Chapter 11: The Heedful Hearth and Solis's Secret

Solis

After a long day’s ride, we arrive late at the Heedful Hearth. We’re all exhausted. Except for Stacia, none of us has spent a whole day riding a horse. Today tested my limits. I’ve grown soft in my old age and parts of my body ache that I’ve never noticed before.

The Heedful Hearth is busy. I need to rest but I have so much to do.

I sit, rubbing my right ankle, and contemplating our next steps. 

Astiah appears in the doorway. Her hair is wet. 

“Perhaps a bath?” She looks at me, head tilted slightly. 

I shrug.

“You look tired.” 

I nod. “I am. It’s been a long time since I spent a day on horseback.”

She smiles. “On foot, it would’ve taken days to get here.”

“True, but it would’ve hurt less.” 

We both laugh. 

“Granye and Sarvastiah are cooking. We can wait until you bathe to eat.” 

I collect my soap and a rough square of fabric I use to wash and head reluctantly to the public bath. 

The reputation of this hearth is that of being quiet and abstemious. People who live here devote themselves to a contemplative way of life. They eat simple small meals, wear plain tunics, and work hard. The hearth is unnaturally quiet, as these people not to engage in idle chatter. They have made us feel welcome, but the silence makes me uneasy. 

I pass a knot of children speaking in hushed tones. When I greet them, they only nod. I find their muted voices more unnerving than the adults. 

When I reach the baths, there are several women already soaking. The great stone pool has rough edges that extend like fingers into the water, creating private alcoves for individuals and small groups to bask in. Soft wispy trees lean over the pool as though straining for a drink.

I slide into the water. I hadn’t remembered this place as having hot springs. I rest on a rocky ledge watching a woman completely absorbed with rubbing the dirt from her companion’s back. She moves with slow precision as though she has nothing else to do. It’s rare to see anyone so completely absorbed in a single activity.

I never wanted this quiet, mindful life. I wanted to be on the road. I have missed so much about hearth life while on the road tracking dragons. I only had one thing to do: find the dragon. Now, watching this silent bathing ritual, I wonder if I’ve made the right choices. 

I lean back, close my eyes, and rest my head against the bath.

This trek put me back on the road but now I’m responsible for the lives of the children. The whole hearth put their confidence in me. I sense that Fengranye and Hanasorsha are alive, but I’m not sure. The separation from the rest of our party and especially from Sharna’s communication powers causes me doubt. 

The water ripples across my body. I’d like to just sleep here. I open my eyes and see a woman with piercing blue eyes nearby. She holds my square of fabric and gestures toward my back. I turn and allow her to wash my shoulders. Hot water runs down my neck and chest. She scoops water gently down my back. 

“Thank you” I say. In this culture, it is impolite to start unnecessary conversation. She doesn’t reply, just continues bathing my back and arms. She lifts my legs and washes each one, carefully avoiding a cut on my right leg. 

She holds up my hand, and I nod. 

She examines each finger, working the dirt from beneath my fingernails. She moves deliberately. The sense of this stranger’s care brings a lump to my throat. She lifts my feet and gives them the same thorough attention as she gave my fingers. When she finishes, she hands me my cloth and soap and swims away. I finish washing my face and my torso. Her kindness is part of the culture in the Heedful Hearth. Watching for one another’s needs means people rarely need to ask for help. I find they their natural quiet, collaboration a sweet balm for my tired heart. 

##

Astiah, Granye, and I hunch in front of the fire. The Heedful Hearth has provided us respite after the past week. Sarvastiah and Stacia are tending the horses before we all get some much-needed sleep. Astiah pokes a stick in the fire, restlessly. 

Granye looks grim and tired. 

“It’s day’s ride from here to the Hearth Yaartah. We’ll pick up supplies and head into the mountains from there. Once we leave the Yaartah, the road becomes much more difficult.”

Astiah stands up, pitches her stick into the fire. “It has been 12 days since they took the children! You don’t seem to feel any urgency at all. We should leave now.” 

Granye continues to stare into the fire, avoiding my gaze.

I say, “I believe the dragon doesn’t mean to harm them.”

“Why do you believe that?” Astiah’s face contorts with anger. 

“Dragons kill without remorse. If Svaart had wanted to kill them, he would have done it already. He keeps them alive …”

Granye looks up suspiciously. “Why keep them alive, Solis?”

Sarvastiah and Stacia enter the hearth noisily. They shuck off their boots, talking and laughing.  

Astiah says, “What aren’t you telling us, Solis?!”

Sarvastiah knits his eyebrows together glaring at Astiah. “Why are you shouting?”

Astiah begins to answer, but Granye holds up her hand, silencing Astiah.

I rub my hands together, staring into the fire, take in a deep breath. I have dreaded this moment since our trek began. 

“I believe Svaart is using the children to lure me.”

Everyone gasps. 

Astiah says, “You, why?”

“But, why?” Sarvastiah says.

Stacia stands outside the circle, as is the custom when conducting the business of another hearth. 

It’s difficult to explain without telling all that I know.

