Inca 2 : Scourge of the Sun 10

[ismenin]

and what has this pic to do with inca one may ask? nothing at all - just thought i'd share. it's me and my sis and joan, our friend at the back, with my dad. pat is the one nearly on dad's lap, and i'm the one with the daft hat on standing next to joan. ;D dad is wearing his brother's old sailor hat, in case you're wondering.

anyway - arm update. it damn well hurts. the humerus does not get plastered so i can feel the bones grating each time i move. such fun. still, it reminds me of c4 cos i was recovering from breaking it when i met li'l lij so it brings back happy memories.

i'm posting this now, just in case i can;t do it later. i hope you like it. i dreamt the whole thing, and i like doing that. the visuals, howver can never be adequately described in words.





wow, that was difficult to do with one hand and short fat fingers.

thanks as always to lady sunrope for beta.


Part 10 - The Seeing

Dom made sure Lizhe was comfortable in his bed and immediately went back with Will to the healing-house to see how Yupanque was faring.

The healer would not let him in, but Rimac, hearing his friend's voice, came to the door. He looked shaken and distressed, which Dom thought quite natural.

"He is asleep, now.” Rimac said, “ The healers gave him something, which combined with Amaru's potion sent him off again very quickly. He is in much pain, of course, but that I expected."

Rimac's lip trembled. "The leg is very swollen, Dom. It looks bad. I..."

Dom put his arm around his friend and held him tight. "Do you wish us to stay here - outside? We will if you think it will afford you comfort."

Will nodded. "Aye, we will. Forbye, in a fetch like this a man needs his friends about him."

Rimac managed a tremulous smile. "I thank you for this, but I see no point in you sitting about in the hot sun. You may think kind thoughts of him whatever you are doing. You do not need to stay...indeed, neither must I. I promised him I would not leave him. I must go. Pray to the Gods that he will recover..."

With a squeeze of his friends' hands, Rimac was gone.

Will rubbed his face. "Aye, the lad's right. And here is Kon wanting you, I think. He is hovering over there but hasna taken his eye off ye since we came outdoors."

Dom looked round, and it was true; Kon stood by a tree gazing at them both. Dom went over to him, conscious that the boy was a little in awe of them, which slightly amused Dom, as he was not afraid - patently not afraid - of Lizhe, who held the fate of the entire Land in the palm of his hand.

"Do you want us, Kon? What is it, lad?" Dom asked, stooping in front of the boy. Kon shuffled about on his feet, seemingly unwilling to say what he wanted. Dom noticed that the little girl - Pacha - was hiding behind the tree, a finger stuck in her mouth.

Kon did not look frightened, so Dom ventured to ask again. This time the boy smiled at him. "Lizhe - God - said he would go unto the wood with us to find Pacha a cuy. The cooks say she cannot have one from the enclosure, they are to eat and it would not be fitting if every child wanted a pet and there were none left to eat."

"My Tayta said he would come, but he has been asked to help build a house over there..." - Kon pointed to where several men were constructing a stone and wood building, and Dom was just wondering where they got the stone to build on this island, when Kon continued - "...and Lizhe did promise me he would go in his stead."

Dom smiled. "Lizhe is asleep, now, Kon. He is very tired after helping Yupanque." The look on Kon's face showed he knew nothing of the accident. "He was hurt and Lizhe helped him. But we are here - and will help you find a pet. Come, Pacha - help us to find you the prettiest and fattest cuy on the island!"

The girl grinned and came forward and held Kon's hand. Will stooped and asked her what colour animal she would like. "A brown one, or black." she said, unhesitatingly. "It will help if it were not like Kon's."


Half an hour later, Will murmured to Dom, rubbing a barked shin where he had tripped over a root in pursuit of the chosen animal, "if I had known it would be this difficult, by the Rood, I'd have brought a sack!"

Dom laughed. "Kon has a sack, you loon, tied about his waist. Can you not see it? But first, my Lord, we have to capture the creature before we can put it in the sack."

Will snorted. "The damn thing has gone t' earth. It were a gae fine one, too.”

Kon and Pacha were sitting under a tree in the dense undergrowth that existed at the centre of the island. Dom could see he was showing her what his father had taught him about knotting a quipu on a strip of vine, and Dom left them there. It would be easier to catch the animal if the children were not squealing excitedly beside them, and frightening the cuy away.

Will had torn his tunic, bruised his thigh and lost his temper more than once before the chosen creature was resting safe and quietly in Kon's sack. Dom, stiffening rapidly now the chase was over, suggested that they went to bathe off the dirt and anoint their bruises before finding something to eat. This plan suited Will admirably and, as they left the two children introducing the animal to Kon's pet in the hutch, Will grinned at his friend.

