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Hejira: Sanguine Wave

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode 41: Horsemen

Standing at attention, the volunteer army of the Feather Fingers prepares for their first day of basic training. Comprised of men and women of both species, from ages sixteen to five-hundred and sixty, they are a ragtag group. Hunters, loggers, merchants and tradesmen; none have true soldiering experience, short of the chaotic, close quarters combat of one or two battles. The closest thing they have to “veterans” are the Blue Feet survivors, such as Steve, and a handful of Sahvorai who were alive during the racial war that the aging Casius had witnessed.

In all those hundreds of years of peace, many have forgotten the stench of blood and death. They do not remember the screams of the fallen who wait in agony before finally expiring. One thing that increased lifespans has done is give both humans and Sahvorai more than enough time to mentally heal from such atrocities; it isn’t always a productive ability. As the young and older warriors, male and female, stand in carefully designated rows, Red Claw walks slowly before them.

“We’ll soon be at war with a powerful enemy. A tyrant of a king who would crush you under his boot. His army is large, forced into servitude by both fear and admiration; the cruel often gravitate to those like them, and the cowards obey for their own sake. Even worse, they are led by a woman who is perhaps the strongest talent user in the world. It won’t be easy. You know who I am, and you know what I’ve done. Some of those things you might have to do very soon. Make no mistake that we aren’t fighting for our houses or crops or herds, but for our families.

There have been many tyrants on Earth over the years. Some of you might remember you own, but I remember even more. If Adelram succeeds, he won’t just take away our freedoms, but the very essence that makes us what we are. He’ll burn our homes for disobedience and allow his men to rape the women, kill the children, and steal everything we have. It’s happened before, far too many times. Once he’s thoroughly molested our very being, he’ll sit back in the luxury of a castle, surrounding by his fanatical and well cared for followers.

This cannot stand, and you’re going to make sure of that. Today marks the first day of your training. We probably only have weeks to prepare before Adelram discovers that we aren’t going to bend over the table for him, and he will come for us. When that happens, I’ll be in the middle of it all, with every last one of you, fighting to the bitter end... And when we win, as I know we will, I’ll be the first to hammer my sword into a plow. So! Are you ready?!”

Emboldened by his heartfelt speech, something they did not expect to hear from Red Claw, the group of nearly four hundred volunteer warriors cheer. Holding up their swords, axes, clubs, spears and bows above their heads, they cry out to the sky as though they’ve already won. Standing before their militia, a faint smile crosses Gareth’s lips. Glancing back to the others, he looks to Sarvah, Kelly, Steve and Madina. Sarvah’s expression shows her pride as she watches her lover and future husband giving their people the strength and support that she’s enjoyed.

Kelly, whom Gareth has promoted to the honorary rank of ‘general’, is waved over. In his hands he holds a scroll. Though not skilled in the arts of war himself, Gareth spent the entire night writing a list of instructions and important reminders for him. Having read the book a dozen times over as a human on Earth, and familiar with the contents of a military field survival guide and U.S. Army Rangers manual from the Cold War era, Gareth’s knowledge will guide Kelly in his absence. Gareth turns to the crowd and extends a hand.

“I’m sure you all know Kelly; you’ve definitely seen him at dinner time.” Gareth begins. The crowd chuckles. “He’s a strong, capable warrior with powerful talents, and he’ll be leading this portion of the militia in your training. I’ll lead you when you’re ready, but for now, I must continue planning out battle strategies.” He explains.

Speaking a half-truth, a skill gleaned from his lover and soon-to-be wife, Sarvah, Gareth leaves Kelly to oversee their militia. Returning to her, he takes her into his arms and holds her for a moment, before walking away and toward her home. Steve and Madina follow closely behind, glancing anxiously at each other. The four enter the tan brick home that Sarvah once lived in alone, approaching a dinner table in the main room of the first floor. Retrieving her primary map, she unrolls a highly detailed image of the continent and surrounding tribes atop her table.

“So, where is this original hall?” Gareth asks.

“Here.” Madina points.

