THE HOUR

Syuolika, a tiny village on the borders of Wild Narrow had a small number of homes compared to the lands surrounding it. While the village was indeed small, the homes were large, it often was known in other neighboring places that sometimes in one such home there dwelled three generations of the same family.

Hachael, the youngest of the two children of the Aiker family had an adventurous mind and was always found out doors and far from his home’s front yard, he often wandered as far as his nearest neighbor Old woman Kere’s house some several hundred wandering steps away. It was the old lady’s granddaughter Chyle that was little Hachael’s best friend, his partner in every adventure he had and the two were inseparable. Chyle’s parents were wedded for but a few months before her father was imprisoned in the heart of a different woman, he left Chyle’s mother to live in a far away land and his little girl never saw him, never knew the man. When she was only a baby, Chyle’s mother left her in the care of her parents and went in search of work to yet another land far from the village. The earliest and only memory Chyle had of her mother was when she had come home one evening to tell her to be good and that she loved her… a long time ago that was! Chyle learnt to accept her grandparents as her mother and father, she grew to be a very kind and caring person, she was also very independent and stubborn. It had been a while since old Mister Kere had died and the two ladies were left to live on their own. They had never been rich but they got by just fine.

Hachael’s family on the other hand was big compared to his friend’s. His father Mister Aiker grew every vegetable the soil would allow, his backyard was a little farm. Hachael’s mother worked with her husband to keep it running. She was a patient woman who cared very much about her family. Diolia her firstborn took up much to her own mother’s self and took care of her grandparents. Hachael was everybody’s favorite in his family but also his parents’ big source of constant worry.

On the particular morning this story concerns itself Hachael awoke early, it was still quite dark outdoors, he sneaked out of the room he shared with Diolia and walked sleepy eyed to the kitchen and stood facing the back door. Suddenly he felt wide-awake. For as long as he could remember Hachael had not ever seen the sun rise. See, most of the adults in Syuolika believed that between sunset and sunrise the spirits of evil roamed the land and thus forbade their children and themselves to step outside.

The sky had a faint orange and gold color, the sun was rising and he Hachael was going to see it rise for the first time.

“The sun wants me to see it rise!” he exclaimed softly and turning around to see that nobody was awake, that he was by himself, the lad opened the door and stepped into the cold morning air. Before him lay the farm bare of produce, the weather had turned earth bad, the soil was hard dry with the cold and the year’s plantation had withered almost as soon as it had begun to bear fruit. For a moment the cold wind bit through every layer of clothing the lad wore which was not much given the fact that it was never intended that he step outside in the chill air to see the sunrise, he shivered but his eyes remained glued to the sky eagerly awaiting the first rays of the day star*. Way ahead along the horizon a dense cloud of gray drifted along at a snail’s pace, the strong breeze had no effect on its movement in the least. Another dull day ahead, thought Hachael catching sight of the cloud.

“Just as long as it allows me to witness the day star rise…” he let his muttering trail into silence. A particular strong gust of wind whipped at all things standing and the boy was thrown back a few paces, he leant against the wall. He shivered uncontrollably. In the moment he had hit the wall and had been distracted, his eye returned to the sky and noticed the dark cloud had disappeared. Had he imagined it? The cold was unbearable; he sank to the ground and curled up.

“Rise day star, rise!” he urged the sun through chattering teeth, a sudden sleepiness began gripping him. Just as his eyes began to close, the first ray of sunlight made itself seen. Hachael fell into a fitful sleep.

The first person to come across the crouching sleeping figure of Hachael was his sister. The boy was carried into the house, all were fearful.

“This is a terrible happening!” exclaimed old Mrs. Aiker sprinkling pepper grain* all around the room where the entire family was gathered worriedly fussing over the sleeping boy.

“It shall result in consequences of the worst kind.” Piped up the old woman again, she appeared flustered and angry at the same time. Her husband sat brooding by the window, he had not said a word but sneezed explosively.

“Wife, is sprinkling pepper going to make any difference? You have been wasting the pepper grain. Enough!” The two were forever arguing over silly matters but now it happened to be the wrong time that old Aiker had decided to start arguing. The old hands shook, she glared angrily, pepper jar in hand.“Wasting it? Better-wasted pepper than wasted lives I say!”