"Did you manage t' see whether it was a male, Dom? There will be nae babbies, else."

Dom winced. His back was paining him. After all, he had not long risen from his sick bed, and was still a little weak.

"It was a male, Will. The thing bit my finger, too, when I was trying to see. One would think I was trying to castrate the creature."

Will patted his friend's shoulder. "A bath, some food and a rest and we'll be in fine fettle again."

Dom grinned. "I fervently hope that none other of the children ask us to find them a pet, Will. Once was definitely enough!"

They walked into the bath house laughing, and Dom pointed out that if the two cuy were to produce offspring, there would be plenty of creatures to share about with the other children. "And the spare ones they can eat," he remarked optimistically, settling into the hot water with a groan.


Lizhe was awake by the time Dom returned to his chamber, and was sitting in bed enjoying a meal. He was looking pale, but composed, and he had stopped shaking. Dom was satisfied as was Will who had accompanied him.
Amaru came and stood at the door, and was invited in by Lizhe as Dom called for more food.

The discussion was centred around Yupanque. Amaru said he had gone to see if the lad still slept, and the healer had told him that he had woken, and was in much pain.

"Is there nothing we can do for him, Lizhe," Dom asked, quietly, "without you spending so much of your strength?"

Lizhe shook his head. "I will perform the healing chant tomorrow, and every day until I am sure he will live," Lizhe said in a tone that brooked no refusal, "But I am not sure..."

Just as he was about to reveal his innermost thoughts on the matter, Rimac appeared in the doorway. He was patently under much stress, and knelt, asking for admittance.

His errand was soon revealed. Refusing all offers of refreshment he came quickly to the point. Head bowed, he addressed Lizhe. "I came to ask God if he would discover for me whether my love will live or die. I need to know it. I beg you, Lord, to tell me..."

His voice failed him, and he swallowed hard, and leaning his head on Lizhe’s shoulder, wept. Lizhe gathered the distressed man in his arms, and held him until his sobs died away.

Will was puzzled. "How can Lizhe know this? Surely..."

Amaru enlightened him. "He is asking God to take the leaves and find the answer."

Dom's voice was loud and flat in the silence that followed, broken only by Rimac's harsh breathing as he tried to remain silent. "No. I will not allow him to hazard his life again. The answer is No!"

Lizhe looked up at Dom, who had stood as fear and anger took hold of him. The Inca's face was expressionless, but his eyes resting on Dom's face were filled with compassion and love. "It is not for you, my Dom, to say yea or nay to any of my actions, but this you know. I do not blame you for it, but the decision is mine."

Dom knelt suddenly at Lizhe's side and stared into his lover's face. "But you will die, my love. Each time you take them, the powder leeches your life-force from you. Is there no other way?"

Rimac, regaining full command of himself, sat up and wiped his eyes, looking at Dom. "Only God can perform the seeing-ritual. Only God can discover what will happen in the future, as he is the only man who has seen the Mighty and Holy Viracocha face to face. No-one else has ever done so, except the living God."

There was silence for a few moments as Dom and Lizhe gazed into each others eyes - one asking forgiveness and the other desperate with grief. Then a voice shattered the silence.

Amaru spoke. "This is not true, Rimac. There is another in this room who has met with the God Viracocha face to face and has spoken with him.

All eyes were fixed on Amaru's face, but Amaru was looking only at Dom. "I am sorry to have broken my word to you, Dom - but God must know of this, that he may be spared death by the leaves."

Then Amaru looked at Lizhe whose face was blank with incomprehension. "The Auqui Dom Huascar has spoken with God, my Lord. It is true - ask him."

Lizhe's voice was barely a whisper. "Dom?"

Dom swallowed. "We have never spoken of what happened in the Holy Shrine on the Mountain, Lizhe. Do you wish now, to hear of it?"

Lizhe nodded. "If it will save Yupanque for Rimac, I will hear it - but tell me no more than is necessary, Dom, for it is not lawful that some things be spoken."

Here Lizhe turned to Amaru. "You have heard this, cousin. Is there anything forbidden to be spoken contained in Dom's tale?"

Amaru shook his head. "If he tells you exactly what he revealed to me in all innocence, there is nothing that all men may not hear. He does not remember the words spoken to him by God, so no blasphemy took place."

Lizhe took Dom's hands in his as Rimac moved from Lizhe's side the better to hear Dom speak.

Dom, his eyes fixed upon Lizhe, repeated quietly what he had told Amaru lying on his sickbed, the day he and Manco's son became friends.

