The Final Offering

Thula heard arguing in the common square of the village while dressing. The quiet voices were hard to make out, but the anger was clear. With a quick check in the mirror to make sure she was presentable, she ran outside to find the source of all the commotion. Not that she cared about her appearance—she wasn’t one of “those” fairies—but she wanted to look decent.

Many of the older members of the community stood outside the governor’s home, yelling in gruff voices for a move to action. Her bright green eyes surveyed the scene, and her muscles tensed under her dark brown skin.

She listened with tall, pointy ears in disbelief.

“You’re going to stand back and let this happen?”

“You’re a coward!”

“This is an invasion of our territory. We must act!”

The Haloti have always been a peaceful people, she thought. Why is everyone so irate? What is going on?

A strong breeze ruffled her light brown hair, revealing the faint traces of the tattoos climbing her neck. Though she was eager for them to make their full appearance, it would be at least another year before it would happen.

The anger in the crowd grew. She fluttered her small, translucent wings with unease while Governor Linotas spoke to the crowd.

The wind rippled the governor’s flowing, green honorary robes of silk, and Thula held her breath in anticipation. His old and leathery face complemented his wise brown eyes. One could sense his age by the gray hair held back in a ponytail, and equally gray loose-hanging mustachios. His hair was in sharp contrast to his dark skin.

Thula strode along the gray branch, searching for a friendly face. The rough textures felt good underneath her feet, sturdy and familiar. The various birds chirping about and the squirrels playing tag back and forth brought her comfort.

Amridon, her best friend next to Alais and Myriani, stood behind several elders. His lean muscular body and bright eyes shone in the sun. She stood next to him, a good head shorter than him. “What is all this?”

His eyes lit up like a candle, and a smile spread across his lips. “Thula, about time you found us.” He looked at the bright sky, staring at the sun. “Slept a little late, didn’t you?”

“I was tired and had nothing important requiring my attention this morning.” Her eyes followed his to the sky, and a gasp left her lips. How was the sun so close to its pinnacle? It was almost lunchtime. “It isn’t any of your business what I do anyway.”

Amridon’s attention shifted to the governor. “Can you believe this has happened? I mean, we’ve heard about them since we were children, but I never expected anything like this.”

Noticing the gathering of villagers, she asked, “Believe what? I don’t understand what’s happening.”

“Oh, you did oversleep, didn’t you?” he asked. “I was only kidding before, but a scout found a Grimmox last night in our part of the tree. Up here, Thula,” he said, visibly mortified by just the thought. “They know better than to venture outside their territory. It’s part of the treaty. They stay on the bottom, and we stay on the top.”

The anger in his voice wasn’t lost on her, but she had no idea how to respond. I can’t believe it. Why would they risk generations of peace? Growing up as a Haloti, she had heard all the stories, but there had to be a logical explanation. The Grimmox couldn’t be as bad as their histories painted them to be, could they? How can we be afraid of something we don’t understand? She stiffened against the dire news. She didn’t care for the conviction Amridon held for the entire Grimmox population

”Are you sure? Who saw it?” she asked.

“It was a younger soldier on patrol. He found it spying on our village.”

“How can we be sure? We haven’t seen a Grimmox in several generations. How did the soldier even know what one looks like?”

Why does everyone always assume the worst? It’s not as though the Grimmox tried attacking us.

“Why does it matter? Shouldn’t you be more upset about this? You should want vengeance just as much as I do. If this soldier claims to have seen one, then I don’t doubt him,” he said. “Besides, you can’t tell me you wouldn’t love an opportunity to put an arrow into the chest of one of those beasts? Just imagine if we took the fight to them. There would be no more offering. We could live a life free from that curse. We wouldn’t have to fear for our children.” His voice and eyes implored her.

“We both know how bad the offering is. I detest it as much as you do, but it’s part of our culture. Even if we lose one of our own every year, it’s not worth starting a war. I understand the risks as much as anyone else.” She sighed.

“Thula, I have one more year, but you still have two. I don’t think I can live with myself if you are chosen.” His gaze fell on the branch, and he kicked at it.

“I’m afraid of the offering too,” she said, stepping closer and placing a hand on his chest. “But it’s not something I’ll waste my time worrying about.”

”No, I won’t accept that. I don’t want to worry about it. We need to put a stop to it right now before we risk any more souls to an antiquated ritual. I’d stand with my brethren to protect what is ours. Can’t you see how important this is?”

Thula furrowed her brow in frustration. Yes, she could see it was very important to him, but she didn’t want to accept his words. She wouldn’t accept his words. Why does he have to be so hardheaded?

“Are you that eager to start a war? I’ve always respected your level head and ability to stay calm in tight situations. You must see the costs are more than the possible benefits,” she said. How can he be so foolish? she wondered.

Amridon scoffed. “Come now. I don’t want to start a war, but if given the opportunity, I’ll do my part to protect all we hold dear.” He walked up and put his arm around her, wearing a look in his eyes showing his arrogance.

She almost flinched at his touch. Something seemed different about him, and she didn’t like the aggressive nature he adopted. His words seemed empty and hollow. Then again, perhaps she was being ridiculous. Emotions were running high right now. Amridon’s would be no different.

