“Why did you do this to me?” I ask, staring at my new face and cringing hearing my new voice. I feel betrayed, as I had accepted my uncle’s quest and terms of our life debt willingly. I had even given up my future by Uzuri’s side for him and the thousands of lives he promised would be saved if I let Uzuri believe me dead. Now, I don’t even recognize the man staring at me from the pool of the waterfall.
My uncle put a hand on my back and said, “If you are going to have the chance to say goodbye, you wouldn’t be able to do so with your same face. Uzuri’s destiny is not to be a help meet to a wanderer, but a queen, and for you to say goodbye and her to achieve her destiny, Skath had to die completely. Now I claim you as my son, and you will live up to what that means when we attend your funeral.”
“Even my friends will believe me dead then. I will walk amongst them alive, as they grieve me. How am I to say goodbye? I am now a stranger to them,” I say staring at my new face and splashing the water to muddle my reflection to my view.
“I know you are angry. However, if your friends knew you were alive, what would stop them from telling Uzuri? She would search for you and abandon her new responsibilities as princess and future queen, for you. Thousands of lives hang in the balance, and all depend on her taking her rightful place,” says my uncle lifting me to my feet, “I wish that she could come with you, but the journey ahead of you isn’t one that could be made with a blooming family, and if you were to become king of the western mountain hall you might have power but you would be limited, and your very presence as king of the western mountain hall would spark war and outrage with the other teratolion mountain halls. Not all the teratolion hold Angtos in high regard. Your being king would lead to wars and thousands of teratolion would die by their brother’s claw. Your destiny is so much larger than a kings, as all of humanity including the teratolion, glirdon, and dracaquan are in your hands now and I know that weight is large, but seeing what you were able to do here, I know that you have become the celandil I need, my people need, and humanity needs.”
“I can feel the weight of the role you’ve given me. Though I may not fully know what lies ahead, the weight cannot fully change my heart. I cannot give up what my heart desires that easily. I know I said that I’d to serve you and I know in agreeing to fulfilling my debt that I will have to give up my desires, but I’m struggling within myself,” I say grimacing looking away from the waters reflecting the new man I’ve become, “I want to be with Uzuri, but if what you say is true, I can’t sacrifice thousands of lives for my happiness. I want to fight this, I want the future my imagination tortures me with, I want to betray my morals and damn all of humanity for a moment’s joy. However, I just can’t, and I feel weak, powerless, and cowardly that I can’t choose my heart, over my own guilt and shame. I almost wish for this decision to be made for me, but that would mean I will have died before I could live. Please uncle tell me, is there anyone else that could take my stead. I know that I said I would become humanity’s champion, but I don’t know if I can do this. Now that I look into another man’s eyes, I feel remorse in making the decision I’ve made. Please, if there is someone else choose them.”
“All those that could are now dead,” says my uncle shaking his head, “There are but two people alive at this moment that can commune with souls and essence on this planet and believe me I’ve looked everywhere for another. Your rare gift will be necessary at your journey’s end to even have a chance to save humanity and my people from unknowingly razing Nuren for their future prosperity. I’m afraid that the day your ability revealed itself to me your fate was sealed.”
“Why didn’t you tell me all of this before?” I ask the weight of my new responsibilities crashing upon me guided by waves of insecurity, “Why didn’t you tell me you were preparing me to act as an advocate for humanity? Why didn’t you tell me about your daughter who has been working against me before I even knew that this was how you were to have me fulfill my debt to you? Why do you even trust me, when bodies burn at the bottom of a pit, and my parents return to dust because of me?”
“In all honesty, it’s because I have no other choice,” says my uncle looking up at the waterfall, “I didn’t tell you about any of this before, because I was unsure that you would come as far as you have. I was preparing to take you away, and hide you from the destruction at hand, but you like humanity continued to struggle and grow. You found ways to overcome your limits, and exhibited the virtue of mankind, and in turn my confidence in you grew. It was then I knew that if humanity had a chance, even if it was slim, you’d be that chance. I know that what I’m asking of you is a lot, and that I’m stealing your victory and your future happiness from you, and have robbed you of the hand of the woman you love dearly, but I can’t have my people act upon their desires without at least hearing the cries of humanity.”
