{"id":2360,"date":"2013-03-19T09:56:08","date_gmt":"2013-03-19T14:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/?page_id=2360"},"modified":"2013-03-19T09:56:08","modified_gmt":"2013-03-19T14:56:08","slug":"beltamars-war","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/samples\/malmaxa\/beltamars-war\/","title":{"rendered":"I &#8211; Beltamar&#8217;s War"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Finally, a book you&#8217;ll want and need to read again &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ebook\/dp\/B0054RFWU2\"><strong><em>Beltamar&#8217;s War<\/em><\/strong><\/a>&#8230;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/review\/R2ZEJ6ET8J9KQ9\/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&amp;ASIN=B0054RFWU2&amp;channel=detail-glance&amp;nodeID=133140011&amp;store=digital-text\">so intricately woven that I&#8217;m left reliving each bit of it<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Liz Stier.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/review\/show\/962618045\" target=\"_blank\">10 out of 5 stars. Unique &amp; completely without comparison.<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; David Grigger.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/review\/show\/962579980%20\" target=\"_blank\">&#8230;the most original and thoughtful piece of work I\u2019ve read in a long while&#8230;<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Simon Williams<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/amiegallette.blogspot.com\/2014\/07\/a-delectable-dichotomy-review-of.html\" target=\"_blank\">There is so much old soul holding up these pages<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Amie Gallette<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/nicholaaspencer.wordpress.com\/2014\/07\/10\/a-review-on-beltamars-war-by-c-g-ayling\/\" target=\"_blank\">an<em> Iliad<\/em> \u2013 <em>Lord of the Rings<\/em> cross<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Nicholaa Spencer<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/katiesalers\/status\/481261843659239424\" target=\"_blank\">You have a Masterpiece<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Katie Salers.<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/review\/show\/915734177\" target=\"_blank\">I highly recommend taking your time to savour each chapter.<\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Lydia Schoch<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a href=\"http:\/\/artz3.wordpress.com\/2013\/06\/07\/book-review-beltamars-war-malmaxa-by-c-g-ayling\/\" target=\"_blank\">written like something out of <em>Homer\u2019s Odyssey<\/em><\/a>&#8221; &#8211; Amira Makansi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you prefer to <a href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/2012\/12\/adelmars-recollection-audio\/\">listen more than to read, I may have have something for you<\/a>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>So some real people enjoyed <strong><em>Beltamar&#8217;s War<\/em><\/strong>, but what is <strong><em>Malmaxa<\/em><\/strong> really about? In a nutshell, it is my philosophic vision of a world stripped bare of many of the trivialities that make humanity act so poorly.<br \/>\n<em>In Malmaxa character is the sole measure by which all are judged<\/em>.<br \/>\nNow, without further ado, welcome to my literal world &#8211; a place utterly unlike any you&#8217;ve ever experienced.\u00a0 Please bear in mind that the start of any journey is often its most arduous part.\u00a0 Read slowly, for time already travels too fast&#8230;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; margin-right: 5px;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2431\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2431\" style=\"width: 124px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a title=\"Amazon\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0054RFWU2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2431\" src=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/Malmaxa-I1.jpg\" alt=\"Beltamar's War\" width=\"124\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2431\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amazon Kindle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; margin-right: 5px;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2431\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2431\" style=\"width: 124px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a title=\"Paperback\" href=\"https:\/\/www.createspace.com\/3582903\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2431\" src=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/Malmaxa-I1.jpg\" alt=\"Beltamar's War\" width=\"124\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2431\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paperback<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Prologue<\/em><\/h1>\n<p>Utterly obedient to Six Divine Laws, the Seizen are an ancient culture whose history covers almost four millennia.<\/p>\n<p>On their second entry into Malmaxa all Seizen undergo the final rite of passage to adulthood, in which they are bound to a Chukrah in the Eternal Match. The Chukrah bond is fateful, permanent, personal, and is deemed to be so sacred it is held as an inviolate personal secret. Indeed, beyond the clearly visible color of every Chukrah, societal tenets prohibit disclosing the unique nature of one\u2019s Chukrah.<\/p>\n<p>Unbeknownst to the Seizen, they hover on the brink of extinction.\u00a0 An Eternal Conflict with a mysterious enemy as ancient as the Seizen has seen their numbers dwindle from millions to less than fifty thousand at the time in which Beltamar\u2019s War is set.<\/p>\n<p>The Scribes, a rare subset of the Artisan class, are the only ones aware of these dire circumstances. However, Scribes understand their role as lore-keepers to the Seizen is Chukrah-granted. This knowledge ensures they obey the tenet of secrecy.<\/p>\n<p>Thus the Seizen remain oblivious to their impending demise&#8230;<br \/>\noblivious, until an un-matched child named Liaju has a series of prophetic dreams.<br \/>\noblivious, until now&#8230;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 1. \u00a0Symbologists, Memories, and Dreams<\/h2>\n<h3>I. \u00a0Adelmar\u2019s Recollection<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>Assigned as sentry when Ripkira called the noon halt, Adelmar was in a foul mood.\u00a0 With winter\u2019s imminent arrival, and their Ancient Enemy suddenly departing the field of battle, his dreams were dashed, and doubly so.<\/p>\n<p><em>Dreams of glory, gone, for there could be no heroes without conflict.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Dreams of vengeance, vanished. Along with the groth, and the elusive chance for revenge that every battle brought.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The only other survivors from his town were Lucinda and Beltamar.\u00a0 Many times had they dodged death together, seen comrades slain, and gathered the Chukrah of the fallen for the Rite of Return.<\/p>\n<p>Adelmar smiled ruefully.\u00a0 Lucinda, Beltamar, and he were staunch brothers in arms now, seldom parted for long.<\/p>\n<p><em>How I long to bear Beltamar\u2019s Chukrah to the hoard\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Battle after battle he had fought with all the tenacity he possessed, struggling to survive, and succeeding, albeit barely.\u00a0 After each conflict he dared hope, yet his searching eyes always found Beltamar.<\/p>\n<p><em>Alive.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>By petitioning against him at the Convocation, Beltamar had earned his hatred.\u00a0 Petitioning, and prevailing.\u00a0 Jalgar, that stone-faced bastard, had ignored the scribes, all of whom had termed his petition exemplary, obviously favoring it over Beltamar\u2019s.\u00a0 Lip curling in scorn, he recalled their lackluster approval of Beltamar\u2019s petition, damned with the faint praise of being merely qualified.<\/p>\n<p>His petition had surpassed those of all others in every way, and there had been many.\u00a0 In the reserved manner of their class, the scribes had exalted him.\u00a0 Jalgar had appeared to listen.\u00a0 Yet after hearing the scribes quietly whispered advice, the deceitful old hunter had completely disregarded their wisdom.\u00a0 Rather than do the just thing, dismissing Beltamar\u2019s inferior petition outright, Jalgar had come up with a bizarre plan of his own.<\/p>\n<p><em>A ploy, clearly designed for no purpose other than denying me!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Adelmar almost spat at the memory.\u00a0 Long habit granted him control, his near lapse bringing him back from rage\u2019s abyss.\u00a0 He smoothed his face.\u00a0 Within an instant it revealed nothing.<\/p>\n<p>He shook his head at the oft-replayed memory\u2019s strength.<\/p>\n<p><em>I should have seen it coming.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Jalgar, that indecisive piece of groth dung, had resorted to the same tactic to decide Ryntam\u2019s match earlier the same day.\u00a0 The cowardly old bastard had called for a Chukrah match.\u00a0 With Chukrah matches assumed blessed by the Gods, the scribes had readily agreed.\u00a0 He too had willingly assented, confident in his unassailable petition.\u00a0 Seemingly puzzled to be in the final two, Beltamar had merely nodded and said nothing.<\/p>\n<p>Then, having secured the agreement of all involved, Jalgar had proved himself the devious trickster he truly was.<\/p>\n<p><em>The old hunter\u2019s stony face had showed nothing!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Adelmar\u2019s face contorted in fury, self-control\u2019s last remnants failing at the echo of Jalgar\u2019s words in his memory.\u00a0 Hurriedly, he recomposed his visage, clenching his spear haft as though squeezing life from Jalgar\u2019s throat.\u00a0<em> The old bastard\u2019s deceit will remain etched in my mind forever, as surely as the Gods\u2019 Immutable Laws are carved in the Pinnacle of Malmaxa.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Silently Adelmar mouthed the words Jalgar had said almost six cycles past, \u201cAll are agreed, the Chukrah match is called.\u00a0 Daniskira, of the final two petitioners, approach either.\u00a0 Let us see which is true.\u201d\u00a0 Jalgar\u2019s treacherous words flowed smoothly through his memory, their path cut deep from constant repetition.<\/p>\n<p>Thus had Jalgar sprung his trap.<\/p>\n<p><em>In Chukrah matches it is customary to approach the best petitioner first, and in all ways I was.\u00a0<\/em> Taller, broader of shoulder, and impeccably attired compared to Beltamar\u2019s plain features and mismatched garb.\u00a0 <em>Yet appearance had served for naught!<\/em>\u00a0 Clearly unsure of such arcane decorum, beautiful young Daniskira had fallen into the shameful snare set by her father.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira had looked first to him.<\/p>\n<p>Oh, how his heart again soared at the embrace within her eyes.\u00a0 Then, to his eternal dismay, Daniskira had turned to Beltamar.\u00a0 His heart pounded in his chest anew.\u00a0 Just as it had done then.<\/p>\n<p><em>Time cannot diminish this memory.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In recollection\u2019s reflection, Adelmar watched again, disbelieving as Daniskira took several hesitant steps to halt before Beltamar.<\/p>\n<p>Thus had Jalgar\u2019s treachery borne its terrible fruit, for Beltamar stood two paces closer to Daniskira than he.<\/p>\n<p>In the mirror of his mind, for the ten thousandth time, Adelmar watched their Chukrah touch and felt his heart burst, again.\u00a0 An unmistakable glow, the red of Beltamar\u2019s mixing with Daniskira\u2019s purple.\u00a0 That swirling pulse of light had sealed their match.