“When I came to your hearth, I came as a witness. Yes, I had retired from the Drakdarekam, but it is a lifetime oath. They sent me to watch for dragons in your valley. There is a legend that Svaart would return to the lands surrounding your home hearth. We predicted the imbalance, but the timing was uncertain. I’ll tell what I can without revealing the secrets of the Drakdarekam.”

Astiah explodes, “You knew Svaart was coming? You knew we were at risk?”

Granye stands and places a hand on Astiah’s shoulder.  

“Not specifically, no. We are… we were…” Again, I grapple with what I can and can’t say.

“What?!” Sarvastiah says in a deep, impatient voice. 

“We hoped to anticipate danger before something bad… something like this happened.” 

Everyone stands silent for an interval. 

Granye says, “Svaart took the children because of you? He selected our hearth as bait for YOU?”

“Possibly … ever since Sharna contacted the children, I have suspected that Svaart waits for me, keeping them alive to ensure that I will come. I believe the children are safe for now, but that doesn’t mean they are being cared for.”

Stacia, who hasn’t spoken during this conversation, says, “Should I prepare the horses to leave in the morning?”

I nod.

“We must get to the Drakdarekam as soon as possible. Tomorrow, we ride for the Hearth Yaartah. When we arrive, Astiah, Granye and I will lie in supplies and depart for the Valley of the Drakdarekam. Sarvastiah and Stacia will remain behind and wait for the rest of our party. I will help guide Sharna to the Drakdarekam once you are all reunited.”

“I’m not leaving another one of my children on their own.” 

Sarvastiah frowns. “I followed you on my own and saved Sharna from the jaguar. Stop treating me like I’m a baby.” 

Astiah stands with arms akimbo. She doesn’t know the harm impatience can do.

Granye stares at me. “Solis has gotten us this far. We can’t go on our own, Astiah. We have to trust her experience.” 

Astiah looks angry,but defeated. 

I turn to Stacia. “Pack the horses. Granye and I will speak to the Hearth Minder.” 

Astiah flops down in front of the fire resumes poking it with a stick. 

Granye nods at me, but I fear that Astiah’s agitation could endanger us all. 

##

The Hearth Yaartah is at the center of our lands. It is called different names by different hearths but most of the names mean either “heart” or “center.” All roads pass through the Hearth Yaartah. The Yaartah has everything you need. The Yaartah is the starting point for measuring all distances. It is also a waystation for all Wanderers. 

Unlike most hearths, it has more visitors than residents. Customary practices vary among residents; a small portion wander, but most live in Yaartah year-round. Men sometimes stay in in the hearth where they grew up and some people take partners for life. Staying with the same person for more than two seasons is considered odd in most hearths. I don’t judge, but I wouldn’t want to try it. The idea of trying to navigate a relationship with a sexual partner day after day exhausts me. I also wonder if it dulls the thrill of sex that most of us experience on the Return. 

The Yaartah is the home of many famous singers, players, and teachers. Restless youth dream of escaping what they believe is dull provincial life for the diversions of the Yaartah. I was one of them once. I came here just after my 15th Feast of the Return. Many friends, long gone, fill my memories of this hearth. 

Our interest here is a massive open market. We can get the supplies for our journey to the Valley of the Drakdarekam. The road is treacherous, but I hope we can make it in less than five days. Astiah and Sarvastiah have gone to collect the food we’ll need. 

Granye and I wander the market. My vaghen helps me find a skilled armorer who is a Drakdarekam. I also need to arrange to cache supplies for the rest of our party. I’m searching for the shorter bows that we can use on horseback. They are useful for hunting but also for defense against the wild beasts we might encounter in the mountains. I’ll purchase arrows that can pierce dragon skin as well. We will also need ropes, blankets for the horses, and warmer cloaks for all of us. 

Sarvastiah and Stacia are experiencing the Yaartah Hearth for the first time. I regret I don’t have time to show them some of my favorite spots. 

As night falls we gather around the fire. I lean against a wall, considering the road ahead. The difference between me and all my companions is that I know what lies ahead. I think Granye senses, but Astiah is reckless and that worries me. Her son is more reflective, and I regret leaving him behind because he balances her worst impulses. 

Granye stretches her hands out in front of the fire.

“Stacia, can you tell us a story from your hearth?”

Stacia nods, studying the fire. 

We all settle. Storytelling is a beloved pastime in all hearths.

##

The Story of Creation

In the beginning, there was Waaora, the Low Dragon of the East. Waaora created the sea, and it delighted in its creation. The water flowed to the sea and cycled endlessly between the sky and sea. 

The Dragon in the East, tired of solitude, decided to search for a companion. It swam deep down in the sea but found nothing. 

Waaora passed over the water for hundreds of moons, searching for a companion. At last, it came upon an island in the west. It climbed from the sea and marveled at the trees, fruit, flowers, and grass that grew there.  Waaora wondered how this miracle came to pass but grew tired and lay down to rest. 

The Low Dragon of the West had breathed out land. It sculpted islands, shoals, and canyons in the vast sea. It created the red Hearth Moon and set it overhead. Then added a pale green Wandering Moon and set it spinning across the heavens on its meandering path.  

Then the Low Dragon of the West appeared and said, “Who is this that has come to rest on my beautiful land?” 

