Central High School - Mirror Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

Page 32 text:

CURRY LITERARY SOCIETY

Page 31 text:

The Will of the Gods Mid-day in early fall gave its warmth and drowsiness to the little village at the font of the mountains. Higher uj tlu- slopes of the mountain a tickle breeze stirred the fields of growing maize. There was no sound except the occasional snatches of conversation that drifted from the huts. No men were abroad in the one narrow thoroughfare of the village. Therefore, no one saw a figure suddenly outlined against the blue of the sky as it paused on the summit of the mountain path and then ran down it toward the quiet town. As he came nearer, a woman, issuing from her doorway by chance, was the first of the place to spy him. She screamed shrilly, and from every door rushed forth men. hastily-snatched weapons in their hands, and women with children clinging to their skirts. The alarm-giver pointed. All eyes turned toward the solitary runner, then to the old man who had just stepped from the door of the largest hut in the village. They waited, watching. The runner approached swiftly, and it was observed that he was a Gaul and wore the scarlet shoulder-strap that betokened a messenger of the Great Chief. As the young man. for such he was, entered the village, the bearded head man advanced to meet him. The crowd closed around the two. The messenger's words were audible to all. “Subjects of Adiux. hear! A Roman. Caesar, he is called, has commanded our nation to pay tribute to Rome and to send him hostages. Our king has refused, and the Roman has marched into our territory with an army numerous as the locusts Our forces gather at the chieftain’s town, and according to the custom of our ancestors the sluggard who last arrives shall die bv torture.” A buzz and then a shout arose. The speaker and the chief pushed their way through the crowd to the door of the hut. and a few moments later, having given the old man a private message from the king, the messenger proceeded upon his way to the next village. He left behind him a turmoil. Some of the men were away on a hunting trip. Among the absentees was the young Meliorix. son of the village chief, lie had gone into the forest alone, and no one knew where to find him. The other hunters were encamped half a day's journey away they could be warned. But Meliorix lie had told no one of his intentions, and often the young man spent days at a time in the forest. The time was short. To send some one to attempt to find him was useless, as well as dangerous to the messenger. since the village was one of those farthest from the rendezvous and every hour ought to he spent on the journey . Night came, and with it came the other hunters. Meliorix did not come. The old chief sat in his hut and waited—waited and prayed Odin to rescue I'afic

Page 33 text:

his I my. The hours raced In him, for at dawn the men must march, and unless his son came before then it meant almost certain death. A footstep crunched on the gravel of the path, and the old man sat up expectantly. Some one flushed aside the woven rushes that screened the door, and entered. It was a young man. tall and good to look upon. In his hand he carried a hunting spear, over his shoulder hung a quiver of arrows— but it was not Mcliorix. (The Chieftain sighed and turned away, bat he quickh controlled himself and again faced the youth.) Son of my friend, why do you come? What can I do for you. ’ Chief. I am going to seek Meliorix. The old man looked at him. No, minus. ‘ he said. 1 must not let you go. It is a decree of the Gods that my boy should be absent at this time. Go back to your slumbers. If il is their will. Meliorix will return in time. If not —bis voice trailed off. Sir.” answered the other firmly, “Meliorix i my friend and benefactor. He dared all for me. I shall dare, and if need be. give all. for him. 1 am going. Farewell. lie strode to the door, pushed aside the hangings and departed. The Chieftain sank back upon his couch and covered his eyes with his hands. Thus they found him at dawn, when his followers were ready to march. • ♦ The same dawn found a young man accompanied by a huge wolf-hound, picking his way across a mountain torrent. It was Meliorix. Me was a good two day’s journey from bis father's village, and in no great hurry to return. Therefore he and the dog went leisurely on their way. and night found them still twenty miles from home. Meanwhile. Attunus had searched every foot of the forest in which he thought Meliorix might I e and at dusk, despondent I ut still faithful, the youth was seated near a solitary watch-fire. He was thinking. Without a doubt, he and Meliorix were now the only two men w ho had not long ago arrived at the town of Adiax. Then a horrible thought flashed through his brain— either he or his friend would he the last man. nd that man must die! Die! Forgotten were all his noble resolves, for the last man to arrive must die! it must not be lie! I!c seized his spear, and dashed blindh down the mountain path. It was the God’s will that Meliorix he away at such a time. Let him suffer! lie, Attunus, must not die! On and on he ran. panic-stricken—on through the black of midnight and the grev of dawn. Noon of the next day found him still staggering on. a day’s journey from the rendezvous. n hour later he came to a spring, lie must rest, for his legs refused to earn, him farther. He sank exhausted to the earth and slept. And soon he dreamed, dreamed of a clay long ago. a pleasant day on the hanks of the Loire. Two hoys—he and Meliorix stood upon the water's edge. He plunged in. and swam lustily for the opposite bank. He could feel the cool water wash against his body as he pushed it aside. Suddenly something seemed t« seize him, and pull him toward the bottom. He felt the water close over his head: felt the horrible sensation of lack of air. His brain turned, hazy images ran madly through it. He was dying, dying. Then a strong arm caught him; ihirly-pHf