<\/p>\n<p><em>Compositus concluded\u2026 for them.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>My petition\u2026 failed, and long since forgotten.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>To have been so close, a mere two paces and all would have been different in my world.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Though relegated to second string, he had made a match, conceived a healthy son, and feigned joy.<\/p>\n<p><em>What fool can believe I am content?\u00a0 Were those denied justice ever satisfied with their lot?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Yet Beltamar had accepted his pretense of happiness as truth, never spoke of it, even dared treat him as friend.<\/p>\n<p><em>The trusting fool has no knowledge of the just hatred I bear him!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Adelmar spat abruptly, tensed his body, then relaxed completely as he rolled his head about his shoulders to lessen his tension.\u00a0 With a final shake of his head, he cast out his troubling memories and turned his full attention to the watch.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Gods reward the diligent, and the patient.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>I, am both.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>II. \u00a0Liaju\u2019s Dream<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>Liaju was troubled, something her twin and father felt, for the familial bond between them held strong.\u00a0 Troubled by omens within her dreams.\u00a0 Twice troubled that disclosing her dreams brought distress.<\/p>\n<p>Though Liaju needed the council of her father and brother, she lacked the assurance to raise the matter, and so she remained silent.\u00a0 She hoped they would inquire into her woes, and soon.<\/p>\n<p>When Jalgar glanced at his daughter he noticed the sweat beading her young, unlined face.\u00a0 Though late in fall, the weather remained unseasonably warm.\u00a0 Liaju\u2019s hijath was damp with perspiration.\u00a0 Seeing a small copse of shade trees that promised escape from the midday sun, he headed beneath them and called a halt.\u00a0 He quickly found a small clearing within the thicket, selected a comfortable looking bough, and said, \u201cLiaju, Rethga\u2026 sit close.\u00a0 We have matters to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Obediently, the twins followed their father.\u00a0 They removed their packs and brushed aside the debris of twigs and pebbles before sitting, backs against the trees to which their father had gestured.\u00a0 Liaju signaled her hounds with a click her tongue.\u00a0 Gestures told the beasts to keep watch, and where.\u00a0 Knowing they would remain within the shade till the sun passed its zenith, people and hounds sprawled out.\u00a0 There would be adequate time for talk and for rest.<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar looked at Liaju and raised a quizzical eyebrow, \u201cSomething troubles you, daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Still gathering her courage, Liaju shook her head, \u201cI am well, Father.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar weighed Liaju\u2019s words and deemed them less than truthful.\u00a0 He frowned.\u00a0 Voice rough-edged, he exclaimed, \u201cDon\u2019t play your games with me, Child!\u00a0 Your words are not complete.\u00a0 We know you are well in body.\u00a0 Do you think us fools?\u201d\u00a0 He paused, but held his countenance stony to ensure she understood this was no time to defy him.\u00a0 After a moment he continued, his tone softer, \u201cI ask of that which troubles your spirit.\u00a0 Speak of it now, that your twin and I might bear part of your burden.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Untroubled by her father\u2019s proclivity for harsh words, Liaju nodded gentle acceptance of his admonishment.<\/p>\n<p>More sensitive to such outbursts, Rethga silently cast his eyes downward.<\/p>\n<p>Liaju drew on her resolve as her absentminded fingers peeled the bark from a fallen twig.\u00a0 She had rehearsed this very speech many times.\u00a0 Now, with her father\u2019s demand finally presenting the needed opportunity to speak, she murmured, \u201cI have slept poorly for many sixdays.\u00a0 Yet when I finally succumb to my body\u2019s exhaustion ominous dreams trouble me sorely.\u00a0 They are complex and ever changing, yet constant, and somehow similar.\u00a0 Though I have spoken of these dreams to the Circle of the Learned, we still lack full insight into their meaning.\u00a0 I do not wish to bring dire thoughts to the minds of any, yet with disclosure of my dreams I know that I do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar scowled, then grumbled, \u201cLiaju, you lend too much weight to the thoughts of others.\u00a0 It is hot.\u00a0 We are weary.\u00a0 We would hear what troubles you, not that you fear your troubles might burden us.\u00a0 So speak.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju suppressed a smile at her father\u2019s impatience, but she refused to be hurried or diverted from her prepared speech, \u201cMy esteem of you both is high.\u00a0 To me, the easiest of the Immutable Laws has always been, <em>\u2018Honor your family and wear their marks, always.\u2019<\/em>\u00a0 My family is honorable and just.\u00a0 The marks of you which I bear are an inspiration to me always.\u201d\u00a0 So saying, Liaju uncovered her right shoulder and kissed the tattoo upon it.<\/p>\n<p>At his daughter\u2019s gesture, Jalgar\u2019s feigned anger dissolved, along with his impatience.\u00a0 Liaju had just kissed his symbol.\u00a0 He responded by clenching his right fist, kissing his knuckles and placing his hand on his chest to cover the place reserved for Liaju\u2019s mark.\u00a0 He then looked to his son, kissed his fingers again, and placed them over the spot Rethga\u2019s mark would soon be.\u00a0 Though the familiar, comforting ritual took only a heartbeat to complete it renewed the bond between father and children.<\/p>\n<p>Liaju sighed, \u201cNow\u2026 I must burden you alongside all the others with knowledge of these troubling dreams.\u00a0 Forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju\u2019s young, unlined face revealed her distress.<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar realized the depth of his daughter\u2019s emotion.\u00a0 He further softened his face and his tone, \u201cFear not.\u00a0 Though perhaps only in spirit, your family are with you always.\u00a0 We will gladly share your burdens.\u00a0 Speak on.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Relieved his father\u2019s bad humor had passed, Rethga encouraged his older twin with a smile, \u201cYour burdens are mine, as mine are oftentimes yours.\u00a0 Tell us your thoughts, grant us your dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju drew a deep breath, \u201cMy dreams are long and fitful.\u00a0 They disturb my rest and trouble my soul.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice gained surety as she spoke, \u201cEach night they seem fresh and new, yet within every dream these same elements always unfold\u2026<\/p>\n<p><em>We wage a war we cannot win, yet our enemy does not prevail\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Prime beasts are in the rut, yet their herds ever dwindle\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Unfulfilled Chukrah grow in number, yet they gather only dust, not fresh souls\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>A magnificent, unassailable herd bull is matched and vanquished, by one ancient and infertile\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Three beasts are cleanly slain, four times\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>And always, from a dream within the dream, I watch as a Seizen Elder struggles to match his progeny\u2026\u00a0 Somehow I know the matches he favors least might succeed, while those deemed most favorable lead to terrible ends<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar and Rethga looked at one another.\u00a0 The dream\u2019s elements struck a chord within them, as though once heard and long since forgotten.\u00a0 Together they turned back to Liaju, their attentive expressions bidding her continue.<\/p>\n<p>Liaju did not speak.\u00a0 Instead, she focused her burdened eyes on her feet.\u00a0 After a time she let her eyes droop shut, leant back against the bough, and murmured, \u201cThink on these things.\u00a0 I would hear your thoughts and see if they align with those of the Circle.\u00a0 Many sixdays have these dreams plagued me, a few days more is of no matter.\u00a0 We will speak further when you are prepared.\u00a0 I will patiently await your council.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar glanced at his son to see Rethga opening his mouth to speak.\u00a0 A quick shake of his head stilled the lad.<\/p>\n<p>Rethga met his father\u2019s eyes, then nodded slow agreement.\u00a0 Liaju had done as requested and shared her burden.\u00a0 In return it seemed fitting they should do as she asked and consider her dream before blurting out thoughtless, partly formed ideas.\u00a0 Besides, waiting till later would grant him time to phrase his question with due care.<\/p>\n<p>Father and son lay back.\u00a0 The three would remain within the shade till the sun passed its peak and began its decline.<\/p>\n<p>This was fitting since Wodansday, being midway through the sixday, was a day for ease.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>III. \u00a0The Symbologist\u2019s Arrival<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>Zunesan was kneading dough when she heard a faint rumble in the distance.\u00a0 She dusted her hands together, making small puffs of flour in the air as she walked outdoors.\u00a0 Normally she shared the home with her match, Jalgar, and their youngest twins.\u00a0 Today she was alone.\u00a0 Jalgar, Liaju, and Rethga had left on a hunt the previous day.\u00a0 She lifted her hand to shade her eyes from the sun\u2019s glare.\u00a0 Doing this left a streak of floury white in her dusky black hair.<\/p>\n<p>Of short stature, Zunesan bore a deep tan from many hours spent outdoors.\u00a0 Gray today, green tomorrow, her compassionate eyes perceptibly changed color with her mood.\u00a0 Ever ready to soothe, her gentle hands were popular with the young.\u00a0 Children came to her willingly, swallowed her remedies, and wore the poultices she made with few complaints.\u00a0 Zunesan had worn a Herbalist\u2019s Chukrah for well over twenty cycles and could make the most unpalatable potion tolerable.<\/p>\n<p>Peering through the midday glare, Zunesan made out a flock of rowdy children drawing ever nearer.\u00a0 Yet, shade her eyes as she might, the heat shimmer and the distance prevented her from making out any individuals.\u00a0 Eventually, the chorus the close packed children sang became audible, \u201c<em>Dah nee skee raa.\u00a0 Dah nee skee raa<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 Their chant heralded the arrival of her third child!\u00a0 Thrilled, she exclaimed, \u201cDaniskira!\u201d as she held her skirt high and ran toward the sound.<\/p>\n<p>When Zunesan drew close, she caught sight of her daughter and sped to her.\u00a0 As always, excited children encircled Daniskira.\u00a0 The youngsters reluctantly parted to allow mother and daughter an embrace.\u00a0 After releasing Daniskira, Zunesan waved to Kareena and Seinath who followed sedately, far behind the crowd.\u00a0 Turning about, she continued toward the village, arm-in-arm with her child at last.<\/p>\n<p>They had not traveled ten paces before Selene squeezed through the closely packed children.\u00a0 After giving her grandmother a quick hug, Selene asked the question most urgent to her fifth-marked mind, \u201cIs Eden here yet, nana?