She calmed down, welcoming his embrace. “Do you really think this will lead to a war?” she asked.

“I doubt it. I’m sure we’re just bothered by the sighting. I’m confident it’ll all work out just fine.” It sounded as if he were placating her, while simultaneously hoping for a chance to prove his prowess.

Rather than continuing their argument, she refocused her attention on the governor as he continued speaking.

“Look, I understand your frustration, and I’m just as startled by this revelation, but we need to be careful and gather the evidence before we move ahead.” Governor Linotas took a deep breath before continuing. “I won’t risk a war with the Grimmox over rumors. We have stuck by our end of the treaty by continuing with the absurd tradition of the offering. The Grimmox have honored their end by leaving us alone and letting us live our lives as we see fit. I have a hard time accepting they would risk centuries of peace by spying on us, and to what end?” His lips spread into a smile. To Thula, he looked confident in his words.

More grumblings rose from the crowd of Haloti citizens. Thula searched the crowd for her parents. An older Haloti voiced his displeasure with the governor. “They have broken the treaty by venturing so far north. Shouldn’t there be retaliation on our part?” Many around them urged him to continue. “I won’t risk the life of my child for the offering to a species who cannot be trusted.” Others seconded his opinions and offered their own thoughts.

The governor waved his hands downward, urging his citizens to remain calm. “I can see your displeasure and will speak with the council before I issue our next actions. Until then, we’re getting nowhere. Take time and talk to your families. Let cooler heads prevail, and I’m sure we’ll have a message for you later today.”

It seemed this wasn’t what the crowd wanted to hear, and the governor drew the ire of many. Deep down, Thula wanted him to say more, anything that would help explain his thoughts, but instead, he retreated into his own quarters amid anger and boos from the crowd.

She spotted her father and caught his attention from the opposite side of the branch and beckoned him to join her.

They both gave somewhat tremulous smiles as her parents walked over to meet them. Her father spoke first. “Amridon, Thula, what a pleasure to see you both this morning. Quite the speech, don’t you think?” He pointed at the governor’s home behind him and adopted a rigid posture, clearly upset by the words of the governor.

Thula registered the beautiful contrast in her parents’ physical attributes. Her father, Gorven, had loose, dark hair framing his old and aged face. The many years of hard work showed in his muscular build, and the various scars accrued with pride were on abundant display at all times. She would always hide a tender smirk though while thinking of this bear of a fairy spreading his warmth during scary storms that rocked their beloved tree, or his devoted attendance at little fairy’s tea parties.

Just the same, her mother, Cellomes, was his exact opposite in both appearance and demeanor. With her smooth skin, bright blue eyes, and flowing brown hair, they looked the odd pair. Especially considering his height was above average, and she stood a full head shorter. However, to all who knew them, they fit perfectly, balancing one another with effortless grace. Thula thought Gorven’s disposition tended toward the passionate and boisterous, while her mother was always calmer and more inclined to reason and sensibility.

Thula brought herself back to the moment as Amridon said, “I was just arguing with your daughter, who seems to have a different idea.” She started to speak, but he interrupted her. “I guess I should know better by now,” he said with a laugh.

Even though it shouldn’t matter, his words hurt Thula, and she looked away before she risked another argument.

“She’s always been that way, so I understand what you mean.” Gorven grinned. He looked at the crowd before speaking again. “If you don’t mind, Thula, your mother and I have matters to attend to, but I want to have an extended conversation concerning the Grimmox. You’re too important to risk to another offering. Maybe it’s time we did something about it.”

Thula nodded. “But I won’t start a war over the issue. I’ve always loved you for your compassion, so hopefully, it won’t come to that. I’d love to hear your ideas because I don’t know how I should react.”

“But something has to be done, and if the governor won’t do anything, maybe we will.” Thula tried to continue the conversation, but her father waved her off. “We’ll discuss this later. This isn’t the time, nor is it the place.” Without uttering another word, her parents turned and walked back to their home. Her mother offered one last glance and shrugged, indicating she didn’t know what Gorven had in mind either.

Thula understood what her father was saying without speaking a word. She turned and spoke to Amridon. “I want to clear my head. It was great seeing you this morning,” she said as her parents disappeared from sight. She started walking away.

“I can go with you.”

“As much as I’d enjoy time with you, I’d like to be alone to gather my thoughts. This whole Grimmox situation has my stomach in knots.”

Amridon frowned. “Very well. Happy hunting,” he said.

She turned and walked away as frustration coursed through her veins. How does he know I’m going hunting? she wondered. Then again, what else would she do? She was sometimes too predictable.

After grabbing her bow and donning a simple tunic made of silk, she set out on her hunt. The afternoon air was warm and thick, with the slightest hint of moisture. It had been dry the past several days, and she welcomed a little rain. The leaves of the tree were bright green and yellow, and she brushed her hands over the rough edges as she walked. They were sharp and would cut into her skin, but something in their touch helped to cleanse her soul. She was relaxed and refreshed for the first time all day.

Several birds chirped on the branches above her head. Letting out a series of whistles, she tried to mimic their call, but she had never been good with the songs of the birds, and all she did was startle them. They took off into the sky, and she seemed all alone.

