Bollim was a strange man, though clearly principled and kind. Though he was short, stout, and loud, there was a humble goodness about him. In their day of travelling together, he was respectful, polite, and generous, offering to share everything he had. He was funny too. Soliyah listened as he sung to himself, her horse trailed a few steps behind his. It took a moment, but she recognized the song.
”They kept the treasures though they did not know,
the treasures would transform and gradually grow
Hidden from sight, the treasures became
the life created from earth, gold and flame.
Nano’s, they called themselves, splendid and true
born of the earth knowing just what to do
We must be set free and we must set in flow
that which we think and most certainly know
But, men and their treasures do not like to part,
for treasures become a piece of their heart
For too long the Nano’s were kept as were found
hidden, held captive, and completely bound
But being from the earth armed with insight
it wasn’t long before the Nano’s took flight
Saving themselves from their prisons and walls
gifting men with guidance in all the great halls.”
Soliyah smiled, remembering the lyrics Tryte had taught her so many years ago.
“Their only mistake was their nature to trust
for men in power are corrupted by lust
The Nano’s did as taught and foretold
Bequeathing their wisdom for all to behold.
Their prophecies twisted and misunderstood
led men away from all that is good
In the time of great suns and moons in the sky
men agreed their words would no longer apply.
The skies traded to darkness from light
and since then goodness has been out of sight.
Thinking he was finished, Soliyah pulled up to ride beside him. She readied to ask about the last few verses as she’d never heard them before, but he continued.
Yet some Nano’s and some men still believe
goodness and balance can still be achieved
True Guidance will finally be revealed
with truth and courage its sword and its shield.
Finally the earth will be balanced, set right
and rid of any disease, plague, or blight.”
Soliyah respectfully waited to be sure Bollim was done. When he sighed and took a drink from his skin of water, she smiled at him.
”I’ve not heard that version before,” she told him. He swallowed his last swig of water and smiled at her.
“I would’ve been surprised if you had.” He closed his skin of water. “Most have forgotten the truth. They’ve allowed it to fall into myth and legend, as though a story to tell around a fire.” Soliyah didn’t know how to respond. “Especially westerners.”
”The truth?” Soliyah asked. “What do you mean?”
”Most stories and songs carry some form of truth, a history, if you will. They’re written by those who do not wish for the lesson, or experience to be forgotten.” Soliyah gave a small laugh.
”So you believe Nano’s were born from earth, gold, and flame?” Bollim laughed, a deep laugh.
”I don’t think we’re meant to believe each word literally.” They continued in silence for a moment when Soliyah felt she had to ask.
”What did you mean by ‘especially westerners’?” She wasn’t sure if he knew she was a westerner. Had Lehn shared her secret?
”The west hosts most of the power over our lands. It grew dark faster in the west than anywhere else. And with darkness comes confusion, and fear, and arrogance.” He shuffled in his saddle, finding a more comfortable ride. “It is thanks to the westerners we are in such a time as this.” Soliyah nodded, speechless. She certainly hoped he didn’t know she was a westerner. Though his tone didn’t sound angry, nor as though he held a personal vendetta against the west, his words certainly intimated as such. She nodded and looked forward. She decided to change her focus, to try and remember the time when Tryte had first taught her that song. It had been so long ago. She seemed to recall sitting around a fire with him, funny enough. It had been she, Tryte, Zayver, and a few others who’d been sharing ale and tales at The Blind Pigeon, a tavern in her home town. Just after someone had shared a story of loss, and a moment of silence had taken over, Tryte had started singing. She was trying to remember the first verse, but couldn’t. A pain formed in her chest as she thought of her friends again. But a smile crossed her lips when Bollim began humming the tune again. It wasn’t long before Soliyah heard herself humming along with him.
When they arrived in Terim the next day, both Soliyah and Bollim were amazed. It was barricaded, a strong wall of stone and timber built around it. As they approached the gate, Soliyah was impressed to find it thick and solid, unlike any she’d seen at a village, let alone some of the bigger towns across the lands. Bollim cleared his throat.
”Good watchers of Terim, I am Bollim of Zerr. I bring news from Keeper Lehn and the counsel.“ A small hatch, with a sort of screen protecting it, opened.
”And who rides with you?” Bollim shifted his eyes to Soliyah but didn’t move. He opened his mouth to speak, but Soliyah beat him to it.