Lizhe's face was paler than chalk as Dom concluded his tale, but he neither looked away nor removed his hands. Instead he kissed Dom, gently, on both cheeks. "You have indeed been blessed, my love. I have no doubt that it was the Holy Viracocha who spoke to you, and I am glad he made you happy, even if you do not remember his words to you."

Rimac, too, approached Dom and kissed him. Then he looked towards Lizhe, desperation in his eyes. "Lord, will you allow Dom, if he is willing, to do this thing? I would know if my love will live or die."

Dom spoke before Lizhe could ask him. "I am willing, if God will permit me to do so. Lizhe?"

Lizhe nodded, relief apparent upon his face. "Will you do it, now, Dom? The fact that you have eaten will lessen the strength of the powder. It should answer - as we do not know if it will harm you."

Amaru stood. "I will fetch what is needful, Lord," and Lizhe nodded permission as he left the room.

Will had said nothing and Dom knew it was because all that had been said was outside his understanding. But Dom also knew that Will was certain that Lizhe would not have consented if he thought Dom might be irreparably harmed by what he was about to do. He smiled at his friend and received a grin in reply. "Och, ye loon! Go on, then. Lord, may I stay and watch with my friend?"

Lizhe's look fell gentle on Will's anxious face. "You may stay, loyal friend. I am certain he will be heartened by your presence, is that not so, my love?"

Dom returned no answer, but his nod at Will was reassuring. Amaru returned with the leaves, powder and a jug of coca. Lizhe rose from the bed, put on his tunic, and bid Dom lie in his place.

He handed Dom three leaves and told him to soften them, but not swallow. Then he put a portion of the powder on a leaf and told Dom to mix it well with the leaves before swallowing.

The leaves Dom had taken before, but the powder was bitter to the taste and he was glad to drink the coca that Lizhe offered him to wash the substance down.

Within a few minutes the powder and leaf mixture began to take effect and the room, and Lizhe's face hovering anxiously before him, began to recede as if in a mist.

He left the room - how he did not understand - and went to the healing house where Yupanque lay, quietly moaning, as a healer dressed in some animal skin, shook a rattle made out of a gourd over the lad's trembling frame.

Then he flew out through the roof and into the sky. He saw the island below him, and far in the west, ships in the natural harbour formed by the tide.

He flew up into the mountain - up to the tallest hill. Then he saw it was the Holy City, silent and abandoned, resting in the mist. He flew up past the Holy Shrine, the path now gone, the way hidden from all eyes, and he came to rest at the summit, between the two towers, looking down upon the city of Ixtil, where he saw all his family - Lizhe's family, all safe and well. Ispaca, on his crutches was watching Hualpa build a stone mound, three feet high, in front of the large building, and he knew this cairn was a sign that all was well with their family. Near him were Pima and Will's two boys, and Lissa and Dom's two children by Quisbe, and Lizhe's youngest child, Dom-Dom, were playing in a sand-pit nearby.

As he stood there looking down on the people that he loved, a voice whispered quietly in his ear. "Ah! Dom Huascar! You have taken Aralizhe's place. In this you have saved his life, for one more dose of the powder and leaves would have killed him, and what use could he then be to his people? Huascar is too young. Aralizhe must live. See to it - the potion will not harm you as it harms him."

The figure behind him came and stood in front of him, and Dom saw it was the same man to whom he had spoken in his dream. The Holy Viracocha, crowned with Sun, Moon and Stars, smiled at him. "I will tell you no more than it is needful to know, for some things are best hidden from the hearts of men. Ask no questions of me - do not speak."

Dom bowed his head.

"Rimac need not fear. Yupanque will live, although he will remain sick for some time. He will not be able to leave the island for many months, but he will be healed - both his arm and leg will be renewed."

The Holy Viracocha looked down kindly upon Dom, his face filled with compassion. "The journey will not be easy, but for you the road is doubly hard. Take courage, my son, the end cannot always be seen from the beginning, nor can you outrun your fate. Love will find a way. Kiss Aralizhe for me, for I love him dearly. And Pachacutec, who I am also, and Manuel, who dwells within me, desire to embrace him. Go, now, before the powder takes you, and you will not wish to return to the land of mortal men. Farewell, my brave son. You have done well."

Dom flew off the mountain-top and down past the Holy City to which there was now no path up from the Valley, for the green grass covered it.

Down, down to the island, where he landed with a jolt in his bed. His eyes flew open, and Lizhe held a cup to his lips and he drank thirstily.

He looked about him and saw that it was dark outside. He wondered at this for it had been daylight when he had taken the powder only minutes before.

