to find out why there was no sacred water she responded, “No
t without me.”
The three somewhat bedraggled travelers appeared at the only Inn in the small village at dusk. There were hunters scattered around the village but they remained hidden. The travelers waited in the shadows until the last of the locals had left. Jeremy opened the door to the Inn and they entered a rather shabby establishment. The three sat at one of the few tables along the wall. The innkeeper approached them warily and asked what they wanted. Jeremy replied, “We are hungry and thirsty. We have no Southern Kingdom money but we do have a vial of sacred water from the forest we would trade.”
“I could get in trouble for helping you. You are of the forest, not of our Kingdom.”
“We mean to cause no trouble. These are hard times in the forest because of the war. We would trade what we have for food and drink. If you do not need what we have then we have nothing else to trade.”
The innkeeper said, “Let me see the vial.”
Daniel took out a small vial of the sacred water. He carefully opened it and dripped a single drop onto the shopkeeper’s finger. The shopkeeper tasted the salty bitter fluid and asked to examine the vial. It was an honest vial and the fluid tasted normal. He said, “My wife is with child and we need the sacred water. I’ll take the chance.”
Large bowls of stew were served along with mugs of the local brew. The young lady who brought the food was obviously pregnant but did not look well. Her eyelids were heavy and there was a puffiness about her face. As she set the bowls down, Daniel noticed that even her hands were somewhat swollen. He could not help himself from asking, “Have you been taking your sacred water?”
“No sir, we’ve not had any.”
After the server had left Heather asked, “Is she going to be okay?”
Daniel ate a few bites of his stew before answering, “She will recover but I’m afraid her baby has suffered greatly. Why aren’t they getting the sacred water?”
Jeremy asked Daniel if he had more of the small vials. Daniel reached into his small pack and brought out one more vial. Jeremy took the small finger sized vial and walked over to where the innkeeper was working. He held the vial up and said, “We have but one remaining vial but my friend over there is very concerned about your wife. We would trade this vial to help your wife.”
The innkeeper asked, “What would you trade it for?”
“Some conversation.”
The innkeeper stared at the vial that Jeremy was holding and after a moment said, “I suppose I’m already in trouble so I might as well take the chance.”
The innkeeper followed Jeremy back to the table and pulled up another heavy wooden chair. Daniel asked him, “How long has your wife been without the sacred water?”
The innkeeper shrugged his shoulders and said, “The price has been going up for over a year because our kingdom has not been allowed our full share. Since the war started it hasn’t been available at any price.”
Daniel protested, “But the Southern army has seized the entire production of the sacred water!”
“I only know that the traders coming from the city are unable to get any sacred water to trade with us. I have heard the trade caravans from the forest have continued even after our great bridge was destroyed, but we thought you of the forest had damaged the sacred spring.”
Daniel’s anger flared and spoke up, “Are they hoarding the sacred water? You and your family need it to survive, why are they doing this?”
The innkeeper said with much less conviction, “It is because of the war you started when you destroyed our trading bridge.”
Heather responded, “The bridge was destroyed because the Southern army had used it to invade the forest and seize the sacred spring. They denied the sacred water not only to those of the forest but also to those of the Northern Kingdom. This war was started by your king. I would like to know why?”
The innkeeper replied, “I have told you what I know. I suspect that we’ve not been told everything. Things have not been right since King Adam died. His nephew, our new King Alvin, well some say he’s not quite right in the head. All I know is our taxes are much higher and we can no longer get the sacred water we need.”
Daniel asked, “May I examine your wife?”
The innkeeper looked puzzled until Jeremy explained, “Daniel is a healer. He will not harm her.”
The innkeeper called for his wife who joined them. Daniel had already seen the skin and facial signs of someone suffering from a shortage of the sacred water. He gently felt the front of her neck and the firm swelling below the voice box confirmed his fears. He asked her, “Is your baby real active?”
She responded, “No, it’s a very quiet baby.”
Daniel placed his hand on her pregnant abdomen and felt for movements of the baby. The child within was very quiet with only an occasional kick to signify its presence. Daniel said, “You must take one drop of the sacred water each day until the baby is born and then you need at least one drop per week.”
“Is my baby okay?”