Diolia and her father tried to calm her down but it was of no use. Hachael’s grandmother had turned the entire remainder of the pepper upon the now stirring boy and his mother who had been warming his feet and covering her son in warm blankets. Not a moment too soon, Hachael blinked open his eyes, breathed in the pepper and coughed, sneezed and stared through his teary eyes at everyone, his mother sighed as she covered her own nose.

“Hachael son, what have you gone out and done?” His mother rebuked in concern.

Sitting up the lad smiled, “Do not look so worried, I have merely seen the day star rise and it was beautiful.” His smile faltered, his face fell.

“I have disobeyed the word,” he said in a small voice, “I deserve to be punished.” Young Mister Aiker stepped forward.

“A truer word you could not have spoken and the punishment will be decided upon.” he could not have spoken more softly, he patted the boy on his shoulder, “I know you like adventure and your mother and I have not ever denied you the right to be adventurous, but why the need to see the day star rise?”

Diolia sat beside her brother, “I found you crouched asleep by the back door…” she held his hand. There followed a silence, well, if one did not count in the exclamations of old Mrs. Aiker about how she and her pepper grain had saved the boy from endless sleep (“It is the grains that saved him!”) and the retorts of the disgruntled old Mister Aiker (“Pepper woman, be quiet! The lad was simply sleeping wife.”), it did.

Deituk witnessed it all through every breath Hachael took. He felt weary and decided to rest, now that he had a new abode in this young Master Aiker’s mind there was plenty of time to do some mischief.

Time smiled satisfied, “Excellent!” she observed the happenings from her window, Okir and Yiolj by her side.

“The armies are ready, Lady,” said Yiolj simply, he seldom spoke more than required.

“Thank you friend, your warriors must have been grateful to have you back among and within the physical world, is that not so?” Time inquired.

“It is good to return Lady.” he bowed and turned away.

“Flemezour is near abandoned, every wise mind spirit gone.” Okir spoke lightly, but his words held meaning.

“You say every wise mind’s spirit has left Flemezour Okir, friend?” Time raised a brow, her thin lips stretched into an even thinner smile. Okir nodded, accepting his mistake, “But for Olaliefe and Elagust who guard Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit of course.”

The warriors of Yiolj were spurred by new enthusiasm. Wise Yiolj had returned to them, he had chosen to fight for Time and this greatly pleased his armies.

“Master Yiolj holds his men and the future of their lives in consideration, he and Master Okir hold our, this army’s and every other’s ability to win battles and the war in trust.” There was complete silence as the second in command spoke, he paced to and fro before line after line of admirable soldiers, “How will we repay his trust, tell me men?”

“By fighting! By winning! Thus we shall repay our Masters’ trust in us.” Came the response, as loud as thunder.

It was some days later when Chyle came over to see her friend; she had heard of the incident of course, the whole village had. Some people were shocked at such behavior while most were not surprised.

“I always said that boy had a bad toe* and now look how far he has gone!” shrilled the aged woman in the village square. Everyone called her ‘nickname Geje’. Nearly every person in Syuolika did she know by a name she thought suited them most. Geje live in the center of the village market in a house that had seen far better days. Now she sat outside on a broken step and caught sight of Chyle heading toward the Aiker house.

“And where might young ‘trail feet’ be going?” she watched inquisitively.

Chyle smiled, she liked old Geje and did not mind in the least being called ‘trail feet’. “Nickname Geje,” she made for where the old woman sat. “Does the cold not bother you here in the open without so much as a blanket over your dress, fine as it is?”

Chyle surveyed the other with wonder, “I have three layers of warm clothes and I am still cold!”

Geje grinned conspiratorially, “Ah ‘trail feet!’ I am merely appearing to wear this fine dress as you call it, I will have you know that it has great powers, this garment here.”

Chyle smiled. “Right. I will be on my way then.” She crossed the street, silently laughing, it was not the dress’s power that kept Geje warm but in fact Chyle had caught a strong whiff of Meshmittle* which the other hid behind her back, out of sight.

