Inca 2 : Scourge of the Sun 12

[ismenin]

hello, there! lsr had beta'ed this early so i thought i'd post it now. sigh. i do like these men a lot - can you guess?

the sun is shining in welsh wales and my "wonder of the incas" flowers have started blooming in the front garden. when the blossoms come out i'll post a piccie. ;D

just a word to all my flist out there - i'm glad you're my friends. i value you. hugses.

ps - sorry if you got this twice in your inbox, just me being an lj nerd!





grateful thanks to lady sunrope for beta'ing on her holiday. thanks, friend!!


Part 12 - Duty and Understanding



They made love that night, and Dom gazing up into Lizhe's face as his lover's climax took him could not help the tears that slid, unwanted, from his eyes.

Lizhe kissed each wet cheek in turn, and then Dom's lips as they lay together, sated, in the warm evening air.

Dom nestled into Lizhe's arms as they whispered, soft and low, the things that lovers say.

"When I see your face when you...like that...it often brings me to tears," Dom murmured, knowing that Lizhe would believe it, although this time...this time it was not the truth.

If it was in his power to make the decisions, they would remain here, on this hidden island in the middle of a river that no large ship could navigate, so rapid were the waters. If the choice were his, and things were different, he and his Lizhe would live here, watching Kon rear cuy and help to build a house of their own near the trees. If it had not been for their beloved children - their sweet women - and the inescapable fact that Aralizhe Pachacuti was both God and King, ruling over millions of his subjects, firmly but fairly, and looking after the welfare of the cities, towns and villages in his domain as carefully as he regulated the happenings in his own household which meant such thoughts of remaining in this place became dreams and nothing more.

Dom smiled into his lover's shoulder as he remembered that, a year before, a dispute had arisen between two of the Sapa Inca's sons, borne to him by Virgins of the Sun, and who lived in the house with the Mama-cona, next to the palace in the Holy City.

The argument had centred on a toy horse made by Will and David, the ownership of which was claimed by both lads.

Lizhe had smiled down at the two boys aged six and seven, kneeling at their father's feet before he called them up the steps to him, and put an arm around each boy's shoulder.

"...and he broke his horse, Father, and then he wanted mine. I lent it to him because he was crying, but when I saw how he treated it, I took it back. He said I'd given it to him and it was his, now - but I didn't, Tayta, I only lent it. I'm afraid he will break mine, too, so I do not want to share it any longer."

The seven year old boy pressed his lips together firmly, and folded his arms, but he still, however, clutched hard at his toy. His father smiled at him. "Before it broke, did Pacari share his toy with you, Urco?"

Urco nodded. "He did, Tayta. But he was careless with it, and I. Do. Not. want mine broken, too," he declared with decided emphasis.

The Mama-cona frowned at the lad; such heated emotions displayed before God was not a thing to be tolerated. However Lizhe had looked down at her as she crawled forward, preparing to chastise the boy, and shook his head slightly, so she bowed her acquiescence and stayed where she was.

Dom, who was standing at Lizhe's side, had not known how to resolve the matter, but Lizhe was the father of over thirty children, and Dom relaxed, knowing that his love was well aware how he should proceed.

"If I ask you to do so, " he said to the young lad, still hugging his prized possession to his chest, "will you give up your horse to your little brother?"

The child's eyes filled with tears, but he stilled his quivering lip and answered firmly, "if you ask it of me, I will do it, Tayta."

Lizhe patted the boy's back, and held him still closer in the circle of his arm. "Then give it to him, my son," Lizhe said, not unkindly, and the boy handed over his precious toy and lowered his head so that none should see his tears.

"Dom Huascar, would you pass me the bag that lies at my feet?" The Inca had smiled up at his love, and Dom remembered handing him the article he desired. Out of it he had taken a fine brown horse, new, and freshly painted. Dom had known instantly that Will had carved this. It was larger than the other one, now being fondled by its new owner, who stared at the newly revealed toy, greed apparent in his young eyes.

