The Last Gathering of the God Marduk

by Anne Nies
for English 207 Spring 2011

Introduction

This is the prologue to a novel about a demigod who is about to pass the first stage in her path to become a full god. The prologue introduces her father, a full god, and the creatures of his domain. Marduk, god of plants, created his first plants with human characteristics: humanoid shape, the ability to reason, speech, and personality. Although at this point in the story the reader does not know it, for Marduks daughter to begin her ascension she must kill him. By doing so his power and his domain pass into her care. Only a few, the eldest, of his creatures and Marduk know the full truth of what is to come. The others only have tales and fables that have been greatly exaggerated. The purpose of the trails are to test her, in order to ensure that she is ready to receive the responsibilities she is to inherit from Marduk.

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Leaning against his straight oak staff Marduk stood in the shadows behind the great arch. It was twice as tall as he and twice as long as it was tall grandly framing the agitated audience as they settle into their places. He allowed his dark cowl to fall forward so that no light touched the skin of his face while his eyes ran from the front of the stage to the back of the floor seating, then up the far side of the great curved wall full of recessed balconies, higher following the narrowing trunk past the shrouded balconies to the opening, a jagged dark circle slightly smaller than the stage directly below it, where the wall ended and a blue black sky glittered with stars. He knew from the tickling in his skin that whispers of the prophecies had been spreading over the land since shortly after dawn, but staring at those stars knowing soon he would be with them he forgot his impending sacrifice. As his eyes fell back down to the bare circular cedar stage he wondered how much his creatures who would soon be surrounding him understood. He hoped that they were prepared, but was afraid that they were not. Soon he would no longer be able to guide them, and the trials coming were as much for them as they were for her. Shaking his head he realized that they could not possibly understand, although they were fashioned with characteristics that were similar to his own, they still were only little more than shadows of his true nature. Simple plants. Perhaps he had been wrong to give the first humanoid features. Even though he had made some sentient and even after he had spent centuries as their god, not one of them had seen his true form. Although they had the prophecies, he realized that they were without the ability to entirely grasp them, that was after all how he had made them. Shifting his weight back to his legs Marduk watched them arrive and move into place with the rustling and senseless motion of leaves in the wind. As the old tree filled with the green of his creations he saw there was a clear delineation among them, that they segregated

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themselves by family. He saw short fleshy limbs pull quickly away from long and sinuous ones. The youngest climbed long tendrils curving, gently creeping along the old rotting cedar to pull themselves up and when the light caught them flashes of green, gold, and silver were sent sparkling wildly around the deep red-brown walls. He lowered his eyes with the regret that he had been unable to unite them, and then with the hope that perhaps that would change he raised his gaze back to the field of motion before him. Eyes, of every shade and size flashed, in the pale light falling from above. He sighed deeply, realizing this was the last time he would see the beauty of their assembly. For a moment he turned his face up, and silently implored; please this time let it be different, please take this task from her. His eyes burning, he looked down to the front of the stage, and saw the inherited ones had arrived. He straightened himself noting that they had all arrived, although they had not chosen him, and some had even not yet come to love him. Perhaps it was because they knew what was to come, perhaps it was because they longed for a new master. Marduk ground his teeth. He was strengthened by their presence. The formality of the proceedings would carry him through. When the edge of the moon drew a silver line across the opening above Bryophyta, his bushy plump figure brown in patches where he had not received enough moisture, brushed by Marduk with an apologetic glance as he scurried towards the boiling audience. When he reached the center of the stage he came to an abrupt halt, causing his long thin stems to wave back and forth wildly. He cleared his throat a few times, to no avail, then he spoke sharply in his high clear voice Attention. Attention. Silence please!