”I am Vedra of Kelir. I was in counsel with Keeper Lehn when your letter arrived. Keeper Lehn thought it wise I also learn from your efforts to help those of Kelir prepare for what’s to come. I humbly request you accept my entry so as to learn from you.” The hatch closed and silence rang for what felt like several moments. Though not a word was exchanged between them, Bollim looked over at Soliyah a few times, a look of confusion and uncertainty in his eyes. When the gate opened, he smiled and allowed for her to ride ahead of him.
A small crowd had waited for them inside of the gate. Bollim and Soliyah made sure to enter slowly so as not to ride into anyone. A man in a make-shift soldiers uniform stood blocking the path into the town and held his arms out for them to stop. He smiled at them. As Bollim dismounted his horse, he moved next to him and they briskly embraced in hello.
”Bollim!” The man shouted and laughed as they pulled apart and grasped forearms. “So good to see you.” Bollim’s smile was bright and wide.
”Zerik! As always, a pleasure.” He gently patted Zerik’s torso. ”I see you’ve still a need to cut back on the ale.” They laughed.
”Old habits,” he joked, though his belly wasn’t that big, Soliyah thought. In fact, he was a good looking man, she noted. He moved to stand before her. She smiled and put out her hand. He slowly grasped her forearm and squeezed it. He felt her dagger and raised an eyebrow.
”Old habit,” she joked, and he smiled.
”Any friend of Lehn and Bollim’s, is a friend of mine.” Soliyah nodded in thanks. He let go of her arm and stepped back to address the two of them. “Come, I’m certain you wish to see all we’ve done.”
He walked them through the entire village, highlighting and explaining all of the efforts made to fortify and protect them from the oncoming war. The wall had been impressive, but Soliyah was even more impressed with the weaponry they’d developed and fabricated. They had swords, arrows, rope, and had even used some of them to create and build traps for when the inevitable attack came and invaders reached the inside of the village. The smithy was in full force with a few apprentices, making even more swords, axes and arrows.
”One might think we’re over preparing, but…”
”There’s no such thing when it comes to war,” Soliyah blurted before thinking. Both Bollim and Zerik looked at her. Bollim, an apprehensive look, unsure. Zerik, a strange smirk with an eyebrow raised.
“I’ve a feeling you know more than you seem,” he said. He locked eyes with her for a few more seconds and then moved on.
”How long did it take to do all of this?” He asked as they finished the tour. Zerik sighed.
”We’ve been at it for several weeks now.” Bollim’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
“Rumour has it the war is only several days away.” He was hiding his upset well.
”It’s a rumour Bollim. Could be further than that. It may not even make it’s way here. We’ve no way to be sure,” Soliyah tried to assure him.
”You are right, there is no way to be sure. And the people of Terim believe it is best to be safe, rather than sorry.” Zerik looked from Soliyah to Bollim.
”It is from your Keeper that news of the war being so close came to us,” Soliyah remembered. “Your Keeper, Arden, shared what knowledge she gained from a Nano? Is that right?” Zerik nodded.
”It’s true. The Nano is here still. He came from the west.”
”Can you take us to him?” Zerik shrugged and nodded.
“He’s staying at our inn. Come,” he gestured behind them and nodded to a young boy who ran ahead.
The inn was small, with only two or three rooms above. The tavern was small also. Only enough room for a few tables and chairs, but it smelled fantastic as they walked in. Whatever was cooking, made Soliyah drool her stomach growl with hunger. It must have been obvious somehow because Zerik laughed when he looked at her.
”Adrea’s stew is the best. Would you like some?” Soliyah smiled and nodded. Bollim shrugged and nodded also. Zerik turned to the bar where a young woman stood, watching them. “Adrea,” he bellowed and she smiled. “Three stews with bread please.” She nodded and moved to another room. The young boy from earlier came from upstairs and nodded to Zerik. Zerik smiled at him. “Let’s sit,” he motioned to a table. “The Nano will be down momentarily.” Silence fell and Bollim clearly felt the need to fill it.
”What you’ve accomplished in these last several weeks is nothing short of astounding, Zerik. The village chose well when they elected you as Protector.” Zerik shoved his words aside.
”I’m only doing what they’ve requested of their leaders, and putting it into action. But I am not alone.”
”The Nano?” Soliyah asked. Zerik looked at her and nodded.
