David And Naylissa

                The war between the Centaurs and the Humans had been going on for years. No one remembered who or what started it, just that the other side was to blame.  Each side ‘knew’ that the other side was evil and not to be trusted.  Eventually, an uneasy peace settled between them.  Though the tension between them remained high. 

            It was at this time that David and Naylissa met.  David was the third son of a lesser noble among the humans.  Naylissa was a daughter of the Fourth Herd among the Centaurs.  Though they both came from prosperous families, neither family had any real power. And that was unfortunate for both of them. 

            David’s family bred some of the finest horses in the land, and David grew up taking care of his families herd.  As a result, he had a deep love and respect for their power and beauty.  His older brother’s were different.  To them, the horses were property and investments nothing more.  They knew enough not to hurt them, but were often cruel in more subtle ways.  Never leaving a mark that could lower the price they could get.  They were also very mean to David.  Everyone knew that David had no real future.  As third son, he was little more than a stable hand.  His brothers were the ones who would take over from their father.   David was happy it was that way. He didn’t want the responsibility of running the farm.  He was very happy to just take care of the horses he so loved. 

            Naylissa loved to run. Being part of the Fourth Herd meant there was plenty of time for it. Fourth Herd had few official duties.  The only time they were really called upon, was when there was a war. Fourth Herd produced some of the best Generals the Centaurs ever had.  Fortunately for Naylissa, at least as far as she was concerned, Females never fought, except as a last resort.  Thus she had the time to indulge in her greatest passion. 

            It was on one of her runs, that she met David. He was out searching for a mare that had gotten lost.  Before he knew it, he was at the river that marked the border between the Human lands and the Centaur lands.  It was a wide river, but one could cross it if careful.  Naylissa was running along the banks of the same river enjoying the wind rushing through her hair.  She was so entranced by it, she didn’t even notice David on the other side of the river.  He stood there spellbound.  He had never actually seen a Centaur before.  He had heard that they were part horse, but didn’t really believe it till now. 

            As she neared where David was standing, his mouth agape, the wind shifted and she caught his scent. She stopped and looked around, her curiosity momentarily overcoming her fear.  Then she saw him.  He was just standing there, and looked to be unarmed. To her equine senses, that meant he was no threat. She moved to the edge of the river to get a drink and closer look at him.  Having never seen a human, she was curious to know why her Sire hated them so.  Keeping a wary eye on David, she waded into the water to get her drink.

            David stood as still as he could. He hardly dared to breath.  He didn’t want to scare her away.  His practiced eye recognized the magnificence of her equine parts, and his masculinity couldn’t help but react to the attractiveness of her human parts.  He never wanted her to go.  He watched as she dipped a small canteen in the water.  He didn’t move as she turned back to the riverbank.  When she was on the shore, she turned again, and said, “You might want to close your mouth before you swallow a fly.”  With a small whinnying laugh, she flicked her tail and ran back the way she had come.

            Snapping his mouth closed, David once again began his search for the missing mare.  His thoughts were awhirl.  She talked!  He thought.  No one had ever said they could talk.  It never registered that she had insulted him.  He was just amazed that she talked.  Suddenly, he tripped on a root and fell face first to the ground.  Getting back up and brushing himself off, he chided himself for not paying attention to where he was going.  Not only could he have seriously hurt himself, he could easily miss the mare he was looking for.  Firmly putting the Centaur out of his mind, he concentrated on finding the mare.  It wasn’t until near dark when he returned to his home, the wayward horse in tow.  Having missed dinner, he made do with some bread and cold beef left in the kitchen. 

            That night, David couldn’t sleep. The image of the Centaur at the river kept intruding on his thoughts preventing him from going to sleep.  How her muscles played under the skin. Somehow, he knew he had to see her again.  Naylissa fared no better. She hadn’t told anyone about the Human she saw at the river. She knew if she did, her Sire would forbid her to go there.  She didn’t know why, but she wanted to see him again.  All night, her mind kept replaying the whole scene.  He seemed harmless, why did her Dam tell such horrid stories about them. How they tortured and enslaved unsuspecting Centaurs.  She couldn’t understand it. By morning, she had made up her mind to find out for herself what the truth was.  She left early, not wanting to answer any questions about where she was going.  She quietly made her way to the river and settled down to wait and see if the Human would return. 

            David also got up early. He hurriedly did his chores and snuck away as soon as he could.  As it was, it was near midmorning before he got to the river.  As he rounded a bend in the road, he heard, “Took your time getting here.”  It was Her!  He hurried the rest of the way and stopped at the edge of the river. 

