CHAPTER ONE LOSING SHIA

PREVIOUS CHAPTER "PROLOGUE" 




CHAPTER ONE
LOSING SHIA



Time passed and people forgot about the great cities that littered the planet. During this time a small curious child was born into one of the nomadic tribes, as the child grew, his curiosity blossomed. He found himself wandering about the peoples of the past, and all that they had left behind. He found himself drawn to giant stone structures how were they made, why, where did the old ones go, what had killed them all so quickly. As he reached his teens years he found himself sneaking out of the village and exploring the nearby structures. Even though these were small structures he found himself amazed that the structures had lasted for so long,
" Mother, what was the world like before I was born?"
" Well pretty much like it is today, but the old ones say that it was not always this way."
" What do they say?"
" They say that many cycles ago people lived in large stone structures that stretched to the sky, and rode around in carriages that did not even need a horse to pull it."
" That's silly mother, how can a carriage move if it does have a horse pulling it?"
" I do not know, but that is what they say. I have heard that Shia has proof, but no one dares ask her about it."
" Why, is she mean?"
" No, not mean, she is just...very untruthful. She likes to stretch the truth to fit what she thinks the world was like."
" How did the ancient people die?"
" Well no one really knows but many stories say that the breath of Natas filled their lungs and they died from the inside out. They say the pain was so great that it destroyed their minds before their bodies died."
" Is that going to happen to us?"
" I hope not, that is why we greet the morning sun with a prayer, and ask the night sky to watch over us. Now my son it is bed time."
" But mother I am not tired."
" No buts Broadus. Bed time."
Broadus lay in the deer hide blankets and watched as the night sky began to spring to life with stars. As his eyelids grew heavy his mind drifted to a different time, a time when people rode in horseless carriages.
His mind danced with the visions for days. He thought about what his mother had told him about Shia, and wondered how much he could believe. Maybe she did have proof, or maybe she just said it to get the attention of the tribe. Either way he knew he had to find out for himself. As he thought of ways to go see her he began to feel the uneasiness in the pit of his stomach, nerves prevented him from going today.
With each passing day he became a little more confident, he knew that he would have to sneak out, his mother would never let him go by himself, and she was not going to take him.
Broadus lay awake the next few nights concentrating on his mothers’ routine, as soon as he had an established pattern he would make his move.
Every night began with her cleaning just after he went to bed, then all would be quite for a short time, he found that during that time his mother was in prayer. After prayer she would bathe, then go to bed. It usually took her from the time the moon could barely be seen in his window, until it was nearly out of the window frame before he knew she was sound asleep. After ten nights, he was sure that he could get away and back before she woke up. The next evening Broadus lay in bed waiting for his time, as soon as the moon neared the edge of the window he crept out of bed and dressed. He slid the leather moccasins on and tip toed through the house. He could see his mother lying on the bed of furs, the light of the fire illuminating her silhouette. The door eased open quietly, and Broadus stepped through. Once outside he allowed his eyes to adjust to the light and began off in the direction of Shia's tent. The moon was full and high in the sky, and long dark shadows danced in the distance. Broadus walked for a while before he came to the tent, the fire inside was welcoming, but he was not sure if anyone was awake. He sat and watched just out of sight, a tall, slender woman appeared in the opening of the tent.
" Come child I have been waiting on you."
Broadus felt his heart jump, how could she have known he was there> He stood and slowly walked toward the tent. He could not make out any facial features of the woman, and that made him even more nervous. As he got closer, the woman stepped back through the tent opening, and walked to a table in the middle of the large tent. Broadus stopped just inside the door, still unable to see her face. He saw a large black box sitting on the table, and nothing more. He stood at the door frozen in fear, he could only think ‘what have I gotten myself into?' As he stood there, he felt his knees begin to shake uncontrollably, they shoo so hard his breath began to quiver. The woman, now standing in front of the fire, turned to face him. Out of shear surprise Broadus jumped, gasping for breath.
" Come child, I am not that hideous am I?"
Broadus could see that she was not scary at all; in fact she looked almost like his own mother.
" No Ma'am," was the only words he could get out.
Shia walked over and guided him to the chair, Broadus was not sure where he wanted to start, but he could feel the questions beginning to bubble up from inside. Shia sat across from him, separated by only the large box. She looked at him as if to say 'Well I am waiting.'
“ How did you know I was there?”
“ I know many things, people do not want to believe me, and so they call me a liar.”
“But how did you know I was out there?”
