The Storyteller

HOME PAGE CASSANDRA -A NOVEL CARTOONS

This is a story from a dream. It may be possible that it's from a past life I'm not sure. I like it because it reveals that we are no different from those who came before us. It is just a different time and place.

A TIME AND PLACE KEN LEHNIG

A TIME AND PLACE

Marcu looked up at the sun and was satisfied that he would reach his near-parents farm a little after sundown. The wilderness was a wicked place after dark A great cat had been spotted and many farmers had lost some stock to its hunger. A lone man on the road may be too much of a temptation for the beast. He wondered whether he would be greeted well. The last time he had seen them there was a falling out. Janu, his near-father, spoke of his concern over the well-being of his daughter. Her felt that she was being underfed. There was an indirect accusation that Marcus was starving her. Being blamed for his wife's lack of appetite was galling but no matter what he did his wife would not eat more than she wanted. Even after their son was born, unlike most women, she maintained a virgin -like figure. He secretly liked her figure and felt heat every time he saw her. It was still a shame to him that after ten years of marriage and his position she still had not filled out. He had to agree with his near-father that he would find it hard to raise in position when his wife looked starved. He would be perceived that he lacked a sense of well being toward his wife. He would be deemed perverse. No doubt he would have to carry a large basket of fruit and honey cakes to his wife, a gift from her parents. It would anger her and make his life miserable. He hated the idea of having to go to the temple and asking the priests to intervene. It was what was coming. He had no power in the situation and a power greater than his may have to assist in the situation. At least he would appear religious. His piety would shift his blame publicly to the evil forces affecting his wife. He shuddered at the cost the priests would demand for the service of chasing off evil spirits. A dark thought crossed his mind; if the clerics failed they would kill his wife and blame the dangerous nature of the spirit realm. It was blasphemy to think such things but in his position he is permitted to know certain things and the reasons for the way things are. He sat down in the grass along the road and allowed himself to weep. Nothing had yet happened but he knew it wasn't going well. He couldn't help the feeling of dread that washed over him. Insects buzzed around his face unnoticed- he prayed for forgiveness. Nothing happened in this world without the will of the gods. It was not the priests that ran the temples it was the gods that decided the fate of men. It was their will that had him and all the citizens of their city prosper. Thinking otherwise would surely lead to ruin. He repeated a prayer over and over 'We are safe and well all these days because we praise these spirits high. We walk in paradise all our days honor to those in the sky.' It was a child's prayer but it still served well.

He shifted his thoughts to his wife and son and the dread passed. Wiping his eyes he stood looking down into the deep green river that the road followed. It was beautiful. The river was like life flowing on to who knows where. Making its way unstoppable and sure from birth to death and then onto eternity. He smiled at his turn of mind. There was a wonderful waterfall about a mark ahead. What symbolism could be attributed to that mighty cascade?

Marcu reminded himself that the only reason he had under taken this trek, on a city day, was to invite his near- parents to come and live with him in the city proper. They were getting on in years and he and his wife feared that the farm life was too hard on them both. If they came to the city, before they became infirmed, they could enjoy the many benefits city life offered. The city offered luxuries that country life would be hard pressed to provide. Janu was a well-known craftsman, his large bowls and drinking cups were sought after and prized. His workload made it hard for him to find the time for his hobby. The rare hardwoods and his fine work were exquisite and Marcu knew that his work would be well received. He could spend all his days doing what he loved and thrive in the doing of it. Main meals were served in the temple courts and doctors were readily available. Their clothing, due to Marcu's position would be provided by the city and their rank would by elevated due to Marcu's position. They would even be given a small income to start his new business. It all made such good sense. He just had to convince them.

The falls could be heard roaring just around the bend. He was surprised to hear voices and stiffened up. The voices were male. The lack of female voice was ominous. The Constables had done a great job of cleaning up the byways of robbers, rapists and killers but they couldn't be everywhere. Marcu drew his short sword and waited. He may have made a mistake in walking this distance alone but it was in the god's hands now.

Time passed and no one came up the road. Then with a sigh of relief he heard a woman's laughter. It washed over him like a cool rain.