Hachael had been sitting in the kitchen helping his mother cook lunch, he was bored, stirring the soup and dicing and cutting tomatoes and other vegetables was just the worst punishment he been gifted with.

“Mother, for how much longer do I serve my sentence?” he asked exasperatedly after he absent mindedly stuck his finger in his eye, the very hand only moments before had held a cut up chilly.

“Until your father says you should, you will stop on his word.” his mother answered firmly.

A frown creased the water splattered face, “But mother, you know I just wanted to see the day star rise… It was beautiful.” “Going against the rules is not wise Hachael. Thank grandmother and her pepper sprinkler you are unhurt.”

The soup boiled and reached the vessel brim.

“The soup, Hachael!” yelled his mother as she turned her attention to the meat that was being cooked some way off. The young lad lifted the pot of boiling soup off the blaze. It felt hot to the touch, his fingers burned and a sudden rage blinded him, a wicked pleasure clouded his heart. Forgetting to keep the pot down, forgetting everything but the fact that he was holding a boiling soup pot in his hands and the feeling of unfairness that he, a young man should even be in this room…

“Mother! Oh what have I done?” Hachael bent beside his mother, she had fallen to the floor screaming in pain. The soup covered most of her waist down and all over the floor. As she tumbled down, young Mrs. Aiker saw an image of utter horror. Her son was not her son anymore but an evil shadow whose very presence brought illness and fear to the body and mind.

The shadow grappled her to the ground intending to sear her wholly but managing only to do partly. As her head met ground, Hachael’s mother felt pain and anger, she glimpsed the shadow laughing soundlessly before sight blinked out and she lay motionless dimly aware of a terrible burning pain.

Hachael fell to his knees and cried, “Mother, mother dear! Diolia, help!” he had begun heaving his mother but was too weak and slipped on the soup and fell back down.

“Oh please wake up, please…” he urged the motionless form before him in vain. In moments Diolia burst into the kitchen high-spirited.

“Young Hachael, can you not serve your punishment without my help? This ought to teach you not to –” her words lost their way, she gasp.

“By the day star! What has happened here? Mother!”

Soon the Aiker household was abuzz. Hachael’s father had returned from the village square in haste, the nearest neighbour who lived some distance away from the Aiker house had sent word to him. The whole family gathered around the bed where Diolia’s mother lay, old Mrs. Aiker tended to the burns and bleeding gash on her head. Several long minutes had passed and still her son’s wife had showed no signs of stirring.

Diolia stayed beside her mother, softly weeping while Hachael watched from some distance in anguished horror. Their father strode in and fell to the floor in a cry.

“Wife of my wedded word and love of my heart,” he grasped at her hand.

“What has done this to you? Awake I pray!” Moments passed and the only sound and movements came from the quiet weeping from Diolia and her father. Hachael neared cautiously, he approached his grandfather who sat staring blankly at the scene in front of him.

“Is—is mother going to live?” his tone of voice timid, eyes swimming with tears.

“Well, only time will tell.” The old man answered gruffly patting the lad’s shoulder as he buried his face in his hands.

“Time will certainly tell,” spoke a strange voice inside the boy’s ear, “You have done well Deituk. For certain you do realize that all must see end, do you not?” The ghost of a grin flitted across his face which none saw, a new adventure was about to begin and he would enjoy every bit of it!

Deituk breathed deep, satisfied. Hachael Aiker would be the death of this family, how hopelessly enamored the lot were with this boy… Deituk chuckled, that was just as well. And then of course there was the village itself to be taken out… ‘A step at a time,’ he muttered to himself, ‘And all shall be Time’s…!’ Deituk’s thoughts became Hachael’s own and but for a moment the two bonded, like son and father not, but rather like brothers of the same blood, twins bound soul to soul.

That was all it took, a single moment and the Aiker boy became Deituk’s slave, to do his bidding when moments were right. Let us not concern ourselves with this fact just now, but get back to story.

It was at the very moment when Hachael’s grandfather spoke the words he did that the lad’s mother opened her eyes. Everybody gathered around her, even the old man Aiker got up from the wicker chair he sat on and neared the bed with Hachael several paces behind. Deituk had left the young mind with little emotion or regret.