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Laughing, while feeling slightly guilty at not immediately seeking out Selene, Zunesan answered, \u201cYes, they are staying in a dwelling on the village\u2019s far side.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll come once they hear the children\u2019s chant.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A delighted smile lit Selene\u2019s face.\u00a0 With Eden already here, she would not have to wile away the days awaiting the arrival of her cousin and best friend.<\/p>\n<p>Sight of Selene prompted a further guilty thought.\u00a0 Zunesan turned to glance back as she sought sign of Daniskira\u2019s match.\u00a0 Beltamar was nowhere in sight.\u00a0 Saddened by what this must mean, she turned and embraced her daughter again.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira smiled gently, returned her mother\u2019s hug and cocked her eyebrow in question.<\/p>\n<p>So reminiscent of Daniskira\u2019s childhood, the expression flooded Zunesan\u2019s mind with memories thought long forgotten.\u00a0 In an instant they returned, full force, fresh and piquant, almost overcoming her with their strength.\u00a0 After composing herself she voiced the question troubling her, \u201cWhat of your man, child?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira smiled in realization she would be forever youthful in her mother\u2019s eyes, \u201cBeltamar has been called to war, mama.\u00a0 He is in the Gods\u2019 hands.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Zunesan maintained her daughter\u2019s gaze for a few moments as she accepted the fullness of Daniskira\u2019s words.\u00a0 With a sigh, she murmured, \u201cThe stars we see are the stars he sees.\u00a0 Beltamar resides in our hearts till his safe return.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira nodded somberly, \u201cFear not, for the Pilgrimage to Malmaxa begins forthwith.\u00a0 With the onset of winter, our Ancient Enemy must depart the field of battle as they do each cycle.\u00a0 Our Warriors will be returning to us with all haste, lest they offend the Gods.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>IV. \u00a0Beltamar\u2019s Remembrances<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>For this late in the fall, it felt uncomfortably warm.\u00a0 At noon\u2019s approach, Ripkira had called a halt.\u00a0 Only fools marched through the midday heat.\u00a0 With the cohesion born of long familiarity, the remnants of her force fanned out beneath the sparse trees.\u00a0 Those assigned as sentry moved to the wood\u2019s edge to take up watch.\u00a0 The remaining Warriors mingled with the Artisans, together they ushered the jumenta-drawn wagons into the deepest shade.<\/p>\n<p>After shucking his shield and spear, Beltamar unhitched a pair of the massive, shaggy haired beasts and set them to graze.\u00a0 He removed his pack, untied his bedroll from its base, and spread it beneath the cart with a flick of his wrists.\u00a0 Within a few moments he had undone his belt and taken a quick pull from one of the water skins attached to it.\u00a0 After propping his sword and spear against his shield, close to hand, he sprawled out on the bedroll.\u00a0 His pack served as headrest.<\/p>\n<p>Others had done the same.\u00a0 Though Beltamar shared the wagon\u2019s shade with three others, adequate space to stretch out remained.\u00a0 Since they would stay here at least two, perhaps three hours, there would be adequate time for rest.<\/p>\n<p>Beltamar let his mind drift as he thought back on the cycle\u2019s events.\u00a0 He counted this cycle as his worst, ever.<\/p>\n<p>Eight lunas since he last saw his beloved mate Daniskira and their progeny, Selene.\u00a0 Eight times had he seen the moon rise to fill the heavens with her light, and eight times he had watched her wane to nothingness.\u00a0 He took some comfort knowing his family gazed on Luna\u2019s glory.\u00a0 By Luna\u2019s next rise to full he would be with Daniskira and Selene once more.<\/p>\n<p><em>Too long apart, but near over now&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Vividly, Beltamar remembered his call to war.\u00a0 Daniskira\u2019s beloved Segattoo had dropped their flowers, which signaled the start of a new cycle.\u00a0 Arm in arm they had said their farewells to her family, where they had spent each winter this long cycle.\u00a0 Selene\u2019s anguished cries at being parted from Eden rang again in his ears.<\/p>\n<p>Diminutive Eden had held him, her arms encircling his leg and her tiny hands refusing release while she pled for him to stay.\u00a0 That bittersweet memory always brought a lump to his throat.<\/p>\n<p>Their return home had taken nearly two sixdays.\u00a0 To be once more with Daniskira and Selene in their own dwelling had been blissful, and too short.\u00a0 The warmth of spring soon vanquished winter\u2019s chill and heralded the summons to arms.<\/p>\n<p>Selene had wept bitterly when he left.\u00a0 Barely fifth-marked, she had been unable to accept that this was his duty as a Warrior.\u00a0 She had perceived his willing, nay, his eager departure as a bitter betrayal.\u00a0 Though Daniskira had shed no tears, her limpid brown eyes told the tale of her heart.\u00a0 Their parting kiss had been the endpoint to five cycles of joy.\u00a0 Then had this cycle begun in earnest.<\/p>\n<p><em>It is by far my worst.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The scout who brought them news of the war, the Elder Mithial, had granted them but an hour to gather their equipment and say their farewells.\u00a0 On the march to the battle lines, Mithial had asserted, <em>\u2026drawn out farewells serve no one\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To this old lie they all had readily agreed.<\/p>\n<p><em>What little we knew\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Too many of the fallen needlessly denied true farewells, cruelly snatched from their families.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>And for what?\u00a0 Nothing, save a few hours on war\u2019s path.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Twenty-four strong at cycle\u2019s start, their troop of Warriors had set out, burning with youth\u2019s fire, each certain of their invulnerability.\u00a0 Two battle-hardened veterans had led the once-matched, who numbered twenty-two.\u00a0 Fourteen men, and eight women.<\/p>\n<p><em>Lucinda, Adelmar, and I are all who remain\u2026\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Slashed in number from twenty-four to but three!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The fall of each had brought the survivors closer, for grief and shared hardships forge strong bonds.\u00a0 To them fell the Rite of Return at the upcoming Convocation.\u00a0 Should they fall now, all this would be for naught.\u00a0 That would be a bitter failure, for with winter\u2019s approach this cycle\u2019s war should soon cease.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Gods\u2019 workings are indeed strange.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Having left their town, they had traveled for three full sixdays before joining this unit, their assigned battle group, the South-Western Force.\u00a0 Over three hundred Warriors had they been at first assembly.\u00a0 Past a hundred Artisans accompanied them.\u00a0 Cooks, Herbalists, Smiths, Scribes, and more.\u00a0 Wisdom held that an army marched on its stomach, yet this was only a small part of the truth.\u00a0 Now he likened an army unto a village, and with similar needs.\u00a0 Food and drink, Healers, repairs to equipment, grindstones to sharpen blades.\u00a0 Yes, Warriors marched in the fore.\u00a0 But behind Warriors came Artisans, the suppliers of many things taken for granted till faced with their lack.<\/p>\n<p>Of all a Warrior\u2019s needs, perhaps the greatest was laughter.\u00a0 Without humor, Warriors were soon mired in pits of blackest despair.<\/p>\n<p>In the early days of their march to the battle lines, Beltamar had felt a true Warrior should be stern of face and hard of flesh.\u00a0 He and the once-matched Warriors from many villages had witnessed the veterans\u2019 raucous behavior with consternation.\u00a0 Yet when he had inquired why his commander tolerated this, her response had been.<\/p>\n<p><em>In war you have many choices.\u00a0 You can choose to attack, or to defend.\u00a0 To fight, or to flee.\u00a0 To laugh, or to cry.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t laugh, you will surely cry\u2026 so why not laugh?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The matter of laughter had changed after their first battle.\u00a0 Bloodied sword in hand he had stood, shield arm shaking from exhaustion, body parched by thirst, gut wrenched by insatiable hunger.\u00a0 Fighting an implacable enemy bent on your death forced you to go far beyond the possible.\u00a0 For a Chukrah matched Warrior, the debt of this effort came due the moment of victory\u2019s realization.<\/p>\n<p>Around him had lain the bodies of his comrades.\u00a0 At his feet, a Warrior from his village.\u00a0 Gothar, pale from blood\u2019s loss but alive, Chukrah pulsing softly as it sealed his lesser wounds.\u00a0 Disbelieving, Gothar had looked up at him and exclaimed, \u201cWe live!\u201d\u00a0 They had burst into shared laughter at their amazing good fortune.<\/p>\n<p>Hysteria had filled that sound.<\/p>\n<p><em>How easily does laughter turn to deepest sorrow?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>He had knelt beside Gothar to help him into a sitting position while they awaited the Herbalists.\u00a0 Moments later they were in a brotherly embrace, tears of anguish washing their faces free of gore, but not of guilt.<\/p>\n<p><em>Warriors from our town lay among the slain!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Gothar had fallen two sixdays later, not yet fully recovered from his wounds.<\/p>\n<p><em>Though I could not find laughter after that battle, I eluded tears.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Tender remembrances must wait till I return Gothar\u2019s Chukrah to the hoard.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Gothar, the first of the slain for whom I claimed the Rite of Return.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>And now\u2026 five additional Chukrah lie in my pack.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Six Warrior souls secured for Eternity, their journey to the hoard imminent.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Indeed, there are things worth crying for.\u00a0 Life, death, and love, with love truly being the greatest of the three.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As to the trivial things over which people grow frantic, most were matters more deserving of laughter than anguish.\u00a0 Beltamar could laugh at them now.<\/p>\n<p><em>A harsh laugh, true, but it seems better than tears.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Beltamar rolled onto his side.\u00a0 Pleasing thoughts of Faroene flowed into his mind as he passed from doze into sleep.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>V. \u00a0Deception\u2019s Cloak<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>Mithial froze mid-stride, hackles raised by his Hunter sense.\u00a0 Motionless, he called to his Chukrah and invoked the Vanish Rite.\u00a0 With a surge of power, the pendant cleaved to him.<\/p>\n<p>Deception\u2019s cloak fell, hiding Mithial completely.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly, Mithial finished his step, soft-soled moccasin making no discernible sound as it touched the ground.\u00a0 He stretched to his full height and scanned left, searching for the seeker but finding nothing.\u00a0 Rotating only his upper body, he traversed the terrain to the right with his eyes.<\/p>\n<p><em>There!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Directly behind him on the craggy hillside, several hundred paces distant, he saw a lone groth tracking him.