Her clawed finger lands upon an area of the eastern portion of the subtly diamond shaped continent. Gareth turns to Sarvah. Though she is young, as he is, she knows much; there are hundred-year-old Sahvorai and humans born to this world who do not share even a quarter of her knowledge. Looking carefully at the map, the area is deep within a forbidden zone. Sarvah’s face reveals her worry.

“That land is forbidden. There are no tribes there.” She turns to her lover.

“Well that’ll make it easy... Or will it?”

“It’s rumored to be the home of the Fallen; they reclaimed the land where Sahvath made the Sahvorai. None know if the tales are true, but everyone I have heard of from the eastern lands says the same thing.” She explains.

“That figures.” Steve sighs.

“Well, myths and legends often have a hint of truth... If we do decide to help you, it might be a very dangerous journey, even for me.” Gareth remarks.

“If?!” Madina looks shocked. “We need to appeal to Sahvath! He must help us!”

“I wouldn’t count on it. You don’t know Sahvath. He’s a very melancholy angel-demon.” Gareth retorts.

“No being with a heart could stand idly by while innocents are beaten, raped and slaughtered wholesale, as they are under Adelram’s rule.” Madina says with a sorrowful look.

“Sahvath is a higher being; who knows what will happen.” Sarvah interjects.

“We have to try...” Madina murmurs.

“Well, if Sarvah approves.” Gareth turns to her.

“What?”

Her heart drops into her stomach; she had hoped that Gareth wouldn’t pressure her as the others have.

“Don’t you remember what we talked about, just before we went to bed?” He asks.

Sarvah’s lips curl into a pleased grin. Last night, sitting at the edge of her bed where she spent over a year sleeping alone, Gareth assured her that he would never leave her again. No sooner than he finished speaking those words, he dropped down onto one knee and asked her to be his mate; to stay with him as his wife and one day raise their children together. Overcome with emotion, she accepted, and their affection evolved into a passionate night of love-making.

“I remember.” She nods.

“I think it’s worth a shot, but if you’re going to be my wife and me your husband, then we need to agree.”

“You said you’d never leave me.” She whimpers.

“I know. I was going to wait until they left to ask you to come along, that way they could have a dramatic scene of you chasing after me before we walk romantically into the sunset together.” Gareth quips.

“Oh, Gare.” She chuckles. “First of all, we would never leave so late in the day, however romantic that would be. Second, we can’t walk that distance in the time we have. We’ll have to use a few of our horses.”

“Even the scouts walked.” Steve remarks.

“Alright... We’ll help you, Madina.” Sarvah turns to her, a sly grin on her face.

“Oh, thank you! This may be our last hope to resolve things peacefully.”

“I’ll find Emma and Rinahra, and leave them in charge of the Feather Fingers while we’re gone. Kelly will continue to train the army in your absence, so that’s already taken care of.” Sarvah appears to think aloud.

Madina turns to Steve, a somewhat disappointed look on her face. Steve’s little smile fades. He turns to Gareth and clears his throat.

“So, when are we going?” He asks.

“What?” Gareth turns to him with a surprised look.

“I’ll go too. When are we leaving?” Steve reiterates.

“We’ll leave today, before noon.” Sarvah answers him.

“But I’d prefer it if you stayed here and helped Kelly train the militia and prepare.” Gareth interjects.

“I’d feel better if I went along.” Steve says, glancing at Madina and smiling. “Besides, with four of us, we stand a better chance.”

“Gare and I are the next two strongest talent users here...” Sarvah points out.

“Come on! I don’t want you to have all of your fun without me!” Steve whines.

“Oh, alright.” Gareth sighs.

Steve and Madina leave to collect their gear, while Gareth and Sarvah do the same in their own house. Heading next door, Sarvah quickly finds Rinahra, who is busy drafting letters to the other chieftains on her behalf. Immediately upon hearing of their plan, Rinahra is stunned. Though she can understand her reasoning for leaving with Gareth, she is horrified that Sarvah would abdicate the tribe for what she considers to be a fool’s errand.

“But Sarvah, we need you here!” Rinahra pleads.

“See what I’ve been forced to deal with?” Sarvah turns to Gareth.