The boy’s father leaned closer to his dear wife so that he heard better the whispered mumbling that she uttered.

“Husband of my soul,” she spoke through barely moving lips, “I see little with my eyes and the pain is harsh upon my being, I have seen evil in the very one which I conceived in our love…”

Her voice trailed into silence for a long moment, her eyes closed and her body felt limp. It was thought that death had her in its embrace at last, until with a sudden shudder she spoke again.

“Blame him not, neither flee our son… Simply allow not the evil to take him on the path of wrongs…” She then saw Hachael as he neared the bedside and uttered a cry of horror though in her eyes he was still her very own naughty child, and then life left her and no more did she breathe.

The lad’s eyes glistened with tears and he was pulled into an embrace in sorrow and he wept along with the gathered Aiker family. Deituk wept too but hardly in grief.

Myeopike reached the grand hall to find Reign in the dimly lit bedchamber. She sat reclined on the low cot twirling her delicate fingers around strands of gold hair so that her head had a great many curls.

“Myeopike love, you have returned!” she exclaimed sitting upright. “I have wondered when you might come home…” She walked toward the Spekai, “Will you not sit beside me and speak of your wanderings?”

The Spekai blushed, “Reign, how I have missed you while away… I see you have not rested a wink since my leaving, it is in your eyes!”

Indeed her eyes were tired and sleepy, she laughed as she let herself be carried on stumbling feet toward the hall.

“You know me well and I believe you are speaking the truth of the matter!” She poured honey in a stone tumbler and drank deep and to Myeopike she gave another, together they ate a meal of the waking*.

“Our child grows well and it is with hope that I ask whether you have thought of a name for him? It is a male heir I bear.”she announced with conviction.

Myeopike smiled, “I have indeed decided on the naming.” He sipped his honey and set the tumbler down quietly.

“A boy should carry the name of his father,” he said simply, this brought a smile to his love’s face.

“How true! Little Myeopike then.” Her hand caressed his.

“He shall certainly be named after his father,” said the Spekai seriously. “Reign love, what if it is a girl child, what will we name her?” he stood up and began pacing the hall.

“Why! Do you question my say that this here inside me is your son?” Reign spoke in surprise and confusion. “Not in the least my dear! Do not think that I doubt what you say.” Myeopike assured her quick, “Nature has its own surprises. Do you not think?”

Reign considered, “I suppose it does,” she answered after a while. “I shall name the girl child a name like Feolsa… a flower it could be I do not know which. Does Myeopike know of the flower I speak of?” She fell quiet and the Spekai pondered over the name, it was her mother’s and a fair woman she had been!

“Indeed I have heard of it my love.” Myeopike said softly as he gently patted Reign on the shoulder. The name would be just, for, if the twin child were born a girl, she would deserve such a name. Within moments of speaking thus, the fair Lady began to feel sleepy.

“I feel tired my dear,” her voice whispered the words, “And you have wandered away for too long a waking…”

The Spekai said to her, “Let us rest then Reign and end this long waking together.”

It was with a smile that she let herself be led to the bedchamber for love filled her heart and joy livened her soul but she could share not any of it with her beloved for sleep conquered all senses just as she lay down.

“Rest well and dream fair dreams Reign of my heart,” spoke Myeopike in her ear, “For when you next awaken it will be many wakings from now and you shall find delight in the lives within you.”

The Hegleok council members were gathered around the kitchen have their first meal of the day when Dreke announced he was hoping to be married before the coming summer.

Cineon who held a piece of fruit in her hand exclaimed, “That is the best news to hear this early in the day!”

Dreser grinned and agreeing said, “Only make certain the girl does not make that summer wedding of yours a spring one!” he chuckled even as Cineon threw the piece of fruit at him. Ermal smiled and patted his brother on the back but said nothing.

“Seeing you two as you were last evening made me wish to be married as well.” Dreke said sipping from his cup.”

“All that is well,” sighed Brestuev, “But have you found the woman you wish to marry, brother? I myself have no need to rush into such matters,” He said, “Why think of marriage to one when one can have so many without being tied down!”