He walked ahead with more confidence. When he came to the falls he smiled. A rainbow danced in the air above the cascading waters. The sound demanded peace of spirit. It was a magical place. People had been coming here for a thousand years and it made Marcu feel secure in the life choices he had made. Even primitive peoples knew that such places calmed ones soul and made life easier. Off to the right he spied a cart and two sleeping dogs reined to it. The dogs didn't seem to mind that he was there. He was glad for that- they were big dogs. He sheathed his sword and walked to the riverbank and looked down. There was a group of folks gathered around grass mats under the bows of a tree apparently having a picnic. A young man saw him and hollered at him to come down and join them. He was hungry and thirsty and the invitation was welcome. Stepping down the bank carefully he walked up to the group with his hands out and palms up. An older man, dressed in very fine cloth, rose and saluted him. It was unusual for a country person to recognize rank such a gesture was a comfort. The man introduced his two sons their wives the children and then his wife. Marcu introduced himself and waited for the man to do the same. He didn't. Marcu sat as he was asked took the wine bowl and sipped the sweet draught. A very attractive young woman handed him a plate of fruit and a dish made from grain and fish it was delicious. Marcu waited until he was asked a question before he spoke. He listened to the women talking and enjoyed the ease between the women and men. The women avoided looking at him directly but nothing was missed. The minute his plate was clean another dish was served him. The young men were both just over the age of majority, well versed and based on the subjects that were discussed, well educated. When the older man mentioned a teacher, that Marcu knew, he remembered meeting the man at a gathering in the city. He could not remember his name.

" What brings you this way citizen?" The older man asked.

" I come to fetch my near- parents to the city to live with me." Marcu answered.

" The gods bless you for your heart. Family is everything. May I ask their names?"

"The Treechi family." Marcu offered.

The man's face darkened a bit much to Marcu's concern.

"He is a maize farmer in the south district. He is also known for the making of beautiful wood bowls and cups. His wife is known as a healer and teacher."

All Marcu could do was nod.

"He is a treasure to us. A great lose should he leave our midst. He is well on in years is he not?" he turned away not wanting an answer." Do you know that I have many pieces of his work? We display it whenever important people come to visit. It has become a tradition in my family to use your father's work as a point of pride. I even profess a great understanding of the skills required to produce such work." he looked at Marcu and winked." The truth is I have no understanding at all. I think it is natural to want to be connected to the artist in a personal way. It makes you fell important under the heavens that you are associated with the gift or spirit in an artist that has such creations come into existence. I have often thought that the gods bless some people and have them born to the ruling classes and others are blessed by having in their hands the same ethereal stuff that the gods use to make the stars in the firmament."

Marcu did not know what to say. Here was a juncture- a road that may lead him to ruin.

"Would the loss of my near-father be to great a burden on his Lordship?

It was a diplomatic question and should lead to some negotiation. There was, however, no doubt about the audacity. Such a presumption could have him executed for inappropriate communication with a Lord. He was betting on the kind manner of the man. The lord came over to him looked him in the eye and put his arm around Marcu's shoulder. He was lead to the family and the picnic area. No words were spoken as the older spooned a fruit concoction into a bowl. Marcu recognized it as one of his near-fathers; a black grained wood in an oblong shape. The lip of the bowl was lined in gold. Marcu took the bowl with a bow. The oldest son handed him a goblet filled with a sweet watered down wine very popular with country folks. He sipped the cool refreshing liquid and smiled. The men remained silent. The women laughed easily and joked amongst themselves. Marcu took it as a good sign. He learned a long time ago that people could not act well enough to have the underlying sentiment not permeate the occasion. He felt all would work out well. The subject of his near-father was avoided. Marcu found the location and the kindness of the company delightful and found himself going on and on about himself and the responsibilities of his place in the working of the great city. He laughed at himself when he realized that he spoke no lies to make himself appear more important. Such an understanding jolted him. He had achieved a great deal in his short life.

Finally the Lord stood and looked toward the waterfall. He raised his arms in the air and prayed out loud to the wild spirits of this place. The beseechment was for the health and well being of his family and to Marcu's surprise to his family as well. Marcu rose in respect and did his best to repeat the words of the Lord. The older man turned and looked at Marcu and than did a remarkable thing- he finished the prayer with the request that the spirits here take a message to the gods. That message was to have Marcu's family be considered kin - family to the Lord's own. Marcu was moved and choked. One of the sons came over smiling and pounded his back. The whole family rose and came over to welcome him to the family.

