Ju
Simon plucked up his courage. I suppose I might as well get it over with. He walked out of the cover of his clearing and approached the group from behind. He noticed that the small crowd were mainly women, old men, and children. They were all dressed in animal skins and were very short, with long black hair. He was downwind of them and the smell was none too pleasant. It seems they have yet to invent soap here. Conscious of his nudity, he approached them with his hands strategically placed. He cleared his throat and tried to give them a smile. “Hello, I’m Simon. I’m visiting from far away.”
Judging by the audible gasps, they seemed surprised to see him, which was as he expected. One of the wizards, he couldn’t tell them apart, rushed towards him and spoke. “Welcome, welcome indeed. Simon, did you say? I’m Mandred. I’ve been expecting you. Did Dammar send a message?” The other wizard, presumably Manfred, still looked stunned. The group of people were giggling and pointing at Simon.
Simon was taken aback. Manfred had told him not to reveal who he was, that he would not be recognised. Yet Mandred claimed to be expecting him. He had heard mention of Dammar at the meeting at Wizards’ Keep, but he couldn’t remember who he was. He knew that he was somebody important. Better to deny all knowledge. “Yes, Simon, Simon Redhead. I don’t know anyone called Dammar. I didn’t think that I would be expected. Do you have any clothes?” Simon was very cold.
Mandred put his arms around Simon and hugged him like a long lost friend. “Don’t worry; I’ve got some clothes put aside for you. I’ve even washed them since your last visit.” Simon was nonplussed by Mandred’s comments. My last visit? “As soon as I get you dressed, you must meet with Chief Yo and his daughter Ju. I know that you will get on well with Ju.” He gave Simon a nudge and a wink. I feel like I’m in a Monty Python sketch. Simon noticed that Manfred was showing no interest and was walking away. Should I make myself known to him? I don’t know what to do.
Mandred seemed pleased to have someone to talk to. His frequent disparaging remarks about Manfred suggested that the two wizards did not get on very well. Simon made an immediate decision. He would follow future Manfred’s advice and keep out of his way. He figured that if he stayed close to Mandred it would be enough to keep Manfred away. Soon, Simon was dressed in animal skins like the rest of the tribe. They smelt ugly and made him itch like crazy. He had visions of being eaten to death by fleas. It was only marginally better than embarrassing nakedness and freezing coldness. Mandred was talking again and Simon didn’t want to miss anything important so he forced himself to concentrate.
“You are lucky that it is spring time. The cold, dark, hungry months are over. There will be plenty of food for the next few months and the days will get warmer. You will be able to bathe in the river. That looks like a good sword. May I look? You didn’t have it with you last time.”
Simon was immediately on his guard. He didn’t want to draw Kin Slayer in case he couldn’t control the Sword. He also didn’t want to answer any difficult questions about it. He was concerned that either Mandred or especially Manfred might recognise it. There were now two versions of the sword, Kin Slayer and Fleischaker, existing simultaneously. Presumably, Fleischaker still lay lost in a glacier at this point.
“It’s an old family heirloom, nothing special. I’d rather not unsheathe it. It might get rusty here.” The words sounded lame, but Mandred seemed to accept them without question.
Mandred told him all about the tribe. Not that there was much to tell. It was a primitive group of around seventy humans. They were still at the hunter gathering stage of development. They had short life spans of around forty years. Their language was simple but effective. They worshipped the sun and a host of other spirit entities. Leadership was partly hereditary and partly based on strength or power. Their Chief, Yo, was approaching the end of his days and was unlikely to survive another winter. He was regarded by all as the wise old father of the tribe. Undoubtedly, there would be a scramble for power when he died. Some things never changed, Simon thought. People pair-bonded for life. Yo’s wife had died last summer. He had no sons, just a daughter, Ju. She was not yet paired and several young men had been competing for her favours. Mandred seemed to suggest that it was more because of her status than any inherent beauty. ‘No offence meant,’ he said, which nonplussed Simon again. The men’s job was to hunt for meat and skins. When they were not hunting, they were making weapons and other useful articles. The woman’s role was to fetch water and firewood, search for edible roots and fruits, cook, look after children, tend the old and sick, and be there physically for her man whenever he desired her. They were open about sex, but had strict rules – sex only with your pair-bonded mate, no sex before bonding, and no sex during pregnancy. The Chief dispensed swift justice for any indiscretions.
