Christine Jones   Synopsis  Chapter One

Mariard Volume 1

The Gifting

Chapter 1

The full moon’s glare penetrated the glass panes of the balcony doors. Flickering flames burned strongly in the gray stone hearth, casting shadows throughout the castle’s largest bedchamber. High, white ceilings with decorative cornices were partially discolored from smoke, yet the walls in deep burgundy hid the build up. Thick candles set on cast-iron stands dripped wax on the mantelpiece and were merely a personal preference to solar powered lighting.

Lace drapes adorned the four-poster double bed in carved oak where the young Queen lay in labor, her cries shattering the silence. Wet with sweat, Sestina’s petite figure briefly relaxed between contractions. A cool cloth felt soothing on her ivory complexion, administered by the priestess, who sat on the edge of the bed beside her.

Artemis, a woman of authority, expressed compassion in serene features, which cleverly masked a cold self-controlled nature. Though appearing youthful, like the woman she nursed, the priestess’ hands revealed otherwise. Artemis’ slender fingers brushed into place, strands of damp copper hair, having come free from the Queen’s lengthy braids.

The imperial history book had a number of chapters dedicated to Artemis, for she was an authoritative figure within the royal household. It was written that she had placed Kings on thrones, delivered their heirs and retained, without question, the position of personal adviser to the King and his council. The religious system of this vast kingdom was based on an unseen higher consciousness, which Artemis claimed to receive instruction from. She was revered as the sacred voice of the Mariard and no one doubted her integrity. Befitting an eminent status, her white attire had large embroidered symbols, in silver thread running down the right-hand side of the long apron draping over a simple lined lengthy garment. A chrome headband housing a centered blue gem secured the wimple covering all her hair. This garb hid her tall shapely figure and none but her personal aide had ever seen Artemis dressed differently or knew the color and length of her hair.

"Artemis!" Sestina grasped the cuff of the priestess’ sleeve, leaving a damp impression on the fine cotton.

"Hush my child." Artemis replied with clear diction. "Your husband has been called. Rest now. Your time draws near." Artemis held the Queen’s dainty hand tightly and looked steadily into Sestina’s glaring eyes as her patient again cried out in pain.

The opening of the chamber door diverted the priestess’ attention. On seeing the young man, Artemis stood and watched King Tayo drop his full-length, earthen toned cloak to the polished floorboards. His frilled shirt was stained with sweat, evidence of his haste. Being a perfectionist, she noticed his dark, lengthy curls had been strung back in a loose pigtail, but would excuse his sloppiness considering the circumstances. Breathlessly, Tayo positioned himself at Sestina’s side.

As he expressed his love for his wife, Artemis contemplated the man’s character. She thought him a king worthy to lead the Mariard regime in a new direction, which would see her own plans fulfilled. She knew he was only minutes from the pain of loss; one of many emotions he had yet to experience.

Insight into the new era had Artemis mentally reeling off a verse from her own prophetic writings, foretelling this event.

Despite her inward celebration, Artemis’ expression did not change. The birth of the King’s heirs would set her on a path to obtain a greater power, but she would have to be patient.

Tayo ran a hand through his hair, drawing it away from striking, boyish features. The pain in his radiant blue eyes was evident, as he suffered the pangs of frustration and helplessness.

With the priestess gesturing the time had come, Tayo silently stood. Retaining his wife’s hand in his, Sestina cried out only heightening his emotional conflict. He knew where this was leading and spoke up.

"Is there nothing we can do?" Tayo begged with tears welling in his eyes.

Artemis did not answer. She had informed the King that the royal seed was corrupt and had been for many generations. Tayo did not doubt her word, but it grieved him that his heir and generation would see the prophecy fulfilled. The tranquil world they knew and lived in was about to change.

Having urged the king aside, Artemis’ being radiated a glistening blue aura. The phenomenon steadily intensified, as she began chanting in a language known only to the priestess. Perceiving he had seen and heard this before, Tayo expressed no fear. Though having shielded his tired eyes from the glare, the sudden silence sent Tayo numb and looking upon his wife. She was not breathing.

As easily as submerging her hands into a bowl of water, the priestess penetrated Sestina’s swollen stomach. Disturbed by the sight, Tayo buried his face into the bed drapes, but a wailing sound drew his attention.

Wrapping the babe in a cloth, Artemis analyzed the tiny facial features. Her forced smile shrouded her thoughts.

"You have a daughter, King Tayo Maroda." Artemis placed the babe in the man’s arms and watched his expression. The father was in awe, but it would soon change, for her work was not yet finished.