“I will fail you, like I have for so many here in Unadeam. However, if by some chance my journeys and what I will have to say to your people somehow sways them from erasing the lives of so many on this planet, I’ll at least try,” I say and I see Cran floating toward us, and I attempt to grab him. Cran backs away from my grasp but as if recognizing my soul enters my hand. He knows the heaviness of my mind and my fatigue and leaves me to my own thoughts and silently listens to my conversation with my uncle.
“All I ask is for you to try,” says my uncle staring at me earnestly, “I’m glad that your father shines through you, as he fought for mankind even after all the mistakes I made that led to the destruction of his people. No more of the people of this world should die, but after so many years I am now incapable of reaching my people on my own. The decision is in their hands, and all I can do is restrain them long enough for you to become ready. Now enough talk of this, we have a funeral to attend. However, before we go leave Cran and your mother’s armlet here, they will provide some detail of your identity, or will be asked for. If you wish to keep them deposit them here.”
I plunge Cran into the earth and he becomes a tree, and I rap my mother’s armlet around his branches. My uncle with another wave of his hand summons cloth that robes me in clothes similar to his own black suit he was wearing on this dark and solemn day. I do not wish to talk anymore as my body, mind, and soul heft the enormity of my new quest and all I have lost in accepting this burden. What feel like the cries of mankind tear at me, as I try to ponder upon the future that I wanted so dearly. When I picture Uzuri in bridal apparel, all I can see is a mountain of corpses. I do what I can to silence my thoughts, but they will not stop harassing me. I saved Uzuri, and a majority of the village, but at this moment I cannot say the sacrifices made to achieve these victories were worth it. My soul trembles within me, as I stroll behind my uncle tears falling from my eyes, as I again ponder what could have been.
My mind bludgeoned by loss; I do not notice our slow approach to the village. I look upward and see a woman running toward us, and she wraps her arms around me yelling, “Skath your alive, I knew that you’d return.”
I freeze up in Uzuri’s embrace, wanting to enjoy her touch, but I no longer can. I look upon the woman I love with the eyes of another and know that I have to let her go. I try to ponder the life we could have joyously spent together, as she grasps onto me. When her excitement was finally trounced by reality her hands loosened and she looks at me closely.
“I’m afraid lady Uzuri that this man is not Skath, but I’d like to introduce you to my son Aeramen,” says Argentum looking into my pained eyes.
“Where’s Skath?” asks Uzuri and as she backs away from me her eyes well with tears.
Argentum looks at me and I know that he is giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to her. I know that at this moment I am now Aeramen, the son of Argentum in appearance and expectation, and my uncle awaits me to act in accordance with the role and face he gave me. I take a deep breath accepting my new identity. I quickly think of the words and story that I will have to tell her and my friends and say, “Skath died loving you. We found him beside the goddess statue at the site of atonement. We were too late to administer healing, as his body was beyond repair. He had a little something to say to nearly every one of his friends and asked for me to deliver his final words to them. Could you gather every person he called his friend?”
Uzuri’s eyes were wide as if she couldn’t believe what was being said to her. She fell to her knees, and I wanted the charade to end, I just wanted to embrace her and tell her this was all a foul joke. My uncle at my side put a hand on my shoulder and nodded to me again.
I kneeled beside Uzuri and put my hand under her chin to look her in the eyes as I spoke my next few words, “Skath, wished for me to tell you that he loves you and wants nothing more than you to be happy. He told me that he did all he could to save you even though he was told repeatedly that he wouldn’t be able to be with you every step of your life, but despite knowing he couldn’t be with you his happiness would be knowing that you live happy and free. He loved you so much that if he were to live and see you with another and with a family of your own, that your happiness would be his happiness. He wished for me to tell you that his love will go with you, and to not avoid happiness or love for his sake. He begged me to tell you to live for the both of us, and to make the world a better place, as you had made his life better by being in it.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
I helped her up to her feet, and she took my hand and guided us into the village. I found myself hesitant as my feet stopped as if by habit at the main entrance, but Uzuri tugged me and my feet for the first time touched the sacred ground of the village’s main road. Behind me I hear a flapping noise and I see Argentum unfurl his wings as he walks down the main path of the village, to the gawking stares of all those who gaze upon him.