”The most I’ve ever known in protection is to fight, one to one combat, using what strength and knowledge one has to better an opponent. When I learned that war was coming, I knew I was beyond my depth.”
”It takes a good man to be able to not only admit as such, but speak it honestly,” Bollim commended him and Soliyah nodded in agreement. Adrea came around to their table and deposited three bowls of stew in front of them. She then placed a bigger bowl of bread and three ales down . Zerik looked up at her and smiled in thanks. He looked away before he saw her smile in return. Soliyah saw it though, and knew there was more to it than an exchange of gratitude. Bollim held up his ale.
”To good men who step up and seek the light.” Soliyah wasn’t sure what Bollim meant by that, but pressed her cup to the others and drank as they did.
“A cheer that’s not been heard in the west for ages,” a small but low voice suddenly interrupted. Soliyah’s heart jumped. The voice sounded similar to Tryte’s, but she couldn’t be certain. It had been so long since she’d seen or heard her friend. She searched for the Nano but couldn’t see him until Zerik turned around. Behind him, the Nano stood, waiting to be introduced. It was not Tryte and Soliyah couldn’t deny the overwhelming feeling of disappointment that came over her. There were similarities to be sure, but this Nano was smaller. He had a smaller build, smaller hands, and smaller eyes. Zerik moved to stand but the Nano stopped him. “No need, Zerik,“ he assured him. He moved to Soliyah’s side and motioned to sit next to her. She nodded in agreement. “My name is Trig. How nice it is to meet you.” He smiled as Adrea ran over and placed an ale in front of him. “Thank you, Adrea.” She nodded, quickly glanced at Zerik, and then moved back to the bar. “Terim has been a marvellous host, and Zerik a most stupendous pupil.“
”Enough,” Zerik laughed. “If Terim is to survive this war, it is in thanks to you, dear friend.” Trig shrugged and took another sip of ale. ”Why Terim?” Soliyah asked. “I mean, how did you choose to come here and help?”
”I’ve been travelling from the west for some time now, helping those that are willing to listen. Unfortunately, it isn’t many.”
”Too many have lost their way,” Bollim started. “The darkness has spread far and wide, but there are those of us who still seek the light.” Soliyah looked at him, confused. He sounded as though he were referring to the song.
“And the light shall bring balance, won’t it?” Zerik asked rhetorically. He held up his cup again and they all followed suit. When she finally could, Soliyah dug into her stew. It was so warm and delicious. It felt as though each bite coated the inside of her body, warming and nourishing it.
Over the next few hours, the men spoke of the tales they’d heard growing up. Some of them Soliyah knew, others she didn’t. Eventually, she stopped listening. Even when they started in on the fortifications of their villages and how to protect their people, Soliyah couldn’t have been more lost in her own thoughts. She wished terribly that the Nano sitting next to her was Tryte, and that instead of Zerik, Zayver was the one sitting across from her. Would she ever see her friends again? Was war really going to take over the land? How would she survive it? She could fight, but not all that well. What was to become of her as she continued waiting for the strange man?
Though she’d nodded in farewell to both Bollim and Trig, Soliyah was somehow surprised when she found herself sitting alone with Zerik. The sun was no longer visible out the indow, and the inn fell into darkness. She was on her fourth ale when Adrea lit the candles at every table and sconce, taking just a little bit longer to light the one at theirs. Soliyah giggled as she walked away.
”What is it?” Zerik asked, curious.
”Are you truly unaware?” She teased. She looked over at Adrea, her eyebrows raised and Zerik shrugged.
”What? Adrea? You like her?” Soliyah shook her head, no, laughing.
”She likes you,” she told him and he stopped. Soliyah laughed. ”Have you not seen the way she looks at you?” Zerik was clearly taken aback.
”She’s...so…young. I mean, I’m friends with her parents.” Soliyah couldn’t help but laugh.
”Best be careful then,” Soliyah joked and he nodded. She took anotherswig of ale and motioned for more. Adrea nodded and moved to bring her one. Zerik watched her, ignoring Adrea completely.
”Perhaps this should be your last?” He asked as politely as possible. Soliyah shrugged.
”Perhaps.” She took a big gulp and sighed. “So,” she turned to him, though he was beginning to blur a bit. “What’s your story? Who is Zerik?” There was a part of her that knew she sounded foolish, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. She was curious about this man. This tall, good-looking, clearly moral and good, man.
