The Commander of The Founders: Book One

Chapter Seven: The Cost of Life

The guards in front of Didrika froze outside two big doors. They turned to Didrika and roughly took Lexa out of her arms. Didrika protested against them taking her out of her arms. The guards shoved Didrika back and she stood her ground. The one guard kicked her in the chest and she flew back. Her back hit the ground and she groaned in pain. Titus rounded the corner and saw the guard lowering a spear at Didrika's neck.

"Hod op! Didrika ste kamp raun ai. Em tai op na shil op Lexa. Heda hedon em. (Stop it! Didrika is with me. She vowed to protect Lexa. The Commander permits it,)" Titus boomed.

The guard froze and moved the spear away from Didrika. Didrika breathed hard and stared in shock. Her body refused to move. Titus tenderly put his hands under her arms and lifted her onto her feet. Didrika stuttered with her footing and Titus steadied her. She looked up at him and he smiled. Titus moved forward and took Lexa from the guard's arms and walked into the room. Didrika followed him and turned to the doors in fright when they were slammed shut.

Titus lied Lexa onto the table top. He turned to Didrika and saw her staring at the door. He walked up to her and touched her shoulders. She shook his comforting touch away from her. He put his arms around her and she fought against him violently. A heart breaking sound came from Didrika's throat. He held her until she stopped moving.

"Help me with the ritual?" Titus whispered into her ear.

Didrika turned to Titus and saw his red rimmed eyes and pale face. He looked down at her with pained eyes. Didrika shook her head quickly. She swallowed hard and brushed her hair back from her face.

Titus moved to the other side of the room and pulled out a white sheet. Didrika slowly moved to Lexa's side. She looked around for a dish and water. She ran over to the closet and pulled out a dish and then went to the bucket by the door. She dipped the dish into the bucket and watched the water seep into it. She pulled it out and walked back over to Lexa. She washed Lexa's head and stomach free of blood. She then spread the ripped shirt back over her stomach. She washed Lexa's hands and dug the dirt out from under her nails. Didrika folded Lexa's hands on top of her stomach. She undid her braided hair and spread it neatly across her shoulders. Didrika patted down her hair and felt her throat burning. She kissed Lexa's forehead and looked at her peaceful face.

"Teik in krasha shoun raun yu kom ai don yu kik raun. Teik in krasha's yuj tobem of yu jus. Teik in cave wo sad klin yu on yu feet. Teik in krasha sheid klin yu kom ai don yu wan op. Kom krasha nowe forgets kru chon step au em ripple. (Let the current guide you as you thrive. Let the ocean's strength fill your veins. Let the cave walls steady you on your feet. Let the waves caress you as you die. For the ocean never forgets the ones who make it ripple,)" Didrika whispered.

Titus walked over to Didrika and gave her two corners of the sheet. They spread it across Lexa's body. Titus unwrinkled the sheet and told Didrika to pull it taught. He outlined Lexa's body with orange candles. Didrika took the helm of awe off of Lexa's forehead. She held it in her hand for a long moment and felt her eyes watering. Titus took the tiny pin out of her hand and placed it in his red pouch. Titus gave Didrika a match and Didrika slowly inched her way around the table lighting the candles. Titus spread red flowers around the candles. Didrika stared at the covered body in despair. Titus touched her hand and Didrika moved her eyes up to look at him.

"Didrika you are such a young girl. I'm so sorry," Titus said.

Didrika shook her head. Titus saw that she was trying to stay strong. She did not want to cry anymore. He knew watching him set up the ritual hurt her. She wanted to pay her respects the way her people did it. He also knew that she was refraining from suggesting it so that she did not seem rude.

"Don't be polite for me. Lexa was your family too. Don't be afraid to perform your ritual," Titus reassured her.

Didrika looked at him content. She felt understood. Titus squeezed her hand.