“I can’t run this place, even with Emma! I’m not you!”

“Shut up and stop being such a little girl. You’re stronger than that, Rin. You’re at least as strong as me; I’ve seen it. When I was crumbling, you were there too; Gareth wasn’t the only one helping me.” Sarvah says to her in a warm yet stern manner.

“You’ll be fine, Rinahra.” Gareth assures her.

Taking their leave from Rinahra’s home, they head for Emma’s to tell her the same, then it’s off to the rancher to borrow four of his eight horses. Walking along the earthen street, Naomi and Travahn cross their path. hand-in-hand. The teenage lovers were on their way from Travahn’s parent’s home to see Sarvah and Gareth.

“Hey!” Naomi chirps.

“How’s it going Peppermint Patty?” Gareth quips.

“Don’t call me that.”

“I’m sorry, Starlight.” He teases her.

“Are you two leaving with Madina and Steve? We just saw them.” Travahn asks.

“Yes, we are.” Sarvah nods.

“Please be careful.”

Naomi rushes up and hugs the two adults, an arm around each of them.

“We’ll be fine.” Sarvah assures her.

“But just in case, here’s that ‘if I never come back speech’.” Gareth grins.

“Please don’t...”

“You’re a good kid, Naomi; you always have been.”

“Gary...” She whimpers.

“I hope that you’re happy with all of the choices that you’ve made in your life, because I love you like a brother, or a really nice step-dad.” He quips.

“I’m happy.” She nods.

“Good... You know, I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t grateful to have you around for an extra three hundred years.”

“Mhm. I needed all that extra time to keep getting under your fur.” She jokes.

Stepping around her, Gareth approaches Travahn. Though they’ve met before, it’s the first time he’s really spoken to the boy one-on-one. He takes a moment to eye the teenager, who stands before him unafraid.

“I know that you make Naomi happy, and that makes me happy, so keep up the good work and don’t disappoint Red Claw.”

“I won’t.” Travahn assures him.

“Good. I know you and Naomi are having sex.”

“Gary!” Naomi exclaims in embarrassment.

“If I ever hear about you mistreating her, tomorrow or six hundred years from now, I’ll make sure you can never do it again, if you understand my meaning.”

“Stop it, Gary!” Naomi whimpers.

“Hold on a minute. I never had the chance to threaten a boyfriend before.” Gareth smirks.

“Well, I’m happy to disappoint you. Naomi is the only woman for me.” Travahn assures him.

“... You’re a good kid, Travahn.” Gareth says, embracing the youth. “Stay that way, and watch over Naomi for me.”

“I will.” Travahn assures him.

Saying their goodbyes to the teens, they continue their walk to Emma’s house, which is very close to Wildwood’s only rancher. To no one’s surprise, Emma was quite pleased with the chance to lead the Feather Fingers in Sarvah’s absence, however, she was visibly disappointed that Rinahra was sharing the throne with her. Leaving her house and heading for the rancher’s place, they find Steve and Madina, packed and ready to go. Speaking with the human rancher, they have already secured four horses for the trip.

Climbing atop the horse’s primitive saddles, they ride toward the front gates. Neither Gareth, Sarvah or Steve are competent riders; they will depend on Madina to guide them. The guards open the gate to let them out, watching as their chieftain rides off into the afternoon with her lover, the dreaded Red Claw, and two companions. Sitting atop the horses in relative silence, Gareth glances back at the Wildwood. Once again, he is leaving his home behind.

“What are you thinking about?” Sarvah asks.

“That this is the second time I had to leave home. At least this time around I have the most important part of my life coming with me.” He replies, winking at her.

“Gare.” Sarvah’s eyes well with joyful tears.

“Aww!” Madina gushes.

“Oh, please.” Steve rolls his eyes.

“What? I think it’s cute!” Madina turns to him.

“Trust me. Even one year of that and you’ll swear off all sweets.” Steve chuckles.

“Madina?” Gareth begins.

“Yeah?”

“What if we find the first hall and discover that Sahvath took that orb too?” He asks.

“... We still have to try.”