“ Your clothes gave a distinctive smell, a certain scent that your mother uses to wash clothes in. I know that scent because I am the one who gave her the mixture. Had it been your mother, she would have come right up to the tent.”
“ Oh, I see. I hear that you have proof of the people from long ago, is that true?”
“ I have a book of forgotten things
“ But how can you claim that it is from long ago if you are the one that has created it?”
“You are a brilliant child, but to answer that question, I will have to show you. I did not make this book, I merely found the pages scattered among the inner depths of the stone monoliths.”
Broadus sat and stared as she pulled a large leather bound book from under her sleeping skins. His heart pounded at the thought of looking on something that has not been seen for hundreds of years. Shia laid the book on the table and opened the leather cover. Inside Broadus saw a man wearing cloth garments, standing on a smooth flat stone that twisted and turned as it disappeared in the distance. Behind the man was one of the monoliths; Broadus noticed large square holes in the structure. He stared at the picture, analyzing every little detail, then with a gasp, he realized that the holes were covered an opaque crystal stone. Shia turned the page, and there in front of him was a carriage without a horse.
“ How did they get the carriages to move, I don’t see a horse to pull it?”
“ I am not sure myself, I have not been able to locate any of these carriages to examine.”
Broadus sat and examining each and every picture, his mind filled with ideas, visions, and thoughts of the past and future. He decided at this moment he would set out to discover all the mysteries of the past.
As he sat engulfed in the book, Shia walked toward the opening of the tent. She had noticed that the sounds of the night had gone silent.
‘ Curious,’ she thought stepping through the opening. In an instant a large arrow buried itself in her chest. She stumbled through the opening and back into the tent. Writhing in pain, she crawled to the table.
“ Broadus, the raiders are coming, you must take the book and hide.”
Broadus could see that Shia was bleeding uncontrollably from the puncture wound around the shaft of the arrow.
“ Where shall I hide,” he asked his breath quivering with terror.
“ There is a hole under the wooden base where my sleeping skins are, GO, they must not find you here.”
Broadus ran to the pile of skins, and began to pull them back looking for the opening, the wooden base slid to reveal a fair size hole. Broadus crawled inside and crouched down, Shia stumbled over to the base, slid it back in place and piled the skins back on top.
Broadus noticed a small slit in the base where the light from the fire peaked through; he placed his eye up to the slit, and watched. Shia crumpled to the ground just in front of the skins; Broadus saw a puddle of crimson form around her now still frame. Suddenly a large figure stepped through the tent opening and began to scatter things all around, Broadus could hear more movement outside, as if someone were waiting for the large man. The man continued searching the tent with a definite goal in mind. Broadus watched helplessly from the tiny crack, he could feel the tears welling up in his eyes, great sobs built in his chest. This scared him even more if they heard him, he would likely face the same fate as Shia. He buried his face in the soft leather of the book and took a deep breath, a loud sob escaped. Broadus froze, sure that the figure had heard. He placed his eye back up to the slit, but did not see anyone.
‘Maybe they have left,’ he thought. He kept looking, waiting, he listened to the group outside start to leave, quiet once again engulfed the tent. Suddenly several soft thumps hit the tent and it erupted into flames. Fearing for his life Broadus kicked the wooden base clear of the hole. He clasped the book tightly to his chest and ran into the dark, not even thinking about whether or not he had been seen. He just wanted to run, to runaway from the things he had seen, to not think about any of it. Broadus ran until he collapsed, the book sliding across the dark sand, sob after gut wrenching sob shook his body. Suddenly a horrible thought flashed across his mind, ‘they were headed towards his mothers camp.’ The sobbing stopped and fear gripped him tightly.
Broadus jumped up, he had run out of Shia’s tent so fast he wasn’t sure what direction he had gone. He turned slowly, hoping for some sort of visual reference point. The light from Shia’s burning tent guided him, he walked past the remnants of the tent, fear, sorrow, and anger all collided inside him. He stood looking back at what was left of the tent, got his bearings and began to run, still clenching the book, towards his own tent. He knew that it was up to him to warn the others. As he ran a large plume of fire sprang up from somewhere in front of him. Startled, Broadus tripped over a large root, and tumbled to the ground. He quickly picked himself, and the book up and began again. He felt his heart sink, the screams from the camp could be heard from where he was standing. In his mind danced gruesome scenes of death and destruction, but none as gruesome as what awaited him.