We walked down the main road into the village’s heart where Gareth, Esther, the Sororitas Daemonica, and the captain of the guard stood in solemn vigil. Once Argentum and I had reached the center of the main circle of the village, Uzuri let go of my hand and walked over to what must be Gehenna’s old home. Gareth’s expression was hopeful seeing my uncle and I approach, but his hurried searching glances were rewarded with sorrow. Gareth’s reaction was much the same as everyone that stood with him. Though the person they sought stood before them, I couldn’t break the guise thrust upon me to comfort them.
“What news do you have for us?” asks Gareth to Argentum, and he tries to hide his face behind his hand. He already knew the answer.
“Skath is dead, we buried him at the site of atonement,” says Argentum again looking at me to give me permission to speak.
“He did everything in his power to free himself of the maw Martog, and died at the feet of the goddess,” I say looking at Gareth, “He told me to tell you that he made it out thanks to you, and that he knows that one day you’ll make an excellent chief.”
“No that can’t be true,” says Gareth, his arms shrinking into himself, his breath growing heavier, and his gaze growing distant. He may have known what we were going to say, but hearing the news aloud merely confirmed his fears.
“Esther, we also retrieved the body of my moth… Marion, and she now rests peacefully with her husband,” I continue my eyes darting to Argentum knowing I had nearly messed up. However, his eyes are understanding, and he gives me an affirming nod, as if to tell me to continue.
“You were able to retrieve her body. Thank the goddess,” says Esther clutching Mary to her. Seeing Mary, the traitor, I want to rip into her, as it was her betrayal that led to all this death. She stands amongst us, being the informant that led Gehenna to act so horrifically, and I don’t think I can forgive that. If she had held her tongue maybe my parents would still be alive.
Before I could do or say something I regret, I saw king Upendo walk from Gehenna’s home into the center of the village, led by Uzuri who clutches the wooden doll Cran had left behind in her arms. Upendo’s eyes covered by a band of cloth turns his ears and sniffs the air, his head shifting to face Argentum. I turn my gaze toward the captain of the guard, and he appears to have no qualms with a teratolion walking in the village.
“The fifteen-day search has come to an end. The young hero has been found and put to rest. I wished that I would have had the chance to thank him for all he’s done, as I have been able to thank Gareth, and Stephen for their role in saving my precious granddaughter, but alas he gave everything he had and I in no way would be able to repay him,” says Upendo clutching both of his hands together, “I would have risked war giving my granddaughter’s hand in marriage to that boy, but alas he dwells in the halls of our creator now.”
“I’ve told you that no thanks is necessary,” says Stephen with a heavy sigh, “Grief and Gareth’s desperation to save his sister drove me to mercy. They were lucky that I was the guard who caught them first. Gareth reminded me of who I should have been for Levi and let us be grateful that it was I who caught them, as if it hadn’t been me but some other guard… Uzuri would have never made it to your halls that day. If anything, Gareth’s choice of friends saved his life when he was captured a second time returning to the village. Gareth is truly blessed by the goddess to be such lucky lad.”
“I still think your actions are praiseworthy. Don’t go and let yesterday’s shame become todays. You helped save my granddaughter, and that is all I need to call you kin,” says Upendo swinging his large hand to pat Stephen on the back and nearly knocking him to the ground with this playful gesture.
“Upendo, king the teratolion, I have one last message to give from Skath,” I say remembering a promise that I had made. My gaze turns to Ashe who looks like she had accepted my death a long time ago. Fifteen days I spent at the bottom of that hole, and I wouldn’t blame her for having given up on me. I’m more surprised that so many hadn’t.
“Skath made a promise to the woman Ashe, to help her see the world beyond this valley nestled in the mountains. Is there a possibility that you could permit her to walk your tunnels to the outside world?” I ask and I see Ashe startle, as if she was surprised that Skath would remember something like that on his death bed.
“Who would you be?” asks Upendo taking a few sniffs in the air, “Ska… No, I’m mistaken. You can’t be him; your body is much different than his, but yet you smell just like the boy. I never forget a smell.”
“He is my son Aeramen. If he bears a scent similar to Skath, it is because he prepared Skath’s body for burial,” says Argentum quickly trying to crush any hopeful gazes.
“I was to be his travel companion while he fulfilled his life debt to my unc… father,” I say, speaking up for Ashes sake, “If you worry that Ashe will be trouble, I could always act as an escort through your halls. I believe my father will vouch for me.”
