Bitter Prophecy

Bitter Prophecy

Chapter I: Spirit Dance

The wind leapt and tumbled through the black night, laughing, playing, as it had through eons before and would through eons after. It brought the troubled mutterings from time before time and the expectations of time yet to be.

The village of Treclac lay quiet in the pre-dawn gloom. The Hall of Priests showed no signs of life except for the two acolytes who stood watch over the altar in the clearing behind it.

The first pink light of dawn softened the edges of the black starless night as Auras awoke. His sweat slickened body shook uncontrollably and his eyes blurred as he tried to focus on the faint illumination. The cold stone altar he lay upon was padded only by a thin mat of pine needles. As the knowledge of what he’d seen in his dreams solidified in his mind, his heart began a frantic rhythm. Being head priest in Treclak, it was his duty to enter the Spirit Dance four times a year to gain prophecy for his people, but this was the first time he’d come away with such a deep sense of foreboding.

The two acolytes saw his awakening and rushed to his side. They sponged the sweat from his fevered skin with damp, fragrant cloths and lifted his head to offer sips of sweet juice. At his nod, they helped him to a sitting position and brushed the stray pine needles from his back.

Hands shaking, he grasped the arm of the nearest acolyte and,with a rasping voice, he said, “Hartus, have the priests and acolytes gather two hours hence.”

“But, Brother, Auras, you need to bathe and then rest!”

Auras took a slow breath and concentrated calming his racing heart. “This cannot wait, Brother. Our very existance stands on what I learned from the Spirits. Help me to my bath and have a meal ready when I finish.”

Hartus nodded, then sent the other acolyte to fill the bath and tell the kitchen to prepare the breakfast. He then hurried to the Priests’ Hall to rouse the Brothers.

Two hours later, the hall filled with buzzing speculation as the priests and acolytes hurried in. The mosaic tiled floor echoed with their many footsteps. The Priests filled the benches in the center of the Hall and the acolytes sat cross-legged on the floor between the walls and benches. Those lucky enough to gain a seat by the wall leaned against the soft embroidered tapestries. The tapestries were covered with scenes of various rituals accented with suns, moons, stars and sacred animals.

Light smoke from the spicy incense floated in cloud-like wisps above their heads. It’s sharply sweet fragrance was usually relaxing, but today only heightened their anticipation.

When Auras entered quiet descended the room rolling like a wave to the back. Every man there unconsciously leaned forward as he stepped into the center of the staged area and regarded his Brothers.

“I have returned from dancing the spirit land and I learned many things. Things that must be implemented, ceased, or changed for the good fortune of our great land and our people. But one thing stood far above all the rest.” He paused and looked out over the assemblage. “The Prophecy of Silar has come to pass.”

A rumbling of exclamations fanned across the great hall.

“I know you are all aware of this Prophecy, but I never expected it to happen in my lifetime and I doubt any of you did, either. But a great evil draws near and we must garner all our forces to overcome it.” His gaze traveled from one side of the room to the other. “A girl child bearing the seeds of this great darkness has been born in the town of Siler. She is nearing five full summers and will soon become aware of the power she holds. If left alone, she will grow into a woman who will destroy this town and all the world as far as we can see, as far as we can see. And the first thing she will eliminate is the Brotherhood!”

The gasp rolled from the front of the room to the back as every eye widened and every jaw dropped with the fullness of what he had said. Voices rose in a crescendo as brother turned to brother in dismay.

Chapter II: Siler

Meta strolled through the Market Square, Merrith almost running at her side to keep up. Two guards walked a respectful distance behind. The village of Siler was like many villages in the East. The town center was small, consisting of a few tiny shops that opened onto a market square.

They hurried past the gold exchange where you could change coin from other regions that local vendors might hesitate to accept. You could opt to keep the bulk of your money in the vault there, and, if you lived in the area, you could request a loan, although old Zickerton was slow to part with any of his profits and tiresomely particular about it when he did.

The delightful aroma wafting from the bakery filled Merrith with delight and she tugged Meta toward the entrance. She loved to run up the curving stairs to watch the wheat or oats being ground. Perched high above the roof was the ever-turning windmill that rotated the grinding stone all day and far into the night. Meta selected several loaves and a small lemon tart that she and Merrith would share later.

The next shop was awash with trinkets, bolts of cloth, cooking utensils, needles and threads and the like. Here Meta bought a length of brightly patterned cloth to make Merrith a jumper. She couldn’t believe how quickly the child grew!