Daniel was quiet for a moment before responding softly, “I’m not sure. It depends on how long you have been without sacred water.”
“Tears filled the young woman’s eyes as she asked, “It’ll be okay won’t it?”
Daniel rested his hand on her shoulder and said, “You’ll be fine now because you have some sacred water.”
The innkeeper answered more of Heather’s questions but Daniel was no longer actively involved in the conversation. When they left the Inn Heather asked, “Daniel of Issip, why are you so quiet?”
“He’s killing his own people’s babies. Why? We have to get these people some sacred water!”
Now it was Heather’s turn to be quiet. They were walking in the darkness away from the small village. The scouts who had been guarding joined them and brought Daniels horse for the return trip. They were almost back to their own camp when Heather said, “They must have a transfer point somewhere, probably on the southern rim of the gorge. We will mount an attack there and capture any sacred water which may be in storage for distribution to the people.”
Jeremy spoke up, “We have not scouted the top of the rim. The furthest scouts reported a small caravan in transit from the Forest but it may already have reached the rim.”
Daniel asked, “When do we leave?”
“Tonight. Surprise will again be our weapon. We will travel at night and push hard.”
“I had better stay behind. The short walk to the village and back to my horse was exhausting. You had better go on without me.”
Heather simply said, “Jeremy?”
Jeremy replied, “We are well rested. If we take care to conceal the horse during daylight I think we can take our friend with us. We will need to lead his horse and at times we may need to carry him but we can most certainly keep him with us.”
Their camp was soon broken down and the entire troop on the move. Daniel sat comfortably on the horse responding to the horse’s movements. By concentrating on the movement and tensing of the horse’s musculature he was able to anticipate the animal’s movement. He was not an expert horseman but at least he was now comfortable setting atop the beast. They traveled hard and at times Betty rode behind Daniel so the troop could travel faster. The much longer nights allowed them more time before they were forced to stop and make camp. They were not as concerned about their trail as they were hiding from those ahead. Daniel had spent his time thinking about the shortage of sacred water. He had no doubt that the sacred water was being hoarded but the question he kept asking himself was why.
Heather was tired, even before her injury she would’ve had trouble maintaining the pace but she wasn’t yet fully recovered. She crawled into their sleeping tent and tried to fall asleep but Daniel wanted to talk of the shortage of sacred water. His many questions about the military strategies which would involve hoarding the sacred water were more than Heather could deal with. She finally said, “Daniel of Issip, I must sleep. Your q
uestions and worries must wait.”
Daniel lay next to his new wife and pondered his questions for only a short while before sleep overtook him. They were awakened by the general activity in the camp and realized they had slept through the day. The sun was low on the horizon when they joined the troops for a meal. The scouts reported minimal signs of human activity over the next section of their journey. They had ascended high enough in the valley that agriculture was no longer practical. The high desert climate resulted in warm days but as the sun set the cold winter temperatures returned and everyone was happy to be on the move again. Daniel was now comfortable enough on the horse that he could spend his time thinking. He was now automatically responding to the horse’s subtle movements.
His thoughts kept returning to the young woman and her pleas for a healthy baby. Why would any ruler want to so weaken his own people? Try as he might he could not answer his own question. Heather would walk alongside him maintaining their silence. During their short rest periods they would discuss the scouting reports. If they maintained their present pace they would camp a few hours from the Southern army outpost. It seemed the sentries of the outpost were most concerned with attacks along the trade route from the forest. There were only minimal sentries posted along their route. When camp was made everyone was tired and Daniel was content to let his question lie unanswered as he fell asleep next to his bride. When Daniel awoke, the sun was again low in the sky but he could make out the outline of trees across the valley. The sight of real trees made him long for his own village. Their meal became a planning session for the proposed attack. The scouting reports described a difficult target. The camp occupied the high ground with a commanding view of the trading trail. The camp appeared to contain about 100 soldiers and many civilians. There was a small catapult positioned to protect the trail.
