From the Least of These

Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

Psalms 35:3

I was still irritated .. the rhythm of my stride was punctuated with it ... as I returned to my wagon after talking to Mezoo.

Only all my self-pity vanished in a slow wave of understanding that brought intense sadness and fear in its wake.

There sitting on my steps was the little unringed Haruspex .. the one that went with Ba'atar on his quest. There could only be one reason she was sitting on my steps .. alone. Alone with several of Ba'atar's things with her. It was obvious .. would have been so to anyone.

A long slow exhale eased across my lips as I sat down beside her on the steps. She handed Ba'atar's things to me one by one. Slowly in her small voice she told me of the quest .. of the battles. Of the bravery and the death of her quest companions. She told me she was the only one to remain.

I watched her features as she told me these things. But not once did the words reach her eyes. Not once did her expression change. It was eery and unsettling .. the lack of affect upon her face as she spoke of the trials .. tribulations and horrors they had experienced together. It reminded me so much of Ani. Only Persephone .. which is her name ... speaks. Persephone has a reason to distance herself in her mind from all she has experienced recently. Ani .. I could never figure out what separated her from humanity so severely.

When she was done telling me her story .. and done giving me Ba'atar's things ... I took her little hand in my own and I led her back to the Clan ... back to her parents. Her parents were overjoyed to see her. Clasping her into their arms. She did not respond to their embrace .. remaining distant and a little cold. They glanced at me over her shoulder .. but I had no answers for them. Not yet. Her brothers and sisters ran to welcome her home .. and the family began to make preparations for a celebration .. for her return. I asked them to hold off on the celebration. Just for three days. I did not tell them why. But I am sure they will figure it out as soon as they are over the initial surprise and rush of having their child back .. the fact that no one else is welcoming their family member's return. I left them then to enjoy their reunion.

I had things to prepare .. I had almost everything I needed now ... there was only the map from Seveya and then .... I would go.

I had lance .. and shield ... what more could a warrior ask for before a battle?