"Urco, my son, this new horse is yours should you so desire it. But first I will ask if you would prefer to have your old one returned to you, and that I should give this one to your brother."

Urco's eyes lit with joy. "I would like old Cusi returned to me, my Tayta. I love him, and he is part of me, now. Pacari may have the new one."

Dom smiled as Lizhe drew his son into his arms and held him tight. Pacari, too received an embrace, as he handed the disputed horse shyly back to his brother, and took the new toy from his father's hand.

"Do not be rough with it, Pacari, and look after it with more care than you did the last one," his father admonished with a smile and a friendly pat that softened the command within the words.

Lizhe dipped his hand into the bag once more and brought out another new horse - a glossy black stallion with red leather reins and saddle. He gave it to Urco, who had stared up at his father with glistening eyes. "Because your heart has proved large with love, my son, and because you were willing to sacrifice something that you cherished because of my word, I give to you this horse. His name is Manco. Love him, take care of him, and help your brother - who is younger than are you - to care for his horse, also. And, Urco...teach him, by your example, to share."

A veritable Solomon, was his love.

Dom had watched the boys kiss their father, then he kissed them and had smiled as they walked out of the room, clutching their toys and chatting together in perfect friendship.

"Urco will make a great leader, for he knows that sometimes one needs to sacrifice to a higher will," Lizhe had whispered in Dom's ear as they left the children's house. His lover had been right. Sometimes sacrifices were necessary.

Dom, as he lay there watching Lizhe drift into sleep, hoped with all his heart that he would not be required to sacrifice that which he adored above all living things. His experiences had yet to reveal to him any deity that was not a jealous god.

He put his arm around Lizhe's waist, and willed himself to sleep.

******

The group sat around Yupanque's pallet - Lizhe, Dom, Will, Amaru and Rimac. It had been a week since the accident and although the man was still in pain, Lizhe had said it was necessary to admit him to the group to hear what he had decided.

"We must leave tomorrow," Lizhe said, simply. "We have delayed here long enough. I must try to reach Qoylurani and organise our forces to defend my people. What say you?"

He glanced around the group and Dom saw that although Rimac's face held a pale, pinched look, he was calm and accepting. Will nodded.

"I think ye're right, Lord. We must set forward as soon as it is light."

Lizhe glanced at his cousin. "Amaru, I will leave the preparations to you - the boats and supplies and the other considerations. I am sure you know better than any of us what is needful. I am assured you will attend to it well, as you have always done."

Amaru bowed his head. "It shall be as you command, great God."

Rimac squared his shoulders, and glanced at Amaru. "I will leave my Panque in your good hands, my friend. I know you will care for him as I would wish, for you always had a kindness for me, as did I for you."

The injured man reached for his lover and squeezed the trembling hand comfortingly. "I have no fear of being left here whilst you do your duty, my love. Your first duty must ever be to God..."

His voice faltered as the look on Rimac's face coalesced into an expression of utter misery. Lizhe caught Dom's eye, and shook his head slightly. Dom took a deep breath, and held it in so he should not interrupt.

Lizhe smiled at the recumbent figure. "Yupanque, my brave friend - of what use do you think your spouse will be to me if he is half-dead from longing and grief? He is to stay here..."

Yupanque's interruption of his God would have been punished if the situation had been different. "I will not allow him to stay, Lord. He is still Ray of Inti, your bound lover, and must do as you desire in all things."

Lizhe stared thoughtfully for a few moments at the young man lying before him. "If I ordered him back to my bed, Yupanque, would you accept it?"

Yupanque's face lost the little colour it had had, and Rimac cried out, shocked and distressed, then quickly placed his hands over his mouth so that he should utter no further blasphemy. Dom placed a comforting arm about his friend's trembling shoulder.

Dom could see Lizhe was waiting to be answered.

Yupanque's eyes were fixed on Lizhe's with a painful intensity, but Dom remembered that Lizhe was a master at hiding his feelings when he did not wish them to be seen, and no-one, not even he, knew what Lizhe was thinking at that moment.