Heather asked questions about cover for a small troop ascending the trail. The scouts reported an area of adequate cover about three arrow shots below the rim where the Southern army camp was. Heather began to formulate a plan. She asked how hard it would be to position twenty or so of their hunters in the area of heavy cover without detection. The scouts thought it would be relatively simple. She then wanted to know about the access to the rear of the camp. The scouts reported a difficult climb was required to reach the high ground behind the encampment. There were few sentries to the rear and they should be able to approach the camp during darkness without too much trouble. If things did not go well there was no significant retreat except onto the plains of the Southern Kingdom.
Heather explained her plans, “We will create a diversionary attack along the trade route as the Southern army expects. The major force will climb and attack from the rear. Disabling the catapult will be the primary mission of the main force to protect those creating the diversionary attack. The attack will begin at the first sun showing.”
She then asked for volunteers to create the diversionary attack. Twenty of the hunters were selected. Scouts were sent ahead to prepare the way. Only after they had finished their meal and prepared to depart did Daniel ask, “And what of me?”
Heather responded, “You, Daniel of Issip, and the traders will continue up the valley with our heavy packs. You must travel slowly and not arrive until after midmorning.”
“I would travel with you but I am unable so I accept the task you assign. You must protect the sacred water.”
The two war parties moved off leaving Daniel, Betty, the priest and a dozen traders to break camp. His horse was now a pack animal. The other parties were traveling very light which meant they were traveling very heavily. Daniel tried carrying a pack but his strength had not yet returned sufficiently. They added his pack to the load the horse was carrying with Daniel apologizing to the horse, “You must carry my load also, but we will go slowly and rest often.”
Jeremy led Heather and her troops to a section of the Southern canyon wall which had been eroded by a small stream. They began ascending the canyon wall which required ropes and team effort to ascend. In some ways the darkness was a blessing, Heather just followed the lead, the darkness preventing her from appreciating the danger their journey represented. They climbed for several hours before Jeremy called a halt on a small shelf of rock. Heather needed the rest. Jeremy explained, “We are near the top, we must scale a difficult cliff to reach the top. You must rest here until we secure the ropes.”
Heather was content to do as told. She rested with her back against the cliff. She noted how smooth the rock was she was sitting on and wondered why. One of the hunters explained that they were ascending a waterfall and the ledge had been polished by the intermittent flow of water falling from above. Heather could visualize the joy of sitting on this ledge in the heat of the summer with a small flow of water splashing around her cooling and refreshing her. Her reality was the cold of the high desert. She shifted often to prevent the numbness from setting in. Almost two hours passed before the sound of the falling rope startled them back to alertness. The lightest of the hunters went first. As more and more hunters were moved from the ledge more ropes were dangled.
Heather wrapped the rope around her as she had been taught. She had assumed that she would be climbing with the rope as an assist. After the first few feet of ascent she lost contact with the stone face of the cliff. She reached out in all directions but was met only by air. She was being pulled up with a staccato movement as the rope was dragged hand over hand by those above her. Heather dangled in mid air. The stars twisted and turned as her rope spun around, which added to her sense of dizziness. The rope was cutting into her side and she began to wonder how much more she could take when she heard the voice asking her to stretch out her hand. Her hand was grasped by strong hands from above and she was pulled over the edge of the cliff. The stone she now sat on seemed even more substantial after the period dangling in space. When Jeremy asked how she was doing, Heather replied, “A bit tired but okay. I would expect the view is spectacular during daylight.”
Jeremy laughed and said, “Spectacular, yes, but not for the faint of heart.”
The ground leveled off and they made much better time. Occasionally the light of a campfire could be seen in the distance. The ground seemed even drier on the Southern Plains than it had in the great valley. Only an occasional small bush or clump of grass existed amongst the rocks. Jeremy estimated they had three hours before the first light. With less than an hour to travel Heather called a rest. They ate a small meal and prepared for the upcoming fight. Their scouts had gone ahead and were returning with the reports. The enemy camp was quiet and there appeared to be no outlying sentries. The camp sentries were awake and manning their post. They timed their departure so their arrival would coincide with the first light.
As they approached the enemy camp Heather asked that the sentries be neutralized silently. Several of the hunters moved ahead. Just as the sun rose in the southeast an alarm was sounded in the camp. They instinctively braced for an attack but the enemy was concentrating on the decoy force moving up the trade route. The southern archers positioned themselves along the rim and the catapult was manned. The hunters ascending the trail stayed out of archery range but the catapult began hurling rocks down upon them. They reached the area of heavy cover and sought shelter behind the huge boulders. The enemy commander organized his troops into an attack division which began descending the trail. The catapult kept the hunters pinned behind their boulders as the enemy approached.
