James Scotson - Planets Falling

Theo throws down his cup and his face becomes rigid. His stubbled jaw is chiseled with concern. “Amy Marksman and all of you, realize that this is far larger than all of us. A war’s coming. The elders brought me into their meeting several months ago. They foretold many of the events that just happened. At the time, I thought they were completely wanked. Turns out, they weren’t. When I returned after the first attack, I was able to get this.” He pulls out a small, leather-bound book and opens the pages. It is worn and old, with a combination of ancient writing and our language scrawled in it. There are several maps with strange shapes and numbers. “This book contains prophecies and a history. Many of Teacher’s stories come from this book. The elders showed me a particular passage that convinced me that the truth lies in these pages.” He hands the book to me, showing the page that changed his perception.

I read aloud. “From the gardens comes the light, and her name will be Elisa. Forests will be razed and mountains leveled, for war will fall upon us. The gods will return to earth and welcome the ancient ones once again. After that, there’s ancient writing that I can’t read.”

Samuel chuckles. “We’re running away because the book almost predicted the name of Amy’s girl? That’s pretty weak, mate.”

Theo throws a stick at Samuel. “Dammit Sam. This is more than that. The elders predicted that the moonlights would go out and that all hell would spill out. Look at us.”

Samuel’s face pales. English finally speaks. “Look all. Theo’s our leader. We’ve pledged our loyalty to him. If you want to break that trust, then get the hell out of here. Otherwise, quit doubting him. That goes for you too Amy garden-tender.” His voice remains calm, matter-of-fact. “Amy, of all people, I’m surprised that you’d treat Theo with disrespect. He’s saved your life twice now, while you were slumped over his horse. I realize that you’ve lost your whole family. We’ve all lost family now. We’ve got to stick together. Or we’ll surely die.”

“Thank you English. My word’s final. Prepare to get going now.” Theo flashes a gentle smile and begins rolling his pack. I hate him for forgiving me so easily. And then the anger washes out.

I walk up to Theo, putting my hand on his shoulder. He winces at the pain of an unseen injury. I begin my apology. “Sorry. I was wrong to doubt you and your leadership. I’ll try to help out best I can.”

He smiles a little wider. “Accepted.”

I clear my throat. “Do you have a horse for me or am I riding with you again?”

“I brought Phineus with me. He’s fast and ornery — perfect for you.”

Within a few minutes, we’re riding with Theo and his sleek steed, Silius, in the lead. Steam rises from the flanks of the horses as we reach a wide, paved path, the likes of which I’ve never seen. The road is as wide as a river and extends beyond my sight in both directions. Few obstructions are visible — a few boulders, some stray trees, and a few oases of grass. Otherwise, it’s an impossibly smooth passage into the upper mountains.

Theo’s horse pauses with a snort. “We need to be careful on this road. Amy, you’re the only one here unfamiliar with this terrain. Lots of surprises can pop out when you least expect them. The open space makes for fast traveling, but it also makes us easy targets. All eyes open — that includes all you old timers.” He smiles at Bets.

She replies, “Watch who you’re callin’ old, Theo. I was still a little bawling baby when you were stealing kisses from all the girls.”

I roll my eyes. We begin riding up the path. The air cools perceptibly, making me wish I had more layers to wear. I’m not the only one exposed. Samuel and English look like they barely had time to change out of their bedclothes. I push Phineus to canter up next to Silius and Theo. “Theo, are there any settlements along the way? We’re going to need provisions to survive the elements.”

“If I’ve read the map correctly, our destination’s about a two-day ride into the mountain. We go east and then north at a fork labeled with a large, green sign with some strange markings. He points at the book strapped to his pack. There used to be a small village near the split in the road — a trading post linking the high desert towns past the mountains to our homeland. A few trappers live there with some loggers. They should have coats to trade with us. Luckily, I brought some stuff to barter.” He pats the bags on his saddle. “And you thought it was foolish to collect rings, jewels, and shiny things.”

It’s not even the middle of the morning and my rump is throbbing. I haven’t ridden a horse in years. I keep catching Bets glaring at me. English is whistling as if he hasn’t a care in the world. Images of Eliza make my heart race. I’ll die if she’s really gone. In addition to the pain in my ass, my breasts are beginning to ache. I was slowly weaning the girl, but hadn’t completed the process. Strangely, the pain’s comforting, reminding me that I’m a mother and that somehow I’m doing the right thing.

The wind’s picking up. The scents of pine needles and wood smoke tickle my nose. Phineus’ strength fortifies me. I’m already falling in love with him. He’s edgy, but calms down at my touch. I can feel his emotions through his skin. When I jump up on him I can feel his joy. Two days of riding pass and we approach a small enclave surrounded by a wall of considerable fifteen-foot poles. Tendrils of smoke drift down the mountainside, so someone is home.

We stop at the edge of the road and look over the path leading to the front gate. Bets murmurs, “Why do they need the walls? What are they trying to keep out?”

“Let’s find out,” Samuel says as he throws a rock at the gate. “Hello. Anyone home? We’d like some shelter for the night. We have barter.”

Samuel’s announcement is met by silence, although the smoke continues billowing. Theo walks up to the gate and looks for a bell or knocker of some sort. “It’s strange they have no one on watch if they’re concerned enough to build this wall.” He examines the gate closely. “There’s sign of a struggle here. The gate is torn up and there are scorch marks. He pushes on it and it gives way. We join him and the gate swings open with a screech of tortured wood and bent metal.

“Hello?” Bets yells as she draws her bow and peers into the commons. The fortress contains a dozen simple log buildings, a few trees, and a large, whitewashed, plank barn. The smoke originates from a stone chimney in one of the houses. Its window is shuttered but the door is ajar. No movement, animal or human, is evident.

“This place’s a graveyard,” Theo says in a hush. “But there might well still be some ghosts hiding in the shadows. English and Bets come with me. Amy and Samuel stay here with the horses. If you hear a commotion, come in with your swords drawn.”

The three deftly approach the building. Bets and Samuel cover the door while Theo rushes into the space. Theo reappears shaking his head. “There’s a fire in the hearth but no one there. It’s as if everyone vanished. Let’s check the other buildings.”

Each house is filled with the stuff of life — clothing, blankets, books, preserves, and firewood. The fireplaces are cold and food is left on the tables in many of them. It seems that whoever lived here left without packing and with no sign of the struggle that was written on the outer wall. The barn’s empty as well, although fresh hay is scattered in the stables. We ready the horses for the night when I notice one of the little green ones sitting on a bench near the east wall. I had no idea they traveled beyond our village. I smile at it. It seems unfazed by me, hopping up, looking down, and then vanishing into the ground.