Broadus stumbled from the brush, scratched up, and bleeding from the fall. A blast of heat, and a scene of gore and destruction met him. The raiders had slaughtered everyone they could find in the camp. Broadus collapsed, the putrid salty taste of vomit in his mouth. Tears rolled down his face leaving trails of mud. He lay crying, thinking he should have been there with his mother. Exhausted he slept where he fell.
“Broadus, is that you?”
He raised his face to see who was speaking to him, the morning sun allowing him to see only dark figures. Hope sprang in him like a fountain.
“Is my…my mother okay?”
A silence fell across the small group; he could now see the tears in their eyes.
“ No, this can’t be happening. Why didn’t you helper?” He screamed lunging at the nearest person. As his fist came in contact with the young mans jaw, Broadus felt he could not control himself, the anger inside him flowing like a river that had just breached a dam. The young man did not move he just stood there, absorbing every blow. Broadus stopped hitting the man and wrapped his small arms around him and began to cry uncontrollably. The young man knelt down and comforted him. He helped Broadus to his feet, and they all began to retreat from the now desolate. He learned that the survivors had hidden in the caves just outside the camp, and now they all considered it to be the safest place.
“Broadus, I know that you are hurting, but take comfort in knowing that it was a painless passing.”
“But I should have been with her Teber, if I had not gone to see Shia the I could have protected her.”
“ That would not have been possible. When they arrived everyone was rounded up and made stand in the center of the camp. Only those who were not in the camp escaped the brutality.”
“Why, what reason did they give for all of this?”
“They said that they were looking for a book. According to the leader The Collector sent them to acquire the book by whatever means were necessary.”
“Did they say what kind of book it was?”
“ No, only that the one who originally had the book had been dealt with, and the book was missing. They gave everyone a chance to return the book, and since no one knew what they were talking about, they killed everyone.”
Broadus knew which book they were talking about, it was the same one that he had fled Shia’s tent with. Suddenly he realized that he did not have the book, he ran out of the cave and back towards the camp. It had to be there, if it meant that much to them then it had to have some kind of value to it. Broadus spotted the book covered in a layer of dirt underneath a small scrub bush, next to his mother’s tent.
Broadus felt his heart sink as he walked past the ashes, if only he could have been there to protect her. He picked up the book and dusted off the cover, ‘What could be so important about this book?’ Sitting in the shade of an oak tree Broadus opened the book again. The pictures no longer excited him, now they were just a dim reminder of how fragile life was. It showed how callus some people could be, and how life itself was no more than a vapor on the breeze. He flipped page after page, glancing at picture after picture. As he turned past a picture of a large stone path supported by what appeared to be stone trees, a large folded piece parchment fell out of the book. Broadus picked it up and noticed a bunch of strange marks, he studied the parchment closely, but none of it made any sense to him. Questions abounded about the parchment.
‘ What is it?’
‘ What are these marks?’
‘Is this why they killed Shia?’
These and many other questions bombarded Broadus. Suddenly a realization hit him, with his mother gone he would be on his own. He began to feel alone, as if his entire world had just ended.
“ Broadus, come back to the cave, I still don’t think its safe out here.”
“ But I have nowhere to go.”
“ Broadus, you know that you are always welcome in any of our tents.”
“ Thank you.”
Broadus knew that the night before he had left his mother a child, but today he was a young man. In his thirteen years of life he had never had to deal with so much at one time, now everything came falling on him at one time. Broadus blankly wandered through out the rest of the day numb from all he had experienced
As night fell Broadus slept, his dreams haunted with visions of his mothers death, of the Raiders finding him, and torturing him. Shia appeared in his dreams, looking just as she did the night he hid under the sleeping skins.
“Broadus, it is up to you to find the knowledge of the past.”
Broad tried to speak, his mouth formed the words, but nothing came out, his throat felt as if he were be strangled.
“Let the book guide you, every picture is a clue. Each one a place in the vast land past the boundaries of the Great Canyon.”
Suddenly Broadus felt the ground vanish from underneath his feet, and Shia faded into the surrounding blackness. He felt the wind on his face as he tumbled endlessly toward the rapidly approaching earth. The pounding his heart made in his chest made him think that it was going to explode from behind his ribs. Broadus closed his eyes as the last couple of feet raced to meet him.
Broadus sat up, sweaty pouring from his glands, his breath coming in labored gasps. He forced his body to stand, his legs quivering under his weight, and almost collapsing underneath him. He stood and wiped the sweat from his lips, the salty taste gagged him as he swallowed hard. His mouth was as dry as the cave floor, and tasted as dirty. Broadus stumbled in the dark to the water skins, and drank as much as he possibly could. Broadus slept a little uneasy the rest of the night.