Dreke laughed, “True in a way but I think I wish to be married. As for the girl, I want no one belonging to honoured families. A simple girl from a simple home is fine.”

Cineon sighed, “Your sentiment is the nicest, brother of mine.”

Dreke nodded, “I shall speak to mother and acquire her consent on this matter.

The ladies of the Mount mountain along with Inckle had walked some great distance more and did not halt until they reached the center of Stompsledge where homes and other structures were closed securely against the harsh weather, only occasionally did the eye see a window slightly ajar or a door open barely a crack.

“We need to find a place to rest and stay until we are to go to the Hegleok Council.” said Swulirha. She had been supporting her sister at every step not ever complaining.

“Sister dear,” Kwairha sighed, her feet had swollen considerably and she was in much pain. “I can walk no further, I am sorry!”

Swulirha said soothingly, “You shall not have to walk much further. There is an old couple who live just a few houses along this lane who will for certain have a few rooms to spare so we can stay.”

Indeed it was true, a mere five steps did they amble on when the sign above a doorway read: ‘The Strangers’ House for Guests’ and the door beneath this sign stood a little ajar. Inckle took the four tiny steps up in a single stride and pushed the door open completely standing aside to let the ladies enter before he could follow.

“It looks deserted, this place does,” muttered Westeria.

“So dark and dull!” exclaimed Nuorta from behind her.

“I do not mind the look of it just as long as it gives me a place to sleep and rest my feet.” Kwairha had sunk unto a nearby cushioned seat with relief. Swulirha agreed whole heartedly as did the nurt.

Nuorta and Westeria were left with precious little to say on the matter. They began looking around the place they were in.

“Food will not be unwelcome I hope,” said a voice cutting through the silence so suddenly that they all started, staring about wide eyed for the person who had spoken. “If it is not the case, it is a pity, a shame because we do offer what food there is for our guests.” A light came on and behind a fairly large counter of some old and scratched wood stood a man.

Fiel climbed back up the mound and said seriously above the din, “Be quiet or we will be heard. I shall tell you of the plan.”

All silenced instantly, and Astra said in a small voice, “Could this be a plan to get us all out and away from this dark place?” A murmur of contained excitement ran through the others.

“Well Astra,” said Fiel suppressing a triumphant yell, “I believe you are correct.” A collective sigh of pleasure was all the others allowed themselves.

“Lady Fiel do tell of the details of your plan, bless you Earth Protector’s mind!” Korehk exclaimed softly.

A smile crossed Fiel’s face which none could see, “And your courtesies of a Stone Lover are pleasing Korehk, thank you.”

She then stepped down and began telling her plan; very soon they were eager to put the spoken words into action.

Untholio had recovered enough to hear that they would soon be out of there, he then yelled a jolly cry and tried to jump and found his leg was good as new.

Astra climbed the earth mound and stood his position.

“All right, every one of you ready?” said Fiel, her voice calm, “I have to reach the dungeon door so steady is what you all have to be. Right. Move along, I daresay it must near the hour of the next waking.”

So it was that the gamhnurts formed a ladder bearing each other’s weight and making light of the task. It was Fiel who climbed the ladder and reached her goal – the door.

“It opens outward so I must push it. Which means…” Astra spoke from far below passing word to the one standing on his shoulders and that was Trejeth who in turn passed the say to Korehk who said it to Untholio who in turn told Fiel what had been said.

“Steady we stand and we shall not fall, feet upon shoulders Rieah’s children are strong!” Fiel understood that it meant that try she should to push open the door. She did.

Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit diminished, it felt sorrow at the doings of Deituk in Syuolika. Dsarest, Rieah knew had long ago changed alliance and now stood faithful to Time and all her evil whims.

“Wise Dsarest has left us, has he not?” the tiny flame sputtered and it was Olaliefe’s wise mind’s spirit that answered from outside the chamber.

“There are but three who still remain here and of faith to the Wise One,” a pause followed during which the howling of the wind was heard and Ailieth had not ever before felt colder and yet the flame burned a bit more vigorously.

“Wise Dsarest is not so wise in his old age.” Elagust’s wise mind’s spirit said.