The women had their own hierarchy, headed by the Medicine Woman. She was responsible for delivering babies, tending hunting wounds, and aiding the sick and the dying. She always had at least two apprentices. The tribe lived in family groups, in small caves, expanded by digging into the side of a hill. Children stayed with their parents until they reached adulthood. As soon as the boys successfully passed their rite of passage, they would find a mate and set up their own cave. They mainly ate communally around a large fireplace established outside the front of the caves. Except in the heaviest rain, the fire was kept alive at all times. It gave them comfort, warmth, light, and protection from predators. Mandred explained that the wizards had helped the tribe to develop, without pushing them along too quickly. They were there to preserve the Balance. Mandred, though, had a special role. Simon’s attention was wandering again. He wondered what he was supposed to do here. Whatever it was, he wanted done with it quickly and get back to Elannort. Life here sounded like an awful experience. I’d rather be in prison. Well, maybe not in Dishley.
Thoughts of Dishley triggered his melancholy and he forced himself to focus on Mandred again. “I am but a minor cog in Dammar’s plans, but I try to do my best. My role is almost finished and I’ll be glad to pass to my eternal rest, I can tell you. I have been preparing for your arrival. I have to say that I was a bit surprised by the change in your appearance, but that just shows my ignorance. You are another manifestation of the Hero, aren’t you? I can tell that you weren’t here before.”
“This is my first time,” Simon said. And my last, I hope.
“I thought so. You left me with a bit of a problem, when you departed. At least, your alter ego did. The normal punishment for sex outside of pair bonding is a public stoning. The Chief could not bring himself to stone his own daughter. I managed to convince him and the tribe that the two of you had already pair bonded and that you would soon return. Your cave is already prepared. I will have a bit of a job explaining your changed appearance, but with my magic I should be able to get away with it.”
To say that Simon was shocked would be an understatement. All he could do was nod at Mandred. They expect me to set up home with one of these smelly women, and probably a pregnant one at that. Manfred must have known about this. If I ever get back to Elannort, I’ll kill him.
The next couple of hours passed in a daze. Simon couldn’t believe the situation he found himself in. Future Manfred had told him to go along with whatever happened, but he had not expected anything like this. Mandred took him to meet Chief Yo. Ju was not present. Mandred and Yo exchanged a guttural conversation that Simon barely understood. He picked up the nuances though; total disbelief from Yo, eventually changing to acceptance and relief. I suppose he’s pleased he doesn’t have to order his daughter to be stoned. Then Mandred took him to his cave. Simon staggered along behind him, aware of the stares and pointing from the women. A young boy ran towards him, but a screech from a woman quickly had him scurrying back to his mother. The cave was a new digging and as such was one of the farthest away from the centre of the camp and the Chief’s cave. It had a smooth sandy floor. It contained a small fireplace, a few carved hand tools, and a pile of skins for sleeping. The news of his arrival must have spread, because there was a pile of wood ready for the fire, a hollowed out tree stump container of fresh water, and a small bunch of wild flowers in the middle of the sandy floor.
“I know it’s nothing like the comforts of Elannort, but I’m sure you can be comfortable here for a while. I’ll leave you to settle in. Ju should be along very soon. I’m sure you’ll want some privacy to get acquainted.” Mandred turned to leave.
“Mandred, thank you,” Simon said. "Before you go could you answer one question?”
Mandred paused and looked back. “If I can.”
“When was I, I mean he, when was he here before? How long has he been gone?”
