The cypress dominated forest lent its heavy canopy to cool a thick carpet of ferns. With the air growing drier before the full onslaught of the dry season, there were fewer mosquitoes and other biting flies in the area. The Knight was thankful for that small blessing for he had much on his mind. The revelation his goddess wife sprang upon him was unsettling at best. To hear with certainty from the lips of the woman he loved more than his own life that she would never bear his children, was unexpectedly stunning news.
In a lifetime filled with naught but killing and war, the Valley Knight never dared dream one day he'd live in peace amongst his neighbors with a home and family of his own. His wife as usual was right about what the presence of the boy Little Fish had on him. Taking time to instruct him was enjoyable to the Knight. Though he would never let the boy see it, pangs of concern would grip him when it looked like he may have been injured. When Little Fish met or exceeded his expectations, the Knight felt a swell of pride he suspected only a father could understand.
However, Little Fish already had an adopted father and mother. Like the Knight, the boy was lost in the vast desert and found his way to the Valley. His adopted parents were good farmers and were kind to Little Fish. They were more than pleased to learn he had gained the favor of the Priestess and would receive instruction from her. It had occurred to the Knight that life would not be as pleasant without the boy around. The Knight's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by an unwelcome presence.
"Yeah, they're fun to make and cute when they're little. But sooner than later, you'll be ready to kill them!" Recognizing the voice, the Knight took his hand off his sword hilt and slowly turned around. The Knight's eyes beheld a man about his age with a powerful frame covered in what looked to be black paint with gray stripes. The man rose from his squatting position among the ferns to stand just outside of sword range. Despite his more mature appearance, the Valley Knight recognized his wife's second husband the God, Qatula.
Though their last meeting ended on a good note, the Knight kept in mind Qatula killed one of the Priestess' previous husbands thousands of years ago. The death caused a rift between them which wasn't reconciled until recently. The Knight maintained his guard just to be sure. "Qatula, what brings you back here? I thought you'd had your fill of the place and moved on."
The divine being grinned showing sharp white teeth replied, "Oh no caretaker of that which I hold most dear! This place holds my interest. Not to mention I get to visit my wife and her new husband on occasion. Hey, has your hairy Northman friend cooked up another barrel of that modified 'horse piss' he drinks?" Flatly the Knight responded, "No he has not." As Qatula sat beside the man he replied, "Just as well. You all are much safer without our wife getting drunk. Anyway, I'm actually here to see you."
The Knight wasn't comfortable with a potentially jealous god-husband sitting beside him. But that was the nature of being married to a goddess. "So why would one such as you want to see me?" Smiling once more Qatula replied, "I've come lend my council if you would have it. That's all." His eyes narrowed and the Knight retorted, "Why would I accept your council? You tricked me upon our first meeting and it is plain you wish to take my wife back into your arms."
The god nodded his painted clean-shaven head and his eyes flashed from brown to coal-red for an instant. "Sir Knight, you have naught to fear from me. That was a mere test of your mettle. I happen to approve of your union with my..., 'our' wife. Besides, I will have my wife back in due time. Injury, disease, old-age and death will be the agents which will end your union. I haven't seen our wife in three thousand years. A few decades wait is nothing."
The Knight could not argue with the god's impenetrable logic and therefore relented. "All right. What valuable council have you to offer owner of that which I care about most?" Leaning his head backwards the god gave a short shout of mirth which flushed birds and small animals from their hiding places. "See? It is obvious I approve of you. Not only are you fearless in my presence, you can crackwise as well. A mortal man married to a goddess needs those traits. As for my 'council', I have come to strongly recommend you accept our wife's request to aid your Northman friend on his journey."
Again the Knight's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he said, "Sounds more like an excuse to lure me away from my wife's side. You well know it is my responsibility to protect her." The wind began to blow through the cypress canopy and the heady scent permeated the air. Qatula raised his head placing his nose into the wind. Breathing deeply of the exotic scent he then said, "What did I just say caretaker? A man married to a goddess need be fearless and have a sense of humor. I would also add having an open and flexible mind when needed. You are not looking beyond what you think the word protection means."
The Knight didn't like where this was going. His dealings with gods had shown mortals were at great disadvantage when interacting with them. The gods new things about people and what was to come no mortal could altogether fathom. All any mortal could do was trust their better judgment and either stand firm or go forth. With a heavy sigh the Knight replied, "So then it is probable going on this journey will help me fulfill my duty as her protector?"