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After a few minutes the crowd became still and clearing his throat he began to speak once again. Creatures of the Plantae, you have gathered today in response to the summoning of your god and creator Marduk. You have been summoned to bear witness as the volunteers for the trials officially present their application. Know you that when the god and his six exit the stage, that the trials have officially begun, and that none may interfere. Trembling violently Bryophyta puffed up the tiny leaves he had and shouted, a bit more loudly than he should have, I present to you your kind and gracious god, Marduk. Then he backed quickly into the dark recess behind the arch. For a moment Marduk hesitated inhaling the variety of emotions excreted by the assembly. The mixed scent of field, forest, and desert rushed through his head and reeling slightly from the unexpected richness of them Marduk gathered his robes. Then with a rough gesture he threw back his cowl, put on an expression of mock bravado, and stepped forward with long confident strides, his white hair glowing in the moonlight. Looking directly ahead, and focusing on no one, he addressed his creatures in a commanding voice. The fortuitous moment of the masters arrival is upon us. It has been recognized through the signs provided in the Spirit Archive. It has been observed and verified by the elders. Let it be announced now, for all to hear and know. First, the day before the full moon, the boiling red sun rose over blue mists. Second, on the night of the full moon, the wolf did not howl, but instead slept under the evergreen at the center of the valley. Third, on the day after the full moon, the sparrow with a broken tail flew three times, widdershins around the first flower of spring. Fourth, at the time of blessing, the high priests voice was replaced with the sound of grasses blowing in the wind. Fifth, moss of

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emerald green sprung from the blood of the scarified doe. Sixth, a stranger has entered the land and the ground upon which she has tread is enriched. Now, my kin. Now, is the time of our beginning. Now, we must prepare the way and the trials must be laid out. Through the testing of our lady we will prepare her, and once prepared she will ascend. With her ascension we will triumph. With her ascension we will again rule the land, as foretold in the prophecies of the ancients. Pausing to catch his breath Marduk surveyed the field of glittering eyes surrounding him, and thought wistfully of the days when he had ascended to power. It was long ago, in his youth, before he needed the oak staff he held in his left hand, before his hair had turned white, even before the cavernous tree in which he was standing had been a seedling. As his mind travelled back over the years his head turned up at the younger members perched high in the trunk where little holes had been hollowed out, like balcony seats in a theater. He thought of that theater, long ago, so different from this one. Then shuddering with the memory of what had been and the realization of what was to come he again sent a silent thought coursing through the night; please spare me, take this task from her hands. Guiltily he drew a breath pulling himself back into his speech. You my creatures of the wood, of the plain, of the sands, of the mountain. Now comes your greatest challenge. Now comes the opportunity to demonstrate your faithfulness. Now is the true test of your spirit. Now my daughter arrives. As his voice echoed through the trunk and into the night, Marduk held his breath. Not a sound escaped from his audience as Bryophyta rolled forward through the archway, then around

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Marduks right, and stopped near the edge of the stage. Although his creatures had no need to breathe and move as humans do, he still was unnerved by the quiet that stretched out around him. Then there was a rustle, some green broke from the black shadows, two purple orbs flashed before him and slid out of sight. His face remained neutral, while his hands clenched and relaxed at his side, leaving crescent dents in his palms, which he kept turned in, away from the sight of those surrounding him. He knew who it was, even before Lamiace stepped into the light, the moonlight making his wiry frame shimmer into silver. Pausing at the edge of the stage, as if afraid to leave the darkness of the audience, he smoothly shifted his weight from side to side like a stalk in the wind. Then, he straightened, and began to intently study the floor before Marduks feet. Lamiace: head of the family Lamiaceae renowned for their healing and soothing skill, resilient, steadfast, father of over two-hundred. Bryophyta announced. Father. Clearing his throat Lamiace began again. Lord. Please -- allow me the honor -- of preparing and executing the first trial. Lamiace glanced nervously about looking everywhere except at Marduk. Dear Lamiace, are you aware of the risks and responsibilities of the trial? Marduks face was hard, his eyes steady upon Lamiace. I am Lamiace whispered. "And, are you sure that this is a task you wish to undertake? Marduk moved his right foot forward and leaned towards Lamiace, holding his breath. I am without a doubt my Lord. Lamiace forced himself still and upright.