<\/p>\n<p>Her large size, well over four hands, showed the beast to be female.\u00a0 She moved carefully down the path he had so laboriously traversed to attain his hillside vantage.\u00a0 Mithial sighed in resignation, continued his search for additional enemies, and carefully turned toward her.\u00a0 On facing her square, he planted both feet in the loose shale, secure in both his invisibility and the knowledge the groth was alone.<\/p>\n<p><em>There is adequate time to recover from this ill turn of fortune.\u00a0 A single arrow from my longbow will fell her.\u00a0 Wait till she is less than fifty paces and I cannot miss.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Mithial shook his head slowly.\u00a0 Though his rite hid any scent within a pace of him, he deemed the risk too great.\u00a0 Even in still air the reek of her blood would spread and alert any nearby groth.<\/p>\n<p>Mithial\u2019s hijath loosely covered his head.\u00a0 It hid the frown creasing his wrinkled brow.\u00a0 Since the Gods delighted in playing havoc with risky plans, he put aside all thoughts of slaying the beast and considered matters with care.<\/p>\n<p>After lunas spent pursuing a routed enemy, all sign of their foes had simply vanished some three days past.\u00a0 One day the groth had been there, then a late fall rainstorm struck and they were gone, with all trace of their passing obliterated.\u00a0 His memory of an ancient map had revealed a plateau with a large meadow and a small stream that promised excellent grazing for the jumenta.\u00a0 Memory\u2019s map had also unveiled a tiny valley hidden in the foothills, reachable only by a narrow path.<\/p>\n<p><em>For bivouac, Ripkira chose the cramped valley over the plentiful grazing.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Even as he considered this, the remnants of the South-Western Force headed there to wait out the final days before the journey to Malmaxa began. \u00a0By nightfall they should be secured within the valley\u2019s close confines.<\/p>\n<p>Then, just this very morning, Ripkira had sent him to scout for their Ancient Enemy.\u00a0 Not ahead into the hidden valley, as he had anticipated.\u00a0 No, she had sent him west.<\/p>\n<p><em>West, across the plain to these distant foothills.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>For a moment Mithial wondered at Ripkira\u2019s intuition.\u00a0 Everyone, himself included, had assumed no groth remained within leagues of the unit.<\/p>\n<p>Yet here a groth was, tracking him with all the cunning of her kind.<\/p>\n<p><em>Where one groth is, more are sure to be.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Mithial\u2019s constantly searching eyes flicked back to the lone bitch.\u00a0 She was now forty paces closer, time grew short.\u00a0 Flicking spit-soaked scales downhill, he quickly laid a false trail.\u00a0 Deceiving the mindless beast would be a simple matter.<\/p>\n<p><em>However, her presence here is anything but.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Once he had diverted the groth, he would find a better vantage from which to watch till night fell.\u00a0 The sun\u2019s demise would herald night\u2019s chill, which would force the cold-blooded beasts underground.<\/p>\n<p>The need of groth for warmth would reveal them to his patient eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Although it would be a long, hot, and uncomfortable day, he might uncover their lair.\u00a0 Then, under cover of darkness\u2019s cold, he would head to the hidden valley and report to Ripkira.<\/p>\n<p>Thought of seeing her brought a smile.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 2. \u00a0\u00a0Vision Shifts, and Dream Elements<\/h2>\n<h3>I. \u00a0Cousins\u2019 Reunion<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>From the noise raised by the mob of excited children, Zunesan knew any attempt at speech would be fruitless.\u00a0 For now, simply walking near her daughter must suffice.<\/p>\n<p>Zunesan looked ahead expectantly.\u00a0 Accompanied by Yitara and Eden, Ryntam should soon appear.\u00a0 They had arrived yesterday, mere hours after Jalgar set off on his hunt, and were staying in an unoccupied dwelling on the village\u2019s far side.\u00a0 With far more homes empty than occupied, the dwelling was the same one they had used each visit this long cycle.\u00a0 Zunesan cast that troubling thought aside and waited patiently for Daniskira\u2019s older twin.<\/p>\n<p><em>This is a day for happiness, not for contemplation of ill matters none can change.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Thought of having all her surviving progeny close assuaged Zunesan.\u00a0 A full cycle had passed since Daniskira, a Symbologist of growing renown, last attended the village.\u00a0 Though numbering near two hundred, the village had no Symbologist of their own.\u00a0 Thus was Daniskira always greeted with joy, by both parent and progeny.\u00a0 During the last Convocation, with Daniskira newly Chukrah matched, Zunesan had arranged for Daniskira to attend to the village\u2019s marking needs each winter.\u00a0 Requiring time for recuperation from her studies, Ryntam had arranged to come as well, thereby turning winter into a family reunion.<\/p>\n<p>For the last five cycles, each winter had seen their entire family, grandchildren included, together.\u00a0 Normally dreaded for its bitter cold, all of Zunesan and Jalgar\u2019s family had come to anticipate winter with longing.<\/p>\n<p>The cousins, Eden and Selene, conceived at the same Convocation, having strong familial ties, and complementary feminine natures had developed a powerful friendship.\u00a0 This had surprised no one.\u00a0 With each passing cycle their bond had grown till they felt more twin than cousin.\u00a0 They looked forward to their time together with delight, their inevitable separation at winter\u2019s end with woe.<\/p>\n<p>As Daniskira\u2019s renown increased, the length of her stays grew longer to accommodate the demands of the region\u2019s people.\u00a0 Seizen, who seldom dared to travel in winter\u2019s weather, came from afar to be attended by Daniskira.\u00a0 All those to whom Daniskira granted a mark counted themselves blessed, for her symbols were precise and filled with elegant artistry.<\/p>\n<p>Ryntam finally appeared, accompanied by her match Yitara, who held their progeny\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Her arrival interrupted Zunesan\u2019s reflections.<\/p>\n<p>Eden skipped gaily alongside her father.\u00a0 The tiny child affected an air of calm, a pleasing mix of her mother\u2019s composure and her aunt\u2019s serenity.\u00a0 Anticipation of seeing her cousin gave Eden away.\u00a0 Catching her first glimpse of the clamoring children, Eden abandoned all pretenses, relinquished her father\u2019s hand, and raced forward yelling, \u201cSelene!\u00a0 Selene!\u201d at the top of her lungs.<\/p>\n<p>Selene immediately emerged from the crowd.\u00a0 She responded with similar excitement, \u201cEden!\u201d, as she raced forward.\u00a0 When they met the cousins clutched one another in a tight embrace before dancing a jig of joy while still enmeshed.<\/p>\n<p>When Daniskira reached the girls, she scooped her tiny niece high into the air and continued toward the village without breaking stride.\u00a0 In mock amazement, she pretended to stagger beneath diminutive Eden\u2019s weight, and exclaimed, \u201cMy, how much bigger you are!\u00a0 Does your mother plant your feet in dung to cause this growth?\u201d\u00a0 She glanced at Eden\u2019s bare feet, twitched her nose briskly, feigned horror, and added, \u201cWhy from their color, and from their stench, she does indeed!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eden laughed uproariously at her Aunt\u2019s jest.<\/p>\n<p>Using the vantage granted by the elevation of Daniskira\u2019s arms, Eden peered about.\u00a0 Her joyous smile reduced somewhat.\u00a0 After another searching look over the trailing crowd, she tilted her head down and murmured into her Aunt\u2019s ear, \u201cWhere is Uncle Beltamar?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eden\u2019s voice quavered.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira lowered Eden into a brief embrace, kissed her tenderly, and whispered, \u201cCalled to war, Eden. \u00a0Comfort your cousin in this, Selene did not take it well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eden buried her face in Daniskira\u2019s neck as she gave her Aunt a tight squeeze.\u00a0 Her strength belied her small size and her youth.\u00a0 After blinking away her tears, she placed comfort in her murmured assurance, \u201cI am sure he is well, Aunt.\u201d\u00a0 A catch in her throat stayed her tongue for an instant, \u201cPoor Selene, I will soothe her fears.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Eden\u2019s words brought a tear to Daniskira\u2019s eye, and last parting\u2019s memory to her mind.\u00a0 After a few heartbeats of closeness, she relinquished the tiny child and returned her to the ground beside Selene.<\/p>\n<p>Selene had been skipping alongside them, waiting impatiently to hold her cousin\u2019s hand, which she now grasped eagerly.\u00a0 Without a backward glance, the pair vanished into the crowd.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira turned from the children and spread her arms wide in invitation to her twin.\u00a0 Ryntam released Yitara in momentary favor of her sister as she reached out to hug Daniskira.<\/p>\n<p>After granting her daughters a moment, Zunesan encircled both with her arms.\u00a0 Murmured endearments ensued as the womenfolk meshed, striving to regain a cycle of absence in a single embrace.\u00a0 Still clasping hands, Eden and Selene emerged from the crowd.\u00a0 They grasped their mothers\u2019 legs with their free arms, beaming happy smiles at one another all the while.<\/p>\n<p>Strong emotions of remembrance, the shared joy of togetherness, the bittersweet tang of partings, past and future, filled all in their familial hug.<\/p>\n<p>Inexplicably all burst into joyful tears.<\/p>\n<p>Excluded from this feminine exchange, Yitara frowned and shook his head, forever bewildered by womanly ways.<\/p>\n<p>The crowd of eager children surrounding the family sensed the renewing of bonds and fell silent, if only for a few moments.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>II. \u00a0Elements, in Dreams<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Afternoon, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>With the sun well past its midday heat, Jalgar roused himself and stood.\u00a0 He gazed down on his progeny for a few moments, before grunting to awaken Liaju and Rethga.\u00a0 Within moments the twins sat awake and alert.\u00a0 After stretching, they continued their steady march toward the place picked for their next hunt.<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar walked ahead of Liaju and her twin.\u00a0 In his right hand, he carried a long spear, its massive bronze head blacked with soot to dull its gleam.\u00a0 The spear\u2019s shaft was as thick as Jalgar\u2019s wrist, clearly this was no throwing weapon.\u00a0 A tall, slender man, Jalgar dressed in loose fitting tanned leathers the colors of the waist high dry grass and vegetation through which they walked.\u00a0 Jalgar\u2019s sharp hazel eyes were clear, ever alert for danger.\u00a0 The gleam in those eyes belied his age, evidenced by a wrinkled brow.\u00a0 Jalgar\u2019s prominent nose, underscored by a bold, full mustache, offset the rest of his normally clean-shaven face, which now bore a day\u2019s stubble.\u00a0 Around his waist, he wore a wide leather belt from which hung several water skins, a sheathed knife, and some larger pouches.\u00a0 On his back he carried a simple woven pack filled with items deemed necessary for a sixday hunt.