"He was yours long before he was mine, Lord. I would accept it, though it would cause me greater pain than is in my shattered leg." Yupanque's eyes were full of tears.

Lizhe looked at Rimac, and Dom, very conscious of his recent vow to keep his own counsel, and to aid Lizhe, knew better than to speak. He clamped his lower lip firmly between his teeth and stared fixedly at the floor.

"I would come to you if you command it. You are my God, and master of all that I am," Rimac whispered, his head bowed in acquiescence.

"Very well, it shall be here and now," Lizhe's eyes flickered at Dom, whose heart felt as if it must burst, so tight was the feeling in his chest. But still he remained silent although he could not resist a quick glance to see the reactions of his friends.

Will had made a small sound of protest, but catching Dom's eye and seeing his friend unprotesting, visibly subsided into his place against the opposite wall.

Amaru had given no sign, Dom noted, that he was disturbed by this in any way, except for the pupils of his eyes which had expanded to a remarkable degree.

"You admit that you are mine to do with as I command - mine, body and soul?" Lizhe asked Rimac, who sat, still trembling, tightly holding Yupanque's hand.

Rimac nodded. "I do, Lord." He bowed his head, and stared at the floor.

Lizhe rose and stood apart, leaning negligently against the wall. "Then come and kneel before me and do as I command."

He removed his skirt, and Dom had no doubt what Lizhe intended Rimac to do to him. He closed his eyes or a moment, and concentrated on breathing, as he was not certain he would be able to continue it without conscious thought.

Will made a sharp sound and made as if to rise and leave the room, but Lizhe forestalled him with a swift movement of his hand. "Remain where you are, Auqui, for you too have given me your allegiance and fealty, and bent your will to mine. I will be obeyed!"

The Scot pressed his lips firmly together and leant forward, his eyes fixed upon Dom. Still Dom said nothing, nor indicated in the slightest way that he was disturbed by the proceedings.

"Rimac, kneel before me; I should not have to command it twice."

Slowly Rimac rose from his place at Yupanque's side and knelt before his God.

"I have total power over your body, over your life and death. Do you own it?"

Rimac's voice was low and trembling. "I own it, and submit to your will in all things, Lord."

Lizhe sighed deeply, and replaced his skirt. "Regain your place at Yupanque's side and listen carefully to my word, which is my will and my law."

Rimac's eyes shot to Lizhe's face, and Dom, still fighting with the constriction in his chest saw on Lizhe's lips the shadow of a smile. The band of pain loosened a little.

"You have knelt before me and owned me your master. You would have obeyed me in this and done what you thought I desired of you before your friends and lover, however much it would have grieved your heart and spirit to do so - however much it would have shamed you."

Rimac nodded, hope alight in his face. "I would, my Lord."

Lizhe however was not looking at Rimac, but at Dom. The band snapped, for the Inca's eyes were filled with pure love, and it was all for him.

"And yet you know I desire no man but Dom, do you not?" Lizhe continued, his eyes still locked with Dom's.

There was no sound in the room except the men's breathing.

"However, you have disobeyed my word, and for this you shall be punished."

Every eye was upon Lizhe who was still leaning against the wall. "I commanded you to stay here with Yupanque, and care for him, and you refused me. I command you to kneel before me and pleasure me and you submit to it. I do not want you in my bed, Rimac. There is no room in it - nor in my heart - for any lover but Dom."

Dom's eyes were full of tears he would not let fall before his friends.

"I will be obeyed, Auqui Rimac. I command you to stay. It is my wish and will that you remain here and care for your love. That will be your punishment. Do you think, in similar circumstances, that I would leave my beloved Dom here, sick and alone, even to follow the word of God? If you do, Rimac, then you greatly malign me."

Dom saw that Yupanque was quietly sobbing into his lover's shoulder. Lizhe smiled at the group. "God gives you leave," he said to Amaru and Will, and both men rose, bowed low and left the room.