”What do you mean? What do you wish to know?” Soliyah shrugged and he smile. “Um, I’m actually not from Terim.”
”Really? And yet the people trust you.” Zerik nodded.
”Yes. Is that strange to you?” Soliyah nodded.
“Where I’m from, strangers are not to be trusted.” It was sort of true. In the early years of her life, that had not been the case. In some difficult to reach memories, distant from her ability to recall, Soliyah knew there were those from a time of peace and kindness. A time when a stranger was simply a friend one hadn’t met yet. But all her memory could recall now was violence, betrayal, and doubt. Her friends had been taken from her. She’d been forced to run, and barely met an ally along the way. She tried to deny the bitterness and resentment she could feel growing inside of her, but it was nearly impossible.
”You’re not from Kelir, then?” She nodded. ”How extraordinary. There aren’t many outsiders found in such small villages, and yet now, two of them have met.“
”Where are you from?” She asked, not wanting to talk about herself.
”Bellard.” Soliyah thought she must have misheard him.
”The city of Bellard?“ Zerik nodded. “In the west?” Zerik nodded again. “You’re from the west?” Soliyah couldn’t believe it. Was it true? She was about to tell him she was also from the west when something stopped her. What if it was a trap? What if he was a minion of the broken-armed man, hunting her across Serenia? She needed to keep her wits about her, but it was proving difficult.
”I came east ages ago. Before all of this war nonsense.” He sighed. “Truth be told, I barely remember Bellard and my life there.”
”Why did you leave?” Silence.
”I don’t remember.” Soliyah wanted to believe he was lying, but the look on his face, in his eyes didn’t reflect that. “I was told to, I think.”
”Told?” Soliyah needed to learn more. Zerik nodded and leaned in, as though to ensure privacy. He looked around, but there was no one.
”Do you seek the light?” He asked, and she didn’t know how to respond. Zerik watched her closely for an answer. “Do you believe in the times of the great suns and moons.” He was referring to the song again. What was it about that song?
”Like in the song?” Soliyah asked and Zerik nodded.
”I don’t know if what I recall are memories, or if they’re only dreams.” Soliyah nodded, surprised to learn she understood what he meant. “I’ve always strived to be a good man, to seek the light. I’ve always believed in the Nano’s as our guides, as the stories and songs claim.”
”Ok…” he was losing her. What did the two have in common? Clearly he could see her confusion. He sighed and leaned back in his seat.
”I have visions of being told to leave Bellard by a Nano,“ he confessed. Soliyah’s eyes widened but she attempted to hide her keen interest and surprise. “If those visions speak truth, I left a family, friends, everything I knew and cared for, simply to… to what? Travel?“ he stammered, trying to find words. He was obviously upset. His hands were waving around him. “To live as protector in Terim?” He laughed and let his hands fall to the table with a crash, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “It doesn’t make sense.” Soliyah wanted to speak, to empathize, to tell him everything, but struggled to find the words. Zerik looked back at her and showed a tinge of embarrassment. “Apologies,” he stated and sat up straight. “I’ve made this awkward. I shouldn’t have said anything. I shouldn’t have…” He sighed and finished his ale. He stood but somehow Soliyah was able to grab the back of his shirt to stop him.
“Wait,” she said. He stopped but didn’t turn, and she didn’t know what to say. Why had she stopped him? Had she just felt badly about his being embarrassed? “I too have visions with a Nano,” she told him. It wasn’t entirely true, but nor was it false. Hers were actual memories of times with Tryte. Zerik turned only his head back to her, a confused look on his face, but hope in his eyes. Soliyah nodded and tugged on him once more. He slowly turned and sat. “I too am from the west. I came east only a few years ago. I was told, by a Nano, to come here.” She stopped, scared to continue. Fearful of Zerik’s reaction. She fidgeted with her hands, announcing her uneasiness, but also keeping them free by her dagger, just in case. “I was told to flee. That once here, I would meet a man. And that I should tell him…” She stopped. Zerik was hanging on her every word. His eyes seemed to grow larger as he waited for her to finish. “I’m to tell him… I’m…”
”Venera Profera.” They said it in unison. They gasped and stared at each other as the room seemed to disappear around them.
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Ⓒ October 2022. Beki Lantos. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author.