I was expecting an angry look from Argentum, but he smiles at me and decides to back me up, “Upendo, my son is of upstanding character, and I will gladly give him unto you as kin or servant. I know that you desire to trade with Tackenae, and I believe having a human looking ambassador would be to your advantage. I should also inform you that the happy news of your granddaughter’s return has already reached the eastern halls of the Dune Raja, and he is sending tribute as we speak for extended peace between your two kingdoms. I feel that these two gifts are more than enough to gain passage for Ashe, well besides this also being the dying wish of the man who saved your granddaughter.”
“I will accept your son as kin and accept your gracious intervention for my kingdom. You are children of our creator, so offering me your son as a servant is beyond a boon I could accept. Ashe may travel my halls, if she is to be escorted by your child,” says Upendo bowing to Argentum.
I watch as Ashe’s face flushes red, but her eyes having cried so many tears were left dry. She could only mouth her thanks as she attempts to hide the overwhelming emotions of the moment. Mary seems shocked as if not knowing that her friend had asked me to deliver her from the valley, and Lilith smiles and hugs her friend. Ashe returns Lilith’s embrace, and her dry eyes now water and tears run down her cheeks.
“What is to become of the village of Unadeam?” I ask, noticing how more people were joining us in the central circle of the village, included amongst them were several teratolion guards one of which I recognized to be Mlinzi.
“I’ve been elected chief, and my successor will be Gareth,” says Stephen and he walks up beside Upendo, “We will embrace our past, and choose to move onward. We will work with the teratolion, as one of our own is now amongst them, and choose to embrace peace and understanding. If we had done that before, perhaps Skath, and his family would still be alive. I regret that one who has fought so hard for us will never receive the thanks he deserves, but we can live honoring what he fought for. As for our religion, Esther has risen up to reestablish what was lost, with Lilith as her attendant. The trials of Martog are no more and all men and women must live to atone their own sins. We may never truly rid ourselves of the evil done to that boy and his family, but as sure as the buds of spring will bloom, we will most certainly try. However, that isn’t to say peace has come upon the village and valley. Many have left the village and are establishing a new village away from ours to continue in the traditions of the high matriarch and Gehenna. Most of which were the families of those that stood by Gehenna when Skath fought to protect those that followed me. They made their choice, and we will make ours, and we choose to fight for what Skath stood for.”
We stand in silence as I digest what chief Stephen had just said. The village was going to change for the better and live alongside the teratolion. Sure, there were those that desired to still follow Gehenna, but the village being under the protection of the teratolion will thrive and prosper. Peace is coming, and those that will lead in my absence will ensure a better world. They will make the world I desired. My desires have connected with their hearts.
Uzuri noting the silence walks forward and begins to dig a shallow hole and places Cran’s doll into it and says, “we weren’t there when you buried Skath, and as we are gathered here right now, we can still have a funeral for him.”
She begins to sing a small hymn. One I had never heard before, but one that spoke of being taken into the goddess’ embrace. She covers the doll with soil while she sings and weeps. Her voice was solitary and shaking as her emotions were making it hard for her to sing, but she was soon joined by the voices of my friends. Esther and Gareth joined Uzuri at the shallow grave and sang with her, their voices strong and firm as they each grabbed onto one another for support. Esther was probably not just singing for me but her sister.
Mary looked ashamed and walked away entering Esther’s home, and Lilith and Ashe hung on to each other as they joined in the song. Upendo not knowing the words had them fed to him by Stephen and kind of barked every other word to also join in with the funeral choir. Eventually people I didn’t even know joined Uzuri’s hymn. I noticed that those who joined in first were men, men who I recognized were those that saw me jump to their aid when their fellow guards were killing those that had chosen to follow Stephen. Guards who had parted with Gehenna’s forces before Gehenna’s cull order joined in shortly after the first group of men began to sing, and then their families joined in after them. A village who had always hated me, now sings me to restful sleep.
The ground in front of Uzuri splits and a small seedling sprouts from my grave. The doll must have still had some essence in it, and Cran is adding his own flair to this event. The sprout quickly grows, and a tree stands where Uzuri had planted the doll. Together they’ll grow, but now I must leave them, and hope that they will strive for a better world for everyone.