Once done with that, they entered the Apothecary where shelves groaned under the weight of many jars and bottles filled with exotic and mysterious powders and potions. This shop was always clouded with perfumed incense that made Merrith want to sneeze. Meta needed to buy a powder for the Mistress’ headaches. They bothered her more and more lately.

They had no need to visit the other side of the square where stood the Smithy. There the clang and hiss of metal upon heated metal rang out from morning til night. On one side of the Smithy was a shop where the weapons and armor were displayed and sold, on the other side, tools and hardware.

At the end of the square stood Township Hall, its graceful façade keeping vigil over the market place. There was the seat of power, such as it was. Also the court and the jail, which usually stood empty. There was little crime in Siler, protected as it was by the sea on one side and the mountains on the other.


Meta held Merrith’s hand as they shopped, ever mindful of her responsibility. For Merrith was a child born of Prophecy.

It was only a few months earlier that the Mistress had called Meta into her chambers and related this to her.
Many years before, a prophecy had been brought forth that Siler would be the site of the birth of a child with great power, a child born unnaturally and with much controversy. The Prophecy had been passed down from Priestess to Priestess over the course of many, many years. The Mistress had heard it when she was a child at her mother’s knee. Siler was such a small town that it didn’t have a Temple, only a small place of worship with one Priestess to oversee the Faithful. Just a little over five years ago, the great Priestess had discovered herself with child. She was a serene and wise woman and she told her people that the prophecy was being brought to fruition through her. There were some who scoffed and said they knew how a child came into the world and prophecy had little to do with it! But they were soon to be proven wrong.

The pregnancy quickly became obvious, and even sooner it ended. It was only 4 ½ months when the Priestess lost her waters and labor began. The birthing lasted three days but the Priestess was peaceful throughout its entirety. When the child was finally brought forth she was laid in the Priestess’ arms without a cry. The Priestess kissed her gently, smiled, and said “My mission here is fulfilled.” And with that, she closed her eyes and left this world with a soft sigh. The child was a healthy seven and a half pounds with a thick cap of curling blond hair and eyes as blue and clear as the sky above. Her name was Merrith, as the prophecy had stated it should be.

It was a month before Merrith’s fifth birthday that the Mistress had shared this with Meta. It had been foretold that the child would be safe with them until her fifth year, at which time she must be guarded closely and well, for there would be many plots against her.

So Meta and Merrith had two guards who followed them everywhere. And there were several other soldiers who dressed as common townsfolk and were always within reach when the two of them went out.

As they put their purchases away at home, Merrith asked, “Why does the Mistress have headaches?”

Meta stopped and considered her question. “Well, sometimes people have to think too much and then they get headaches.”

“May I go see the Mistress? I don’t think she should have headaches anymore.”

Meta laughed. “Then why don’t you scurry up to her chambers and tell her so while I put these things away? Don’t be long, though, it’s almost time for lunch.”

Merrith clapped her hands merrily. “All right, Meta, I’ll hurry!” And she ran quickly up the stairs.

She approached the Mistress’ door and tapped upon it.

“Ah, Meta, I hope that’s you with my powder.”

“No, Mistress, it’s me!” Merrith pulled the heavy door open and stepped into the cool dark room. The Mistress lay in the center of a wide bed with a cold cloth upon her head.

“Oh, child, please speak softly, my head is quite distressed today. Come closer so I can see you.”

Merrith moved to the side of the great Lady’s bed and placed her hands on the lady’s hand. “You mustn’t have any more headaches,” she insisted. “Don’t you feel better now?”

The Mistress looked into Merrith’s eyes and was mesmerized by what she saw there. “Why, ah, yes. I do feel better!” The old lady was amazed at just how well she did feel. She reached up and removed the cloth from her brow. “I don’t think I need this anymore! Aren’t you a dear?”

“I’m glad you feel better, Mistress.”

“I feel much better. In fact, I do believe I can join you and Meta for supper. Would you like that? Perhaps you can even sing for me!”

“Oh, I love to sing!”

“Then it’s settled. I shall be there with you. Now run along and tell Meta to set an extra plate tonight. I have many things to catch up on between then and now.”

As Merrith skipped out of the room she heard the Mistress laugh lightly and mutter, “oh, yes, I do feel much better.

Chapter Three: Across the Sea

The three-day journey across the sea gave Gef ample time to think back to the day those two acolytes had approached him with this job. He’d been busy in the pub with his pint when they offered it. They took him to the head Priest, a man called Auras, who said he’d been chosen for this assignment.

“Why me?” he’d asked, with full knowledge of the answer.

The Priest at least had the courtesy to look a little embarrassed. “You have the… ah, background to know how to accomplish this sort of thing.”