"Amaru, fetch Rimac immediately, He must be the first to hear what Dom Huascar has to reveal to us."

Will's voice sounded shaken. "Are ye all right, lad? Ye've been gone from us a long time."

Dom's voice did not sound like his own when he tried to speak. "I am well," he managed, before Lizhe pressed a finger to his lips. "Rest a few moments more, mi corazon. You will have more strength to tell Rimac what he desires to hear - if it is indeed good news."

Dom nodded, and Lizhe's face lost some of its tenseness. He closed his eyes against the giddiness that assailed him, and he sensed another presence at his side. It was Rimac.

Lizhe's voice broke the silence. "Did God speak to you, Dom?"

"He did."

"Do not reveal his words exactly. Just tell us what he said to you."

Dom coughed, and tried to clear his head to do as the Inca requested. "Yupanque will live, and be whole again." He heard Rimac choke, and felt him kiss his hand. "It will take time, but he will be well."

He paused for a few moments, wondering whether it was permitted to tell Lizhe what he had seen. He asked, in a whisper, his eyes still fast shut.

Lizhe touched his face. "Did you see them, Dom?"

"Will," he croaked, and Will moved closer. "I saw Pima and your boys, they are safe.” He felt Will's head rest on his arm for a moment, and his friend's body tremble beside him. "They were playing in a sand-pit. Our children, Lizhe - all safe! All safe, and the Coya and Quisbe, too... Ispaca... all are safe!"

He felt a tear fall on his face. "Rest, now, my love. If there is more to hear, it will keep. Rest!" Lizhe's lips touched his, soft and sweet, and, lying in Lizhe's arms he fell into a natural sleep, where no dreams came, and he did not wake until the morning sun fell bright upon his eyelids.

Comments

[arabia764.livejournal.com]

I think that's a fine hat you're wearing! You look most fetching.

The arm must be a real nightmare, I don't think I could stand it. Hang in there, you sound much more cheerful than I would be. I hope it heals as fast as possible.

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

I love the picture. You were such a cutie. Poor dear, I hope your arm will heal quickly.

How wonderful that Dom was able to take the leaves, so the Lizhe wouldn't have to. And you dreamed this. I would imagine you hated waking up.

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

Marvelous! Dom took the leaves to save Lizhe's life, and Yupanque will be well. I hope he remembers to tell him he can't take the leaves again.

"The journey will not be easy, but for you the road is doubly hard." Oh no. This is worrying.

I love the picture. It must be nice to have a pic of your dad and sister with you. I love your hat, too. I wonder if it was something that was one of your favorites at the time?

Poor Issi's arm. Are you able to take any pain medicine to help with the pain? I do so hope it doesn't stay bad for too long.

Thanks for posting this now. Take care, love.

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

Love 'old' pictures especially charmingly informal poses like yours - and the bonnet is very sweet! So sorry to hear your are still in pain and hope it eases off soon. I've never broken any bones [touch wood!!! yes please!!] so do not really know what it is like but I can imagine. *hugs*

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

Oh, Ru. I'm so sorry you're in such pain. It's too bad you don't still have that hat. If you put it on now, I'm sure it would cheer you up. *sends quick-healing thoughts your way*

What a wonderful dream you had, and what a wonderful and informative dream Dom had! I'm so happy he saw the whole family safe. And I'm so pleased that Viracocha called Dom "my brave son". The warning about the road being doubly hard for Dom concerns me greatly but I'm oddly comforted otherwise.

In related news, I saw a program on The Science Channel last night called "Hot Rocks". The host visited Peru and talked about the Inca Empire. They showed the terraces that allowed them to use the difficult terrain as farmland and they told how they discovered what crops would grow in what region. They showed the store houses built into the steep cliffs high above one of the cities that is still occupied today. Their roads and the drainage system cut into them were also featured. Then, the narrator mentioned the runners and how many hundreds of miles they could cover in a day, and he spoke of quipu and held up the knotted ropes. I was so excited that I already knew much of what the show covered, due to my lovely source, Issi! Don't let anyone tell you that pron isn't educational. :D

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

That's a lovely pic of you and family + Joan :)

Sorry to hear your arm is really painful, my love. Take care and I hope the painkillers keep working. Your description of the grating bones made me wince :(

Wouldn't it be wonderful if Lij came back when you were recovering from this fracture...? *fingers crossed*

Love from us both
XXXXXXX

[frolijah-fan-54.livejournal.com]

Loved this chapter - it didn't occur to me when Dom was telling Amaru about his dream that it meant he'd be able to take the leaves and save Lizhe's life. What a wonderful development!! ANd that he was able to see their families well and safe - but I'm worried about what is ahead for them both. The are probably going to have to leave Yupanque and Rimac there and go on without them - that has me doubly worried. This keeps getting better and better!! Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful story.