“Not just three Olaliefe,” flickered the flame next to the other, “You forget the Hurdar men and Lady Aengomiern, also there is the Eangomiern and the ladies of the Mount mountain and by Ailieth! there are those righteous folk and beast…” Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit flickered content.

The Wise One received word from one of the Folieke, it was Foliek Erwufj who had sent word that Inckle and the ladies had reached their place of destination.

“Well it is,” muttered the Wise One to the messenger, “I knew Foliek Erwufj could be counted on.” The Tree had seen a fair change since we last spoke of it. It was less dark and several low hanging boughs lay leafless upon the ground that the place looked less frightful, so much unlike The Tree that Aliyha had visited not long ago.

“What feels different Wise One? The Tree not ever looked less frightful than now… Indeed, do tell what has changed?” the messenger said, Foliek Yaibe had been a messenger for long wakings and whenever he had come to The Tree, he had always felt it frightened him not like a ghost might have frightened a lad, for he was young, but like an unconquerable power of a mighty leader would an inexperienced young soldier.

“Have you not heard Yaibe that the world as we have known it for wakings and wakings is about to change?” The Wise One smiled.

“I, the Wise One shall soon be united with my mind’s spirit and all of my friends in power, together then we will fight Time and her allies. Two ladies of power will strive to win against each other and all because of a mother’s undying love for her children.” Even as these words left the Wise One’s lips the Foliek witnessed with his own eyes a small but definite change in the one who spoke, some of the wrinkles on the face cleared and the gnarled hands appeared less so. No fires burned within The Tree and yet it felt none of the cold that plagued the outside of it, ever more branches fell to the ground. It was not long afterward that the inhabitant of The Tree was left alone, the Foliek having left so as to return to his leader who at the present moment awaited word from the Wise One.

“Say to Foliek Erwufj,” the Wise One had said to the messenger before his leaving, “Say to him that the Folieke must guide the men of Hurdar to the lands where they are to be useful in the winning of hearts and to keep the Lady Aengomiern,” here a pause followed, the Wise One thought back to the foretelling and knew at once that hate toward the one who had held Wyoungthed and its folk and Rieah herself to heart was not an emotion known to dwell within the heart of even the worst of enemies.

“Keep her safe under his wings and so also the gamhnurts who remain with her for she has been my greatest of friends and them nurts are children of my heart.”

It had been long moments since the Truole Lady and Kirestle had sat by the fire waiting for the others to get down the hill to the cave where they now waited in. To Kirestle it had been two wakings or more for she fell into fitful slumbers and every time she awoke saw the Truole Lady sitting nearby, eyes staring at the hillside and the fire reflecting silver gold ripples on the wavespun garment that she wore.

“Do you not rest, Lady Aengomier? It has been nearly two wakings, maybe more I fail to count… not once have my wakeful moments seen you rest.” Kirestle had pulled out a bit of herb wrapped in now cracked and dried earth cake from within a bundle that lay close by.

“Do not worry yourself about me Kirestle Redgate,” said Xeira speaking softly, “My wakefulness has not been in vain. For long ages I have denied myself that what is called rest from wakefulness and those moments I might have spent in slumber I watched and listened… Now my doings have not changed.”

She arose and walked to the mouth of the cave, catching sight of a man close by she beckoned him and pointing to the most distant hill spoke something to which the other turned his head and gazed at the hill in question, then he nodded and bowed to the Truole Lady before going to the other men with word of what had been seen. All this Kirestle did not witness, she had after that bit of herb lain back down, staring up at the cave’s rocky ceiling she asked Xeira.

“And have your eyes seen anything that an Earth Protector might like to know, Lady Aengomiern?”

Xeira retraced her steps to the fireside; she smiled at the figure that lay watching her.

“Indeed, you ask well,” she gestured for the other to sit up. “Would it please you to know that your children are nearing the cave at just this moment?” At this Kirestle sprang to her feet and rushed to the cave’s mouth.

“I see them not but rather an army of men and yet you say my children are coming?”

The other spoke from where she sat so that the blaze obscured her from view and only her voice did her companion hear. “I see Wully and Tesma. They come this way with Urmier. But come, away from there,” said the Truole Lady kindly, “It is cold.” And so it was the two of them waited.