“Because I was a thief? That was years ago. I’m a good citizen now. Haven’t I allus paid my bloody taxes?”

“Yes, yes you have. And that’s why we chose you. This child was seen in a sacred ceremony and shown to be a vile threat to the Goddess and to our village. She must be brought here where she can be cleansed.”

“Killed, you mean.”

“It’s the only way to protect our home and our way of life. And you are the only one we know who we can trust and who has the skills to do this. We’re counting on you.” Auras rubbed his hands together awkwardly.

“What is your plan?”

“We have a boat that can take you across the sea, a three day journey, to Lysis. From there, you’ll take a peddler’s cart to Siler and spirit the child away.”

With a furrowed brow, Gef considered the Priest’s offer. “I’ll need some help.”

“We have the funds to pay for two others.”

Gef nodded. “I’ll need one to go with me to Silas. I may need extra hands on that job. And a woman, I think, to care for the child on the journey back over the sea.”

The Priest nodded in agreement. “We will pay you $650,000. getlaks. With that you should be able to hire a couple of lackeys and still have quite a fortune left over. We will pay you one third now so you can hire your accomplices. The rest will be paid when you return with the child. And this is to be kept quiet. Tell your friends only what you need to tell them, nothing more. Do you understand the need for discretion?”

“All they’ll need is to hear the jingle of the coin, sir. They won’t need to know nothing more.”

He accepted their gold gleefully, but found his joy somewhat dimmed when he met Lagnor. Whatever the Captain was being paid, obviously he expected more than mere money for his deeds.

Lagnor looked Gef over from his head to his toes contemptuously. “I’ve worked with the Brotherhood for years now. It would seem they’ve become desperate. Or mayhap they wanted someone who was expendable.” He shook his head. “You’re worn out, and a thief, at that!”

Gef folded his arms tightly across his chest. I’m a lawful citizen of Treklak, Lagnor.”

“Hah! A thief and a liar! Well done, Gef.” Lagnor made a sweeping bow. “I suppose at times one evil must be pitted against a larger one. It would seem you are the perfect choice.”

Gef’s hand itched to wrap around the hilt of his knife and plunge it into Lagnor’s pumped-up chest, but he focused instead on what this money would mean.

Magdalene and Krell, though no blood relations, were the closest thing to family he had. Magdalene was getting older and this money would soften the years ahead for her. She had been like a mother to him, a mother/sister. And then there was Krell. Not too quick in the head, but always willing to help Gef when he needed him. Somehow, after so many years, they’d bonded into family.

Lagnor laughed at Gef’s impotent rage. “Well, at least you know who your Master is. See you don’t forget it!”

“Make no mistake, Lagnor, yer no Master over me! I was hired to do a job. If you aren’t up to workin’ with the likes a’me, we can go re-negotiate with the red-handed Brothers. I’m sure they’d be interested to know your thoughts on who they hire.”

With a frown, Lagnor turned and stormed into the wheelhouse, slamming the door behind him. In a pique of rage, he swiped the desk free of maps and compass. He stood back, breathing heavily. Then smiled. He thought of the large bag of gold that was locked away late the night before and remembered the loving warmth of the coins as they ran through his fingers. Then he caressed the scroll that had accompanied the gold. Oh, he had no need to read it again; he knew every word by heart. He was to transport these three vile creatures to Lysis and there await Gef and Krell’s return with the child.

Considering that they would succeed, they’d head back over the sea toward Treklac. Then, about an hour away from port, a ship would approach: his own fine sailing Queen. He’d hated leaving her behind for this pathetic tub, but it would serve the purpose well.

His ship would purport itself to belong to the Priests and would demand that Lagnor put his boat to anchor, then bring the child to them. Once done, they would ply the boat with torches and flaming arrows and leave it. Giving Gef and his cronies the choice of burning or drowning.

Chapter Four: Swept Away

The moon’s silver glow washed the town of Siler with a cold light. One sleek pale ray stole through Merrith's window to caress her soft cheek. She slept with the careless abandon of innocence, wrapped in the knowledge that her world was warm and safe.

Gef followed the moonbeam to her window. With his knife, he easily pried the latch, which sprang open with a solid click. For a moment he stood still, but heard nothing stir from within. With a grimace, he slid the window open. His gentle movements were unimaginable for a man with such large thick fingers.

With a muted grunt he pulled himself through the opening. It was a close fit.

As he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dimness, he listened intently for any sound, but heard none. Approaching the bed, he stood over the sleeping child for a moment, pressing the point of the knife he still held against his large thumb. He put the weapon away before leaning over to prod her shoulder. She did not even twitch. Her breathing was slow and even, whispered through lips gently parted.