            “I had to take care of the horses before I left.”  He said, needing to defend himself.  “No one else would.  They can’t take care of themselves.”  He found a rock not far from the bank and sat down.  “Plus, I wasn’t sure you would come back.  My name is David, what’s yours?”

            “Naylissa.”  She watched him, finding herself fascinated by him.  It wasn’t the same feeling when she looked at a Centaur stallion though. With them it was a more primal thing, more instinctual.  This had none of the immediacy of that. All she knew was that she liked to watch this Human and wanted to keep talking to him.  “You’re not like what I’ve been told of Humans.” She finally said.  “You seem weak, and a little silly.  What do you say to that?”

            “Well,” David began thoughtfully. “I guess I could be considered weak compared to your kind.  Among mine, I guess I’m about average.  As for being silly, I’ve never seen a Centaur before.  I was unprepared for how pretty you are.  I too was told stories of how your kind are.  From what I’ve seen so far, I find it hard to credit any of them.” Naylissa blushed at the compliment.  No one else had ever said that about her. In her Herd, she was considered average looking. Even a little plain.  She found she liked being thought of as pretty. 

            Before long, the two of them were sharing all the terrifying stories they had been told.  Comparing the tales, they realized that they were all very much alike. Each horrifying story had been used to make them fear and hate the other race.  Each had believed the stories because they didn’t know any better.  By mid-afternoon, they were joking with each other like they were old friends. 

            Noticing the time, David got up to go.  “I have some chores to do.  Will I see you tomorrow?”  Sadly, Naylissa shook her head.  “Tomorrow there’s a big Herd Meeting.  Everyone has to be there.  I’ll try to get back here the day after.”  With a wave, they each made their way back to their homes. 

            The next day, as Naylissa made her way to the Meeting Hall, she noticed that everyone was angry and upset.  She also began to see them readying their weapons.  Fearing what that meant, she looked for her brother.  As First Stallion to their father, he would know what was happening. 

            She found him at the Hall, in full battle gear.  Nervous and scared, she waited till he was finished talking with another soldier before she approached him.  As she waited, she looked around her.  All around her she saw preparations for war.  All the faces were grim and set.  There was hatred there. Hatred and determination.  A sick dread settled in her stomach.  Whatever happened had to be bad.  Finally, the soldier left.  She quickly went to her brother and asked what had happened. 

            “The Humans are at it again.”  He said angrily.  “One of the Fifth Herd’s patrols was attacked.   Word is they were ambushed.  We just got the notice.  We attack in two days.  You’d best be ready for casualties.”  With that he turned and entered the Hall. 

            Naylissa was stunned.  How could this be?  And Fifth Herd?  What were they doing near the border?  Their lands were no where near any of the Human’s lands.  Something about this didn’t add up.  Naylissa knew some members of Fifth Herd.  They were always trying to improve their standing.  She also knew that the only way to do that was by valor in battle. 

            Making her way back to her home, she knew she had to do something to stop the attack.  Neither side could afford to go to war.  And if she was right, it would be a war based on a lie.  She didn’t know why she was the only one who didn’t believe the Humans had ambushed the patrol. But she knew she had to find out the truth.  And there was only one way to do that.

            On the other side of the river, David was having troubles of his own.  At dinner that night, his father called the entire household together.  Once everyone was settled, he held up a piece of paper.  “This came by messenger today.  It’s from the Duke.  Apparently his spies have told him the Centaurs are preparing for battle.  He’s calling for everyone to send him all the men we can of fighting age.  He understands that we are near the border and have to be able to defend ourselves should an attack come.  Therefore, I have decided to send 20 men to join his army in the North.  The rest will prepare for possible attacks here.    Jeffrey, you’ll be going with them. You’re old enough to fight and can learn a lot from the experience. Make me proud.  Thomas, you’ll stay here.  You know this area almost as well as I do and can help organize our defenses.  David, I know you’re almost old enough to go, but I want you to stay here as well.  There will be time enough for you to see battle later.  Those men chosen to go North will be notified by their supervisors.  You’ll leave at first light.  Now, I suggest everyone get a good nights sleep. We‘ll all be very busy tomorrow.”

            The next morning, as soon as he could after his brother and the other men left, David made his way to the river.  He was wasn’t sure Naylissa would be there, but he had to try.  He had a lot of questions that only she might be able to answer. 

            As he rounded the last bend to the river, he saw Naylissa nervously pacing back and forth on the other side.  As he got closer, he could see the fear and confusion on her face.  He quickened his step, her fear adding to his own.  Things were more serious than he had thought.  Maybe the Centaurs were planning on attacking.  Maybe the stories were true after all.  He quickly pushed that thought out of his mind.  What he had learned from Naylissa made that impossible.  There was no way someone that smart, cheerful and beautiful could have come from the race of monsters the stories made the Centaurs out to be.  There had to be another explanation.

