Chapter 4
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Dax was the leader of the local guards. Among his other functions was to keep people from escaping when the Harpers came for their children. One of Dax's guards saw Jihlem and Share fleeing with their baby girl. They were too far away to catch them all, and desperate parents could be very dangerous. This guard knew he needed Dax and the others to stop them. Dax was immediately alerted, as was the local magistrate. The magistrate was perhaps the most worried. They all feared the wrath of the Harpers, what they might do if any one of them betrayed their obligation to their "protectors." But the magistrate also feared losing his power. The Harpers had the power to remove any of the local village leaders from power, permanantly. For the most part they stayed out of their local politics. The magistrate hoped to have the baby back in the village before the Harpers knew they were missing, his career and his life depended on it. Dax was briefing the magistrate on the situation.
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Dax: We will do all we can to return the baby and her parents before sunrise.
Magistrate: You had better. Do you have any idea what the Harpers will do if they escape?
Dax: I know exactly what they will do. My men will be ready in less than one hour.
Magistrate: Good. Let us hope that the Harpers never learn about this.
Harper: Too late.
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Both Dax and the magistrate were startled by the sudden appearance of this Harper. He seemed to be the leader, the one who read the names of the babies this morning.
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Harper: Our oracles have informed us of the parents fleeing with their baby.
Dax: My men and I are preparing to leave now to find them. I should get going now.
Harper: Do you know these woods well?
Dax: Yes, very well. I've been hunting in them all of my life.
Harper: And you know where the local farmers are? Because if they're desperate they might steal food from them.
Dax: I have a rough idea where they are located yes.
Harper: That is more than me and my men know of this area. You will come with us as our guide. But your men can stay, or they will slow us down.
Dax: Yes sir.
Harper: As for you magistrate...
Magistrate: Please sir. I have done all I can to prevent this.
Harper: You have been magistrate for, six years I believe. Ever since your predecessor was "removed." He tried to help his son and daughter in law escape with their child. He paid the price for his betrayel.
Magistrate: I would never betray the Harpers. I believe in your mission. My daughter, she wanted to flee with her baby. I convinced them it was neccessary.
Harper: Fortunately for you, I do not believe you betrayed us. You endured sacrifice, and I will not execute those who are loyal.
Magistrate: Then, I will live?
Harper: You are an old man, I cannot say how much time you might have. I can only guarantee you will not be killed by us.
Magistrate: Thank you.
Harper: But you failed to convince the people of your village of the need for this, and that cannot go unpunished.
Magistrate: It was only two parents. I will do all I can to make certain it does not happen again.
Harper: Good. You can start by making certain that your successor knows the penalty for betrayel. Knows the neccessity of doing what must be done to prevent Gorgos from ever returning.
Magistrate: Successor?
Harper: Yes. You can choose your successor, provided you are not ruling from the shadows.
Magistrate: Please, I have served the Harpers faithfully.
Harper: And that is why your life is being spared. But if you defy us, we will have no choice but to assume that your loyalty has waned. Do you remember how we executed your predeccessor, how long it took him to die.
Magistrate: I will choose my successor and retire before the next sunset.
Harper: Good, enjoy your retirement. Dax, we will inform your men that their services are not required, then you will come with us.
Dax: I understand.
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They left the magistrate alone in his office. Soon it would be someone else's office. He could retire, enjoy what he had left. But he would lose his power, the power he had sacrificed his grandchild for. He still had to live with the pain he had helped cause his family, without the protection of his authority. He had nothing left, and wasn't sure he even wanted to live anymore.