Morning Diamond

A foe to Reckon With

Arianna woke to the soothing sounds of flowing water. She blinked several times. “Arianna? My love?” A cool wet cloth gently wiped her brow and dabbed at her throat. She looked around, dazed and confused by the thick fog surrounding her. It only took seconds for her head to clear and the memories of what she had seen assaulted her.

“Was the woman? Is she…” She sat up and threw her arms around Clad’s neck, holding him tight as she sobbed.

“She lives, but my parents, my brother and sist…” He could not continue and Arianna knew they were all lost to him. Clad gathered her close, holding her fiercely for a long time, both closing their eyes on the pain, but unable to close their hearts to it. When Arianna opened hers sometime later, the air seemed to burn them. Smoke swirled around her. She looked at Clad with understanding. They were burning the bodies.

“Who could have done such a thing?” Arianna asked. Clad could only shake his head. He had a sneaking suspicion, but would that man really go so far?

The next morning Clad and his men loaded Marcel and Arianna into the back of a makeshift wagon and left Clad’s childhood in a pile of ash behind them. Traveling slowly due to Marcel’s frail condition, they headed back to Arianna’s home village; this time taking the main road instead of the scenic route.

Shortly after leaving they noticed movement on the trail before them. As they neared the wanderers cautiously, the two ducked into the shadows of the grass to hide.

“Casia!” Clad called to them. The woman swung around and with a cry of relief picked up her small son. She quickly rushed back to the trail and threw herself into Clad’s arms and cried. He held the woman and child close, giving what comfort he could. When the woman’s tears finally dried she told Clad the words he’d suspected.

“Clad, I was picking berries with George when I heard the screaming. I rushed back to the village wondering what was happening. It was awful,” She shuddered and the boy whimpered. “It was Leishmann. I saw him on his horse and when he...he raised his sword and. Clad your father didn’t even have a weapon. Leishmann sliced him through and did for your mother the same when she rushed to catch your father before he fell. I didn’t see what happened to your brother or sisters, but, Oh Clad, they were killing everyone. Burning people alive. The screams of women and children--it was horrible.”

“It’s ok Casia, you’re safe now.” Clad held her closer as she dug her head into his chest and wept. Clad looked into Arianna’s eyes and flinched at the sorrow he saw in them. He knew she was hurting for Casia and her child- for what they had seen- but he also knew her pain was for him as well.

“We hid in the bushes and I kept George quiet until Leishmann’s men left. It didn’t take long. After he killed everyone and beat Marcel to death he just swung up on his horse and ordered his men out of the village. I shouldn’t have been such a coward. I should have done something to stop them!” Clad recognized the guilt in her voice for he felt it running through his own blood.

“Casia, you could have done nothing but die. You did the right thing by keeping yourself and your son safe. I do not judge nor blame you. Sometimes all we can do is survive and that’s what you needed to do. Look at me. It is not a sin to live when others die and to live when you could easily choose death is the greatest courage you can have. I’m proud of you.” Casia cried harder, but Clad hoped this time it would be a healing cry. After several long moments she quieted and Cal nodded for Arianna to join them.

“Casia, my name is Arianna.” Casia looked up and nodded her greeting. “I just thought you would like to know that Marcel is alive!” Casia’s eyes widened and she looked to Clad for confirmation.

“We thought she was the only survivor, but know we have been blessed to learn you and George have fought for your survival and won. Would you like to see Marcel?” She nodded and Clad assisted her to her feet. Mitch stepped forward and took George into his arms and held him close while his mother approached the cart.

Casia’s breath caught when she looked into Marcel’s swollen face, but appeared to relax when the gentle rise and fall of her chest spoke the truth of Clad and Arianna’s words.

“What will we do now?” She asked without taking her eyes off Marcel.

“We will return to Arianna’s village and ask her parents if we can live there while we try to heal our broken hearts.” Casia took a deep breath and turned to Arianna.

“Nice to meet you Arianna,” She offered a hand which Arianna readily accepted with a small smile.

“Arianna is my wife,” Clad introduced and a large grin spread across Casia’s face.