\u00a0 Draped over his head, slung so as to cover his head and throat, he wore a loose fitting hijath.\u00a0 The densely woven cloth provided shelter from the sun.\u00a0 Jalgar took one end of the hijath, which hung down his chest, and used it to mop the sweat beading his brow.<\/p>\n<p><em>The weather remains far too warm for so late in the season.\u00a0 It is already the second sixday into fall\u2019s last luna.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Behind Jalgar trailed Liaju and Rethga, fine young adults now eligible for their twelfth marking.\u00a0 He had already made the necessary arrangements with Daniskira, a Symbologist of growing renown, and coincidentally his fourth child.\u00a0 Daniskira should be at the village on their return from this hunt, ready to grant her siblings their twelfth marks.\u00a0 Thoughts of Daniskira brought to mind her elder twin, Ryntam, also due to arrive shortly.\u00a0 With near a full cycle having passed since their last visit, he longed to see them.<\/p>\n<p>Positioned some ten paces behind and on Jalgar\u2019s left walked Liaju.\u00a0 Slender, Liaju stood average height for a girl of twelve cycles.\u00a0 On completing the Final Rite, that of matching her Chukrah at the Convocation, Liaju would become a woman.\u00a0 Until then Liaju remained a child, as she would forever within Jalgar\u2019s heart.\u00a0 Tied with several brightly colored leather thongs, Liaju\u2019s deep chestnut hair hung well below her shoulders.\u00a0 In the way favored by women, Liaju\u2019s hijath was decorative as well as functional, and much more colorful than her father\u2019s.\u00a0 The long, wide cloth draped loosely about her neck.\u00a0 Its ends covered her bosom.<\/p>\n<p>The nostrils of Liaju\u2019s small, upturned nose twitched as she sniffed the air for the odor of herbs.\u00a0 Her deep brown eyes constantly roamed on the same search.\u00a0 Like her mother Zunesan, Liaju hoped to become a herbalist.\u00a0 She wore a gray dress made of tightly woven cloth that extended just below her knees, secured by a belt dyed green.\u00a0 Her shoes were of soft-soled leather.\u00a0 Sheathed on her belt hung a small knife, but no visible weapon.\u00a0 Liaju had no need for such, for to either side trailed her hounds, a bitch and its mate.\u00a0 Guard enough this close to the village.<\/p>\n<p>About ten paces to Liaju\u2019s right walked her twin, Rethga, the same distance behind Jalgar as his sister.\u00a0 The three formed a loose triangle, a pattern that offered some protection from surprise, but even more importantly allowed them to cover additional ground in their search.<\/p>\n<p>Rethga was a handsome lad with a thick mop of dark brown hair, not as lustrous as his twin&#8217;s, nor as carefully tended, or clean.\u00a0 His eyes were a shade of brown between his father\u2019s hazel and Liaju\u2019s dark.\u00a0 Though not yet endowed with the facial hair common to mature men, a mustache\u2019s shadow lay upon Rethga\u2019s upper lip.\u00a0 Rethga\u2019s attire closely matched that of his father, except for the quiver of heavy shafted arrows slung alongside his burlap pack.\u00a0 In his right hand, he carried a longbow, bowstring downward.\u00a0 Though strung, he held no arrow nocked.<\/p>\n<p>Having already traveled four leagues from their failed morning hunt, the family now approached the next hunting site.\u00a0 Jalgar had selected it some sixdays past during another unsuccessful hunt.\u00a0 To improve chances of bagging increasingly sparse game it had become necessary to scout potential spots sixdays ahead of hunting them.<\/p>\n<p>These were indeed strange times.<\/p>\n<p>Clearly, man was not the only creature disturbed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<p>They arrived at the campsite shortly before dusk.\u00a0 Jalgar turned to Liaju gave her a tight hug, and said, \u201cI am pleased you shared your thoughts with us, Daughter.\u00a0 Burdens such as these are heavy when borne alone, yet they ease with the aid of others.\u00a0 Know that we love you greatly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Face serious, Liaju looked up at her father and answered, \u201cI love you too, Papa.\u00a0 Even when you shout.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The three cast talk aside and busied themselves with the routine of preparing camp.\u00a0 In this tight knit group, all knew their function.\u00a0 Each lowered their pack.\u00a0 The two men put down their weapons, Jalgar placing the spear tip toward the direction they travelled.\u00a0 Liaju selected places for the hounds to take up guard, and directed them there with small flicks of her fingers.\u00a0 Rethga gathered three rocks of sufficient size to house a small cooking fire, which he set and deftly struck to flame.<\/p>\n<p>From her pack, Liaju removed some ground corn for the mush base, along with heavily spiced charqui prepared from livestock meat, and some dried vegetables.\u00a0 A copper bowl appeared from Jalgar\u2019s larger pack.\u00a0 Liaju placed the dry ingredients within it and deftly mixed them with her fingers.<\/p>\n<p>After adding the contents of two water skins to the bowl, Jalgar carefully balanced it on the three rocks over the small blaze Rethga had made.\u00a0 From some small containers Liaju sprinkled additional herbs and salt into the pot.<\/p>\n<p>Well over an hour would pass as the dried foodstuffs simmered into stew.\u00a0 A precious hour that granted time for unhurried conversation.\u00a0 With the surety of the hounds on guard, they relaxed.\u00a0 They spoke idly for a while, lounging close enough to hear one another speaking quietly, but far enough away from the flames to avoid becoming fire mulled or blind.<\/p>\n<p>Dusk\u2019s deepening dark, the smells of spicy food simmering, low voiced conversation, laughter shared while sprawled about a small fire, each treasured these moments.<\/p>\n<p>After some time Rethga turned to his twin and phrased the question that had concerned him since her earlier disclosure, \u201cLiaju, I have thought on your dream.\u00a0 It troubles me that there are six elements therein.\u00a0 You have discussed this with the Circle of the Learned?\u00a0 What thoughts have they shared on the nature of your dreams?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Startled both by her brother\u2019s words and by the insight within them, Liaju immediately sat straighter.\u00a0 She had expected days to pass before her father or brother had fully considered her dream and wished to speak further about it.<\/p>\n<p>When Liaju saw her father was wide-awake and attentive, she murmured, \u201cOnly after many visits did the Circle discern what you have discovered in a single telling, Brother.\u00a0 Only after many dreams related, and many hours discussion of each, did they uncover this knowledge.\u00a0 There are indeed six elements within each dream.\u00a0 This is an unsettling matter of itself, for six\u2026\u201d\u00a0 She drew an unsteady breath, \u201c\u2026six is the Number of the Gods.\u00a0 Thus the number is itself a powerful portend.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Both Jalgar and Rethga grunted disquieted agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Face serious, Liaju continued, \u201cOther consensuses reached are these.\u00a0 Of the element of war, at every Convocation many are matched to the Warrior class.\u00a0 Though we field more Warriors than is prudent, we gain no ground.\u00a0 While our Warriors slay many, our enemy remain forever steadfast, and ultimately it is we who fall.\u00a0 We fight a war that fares terribly for all.\u00a0 Yet neither side relents, and thus we are unable to break the cycle of birth and death by conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Father and son nodded gravely.\u00a0 Though neither was a Warrior, both knew this to be true.<\/p>\n<p>Liaju\u2019s voice remained earnest, \u201cOf the element of dwindling herds.\u00a0 None know better than you the straits in which all unbound beasts dwell.\u00a0 The herds of all species decline in number, both domestic and wild.\u00a0 Though even the most expert herdsmen complain of the infertility of their nullipar, there are no portends as to the true cause.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Again, the men nodded troubled assent.<\/p>\n<p>All three leant forward urgently, anticipation of the simmering meal forgotten.\u00a0 Fully aware her next words would trouble her father, Liaju paused, \u201cOf the element of unfulfilled Chukrah.\u00a0 In my dreams, the Convocation fares large.\u00a0 The numbers of the Seizen, our people, decline precipitously.\u00a0 The Chukrah hoard grows, while the number of twelve cycle souls to bind in the Eternal Match dwindles.\u00a0 This means many Chukrah bear terrible loneliness.\u00a0 They perpetually await the next Convocation in hope of a soul to bond them.\u00a0 And since the Eternal Match is not one of choice but one of fate, there are now Chukrah that have remained un-matched for scores of Convocations.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar, the only one of them already Chukrah bound, sagged visibly.\u00a0 The bond was mutual, fateful, and permanent.\u00a0 Once formed, not even death could break it.\u00a0 The thought of lying companionless, in unbearable solitude for hundreds of cycles gravely troubled Jalgar\u2019s Chukrah.\u00a0 With this knowledge weighing heavily on him, Jalgar pressed one hand to the earth for support.\u00a0 With the other, he touched the gleaming six-sided disc in a tender, reassuring caress.\u00a0 He knew the nature of his Chukrah as no other could.\u00a0 With its distress, a stirring glimmer of life flickered deep within the normally opaque pendant.\u00a0 It assumed a greenish inner glow as its wordless vision of what Liaju had described filled Jalgar\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n<p><em>Terrible, unrelenting loneliness.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Longing, unrelieved.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Perceiving the unhappiness unleashed within her father, Liaju soothed him with a tender touch.\u00a0 Though not yet matched, she had some insight into the bond\u2019s nature, a bond that approached fast for her and her twin.\u00a0 They would begin the Pilgrimage to Malmaxa on the Thorsday following this hunt.\u00a0 There, as twelfth-marked Seizen, they would enter the hoard\u2019s labyrinth to seek out and bond their soulmate.<\/p>\n<p><em>Our Eternal Match, our Chukrah.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Liaju pressed on in hope of distracting Jalgar from his distress, \u201cThe Circle of the Learned say that in troubled times the people are oft blessed with twinned progeny.\u00a0 Yet twins, the boon of the Gods, remain rare.\u00a0 Father, from your loins alone has sprung the only sixth child of a sixth child in spoken memory.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju smiled at her twin as she said this, for Rethga was this rarest of gifts and therefore considered by all to be most favored, a Gift from the Gods to all the Seizen.\u00a0 Her smile faded, \u201cThe Gods granted towns, villages, and structures to the Seizen.\u00a0 These would suffice for many, many times our current number.\u00a0 The straits within which we travel\u2026 they are more dire than those besetting the unbound beasts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In order to emphasize her last point, Liaju paused to drink from one of her water skins.\u00a0 After swallowing, she continued \u201cThus, we find three elements of the dream self-evident.\u00a0 Three elements remain.\u00a0 The vanquished herd bull, the three beasts slain four times, and the match choices of the Seizen Elder.\u00a0 Though much discussion has occurred, no insight has been attained.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After another brief pause, Liaju concluded, \u201cThe Convocation arrives with the coming full moon.