As the day neared afternoon, she moved with stealth down a branch, seeking cover behind several leaves as she moved closer to her prey. The rough bark under her feet offered her comfort and more than a little traction. A soft breeze brushed past her face and brought with it the scents of nature. She spotted a black caterpillar earlier with a red band of color through its midsection. Per Haloti laws, caterpillars were not to be touched. Many would one day turn into butterflies, but they also produced silk. This one would turn into a moth, meaning she was free to pursue it.

The morning’s worrisome scene still bothered her, and she tried her best to put the thoughts out of her mind. Crouched behind a leaf, she tried to control her excitement. Adrenaline coursed through her body, and her heart pounded in her chest. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to steady herself.

Her father’s lessons ran through her head, and she listened to him issuing orders in his gruff voice. Take a deep breath. Pull back on the bow. Steady your heartbeat. The words brought a chuckle to her throat. She opened her eyes and peered around a jagged edge of the leaf. The caterpillar stopped about one hundred paces down the bough as it encountered a rough knot jutting up in its path.

Her heartbeat quickened when she saw a bird several branches higher in the tree. It had its eye on the caterpillar too, and timing was of the essence. If she waited too long, she would lose her opportunity. Too soon, and she would miss the target. She had to do it right the first time.

With an arrow nocked to her bow, she pulled back on the string. With one last deep breath, she calmed herself before letting it loose. It flew straight and whistled through the air as it turned into a blur and found its target. She fired several more at the creature in rapid succession to make sure it didn’t suffer. The muscles contracted, and its front end climbed into the air. Yellow fluid leaked from its many wounds before it crashed back down on the hard gray surface of the branch. Running to the creature’s side and checking to make sure it was dead, she pumped her fist toward the bird, who seemed no longer interested and flew away.

With her back to the creature, she sat down to let her nerves settle. She looked over her shoulder and admired her kill. The caterpillar was bigger than she’d expected. The amount of meat she harvested would feed the entire village for days, and she couldn’t wait to bring it home.

A loud crack thundered on the branch behind her, and she whipped her head around to see who approached.

“I should have known you’d follow me,” she said with the slightest hint of irritation in her voice. “I said I wanted to be alone.”

The nerve of him following me, she thought.

“I wanted to make sure you were all right.” He walked to her and whistled as he neared the caterpillar. “Good grief, did you have to kill the largest behemoth on the tree? How many arrows did it take before it fell?” The yellow life fluid continued to leak out over the branch, and he walked with light feet, so he didn’t slip on the wet surface.

“It took several,” she said, beaming, “but now you’re here, and you can help me collect the meat.”

His laughter filled the air as he pulled out his stone tools from his pack. “I would say well done, but I can see you’re proud enough.” She playfully punched his arm. He massaged it to take out the sting and grinned. “Well, I guess we should get to work.”

With the friendly banter aside, they cut into the flesh. They tried to get full swaths of the fur because it was useful material for winter coats. It took several trips to carry it all to the markets in the village, where a portion of the meat would be salted and the rest would be smoked. It took the better part of the afternoon, but before long, they salvaged the valuable pieces of the creature. As she expected, the villagers welcomed the meat, and they treated them both to dinner.

Her eyes wandered and she looked at Amridon several times, pleased the festive mood in the village overshadowed the potential Grimmox sighting. It was as though her eyes had a mind of their own, and her stomach fluttered each time they rested on him.

After dinner, they helped clean the dishes. He looked at her for a moment.

“Would you care to go for a stroll?”

She loved being with him, and under normal conditions a stroll would be perfect, but after the long day, exhaustion was overwhelming her.

“Thank you, but I’m tired. I think I’d like to get to sleep.”

“I understand.” His disappointment evident. “Another time maybe?”

“Thank you for understanding.” She smiled at him. “Have a good night.”

“You too.”

She left him on the branch and made her way home.

She walked inside her home, worried she’d upset Amridon. She smelled warm apples and cinnamon. Her mother must be planning something special for breakfast and it warmed her heart, making her forget for a moment her worries for her friend. She made her way upstairs and found her room.

Thula had always admired her parents because they were protective of the great tree. They had built their home inside a knot in the trunk that would otherwise have been useless, and thus preserved the symbiotic existence they nurtured over a generation. They had two levels with three bedrooms, and gentle holes carved out served as windows to the outside world.

Trees and fire never got along, so the fairies had to be careful as to not risk a disaster. Most used warming pans in their bed to keep a comfortable temperature while they slept. The breeze coming through the window told Thula tonight would be cold. She grabbed her warming pan and walked back down to the main level, where she went to the clay oven and looked inside to find several coals still smoldering. Using a small shovel, she scooped a few into the pan and returned to her bed.

Although, she felt fearful she wouldn’t sleep. Her body still quaked from the news of the Grimmox sighting, and her mind kept wandering toward the problem. It wasn’t like her people to thirst for war like this, and she didn’t like it. Her eyes stared at the roof of her room, but the hard work cleaning the caterpillar had drained her energy, and she drifted off into the land of slumber.