He lifted her into his arms, and then fumbled at his belt for the small vial that hung there. The cap popped off easily and he poured the contents on the sheet and pillow, staining them dark red.
"Meta won't like that," the sleepy child murmured in his ear.

Every muscle in his body stiffened. He was ready to subdue any outburst, but, as his startled eyes moved to hers, her gaze was steady and calm.

"She won't mind so much, miss,” he whispered, heart pounding.

“Once the sheets are changed she'll forget all about it.”

She gazed at him for a moment as if considering his words. "Where are we going?"

"To a place full of butterflies." It was the only thing Gef could think up quickly that a child might like.

"Oh, good." She smiled and rested her cheek on his shoulder.

Gef moved back to the window and handed her out to Krell who waited nervously below.

"When will we see the butterflies?" the child asked Krell, as he wrapped her in a dark shawl.

"Butterflies? Ain't no butterflies where we be goin’." Krell ducked his head and blinked quickly.

Landing beside him with a thud, Gef took the child. "Of course there are butterflies. Don't be stupid, Krell."

Krell's eyes widened and then his head bobbed, "Oh, aye. Of course. The butterflies. Must've slipped me mind. Them butterflies, I mean."

Gef looked at Krell with frustration but there was no cause for alarm, Merrith was already sleeping again.

He looked around, nervously and motioned Krell away from the house.

They slipped across the lawn and into the shadows under the trees, then hurried away down the deserted street, carrying Siler's hope with them.

Gef and Krell tucked the sleeping child into the back of their peddler's wagon and hied the oxen on. The wagon rumbled steadily through the night under the watchful gaze of the moon. By morning they'd reached the river where Lagnor awaited with his boat.

As Gef lifted the child from the wagon, he looked around uneasily. “I don’t like this. There should have been guards, it was too quiet.”

Merrith smiled. “The guards were sleeping. They’ll be angry when they wake up. But Meta will be sad.”

Gef didn’t have time to wonder how she knew this; they needed to be on the boat and away from here.

Lagnor waited impatiently for them to gather the child and approach the boat. “It’s about time you two got here,” he said in a low voice, “I was ready to be off without you.”

Gef frowned. “Look, you, I don’t like none of this but it’s done. We’re the ones what put ourselves in harm’s way. You did naught but wait, and could hardly do that well. I’ve brought you the child as the Priests wanted; now it’s on your head. Just get me and Kreb back home so those black-robed devils can pay us our blood money!”

Gef didn’t really know why he felt so angry, other than he just didn’t like or trust Lagnor. He’d been ready enough to take on this job. The priests had convinced him that they needed this child to keep the realm safe. He was doing his godly duty and being well paid for it to boot. But he didn’t like putting the girl in Lagnor’s hands and he’d be glad when they were home and he was done with the whole thing. He wasn’t looking forward to three more days on the tiny vessel with Lagnor nagging at him the whole way.

A crude vessel it was, but Lagnor kept it well afloat. Merrith was moved gently below decks into the waiting arms of Magdalene, who crowed and cooed as the child opened sleepy eyes. This cannot be an evil child, Magdalene thought with astonishment as she looked at Merrith. What can these Priests be thinking?

"Rest now, little pretty one," she crooned, "let the river rock you to sweet dreamland." Magdalene settled her gently into the small bed and covered the child with the shawl she’d been wrapped in. And so Merrith slumbered gently as the waters carried her further and further from her homeland.

When the sun turned the waters to a bejeweled pathway, Merrith sat up, her gaze settling on Magdalene who sat in the rocking chair at the foot of the bunk.

"Are you my guardian now?" she asked, no hint of trouble in her voice.

Magdalene chuckled, if one so old and haggard could be said to chuckle. "No, child, I suppose that would be Lagnor. I'm just here to help you whilst he tends to the craft. I've no doubt you’re hungry and I've made you some gruel with a bit of bread and cheese. Not what you’re used to, I’m sure, but it will fill you up well enough."

The child smiled sweetly, arose and walked to the crude table where she tasted the gruel. "Thank you, Magdalene, it’s very good. Where is the man who will take me to the butterflies?”

"Butterflies?" The old woman looked puzzled.

Just then the boat lurched, coming to a sudden stop. Everything in the little room went flying including the breakfast, Magdalene and little Merrith. Water began filling the small space. Magdalene grabbed the girl and lifted her. "Gaw, child! We must get outta here!"

She frantically began splashing through the water, pushing floating objects out of the way with one hand, holding Merrith tightly against her chest with the other, and then tugging at the small door to no avail.