Morning dawned; the smell of meat cooking aroused his stomach. The sleep caked in the corner of his eyes made it hard to see, so Broadus wiped it away. A small cook fire had been started and what appeared to be a pig was now crackling over the fire. Kee was sitting beside the warm flames, watching as the flames lapped at the carcass of the animal. Broadus noticed a young woman busied herself grinding corn meal into a bowl.
“Kee, what are the boundaries of the Great Canyon?”
“Let me start by asking you this, what did your mother tell you about OUR people?”
“Just that we are here to help those who have nothing.”
“Well then, The Great Canyon is this place,” Kee said motioning all the way around him.” I was told when I was a child our age that the spirits of the old ones gave this place to us so that we might help others in their journey to discover their true place in life. The three great mountains that serve to protect us from many evils that prevail in the world surround it. The old ones say that the only way into or out of the canyon is through the morning sun. No one that has left has ever returned. Those of us who have been here all of our lives do not feel the need to journey out of the canyon, we fear that many of the evils are waiting on the unsuspecting. It has been said that the breath of Natas consumes all who leave.”
“Have you ever known any of the travelers who have left?”
“ No, but Shia said that she had followed one many cycles ago.”
“Do you believe her?”
“I do, something about her seemed truthful. She always said she had proof, but known had ever seen it.”
Broadus stared at the fire, the pangs in his stomach reminding him just how hungry he really was. Kee removed the pig from the fire, and slid a piece of it towards Broadus; apparently he heard the growl of Broadus’ empty stomach. He devoured the meat instantly, turned and walked towards the rising sun. Broadus knew that he could not afford to leave right now; he would need time to prepare. He had no supplies, and no knowledge of where to begin.

Over time Kee watched Broadus grow into a strong and determined young man. In the four years since the raid Broadus had become dedicated to every task. Working at a feverish pace to complete what ever was assigned to him. Kee knew that he was displacing the agony and anguish with this dedication. Broadus did not speak of his mother or of the night that changed his life. Kee also knew that Broadus was about to take on a journey that would challenge him in every possible way, armed with this knowledge Kee forced Broadus to take on as much as he thought he could handle. From time to time he could see that it was getting to him, but Broadus was headstrong and stubborn, he would find ways of finishing the task. As he grew physically he took on a new look. Gone was the boyish curiosity, replaced by the thirst for knowledge. His frail body replaced by a muscular physique, now Kee knew ht he would be able to handle almost anything that was thrown at him.
“Broadus, I know that you plan on leaving, and when you do I ask that you take this with you. I found it at the opening where the sun meets the canyon.”
Broadus took the small leather wrapped item and uncovered it.
“ I do not know what it is called, but I do know that it can kill from a distance without an arrow. I have the small metal stones that came with it as well. I ask that you use it only as a last resort.”
“ Kee I do not like to take lives, therefore I take this gift because I respect you. If I have my way, it will never be used.”
Kee smiled and walked Broadus to an open field. Broadus pointed the object at a small piece of tree bark that was standing in the field. He raised the object, placed his finger on the small metal lever as Kee instructed, and squeezed. A flash sprung from the object and dirt sprang from the ground behind the piece of wood. The rest of the day Kee instructed him on ways to perfect his aim. By the time the sun had set behind the cliffs Broadus had become quite adept at hitting things with this strange device.
“Broadus I have informed everyone of my suspicions about you leaving, is it true?”
“My dear friend, it is. I have to find who I am and where I belong. I will never forget you, and how everyone helped make me the man I am today. I hope someday to be able to return and bring with me the knowledge that will help me to protect this valley and all who live here.”
Tears welled up in Kees’ eyes, he hated to see him go, but knew that Broadus no longer belonged here.
“Well then be well my friend, and may the spirits protect you.” He embraced him tightly, and then returned to the cave.
Broadus gathered his belongings, as little as they were, and started in the direction of the morning sun. He glanced back at the small gathering of people that had come to see him off, the small children waved eagerly, as the adults watched the young man fade into the purple haze of the canyon walls. Broadus walked late into the night before settling down for the night. He would get an early start in the morning, but for now he needed to build a small fire to warm him before falling asleep.