Chyle had reached the Aiker home and was about to knock when she heard a cry of distress. It sounded like young Mister Aiker had uttered the cry. Thinking that perhaps her friend had yet again misbehaved, for she had already heard of his little adventure that dawn, she walked to the back of the house and finding the back door unlocked entered the kitchen and if what she had heard when standing at the front door had given her no hint that something was not quite right now, looking around the kitchen floor for certain did.

Chyle being Hachael’s childhood friend needed no formal admittance at the Aiker household; she could enter at will just as if she were a member of the family. Just now as her eyes roamed about the mess on the floor she knew not whether her judgment about Hachael had been just, for there was spilled soup of tomato all orange and then there was something appearing very much like blood.

“Mrs. Aiker! Hachael!” she called not too loudly yet loud enough.

All the Aikers within that house thought well of the young Miss Kere but it was Hachael’s mother who thought her to be especially lovely as a child, and as a young adult, treating her kindly just as she did her own Diolia and Hachael when she deserved and being hard on them when their actions told her that they were misbehaving. Chyle felt close to her friend’s mother as if his were her very own, of course her grandmother felt at peace with the bond between the two. So it was that when old Mrs. Aiker entered the kitchen, face all an expression of suppressed grief and told the young lady what had occurred, “She has passed, my dear son’s wife has…”

Chyle rushed passed the old woman to the room where all gathered around the closest person to her, the one woman who was not so like her grandmother and yet so much like a mother to her, Chyle… Gone!

The burial service took place on the following morning. Before sundown of the previous day the entire village knew of the death of one of their folk, there was talk about how such a young mother of two should breathe her last so suddenly.

“Must have been the crop that failed… everyone knows how hard she toiled with the husband and how high her hopes were that the harvest be bountiful.” One of the villagers was heard saying.

Yet another said that perhaps it was the husband’s fault, “…to take a lover when one has a wife and children is wickedness… certainly not uncommon these days even if one rarely ever leaves Syuolika…”

A general assent from the gathered villagers, most of the lot were men whose wives and daughters having gone to pay their respects to the Aiker family had left the men to gossip and await their turn in going to the Aikers’. Old Geje remained among those, and there was none other beside herself, who believed that paying respects was a thing not of her doing. She did however say what in her mind and heart she thought the reason for the death of the young Mrs. Aiker.

“Fools! Young Mister Aiker not ever has been untrue to his wife and family and not ever shall he be. As for the crop failure…the woman was never frail of mind so as to kill herself over a failed crop!” she stood among the men, hands on hips and a sharp knowing smile on her face.

“I tell you,” Geje spat out the next few words, “It is the boy, the son!” There was a general murmuring which could have meant anything from disagreement to a ‘maybe’ and that is exactly what Geje wanted and she felt very pleased.

“Let old Geje help you make up your indecisive minds,” she glanced up and sighed, then resumed her say, “It was the boy who broke the rule and witnessed the rising of the day star when we all have told every one of our children as we have told ourselves that nobody must step outside before dawn has alighted the heaven and after the dark covers it under his cloak?”

Many men appeared convinced then and some still remained in doubt but neither spoke to the woman who had just condemned the lad.

Hachael stood silently by his father at the grave sight, Diolia was between her grandparents both of whom were looking disconsolately at their daughter-in-law’s body being interred and of course Diolia wept openly.

“Mother! Sweet mother!” she cried on the old lady’s shoulder, and not too far off, Chyle stood and shed her tears. She remained apart from the Aiker family gathered there for she wished not to intrude, though they always did treat her like their own, Chyle still belonged to her own family’s name.

Whispering a little prayer she wiped the tears that had started to roll down the side of her face afresh. She looked at her friend, from where she stood, Hachael’s face could be clearly visible and not a single tear streaked it and in his eyes she saw no grief, no remorse however needless; it had been agreed by all in the house that the happenings leading to the death of young Mrs. Aiker had been an accident. Perhaps he thought himself strong if he hid his tears Chyle thought, she had not had the chance of a moment to speak with him alone but she would soon, after the service they would talk. And speak they did, Chyle found Hachael in his room by himself for Diolia and the others were in the front room accepting visitors’ condolences. He was sitting in the corner opposite the one window that opened out to the flower beds, now bare of flower, and the short drive to the gate through which came a steady stream of folks from the village, all dark clothed.