Qatula tilted his head to the side and looked upon the man next to him. His dark brown eyes slowly changed again to coal-red as he gave his answer. "Only you can decide that my mortal friend. I have already told you much of what you need to know. What fun would it be to know all the answers before you seek out the questions? Since I’ve grown fond of you, keep this in mind: Our wife loves you more than you can currently understand. That which she asks of you is a no mean thing for any woman, let alone a goddess!"
The god stood up amongst the ferns and stretched noisily as both sinews popped and joints crackled from the effort. Looking down upon the still seated man, Qatula smiled once more showing those razor-sharp teeth. "Believe it or not mortal, I do envy you this time and place. Do your best to maintain it while you are able. It won't last forever. Oh, when you get the chance leave a bowl of the Northman's brewed horse-piss here. Please don't turn it into an offering. Unlike our wife, all that worshipping shit annoys me."
Before the Knight could blink, Qatula was gone. Looking up to the sky beyond the cypress dominated canopy, the Valley Knight could see the day had nearly passed. That too was the nature of dealing with the gods. It was all too easy for a mortal to misplace irreplaceable time in their presence. Lost time notwithstanding, he must decide on whether to accompany the Aesir Chief on this impending journey or not. What would come from his doing so would be left up to his own better judgment. Now it was just a question of being able to get home in time for the evening meal!
****
The atmosphere inside the Priestess' modest home was tense as the small group of elders sat upon cushions covering her matted wood floor. The Priestess was thankful her new husband's acquired skill in woodworking made available a sectional table large enough to accommodate so many visitors. Looking the most uncomfortable was the Chief of the Aesir Travelers. Though having grown accustomed to life in the Valley, he had grown concerned about his people.
Months had passed since his men sailed over the horizon to return home and bring their wives and families to settle in the Valley. At the time, the Chief could not go because of his commitment to train the youths who defiled the Mountain into its guardians. With the now young men independently patrolling the Mountain and its approaches, the Chief wanted to return home and learn what became of his men. Despite the Chief's successful training of the new Mountain Guardians, the Elders had come to see the Chief as the Guardian’s leader and were vehemently opposed to his leaving.
The Priestess did her best not to sigh before her guests. She never interfered with decisions made by the Elders unless it involved the river, dam or mountain. She was only here to keep the agreement made between the Mountain and River which ended their ages long war. People were more than welcome to live and prosper here in the Valley and the Surround long as they did not disturb the powers that created the region. Nonetheless long ago she had taken on this mortal shell and had been here since people arrived. During that great length of time, the Priestess had become the spiritual hub of Valley Culture.
All of which saw her with a house full of people anxiously awaiting her decision on the matter. The Priestess continued to resist the urge to sigh for though true she did not make judgments on the matters of everyday life, they had her on this one. It was her verdict to make the Aesir and Surround youths become the Mountain's guardians. As it was the Chief's people who set the awakening of the Mountain in motion, as their leader she felt he bore responsibility and ruled he would train them.
In all actuality, her long moment of silent contemplation on this matter was just a stall. She already made her decision earlier, but was simply waiting for her very late husband to show up to lend his support. Thankfully, the Valley Knight entered the house fresh from a quick wash and wrapped with the clean plainspun waistcloth she'd left for him. All acknowledged he who was both husband and protector of the Valley's spiritual leader. Taking his place beside her, the Knight gave her hand the customary kiss in deference to the assemblage. Whispering to his wife the Knight asked, "Did I miss much?" His answer came with the sudden narrowing of the Priestess' eyes.
With a pleasant look on her face the Priestess turned back to her guests and said, "I have come to a decision." At the statement all present managed to perk up and focus on her. Looking over the expectant faces, the Priestess gave her ruling. "The Chief may undertake a journey to ascertain the circumstances of his people. That is his right as their leader." As she expected, the Elders were not pleased with her decision while the Chief was. How long that would last depended on what she next said.
"However, I also recognize the Chief has become a valued member of the community. I also recognize his presence lends comfort in knowing care is being taken toward maintaining the Mountain's peaceful slumber. With that under consideration, I will apply the following conditions." As she suspected, everyone's expressions changed at the mention of conditions. Steeling herself for what she was about to say would put critical events into motion, the Priestess focused on the Chief alone.