Merrith pressed her small face close to Magdalene's. "It will be alright," she whispered.

With the touch of Merrith’s breath on her face Magdalene felt a calmness course through her body and, with a sigh, she stopped struggling. Looking into the water at the base of the door, she saw a small chest had wedged in front of it.

With her free arm she heaved it out of the way and opened the door. Holding Merrith close, she carefully sloshed up the stairway to the deck.

Gef hurried them to a small dinghy.

"Where's Lagnor?" Magdalene looked around frantically.

"Nowhere to be found," replied Gef with a pointed glance at the child.

"He's gone.” Merrith shook her head as if saying there was no point in looking for him.

"Yes, gone, little miss." Gef agreed, with a thoughtful nod.

They scrambled into the small boat where Krell waited at the oars.

"Let's be off, then, Krell. That craft is going down and we don’t want to be dragged down with it.”


Krell began to pull on the oars and they moved swiftly down the river, slowing only to watch the boat they’d just left slide under the muddy waters. There was no sign of Lagnor.

Chapter 5: Butterflies

Krell and Gef took turns at the oars until well after noon when they pulled in to a small sandy beach guarded by a large outcropping of rocks.

Merrith slipped her small hand into Gef’s. "Is this where the butterflies come?" Her eyes were large and blue and trusting.

"Nay," Gef said gruffly, "that’s for tomorrow, little miss. Not here."

She smiled at him and he felt as if the sun had burst out from behind dark storm clouds. He was filled with warmth. He knew that should feel good but then why did he have a gnawing dread growing in his stomach?

The lifeboat was supplied with some field rations and water containers, also a few blankets, so they'd be all right. They set up camp for the night.

After they had eaten, Merrith curled up on a blanket between Gef and Krell and soon fell fast asleep.

Magdalene looked at Gef across the sparking fire. "You know what they're going to do, don't you?"

"Aye." He grunted. "And I'd as soon have this done with.”

"Will they be gentle?"

"I doubt they'll care about niceties. They have their rituals to perform."

"Ach! How can they think such a tiny lass could harm them?"

"Something in the stars told of it, one of the gods I suppose." He looked away and scratched behind his ear with a grimace.

"It was an evil god then," declared Magdalene as she lifted one of Merrith's golden curls.

"What would ye have us do, Magdalene?” Gef brought his gaze to Magdalene’s with furious intensity. “Be outcasts the rest of our live-long lives? I took this job for you, for Krell, for US!"

Krell's head bobbed a few times and he spat into the fire. "Me, I've alus wanted to see the Southern Mountains." He nodded in the direction of Gef, and then put his attentions back to the fire.

Gef arose, his hands clenched at his sides. "Do you two know what yer saying? We'll have to give up everything. The men from Siler will be hunting us for stealing the child and the Priests at Treklac will be after us for not delivering her as promised. We'll always be watching our backs. And besides, we were paid, and well, I might add, to do this job. It'd be wrong."

"Eh, they'll have our homes and all our possessions to regain their blood money," said Magdalene.

Gef's voice dropped to a low whisper, "And, did you ever think… what if they're right?" He looked stricken for even saying it aloud.

Magdalene gave him a slow smile. "Do you think they are?" Her fingers continued to play over the child’s golden curls.

He sighed. "I'll think on it."

The morning sun rose to find Gef sitting on the rocks that sheltered the little beach. Merrith saw him there and walked out to sit beside him. They both sat quietly and gazed out over the sparkling waters. After a few minutes of silence, she said, "Will we go to the butterflies today?"

Gef remained quiet. He didn’t want to look at the child all bright and golden in the morning sun. Her presence made him feel warm and cold all at the same time.

Merrith reached up one hand and Gef saw a butterfly alight upon her forefinger. Shadows fell over them and Gef looked up, expecting to see storm clouds. Instead, to his astonishment, he saw hundreds of the colorful creatures all around. It looked as if a rainbow had come apart and showered upon them. The air was filled with blues, greens, oranges, pinks and yellows. The tiny creatures swarmed around them and settled over them like an iridescent blanket. Gef felt the magic of the moment fill a spot in his heart that had been dark and closed for a long, long time.

Merrith laughed joyfully. "Here are your butterflies, Gef. They came to you."

He slipped his arms around the girl and pulled her close, sheltering her. "Aye, the butterflies, little miss. And shall we let them lead us to a safe place?"

Giving himself a decisive nod, he rose and turned toward their little camp. He shouted to Krell and Magdalene. "Let's get packed up, we're going to the South today.”

The End

by S. Tilghman Hawthorne