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General Felix practiced isometric sword drills in the south east corner of his bedroom. Sweat beaded and poured off his sun scorched body in rivulets with the exertion. Behind his hissing efforts, came a short cry and searing gasp of agony. The noise drew his attention back to the bed he shared with Pia, his wife of four, maybe five seasons.

"It's time. Bring your sword now, my lord," came her weak, pain filled voice.

With a fierce turn, Felix spun and severed the cord tethering the mother to the child resting on her chest. The gore of blood spatter across the child's face was ignored by the new father.

"Do I have a son?"

"No, I'm sorry, my lord. I have failed you once again," came the heartbroken reply.

Senecos was using great care to creep through the Forest of Lost Soldiers even though it was against the Laws of Elos to be out after dark. Ordinarily, he would be well home before sundown but his wife was deathly sick. The village healer told him not more than a fortnight before there was just one last hope. Luniglow was a flower whose pollen could cure any illness. The healer said it could only be found at high moon. A time when all sane men were tucked safe in their beds.

The devoted Senecos left his home a bit after mid day and hid in the bushes. He waited until the darkest part of night to begin his search. He knew the petals of the mythical plant would glow bright white under the full autumnal moon. Senecos was not to be disappointed. Luniglow shown brightly at the base of several ancient trees clustered beyond the dry river bed.

"There it is. My wife's salvation," he thought.

His plan to sneak across the clearing from his hiding place in the tall grass was interrupted by the rhythmical rustle of grass and leaves. Holding himself steady, Senecos waited for the intruder to make an appearance. The measured, confident steps and light slapping of metal on leather could mean just one thing; a soldier. Senecos held his breath as the heavy boots stomped within a hand span of his hiding place.

The soldier's gaze stayed focused on the center of the clearing. Even a passing glance to his left would have revealed the old man trying to hide. But, Senecos' eyes were glued on the tall figure. He recognized the General. Each time the army entered his village to put down any notion of insurrection against Elosian occupation, General Felix lead the march. The ruthless General took great pleasure in bloodying his well practiced sword with the worthless lives of the simple village folk.

Senecos knew he should try to make an escape when the General knelt in the middle of the clearing. A combination of curiosity and fear caused Senecos to remain and watch. The General moved with an artful grace as he pulled a dagger from his boot. A swift arm movement was followed by a pathetically short baby's cry.

"The Ridded," Senecos whispered.

The General rose and left the clearing in the direction opposite from the way he entered. It was symbolic. There would be no going back for the General. The ridded, that unworthy infant, would be left to die for the good of Elos and for the General's good as well. It would not be allowed to infect the fierce nation with weakness. It would be sacrificed to the austere god of Elos; Waur.

Senecos didn't think: he acted. Senecos didn't check to make sure General Felix had left: he came out of hiding. Senecos didn't walk: he ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Senecos wasn't an Elosian: he was a farmer of an occupied nation. Senecos wasn't free: he was treated like a slave in his own country. Senecos didn't believe in Waur: he loved the forbidden god. Senecos had never sired a child but he would become a father tonight.

The baby was left without even a blanket to cover her. Blood pooled from the knife wound at the top of her head. It was the mark of the Ridded. It ensured Waur would send his dogs to devour the baby.

Senecos snatched the child up. He bundled her against his chest and wrapped his cloak tightly around her.

"If the dogs want you then they'll have to eat me too," he whispered in the tiny ear.

Hounds howled in the distance. Senecos ran faster than he thought he could. The child in his arms didn't cry or struggle along the bumpy ride.

"I'm home, my love," Senecos was never more happy to bolt the front door closed behind him. "Wait 'til you see what I found?"

"You got it. You found Luniglow," Varna sat up in bed for the first time in weeks.

Senecos stood silently. He had forgotten about the flower. He had, briefly, forgotten about Varna.

"What's wrong? Where is the Luniglow? Speak up, man," Varna's temper flared.

Without a word, Senecos went to his side of their bed. He released his cloak. Ignoring Varna's gasp, he laid the baby down on the bed.

"Are you mad? A Ridded! You'll bring Waur and his soldiers to our very door! You're a fool!" Varna hissed.

Senecos filled the washing basin with fresh water and began to clean the baby. A soft gurgle was his only reward. Tears of joy filled his eyes.

"I'll keep a scarf on her head until her hair come in," Senecos used great care to wash the blood off.

"Until her black hair comes in! Which will compliment her tanned skin perfectly. Did you consider what the neighbors would think? No, of course you wouldn't. I'll tell you what they'll think. They'll think an Elosian soldier took me. Any child of ours would be blonde and fair just like all the native valley dwellers. Senecos, this is madness!" Varna was red faced.

"What would you have me do?" Senecos asked wearily.

"Go back out there and leave her for the wolves. Then get the Luniglow," she demanded.

"You'd send me out twice in one night?" Senecos picked the child up and cradled her against his chest. "And you ask me to kill this babe. I say no, you selfish woman!" His voice was firm. "Don't push me on this! I'll warn you only once. This child is under my protection. Harm her with word or deed and I'll turn you out. I'll condemn you as mad. The village magistrate will have you stoned."

"You speak like this to me? After ten seasons of sharing a bed? Can't you see the evil this Ridded has brought into our lives already? She is unholy among her own people. Her own god wants her destroyed. I can't even imagine what horrors await us if we keep it under our roof."

"You will not disobey me in this!" Senecos tried to soften his voice when Varna cowered back against the pillows. "When she is stronger, I'll back out for the flower. You'll be well again. And then, we can concentrate on raising our daughter."

"Have you named it?" Varna glared but resigned herself obeying her husband's reckless decision.

"Her name is Dayne." Senecos was sure the baby sighed happily before drifting off to sleep in his arms.

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