“He was only here for a week. He left about three months ago. But he gave me a message from Dammar that he would return. I will see you tomorrow, or perhaps later around the communal fire? Some interesting conversation would be most welcome. I only have grumpy Manfred to talk to and he’s no fun. Good night, Simon. I’m sorry it’s been a bit of a shock.” Mandred walked slowly away, leaving Simon alone in his new real estate. I suppose it’s only marginally worse than my Melbourne flat, with about as much food.
Simon made sure that no one was watching and he withdrew Kin Slayer from its scabbard. Immediately the ruby in its hilt glowed and Simon felt the thoughts of the sword in his head. It was hungry. It was always hungry. “Not today, my friend. I have to hide you, until the time that you are needed. I hope you understand.” So be it. Simon crawled to the back of the cave and dug a hole in the sand. He replaced Kin Slayer in its scabbard. “Sleep peacefully, my friend, until you are called.” He buried the sword and replaced the sand, stamping it down so that there was little evidence. Sighing, he sat down on the sleeping skins and awaited his fate. After a while, he lay down and rested his eyes. Before long, he dozed off.
In his dreams, he was back in Melbourne. He was married to Juliana and they had a house in the suburbs. He was a General Practitioner and building a successful practice. Juliana was pregnant. He was going to be a father. He was happy; everything was perfect. Then it all changed in an instant. Juliana was walking along the footpath. A vehicle came down the street at high speed. It mounted the footpath and mowed her down. He rushed to her, but she died in his arms before he could tell her how much he loved her. As he looked up, he saw the car driver grinning at him. It was Dring. Simon screamed.
A small hand was insistently tugging at his arm. Simon woke up, the dream fresh in his mind. It took him several moments to remember where he really was. He thought that he was just moving from one dream to another. Ju sat next to him on the bed skins. She was looking at him intently, gazing deep into his eyes. The eyes captivated him. They were of the purest blue and contrasted with her pale skin. He had seen similar eyes before and the thought brought him only pain. Her hair was jet black, very long, and very straight. It was still damp. She had clearly been down to the icy river in his honour. Her face seemed different to the other members of the tribe. Their faces seemed round and podgy. Ju’s face was longer and thinner, almost elfin in shape. She stood up. She was not very tall, perhaps five feet. She was slender, tiny; she looked like she might be blown away in a strong wind. The spring sun was setting in a fiery display. Their cave faced west and the red light flowed into their cave. Ju slipped off her clothes and stood before him, framed in rouge. Her breasts were small and flat, topped with tiny brown nipples. Her belly, almost certainly normally flat, bulged now with the life growing inside it. It gave her a sexy look. Her pubic hair grew from her navel and was long and jet-black. It was matched by long tufts that hung from beneath her arms. Her arms and legs also had a light covering of dark hair. Simon had been brought up in a culture where women had little or no body hair. Here was a woman who had more hair than he did. He expected to be repulsed by it. To his surprise, he accepted it. It was natural, after all. Razors had not been invented yet. Ju climbed under the covers, next to Simon and stared into his eyes. Neither of them had said a word.
Instinctively, Simon knew what he should do. He stood up and removed his clothes. He was still ashamed of his skinny physique, his pale skin, and his lack of body hair. He held his hands in front of his genitals, afraid to show them to Ju. He slipped under the skins beside her. They lay, side by side, not quite touching. Simon thought that he could hear two hearts beating. They stayed, unmoving and unspeaking, as the sun set. As the last red glow disappeared from the cave, Simon felt a small hand tentatively seek out his. He held it and marvelled at its small size. It wasn’t a soft hand, like Juliana’s; it was tough and calloused by hard work. It felt warm and good. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she moved her body so that it was touching his. Soon, she was snuggling into his body. Simon liked the feeling. He rolled over, facing her. She did the same. He took her in his arms and held her in a long cuddle. Simon smelt her hair and her body odour. Again, he expected to be repulsed and again he was wrong. He loved the way she smelled. It turned him on. His erection was now pushing between them. She took his hand and placed it between her thighs. She was wet with anticipation. Shy and inexperienced as he was, he recognised an invitation when he received one.
