Things That Should Stay Buried - Casey L. Bond Page 0,126
be clear about what was and what wouldn’t be tolerated in my slice of earth.
I swallowed thickly, took a deep, cleansing breath, and let my voice flow over the land.
“My name is Larken. A couple days ago, I was like you. I was human. Or I thought I was. It turns out, I was one of Taurus’s descendants. He hunted me. He tried to kill me and everyone I loved, but he wasn’t strong enough and I killed him instead. When I did, I took his place.
“I want to give you what you need, but I want you to use the skills you came here with to help others. It will take time, but everyone has a talent and purpose, and everyone needs to think about how they can contribute to the society we will create together. I believe we can create something beautiful, though there might be a few bumps in the road, I know we can come together in the end. Someone very important to me once asked me if we could coexist peacefully, and for now, I think that should be our goal. Let’s work together to make something we’re all proud of.
“That being said, I want to be very clear that there are laws in my territory, laws that are so basic, anyone can keep from breaking them. Laws that – if you adhere to them – will make you a better person, or at the very least, a decent one. Laws that – if broken – will result in dire consequences. I will not tolerate the following: murder, rape, abuse of any kind upon any of my people, theft, and lying. I will add to this list as needed, but those are the crimes I feel strongly about at this time. If you feel wronged, come to me. If you are hurt, cry out. I will come to you.” I let my wings flare and watched every eye widen.
“I’ve provided houses in addition to those still standing from before the Zodia awoke. If you are still in need of shelter, please come to me and I will see that you get it. If you need food, I will provide it, though I want you to learn to keep gardens and to hunt. To provide for yourselves and your neighbors. I want you to band together, not separate yourselves. We are one people here.
“The world as we knew it is gone. I know that’s hard to hear and even harder to accept. And because I was just like you, I know your primary concern is for your loved ones.” Heads bobbed throughout the sea of people. “We cannot divide our peoples, but I’d like to try to work with other Zodia to provide occasional visitations. I cannot promise that all the Zodia will agree or allow them, but,” I looked to Aries, “some have already agreed.
“I will be as fair as possible to you, but please note that I won’t tolerate traitors, scum who prey on others, or evil bastards. I’ve had enough of those since the Zodia awoke to last an eternity. If you think I can’t rip a person’s head from their shoulders, you haven’t seen my claws. I will protect the innocent, even if that means I need to cull the bad seeds from the good. My primary duty is to keep you safe and keep the peace.”
Aries slid his hand into mine and squeezed gently, his soft, pink eyes glittering in approval.
“I’ll be appointing leaders throughout my territory to report back to me each day, but if something is off, I will immediately feel it and take action. If you heed the laws, you have nothing to worry about.”
A young boy started toward me. A woman who’d taken him in, no doubt, tried to catch his shoulder. “Weston!” she admonished, trailing after him.
I smiled at him. “He’s okay,” I assured her. It didn’t ease the worry in her eyes, but she let him approach. He couldn’t have been more than four or five. His hair was naturally curly, wild and unruly, perfectly matching the dirt on his face. I crouched so he could see me better.
His hands were behind his back. He revealed them and held out a dandelion. “Thank you for our house.”
My heart…
I accepted his gift. “Thank you for this beautiful flower.” He looked back at his guardian, then back to me. “Do you have a question, Weston?”