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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

In The Valley - Part 6

The Tale of the Guardians

Centuries ago the land was lush, bountiful and full of many people and animals. A collection of villages, whose inhabitants were known as the SaHillelyra, lay in the midst of the land. They were a tall, strong, intelligent people with kind hazel eyes and quiet melodious voices. They were easily identified by the Platinum streak of hair that extended from the front to the back of their heads. It was said that they were born with the knowledge of the Lands. The SaHillelyra built their homes with material from the forests around them, always being careful to use only what was necessary and to replant what was taken. Some among them could name every plant and its medicinal purpose. Thus they were greatly sought by those who were sick around them.

 They were stewards who watched over the land and cared for its inhabitants. Whatever anyone needed, they would either provide or teach them to do for themselves. The SaHillelyra people lived in harmony, led by seven SaRah, known as the guardians. The SaRah travelled to a central point in the land, known only to the most trusted. There they would commune with the One and give thanks for the blessings of their tribes. The details of the ceremonies were only shared as needed. Much mystery surrounded the Guardians.

    As time went on, strangers arrived in the land. Most were friendly and became members of the villages. One day a dark shadow was seen off in the distant northern sky. At first, the people barely noticed it. Slowly the dark shadow began to grow larger and the people grew concerned.

      The Zavala, a group of the new inhabitants, began to mumble about trouble brewing in the North. They spoke of creatures that would swarm over the inhabitants of a land and attack, maim, and destroy anyone in their path. They were called the Capote. A fierce, dark, stealthy creature with razor sharp claws, slimy skin, and morphing bodies.  It was frightening to watch them take on the outer image of things near them.  Looking closely, a slight rippling could be seen along the surface of their new shape.  The SaRah noticed this and communicated a warning to the people.

       The SaRah already knew what was happening and had made secret preparations. They brought each of their villages together and taught them how to fortify their defenses. A new style of dress was designed so that the villagers were protected from head to toe as long as they wore the battle dresses. The young and very old were secreted away through underground passages.  Warning outposts were setup to sound the alarm when the Capote reached the outskirts of the land.

        Using a system of interconnected tree roots, the SaHillelyra scouts used instruments that made sounds like thunder. As the Capote crossed the borders, the thunder began to rumble across the land. The SaRah had instructed the people to continue with their daily activities but to stay ready for battle. It would take more than a day for the rampaging Capote to reach the villages.