Lizhe crossed to Dom and held out his hand and helped his love to his feet. "And Rimac, " Lizhe continued, still smiling at Dom, "before you next leap to do God's will, make certain that you know, first, what that will may be."

He turned to Yupanque, who was still weak, and therefore, still sobbing quietly. "Rest, now, dear lad. He is yours as my Dom is mine, and nothing shall sunder any of us but death. Come, my love."

Will was standing outside the house; of Amaru there was no sign. Will nodded at Lizhe, and smiled. "Ye were gae harsh in there, Lord, but ye made a fair point. It is not for man to gainsay the will of their God."

Lizhe clasped Will's arm. "Thank you, friend - for I am glad to own you as a friend, so brave and just are you. Rest, now, tomorrow will come soon enough."



Dom collapsed onto the bedding when they gained the bedchamber. He was exhausted, but glad, glad in his heart that Lizhe wanted none but he. Still, after all this time, none but he. In Amaru's presence he had re-enforced this point. Dom's heart was filled with relief and gratitude.

The Inca sat beside his love and took his hand. "Do you see why it had to be so, my Dom? He would never have agreed, else."

Dom nodded, and wiped his eyes, for the tears now refused to be held in. "I do, Lord. You teach your lessons well. If you wish to impress upon someone the absolute necessity of total obedience, you offer to him the lesser of two evils."

Lizhe kissed Dom's hand. "I know how it would be if it were me, Dom. I just put myself in his place, and I saw clearly what I should do. I will never leave you."

The Inca put his hand around Dom's neck, and drew him in for a kiss.




Maita had come to Lizhe as soon as the lovers had left their room the next morning, and asked permission to stay on the island with Kon. "I have not seen him smile so much since his mother went to the gods, Lord. He feels safe here, and the little girl is good company for him, and her mother...well, Lord, a man needs a mate..."

Lizhe had smiled and said all that was proper and told Kon to send word to him when it should be time for him to marry. "I will see to it that you are well provided for, my dear Kon."

The boy had embraced Lizhe and after a moment's thought, Dom, too. Will clapped the lad on the shoulder and told him to name the first-born cuy Will, after him, and they all laughed.

The last meeting with Rimac and Yupanque was difficult. Both had agreed with Lizhe that they would remain upon the island until Lizhe sent them a message that he was safe.

Lizhe embraced the two men. "Neither of you need fear. Someone will come for you when it is safe to bring you to me at Qoylurani..." his voice grew hoarse, and Dom, looking at Lizhe's face, made certain that the farewells were quickly completed.

Within minutes they were on the river, Dom and Lizhe in one boat with two of Amaru's servants paddling, and two men with Will and Amaru in the other.

Dom was amazed at how quickly the boats skimmed along the river. The light wood of which they were constructed was ideally suited to the task, and looking behind him some little time later, he was surprised to see there was no sign of the island they had so recently left.

Lizhe sat silently in front of Dom, and Dom, knowing how his love must feel, embarking once more into unknown dangers, kept up a stream of low-pitched talk until some hours later Lizhe leaned his back against his lover's chest and slept. Dom kissed the top of Lizhe's head, and sat quietly until he, too, fell asleep.

Neither man had had much rest the night before and Dom only woke when one of the oarsmen called him. "Auqui, the Lord Amaru is signalling to you!"

Dom sat up straight and rubbed his eyes, and Lizhe woke as he moved. Amaru was waving to a sandy stretch on the bank of the river, and Dom signalled back and instructed the men to follow him. The sun was setting and Dom was surprised that neither of them had woken to eat or drink. He was both hungry and thirsty, and was glad when the men pulled the boat out of the water, and tied them with vines to nearby trees.

"We will be safe here," said Amaru, looking about him. "As you can see, no-one will be able to observe us, as the dense trees and undergrowth go inland at this point for many miles. Only the gods, looking down upon us from the skies, will see us here."