            Naylissa stopped her pacing when she heard David approach.  She went to the edge of the water and waited, barely able to stand still.  “I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”  She began.  “Something terrible is happening and I don’t know how to stop it.  First, I need to ask a very important question, and I need an honest answer.  Did the Humans attack a patrol of Centaurs yesterday?”

            Stunned by the question, David took a moment before answering.  “As far as I know, no Humans have come anywhere near the Centaurs in years. With the exception of you and me.  I was going to ask if the rumors were true that the Centaurs were planning an attack on us.  I guess they are.”  He sat down heavily on a rock.  Shaking his head at the foolishness of all supposedly intelligent creatures.  It seemed they were all determined to kill each other over nothing.

            “I was afraid of that.”  She said.  She once again started to pace.  “Can you tell me if the Humans have started preparations for war?  If you can’t answer because of your loyalty to your species I will understand.  I just need to know if I have any chance of stopping this before it’s too late.” 

            “Unfortunately, they have.  One of my brothers and some of our men are heading North to join the Duke’s army.  I don’t know if they are planning to attack or just to defend ourselves if we are attacked.”  He paused as what she had said sank in.  “You mentioned trying to stop it.  How?  Is it even possible?”

            Naylissa stopped pacing and turned to face David.  “What I’m about to tell you could get me in a lot of trouble.  You must promise that what ever happens, you won’t betray my trust in this.”  She paused waiting for a response from him.  After he nodded to show his agreement, she began again.  “Centaurs are organized into Herds. They are ranked in order. I’m from the Fourth Herd.  Now, the only time a Herd can alter it’s ranking is in Wartime.  That keeps the Herds from fighting each other.  As you can imagine, during times of peace, some of those in the lower ranked Herds may chafe at their inability to advance.  Yesterday, we got a report that a patrol from Fifth Herd was attacked.  Naturally this caused outrage in the other Herds.  But no one stopped to think that Fifth Herd doesn’t patrol anywhere near the Human/ Centaur border.  They just heard Humans attacking Centaur and immediately called for war.  I think that Fifth Herd either made up the story of being attacked or went out of their way to get attacked. That way they can improve their ranking in the resulting war.  What you’ve told me only confirms this.  There isn’t a lot of time though. First Herd has called for an attack tomorrow.”

            “Is there anything I can do to help?”  David asked hopefully.  “Maybe tell our side of this.  I don’t know, maybe if they can see us working together, they’ll think twice about starting a war neither side can afford.  There must be something we can do.”

            “There may be.  It’ll take some work and we must get started right away.  How soon till you’re missed?”

            Scratching his head, David thought about it.  “With the current tensions, not long.  If I don’t show up for dinner, they’d probably start looking for me.”

            Beginning to pace again, Naylissa said thoughtfully,  “Where would they start to search, does anyone know you like to come here? If so, we’ll need to leave a message for them.  If we’re going to stop this war, we need to get the attention of our parents.  By ourselves we don’t have enough clout to make our respective leaders listen to us.   By now, the Warriors of my Herd are probably on their way to join First Herd.  We need to be where the two sides will most likely meet before they get there.  Here’s what we’ll do.” 

            After talking for several minutes, they came up with a workable plan to get both their families and both armies together at the same time. Hopefully they would listen.  They made their preparations and set off North to the most likely place the armies would meet.  Before leaving, the each left a clear message on their respective sides of the river to their families telling them exactly what they were trying to do and why.  In order to travel more quickly, Naylissa let David ride on her back.  It was a strange experience for her, and one she wasn’t sure she liked, but she forced herself to endure it for the sake of expediency.  By nightfall, they had reached the valley between the Human and Centaur camps.  They tried to get some rest, but tired as they were, sleep was a long time coming. 

            With the dawn, they were awakened by the sound of the two armies approaching the valley.  The composed themselves as best they could and waited for them to arrive. With any luck, they would be seen and would cause enough confusion and curiosity, that someone from each side would come out to investigate.  Before long, each army was arrayed on either side of the grass filled basin.  They were surprised to see  the odd pair standing there waiting.  The soldiers stood there, unsure what to do.  Soon, David and Naylissa were recognized by their families in the ranks.  Word spread quickly to the leaders.  Each leader called for the family members to come to them and help find out what was going on.  Without even realizing it, each side did the exact same thing at the same time.  Further proving to David and Naylissa, who were watching with fear and hope, that both sides were more alike than they were willing to admit. 

            After conferring with their respective leaders, David’s brother and Naylissa’s father made their way to the center of the valley.  When they got there, they immediately demanded that the two friends move away.  Refusing to be intimidated, The two stood their ground. They demanded that the leaders come to talk to them.  They vowed that they would not move till both sides came to their senses.  Jeffrey knew how stubborn David could be, though he didn’t know how he came to be with a Centaur female let alone in the middle of what was to be a battlefield.  Naylissa’s Sire also knew of his daughter’s stubbornness.  Unlike Jeffrey though, he figured he could intimidate her into giving up her foolishness.  What he didn’t know was that Naylissa had expected this and holding David’s hand in hers, she stood up to her father.  She calmly repeated her demand that he bring the leader of First Herd.

            Realizing they weren’t getting anywhere, the two soldiers went back to their leaders for further instructions.  They told their leaders what the demands were.  The last thing each one expected was what happened.  The two leaders actually agreed to meet the brave couple still standing in the center of the valley holding hands. 

            Within moments, the leaders were on either side of the unlikely couple.  Both of them waited patiently while David and Naylissa organized their thoughts to try and explain what they thought was happening. 

            David spoke first.  “Before we begin Your Grace, First Sire,” he said bowing to each in turn.  “We must ask you be open with the information that brought you each here.  We have reason to believe that not everything may be what it seems.”  He paused to let that sink in.  “I realize it’s really not my place to ask this of either of you, but you must believe me that it’s necessary.”

            The Duke and First Sire looked at each other distrustfully.  The Duke and David’s brother conferred briefly.  The First Sire and Naylissa’s father also whispered to each other.  Each seemed to hear what they needed to because the both agreed to the conditions.

            “First Sire, I would like to start with His Grace, Duke William of Ravenhome.   Your Grace, Would you please tell us why you brought your army to this field?”

            Standing a little straighter, and clearing his throat, the Duke began.  “We received reports that the centaurs were going to attack.  We came to defend ourselves.”

            “And how,”  David asked, “Did you know they were planning to attack?  I’m sorry to ask you to reveal this now, but we need total honesty and openness if we’re to prevent this from happening again.”

            Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Duke William responded.  “Our spies told us.  As soon as they saw the preparations, they got the word to us.  What they couldn’t tell us is why.”

            Naylissa finally spoke up.  “I believe First Sire can answer that.”  Turning to the centaur leader, she continued.  “Would you be so kind First Sire?”

            “We were attacked.  A patrol was attacked and slaughtered.  That is why we came to fight. Nothing more, nothing less.”  He stood there, firm in his conviction that he was in the right. 

            “But what patrol was attacked, First Sire?”  Naylissa quickly asked.  “And more importantly, where were they attacked?”

            “What difference does that make child?” The centaur leader retorted.  “It’s enough that they were attacked.”  He crossed his arms, and stood firm.

            “You will see in a little bit. You did promise complete honesty.”

            First Sire looked around himself and regretted making that promise.  “Very well.” He began.  “It was one of Fifth Herd’s patrols.  As to where, I didn’t feel the need to ask.  As I said, it was enough that they were attacked.”

            “Would you please summon the one who reported the attack?” Naylissa asked softly.  Looking at her quizzically, First Sire sent Naylissa’s brother to get the survivor who had brought the word of the attack.  While they were waiting, Naylissa began again.  “I believe it’s very important to know where the attack took place and how a patrol from Fifth Herd happened to be in an area where they could be attacked.”

            Slowly, comprehension dawned on First Sire.  He suddenly began to doubt the conviction that had brought them all to this plain.  And if what he now thought was true, he didn’t like the implications.  He summoned one of his most trusted lieutenants, and whispered very explicit instructions to him.  The lieutenant, ran off, calling for two others to accompany him.

            Before long, Keron, the only survivor of the ambush, joined the group in the center of the valley.  As he saw the look on First Sire’s face, he began to get nervous.  Things weren’t going quite as he had planned.  He should have been winning glory and a higher standing for his herd by now.  Instead, they were actually talking to the Humans. 

            “First Sire,” Keron began, bowing his head.  “You wished to see me?”

            “Yes Keron. I would like you to tell us exactly were the ambush occurred.  And how many humans attacked.  There were four of you in the patrol correct?”

            Getting more worried by the minute, Keron tried to think of how to get himself out of this situation.  “I don’t see how that is relevant, First Sire.”  He began, trying to stall for time.  “Isn’t it enough that we were attacked?  Isn’t it enough that three of my Herd are dead?”  He tried to look indignant, but only managed to look scared.

            “Ordinarily, I would say yes. That would be enough. But it seems we have an unusual situation here.  A shadow of doubt has been cast on the validity of the attack.  We cannot go to war without laying that doubt to rest.”  Getting impatient, First Sire put a little more steel in his voice.  “Now, I will ask you one more time.  Where were you attacked and how many attacked you?”

            Looking around, Keron could see that he would get no support from anyone else there.  Thinking feverishly, he tried to come up with an answer that would satisfy the First Sire.  “I believe I told you where we were ambushed when I first reported the attack.  I don’t remember how many attacked us. They hit us quick then faded into the woods.  Maybe they were spies for the Humans and we surprised them in their treachery.”

            “We shall see, Keron.” First Sire began.  “You should know, I sent Thamon to check out the place you said you were attacked. If I’m right, I probably should have done that a long time ago.  He should be back in a few moments. What do you think he will tell us when he returns?”

            Backing fearfully away, Keron began looking for an avenue of escape.  Just then he noticed Thamon galloping toward them, lathered from a long hard run.  Keron started to run in the opposite direction but at a gesture from First Sire, six Centaurs quickly surrounded him and led him back.  As luck would have it, they got to the group at the same time as Thamon.  Gasping for breath, Thamon couldn’t speak at first.  When he was finally able to speak, the news was as First Sire and Naylissa had feared.

            “We did as you asked First Sire.”  He began sadly.  We went to the site of the attack and examined the area.  The bodies of the three slain were still there. We say no sign of Humans.  There were no footprints, and the wounds did not show the signs of Human weapons.  They looked like they were slain from behind with Centaur weapons.  I fear that the attack was faked.”

            A grim fierceness came over First Sire’s face.  He turned to Keron, and his voice dripped acid as he spoke.  “Keron, you dared to do this?  To murder three of your Herdmates?  To risk the death of hundreds of fellow Centaurs? To trick me into starting a war with a lie?  Why?  Are not Fifth Herd’s lands as plentiful as the rest?  Do you not have ample fields in which to run?”

            “You would never understand.”  Keron replied bitterly.  “You’ve never had to deal with being in the lowest Herd.  You’ve never had to swallow your pride and accept the condescension and attitudes of superiority from members of the other Herds.  You’ve never had to live knowing that there is no hope of it being any other way.”

            “You’re right about one thing, I’ve never been in the lowest Herd.  But I do understand.  I’ve always listened to the troubles and complaints from every Herd.  I see the way the lower Herds are treated.  If you had come to me, we could have done something about it. Now, it is too late.  I have only one question left to ask.  Did you do this on your own or were others of Fifth Herd involved?”

            “I acted on my own, First Sire.  I alone could see what had to be done.”

            “Your loyalty to your Herd is commendable. However, you know the penalty for the murder of another Centaur.  Henceforth, you will be banished.  You will be taken to our farthest border. From there, you may go where you will but you may never return to our lands.  That is my order.”  First Sire turned to the guards surrounding Keron.  “Take him away.”  he turned back to the Duke and the rest of the group standing there.  “Had I known about this earlier, Much inconvenience could have been avoided.  It’s obvious that there is far too much distrust and misinformation between us.  We must do something about that or face the same situation again either from my people or yours.  Shall we have a tent and refreshments brought out so that we may discuss this further?”

            “An excellent idea.” The Duke said, smiling.  “I have another idea. Since these two,”  He gestured to David and Naylissa,  “have developed a friendship, I propose that they become our ambassadors to each other’s people and help dispel the myths and errors on both sides.”

            Both David and Naylissa were stunned. They hadn’t thought things that far.  They had only wanted to avoid bloodshed.  They were unprepared for the honor they were being offered.

            The two leaders had tents, and refreshments brought to the center of the field and began to work out an arrangement satisfactory to both sides.  There was much discussion and some arguing, but it was done with high hopes and honest concessions.  In the end, they had an agreement that would ensure peace between them for a long time.  They parted with a handshake and a toast to the new age before them.

            David and Naylissa remained friends to the end of their days. They each married and had children, and their children played together by the river where they had met.  In time, the Centaurs and Humans began to establish villages where they lived side by side.  There were other conflicts, with other humans, and other races, but the Humans of Ravenhome and the Centaurs never fought each other again.

Reviews

[MNeilsen]

Though this may not have been your intention, there is a wonderful lesson to be learned from this story. If only we would look for the hidden agendas before letting things escalate to violence this world would be different. I liked how their friendship allowed was able to prevent bloodshed. Also how their search for the truth brought them honor.