When the War started, the small village called Certan by the Sea, offered respite for the SCARAB militia. Anchor and Arrow had gone underground in the crowd. Both were too comely to go unnoticed by the single soldiers. In particular, Driver was very interested in the two, especially since the day of the “accidental” meeting of all three in his office. He had some station now as a soldier in the intelligence section.
Driver had joined the Old Order of CieLoq, a respected sect of ancient philosophers of the 4th millennia, who advocated the doctrines that virtue is the only good, that the essence of virtue is self-control, and that surrender to any external influence is beneath the dignity of man. Driver believed these two traveling beauties were assigned to test his soul strength and it seemed he was failing.
One night at a farewell party, Driver bestowed gifts on the two trusted enchantress’. Arrow and Anchor were at their finest. To the first, the dusky redheaded one, Arrow, he gave several expensive gifts. The surrounding crowd in the makeshift headquarters appeared pleased, but wondered if Driver would spurn Anchor. The younger, fairer second maid waited in anticipation. Her eyes sparkled. She perceived the direction of her admirer’s heart. He turned to his assistant and said, “Where is the Legacy?”
The assistant handed a large, thick book to Driver. He smiled knowingly. Circling to the astonished girl, Anchor, he placed the precious book in her hands. Personal, handmade, cherished: a gift beyond riches. The offering’s depth was appreciated with a quiet gasp of surprise. Neither she, nor the group, expected such an unrestrained declaration. The worn soul book contained the soldier’s thoughts, feelings, and dreams, a CieLoq custom. All envied her being loved so openly, yet intimately. She warmly basked in the intense experience of being loved. All admired the soldier’s ideals. From that day, he wore a holopix around his throat of his inspiring Anchor. From that day, he worried of death robbing him of a future near his beloved Anchor. From that day, he became afraid.