Tayo briefly closed his eyes and gave thanks to the Mariard before he laid his daughter in the prepared crib. He had never experienced the feeling of grief, finding it overwhelming and leaving him speechless and confused. Reminding himself of a foretold future stopped him from breaking down in the presence of company. The uncertain times would call for sacrifices to be made for the good of all. As king, he must endure his share.

Again, the priestess had submerged her hands into the body of his wife. He tried to center his attention on his daughter, but the renewed wailing had him shifting his sights to Artemis.

Additional emotions surfaced in Tayo, triggering recollections of conversations with the woman, who held his son; the one she had prophesized as a great evil. He recalled suggesting that they have the monster disposed of at birth. Artemis assured him this was not the answer. It would transfer the boy’s very essence to his sister creating a greater evil than had already been predicted. Having sworn to him that she would raise the boy, although doubtful, Artemis assumed her influence might see the child have a less destructive impact on the kingdom. His faith in Artemis had him hopeful of a future victory for the Mariard and its people.

On seeing Sestina’s body radiate a bright, blue aura, Tayo took shuddery breaths, now barely able to contain his pain. Reaching out to his wife’s fading form, Artemis grasped his wrist to prevent him.

"Do not touch her. She is being called. One returns to the Mariard in their purest form." Artemis released her grip.

The strain reflected in Tayo’s features with his beloved Sestina diminishing with the light. On the ruffled damp bedding, a small blue, glass bead caught his eye. Before he could reach for it, the priestess had it in her hand. Unnerved that the bead had been visible to Tayo, Artemis forced a smile. Assuming this would not be a common occurrence, she handed it to him.

"Consider it a very special gift from the Mariard." Artemis gestured through expression that this was a privilege.

Tayo held the bead tightly. He would always keep it on his person, a reminder of his wife and their sacrifice.

Artemis knew they had to talk, having sensed the man’s discomfort and confusion. Her touch sent the newborns to sleep in their cribs beside the bed. She watched the King cross the floor to the balcony doors where he looked up at the huge white Mariard moon. It appeared brighter than earlier that evening, which now lit up the mist creeping over the elegant castle gardens.

Tayo could see the outline of the gazebo where he had sat hand in hand that day with his wife, sipping tea. Closing his eyes, he felt something encroaching on his pain, something he could not define.

"Already you feel it stirring." Artemis positioned herself at his side.

"Like my essence wants to leave me and go elsewhere." The moon again captured Tayo’s focus.

"Not only your essence, but your entire being." Artemis glanced at the King, but his gaze did not leave the moon. "Tayo, tomorrow you and your daughter will embark on a great journey. You will build a New Mariard Kingdom unlike anything ever known to this world. The Mariard has already paved the way ahead, but for a time I will not be with you. Draw on the knowledge already given you, work diligently and rule wisely."

The priestess led Tayo by the arm across the chamber to his daughter’s crib. Again, she sensed for his emotional state, feeling the turmoil within him.

Though expressing warmth as a new father, the tears welling in Tayo’s eyes had him not looking at the priestess as she spoke.

"You are a King and a father; behold your daughter, she will bring you great joy. Teach her faith, obedience and the ways of the Mariard."

"What of my son?" Tayo glanced at the crib but could not bring himself to look fully on the male child.

"He is dead to you. It is written, a seed is planted, a tree will grow to bare bad fruit. It will be cut down by one who will plant seeds of terror." She noted in his eyes that these words were familiar to him. With the King’s silence, Artemis went to the door to summon those waiting out in the hallway.

The King’s aides wore lengthy light blue jackets and matching straight-legged pants; a white shirt buttoned to the collarless neckline. After instructing them to renew the bed linen and set out the King’s sleeping attire, Artemis addressed Tayo.

"You are tired. Rest now. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow." She looked towards the door and gestured with a nod for her awaiting personal aides to remove the cribs from the King’s chamber.

The crystal droplets of the chandelier, centered on the ceiling, reflected the flames within the hearth, which saw speckles of light over the walls. To the King, the bedchamber felt silent and lonely, as he sat in one of two armchairs facing the blaze. He remained fully dressed with his boots lying un-orderly at his feet. Again, Tayo glanced at the bed. He would find no rest where he was yet could not bring himself to sleep in it. On this, his last night in the castle, he studied his surroundings, to fix to memory all that had been part of his life. Large paintings in elaborate, gold frames covered the majority of wall space. These were portraits of past Kings, his mentors, so he thought. His sights shifted, taking in furnishings. The desk with draws, containing personal property and the curvatures of a stool. The intricately carved wardrobe, the clothes within he would never wear again. Tears welled on eyeing items having belonged to his wife on the dressing table. Nothing he could take with him, not even a small memento. Reaching into his vest pocket, Tayo drew out the glass bead. The thought of what lay ahead had him feeling anxious and kept him from sleep.