As the last ember died Broadus covered the fire pit and gathered his stuff, the fire felt like a good friend through the night. He walked a long time before coming to a winding river. In spots the river seemed almost still, the only indication that the water was moving at all were the tiny ripples out in the middle. Other points the water raged over large rocks. Broadus knew that he would have to get across, but how? He finally decided that he would follow the riverbank and see if he could find a shallow crossing point. He walked till the sun was high in the sky, but could not find a crossing point, In the distance he could hear a constant roar, intertwined with a soft hissing sound. He knelt by the edge of the water and scooped several handfuls of water into his mouth, it was cool and refreshing, he leaned over and scooped a couple more handfuls of water onto his head. It felt cool and the throbbing in his skull had begun to subside. He spotted as inviting spot underneath a lashing tree that looked very relaxing; he laid the book in the shade and unfurled one of his sleeping skins out on the grass. A gentle cool breeze wafted across his skin, and what seemed like a calming flute song danced on the breeze. Before long his eyelids were getting heavy, and he felt himself falling into a deep sleep. He dreamed of the water, and the warm sun on his skin. Shia appeared in his dreams again, this time she warned him of many unforeseen dangers. Broadus woke with a shudder, and sat staring at the water.
“This is getting me nowhere, ‘he thought, as he began gathering his gear. He walked the edge of the river, the shadows grew longer, and the sky began to creep into night. He decided to call it a day, a grove of young needle trees looked like a decent spot to setup camp. He began to break them off at the ground, about fifteen would be plenty for cover, and so he began to pull the young saplings together. A half dome began to take shape, when he was satisfied Broadus began layering large fan leafs over the outside of the dome, leaving a small opening at the top so that the smoke from the fire he would build could escape. Satisfied with his work he searched for a sturdy branch that he could use to fish with. He found a small oak sapling, removed the outer bark, split the end and inserted a sharp stone into the end. He then lashed the split tightly together around the stone, and examined his work. It wasn’t beautiful, but it was functional. He had only a short period of daylight left in which he could hone his skills and catch dinner. Thrust after thrust yielded many near misses, but no success. Disappointment began to creep into his thoughts, along with hunger. After several failed attempts the spear found a fleshly target. Crimson blood discolored the water as the stone tip ripped through the flesh of the red and gray fish and buried into the muddy floor of the river. Broadus collected his prize, and returned to his shelter
Morning found Broadus walking up the riverbank, the roar he had heard the previous day was now deafening. The waterfall was new to him, beautiful, and cooling.
Disappointed Broadus examined the surrounding area for any sign of a place to cross the large pool and corresponding river. Nothing. He placed the sleeping skins on the ground, laid the book on them and knelt down. As he sat there a movement caught his eye. A figured emerged from somewhere behind the curtain of water. Broadus watched intently, another figure emerged, followed by a third. Staring intently he saw a forth shadow emerge, except this time it was on his side of the waterfall. Broadus grabbed his things and dashed into the growth that surrounded a couple of needle trees. He had a good view of the figure; hopefully it did not have any clue that he was watching. The figure moved slowly up the river, stopping at a grove of dewberries. Slowly the figure began to make its way back toward the waterfall, Broadus knew that he would have to follow it if he expected to find a way across. He waited until he thought he could leave his hiding place without being noticed. He followed the figure until it stepped behind the waterfall. Running up to the waterfall he saw a small ledge trail that lead to an opening behind the wall of water. Broadus carefully walked along the stone ledge, watching the sunlight make shadows dance across the dark stonewall; a short distance in the ledge widened and leads to the large opening in the rock.
Broadus stepped into the opening, but could not see any sign of the figure he had been following. Suddenly from out of nowhere a pair of arms wrapped themselves around him. Terrified, Broadus grabbed the wrists and spun around to find a young woman with the same terrified look on her face.
“ Oh my God, you are not Reiko!”
“ No, my name is Broadus, who are you?”
“ My name is Kisto. I thought you were my brother Reiko.”
“ He must be one of the others I saw on the far side of the river.”
Broadus released the young woman’s hands and backed away. He looked at her; she was not anyone he recognized. She was a very pretty young woman, olive skin, brown eyes, and even though she was frightened she still had a very pretty smile.
“ I thought that the raiders had killed everyone in the valley, it has been so long since we have seen or heard from anyone from there.”
“ Not everyone is dead, only the most important to me, my mother and Shia, a very knowledgeable friend. I am on a journey to uncover the knowledge that she said was out past the boundaries of the great canyon.”
“ You said Shia was among those killed? She visited our village quite often. Was hers a quick death?”
“ Unfortunately no, the arrow pierced her chest with great force, and she spent her last t breath making sure that I would not be discovered. I watched as the raiders stepped over her body and destroyed her tent in search of a book.”
