There were many jobs for a creator to do. While many parts of the job were headache inducing, this was Alkyone’s least favorite. Her first day as creator she had cast judgment and sent several traitors into the arms of the goddess for their part in her mother’s death. Casting judgement on fellow tribe members always gave Alkyone bitter taste in her mouth.
The little goddess statue stared impassively at her. The statue had seen much in Otrere and it made Alkyone wonder if she was actually listening. Was she allowing this to happen to Otrere as a test to see if Alkyone could handle the highs and lows of being a creator.
“Creator Alkyone” Nemo stood before her. A gentle smile, trying to hid how nervous he was. “I have brought Pythia and the prisoner for you”
“Thank you Nemo” Alkyone situated herself as Nemo and Roman brought the two women forward. Alkyone gestured for the women to sit. Neither woman looked worried.
“You, child step forward and tell me your tale” the young woman grimaced slightly as she stood. No doubt she was still in pain from the damage she had received on her way to Otrere.
“I…I am Meritamun, Creator of Isla” it was hard to hear. She was mumbling either from it being very early or she was nervous. This was one of the reasons Alkyone waited for very late at night or very early. It was difficult to keep your lies straight if you mind was muddled, of course this could effect the truth telling but Alkyone could tell when someone was lying to her.
“You are a creator! Speak up!” Alkyone wasn’t impressed by this young creator. She seemed too soft. In the back of her mind she wondered if this was the reason she could have lost the battle for her home. “Tell me of how you ended up here”
“My home is on a small island off the coast” the girl tried again. “We were celebrating when we were attacked. Someone had poisoned the food or the drinks” The girl paused again. “I don’t remember much beyond watching my tribe collapse around me and then darkness”
“Why would someone poison a small island tribe” There were some holes in the story. A small tribe that, while it had its drama it didn’t have much strength to offer. If someone was poisoning people why was Meritamun alive?
“I don’t know” Meritamun replied. Could Meritamun have actually been poisoned or was she fleeing from her situation? Would her tribe-mates not come looking for her.
“You may sit” Alkyone didn’t wait for the girl to settle before calling upon Pythia. “Pythia Rose. You have gone against my rule and spoken to someone who we are holding captive. You claim the goddesses have given you visions. Is this correct?”
“Yes Creator” Pythia still seemed so sure even with the holes in the story given. “I believe that Meritamun fills in some gaps for the news we have gotten and that her story is truthful to the best of her memory”
“I did not ask your opinion on if you believe she is truthful” Pythia was starting to anger her. “If you believe that she is telling the truth, then you will go the Helike to see if she tells the truth. If you decline then I must believe you are a traitor to Otrere and you will be killed”
“I will go creator and return to you with proof” Alkyone and Pythia ignored the soft sound of worry Nemo made.
“Nemo, take Meritamun to Pythia’s room and lock her in there. She will stay there should Pythia return in two months time” Nemo nodded wordlessly and pulled Meri to her feet. As he escorted Meri to Pythia’s hut, Alkyone waved Pythia closer.
“You will leave as soon as I am finished speaking” Pythia nodded. “You have two months to bring me proof of betrayal. You know the price of betraying me” She dismissed Pythia without another word.
The trip to Isla was exhausting. It almost made Pythia wish she would have rented a horse, it would have gotten there faster. She entered Isla’s compound late at night. The gates had been bashed inwards and there was no sign of life. The fish and crops that would sustain the farm were dead. The flowers and trees that landscaped the once sprawling village were wilted. Pythia crept into buildings. Paintings and furniture that would normally grace the walls of the rooms had been damaged or reduced to ash. Dust coated the floors and strange odors were in the air.
Dishes were left out collecting grime and food was left rotting on tables. Pythia searched high and low for clues. She was about to give up when found a discarded bottle hidden under a table. It looked to be an old perfume bottle. The liquid inside was a thick dark color. This could be the poison that Meritamun had mentioned.
Pythia tucked it into her bag and hurried away from the village. She would feel relieved once she was away from the eerie and uncomfortable atmosphere of this ruined home.
The sun was high when Pythia had returned to Otrere. Roman greeted her when she entered the gate.
“Welcome home” he gave her a shy smile. “I will go get the creator if you would wait here”
“Of course” The words had barely left her mouth as Roman jogged away. Looking across the yard she felt relieved to see Nemo standing in front of her door.
She wished she could go see him but it would wait. Roman returned a short time later.
“Creator Alkyone will see you now” she followed him to where Alkyone was waiting. Alkyone was sitting in her meditation spot, seeming to be almost expecting her.
“You have proof for me” Alkyone stood, she didn’t greet Pythia. It seemed to be all business.
“Yes creator, I return from Isla. The buildings were barren and dusty. Someone had come through and partially burned the place. The food was rotting and a horrid stench of decay filled the air. I found nothing living on Helike” Pythia presented the bottle. Alkyone gestured for Roman to take it.
“You are familiar with plants and various tonics. Return to me with the results quickly” Alkyone instructed. Roman nodded and left them.
“You still believe that this Meritamun of Helike tells the truth” Alkyone questioned her.
“Yes creator, this was her home. I explored each building and it was at one point a well tended compound. The graveyard were the only places that were left untouched. I dared not disturb the dead”
“I see, once Roman returns we shall finally let justice take its course” Alkyone stilled didn’t trust her words. Alkyone once more took a set. Pythia took note of her creator. Beneath Alkyone’s stern facial expression, there was a bone deep weariness that seemed to be eating at her. Bringing a child into this likely did not help ease the fears. A child, Pythia knew, that would finally bless Otrere after all the heartbreak of previous attempts.
Waiting for Roman was agonizing for Pythia. He was very thorough in all aspects of his work and under normal circumstances she was impressed by his work. Right now, it was causing the anxiety to eat at her.
“Creator” Roman had returned. “This vial contains a potent herbal mixture consisting of mildly toxic plants that can cause unconsciousness and a variety of other side effects”
“You are dismissed Roman” Alkyone turned her gaze back to Pythia. “It seems you have not been mislead, I am glad” Pythia was relieved.
“While your actions were in the interest of Otrere, you still acted against me. I can not let your actions go unpunished” Alkyone paused seeming to weigh on the next words “in three years time, you are dismissed from Otrere. You have more then enough to find a new place to live and prepare to move. You will not be allowed to return to Otrere or contact anyone inside this village. I expect you to do as you are told with no questions nor going against my ruling for as long as Otrere is your home. If you break any more of these rules you will be removed from Otrere immediately. Is this clear?”
“Yes Creator Alkyone” this could have been worse. Alkyone gave her more time with her brother and soon to be niece. Pythia still felt pain at having limited time in the first place she could truly call home.
Isla Amazon Challenge 