It was not yet light outside when Cainen stifled a yawn and pulled the hood of his cloak back to reveal straight blonde hair. The King’s companion and dearest friend stood edgy in the lounge area, one of many in the transportation complex. Antiquated charm was retained in décor and the populous’ attire within the modern facilities operating on advanced solar technologies. Cainen’s tall muscular physique reflected in the large windowpanes running the length of a wall. From this height, it enabled him to look out across a massive area of steel and concrete. Landing pads set at different levels had attached open boarding stations. People went about their business using walkways, open caged lifts and four wheeled buggies, some towing small trailers. Hover shuttle buses, like lengthy, slender, white coaches, lifted off for their rounds of the municipalities. Wheel-based transports, stationed at ground level, serviced the local city areas. The hauler transports, similar to the buses yet bulkier, were being loaded with goods for their long journeys to the rural areas.

Cainen knew it was imperative that no one saw him or other select members of the royal household in the complex. Deceit was in motion and soon the kingdom would grieve the deaths of a monarch, an heir and entourage. Lying was against everything he believed in, yet Cainen saw this act and his part in it, as a means to the kingdom’s survival. He could have left hours earlier with others of the royal household, but Cainen had elected to personally escort the King to an unknown destination. Reflecting on what he and his family had left behind raised uncomfortable emotions. They were leaving with only the clothes on their backs and a sense of uncertainty. Contemplating the journey ahead, his thoughts were interrupted when an unshaven Tayo entered.

Those involved in this venture had been instructed, by the priestess to dress in civilian clothing. The King’s disguise could not hide Tayo’s pain. The man’s hair hung loose around his shoulders, grief and lack of sleep showed in his features. Remaining silent, Cainen’s expression of compassion was all he could offer. Seeing his friend stripped of all royal ornamentation had him feeling awkward enough; he did not know what to say considering the man’s loss.

"Is everything ready?" Tayo forced a smile with Cainen nodding. "Good man." He patted his friend on the back, before taking the gray, woolen cloak held out to him. Both men pulled hoods up to cover their hair and somewhat shroud their face. Tayo gestured, with his hand, to lead the way and the two men left the lounge area.

The Mariard kingdom was made up of districts. Each district covered four immense states comprising of a main city and many smaller municipalities featuring more so Gothic architecture than modern. Buildings stood fifteen stories or less, lengthy or block structures rich in crafted decoration. Dividing each district, a collective of rural towns saw earlier period architecture, a country charm of stone, timber and shingled roofs. In all, there were sixteen districts and each city had a name, but was usually referred to by its number. The Maroda kingdom covered a third of the surface. On opposite sides of the poles, the ice fields and desert region made up the other two thirds. These other two regions were thought to be uninhabited, wastelands having not been explored or ventured into by any Mariard citizen.

Little conversation had passed between the two men during the long hours of travel flying over the states of the First district. Tayo battled to keep his son from his thoughts. There was a sense of betraying not only the child, but also the mother who bore him. At Artemis’ request, the prophecies had been held back from his wife for what he believed good reasons. He keep justifying it, this was for the good of all, not just a few. From the shuttle window, Tayo noted they had left the city municipalities behind and were entering one of the rural sectors. It saddened him to leave his entire kingdom without its ruling head. His only consolation, it was in the hands of the priestess and high council.

The name Mariard derived and honored the great-unseen power that was in everything from creation to overseeing their peace, prosperity and good health. The original writings, pertaining to their culture and beliefs was held in the castle. Copies of the great book, accessible to the populace, not only contained history but also revealed in detail the works of their ancestors, which they carried on without question. This wealth of knowledge expressed itself in not only city, but also rural areas. It appeared in architecture, carpentry, the arts, wind and solar technologies. Citizens were most conscious of their environment, farming with horse and plough providing organic foods and dairy produce. None were aware of a great upheaval to come, which would shatter the foundations and see a great darkness take the throne.

Ushered from shuttle to shuttle, the days of travel had Tayo and his companion exhausted. Though the King napped along the way, his dreams made him restless in sleep. He perceived them visions of events yet to come. On hearing of his own death, and that of others, it was evident to Tayo that he was truly loved by his people. The entire kingdom was in mourning. He had seen it in a shuttle pilot’s tears and on the faces of those at different transport docks. His name was on everyone’s lips, as was his daughter’s. Each time he heard names mentioned, it raised guilt for the pain caused and lies told.

It was late afternoon when the horse drawn cart came to a halt in an open field on the outskirts of the Third district. A trusted friend of the royal household, who had sworn to secrecy, owned the picturesque rural setting surrounded by rolling hills and rich pastures. A small group, whom stood in the warmth of the sun, greeted the two men.