“ My father, Odius, said that she was wise beyond her knowledge, what ever that means. Would you like to stay in our village for the night. I can promise you a place to rest, and supplies for your journey. Shia always kept her things hidden, but I am the only one who knows of her hiding place.”
“ Did she tell you of the Vast Beyond as well?”
“ She did not, although I knew. I listened at her tent when she was talking to my father. She stayed reclusive, but said that she did so only for the safety of our village,”
Broadus needed a rest and help trying to figure out what he would need on his journey. He helped Kisto gather her basket and the small green dewberries, and followed her deeper into the large opening. The walk was quiet, neither of them comfortable enough to say anymore than they already had. Broadus surveyed the tunnel as they walked; he noticed that every few feet there was a small metallic dish mounted to the wall with a glowing green luminous rock placed in front of it. The reflected light seemed to be magnified and made the tunnel lighter. Broadus stopped and began to examine the rock closely, how ingenious, a source of light that seemed to never end. This intrigued him to the point that Kisto startled him when he noticed that she was standing over him.
“ You look as if you have never seen a star stone before.”
“ I haven’t, we didn’t even know these existed. The sun provided light in the day, and the moon or fire at night.”
“ You can find it in abundance in our village, traders bring it from far away and trade it for various things. We do not place much value in it, but the travelers use it quite often.”
The two walked in silence for a long time before emerging from the tunnel into a cavern. The large open cavern was cool and moist; Broadus noticed that the walls were lined with woven baskets. Each basket containing a different fruit, or vegetable, some of them he had never seen before. He also noticed that the other side of the cavern contained large slabs of meat covered in what appeared to be water soaked cloth, the air on that side smelled salty.
“ What is the purpose of all of this?”
“ It is our food storage area. This way we can gather and store food for a long time. It allows us the privilege of having a stable food supply when the solstice comes.”
“ What is a solstice?”
“ It is the time when the leaves change color and fall from the trees. Ona-solstice follows, that is when the frozen mist falls and covers the earth in a coat of white.”
Kisto lead Broadus to a small opening covered with a thick skin. She pushed it aside to reveal numerous people going about their day. They never even stopped to look at him, even though he had never stepped foot in the village before. The village seemed to be a permanent fixture, the people did not live in tents, but rather permanent mud covered structures. Small children ran and played, adults carried on conversations, and set about doing daily errands. This was a complete change from what he was used to.
“ This is the market, people trade different items that they have for items that others have that they need.”
The noise excited Broadus: so many new experiences, he had to know more. He wanted to know more, but was afraid that his curiosity would be mistaken for something else. He did not want to seem nosy, but he had to learn more. He sat down and started watching how people went about their daily activities. Kist seemed content to let him sit and observe, she disappeared, probably going about her routine. He watched the interaction between people, how they seemed to care about what the other was saying, or about how they would eagerly lend a helping hand when someone needed it. He had never seen anything like it before, in the great canyon people primarily stayed to themselves, you never wanted to interfere with the work your neighbor was doing, and they always seemed to be enough work to keep you from interfering. Here everyone interacted so happily. Broadus watched the small children playing at their parents feet, they seemed so carefree, and uninhibited. The young ones seemed to be in their fourth or fifth year, and the adults all seemed to be somewhere around twenty or twenty-five. This struck Broadus as curious. He sat on the fallen tree trunk and let the suns warming rays relax his mind and body; it felt good. Kisto appeared from around a corner, an older man followed her closely, not quite sure what he should do Broadus jumped to his feet.
“ My name is Odius, my daughter tells me that you are from the canyon, is that true?”
“ Yes,” Broadus replied nervously.
“ Then is it true that the raiders have killed everyone?”
“ Not everyone, but the majority of them. I and a few others who were not in camp are all that survived.”
“ What of Shia, did she survive?”
Broadus looked at the man he did not want to tell him but knew he deserved to know.
“ No, she was among the first to go, she died protecting me.”
“ Dear boy, you must be something special. She was a very reclusive person. She never let anyone near her nagoha. She said that it interfered with her ability to think.”
“ I don’t think I am that special, but she did trust me enough to allow me to look at this.”
Broadus pulled the book from his bag, and held it for the man to see.
“ Please, come with me. QUICKLY.”
Broadus placed the book back in the bag, and was ushered into a large structure. The old man pulled the skin closed behind them, and slid a wooden platform over the skin and windows. The room was pitch black, but began to lighten up when the man pulled a couple of the star stones from a pouch. He placed them on one of the metal dishes, then placed a second dish on top of it, this seemed to amplify the light, and the room light up like day.