\u00a0 Though torn, the Circle of the Learned have reached a troubling consensus.\u00a0 Some felt that the portends in their entirety of six must be shared.\u00a0 Others, that knowledge of the quandary of the Seizen Elder would sway many matches and bring grave disquiet to all the Seizen.\u00a0 Should this disquiet spread to the Chukrah it would certainly bode ill for the Seizen.\u00a0 Whether to share knowledge, or deny knowledge troubled all.\u00a0 The final accord reached has been to withhold the sixth element.\u00a0 Of the Seizen Elder\u2019s struggle, none save the Councils will gain knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A long silence ensued, eventually broken by Liaju\u2019s murmur, \u201c<em>None Shall Speak for the Gods<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 She raised her eyes to the heavens and added, \u201cThat is the Principle Law.\u00a0 The Gods gift me with portends embedded within troubling dreams.\u00a0 Yet they hide understanding of their desires.\u00a0 Why do they make gaining knowledge of their wishes so arduous?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rethga wished to comfort his twin and opened his mouth to speak.\u00a0 After a few moments, he reconsidered, shook his head, and belatedly said, \u201cDifficult matches.\u00a0 In my heart, I am a Hunter.\u00a0 Yet should the Chukrah I match hold the souls of Herbalists, I will accept it gladly.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled, pleased with his comment.\u00a0 It served double-duty as a jibe at Liaju, as clearly set on a Herbalist\u2019s path as he was on a Hunter\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>When his father frowned and Liaju looked at him quizzically, Rethga realized his attempt to lighten the somber mood had failed.\u00a0 Feeling compelled to speak, but knowing he could offer little for fear of breaking the Principle Law, he said, \u201cThe Gods\u2019 workings are mysterious, known to themselves alone.\u00a0 When walking dangerous ground, a wise person treads silently, in hope of remaining unnoticed.\u00a0 I shall remain silent, in hope of gaining wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar replayed Rethga\u2019s words silently within his mind, bit his lip, and wondered if someone had inadvertently disclosed details of the Chukrah match to the boy.\u00a0 Unable to think who might have done so, or why they would, he decided Rethga merely showed insight.\u00a0 He concentrated instead on what he could say to help Liaju.<\/p>\n<p>Only after long consideration did Jalgar speak, \u201cI do not attempt to speak for the Gods.\u00a0 Yet at risk of offending them, I offer you what little I have gleaned on this matter.\u00a0 Could it be that they desire each to discern for themselves the nature of mortality, and the unvoiced wishes of the immortal?\u00a0 If someone offered words purporting to come from the Gods, there are many who would pay them heed.\u00a0 Would the listeners fulfill the Gods\u2019 will?\u00a0 Or would they merely be the unwitting lackeys of whoever claimed to speak for the Divine?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju nodded as she looked at her father, understanding evident within her eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar returned Liaju\u2019s forthright gaze for several moments before shaking his head, \u201cYou are wise beyond your cycles, Liaju.\u00a0 Yet even you might succumb to this insidious temptation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju shook her head as she opened her mouth to speak.<\/p>\n<p>Before Liaju could voice her denial, Jalgar raised his hand to silence her.\u00a0 When she reluctantly closed her mouth, he asked, \u201cYou avidly seek knowledge in all things, do you not?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Liaju nodded ready agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar nodded before cocking his head to the side, \u201cAnd if I, your father, were to grant you this knowledge, would you not accept it?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When Liaju nodded again, Jalgar shook his head vigorously.\u00a0 \u201cThough you honor me, you must always question knowledge.\u00a0 Only after it passes the tests of your own mind and heart dare you accept it as truth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Both Liaju and Rethga frowned as they considered this.\u00a0 Eventually they nodded in unison as understanding dawned.<\/p>\n<p>Jalgar nodded satisfaction that his progeny perceived his meaning.\u00a0 As was his wont, he repeated the lesson, \u201cQuestion always.\u00a0 Listen to your heart and to your mind.\u00a0 Refute all which flies against either. \u00a0Trust yourself above any other.\u00a0 Perhaps these are lessons of the Gods?\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled, \u201cOr more likely the ramblings of an old fool.\u00a0 Think on this, for I fear I can offer nothing further.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After a moment Liaju murmured, \u201cI shall.\u00a0 My heart is lightened. \u00a0Would that I had shared my burden with you both long past.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Though Rethga absorbed his father\u2019s words, he remained silent.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>III. \u00a0Shifts, in Vision<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Midafternoon, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>Midday\u2019s heat lessened as the sun passed its zenith.<\/p>\n<p>In the shade of his hijath, Mithial awoke from his doze.\u00a0 As his eyes opened, he instinctively checked his Vanish Rite then carefully scanned the hillside.\u00a0 When he found nothing he slaked his considerable thirst.\u00a0 After hours of exposure to the sun, the water was tepid, yet satisfying.<\/p>\n<p>He corked the drained skin, reattached it to his belt, and took a moment to glance at his Chukrah.\u00a0 His soulmate pulsed the pale green of spring leaves newly unfurled as it echoed wordless contentment.<\/p>\n<p>Sighing, Mithial caressed the flat hexagonal pendant.\u00a0 It was smooth, grooved, and inanimate to any touch but his.\u00a0 To him, an intimate echo of his own life force filled his Chukrah.\u00a0 With its aid, maintaining the Vanish Rite required no significant effort.\u00a0 However, after hours spent beneath deception\u2019s cloak, disorientation invariably struck.<\/p>\n<p>Mithial shook off the vague confusion and reconsidered his purpose for being here.<\/p>\n<p><em>Ripkira sent me scouting for sign of our Ancient Enemy?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>He blinked away the last of his lethargy, slowly rose, and looked down into the valley.\u00a0 Denser scrub than the rocky hillside filled it.\u00a0 With their excellent camouflage, Groth would be difficult to see unaided.\u00a0 He called to his Chukrah, feeling his vision slowly change as it responded to his appeal.\u00a0 All detail faded, gradually replaced by an indistinct gray blur.\u00a0 Within this featureless haze pricks of brighter color coalesced, slowly forming easily distinguished blobs.\u00a0 Most were moving, each leaving in its wake a vague slash of diminishing color.<\/p>\n<p>Mithial drew a sharp breath in surprise.<\/p>\n<p><em>Every one of those mustard colored blobs of light reveals a groth!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>He concentrated hard, held his head and eyes motionless, and strove to ignore the multiple wavering trails.\u00a0 Any movement, however slight, blurred the entire image, washed out all color, and returned everything to hazy gray.\u00a0 Quick as possible, he counted the blobs of brightness.\u00a0 This proved to be a difficult task while holding his eyes motionless.\u00a0 Reaching thirty, becoming more nauseous and dizzy with each moment, he gave up and guessed.<\/p>\n<p>Experience told him they exceeded forty.<\/p>\n<p>That number, in this unremarkable little valley, could mean only one thing.\u00a0 A lair, and a large one.\u00a0 There might be a hundred more groth basking in the warmth of some underground cave.<\/p>\n<p><em>I must determine its exact location and an accurate estimate of its size.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Still startled at the high count, Mithial shook his head to deliberately disrupt his altered vision.\u00a0 As he did so he actively wished his eyes back to normal.\u00a0 He felt the change in his Chukrah and waited for his eyesight to return.\u00a0 After a heart\u2019s count to three hundred, the shape of the valley became discernible.\u00a0 By five hundred, shrubs and boulders appeared.\u00a0 Finally, at seven hundred heartbeats his vision had completely cleared.\u00a0 Though most of the nausea and light-headedness faded as his count progressed, bone deep weariness replaced it.<\/p>\n<p>Mithial slowly lifted one end of his hijath to mop his brow with the soft cloth.\u00a0 It came away damp with the sweat beading his forehead.\u00a0 Far damper than the day\u2019s uncharacteristic warmth warranted.\u00a0 Legs trembling from exhaustion, he shambled to a different boulder, one that offered some shade from the sun\u2019s new position.\u00a0 Absently, he verified his Vanish Rite still held as he slumped into shadow\u2019s relative cool.\u00a0 He let the sweat soaked end of the hijath fall to his chest as he pulled its middle forward over his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Drained by his efforts, Mithial lounged against the boulder, sipped from another water skin, and chewed on charqui as he thought.\u00a0 <em>As soon as I recover some strength, I will circle north.\u00a0 By sunset, I should be on the northern side of this valley, looking south.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Thanks to the cloudless sky, come nightfall the day\u2019s heat would rapidly dissipate.\u00a0 Deprived of warming sunlight, the cold-blooded groth would make a beeline for their lair.\u00a0 <em>They need its warmth.<\/em>\u00a0 Their movement toward it should allow him to determine the lair\u2019s precise location.\u00a0 Thought of this brought a shiver of dread.\u00a0 Where his Vanish Rite was near effortless, invoking a Vision Shift exhausted him.\u00a0 Vision Shifts left him weak, shaky, and befuddled.\u00a0 Doing it twice in a single day would leave him severely debilitated.<\/p>\n<p><em>There can be no help for it.\u00a0 Ripkira needs solid information, not vague guesses and suppositions.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A short rest should leave him sufficiently recovered to move.\u00a0 Later, under the cover of full night, he would stumble back across the plain to the unit and Ripkira.<\/p>\n<p>Mithial let his weary eyelids droop and dozed.<\/p>\n<p>Seeing Ripkira would be adequate reward for his exertions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 3. \u00a0Of Chukrah, and Segattoo<\/h2>\n<h3>I. \u00a0Promises, Fulfilled<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Afternoon, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/h6>\n<p>With evening\u2019s onset approaching, Daniskira took leave of her mother and sister in order to fulfill her promise of a tale to the children.\u00a0 As soon as she stepped outside a crowd of eager fifth-marked, who had returned from their afternoon chores, surrounded her.\u00a0 With the children\u2019s excitement building, Daniskira turned her wagon toward the square and led her jumenta to the fountain.\u00a0 The children parted before her, then closed in behind the wagon and followed, as obedient as a flock of lambs.<\/p>\n<p>On reaching the fountain, Daniskira took a moment to caress the village Chundrah.\u00a0 Though the obelisk\u2019s barely perceptible pulse revealed it to be depleted of energy, she drew strength from its radiant warmth.\u00a0 She could always relax within its protective aura.