“Congratulations. She’s beautiful.” Arianna blushed, but a genuine smile lifted the corners of Clad’s lips and for the first time since they had breached the hill of the village the day before his lips curled up. After getting Casia and George settled in the cart with Marcel and Arianna they continued on their track.

“So Leishmann did this?” Mitch asked when he joined Clad at the front of the small group of travelers.

“Are you surprised?” Clad countered.

“Not in the least,” Mitch responded. Both grew silent to ponder their own thoughts about the lengths Leishmann would take to rule Danyon.

Leishmann was Lord over Meridan, the Southern region of their world, Danyon. His region was dry, a wasteland, but it was rich in precious stones and golds. His land could not grow vegetation and the wildlife was limited. It cost him a great fortune to purchase the juicy meats from the woodlands, the scrumptious fishes from the wetlands, and the delicate plants and berries from the grasslands.

It did not take him long to decide that if he overtook the other regions, and gained control over all the lands and their resources he would have the best meats and vegetation in all the lands without losing his wealth. He had then decided to make all the inhabitants of Danyon his slaves. From Winsland, the wetlands, Nymac, the grasslands, and all the way to the Woodlands of Cardison; a great many people had declared they would not fall under the rule of a madman.

The madness that tainted Leishmann’s mind filled him with a greed for power. He soon forced his own people into the mines, working night and day, to build his wealth and sustain his growing army.

Lately rumors had reached those in Nymac that should they not enter into Leishmann’s rule, they would be destroyed. When word of what he did to his wife surfaced many began to believe he would do as he threatened.

It was alleged Leishmann had killed his wife when she attempted to not only shield her son from his father’s insanity , but also prevent her husband from moving forward with his malicious plans. With his wife gone Leishmann demanded his young witch, Teisha, and son, Cal, to train unyieldingly-day and night- to become warriors fit to command his armies. It was said both would become more malicious and merciless than Leishmann and together they would attack and kill those that apposed their rule.

Clad believed the rumors to be over exaggerated especially after hearing of Teisha’s immense powers and Cals fighting abilities, after all, both Cal and Teisha were only children; only eight and nine years old. He also knew the elders would never allow Leishmann to take command over Danyon.

The elders were a group of men and woman appointed by all the regions of Danyon to keep order. They had met several times to discuss how best to deal with Leishmanns threats. All believed the threats would never amount to anything. Now, it appeared, Leishmann had grown tired of sitting idly by as the world rejected his rule.

Clad sighed. How could he shield his wife and followers from this man?

Clad silently committed to offer his protection--what little he could provide--and vowed to defend all the innocents who survived Leishmann’s tyranny. In his mind, he plotted how he would guard his family, avenge the dead, and somehow obtain revenge against Lord Leishmann’s cruelty.

For several days the small group of weary nomads traveled, moving slowly to allow Marcel the best chance of survival. She remained unconscious, her body precariously sustained on the small amount of honeyed milk and broth they could trickle down her throat. Clad feared death lurked nearby, awaiting the moment to swoop in and whisk the old woman away. Even with Arianna’s careful ministrations, Clad knew if Marcel did not wake soon her slumber would consume her. He looked at Marcel’s ashen face and feared she would soon leave them to meet Sorchanna, The Great Goddess.

Every evening Clad forced himself to say goodbye to the old woman. Every morning he woke relieved she had eluded Death’s embrace.

Though the last morning of their journey brought relief that they would dine with Arianna’s family by nightfall, it was interrupted by the bitter fear that plagued him every dawn. Was Marcel with them, or did Melek, Lord of Purgatory, master of death, sweep in during the night and steal her last breath?

He lifted the wool blanket and sucked in sharply. Dark eyes peered up at him. Marcel had finally awakened. Relief rushed through him and he gently bent over the wagon to touch his forehead to hers; a sign of love and respect given to the elderly. She blinked. “Bout time you showed up, I think I will try a cup of that ‘energy in a bottle’ if you please!” Clad chuckled, she often referred to the bitter hot drink he sometimes brewed as energy in a bottle.