"Due to the responsibilities held by the Aesir Chief, a lengthy journey is not permitted. He must travel by more expedient means than a ship. Next, he may not travel alone. If he can assemble at least two volunteers who are not Mountain Guardians to sojourn with him, I will temporarily release him from his commitment. Finally, should the Chief agree to and comply with the conditions, I will grant him the space of five days and no more to complete his search and return to the Valley. Those are the conditions and that is my ruling."
The Elders looked quite pleased. To their minds, the Priestess had set an impossible task for there was no way the Chief could complete so great a journey and return within five days! The Chief was stunned by the conditions laid down by the Priestess. Always she had been reasonable, but now she wanted the impossible! Even by some miracle he were able to fly forth to his homeland within such an unbelievably short time, what two men would volunteer for such a thing?
It was then the Valley Knight raised his voice over the Elder's chatter. "I will accompany the Chief." As the Elders drew breath to make protest, the Knight cut them off by saying, "And, I shall bring another with me." The Chief was stymied by the Knight's declaration and so were the Elders. With his hands waving against the very idea, the Senior Elder immediately raised his objection to the Knight's offer. "Absolutely not! The Valley Knight is protector to the Priestess and our most capable warrior. How can we allow both men to throw off their duties?"
To quell the shaking heads and waving hands of the elders, the Priestess raised her hand sharply. All became quiet and still once more. With a stern look the woman-goddess spoke in a measured tone to keep her temper. "Do not bring such discord into my home. The conditions are plain in that only the Guardians may not accompany the Chief. Looking to her husband the Priestess commanded, "Sir Knight, who will you take with you on this potentially perilous journey?" Looking from the Priestess to the assemblage the Knight replied, "I will take the Millet Farmer's son, Little Fish."
****
Hours had passed since both the Elders were quieted, fed and returned to their homes. The Chief was a different story. Outside near the shrine the Chief looked to the blazing starfield overhead and exclaimed, "Great Odin, why have you put me among these mad people?" Sympathetic but ready to go bed the Knight replied, "You forget Chief your cries before a goddesses' shrine can no doubt be heard by her?"
Dropping his head in defeat for the umpteenth time the Chief said quietly, "But I thought she liked me. Why would the Priestess set so impossible a task before me?" The Knight completely sympathized with the forlorn warrior. "I can attest that she does like you for you still walk upon two legs...." The Chief's eyes grew wide as he whispered, "She wouldn't! Would she?" The Knight let the answer hang in the air not only to tease the Chief, but to keep him from saying something which might raise his wife's wrath.
"Come Chief. If we are to complete the first part of the conditions, we must convince Little Fish's parents to allow him to accompany us." The Chief followed his comrade of late in both adventure and everyday life. Though a younger man to him in years, the Knight possessed wisdom which belied his youth. The Chief had fought and drank beside the dark skin warrior and other than himself, could not name his peer in this land or in his Northern home. What a sight it would have been to see him face the warriors of the fjords and mountains. It certainly would spawn a saga or two!
The Chief let the thought go for Little Fish was growing to be a fine lad. Yet, he was still two years from his trial of manhood. Even if the boy's parents did allow him to come along, what could one so young contribute? Then there was the unreasonable condition of not allowing them to travel by sea! It would take months to build a proper ship and train men to crew it. The very idea of two men and a boy undertaking an epic journey across the raging seas without a ship and crew was ridiculous!
Then again watching a goddess stand down an Elder Elemental, being tricked by a god into pushing a heavy laden cart for miles and fighting Death disguised as a Valkire to a standstill also fell into the basket of ridiculous he'd encountered recently. Looking to the Knight the Chief relented and said, "Once more I suspect there is much going on beyond what I can fathom." His broad white-toothed smile shone in the dark as the Knight laughed saying, "Now you understand how my days pass! Let us hasten for the sooner we convince Fish's parents, the sooner to bed I get. I have a strong suspicion we'll be leaving sooner than we think!"
Following his comrade into the darkness, the Chief began to share the Knight's suspicions. There was a nagging bunch of yet to be answered questions stacking up in the back of his mind. They, along with his fears would have to wait. Like it or not, he was going to have to put his faith in both the Priestess and the Valley Knight in order to find his men.
© 2011 H. Wolfgang Porter. All Rights Reserved.
Replies