Simon recalled Mandred telling him that having sex while pregnant was banned. He figured that the risk was worth it. She hadn’t been stoned so far, so they were probably safe now. He had imagined losing his virginity so many times and in so many ways. He had never come close to imagining a scenario like this. He had never come close to imagining what he would feel. He not only had sex for the first time that night, but he also made love for the first time. The feelings shocked him. The situation shocked him. He enjoyed them anyway. Simon and Ju didn’t go to the communal fire that night. They didn’t feel any hunger. They were consumed by each other. Simon lay on his back, sated, and held her as she slept. Against all of the odds, he felt happy, really happy, for the first time in his life and it scared the hell out of him.
The next few months passed in a blur. It was a simple life. Simon’s days were spent with the other men, learning how to hunt and fashion weapons and tools. He felt like a novice athlete in training as he learned to run fast for long periods and throw spears with power and accuracy. He was also taught how to fish with their primitive, yet effective, hooks and nets. As he learned their physical skills so he picked up their language. Despite what Mandred had told him, he found it to be rich and sophisticated although he often found the correct guttural pronunciation difficult. The men often laughed at his clumsy endeavours or his mispronunciation of words. He took it all in good humour and enjoyed the camaraderie. Yet, as he enjoyed the happiness of his new life and new friends, always his thoughts turned to his old friends, how they were faring, and whether they were missing him.
The summer was warm and the men wore only simple loin cloths. Simon’s slim frame filled out a little as his musculature increased. His skin suffered in the sun. He didn’t tan, but burned on a regular basis and his skin peeled off in sheets. His freckles grew, until his skin became mottled with small spots. His facial hair, though slow growing, eventually covered his face with a bright red beard. His was not as impressive in quantity as the rest of the men, but it more than made up for it in colour.
Simon’s evenings were spent around the communal fire. He had long philosophical discussions with Mandred. Amongst other things, they discussed the meaning of life; the need for Balance in all things; the prospects for the future; the nature of good and evil; and how to find happiness. Simon was barely on speaking terms with Manfred, who seemed to spend most of his time alone in his cave. The summer evenings were warm and long. Simon enjoyed the social atmosphere around the fire. He grew to be held in high regard by most of the tribe, including the old chief, and he enjoyed his status. He began to think of himself as the natural choice to be their leader, when Yo died. He had long discussions with Mandred about what new technologies or skills would be appropriate to introduce to help his people. Mandred cautioned him not to act too hastily.
Simon’s nights were spent with Ju. In her arms, he really felt like he had come home. The baby grew quickly, and appeared to be enormous compared to her tiny frame. By seven months, it looked to Simon like a full term pregnancy. He began to worry about the birth. Concerned about Ju’s and the baby’s health, and conscious of the tribe’s taboo, they stopped having sex around the fifth month of Ju’s pregnancy. It didn’t matter to Simon. When he lay with Ju, just holding and cuddling her and his child, he felt complete joy and peace with the world. He completely forgot that Kin Slayer was buried at the back of the cave. He wasn’t sure when the metamorphosis occurred and he began to view the baby as his, but he now did. His plans for the future revolved around his mate, his child, and his tribe. Ju was very intelligent and before too long, as his language skills improved, they were able to lie in the dark and chat about all sorts of things, mostly about their future together.
Ju was very intelligent and as Simon's skill at the tribe's language improved, he also managed to teach her some words of his own. Before too long, they were able to lie in the dark and chat about all sorts of things in a strange mish-mash of tongues and gestures which would have been utterly incomprehensible to any outsider listening in. Their stumbling attempts to understand one another frequently left them giggling and served to cement their closeness. Mostly, they talked about their future together, and Simon felt that at last he had what he had always wanted; a real family, and a sense of belonging.
During the last two months of her pregnancy, Ju was unable to work. She was confined to bed and the old medicine woman, Wa, spent many hours each day with her. Simon wanted to stay with Ju, but Wa would chase him out of the cave. As well as his hunting duties, Simon had to fetch water and wood for the cave, but he didn’t mind the extra work. He examined Ju every day, making sure that the pregnancy was progressing normally. He wanted to help Wa with the birth, teach her simple medical techniques and help her to understand about infection and the need for good hygiene. At every approach he was shunned and ordered to concentrate on men’s business. This was women’s business and it was taboo for men to get involved. He continued to monitor Ju’s progress in secret and vowed that when he became leader things would be different.