The Low Dragon of the East leapt up with joy at finding another of its own kind. “I am Waaora, the Dragon from the Low East. I breathed out the sea and all the waters of this world.” 

Then the Low Dragon of the West answered, “It is well that we met. I am Maatai, the Earth Dragon of the Low West. I breathed out land in the midst of the vast sea. I sculpted all the land you see. I created the red Hearth moon and set it overhead and created pale green Wandering moon and set it spinning on its path.”  

The dragons embraced, making the land and sea rise as one. 

Waaora and Maatai sculpted a new world so that the land and sea were an inseparable part of a greater whole. 

For eons, Waaora and Maatai lived in harmony, refining their world each day. In the bottom of the sea there arose canyons, rocky ravines, and sandy expanses of great beauty. On the land there appeared crystalline lakes and rushing rivers. 

One day, Waaora and said “Maatai, our creation is very beautiful, but I grow restless. The moon you created wanders and returns, but where does it go?” 

Then Maatai answered, “Waaora, let us follow the pale green moon.”

And so, Waaora and Maatai set out together following the moon on its trek. 

After many eons, they came upon the icy world of the High Dragon of the West. They marveled at the beautiful white world. 

The High Dragon of the West lived in a world of frozen water. As it went to and fro, it breathed ice over the waters and made for itself a place to rest. 

Waaora and Maatai wondered how this miracle came to pass then the two Dragon Creators lay down to rest. 

Then the High Dragon of the West called out, “Who is this that has come to rest on my beautiful land?”

Waaora said, “It is I Waaora, the Low Dragon of the East, who created all the water in this world.”

Maatai said, “It is I Maatai, the Low Dragon of the West, who created all the land in this world.”

The High Dragon of the West answered, “It is well that we met. I am Jaatah, the Ice Dragon of the High West. I breathed out ice in the midst of the vast sea and on all the land. I have made glaciers, ice floes, and icebergs. I cool our world when it grows too hot.” 

Then the three dragons embraced. For eons Waaora, Maatai, and Jaatah lived in harmony, refining their beautiful world each day. Snow caps appeared on the mountain tops. Glaciers carved magnificent valleys and ground mountains into stones and snowy rivers. 

One day, Waaora and said “Jaatah, our creation is very beautiful, but I grow restless. The sun comes up each morning, but where does it come from?” 

So Waaora, Maatai, and Jaatah set out to find the source of the sun. They traveled for many eons. At last, they came to a warm place with craggy cones spewing fire. They saw that it was very beautiful. 

Waaora, Maatai, and Jaatah wondered how this miracle came to pass then the three dragons lay down to rest.

Then the High Dragon of the East called out, “Who is this that has come to rest on my beautiful land?”

Waaora said, “It is I Waaora, the Low Dragon of the East, I created all the water in this world.”

Maatai said, “It is I Maatai, the Low Dragon of the West I created all the land in this world.”

Jaatah said, “It is I, Jaatah, the High Dragon of the West I created all the ice in this world.”

The High Dragon of the East answered, “It is well that we met. I am Svaart, the Fire Dragon of the High East. I breathed fire and sent a great ball into the sky to light the world. I create warmth and light. I cleanse the world and make all things new.” 

The four dragons embraced. The world’s mountains spewed out hot blood on the earth, rich with minerals and nutrients to feed the trees and animals. Soon there arose new forms of life. Fish swam in the seas. Horse appears in the valleys and jaguars appeared in the woodlands. Birds flew through the air. Waaora, Maatai, Jaatah, and Svaart gathered around the great fire that Svaart kept burning day and night. The dragons all shared the warmth of the hearth and helped Svaart to tend the fire.

Waaora was content that all of creation was complete. 

Maatai said, “We four dragons created this beautiful world together. Waaora made the seas and all the water in this world.”

Jaatah said, “We four dragons made this good world together. Maatai made all the beautiful lands in this world.”

Svaart said, “We four dragons created this rich world together. Jaatah made all the ice in the world to cool and replenish the waters of the world.”

Waaora said, “We four dragons created this complete world together. Svaart made the sun in the sky and provides the world with all the richness it needs. It is the Dragon of the High East who has the power to nurture, cleanse, and destroy all life.”

All the dragons agreed that this was true. 

Waaora said, “I was alone, but I found the other dragons of this world. This whole world is a beautiful world. This whole world is a good world. This whole world is a rich world. This whole world is a complete world. This world will also change. We four will maintain its balance.” 

All the dragons agreed that this was true. 

After many days together, playing in the day and resting at Svaart’s hearth, they retreated to their lairs, knowing that they were no longer alone. 

It is said that Waaora, Maatai, Jaatah, and Svaart hold the world in their jaws and their balance is perfection. When this world changes, the dragons will restore balance. 

##

I sleep poorly. I dream over and over of the dark valley and my battle with Svaart.

Whatever waits for me at the end of this journey is full of foreboding.  

When I wake, I search for Sharna to communicate our progress and to see if Taiye has recovered, but I can’t find her. It’s as though her mind has gone dark. This worries me. I want to confide my worries to Granye, but she is already weighed down with worries of her own.