The first rays of dawn found Little Fish flanked by the Priestess, Knight and the Chief as they all stood down in the natural well at the base of the Dam. After barely surviving being tricked into jumping off the dam into this place, Little Fish couldn't believe he was back! His adopted father woke him much earlier than usual and brought him to the Priestess' home which he had only done on the first day of instruction. His father also gave him a great hug before returning and said, "Your mother and me will be waiting for your return. May the Priestess watch over you." That was strange thought the boy. The only thing his father said to him in the mornings was, "Be careful" and "Don't be late for the evening meal." All this was strange indeed.
The Priestess dressed in a dyed green linen longcloth looked at the three and said, "Chief, Husband and Little Fish you have my apology for having you here at this early hour. However, it is necessary to meet my second condition and to start your journey before the Elders could protest." The Chief was completely confused. How in all of Midgard could they 'start a journey' down in this hidden hole at the base of the Dam? And why did the Knight decide to bring Fish along with the Priestess' blessing?
From beneath her green garment, the Priestess pulled out a black leather necklace which Hung a large pearlescent and triangular fish scale. Both men recognized it as similar to the necklace worn by the boy hence his name. The Priestess then said, "You have five days to complete your task Chief of the Aesir. To guide your way I give you these two stones." In his hands she placed a small pouch and two of the glowing amber stones which had caused his younger warriors in their greed to awaken the Mountain.
Now focusing on the Chief the Priestess warned him by saying, "These will lead you to your destination and back to this land. Without at least one stone, you all can never return. Do not lose them!" Looking to her husband the Priestess' eyes softened for a moment and then she handed him a long bundle wrapped in faded black cloth. "My love, I know you wished to lay these down, but you must take them up once more."
The Priestess' heart sank as she saw the hardened look take over her young husband's handsome face. It was as if he had just come in from the desert still covered in the dried blood and sweat of his vanquished enemies. He had come a great distance spiritually and emotionally from the person he was. She only hoped he could maintain the balance he'd acquired during their marriage. The Knight opened the bundle and within were his old sword, bow and quiver.
Everything in the bundle was black. His recurved bow was made of layers of black ram and Ibek horn. The quiver made of oil-boiled crocodile skin held ebony shafted arrows. Last was his curved short sword. Forged by an unknown master, the sword was unlike any weapon the Knight had ever seen. The blade was forged black steel and upon closer inspection, one could see in the metal a pattern similar to the grain of hardwood.
With these weapons in hand, too many lives to be counted met their end. After having his wife put them away upon the night of their wedding and now to have her give them back.... The Priestess stepped back from her husband and said, "Know you this my love; only by taking up your old ways will you find respite from them." The Knight's expression did not change despite her words, but that was what she expected.
With her longcloth flowing, the Priestess turned and faced Little Fish. Her dark brown eyes bored into the boy's as she said, "You have that which you need already. You will take the Chief to his homeland and bring him back." Little Fish's eyes went wide at the Priestess' declaration. "M-me? How can I take anyone anywhere Priestess? I don't know how!" With that stern look that always crossed her face when the words, 'I can't' came out his mouth the Priestess snapped, "You can because you already have. You found your way to the crossroads and with 'Sir Fish's' help, I was able to bring you back. What I had not told you was, you would have made it back on your own."
The boy took a moment to try and absorb what the Priestess said. It was true that he'd been to what the giant strange fish called, the space between everything. Sir Fish had given him one of his scales and showed him how to return to the Valley. Looking up to the Priestess' hard brown eyes Little Fish said, "I'm scared." The stern look suddenly broke and the Priestess said with mirth, "You better be! That way you won't do anything stupid." She gently took his hand and in a whisper said, You know what to do. Think of all those times in the field and what I always end up telling you to do?"
The boy then closed his eyes and said, “Chief give me your hand and please hold Sir Knight's hand.” Bewildered, the Chief took the boy's hand and reached for the Knight's, but found nothing. Giving his wife a hard look the Knight said flatly, I don't remember any mention of 'hand-holding' in those 'conditions' of yours." Smiling evilly his wife replied, "You said you'd go. Surely a warrior such as you can manage to hold another man's hand to begin a perilous journey?" The Knight looked at the Chief but it was the Aesir warrior who said, "Don't think I like it either!"
By clasping the Chief's hand, the Knight completed the chain. In a much more confident voice Little Fish said, "Chief, think about your homeland." Thinking of his home was easy for it seemed the only thing on his mind lately. Almost as if he could see it with open eyes, the land of his birth came to mind. The green rolling hills, majestic snowcapped mountains and deep fjords with the sun shining on their crystal waters seemed to be close enough for him to touch!
The Chief's vision was similarly clear in the boy's mind and the fish scale hanging on his neck grew bright with pearlescent light. Opening his eyes, Little Fish said to the two men, I know where to go. Don't let go what ever you do!" Suddenly, the boy stepped off the boulder they stood upon and began the short drop into the dark water. The Chief surprised by the boy's sudden action, nearly fell off the ledge trying to not let go as he too stepped over. As the Knight went over, he cast one last look at his wife.
The Priestess raised her hand to bid him off, but made no show of emotion. This was the first time since their wedding they had been apart. With a splash, she watched them all disappear and did not move until the last ripple subsided to glassy stillness. On the boulder just above where she stood, a voice familiar as her own said, "That was a tough thing you just did." Leaning against the boulder nearest to her the Priestess folded her arms and sighed. "Had to be done if balance is to be maintained."
Looking upwards, the Priestess saw her second husband Qatula squatting animal like and looking down at her with concern. Giving a forced smile the Priestess said, "I like it when you use the older version of that body. It suits you." Smiling broadly with those sharp white teeth flashing Qatula replied, "And I like that green dress. I take it you'll be wearing it for a while." Nodding her head she replied, "A while, indeed. How long do you plan on staying?" There was a long moment and Qatula said, "A while. Besides, that husband of yours owes me a drink."
Wiping her face the Priestess said, "Fine. You can make yourself useful and help me make the evening meal." The Priestess took one final look at the unmoving pool. To her mortal charges, this all seemed a random event. As the being she truly was, the Priestess knew their coming trials were destiny and all the lives of those who lived in the Valley would be forever changed should they falter... Including hers.
The Priestess turned away and took the offered hand of the one who'd seen her through the ages. His presence at this time was a comfort, but would soon attract unwanted attention to the Valley. The Priestess in her many guises had been prayed to, but it would now be she who gave prayers for her young husband, his companion's success and safe return.
To be continued....
© 2011 H. Wolfgang Porter. All Rights Reserved.
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