Hachael, at first sight, appeared to be staring at a point on the far horizon, his eyes and face showed no emotion.

“My dear Hachael,” Chyle poked her head and then entering went on, “You should be by no means on your own… I will remain with you if it is what you want.” There was no reply from the lad and for a moment she thought he was asleep, as she could not see his face. Then he turned and stood facing her. Malice in his eyes.

“The people, they come in sympathy… Do they not realize that mother’s death was a one she deserved?”

Chyle hardly dared believe these words. For certain her friend was very disturbed.

“Speak not that way! Why do you have such bad things to say Hachael?” she tugged at his sleeve as he turned away from her.

“The village of Syuolika will soon be no more, I know it Chyle…” for a moment Deituk had left the lad to his own senses so that Hachael spoke of his own heart and mind. That was Deituk’s way of behaving, he would absent himself so that the one acting on his will would feel the pain of their actions and when they were in the most unforgivable state of mind, he would breathe his presence within their heart of hearts making them hard and void of emotion.

“I beg you, do not talk in this manner,” pleaded Chyle as she followed him closer to the window, “I know what you must think, that it is because of you that your mother is no more but Hachael, my dear Hachael, you are not to blame. Let those thoughts go from your mind!”

He looked her in the eye, “Father has said not a word to me since the moment she died and I know his heart doubts me.” He stared at the floor, “I killed her, I killed my mother because it made me angry… She could have talked to father about ending my sentence with a single word but she did not.” He now looked back up at his childhood friend and a sense of passion stole over his heart, “Chyle,” he whispered, and without so much waiting for a reply kissed her. Now this went against everything the two had over the years declared to each other and others; that they were and forever would stay the best of friends and so it was that Chyle pushed him away.

“What is it you are doing? Indeed Hachael, your mind is not right in the way you think just now. Not about this and for certain not about you being responsible for your own mother’s death.” Hachael simply stood there watching her say this as she paced about.

“I am going to have a word with your father and he had better listen to me.” As she reached the door Hachael’s words made her stop.

“My thinking is clear Chyle, I do not imagine what I say to you nor do I take belief in the thoughts of doubts in hearts of others.” He crossed the room in long strides and was by her side in a moment. “I saw the day star rise and within me arose the spirit of power! I have learnt that all these years, all of those people have feared that very thing I feel – power and that is why the rules have been taught to every child and adult. Do you not see?”

Chyle swallowed hard, she felt afraid. “I see you are not the same Hachael, my friend, I have known for years…”

“I am not the lad you have for long ages known,” he said to her quietly, “Share in my power for I have it, it is in my heart!” And Deituk whispered the word of passion into his heart and planted the thought of lust in his mind and the young man yet again attempted the kiss on the girl and this time she was won, completely and without doubt just as the world would soon be he thought to himself.

“This means our age old friendship ends, does it not?” she said when she was able to free herself from the strong hold he had on her.

“It means that the childish pledges have been replaced with a single pledge of two hearts in power.” he answered her just as softly, she not ever knew such powerful feelings as in her heart she felt this very moment.

“A pledge to do what, might I know?” Chyle asked, her hand held tight in his, her back right up against the door while he merely looked into her eyes.

“To rid the world from the marsh of fickle minded fools like the ones out there of course” He smiled and the wickedness showed in his eyes.

It was late in the evening, the sun having set and darkness embraced the heaven when Chyle silently crawled out the window and jumped to the ground lightly. She felt no longer afraid of being outside in the dark, Hachael was right, there were a lot of silly people here and there and everywhere who needed freeing from stupidity and silly beliefs and then there were folks who simply had to be silenced for they were the ones to spread the teaching word about such beliefs and ideas.

She waved at the figure on the window, thinking wonderful thoughts of him.

“Do not let slip word of our pledge my love,” he whispered and his whisper she heard, “It must be kept quiet if we hope to achieve what all we have talked about.” Then the window closed and he was gone.