Will had nodded and gone with one of the men to find wood to build a fire whilst the others were erecting tents strung from the lower branches of the trees.

Dom had smiled when he saw how many trappings Amaru had thought it necessary to bring with him, both for the Inca's comfort, and his own, but had to admit the hide tents and warm blankets would be very welcome during the night chill.

Lizhe sat leaning against the bole of a tree and watched the men working about him. This struck Dom as very odd, for he was not, outside the palace walls, usually content to sit about whilst others waited upon him, and had, earlier in this journey, done as much as the other members of the mission to provide food and shelter for his companions.

Dom sat down beside Lizhe and after a few minutes Amaru approached them with two cups of coca. Dom smiled as he took the cup which he saw with some amusement was fashioned out of solid gold, and thanking his new friend, drained the cup.

Amaru asked a question of his Lord, and Lizhe bestirred himself to answer him, but it was plain to Dom something was very amiss with his love.

However, there was no privacy to ask Lizhe what worried him until they retired for the night. Amaru had delicately ordered a tent put up for the two lovers, and shared his own tent with Will. The servants had been provided with shelter but the men said that they preferred the night sky as a covering, and moved further down the bank to give God and the three Auqui some peace.


"What is it, mi corazon? Dom asked, kneeling before his Lord within the confines of the hide shelter. "Can you not tell me what it is that troubles you?"

Lizhe's head was bent and as he looked up to meet Dom's eyes he shook his head. "Just a dream I cannot shake off," he whispered, his face, to Dom's dismay, etched with sorrow.

"Will you pray that tonight I dream something that shows me some joy, beloved? for I am weary of seeing only misery and pain."

For many minutes Dom attempted to persuade Lizhe to tell him of his dream, but he would not. At last they lay together, Dom wrapped in Lizhe's arms, but it was a long time before either man slept.

However, in the morning it was as if the night had never been. Lizhe had shaken off his unaccustomed mood and ate a hearty breakfast before they set off in the boats in the early morning sun.

"It is a beautiful day," Dom remarked as the red sun rose beyond the forest, huge and amazing. He could see why so many peoples thought it a god.

"Any day is beautiful to me when I can see your beloved face in it, my Dom," Lizhe had murmured, and Dom was more than sorry that Lizhe's back was resting against him, and no glimpse of his face could be seen.

Still, his voice sounded cheerful enough, and Dom's heart lifted at the thought that a pleasant dream had come to his love in the night. However, he did not dare to ask - if the answer was no, he would rather not know.

Dom chided himself for his fearful thoughts, and when Lizhe began to talk to him in a natural manner, he thanked all the gods he could think of that his love was happy again.

Comments

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Such a good chapter. I loved the instances that revealed Lizhe's wisdom and justice. But it's worrisome now that they've had to leave the island. And the dream worries me too. As always, you keep me interested and wanting to read more.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

thank you! yes, i am worried myself now they have left the island. who knows what awaits them out there? certainly not me - well, beyond part 13, that is, cos i've done that already! ;D xxx

[frolijah-fan-54.livejournal.com]

LOVED THIS!! I loved how Elijah was with his 2 boys and the toy - so wise and loving. I'm glad he let Rimac stay behind and now has Amaru along to help protect him - I"m so worried about what is to come and Elijah is clearly having very troubling dreams. You have me totally guessing about what will come next!! I so look forward to each and every chapter each week - and to get this one a day early was an extra treat!! Thanks so much.