It had been a glorious summer. The hunting had been good, they had been untroubled by predators, and the women had collected an abundance of fruits and roots. They were well prepared for this winter with large stocks of dried food. The tribe was excited about their harvest festival which always took place when the chief determined that enough food had been collected. It would be the last feast until midwinter. They would farewell the sun on its journey to find new life. At midwinter, they would feast again and plead for the sun to return and bring the new life back to them.
The men had had a successful hunt the previous day and there was no need for further hunting before the feast. Ju was in great discomfort, but Wa ushered Simon out of the cave. The medicine woman was clearly concerned. Simon was worried. The baby must be nearly due. He didn’t want to be too far away, but he didn’t feel like company, so he headed down to the river. No one was around. He sat on a log and watched the river. The flowing water enchanted him. The way the ripples caught and refracted the sun soothed him. He began to reflect on the past few months. What did someone need to be happy? He thought back to his upbringing in Melbourne. There, it had seemed to be a continual competition to amass wealth. Everyone wanted a bigger house or a flashier car. They had to have the latest technological gadgets. Were they any happier when they got them? Yet there was extreme poverty in his world too. A small percentage of the population was raping the Earth’s resources at the expense of the majority. As a result, the Earth was responding. Climate change had become critical and almost tipped the planet over the edge. Now the religious zealots were taking the world to the brink of war. Perhaps it was all over by now. Maybe the world as he knew it had been destroyed. Maybe they had stopped once again at the brink. At least when you fought with swords you couldn’t destroy the planet. Thoughts of swords reminded him of Kin Slayer for the first time in ages. Suddenly, he had a strong yearning to feel the comfort of his sword at his side. He fought the urge and refocussed on his train of thought. Happiness, he decided, was a full belly, a warm place to live, to love and be loved, to be appreciated for a job well done, and to be a part of a community. He had all of those things here. He had them in spades. He didn’t have an E-Pod or a view screen. He didn’t have a powerful car. What he had was worth so much more. Goodness was to put community ahead of self and to do no harm. Evil was the ultimate selfishness, to have no compassion, no thoughts at all for others, to act without empathy or sympathy.
He sat back on the log and stretched his legs. The autumn sunshine warmed his body. He was feeling pleased with himself. After all, he had just solved the problems the world’s philosophers had been grappling with for millennia. Then another thought hit him. Was he good or evil? He had killed innocent people. Was there both good and evil in everyone? What was the Balance? Could he hide here forever and give up on his greater destiny? He heard future Manfred’s voice in his head. Simon, you serve the Balance. You are the Everlasting Hero. Elannort needs you.
“No, leave me alone. I have found peace here. I am about to become a father.” Simon was unaware that he was talking aloud until he looked up and saw a wizard observing him. At first, he thought it was Mandred.
“Simon. I have been remiss not to spend time with you. I have been feeling sorry for myself and I have been neglecting my duties. I’m sorry. Can I ask who you were talking to?”
Simon was caught in a dilemma. How could he tell Manfred that he was talking to him, a future him, far into the future? He was spared having to answer, by a huffing and puffing Mandred. “There you are, Simon. Come quickly, it’s Ju, it’s time, the baby is coming. They have taken her to the birthing stone.”
Simon ran off, leaving the two wizards to follow at a more seemly gait. He was feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. He longed to hold his baby, but he feared for Ju. The sun was directly overhead when he got back to his cave. Before he went to the birthing stone, he had to do something. His earlier thoughts stayed with him. He crawled to the back of the cave and dug down into the sand. He pulled out Kin Slayer, stood up, brushed it off, and strapped it to his side. He was tempted to draw the sword, but restrained himself. He hurried off. He was about to become a father.