Heather waited at the edge of the camp until the enemy troops had descended far enough to limit their ability to return easily. She had the hunters positioned with their bows ready and on her command a volley of arrows was released. The sudden collapse of those manning the catapult caused great confusion momentarily. The commander realized he was being attacked from the rear and began shouting orders. The second volley of arrows decimated those soldiers closest to the hunters. Heather called out, “I dema
nd your surrender.”
The commander was unsure what he was facing and his indecision was answered with another volley of arrows. His troops were falling in front of him. He couldn’t even see the enemy because of the sunshine behind them. Again Heather demanded his surrender. He answered, “Hold your arrows. We surrender.”
As the enemy troops began laying down their arms Heather and Elrod stepped forward to receive the Southern commander’s sword in surrender. As the Southern commander held out his sword the sunlight glistened off of Heather’s blond hair. He said, “You are the golden one the nymphs rescued.”
“I am known as Heather of the Northern Palace. I accept your sword and your surrender.”
Elrod reached out to take the sword that was offered. One of the Southern army lunged at him with a short sword. The Elrod deflected the sword only partially with his spear but Heather stepped forward and the ensuing sword battle lasted but a few seconds before her sword found its mark. Whether by intention or not, several other Southern Army soldiers moved forward. The arrows struck so rapidly that they looked more like porcupines than soldiers. The Southern commander bellowed out again his order to drop all weapons. He spoke to Heather, “I am shamed that my surrender was violated. I would hope your envoy’s injury is not serious.”
Elrod was still holding with one hand the sword offered in surrender. His other shoulder was bleeding. He handed the sword to Heather and insisted he was fine. Heather thought otherwise but would not force him to lose face. She replied, “Our healer will arrive shortly. He will care for the injured. I would have your troops assemble in the field to the right.”
The Southern commander ordered his troops to assemble in an open field that was bordered on two sides by the almost sheer walls of the gorge. Fighting could still be heard below them and Heather requested the Southern commander order a retreat and surrender of the division which had descended into the gorge. The Southern commander ordered the retreat sounded on their long trumpet. The musical tone was somewhat harsh but carried far into the valley below. The initial call was answered by a shorter call from below and the sounds of fighting diminished and stopped. Soon the troop appeared at the rim. They were greeted by their commander who was standing by a woman warrior with shining blond hair. The commander ordered them to set the weapons down and join their comrades in the open field.
As Heather’s army reunited she spoke with the Southern commander saying, “We would bring some of the sacred water to the people in the valley below.”
The Southern commander replied, “I received orders yesterday to destroy the transport of sacred water.”
“Why?”
“I am a military officer and I did as I was told. There may still be a few of the small casks from the last convoy remaining but we drained the large transport tank. It was reported that the northern army was moving towards our supply road. I assume my superiors did not want the sacred water to be captured.”
“Your babies are dying because they lack the sacred water!”
“I am a soldier and I did as I was told. During war people suffer. I did not choose this war.”
“Neither did we.” Heather then asked Jeremy to search out Daniel and speed his arrival. Heather did her best to stem the bleeding from Elrod’s shoulder. They continued reorganizing the camp, isolating the Southern soldiers and minimizing their need for guards.
When Daniel arrived, he immediately began treating the injured starting with Elrod. The wound was deep but no major vessels had been severed. Daniel cleansed the wound with some of his limited supply of sacred water and began sewing the wound closed. Elrod grimaced with every pass of the needle. He was perspiring freely from the pain but did not complain. As he finished sewing Daniel said, “Well, Guard whose wife’s name is Martha, you will heal fine but you must limit the use of this arm. I’m afraid your wife may have been able to do a better job of sewing but ask her not to judge my work too harshly.”
Elrod replied, “My wife’s opinion of your work could not be higher. I do miss my wife, Martha, and I’m sure she’ll be upset that I wasn’t more careful. Thank you for your help. I feel as if I should lie down for a while.”