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Turning his face towards the crowd, Marduk replaced his grimace with the same implacable expression he had used when he first entered the stage. Let it be known that Lamiace, the first of my creations has volunteered to prepare the first trial. As it is written in the Spirit Archives I have accepted his service, as I will for all of those who volunteer. Nodding curtly Marduk indicated that Lamiace should stand to his right. As he shuffled quickly across the rough floor, Lamiaces broad flat feet stirred up the faint fragrance of mint and cedar. Marduk wondered if at his ascension, the first to volunteer was also the first to be created. Lamiace settled into place, rocking back and then spreading out his broad hands. Relaxing Marduk caught sight of more stirring to his left and turned to see thin and dark limbs topped by a feathery green tuft of hair moving towards the stage. A smile threatened to break his placid face, and a few well meaning giggles broke free from the audience, as Fabace made her way forward. Fabace: head of the family Fabaceae renowned for their wholesome nourishment of the Kingdom Animalia, keeper of the dream keys, mother of over seven-hundred. Bryophyta announced, his face disapproving. Curtsying gracefully, like a branch bent by the wind, her swirling golden yellow eyes on Marduk Fabace smiled a cheshire grin. As she began to speak her voice echoed and rolled caressing each of those present, and causing drunken grins to breakout across every face. Lord, please allow me to serve you by preparing and executing the second trial. At the early appearance of his favorite sorceress, Marduk straightened himself. Darling Fabace, are you aware of the risks and responsibilities of the trail.

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I am, she replied with a conspiratorial grin. And, are you confident this is a task you wish to undertake? Marduks eyes flashed. I am without a doubt. Fabace replied her face serious. Nodding graciously, Marduk indicated that she should stand to his left. As she glided forward the brown, pink, and green patterns of her dress melted, swirled together, and faded in and out so that at times her dark skin could be seen through her gown. She moved slowly with the full attention of the audience upon her. As she approached her station she looked up turning to her right, and gasped. Noticing her surprise Marduk turned to see Cactae dropping onto the stage from a balcony that had been behind him. Large thick arms, covered in a net of light yellow cords, flew out as he landed and pale green eyes flicked up while he stayed crouched on one knee his long torso folded out at a sharp angle. The crowd broke in to a series of rowdy cheers and hoots, and even Fabace broke into a childish grin. When they quieted, Bryophyta, wearing a stern expression, cleared his throat. Cactae: head of the family Cactaceae renowned for their ability to survive in the most barren land, great sentinel of the Kingdom, father of over one-hundred. Lord, please allow me the pleasure of serving you by preparing and executing the third trial. Cactae said while studying the cedar before his feet. Valiant Cactae, are you aware of the risks and responsibilities of the trial? Boomed Marduk. I am. Cactae lifted his head to meet Marduks gaze. And, you are certain that this is a task you wish to undertake?

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I am without a doubt Lord. Marduk again nodded solemnly and indicated that Cactae should take the place to Lamiaces right. Cactae moved into place, with large purposeful strides, his pale yellow robes shimmering in the moonlight. He stopped perfectly with a last clean step, then squared his shoulders and relaxed his eyes. The solemnity on his face had quieted the crowd, and with his stillness theirs also arrived. There was then a gentle rustling towards the back of the stage and Marduk turned to find Urticea in beautiful green robes stepping forward. When Marduks eyes fell upon her she quickly moved her humble gaze to the tips of his brown shoes and curtsied. Urticea: head of the family Urticacea renowned for their sting, guardians of the old way, mother of over fifty. Bryophyta beamed with approval. Lord, please grant me the gift of serving you by allowing me to prepare and execute the fourth trial. Lovely Urticea, are you aware of the risks and responsibilities of the trial? I am. And, you are decided -- that this is a task you wish to undertake? I am without a doubt my god. Marduk nodded his agreement, solemnly and indicated that Urticea should take the place to Fabaces left. The crowed had remained quiet, although a few could be seen shifting nervously in their places. One or two even made the sign of the ancients, green and brown flashing silver and white in the misty moonlight, and quickly looked away from her. Urticea walked forward, her head bowed respectfully, her hands folded before her. As she moved across