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira drew a deep breath before releasing the Chundrah and turning back to her wagon.\u00a0 After positioning her cart to show off her Segattoo to best advantage, she straightened her skirts and turned to face the crowd.\u00a0 Voice soft, she asked, \u201cWho would like to hear a tale?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In one voice the throng of children yelled, \u201cMe!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Oblivious to decorum, the fifth-marked rushed to gain places as near Daniskira as possible.\u00a0 Within moments, all sat gazing up at her in near silence as they awaited the story.<\/p>\n<p>Word of Daniskira\u2019s arrival had spread.\u00a0 People converged on the square from all sides.\u00a0 Adults and their eleventh-marked progeny trailed in, their labors of the day completed, or postponed.\u00a0 Daniskira noticed their arrival and made a show of dusting off her blouse before turning to slowly wash her hands and face in the fountain\u2019s runoff.\u00a0 This delay allowed the newcomers time to find places to sit.\u00a0 Daniskira\u2019s tales somehow returned the older listeners to the worry free times of their youth.\u00a0 Few willingly missed them.<\/p>\n<p>In the pleasant, warm haze of early evening Daniskira prepared to tell them the tale of how she had acquired her magnificent Segattoo.\u00a0 Only when silence fell, indicating all were seated and comfortable, did she turn from the fountain to face the crowd once more.<\/p>\n<p>Arrayed behind Daniskira, cradled in specially made holders in the back of her wagon, stood her matched Segattoo.\u00a0 Her careful placement ensured the sun\u2019s last, spectacular rays would illuminate them. \u00a0After standing silent for a few moments she gestured toward the plants, timing her hand\u2019s motion as the sun\u2019s lower edge touched the horizon.\u00a0 A collective gasp of awe rose as the Segattoo\u2019s multicolored spines caught dusk\u2019s display and reflected it in multiple colored beams.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira gasped along with the villagers.\u00a0 The beauty of her Segattoo never failed to touch her heart.<\/p>\n<p>Segattoo held a crucial role for the Seizen.\u00a0 From the Segattoo\u2019s many hued spines came the colored resins used to form the ritual marks of family worn by all.\u00a0 Since custom required that the person attended provide their own Segattoo, every Seizen household maintained at least one of the plants.\u00a0 Symbologists used the resin-laden spines, plucked fresh from the plant, to fashion the unique ancestral symbols within the flesh of their patrons.<\/p>\n<p>A Symbologist of growing renown, Daniskira knew Segattoo better than anyone.\u00a0 The two beautiful plants on display before the villagers were Daniskira\u2019s.\u00a0 She maintained them with devotion and took great pride in the particularly vibrant hue of their spines.\u00a0 Daniskira had tended her Segattoo lovingly since finding them on one of her unsanctioned adventures.\u00a0 Though those youthful adventures had oftentimes left her parents worried, thankfully they had never resulted in permanent harm.<\/p>\n<p>With the stage set and every person in the square awestruck by the brilliant play of light upon her Segattoo\u2019s iridescent spines, Daniskira began her tale.\u00a0 As always, her timing proved impeccable.\u00a0 The sun vanished as she spoke, taking with it the day\u2019s last gleam and the voices of all gathered.<\/p>\n<p>Low pitched and urgent, Daniskira\u2019s voice filled the sudden quiet, grasping the attention of the receptive crowd.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis evening I will tell how I discovered my Segattoo.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The children were hers, completely, as were the adults.<\/p>\n<p>\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>II. \u00a0Meals, Shared<\/h3>\n<p>Timeline: Early Evening, Wodansday, 2<sup>nd<\/sup> sixday, 9<sup>th<\/sup> Luna, 3600.<\/p>\n<p>When the stew had cooked sufficiently Jalgar gave the pot a brief stir, this released the rich odors of a fine meal ready for consumption.\u00a0 Before eating, Liaju rose to stretch her legs and return circulation to her body.\u00a0 They had been sitting too long.\u00a0 Her father and brother also stood and stretched.\u00a0 Though they trusted the hounds for first warning, this served little if your limbs refused to respond.\u00a0 Once limber, they seated themselves for the meal.<\/p>\n<p>Each took out a wooden bowl from their pack.\u00a0 Into these Jalgar divided the stew, the portions based on the needs of those sharing the meal.\u00a0 Jalgar received the largest, with Rethga\u2019s portion slightly smaller.\u00a0 Nearly a hand shorter than her twin, Liaju received an appropriately smaller amount.\u00a0 Next, Jalgar then took a sheaf of journey bread from his pack, which he broke into three before giving pieces to Liaju and Rethga.<\/p>\n<p>Together they began eating, dipping the unleavened bread in the stew and savoring the delicious melding of vegetable, grain, and meat.\u00a0 Only the lack of venison\u2019s tang detracted from the meal\u2019s flavor.<\/p>\n<p>After leisurely consuming their food, each took time to drink from their water skins and wash down their last mouthfuls.\u00a0 They then poured a small amount of water into their bowls and swished it about to loosen the last particles of food. \u00a0With the crust of bread each had left uneaten, they carefully wiped about their bowls to clean them and mop up the moisture.<\/p>\n<p>Liaju called her hounds with a click of her tongue.\u00a0 They appeared silently alongside, sat, and waited patiently.\u00a0 After a few moments, Liaju broke her crust in two and gave a piece to each.\u00a0 The hounds devoured the crusts, then moved to Rethga, who repeated what Liaju had done.\u00a0 Finally, they circled to Jalgar.\u00a0 Smiling, he did the same.<\/p>\n<p>All deserved their share, dogs included.<\/p>\n<p>With the meal over, Jalgar, Liaju, and Rethga rose and moved down to the nearby stream to refill their water skins.\u00a0 Ever alert, the hounds trailed them.\u00a0 At the stream Jalgar and Rethga kept watch while Liaju performed the task.\u00a0 First, each partly filled their water skins, then rinsed them thoroughly before emptying them some distance from the stream so as not to disturb the clean flowing water.\u00a0 After shaking out the last drops of stale water, they refilled all skins.\u00a0 They took special care to gather only the clear running surface flow.\u00a0 Once filled with clean, fresh water every skin received a pinch of cleansing herbs.\u00a0 Only after the three had finished did the hounds come forward to drink.\u00a0 Singly, the three took their ablutions in the woods and then washed in the stream while the others stood guard.<\/p>\n<p>On returning to their campsite, the fire had reduced to a bed of coals.\u00a0 They immediately began preparations for the night\u2019s slumber.\u00a0 With warm feet making for a warm body, each lay with their feet toward one of the three heated rocks surrounding the fire.\u00a0 They placed their heads outward, using their own packs as pillows.\u00a0 Of the three only Liaju covered herself with a thin blanket, which she had taken from her pack.\u00a0 With the weather so warm, the men felt no need of coverings.\u00a0 They preferred to lie beneath the clouded sky.<\/p>\n<p>Trusting the hounds to give them fair warning, they gradually settled down.<\/p>\n<p>Having shared the burden of her dreams with her father and twin, Liaju found her woes no longer as distressing, or as weighty.\u00a0 More confident she would glean the Gods\u2019 will than she had been since her troubling dreams began, she gladly succumbed to sleep\u2019s allure moments after lying down.<\/p>\n<p>For the first time in many lunas, Liaju slept well.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<h3>III. \u00a0Tales, of Segattoo<\/h3>\n<h6>Timeline: Late Morning, Cronusday, 6<sup>th<\/sup> sixday, 3<sup>rd<\/sup> Luna, 3588<\/h6>\n<h6>Flashback: Daniskira\u2019s Segattoo.<\/h6>\n<p>Both Segattoo already stood eight segments high when Daniskira discovered them.\u00a0 Rare finds indeed, only possible thanks to the remoteness of the dwelling the family occupied that long cycle.\u00a0 Their home was in the southernmost village, still inhabited, from Malmaxa.\u00a0 The forest in which these Segattoo thrived lay even further south.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira had spent the entire morning travelling to the wood, moving as quickly as her sixth cycle legs could carry her.\u00a0 She had first spotted it while standing atop a hill the previous sixday.\u00a0 A hill a full two hours walk closer to the village.\u00a0 What had aroused her inquisitive nature were the particularly tall, straight-bodied trees forming this forest.\u00a0 Since it had already been too late to reach the wood on the day she first saw it, she had crafted a plan for a special outing to reach it.<\/p>\n<p>Thus she arrived here now.<\/p>\n<p>Accompanied by her hounds, Daniskira entered a clearing within the woods as the sun neared its zenith.\u00a0 The plants were positioned on the far side of a small pond, one to her right, one to her left.\u00a0 First sight of the Segattoo stripped her breath away.\u00a0 Their spines shone so bright that for an instant she thought them the bases of a miniature rainbow.<\/p>\n<p>Gradually daring to breathe once more, Daniskira realized there was no rain, and that the rainbow\u2019s arc was absent.\u00a0 The brilliant display emanated not from a trick of misted sunlight, but from two magnificent Segattoo so glorious they could only be gifts from the Gods.<\/p>\n<p>Oblivious to the plants\u2019 glory, Daniskira\u2019s hounds tasted the pond\u2019s clear water then proceeded to satisfy themselves there was no imminent danger to their young mistress.\u00a0 As they moved the dog, Whasin, marked the area as his.\u00a0 Finally, with their sniffling investigation completed, both hounds lay near Daniskira.\u00a0 Their relaxed posture granted her ample surety of safety.\u00a0 Though apparently asleep and content, the pair remained as alert as only dozing dogs can be.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira looked at the Segattoo in awe as she contemplated their beauty.\u00a0 Midday came and went, all thought of the straight-bodied trees she had come to investigate forgotten.<\/p>\n<p>She gazed on the plants, from one to the other, marking forever in her memory the wonder of their construction and the beauty of their brightly tinted protective spines.\u00a0 Reflected from these very spines, the sun\u2019s light seemed more splendorous than any rainbow.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira considered the plants with an intensity far beyond her cycles.\u00a0 First she looked on them at length from across the clearing.\u00a0 Later she moved near to examine them from intimately close.\u00a0 While still drinking her fill of their beauty, she realized this was a defining moment in her life.<\/p>\n<p>Random thoughts flitted through Daniskira\u2019s young mind.\u00a0 She sat so close to the plants that she could easily reach out and touch their spines.\u00a0 As she often did when alone with only her hounds for audience, she voiced her thoughts aloud, \u201cMy brothers will be so jealous when they see them.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll use their spines for my sixth marking.<\/p>\n<p>Ryntam will be so envious.<\/p>\n<p>No, of course I\u2019ll share with her.<\/p>\n<p>Well, perhaps the spines, if not the plants themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After a pleasant interlude filled with idyllic dreams, Daniskira saw the Segattoo through new eyes.\u00a0 Eyes opened to their true wonder.