Patina’s lengthy, brown hair fluttered a little with the breeze. Her eyes expressed delight in seeing her husband. She had expected Cainen to be clean-shaven, the days of growth made him appear older. Having greeted him with an embrace, their son came out from behind her brown skirt covering a thick frilled white petticoat. She smiled with her husband messing the boy’s blonde hair in fun. Picking Simon up, she nursed the four-year-old on her hip. Simon began fidgeting with the ribbons on her bodice, though his radiant green eyes were fixed on his father’s features.

The shuttle, situated a short distance away had Tayo assuming the priestess would soon join them. His sights shifted to the young man, dressed as a farm hand standing at attention beside a middle-aged woman. They were trusted servants of the Royal household.

Before continuing on their journey, Tayo assumed there would be time to bathe and get some decent sleep. However, a sound drew his attention to the skies. Never had he seen anything like it before, neither had those who were with him. It appeared like a great black and white bird and considerably more advanced than any known transportation. In addition, the strange craft was extremely loud.

No attention was given to the priestess, who left the shuttle to join the group. Cainen took Simon from his wife and they all stood well back. The boy’s hair annoyed him with the craft hovering and stirring the air, forcing lengths across his face. Tayo remained captivated with it descending to land on the grass.

The sleek, black transport with lengthy swept-back wings had a long tubular neck connected to a white oval section, which the onlookers presumed housed the pilots. A sliding door opened in the side of the bulk drawing everyone’s attention.

Awestruck, the group watched a metal ramp extend to the ground. Appearing in the opening, a machine, in the image of a man, stepped forward. The bronze and chrome unit stood tall with fixed, molded, shoulder length hair and facial features void of expression. Its body gave the impression of restricted mobility, however looks were deceiving and it approached Artemis who set everyone at ease.

"Be not afraid of that which is here to assist you. Milacon is a living being, the armor protects the occupant within know as a Milonight." Artemis raised a brow with Simon stretching out his hand and touching the gleaming cold tunic.

Small fingerprints now showed below the engraved name on the left-hand side of the Milonight’s chest plate. Cainen said Simon’s name aloud before telling his son not to do it again.

Artemis’ dislike for children had her annoyed at the boy’s interruption, though none would have known this, as she kept a controlled stance and tone.

"Numerous Milonights inhabit the ice region, whom await their King’s arrival." Her words saw Tayo’s eyes widen in awe of the concept. Before the King could speak his thoughts, Simon spoke out.

"Can I play with it?" He looked to his father. Cainen did not know how to answer. The Milonight’s head turned to acknowledge the boy.

"I would be delighted to play with you young Simon." Its lips had not moved, yet they heard the pleasant male voice.

Fascinated, Simon tried to reach out and touch the Milonight’s face. Cainen felt embarrassed with his son’s behavior and lowered the boy to the ground where he held him back with a firm hand. With a forced smile, Artemis continued, again hiding her rising dislike for the boy.

"The Milonight is a small being. The armor ensures their survival, keeping their body temperature at minus fifteen degrees." Noting stunned expressions, Artemis knew she had indicated a destination. "Do not let the thought of their true size deceive you. These beings are not only your finest assets, but their life expectancy of two hundred years or more, will see them fighting for your kingdom, long after you are gone Tayo." She fixed her sights on the man himself. "You will find out their true value when you arrive at your destination. May the Mariard watch over you." With a hand, she gestured for all to board.

The King followed Artemis’ gaze. A female aide had vacated the shuttle, carrying a protective capsule containing his daughter. Milacon bowed his head to greet the young aide, before taking the precious cargo on board. Obviously nervous, the woman straightened her shawl and followed closely behind the Milonight.

Tayo could not leave without a last word to Artemis and did not follow up the ramp.

"I must ask you…" Tayo said, but the priestess answered before he could finish.

"Your son’s name is Marcale, it is all I will tell you. Have a safe journey." Artemis walked on, not giving him a second look whilst heading towards the awaiting shuttle.

Pondering his role, Tayo felt somewhat alone. He knew he would not see Artemis or this land again until an appointed time. Twenty-one years seemed so long and without her to council him, it crossed his mind that if he failed, all would be lost. The thought of Milonights had him nervous yet curious to know the creature’s environment and what was hidden under the armor. Suddenly hearing Simon, loudly chuckling, prompted him to walk up the ramp.

On entering, Tayo was a little disappointed. Though a large interior, it was nothing more than a cargo carrier with web seats lining the inner frame. His sights drifted, taking in familiar faces, assuming to know their thoughts. Artemis had indicated their destination. The concept of building the New Mariard Kingdom in the ice fields had him nervous.

"When you are ready, Sir." Milacon said, awaiting further instructions.

Christine Jones   Synopsis  Chapter One