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the stage her modest gown flowed over the floor turning darker in the moonlight. Upon arriving at her place she stopped, and her dress came to an immediate stillness around her. A few in the audience nervously cleared their throats. Later some commented that they had heard a quiet wail and a few admitted to a tear falling. Marduk smelled the sweet tang of the tears of his progeny, and with his face tilted so it was covered in shadow he quickly turned to the front of the stage again. With the arrival of Urticea a heaviness had begun to settle in his heart, and with great trepidation he moved his eyes upon the audience. Just as he was about to speak the crowd at the back of the room began to move sharply back, creating an aisle that moved towards the stage. A few groans were heard then, and the high wail of an old female moved across the crowd, while more than a few of the assembly wilted in fear. At the center of the newly formed aisle walked a pale figure with pink eyes and spiky green hair. Marduks heart sank lower as he recognized Drosera. Although he was not looking forward to his daughters ascension ritual, he knew they needed her success and was resigned to fulfilling his responsibilities. With a predatory leap Drosera landed on the stage, and bowed deeply. Drosera: head of the family Droseraceae renowned for their bold appetites, devourers of the impetuous, father of three. Bryophyta announced. My Lord. Please allow me to prove my unending devotion by preparing and executing the fifth trial. Stealthy Drosera, are you aware of the risks and responsibilities of the trial? I am. And, you are certain that this is a task you wish to undertake?

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I am without a doubt Lord. So tense he was softly trembling Marduk tightly nodded and indicated that Drosera should take the place to Cactaes right. With eyes narrowed, and jaw firmly set Marduk watched him stalk silently into place, then turned to the crowd, where fierce whispers had erupted. Marduk gazed upon the crowd, Bryophyta before him, Lamiace, Cactae, and Drosera staggered behind him to his right, Fabace and Urticea staggered behind him to his left, forming the shape of a chipped arrow head. Between the creaking of neighbors bending and the sound of their hushed conversation he could not tell if anyone was approaching the stage. With a few deep breaths, that caused his chest to visibly rise and fall, Marduks eyes relaxed into a benevolent gaze. He then cleared his throat, an unassuming noise that quickly silenced the crowd. Never before was it recorded that volunteers for the trials had to be asked for. As he scanned the assembly Marduk was suddenly concerned that his only child was doomed to fail, and the sharp inquiring glances of the crowd revealed they were having the same thought. Temporarily buoyed by the thought of being released from this task Marduk allowed a smile to escape to the corners of his mouth. A few of the younger, in the balconies, broke into grins of relief and quiet giggles which were quickly replaced by horrified faces and gasps of regret. Then Marduk knew they understood what was to come. A polite cough echoed through the room and the blood drained from his face. Marduk slowly turned to see Apiaceae standing to his left, dressed in white lace. Her eyes so dark a red they were nearly black, gazed serenely at him. Apiaceae: head of the family Apiaceae renowned for their precious spices, keeper of death, mother of over three-hundred. Bryophyta announced, his face somber.

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She spoke in a voice that was soft, but perfectly clear. My Lord. She paused as he began to shake his head, her eyes wide and her mouth relaxed. Marduk caught himself halfway. Forgive me lady, continue. My Lord, please allow me the distinction of serving you, by preparing and executing the sixth trial. Beautiful Apiaceae, are you aware of the risks and responsibilities of the trial? I am. And, you are -- this is a task you wish to undertake? I am without a doubt Lord. His eyes watering, Marduk pressed his lips together in a white line and nodded his acceptance then indicated with a trembling hand that Apiaceae should take the place to the left of Urticea. Marduk leaned heavily upon his staff, his wrinkled cheek pressed firmly against the old wood, as he watched her move with a long graceful stride across the rough hewn floor her youthful face lending her an air of innocence. Shifting his weight squarely upon his feet again Marduk set his face into a resolved grimace just before turning back to the front of the stage. For a moment, he did not speak, or breathe, but rather thought; I would, if it were taken be forever the perfect god. Please. Allow me to be spared. He stood, a statue of conviction, flanked on both sides by the trials volunteers. The crowd reflected his hard expression, some of the faces shining and shimmering, like leaves after a heavy rain, in the pale light. Waiting. Small pulsing lights began to descend from the glowing moon, and together the assembly raised their reverent faces to watch the arrival of the elders. Each was the size and shape of a