<\/p>\n<p>Segattoo looked like nothing else she knew or had heard described.\u00a0 Were the sad truth told, the Seizen seldom described Segattoo at all.\u00a0 They were just, well, they were just <em>Segattoo<\/em>, an accepted part of Seizen culture so mundane as to not require consideration.\u00a0 That anyone could take such splendid plants for granted gravely troubled Daniskira.\u00a0 She determined that henceforth she would award all Segattoo their due.<\/p>\n<p>In this frame of mind, Daniskira threw out the widely accepted logic which held that Segattoo were nothing more than peculiar cacti.\u00a0 Filled with a powerful need to understand them, she delved deep into the Segattoo\u2019s true nature as she sought valid comparisons.<\/p>\n<p>A tower of individual segments comprised a single Segattoo.\u00a0 Surely they must be like something?\u00a0 \u201cA stack of clay bowls?\u201d she murmured aloud before discarding the idea.<\/p>\n<p>Where clay bowls were inanimate, life\u2019s essence filled Segattoo.<\/p>\n<p>She narrowed her eyes in concentration, \u201cBesides clay bowls don\u2019t have identical segments, each with their own perfectly matched branches.\u201d\u00a0 Dissatisfied with the comparison of living plant to inert clay, she dismissed it.\u00a0 However, she liked the idea of a stack of bowls of decreasing size and retained that part of her thought.<\/p>\n<p>While walking around the plants, she realized each individual bowl bore a vague resemblance to a pumpkin.\u00a0 <em>Well, Segattoo are green, while pumpkins are orange.<\/em>\u00a0 Conjuring a pumpkin in her mind\u2019s eye, she compared it to the plant\u2019s bottom bowl.\u00a0 Where a pumpkin had ten vertically aligned segments, the Segattoo had only six.\u00a0 <em>Still, it does seem much more like a pumpkin than a clay pot.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Dissatisfied with this comparison as well, even though it seemed closer, Daniskira shook her head, \u201cWell, at least pumpkins are alive, but they\u2019re just\u2026 well, they\u2019re just common!\u00a0 Besides, who would stack pumpkins one atop another?\u00a0 That\u2019s just silly!\u00a0 The Segattoo is the Gift from the Gods.\u00a0 It is special, very special, while pumpkins are just plain and ordinary.\u00a0 So perhaps it is alright to compare Segattoo with nothing else.\u00a0 After all, they are unique.\u00a0 But I do like the idea of bowls, so that\u2019s what I\u2019ll call them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With this determination made, she examined the plant\u2019s lowermost bowl.\u00a0 Evenly spaced around it, about halfway up each of its six vertical segments, were six upward sweeping branches.\u00a0 The branches were short, not quite reaching the top of the bowl as they swept up and out in a gentle, pleasing curve.<\/p>\n<p>Without realizing she did, Daniskira held out her own arms, hands open, palms toward her face, copying as best she could the branches\u2019 arcs.\u00a0 She looked at her arms and described what she saw, \u201cLimbs held toward the Heavens, in supplication to the Gods.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A thrill of pleasure swept through Daniskira.\u00a0 It raised gooseflesh with its passage.<\/p>\n<p>So eloquent.\u00a0 So simple.\u00a0 So true.<\/p>\n<p>Voice filled with certainty, Daniskira exclaimed, \u201cWhy they aren\u2019t branches at all, they\u2019re the Segattoo\u2019s limbs!\u00a0 Besides, they\u2019re covered in hairs, just like my arms.\u00a0 What mere branch has hair?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With the thought of hair grasping her imagination, Daniskira turned back to the Segattoo to examine the bottom bowl again.\u00a0 Perhaps for the first time she peered closely at the spines covering it.\u00a0 Though transparent, each spine bore a distended middle.\u00a0 They matched her small finger in length.\u00a0 \u201cThese look more like a porcupine\u2019s quills than hairs!\u00a0 No wonder they\u2019re called quills!\u201d she murmured.\u00a0 She looked closer still, eager to find any further differences between the large quills and the tiny hair-like spines on the limbs.<\/p>\n<p>Transparent sap filled the swollen middle of each quill.\u00a0 This discovery provoked a memory, \u201cVhials\u2026 a name reserved for only the bottommost spines of the Segattoo.\u201d\u00a0 Since she had no idea what vhial meant, or why it was reserved exclusively for the spines on the Segattoo\u2019s lowest bowl, she determined to ask her mother at first opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>An admiring glance from several paces back showed the wonderful proportions of the plant.\u00a0 She cocked her head to the side as she noted its overall symmetry.\u00a0 Six vertically aligned segments to a bowl, six limbs evenly spaced, one limb to each segment.\u00a0 The bowls gradually reduced in size, with each bowl a virtual replica of the bowl beneath, upon which it sat.\u00a0 Besides size, the only perceptible difference between the bowls was the rainbow of hues within their spines.\u00a0 Each bowls\u2019 quills bore an entirely different color.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira\u2019s eyes roamed upward as she considered the second bowl.\u00a0 Slightly smaller, it sat mounted neatly on top of the first.\u00a0 The spines on this bowl were a vivid, startling white at its base.\u00a0 By its middle, where its limbs protruded, white gave way to rich cream.\u00a0 Cream transitioned to translucent yellow, which gradually solidified into lustrous shades of polished bronze and gleaming gold by its top.<\/p>\n<p>The third bowl housed spines of red.\u00a0 Its lowest spines were the pink of puckered lips, awaiting a kiss.\u00a0 Creeping higher, their color turned bright and deep, becoming ever darker, to end in hues of dried blood so bold they were barely distinguishable as red.<\/p>\n<p>The fourth bowl held purples.\u00a0 Strangely, on this bowl the color intensity reversed.\u00a0 Its quills gradually grew lighter as her eyes crept ever upward.\u00a0 It started with deepest plum, faded through mauve, until at its top stood pale lilac.<\/p>\n<p>Above the purples, on the fifth bowl, were blues.\u00a0 Its lowest spines were of an intensity seldom seen in nature.\u00a0 Perhaps the center of a lake of melted snow, cold and crisp, brilliant and blue.\u00a0 As had the purple bowl, these spines lightened as the eye climbed.\u00a0 Midway up the spines sported spectacular midsummer lightning.\u00a0 By the fifth bowl\u2019s top the quills dulled, with most of their brilliance washed away to look as sky on a faded blue day.<\/p>\n<p>On the sixth bowl came a range of aqua.\u00a0 Palest winter sky, gradually darkening as her eyes climbed, though the transition of color was not bold.\u00a0 By the sixth bowl\u2019s top, hints of morning sun\u2019s glimmer reflected from a frozen sky.<\/p>\n<p>Upon the final colored bowl, the seventh, the spines were green.\u00a0 These began with the pale of new leaves unfurled in spring, they ended in forest\u2019s dark.<\/p>\n<p>The spines guarding the Segattoo\u2019s topmost bowl held no hint of color.\u00a0 They showed no transition from dark to light, nor from faded to vibrant.\u00a0 Only pitch spines of a single shade.<\/p>\n<p>Deepest, deadly, impenetrable black.<\/p>\n<p>Daniskira stood to her full height of almost five feet, slightly shorter than most fifth-marked, and found she could look down on the topmost bowl.\u00a0 \u201cNine hands tall!\u00a0 Who knew Segattoo could grow so huge?\u00a0 Papa will never believe my luck, for nobody has Segattoo as glorious as these.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The topmost bowl, on which Daniskira now looked, was about the size of her cupped hands.\u00a0 Dead center on its top sat a small, gray object.\u00a0 Thinking it some vile parasite that dared suck the life blood from her Segattoo, Daniskira examined it reproachfully, eager fingers ready to pinch and destroy.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, she squealed in delight.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Since Malmaxa is complex, here is it&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/samples\/malmaxa-glossary\/\">full <strong><em>Glossary<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<br \/>\nShould you like to listen more than read, here is <a title=\"whispered words, from my mouth to your ear...\" href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/2012\/12\/adelmars-recollection-audio\/\">a snippet of audio<\/a>.<br \/>\nResources and additional <a title=\"[Links]\" href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/links\/\">links<\/a>.<br \/>\nThe <a title=\"judging books by their covers, are we? Beauty, unmasked by an overlay of clay.\" href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/2011\/06\/early-cover-malmaxa-i\/\">original cover art<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8\u06de\u06f7\u06f8\u06f7\u06f8<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/Malmaxa-I-Beltamars-War.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-446\" src=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/Malmaxa-I-Beltamars-War.jpg\" alt=\"Malmaxa I - Beltamar's War\" width=\"1562\" height=\"2500\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<strong>I sincerely hope you&#8217;ve enjoyed this sample and are encouraged to purchase a copy in one of its\u00a0various <a title=\"[Links]\" href=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/links\/\">forms<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0~ C.G.Ayling<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Caveat Emptor<\/strong> &#8211; Please note that this sample reflects the work in its current, edited form. It is not only possible, but quite likely that this text differs from publicly available versions which are available for purchase by clicking the picture links below.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; margin-right: 5px;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2431\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2431\" style=\"width: 124px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a title=\"Amazon\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0054RFWU2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2431\" src=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/Malmaxa-I1.jpg\" alt=\"Beltamar's War\" width=\"124\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2431\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amazon Kindle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; margin-right: 5px;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2431\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2431\" style=\"width: 124px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a title=\"Paperback\" href=\"https:\/\/www.createspace.com\/3582903\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2431\" src=\"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/Malmaxa-I1.jpg\" alt=\"Beltamar's War\" width=\"124\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2431\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paperback<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finally, a book you&#8217;ll want and need to read again &#8211; Beltamar&#8217;s War&#8230; &#8220;so intricately woven that I&#8217;m left reliving each bit of it&#8221; &#8211; Liz Stier. &#8220;10 out of 5 stars. Unique &amp; completely without comparison.&#8221; &#8211; David Grigger. &#8220;&#8230;the most original and thoughtful piece of work I\u2019ve read in a long while&#8230;&#8221; &#8211; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":2542,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2360","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2360"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2360\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}