Daughters of the Land

I.| My Sweet Mother

Gold silk trim brushed across the floor as the Baron made his way down the tight alleys and into the wooden hut. With two gentle movements of his hands, his flared sleeves were folded back as he unravelled a tightly rolled scroll, the opening sealed with a waxed imprint. The Baron made sure to carefully tug at the stamped Z, before raising his head towards her.

"My child, I am sorry. There was nothing anyone could do", the Baron spoke softly as he held out the girls rightful scroll, which she declined.

Her Father's dismay was unheard but his body made sure to express his cry. Shifting in his quilted covers, her father flowed with tears for reasons he and the girl was not prepared for.

"I do not believe you, my Baron", said the girl as she sat besides her ill father, in efforts to comfort him and herself.

"She is gone Nukula. I am so sorry. The Almighty knows what is best...the Uta tribe-", the Baron had managed to only begin the story he had dreaded to deliver for days.

"I want to see for myself. I must see her", Nukula murmured finally, raising her eyes and away from the teary pupils of her father.

"I'm not sure that is possible, you see-".

"What do you mean I cannot see her!?", Nukula's voice raised ever so lightly yet the tone echoed with pain and disbelief.

"Um well you see I was informed that-", the Baron jilted his eyes to the entrance for any unwanted presence before stepping closer to the girl and old man, who remained weeping silently.

"Baron Winslor, I am sorry", Nukula breathed in. "But I wish to see my mother's face one last time, and you can tell the Emperor that I will do so with or without his consent. I know what the Utan's have done and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to help stop this rebellion, but I need to see my mother. Surely you understand?", She joined her father in silence, allowing the salty waters of her eyes to trace her cheeks.

"My child, I know of your pain and understand your wish but I speak with great sincerity. The Bodies will reject your plea and punish you for dishonour. A punishment I cannot and will not be held accountable", the Baron lowered his head and shared a look of concern with her weak Father. Nukula followed the exchange and tried to contain herself.

"Baron Winslor, my father was a great Server and an honourable man", she followed with a short pause of thought before continuing. "Yet The Bodies did not approve of his service...and what did they do? They cut his tongue out without any remorse and sent him back without any food or pay. Then my mother, my sweet mother is sent to fight a battle against a tribe with more weapons, leaving us behind to never return. What service is that!? Honour!? But for what!?What do we serve for if we are to be judged by the one we serve with our life? Is that really freedom?", Nukula trembled to the fierce unfamiliarity that had taken over.

The Baron and her father watched on, neither daring to interrupt the woman. 

"My mother has been killed in the hands of our enemies and I can not see her because she has brought dishonour to our people, for having her life taken? Why because I am a daughter of the weak!?", Nukula projected her cry, enough for the two men to shiver but without engrossing the guarding Noblemen outside.

Nukula's father held her hand in his and shook his head vigorously for her to stop. Baron Winslor sighed heavily at his old friends attempts to sway his daughter's mind.

"My child, my child, you are as stubborn as they come but speak with great love for the people of Zicoto. I know in my heart what is right", he touched his chest as he spoke. "But we can not always have what we want. Your mother and father are a dishonour and my mother is a traitor. Yet, we love them more than we love ourselves. The Bodies are the Emperor's Mother and Father, a powerful status, and have been since our Great Ancestor's arrived in this land. They are highly powerful and not to be confused with The Official Family, The Emperor listens to none but them."