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kiwi, and when they drew close enough it could be seen that they were small elfin figures wrapped in gossamer from jaw to the tips of their hands, with long skirts that flowed far beyond the ends of their feet, and silky white hair waving above them. All but one spread out to the edges of the stage forming a great circle, three times the height of Marduk, above the stage. The one left in the center wore a silvery acorn shaped hat, and held in his left hand the stem of a great burst seed pod. The pod was almost as large as he was; silken parachutes and great chocolate seeds spilled out from the split center. Each of the elders in the circle held a large, dark, wet seed pod, covered in cruel curved thorns. They floated facing towards the elder at the center, as he slowly turned to his left, surveying the crowd. After one complete turn, he paused for a moment and looked up to the sky. He then began to turn to his left again, and this time he paused to meet eyes with each of the elders in the circle. Upon their gazes matching the outer elders would look up and he would turn to face the next elder. Upon completion of the second turn he again paused and gazed up at the sky, the moon light pulsing across his silvery face. Then he again turned to the left, but this time he only nodded when meeting the gaze of each of the outer elders; he did not pause. Upon the completion of his third turning, it was as though the cord suspending the outer elders was cut, and they all began to drift downward. All together there were twenty one of them floating down their silky white hair parachuting above them as they arranged themselves so that there were three above the heads of each of those standing on the stage. Their translucent wings hummed in the night and every creature present turned its head up, beyond the elders, towards the sky. The elder in the acorn hat, who was still high above the stage, opened his mouth and the deep bellow of a great horn

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caused the ancient trunk of the cedar to tremble. Dust and bits of rotted wood showered down upon the audience from the vibrating of the great old tree. In silence stillness returned, not even the youngest of the audience twitched, the tension of expectation began to build and just before the moment that many would have relaxed a powerful voice began to radiate through the assembly: Children of the great god Marduk, do you now swear to fulfill the trials for which you have volunteered? With one voice they replied We do. Marduk, beloved, you have greatly served your purpose. Are you prepared for the ascension? I am. A tear escaped from the corner of his right eye and ran through a valley at his temple into his silvery hair. Then allow the trials to begin. Again the elder in the acorn hat opened his mouth and the bellow of a great horn was heard, but this time it was higher and sadder and the ancient trunk did not tremble. At once the elders, holding tightly to the thorns of the pods drew them open and crystalline water splashed down upon Marduk and the six. The pods were held open until the last sparkling drop fell upon Marduks head. Then the elders simultaneously snapped shut the pods with a hard crack that echoed through the hall, and they dashed away in silver streaks that disappeared into the moon before the last reverberation passed. Marduk turned his head forward, and the six followed him. They all allowed the water to run into their eyes and mouths, and to drip from their faces onto their fine garments. None lifted

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a hand to wipe away even a drop, and all wore grave expressions. When the tops of his weathered cheeks began to dry Marduk cleared his throat, squared his stance, and began to speak. My faithful, we have our six. Tomorrow the trials begin. A wailing cheer went up from the crowd as Marduk turned, his shoulders falling, and walked, the slow crooked shuffle of an old man, through the arched doorway at the back of the stage. He was followed by the six, as the cheer dissolved into groans and sobs. Lamiace swaying as if in a summer breeze, Fabaces gown fading in and out, Cactae with his back straight and step sure, Urticea with her head bowed, Drosera with the silent stalk of a hunter after prey, and last Apiaceae graceful and sure. Silently they all wore the pensive expressions of those about to begin a great undertaking. As Marduk stepped to the archway one of the crowd began to yell, his baritone echoing through the hall. No my Lord, I beg of you, do not do this thing. He was downed out by the roar of the rest of the crowd as they all began yelling hysterically. With a heavy sigh Marduk turned his right hand slowly in a counter-clockwise motion as if it were holding a heavy stone. Behind Apiaceae the edge of the stage grew up turning green and tender, once it was to the height of Marduks hand it curled in at an angle towards the back wall of the auditorium. None of them looked up as it rose over their heads, but Urticea shuddered and Cactae hunched his shoulders as if bracing for a strike. Just before the new growth of the stage met the top of the archway a small sparrow flew in, zipping past them and deep into the faintly lit hall. Then with the relaxing of Marduks hand the curved green edge of the stage pressed against the old dark cedar of the great arch protecting them from the riot and sealing them in.

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