Daniel moved on to the care of the wounded Southern soldiers. The accuracy of the hunter’s arrows had been such that were not many wounded to treat. He did an initial inspection of the injured. There were fifteen Southern soldiers needing immediate care. He had their people assist him in his efforts to remove the arrows and patch the wounds. The problem with arrow wounds was to prevent the outside of the wound from closing before the interior could heal. He packed each of the wounds with a small strip of cloth saturated with sacred water. His own supply soon ran out and he asked for additional sacred water. Only one of the small transport casks had been found and it was brought to him.
The Southern commander had watched Daniel work and said, “You have worked hard to help my soldiers even though we are the enemy. I thank you for your kindness.”
Daniel replied, “You are not the enemy. The one who started this war is the enemy. Your people and my people are really the same.”
Not until all of the injured had been treated did Daniel allow himself some rest. He sat in the sunshine with Heather and ate a small meal. Heather told him about the destruction of the sacred water. An intense sadness spread across Daniel’s face and he was quiet for several minutes. Heather finally said, “Daniel of Issip, we did our best but it was not meant to be.”
“I do not believe in evil as such but I’m not sure if there’s any other explanation for this. Why would anybody purposely kill babies much less their own people’s babies?”
It was now Heather’s turn for silent contemplation. A thought tried to form but she never grasped a firm hold on it. The military intent seemed to be a weakening of all of their societies but for what purpose? She laid her head on Daniel’s shoulder and said softly, “Let us rest my love. We have much more work ahead of us.”
It was just past midday when Daniel left Heather to check on the injured. When that task was done he moved to the site of sacred water collection. A large tank was fitted onto a wagon. The small transport casks were stacked on a platform next to the tank wagon. The area behind the tank wagon was a mud wallow formed when they released the valve and drained the sacred water from the tank. Daniel just stood there seeing deformed babies in the form of the mud. Tears welled up in his eyes.
Heather had seen Daniel walking to the sacred water transfer site. She watched him stand there for many minutes. She went to his side and put her arm around his. They stood together saying nothing; each dealing with the guilt and frustration of their failure. Daniel got a somewhat surprised look on his face and said, “I wonder?” but the rest of his thoughts went unsaid.
“You wonder what, my love?”
“The sacred soil contains the essence of the sacred water, this mud should also.” With that he bent down and reached into the mud. He tasted the mud which had the bitter salty flavor of the sacred water. Now he was looking excited. He told Heather, “We must save as much of this mud as we can before it rains and washes out the iodine.”
Heather asked, “You want people to eat mud?”
Daniel explained, “The essence of the sacred water is something called iodine. It isn’t destroyed and I think people can absorb it from the mud. It will not be elegant, but it should save many babies.”
“How will we store and transport it?”
Daniel responded, “We will use the containers for the sacred water. It will be much less efficient but far better than nothing. I’m not sure how we’re going to get it to the villages in the valley.”
Heather said, “I may be able to arrange that. You figure out how to package the mud and I’ll work on transport.”
Heather walked across the camp to the site where their prisoners were being held. She asked the commander to come and talk with her. They walked to where she could watch
Daniel working on methods of packing the mud into the cask. She told the commander, “Daniel, our healer from the forest, says the essence of the sacred water survives in the mud. If the mud could be delivered to the people living in the valley many babies would be saved.”
The Southern commander said, “I meant no harm to the babies of my people, I did as I was told. How can we help?”
“I would release you and your men as prisoners if you would pledge to deliver this mud containing the sacred water to those in need along the valley. You and your men must also agree to a pact of nonviolence.”
“And if some refuse?”
“Those who refuse will be sent as prisoners of war to the forest. Times are hard in the forest, but I have no other choice.”
“I will speak to my men but each must decide for themselves.”
“How will you choose?”
“I would choose to help my people rather than fight with the spirits of the forest.”
Heather said, “Those who agree will be released to help Daniel. He said that we must save the mud before it rains.” Both Heather and the commander looked to the west and the clouds forming on the horizon were evident to both.
The commander returned to his troops and presented the options they had. At first no one was willing to make a decision until one of the troops said, “My Sister is with child and lives in the valley. I would choose to help her.”