“ Where did you get this?”
“ Shia gave it to me just before the raiders came. She said that it was proof of what life was like long ago.”
“ Have you opened the book?”
“ Yes, I have looked at the pictures several times. I believe that she wanted me to use the book to help me bring back the knowledge of the ancient peoples.”
“ I must warn you child, be careful. With this knowledge comes a great responsibility. I have seen many people go mad with a small amount of this knowledge. Shia had a gift for controlling the affects of the knowledge. She knew that it could be used for evil as well as good. She took it upon herself to protect it from falling into the hands of those who would use it to enslave others.”
“ How, it is only pictures of things that are so far beyond belief that I have began to wonder if I am not being tricked,”
“ Trust me child, the truths contained in that book bear many a battle scar. I have seen the chaos that the book has caused in this village alone. People think that if they can capture the knowledge of the ancients that they will become gods. Legends say that a man born of blood, but forged by the fire of the sun will rise up and use the knowledge to unite the scattered peoples of the vast wastelands. He will tame the metal birds of the air and force them to devour his enemies with stones of fire.”
“ I have never hear these legends, no one in my tribe has ever spoken pf the ancients”
“ It is written in the book.”
Broadus bowed his head with shame. He could not read, no one had ever taught him how. The people of the great canyon did not know how to read, so it was never taught. The old man could see this in Broadus’ eyes.
“ You can not read. Broadus, Shia has bestowed a great honor on you, she has made you the guardian of the knowledge of the ancients. But in order for you to be effective in doing this you must learn how to read. I feel that you are already on a journey of great importance. So I beg you, stay with us in the village at least until you have learned to read. I will have Kisto teach you, and no one will know of it, or that you have the book.”
Odius knew that if it got out that the book was in the village then Broadus’ life would be in grave danger. He sent Kisto out to get a simple book so that she might begin to teach Broadus.
Broadus could not understand why this book was such a threat; did it contain some ancient evil, or some grave dangers? He knew that he would have to discover this before he went any further. He considered himself to be intelligent, s he did not see any trouble in learning to read. He thought he would take it in stride, and be on his way before it got too late in the season. He sat and watched as Kisto walked through a side opening, she carried a small book with her. It was tattered and torn, the pages were yellow, and the writing on the cover had long since disappeared, even if it had been there he could not have understood it.
“ Shia brought this back from one of her many journeys, she said it was used to teach the ancients children how to read. It would be a good thing to begin you with.”
Broadus took the ragged little book and open the cover; it was still in fairly good condition. The first page had a picture of a young boy running and playing, and a bunch of letters underneath it. Broadus knew only a few letters and their sounds, so he tried to sound out the words. After several attempts, he began to think that learning to read might be a little harder than he thought.
“ Okay, try the first word.”
Broadus began, but to his disappointment could not get the word right.
“ That’s okay, I am here to help. Now, listen to how I do it, then you try.”
Kisto sounded out the word for him, and Broadus copied. It was a simple word that seemed so hard. Kisto sat with Broadus for a long time, showing him new words, and teaching him to read them. He felt inferior, the words he knew, he was now learning again, and only this time he had to read them.
Odius informed Kisto that she was now Broadus’ teacher; he would find someone to take care of her responsibilities. She was to make sure that he acquired the knowledge he needed to complete his journey. Somewhere in the process she found herself becoming very attracted to him. His eyes were as blue as ocean crystal, and his voice as gentle as a warm breeze. Several times she had caught herself drifting from teaching him, to daydreaming about him. Deep down she knew that her father would not allow it, but somehow it made her feel special.
Several weeks passed and Broadus began to use the ancient language with ease, things seemed so different now. The words seemed to fill his head every time he tried to speak. At first it was hard to concentrate, but in time it became second nature.
Odius was proud of Broadus newfound knowledge, and especially proud that Kisto had become dedicated to helping Broadus. He was sure that Broadus would succeed in completing his journey, but a new worry came to him. Kisto was becoming very attached to the young man, and now he feared that she might try and persuade Broadus to let her come with him. He could tell that Broadus returned Kisto affections. Several times he had seen the two holding hands as they strolled along in the market place. He knew that he had to stop it before it got to far.
“ Kisto, come with me.”
“ Yes father.”
The two walked a distance from the nagoha and stopped. The evening sun cast long shadows across the village, small cook fire started to pop up, and the breeze was warm to the skin. Kisto’s mind drifted to Broadus warm gentle breath, several times he had whispered in her ear, his breath warm, but tickled her. It had made her blush, and giggle slightly, she realized that Odius was staring at her, and knew he had something serious to say. She could always tell; the wrinkles on his forehead seemed to deepen when it was important. She raised her eyes to look at him.
“ I see you have taken a liking to young Broadus. I must warn you that I will never allow you to leave this village with him. It is far too dangerous a place for a young woman such as yourself.”
“ Father, although I do have strong feelings for Broadus, I would never think of leaving. This is where I belong, I have to help with the harvests, and now I have discovered that I can teach the younger children, I am happy here.”
“ Which brings me to my next thought, Broadus will have to begin his journey tomorrow, it is getting late in the season, and Remle will be leaving for Wolf Castle. Broadus can join him at least that far. The seasons will begin to change quickly, and if he stays too much longer he may be trapped here for another year.”
Kisto did not think that would be a bad idea, but her love for Broadus told her that he needed to start soon, and hoped that he would return someday.
“ Yes father, can we at least give him a feast so that his journey will be prosperous?”
“ I think that would be a grand idea.”
Kisto wrapped her arms around her father, and started for the village, her mind in a whirlwind of things to be done. She turned to see her father, the wrinkles in his brow now gone; she realized just how lucky she was to have someone like him who understood how she felt.
She ran into the village and gathered several of the older adolescents and gave them all specific task to get done, she made sure everyone new how imperative it was that these tasks get done at the appointed time. After she finished giving her instructions everyone went there separate ways. This was going to be a celebration that would be remembered.
Odius returned to where Broadus was sitting, and motioned for him to move closer.
“ Broadus, tomorrow you will begin your journey, Remle will be leaving for Wolf Castle. He will be your guide till you reach the castle. Unless you decide to start out on your own. He is knowledgeable of all the trade routes in the area, so he can give you information about villages and encampments, as well as ideas where the ruins are located. I have something for you,”
Odius held out medium size bag made from the hide of a cow. He pulled a star stone from the bag and handed it to Broadus. He then removed two of the small metal discs, and showed Broadus how to set them up so that the light would be at its brightest. He also told him that the bag contained several pieces of dried met, and some bread.
Broadus was grateful; he thanked Odius and started for the nagoha.
“ Kisto is preparing a gathering for you. She wants you to have a safe and Prosperous journey< I will come get you when it ready.” Odius walked off toward the village center. Broadus smiled, He had really taken a liking to Kisto, he wished that she would come with him, but He could read Odius body language, and that would not happen. He was very protective of his daughter.
Broadus returned to the nagoha and began to gather all of his things; the book was now a vital part of all he had, so it had to be protected. He placed it in a skin, and slid it into a large bag that he found. Her then put the star stone and food in next, he really did not have anything else, so he began to close the bag. He saw the flap on the opening move and watched as Kisto stepped through. Her dark eyes seemed to beg him,’ take me with you.’ He smiled, and she stepped further in, neither of them saying a word, she stood just in front of him, and smiled. Broadus could feel the nerves in his stomach and knees. He began to shake, but tried to keep it under control.
“ So is everyone ready?”
“ No, they still have some things to take care of,” her voice quiet and inviting. He felt himself drawn to her. His heart raced, and his knees quaked, but he could not turn away from her. The two of them were now inches apart. He could smell the sweet smell of pomegranates on her breath; it was warm on his cheek. He turned to meet her, their lips brushing.
“ I have to tell you something,” Broadus whispered.
“ What?”
“ I think I am in love with you.”
“ Good, because I am in love with you.”
The two met in a tender kiss. Broadus mind raced with the excitation of the new experience. Kisto too seemed to melt under his kiss, her heart raced, she felt as though she would collapse. Broadus pulled back and smiled. Kisto returned the smile.
“ I hope you find what you are looking for,” she said grabbing his hand.
“ And when I do I want you to be a part of it.”
Kisto stepped back, the look on her face now one of heartache.
“ Broadus, I can’t go. I have responsibilities here.”
“ I know, but promise me that when I do come back you will be here.”
“ I will wait forever.” Kisto smiled, and wrapped her arms around him tightly.
“ Now lets go see if they are ready.”
Broadus and Kisto walked out of the nagoha, hand in hand, a new journey waiting each of them when morning came.



NEXT ITEM "CHAPTER TWO RISE OF A LEGEND"