The Lord smiled at the scene and spoke.

"We have learned to honor you Marcu. You are open and true. I must confess that a messenger came to me and told me you were coming so I arranged to have a picnic here. My men are hidden but have us in sight. I wanted to see for myself if you were as worthy a young man as I had heard. I will say this to you. You may take your near- family to the city to live with you and your family. In fact I will order it and have men sent with you to guard and ease your way. This is all I ask. That my home in the country be yours and yours in the city be mine. It will be pleasant to travel to the city and have relatives there. I add my status to yours- will that do?

Marcus hugged the Lord in gratitude.

He visited another hour till the Lord's men came out of the woods and told their Lord it was time to be going. Even though the road was safe from bandits one could never be too careful. Marcu asked the Lord if he knew where to go if he came to town. The Lord laughed and said "Of course I have been watching your career for years at the behest of your near father."

He left the royal family with waves and promises of good times ahead. He thought to himself on how the day had turned out so very well. The sun was getting low in the sky when Marcu arrived at the farm of his near-family. Dogs barked a warning and then upon recognizing him came up wagging their tails. Marcu noticed a section of the house undone and it strengthened his resolve. His near-father was getting on and didn't have the back for heavy work. Country life was taking its toll. He decided to wait till morning to break the news. The family all came out with excitement and greeted Marcu pulling him and kissing him until they were inside. After a wonderful evening of news and gossip they all turned in.

A rooster and the shaking of the earth woke him. The gods demanded some attention. In the city he knew the temples would be full and the entire day would be spent in prayer and subjugation. The gods couldn't speak in the voices of men. Marcu often thought how wonderful it would have been to have known and spoken to he that was the son of god. It was he that took us from the wooded life of animals and taught us our ways and our faith. Now the gods were forced to speak in the violence of nature; storms, floods, fire, draught, famine, and the most urgent- earthquakes. The family did not eat breakfast but went quickly to the temple mound. It would not do well to appear uninterested in the needs of the gods. Heaven and society would frown on such arrogance. By the time they arrived hundreds had gathered. The priest started the liturgy asking for a clear sign to tell of the gods needs. The voices of all those gathered rose into the sky asking the gods for forgiveness for any transgression. The singing and prayers lasted until noon when water carriers walked among the gathered and passed out cooling draughts. The priest called out three other priests who came out with a bound man. No one knew who he was but it was common for the local Lord to send out men on raids to enemy camps to capture prisoners for just this occasion. If a prisoner weren't available one of the locals would be picked by lottery. All those gathered were blessed that a soul was available, the speed of response was important. The silence was thick and the air was still and hot. Finally the priest called out that he had heard the gods and they demanded a blood offering. A quiet woosh went through the crowd. It was known that being one to give up your life was an honor and your place in heaven was secured but it was still a relief to have an enemy here to do the honors. The priest answered the unanswered question. The man on the altar was a thief and it was him the gods wanted. An inappropriate sigh of relief was heard. Country people did not have the manners of city people but it was tolerated.

Marcu now had to postpone his return trip till seven day after the ritual.

They returned home for a late afternoon meal. It had already been a long day. They ate in silence hoping the sacrifice would be accepted. Marcu's near-parents had survived the great quake thirty years before where many thousands had died. The nation prayed for atonement and sacrificed daily, blood flowed and temples were built. The religious fervor was received well by the gods for this generation prospered. Ours was a people blessed by the gods.

The family sat around a covered garden pool made by Marcu's father. In the dusk a rain fell cooling the air and droning a gentle song. They talked of the crops and the state of politics. The two daughters talked about the coming of age party coming up for one of the younger girls. It was going to be an occasion. Marcu's near mother asked about her daughter and if she was well.

" She is doing very well. The city life is good for her. She is involved in matters concerning the youth and has even put on some weight. Her appetite has improved. The new city projects, the canals, have produced miracles. She has taken a liking to a new dish. Fish prepared with peppers and fruit."

"I would like to try that." Said his near mother with a smile.

It was a perfect opening. But…

"Tell me about the canals?" Janu broke in.

" Two canals were dug all the way to the northern city. One canal to have boats going south and the other going north. In between is a clear soil flat thirty paces across that will bare corn and melon."