I'm so sorry you are in so much pain - wish I could send Elijah right over to make it feel better. You seem to be in such good spirits despite the pain - you are amazing. And I loved the pic of your family - what a special memory!! I hope the pain eases very soon - *BIG HUGS*

[slipperieslope.livejournal.com]

My what dreams you and Dom have! I thought of you with all the naming of the wonders of the world and so many in South America! I kept on looking at ruins and trying to envision them alive and populated with your characters!

((hugs you gently))

This is such a good story! Thank you so much for sharing!

I hate your arm is bothering you. They do such odd things with broken bones nowadays. I broke my arm so long ago it was a plaster cast and everybody signed it and fought over who got to carry my tray at school. And I clunked the boy who would later marry my cousin over the head with it when he grabbed me during a spirited game of cops and robbers in my grandmothers front yard.

Hmmm... seems to me the cast itched and stank and my arm shriveled away to almost nothing, while wearing it. Maybe these new ways are a better idea! I hope so!

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

I printed this out to read in bed and thoroughly enjoyed it! Aww, bless Dom for taking the leaves instead of putting our beloved Lizhe in danger and thank goodness it was good news about Yupanque... and about the Royal Family's safety.

I'm liking Amaru more and more the more I learn about him.

Thanks very much for posting this despite your injury, dearest Issi. Please don't worry if you can't post the next chapter on time, we can wait!

Love and gentle hugses (((((Issi)))))
XXXXXXX

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

Such a lovely, charming picture. What a treasure!

And I loved this chapter - you dreamed it all? Lucky you! Loved that Dom was able to take the leaves in Lizhe's stead, and that he got to bring such good news back to both Rimac and Lizhe.

Such love!

Get better soon, dear.

x

[chickenlegs-11.livejournal.com]

Aww you look very sweet in your lovely bonnet!

A beautiful, very moving Chapter. I adored it. Thank you so much for sharing it despite the pain you are in, poor luv. *gentle hugs*

[pattilovesviggo.livejournal.com]

I love the photo, you looking elegant as always, me a wriggling child :D
Dear Dad, and Joan. Happy Days.

Dom is such a marvelous partner for Lizhe, and was able to help this time, to save his God`s life.
I loved the vision of flying everywhere to see the family. I wish I had dreams like yours. So cool.

I hope you feel better soon, it was good to see you yesterday.

[verangel.livejournal.com]

Issi…I can’t tell you how beautiful this was. It was such an incredible chapter. You have given Dom such a gift in placing him about equal to Lizhe. From the moment Amaru opened his mouth and revealed the secret it was magical and so special, my heart felt good. Dom was deserving of this honor.
It was sad when I read that Dom’s journey would be doubly hard. I am very fearful of what pain is in store. But I couldn’t help but feel that the words indicated by the Holy Viracocha revealed that beautiful and gentle Aralizhe would live on. I loved the way the God loves him and the kisses to him. I also was thrilled in the love shown to Dom and respect that he saved Lizhe’s life for he would have certainly died.
The tears of love dropping on Dom’s face as Lizhe hovers over him, loving him so much.
This chapter made me feel peaceful, light, and happy. I needed that. I love this story so much. It was torture to wait till Monday night to print it. But it was well worth the wait.
I am sorry you are suffering. I hate that and hope that they can do something for your arm. Kisses and hugs.

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

Thank you so much for sharing the picture!!! *prints fic from here*

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

I can't believe that I have fallen so behind. I hope you can forgive me. I don't have time to read, and since they are being so bad at work I can't print either -but they are just excuses.

I have to tell you first and foremost that your Dom hits uncomfortably close to home *shivers* It's very difficult for me to read some promises he makes to himself KNOWING he's going to fail them because I WOULD fail them myself. Your Dom and me are too similar. Way too similar. And it makes me uncomfortable *giggles*

I am so glad that Dom told Lizhe about his visions, and that he took the leafs for him!!! I can't tell you how relieved I am that Yumpakee is going to be okay!

(and on a side note, I might need time, but I would comment on every chapter until I manage to catch up. No need to answer me, though *wink-wink*)

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Lovely idiot! I wouldn't dream of being so rude as not to answer fb on my story. :D
Poor Dom, yes, but, like you, he doesn't give up! I'm so glad you think my Dom is a believable character. That heartens me a lot. Just read when you can - it isn't going anywhere! Loves ya! xxxxxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

Thank you for understanding me, Ru. It means A LOT for me, really *hugs*