“Normally I would oblige you, but I seem to have lost the bag of crushed roots.” He replied; glad to see she still had her spunk. She nodded.

“Just the same, I never liked the stuff anyway!” She flinched at the sudden sharp pain zipping through her when she attempted to move. Clad placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, silently encouraging her to lie still.

“Marcel, what do we do? How do we help you?” He felt so helpless. Marcel nodded and with a hoarse, weak, voice managed to describe the plant she would need to ensure her recovery.

“You will find it in the marshes. It’s a small...” A heavy cough escaped her and Clad cringed at the site of Marcel’s face contorted in pain.

“Easy. Are you okay?” Marcel brushed Clads hand away when he reached to assist her.

“The flower will grow in bunches, but it is difficult to find ones that are ready this time of year,” Marcel winced when she attempted to shift once again.

“It will look like flames dancing in the air. At the base of each flower it is yellow with petals that wave towards the sky turning red at the top. They are ready for harvest when the petals dance in the breeze and let off a low whistle. When it whistles you dig the flower up, but careful you get all the roots. When you return I will tell you how to brew it. I must rest now. Go!” Clad nodded, but Marcel’s eyes had already closed against the morning rays. Clad smiled and tucked the blanket around Marcel’s shoulders before turning to wake his wife.

“Arianna, Sweetie, it’s time to get up,” Clad lightly brushed his lips over hers and she stirred.

“Um-Um.” She shook her head even as her arms circled his neck and brought him closer. He chuckled.

“I’d love you play this out and see what your intentions are, but Marcel has awaken and we need to go find a flower to make the Meekoberry juice.”

“Meekoberry Juice? Shouldn’t it come from a berry?” Clad shrugged and watched as Arianna stretched the kinks from her body and pushed her blanket aside. “Where do we find it and what does it look like?” She pulled her skirt over her bloomers and fastened her blouse. When Clad didn’t respond she looked at him with expectation.

“Sorry what?” She smiled at his response.

“Why Clad, what might you be thinking about? She sauntered up to him and ran a finger lightly over his jaw. In one fluid movement he pulled her against him.

“I’m thinking I am one lucky man,” He claimed her mouth with an urgency that left them both breathless.

“Well, I guess we best go find a flower before we become distracted.” She trailed her finger down his chest and traced circles around his stomach.

“Right, best get started.” He took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. Then without warning he whisked her away to search for the delicate flower.

“Are you positive the flower grows in the marsh?” Arianna complained several hours later as she attempted to jerk the mud loose from her boots. She made a sight with her skirt pulled between her legs and tucked into the waist to form a short pant suit. Clad enjoyed watching her shapely ankles glide through the tall grass.

Around them several small flowers danced in the breeze, but none whistled the sweet melody they had been straining to hear.

“I’ll try over there, why don’t you rest for a bit. I’ll rejoin you shortly.” Clad turned to make his way to the northeast side of the marsh. He had only taken a few steps when a light whistle touched his ears. He turned and watched Arianna as she held a handful of tall grass away from the small petals that reached to the sky and danced in the breeze; mimicking the flames that danced in the fire pits back at camp.

“Clad, I think I found one,” She said reverently as the sweet music filled the air between them. He responded by taking several ginger steps towards the plant. They both silently stared at the singing petals dancing in the breeze before finally looking at each other.

“We found it. Marcel will be okay,” Clad sighed in relief.

“And tonight we will join my family and together build a new home in their village.” A joy spread over him and he desperately felt the need to have Arianna in his arms. He reached for her and swung her around causing a light giggle to escaper her sweet mouth.

“Finally I feel like everything will be alright.” He placed Arianna on her feet, but held her close. “I love you.” He raised his hand to brush her hair away from her face. “So much.”

“I love you back.” She rose onto her toes and brushed a light kiss on his lips. He smiled down at her. Though the pain of the last couple weeks still wreaked havoc on his emotions he couldn’t help but feel happy in that moment. His wife was wrapped safely in his embrace, they stood beside the plant they would need to bring Marcel back to health and tonight they would join Arianna’s family. For the first time since leaving his home he felt they had the promise of a happy future together.