"That earth will be barren in two seasons." His near- brother interjected.

Marcu nodded and continued." Yes that would be true. And here is the blessing of ideas granted by the gods. Do you know of the water weed that grows in the clear lagoons?"

They all nodded.

"It was discovered by a farmer to the east of here that that plant cleans water of filth as well as giving life back to the soil. So the plant is introduced to the canals providing a perfect home to fish, also introduced. Tubes of fired clay drain the waste from homes. The water plant cleans the water. In a season the plant is raked up and onto the center plot allowed to rot and corn and melon is seeded in the turned soil. The fish and crabs are pulled up in nets from the banks. The produce, fish and crab is harvested and sold in the cities taking pressure off the country."

His near- father nodded pleased with the whole idea.

"I would like to be involved in that project."

Marcu thanked the gods for their kindness.

"Then both you and mother should come and live with me and your daughter. You have both toiled long enough. Your sons can carry on here with even more help from me. And they can come any time to the city to visit. Father, come and work your craft in the city where you will be famous. I can find you a place on the canal project. The plan is to connect all the sister cities with these canals. Mother we are soon to move to a bigger home. We want more children and your help will be needed."

To Marcu's surprise his near- sister broke in. Women in this generation were behaving much like men and men, as a whole, did not mind it at all. It was good to have a partner and not a ward. Besides the gods seemed to be pleased by this new understanding.

" Mother, father, I told you that Marcu would ask. He is a good man and son. A big brother to us. You worried for nothing."

"We will go son- right after the ritual. If that is all right with you?" Janu had never called him son. It was a wonderful moment and he had worried for nothing.

***

The day of the ritual arrived. Everyone dressed in his or her very finest. The gods would look down on their people and be pleased at the attention given to their appearance.

All stood at the base of the first tier of steps, higher ranks in the front and lesser ranks to the back. Although it would seem that the arrangement was favoring the elite it was actually perilous. If the original offering were not accepted by the vagaries of heaven the priest would go into a trance walk down and stab the nearest male. Privilege should and does have its risks. Marcu took his family through the throng towards the front. He ran into Lord Bacu, the man he had met on the road. He was splendid with a fantastic plume of colored feathers and girded in gold belts and rings. Jade necklaces of deep green showed his exalted rank. Marcu did not bring any finery on the trip and felt conspicuous. Bacu smiled and clasped Marcu's arm then beckoned his son over who was carrying a wonderful plumed headdress. He grinned and handed it to Marcu. Marcu's knees shock with pleasure at the helmets beauty.

" I had this commissioned for you. The gods and the people need to see the newest member of my family at his best."

Marcu bowed and accepted the gift with approving oohs and ahhs from his family. The two families mingled happily and conversed while they waited for the rite to begin.

Bacu bowed to Marcu's near-father causing him to near explode with pride.

"Tell me Master I have heard that your near-son is taking you and your lovely wife to the city? It is the city's gain and our loss. But not to worry, my family and I will come out at least twice a year. Perhaps if you would honor us perhaps we can come back with some of your work. As a matter of fact I would be pleased if you would take on a commission." He handed him a bag of gold. "Please make it your very best. A large piece for fruit so that I may have bragging rites on the gifts the gods have endowed on my family."

'It will be done and it will be a pleasure." Janu agreed.

A gong sounded and the crowd hushed. Bursts of fire rose to the sky from braziers on each side of the altar. The priest was dressed in a linen loin cloth and a plumed headdress of firebird feathers. He shouted out a liturgy that required response from the crowd. The man to be sacrificed was brought out adorned in fine lien, gold, and jade. The perfume that the man had bathed in wafted down onto the crowd. He looked dazed and was smiling. Marcu knew that he had been given the extract of a plant that was an intoxicant and a powerful pain reliever. The crowd believed him to be in an ecstatic trance. Even knowing that Marcu felt joy for the man. This man's new life would be so different from the desperateness of the old.

The man disrobed and lay down upon the altar stone. The priest raised a bejeweled dagger over his head and called to the gods to witness the event as they had asked. Two crows circled just over the priest's head cawing with abandon. It was taken as a good sign and the crowd broke out in a simultaneous cheer. The priest waited till all quieted then sank the knife into the belly of the man. He made no cry. Blood gushed and spilled onto the stone then off to pour onto the steps. The believers knew that the man had already left for the other world seconds before the blade penetrated his body.