All but a few of the Southern soldiers agreed to Heather’s terms. The few remaining were told to collect their cloaks and small packs for the journey to the forest. When they realized Heather was serious they changed their minds. No one would willingly travel to the forest in the wintertime, especially when the spirits of the forest had been so active. The work parties were established with some scooping the mud and others packing the small cask. Daniel made sure the more soupy mud was packed first because it had a stronger salty taste. When the small casks were filled they began filling the large transport tank. Daniel kept tasting the mud deciding whether it was worth saving. Their efforts were halted when the rain started. The rainwater diluted the remaining sacred water too much.
The Southern troops were escorted back to their guarded campsite. Heather asked the Southern commander to join them for a meal. He accepted the invitation and walked with them back to the main camp. They shared their travel rations and spoke of the cruelties of war. Daniel wanted to know what happened to all of the sacred water. The commander reported that his job was just to ensure the sacred water arrived at the city safely. The large tank wagon had been making the journey every two weeks since the war started. This would have been the last trip before winter brought a halt to the transport. Daniel estimated the amount of sacred water taken and realized that it was indeed the entire output of the sacred spring.
The commander wanted to know why the sacred water was so essential to babies. Daniel explained in general terms; how the essence of the sacred water allowed for babies to develop normally. Without it they would all be deformed. He did not bother discussing his theory of the half brains. The discussion turned to King Alvin and his strange behavior. The Southern commander would not speak against his King but admitted things had been tough since the death of their old King. He described how the military chain of command had changed. Field commanders, like himself, no longer had authority to make any decisions. All decisions were made in the palace and he did as he was told.
Daniel had worked hard and his fatigue was showing. Heather called an end to the evening and the commander was escorted back to the prisoner’s campsite. When they had retreated to their own tent, Heather wanted to continue the discussion. Daniel struggled to stay awake but was soon answering Heather’s questions with simple sounds. Heather realized he was no longer actually awake. She wanted to talk but it was hopeless. When Daniel lay down to sleep, sleep he did. Heather lay awake trying to decipher what had changed in the Southern Kingdom to have started the war. The decision to wage war seemed to have been made purposefully, but for what purpose? Daniel’s quiet snoring finally relaxed her and she too fell asleep.
The day dawned much colder. After a warm morning meal, preparations were made for the departure of the Southern troops. Heather required each of the troops to swear personally to her a pledge of nonviolence. Each was allowed to take their personal packs onto which a single cask of their mud was attached. Daniel instructed them to deliver a cask for each fifty families in the village. All adults were to use two teaspoons of the mud added to their food monthly. Pregnant women were to have one teaspoon daily until they delivered and then one teaspoon weekly while they were nursing.
The wounded soldiers would be taken with the large tank wagon back to the city. Their care would be transferred to a Southern physician as soon as possible. The Southern soldiers departed on their mission of mercy. Heather decided to have her scouts follow the Southern troops and report regularly on their activities. They would now wait until the hoped for convoy of sacred water arrived. Their traders left to travel back on the trail towards the forest to assist those bringing the sacred water. For Heather and Daniel it was an opportunity for rest and a chance to be newlyweds.
The Southern army camp had eight half brains as servants. Betty adopted them and they became part of their camp. Betty explained to them that they would be treated as people by those of the Forest. They remained very shy and refused to speak to anyone but Betty. Daniel tried to examine them and treat their ailments but they refused unless he had Betty with him. One of the young women was early with child. Daniel prescribed one-half teaspoon of the mud to be used weekly. All of the half brains were to take one teaspoon of the mud immediately and then on a monthly basis. The two males had both been castrated as was accustomed, shortly after birth. They were especially shy and had been abused more seriously.
Word came on the fourth day that the caravan was one day out. Heather began making her plans for departure. She wanted to get this sacred water to her people as soon as possible. When the caravan arrived Heather was disappointed because they brought only 22 cask of the sacred water and a small box of the saltpeter for Daniel. The traders explained how damaged the spring was because of the excess drawdown and lack of maintenance. They had done their best. Heather thanked them for their efforts and sent them back to their homes. Her army was ready to travel and at midday they headed south and west along the trade road towards the walled city of the Southern Kingdom.
Half Brains, Sacred Water book 1 Page 14