I hope your arm is feeling better and you aren't in pain anymore - or at least not as much pain. *BIG HUGS*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

he is so good with children, isn't he? i hope he has a quiver full - in rl that is - of his own.

thank you for asking - the arm is a bit better but i can't move it much and it still hurts. bum - hugs back with one arm ;D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

The beauty in this is unmatched. It is so pure. Life's lessons told with such intent and honor. You keep showing us the greatness of Lizhe...the Inca God. So incredible and so beautiful. You bring a wisdom and warmth and even harshness to the lesson. But it is real and making those right decisions for oneself are so important in life. I was mesmorized by Lizhe in this. And, I was so greatful that Dom is finally knowing and understanding his place, his changes and knows only the great love and support for Lizhe.
This moment made me feel such sadness...
"Will you pray that tonight I dream something that shows me some joy, beloved? for I am weary of seeing only misery and pain."
the forwarning. makes me shiver just thinking about it. I will hope that Lizhe's fathers help him through anything he will suffer. Because Dom will be lost and will be unable to do anything. Or visa versa..because they are so interlinked and it could be either one.
hugs you...incredibly beautiful. xoxo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

i do love my lizhe and dom, as you see. i'm glad it shows. love ya back. xxx

[chickenlegs-11.livejournal.com]

What a beautiful chapter! So full of Lizhe's love and wisdom. But the dream sounds very worring and I'm wondering if it's linked to what Dom was told when he took the leaves. Oh dear!!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

...I'm wondering if it's linked to what Dom was told when he took the leaves...

we shall see. i'm glad you liked it my love! :) xxx

[lireeli.livejournal.com]

I love this chapter!
But new dangers are awaiting our heroes.
I'm very afraid by Lij's vision,( he won't see the city with his living eyes) I can't stop thinking about it...
But I have faith in you... you won't let our dear Lij to die!
*hugs*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

if you know me you know more angst awaits us all. ;D but that's just me! and i will never let my lizhe die - he is an immortal. xxx

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

You write so well Issi and paint such emotional scenes. Still sensing that ripple of disquiet though........

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

i'm glad the disquiet comes through - just a tad. we shall see. : xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

Awww, our Lizhe is another Solomon. Such a wise one, he is.

But I'm so worried about his dreams. At least he must have had a more pleasant dream at last since he seemed more normal to Dom than he was the day before. Perhaps it is only a brief contentment, since I'm afraid more suffering is coming their way. :(

*hugs*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

he is a darling isn't he? sigh. sorrow endures for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. evol grin. ;D xxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

So, so good, Issi. What an amazing writer you are.

*hugs*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

i'm glad you felt up to reading it, my love. still thinking of you. hugs back. xxxx

[pattilovesviggo.livejournal.com]

"Just a dream I cannot shake off," he whispered, his face, to Dom's dismay, etched with sorrow.

This is worrying, I wonder what Lij dreamed?
A smashing story that leaves one waiting weekend to weekend :)

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

ta, sis ;D

lsr is home wed so there's hope for uruk hai for the weekend. wibble xxxxxx

[slipperieslope.livejournal.com]

*puddles*

Lizhe and his children...

*wibbles*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

i love that he is such a great father, too. wibbles with ya! :D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Fantastic chapter full of love and wisdom. Lizhe is a wonderful father and a great God King. Like Dom and his subjects I adore his character!

That dream is worrying and I fear for their safety now that the island is far behind...

Thanks again, dear Issi, you write a darn good story!
XXXX

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

I'm so pleased to be able to catch up with this wonderful story at long last; and such a beautiful chapter, too. First Lizhe's wise handling of the dispute between his two sons, and then his moment with Rimac - he is good and just, and a great God indeed. My heart is afeared for what lies ahead, however. The dream bodes ill. Good job I've got another couple of chapters waiting, so I don't have to wait long to find out!

:D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I do love these men! I'm glad you liked it, me dear! :D xxx

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

Lizhe is such a Salomon ruler! *loves* I truly like how he makes his kids understand, and even more so how he reminds Rimac that me MUST be obeyed in all things *giggles* Poor Rimac. But I'm so glad that Dom lived up to his promise!!!

I hope Lizhe's dreams improve. I'm afraid for him!

And on a style note, I love how you put Spanish in there so fine and lovely. *hugs you*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Well, my love - I try to remember Dom is Spanish! ;D I'm glad you're finding time to read my little story. Thank you so much for doing it and commenting as well. ;D xxx

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

I am sad that I needed so much to catch up :(