The priest bent over and sank his hand deep into the dying man. He pulled and used his other hand with the blade. Pulling out the still beating heart. The blade deftly cut away vessels and connective tissues freeing the heart. The man died unnoticed as the crowd stared at the heart. The beating heart was to show the people that the gods had the power of life and death. Even though the man's soul had long gone on its journey the heart still beat apart from the body. Two priests came out shouting thanks to the gods. The crowd broke into a cheer. They took the discarded robe and threw it over the body. Attendants lifted the body and carried it away out of sight. The head priest called for the Lord Bacu to climb the stairs. He did so, slowly with all the reverence he could muster. When he reached the blood flow he reached down into the blood dipping two fingers and painted two slashes on both cheeks. He then finished the climb. The priest took his arm and made him to stand next to him in front of the altar. He raised the heart over his head then put it on the stone table. He cut the heart in two and handed the knife to Lord Bacu. The Royal took the knife and sliced his forearm letting his blood fall onto the severed heart. The crowd began to sing. Lord Bacu accepted a linen bandage and wrapped his arm. He walked down the steps. When he walked up to his wife she quickly attended his wound. The priest called out a prayer and the devoted responded. The two attending priests came forward with two large gold trays. On the tray was a large pile of flesh. The head priest cut the heart into tiny pieces and added them to the other flesh. All three then walked down the steps, to the beat of drums and the peal of a gong, into the gathering. Each person took a morsel of flesh and ate it thanking the gods for their blessings. When all had taken of the offering the priests climbed the steps and disappeared. The people stayed and socialized happy that the gods had been appeased.

The next morning dogcarts were loaded the guards and attendants arrived with tents and supplies. The journey home had started. They traveled leisurely for two days and arrived at the city just before sundown. A herald was sent to gather Marcu's wife and his brother and sister's families and to have them meet the troop in the center square. Others would be interested and came as well. The arrival of an important man was an occasion. When all had gathered Marcu would announce his return and the enlargement of his family. He would petition a larger house and a tax would be levied. Marcu waited for the formalities to start when an obviously important man stepped up to the speaker stone. He was Lord Cala the chief administrator of the city. He was dressed for high affairs. The Lord climbed up on the stone and called Marcu to join him.

The Lord spoke." This evening Marcu, loved by the city, blessed of the gods, has increased his family. He has brought to us one of the finest minds and talents in our nation. You know him for the fine plates and dishes he creates." The crowd murmured.

"Some of us may own such a piece. Janu comes here to us and the city will provide him with gold and jade so we too will be known for his being amongst us."

Marcu was bursting with pride. He was now a patron of the city and his near- father was jumping for joy. His country ways were endearing and the people around him were laughing in a good nature for his zeal.

The Lord continued." A new home is being prepared toward center city. But here is why I am here. As you all know Marcu has worked hard these past ten years and has shown himself to be creative and efficient to the glee of all of us and to the gods. He has had, through his efforts, our city be the finest of all our cities. For his deeds and commitment he has been awarded a Lordship. " The crowd cheered." The Emperor will announce it tomorrow at noon and the feast will be in seven days hence. Congratulations my Lord Marcu the way will be prepared. No tax will be levied. Your holdings will increase." He slapped Marcu on the back and kissed him on both cheeks.

Everyone rushed forward wanting to clasp arms and give congratulations. They came to meet Marcu's family, offer services to the new Lord and to place orders, with Janu, for the now must have plates. A man stepped forward and with a marker was asking names and what they wanted. Marcu asked who he was.

"I work for you my Lord. I am your aide." The man continued with his new duties.

Being a Lord had its advantages.

Marcu's wife came up to him and smiled. She looked as pleased as he had ever seen. She kissed him and went to her mother and gave her a hug.

By midnight all had settled down. Marcu left his happy family and walked to the temple. He entered and sat down. Lighting some incense he just sat in silence. He prayed his gratitude and begged for peace. He looked up at a fresco representing the man- god who founded his people.

He asked." Please Lord improve my wife's appetite.

END

HOME

ALL CONTENT BY KEN LEHNIG (C) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED