SIDNEY

By Medemaku Lawrence Selome

Many seasons after the death of Arbiter Sidney, Archwall's existence is again threatened by an impending invasion and the search of a new hero arises. The walls marking her boundary must maintain their integrity when volleys of missiles are fired against them and such integrity can only be built on both the strength of those behind the walls and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamarind Hill Press
• Release date: Oct 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647864163

Book preview

Prologue

I pray brothers that we never again have to employ armours of mail to fight against such extraordinary violence Wanyo brought upon us. But of a truth, I fear for the lives of the generations after us. My one regret as the Arbiter was not killing this violent cat when I had the chance all in the name of tampering justice with mercy. One source of headache for every member of the Council of Elders was the parchment that we received this morning from the cat. He had written that he will be back to bring Archwall to her knees. Once again, I pray brothers that we never again have to employ armours of mail to guard our hearts and heads against such extraordinary violence Wanyo brought upon us. But he will come and when he does, it will be a fight until death. I fear greatly for the ones after us. Will they be able to keep their heads above the waters like we did? Will the courage we shall leave behind for them to wear prove any match against Wanyo’s deadly snares? Will they find solace knowing that the enemy is also flesh and blood?

I pray they find real true valour in wielding the sword to keep Archwall standing on her feet. May our homes not turn to graves!

PART ONE: GENESIS

Chapter One

The woodlanders who had stayed over at Freewall were roused by the hooting of a lone owl that was flying over the great castle serving as the Arbiter’s palace. It was the morning after Arbiter Sydney’s day. Arbiter Sydney was a hero in Archwall’s history. No one could talk of how Archwall came to be without narrating how the legendary mouse drove the mice and other woodlanders who had come to seek refuge in Archwall through difficult times and how he was able to bring peace into the territory. Seasons had come and gone, but the woodlanders in Archwall still held this dead Arbiter in great honour.

Arbiter Sydney was not the first Arbiter Archwall could boast of and neither was he responsible for leading the mice to this place they now called home, but it was he who ended Archwall’s wars. He fought against many warlords who had been taunting the country-side for seasons. Those he could not kill, he maimed, and those he maimed, he vanquished from the country-side. He made Archwall invincible and it was he who first hung his shield and sword and declared that no longer should the sword dictate the ways of the Archwallites. Seasons did come and go and Archwall still stood in peace and tranquillity.

To the woodlanders in Archwall, Arbiter Sydney’s day was a day of merry-making. Many of them would find their way to Freewall where the present Arbiter would treat them to drinks and foods. In preparation for this day, many would make wooden swords and spears that would be burnt on Freewall’s courtyard as a remembrance of Arbiter Sydney’s declaration of the end of the war. The next day had always been one spent at the Abbey where they would pray for another season of peace and harmony. Such was a rite every woodlander in the territory paid more attention to. It was a rite they would do anything not to miss.

The woodlanders had retired to their makeshift tents on Freewall’s courtyard the previous night with their minds on the next day’s rite that would be performed at the Abbey. Some planned not sleeping until the break of the next day for the excitement of beginning another season was too much within them. Little did they know that their course was going to be changed. The lone owl now settled on the vintage point of Freewall’s gate after it had dropped a parchment into the courtyard.

Muriel, from where he had settled on the gate watched as the mice ran to pick up the parchment he had dropped. He watched with a knowing smile on his face. Not that he cared about them, but he was – despite himself – sorry for them. His assignment did not include staying back and watching the mice read the contents of the parchment. In fact, he was not supposed to let his face be seen, but Muriel was one who took comfort in doing things his own way. He liked revealing his face to his would-be prey. He liked getting his face registered before striking and that was what he intended doing with Archwall.

He watched as the parchment was taken to a mouse who perceptibly was the leader. He saw the shock on the mouse’s face as he read the content of the parchment and Muriel could see the mouse looking towards him.

Contented, Muriel flew away from the gate with one name on his mind—

Captain Wanyo.

*

It was from Captain Wanyo, Arbiter Elmer repeated for the umpteenth time as he paced the council chamber. He was with the members of the council with whom he had been discussing the contents of the parchment. The council was made up of representatives of all woodlanders’ tribes except the porcupines dwelling in Archwall.

Moments after the owl dropped the parchment into Freewall, whispers were being shared among the woodlanders. They had all become terrified. No one receives such a message on such a sacred day as theirs without getting freaked. Arbiter Elmer looked at the parchment for the umpteenth time. The words therein were sending electric shock down his spine:

TO TAKE BACK WHAT BELONGS TO ME I MARCH

SIGNED: CAPTAIN WANYO (SACKER OF TERRITORIES)

The first nine words were the cause of the silence that befell Freewall. The news had spread like wildfire among the woodlanders. Many had at first voiced their fear. They suggested they run away from Archwall before the cat and his horde storm the territory. Some declared they would fight to protect Archwall’s honour. The camp was thus divided into two, causing a pandemonium. Arbiter Elmer had to step on the podium and addressed his subjects.

History made it known to us that Archwall had passed through many difficult times like this, yet it stands today, the Arbiter reminded them. No news has been brought to our ears of any advancing army. So be not afraid…

And why shouldn’t we be? a voice rang out among the multitude before the Arbiter. Then, Archwall had warriors, they had Arbiter Sydney and swords and great knights who could wield the swords. But what do we have now? the voice had asked, and he was met by choruses of agreement.

We have us! the Arbiter had replied. We have the discipline that makes an army outstanding. Archwall saw glory in the days of our early Arbiters and no matter how we now view war, the enemy will find us hard to deal with! he said. He looked into their eyes and then added after a moment of silence: Maybe it’s high time we employed the use of our highest title – ‘Soldiers!’

The woodlanders who would soon become defenders had cheered lustily. After his address, the Arbiter’s first act was to dispatch soldiers on the Freewall’s rampart, and this gave the people a little sense of protection. But he had wondered how long they would all last with those soldiers as the defenders. Archwall had not known war for seasons. In fact, swords were made hung in the wake of Arbiter Sydney’s last war. His soldiers were not made for wars, but he knew that would change too. He had ordered that Diric, the commander of Archwall’s army, join them at the council chamber.

But it was recorded in Brother Mellow’s chronicle that the cat made an oath with Arbiter Sydney to stage not again a war against Archwall and the Arbiter had spared his life, Elder said and Mattiah placed the old chronicle on the table before him. Maybe we should rather not give an ear to his threat.

And if you had read further, you would have come across the same Arbiter warning the future generation – us – not to be swayed by the talk of a truce, Elder Eleazar warned. Even Arbiter Sydney knew he would come back, and the cat has chosen our time to come back and infringe on our peaceful existence.

Sending us this, Elder Jazel, a shrew, picked up the parchment from where it was placed on the table, He wants us to have a taste of his pride. Tell me who inform the enemy of his invasion?

Maybe all he wanted was to encourage fear among us and that he was able to achieve, Arbiter Elmer admitted. A warlord like him should know how shattering fear is when planted into the prey’s camp.

The Arbiter looked at the western wall of the council chamber where pinned on it was a tapestry on which pictures of all Arbiters that had ruled Archwall were sewn. The pictures were in chronological order: Arbiter Conor, Arbiter Clan, Arbiter Elmer (after whom the present Arbiter was named), Arbiter Sydney, Arbiter Makings, Arbiter Sam, and Arbiter Davie. The tapestry was wide enough to still be able to take on the pictures of many more Arbiters. The tapestry talked of Archwall’s days of glory and those who made it happen. Arbiter Elmer wanted to go down as one leader who kept intact the honour and glory known to the territory.

What would you have me do? Arbiter Elmer whispered as he looked from one Arbiter’s face to the other. He suddenly dragged his face from the tapestry to face the council members. Let parchments be sent to every territory that made up the Marsh Countryside. Inform them of that which we received, remind them all of the peace and brotherhood accord existing among us all and make a demand that messages should be sent here at the sight of an approaching army.

I have an idea, Elder Jazel said. What he wouldn’t be expecting is a surprise attack. What if we staged our soldiers at strategic places with the order to strike any approaching army? This sparked a lot of whispers among the council members. Some were against it while others were in support.

Elder Mattiah stood up and walked to the head of the table where there was a sketched map of Archwall and her environment. As alluring as this idea sounds, we can’t go for it, Elder Mattiah said, pointing to Elder Jazel. Legends made it known that the cat was cunny in his dealings, and he was one who liked thinking a step ahead of his prey. So, to defeat him, the prey would have to think two or three steps ahead of him. Don’t you all think he would have thought of this too before sending this parchment? Let me answer this for you: he had probably made provisions that would see him coming through it as a victor, Elder Mattiah said. He looked into the faces and added, And that would be the end of us.

The countenance of the faces in the council chamber grew more solemn. Every whisper had ceased. The Arbiter walked up to meet the elder standing before the Archwall’s map. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated for long moments as if considering the best way to make known what it was he had in his mind. He scrutinized every face before him. Moments like this determined the true nature of a leader. He had before him, the options of running into hiding to save his head or leading his subjects to something that might turn out to be the biggest war Archwall had ever engaged in.

One more thing we needn’t forget – the Arbiter said after he was certain he had everyone’s attention; – is our standing order. When Archwall hung her swords during Arbiter Sydney’s reign, it was for the best we were told. And we all are aware that it was clearly stated in our order that we are to defend the walls of this territory and not to attack. Defend we shall even though the ways and pleasures of war were denied by us the day our swords were hung. But we must admit that the peace we had enjoyed did bring out more virtues in us than wars could ever do.

But our soldiers…. Elder Jor started his protest only to be interrupted by the Arbiter.

Yes, our soldiers are not built as cohorts and in fact should we march to defend Archwall with our present strength, we would just be meat for Wanyo and its horde, the Arbiter admitted. But he was not finished with his talk and said, So, here with us is Diric on whose shoulder shall the responsibility of drilling, not just the soldiers or anyone desiring to join the army but every one of us.

Every one of us? every woodlander in the chamber chorused. They all looked at their Arbiter and then at Diric with uncertainty.

Yes, Arbiter Elmer affirmed as he moved to his place at the table, Each and every one shall be subjected to training for surefootedness, for toughness of the mind, and training on how to wield the sword and maintain discipline while watching out for the neighbour’s back. Nothing good – including victory – comes but at a price.

Don’t you think that would be too odd for an old mouse like me? Elder Mattiah asked nervously.

Oh No! Diric saved the Arbiter from replying. And do you know why dear Elder Mattiah? When the enemy comes, he won’t ask for your age before plunging the sword or the dagger or whatever he has come to fight you with into your heart. Please pardon my choice of words.

Elder Mattiah just as the others sat in stunned silence. He wanted to protest but he thought otherwise seeing the resigned look on the Arbiter’s face. Then train to defend our honour we shall! he said as he raised his right paw over his head – a sign of total submission to a cause – and one by one, every Elder in the council chamber raised his right paw.

And today’s meeting at the Abbey? Elder Julian asked the council. Such is a rite we have not gone without performing for seasons. Trying to pass it by at the wake of a threat – or should I rather call it a declaration – we haven’t confirmed to be true is sacrilegious.

No one did say anything about not celebrating this day or performing the rites known to Archwall for seasons, Elder Eleazer said and stared down his nose at Elder Julian condescendingly. In fact, I suggest we hold the service here in Freewall.

Elder Eleazer’s suggestion split the council members into two. Some were in support of his suggestion while others were against it.

Bringing what should be held at the Abbey down here in Freewall is telling the enemy that we are frightened by the message he brought us and this we will not do! Elder Mattiah protested. May it never be said that it was during my lifetime we – the woodlanders of Archwall – shivered when that stinky thing that calls himself a warlord – warlord my foot! – sent us a parchment.

And what if our ego leads to our destruction? Elder Eleazer said haughtily. For every rule or laid-down principle or tradition, there should be an exception and this case for which we all are here today has proven to be an exceptional case.

What if leading these woodlanders to the Abbey is leading them into a trap? Elder Julian asked. For Wanyo to have sent us such a message on a day like this means he knows about our traditions– of course, he has been around for seasons.

And what perfect day to bring Archwall to her knees is today to him, Elder Eleazer hissed. No perfect day – believe me you all – than this for him to finish us all at the Abbey – with one strike!

But no parchment did we receive warning of an advancing army, Elder Jazel trying to maintain a neutral tone to his voice said. Archwall does have allies in every woodlander territory; doesn’t she? he asked. The shrew waited for a while to see if any of the council members would say otherwise but they all nodded their assent and satisfied, then Elder Jazel continued. So if by now such a warning is yet to be received, I suggest we go about our activities today and WE all must be ready to wield swords and daggers again as the Arbiter once said.

Arbiter Elmer now held up the parchment from the cat and waved it. Brothers, thank you for this friendly argument. My thoughts and even my convictions were all expressed today by everyone and I too will say Wanyo did well in sending us this. He obviously thought he was introducing fear into us. Well, that he was able to achieve but just for a moment, he expressed then laughed and the council members laughed with him. When the laughter died down, he continued, What he, Wanyo, doesn’t know is that he has done us good: we are being gifted the chance to get our blunt blades sharpened. His pride has bought us time – enough to get us redeemed.

The Arbiter paused for a while before resuming, but this time, his countenance was sober and solemn.

Bravery, he continued. Before Wanyo and his horde may possibly be awakened easily in us than in those of the other territories because we hold the examples of our predecessors among which we have Arbiter Sydney before us. We are not going to show the enemy his message has got us weakened. No! We are going to show him we know what valour is and we are going to tell him we know what honour and life are. These, we will fight for! And if by mercy from the heavens above, we are spared the destruction that was recorded to be this cat’s characteristic, we shall rejoice in our deliverance and in our courage.

Arbiter Elmer paused again; his eyes were burning with conviction.

Our celebration today at the Abbey will not be suspended and if by this time next season we are spared the sword, we would go there to rejoice, he declared. His risen voice was met with cheers from the members of the council.

He waited until the cheers died down and when silence finally reigned, he spoke again,

From this moment on, let it be announced in every corner of Archwall that swords, crossbows, bows and arrows, slings, daggers, and spears be made and kept in all the storerooms built across the territory.

The members of the council sitting silent and solemn nodded their heads in agreement. Respect for their leader was evident on their faces. They loved him.

The council talked some moments more. They agreed that Old Aviamh, a mole and chief of Archwall’s team of diggers be asked to dig underground tunnels that would link the Abbey to St. Joseph’s lake. The tunnel would pass through the Arboretum which was on the western part of the lake.

St. Joseph’s lake was the primary source of water and fish to the woodlanders of Archwall. It spread across the territory: from the arch (from which Archwall got her name) through the marsh dividing the country-side into two. On the western part were the moles and the shrews while on the other side were the mice, the raccoons, and the badgers. But Archwall being a peaceful woodlanders’ territory was not divided by these different species. They were co-habiting. There were many mice, many raccoons, and many badgers living peacefully on the western part of the territory and the same could be said of the moles and shrews living on the eastern part.

The lake also cut in-between the Asparagus and the Arboretum before bending to run itself beside Freewall’s western wall.

Old Aviamh and his team would also dig a tunnel that would pass through the Asparagus into Freewall. This would be in preparation for the day messages would be sent into Archwall, warning of Wanyo’s approaching army. The Arbiter and the members of the council had agreed that Freewall would be a haven to all and sundry since it was the only castle that promised a good sense of defence.

Orders were also given by the Arbiter at the bidding of Diric that enlistment of young Archwallites and other woodlanders of the Marsh Countryside into the army should be encouraged.

The meeting lasted well into the middle of the day.

Chapter Two

Old Alistair trod gently to his house beside the Arboretum. The old mouse was one of the most respected mice in Archwall and this was not as a result of his age, but he was a luminary and a swot. He had in his house a room full of books on everything. He barely spent time outside the comfort of his library. He was also the overseer of formal education in Archwall. Even the Arbiter relied on him for historical facts and archives on Archwall and the Marsh Countryside.

Everybody knew him to be one who scurried when seen outside the comfort of his home, but this evening, the old mouse was walking gently to his house. He was insensible to the happenings around him.

He had heard the news of the parchment dropped on Freewall’s court from Bradley, an orphan he was mentoring. Old Alistair had offered to take Bradley in when news of the young mouse’ parent’s death was spread. In Bradley, the old mouse saw a young warrior whose future promised greater feats. Bradley reminded him of his younger self. Old Alistair had seen the young him in Bradley – lusty, spry, audacious, and boisterous – and the young mouse has not disappointed his mentor in any of these. Bradley was turning into a fine learner and a fine fighter.

Old Jane, Old Alistair’s wife had kicked against Bradley going to train with Freewall’s guards as her children had but her husband prevailed over her. At times, Old Alistair would swear he saw a replica of Arbiter Sydney – if the records were true – in Bradley. At times, it would seem the young mouse’s destiny would be greater than the one his mentor was moulding for him. Often times, Old Alistair would conclude that only time could tell what the future had in store for his protégé.

Old Alistair could not stay longer with the others at Freewall’s celebration the previous day because he had a manuscript he was compiling, but he had received the news of the happenings in Freewall from his wife and as well as from Bradley. He had dismissed the news of the parchment as a flex of muscles.

Fear – he had said to his family, – was what he intends to instil in us. If he could be successful in doing that, then he wouldn’t be needing a war to bring us to our knees; we would gladly lay down the head of our Arbiter at his feet, Old Alistair explained. The mouse had gone ahead discussing fear with his protégé. What kills a man’s mind slowly? he had asked young Bradley.

Fear, Bradley had answered.

And why did you choose this?

Fear is the death of the inner man, Bradley explained. And the death of this inner self equals the death of the physical self.

Good! the old mouse had patted the young on his back. And would you mind telling us the source of this fear?

Fear is birthed by the flesh, the young mouse cited from memory. The mind picks what the flesh sent to it and builds on it. Even the strongest heart would fall if it hadn’t learnt to harden his flesh to fear.

Old Alistair had maintained a tender voice during the exchange. His love for his protégé was very evident on his face.

Old Alistair had many volumes written on Captain Wanyo most of which he had read. He also had Arbiter Sydney’s account on the cat, but he had never thought he would one day be discussing how possible a defence would be should the cat attack.

He had sent his wife and Bradley on the cart while he opted to take the long walk to his house. He had listened with sorrow as the Arbiter made known the plans for an immediate evacuation of all woodlanders in Archwall into Freewall should the news of Wanyo’s advancing army be communicated. It pained him to hear talks of a possible attack on Archwall. He wondered if he had ever come across this attack in the Archwall Books of Prophecies. The old mouse, as his house came into view, made a mental note to go back to the book of prophecies.

But before that, he would study every book wherein the cat’s deeds were recorded. The Arbiter had met him after the solemn meeting at the Abbey and had requested that he comb every records on Archwall and bring forth volumes wherein the cat’s acts were recorded.

I guess it’s high time we visited the ancient books, the Arbiter had said.

The first act of war is getting to know who the enemy is. Arbiter Elmer and Old Alistair knew this. The old mouse felt he owned Archwall a remedy to the headache every woodlander in Archwall was having.

Getting to his house, the old mouse unlatched the gate that led to his compound. He immediately took the path leading to his library. He need not waste time on frivolities, even if that meant not having his evening walk with the love of his life.

Entering the library, he found the torch already lit. He had ordered Bradley to search and arrange all records compiled during and before Arbiter Sydney’s reign. He saw the young mouse beside the table on which he had arranged the books.

On getting to where Bradley stood beside the table, the old mouse without hesitation picked the first book, he flipped through the pages, but unsatisfied with the content, he flung it to the other side of the table. Bradley ran to pick up the book and replaced it on the table – but not close to his older colleague.

Old Alistair did the same with the second, third, fourth, and fifth books and he did the same with some parchments until finally, a smile appeared on his face.

Bring the torch nearer, the old mouse said as he settled on his arm-chair.

Absurd looked at his reflection in the mirror and smiled. He had gone to the Abbey just like the others, but he had not gone there to take part in the rites. In fact, he hated the practices. Not just the practices, he hated everyone in Archwall who never paid attention to him. He hated the Arbiter for having so much authority in the territory. He hated that one mouse would give an order and hundreds of woodlanders would fall on themselves to see that the order was carried out. He hated the council members for thinking they – because they were chosen as representatives of the different kinds of woodlanders Archwall could boast of – were worthy of respect.

He had even thought of seeking pastures away from the corners of Archwall, but he was not really a fool as others thought he was. He knew he would not last any longer if he tried going on such an adventure. To him, no exploration would promise interesting sunlight and moonlight as getting freed from the modern form of slavery he had always claimed the Archwallites were subjected to.

His early days did see him with dreams of being celebrated as a hero even in the midst of the hundred woodlanders Archwall could boast of. And those dreams he had stopped communicating them to others because no one ever saw reasons with his reality. These dreams were reasons he would not sleep at night, reasons why he had thought he needed a very powerful ally.

The announcement made by the Arbiter at the Abbey was all that he needed to keep his dream alive. He knew within him that there would be no escape route this time for the woodlanders in Archwall. Archwall would fall. He was so sure of that. So, to keep his head above the destruction that would precede Archwall’s sack, he would have to seek Wanyo’s friendship. This could be the golden chance he has been waiting for. Just that this time, he would be given a place of honour in Archwall or whatever Wanyo chose to name it after conquering it. He would make sure the Arbiter – if he managed to escape the edge of the swords – kiss his paws. He would even take the Arbiter’s wife to be his. In fact, he was a distant admirer of her, and this again was another reason he hated the Arbiter.

But with Archwall fallen before Captain Wanyo who would have by then given him control over the territory, Absurd knew he would have the best kind of revenge. He would make out with the Arbiter’s