Clad pulled Arianna’s head and nestled it into his chest and took a few moments to just hold her and feel the comfort her arms provided. He held her close until the stress lifted from his shoulders and brought with it a hint that healing would come with time. Together they stood in the marsh, water leaking into their shoes, and just enjoyed their small reprieve from the world outside the swamp.

“We should get back.” With a heavy sigh Arianna pushed back and the joy in her eyes was quickly replaced with a deep sadness and Clad regretted breaking the spell that had surrounded them in the last several moments. He kissed her forehead and turned to retrieve his shovel.

Carefully Clad dug around the plant, ensuring the roots were unharmed. Arianna wrapped a small cloth over the earth surrounding the roots to protect them while they returned to the camp. They traveled back in silence, both lost in their own thoughts and both feeling the heaviness return to their shoulders.

“Marcel, we found the flower.” Clad gently shook her shoulder to wake her.

“Who is that, My Child?” Clad almost laughed. Leave it to Marcel to demand introductions to the beauty standing behind him before she got down to business.

“Marcel, this is my wife Arianna.” Gentleness played in her eyes as she looked at the young woman cradling the small plant in her arms.

“Arianna, come closer.” Her voice was soft and welcoming. Clad watched with admiration as Arianna moved closer and Marcel raised a hand to gently touch the long blond tresses that hung over Arianna’s shoulder. “Absolutely beautiful.” Arianna turned a bashful shade of pink and Clad knew the gentle smile she shared with Marcel had won her a permanent place in the older woman’s heart.

“Thank you.” Marcel pulled her hand back with a wince and locked eyes with the younger woman.

“You must first rinse the dirt from the roots then place the whole plant into a pot of boiling water. Stir just enough to keep the plant from sticking to the bottom of the kettle. The roots will break apart on their own and form small balls. The petals of the flower will stain them orange. They should look like small berries when they are ready. Drain the water but save it.

“Next you will need to crush the roots until it forms a thick paste. Return the paste to the strained water and cook it until it becomes a sticky goop. At this stage spoon it onto a slab of cloth and press the juice into a bowl. When it cools bring me a small cup.” Marcel closed her eyes after she finished talking and Clad and Arianna went to work carefully following each instruction until the juice cooled enough to bring it to Marcel.

When Arianna lifted the earthy liquid to Marcel’s lips the old woman drank deeply, cringing at the bitter taste. Within moments her eyes drooped and she fell into a deep, healing sleep. Clad smiled, knowing the old witch would live and gave thanks to The Goddess for their good fortune. He watched Marcel and prayed his pains and that of his followers would heal as surely as Marcel’s body was healing now.

Clad’s hopes soon shattered the moment they rounded the bend in the river later that evening. Arianna’s entire village was burnt to the ground. Though they searched for hours, no survivors could be found. Clad became angry with himself. He could have saved them if only he had not insisted on taking the scenic route between the two villages after he and Arianna had married. Had they traveled the main roads he could have discovered Leishmann’s army well before they had reached the village. Guilt filled him as he held his wife close. Each tear she wept carved a deep gash in his soul. Would she forgive him? Could he forgive himself? He remembered her parents’ smiles weeks before when they had celebrated his marriage to their lovely daughter. Clad kissed a tear from Arianna’s cheek and knew her pains would never heal.

They stayed long enough to burn the dead before moving on. Marcel woke after two days of the healing sleep. Her strength slowly returned and she soon became the source of support and wisdom his traveling people needed to thrive.

For the next several months Clad led his people across the grassy plains, always searching for a new home and always hoping the next village could give them refuge. Hope vanished; however, when they repeatedly witnessed the horrors and destruction left behind by Leishmann’s army.

The small townships they passed were left in rubble, burnt to the ground, and the death toll rose at an alarming rate. The stench of rotting corpse haunted Clads dreams and plagued his senses. Rarely would they find survivors, but when they did they were badly beaten and left for dead. They found very few wondering alone and afraid after escaping an attack on their homes. Leishmann seemed to be descending on the country like a ferocious tornado, leaving a path of death and obliteration in his wake.