Didrik Magnus-Andresen

Tears for Joy and Sadness. A Forsaken Gods short story

Added 2025-06-12 12:45:06 +0000 UTC

Another short story from the Forsaken Gods setting for you! I’ve also received a few short stories from some of you already, and there’s still plenty of time for new contributions.

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Tears for Joy and Sadness

Throughout the dark, maze-like structure of stacked stone, a wailing could be heard. The cries of many voices echoed in the smoke-filled corridors, yet one was louder and shriller than the rest.

In the innermost chamber, the whole tribe was gathered. Standing over a prone woman, they cried and wailed. The men, clad in great fur suits of war, thumped their chests in grief. The women, with upturned faces, pulled at their braids as tears streaked their weathered skin.

Among the warriors, one man stood apart—his face hidden behind a decorated veil, where others held their tall fur hats in solemn respect. From behind the veil a droning mantra issued. On and on it went, weaving into the cries of sorrow.

In the center of the gathered throng lay a woman, hair unkempt and chest bared. Upon it lay a newborn child. One of the men—also dressed for war—stared at the pair more intently than the rest, and made no audible sound of grief.

They had been just about to leave for war when this had happened.

He had felt prepared, but now all had changed.

A loud cry, distinct from the rest, rose from the newborn babe. It clawed its way up its mother’s chest, its head turning feverishly from side to side in search of her breast. The mother stirred, guiding the infant until its cries ceased as it began to suckle.

The clenched teeth of the father could not hide a pained smile, even in this time of sorrow—for a life had been forced into this cursed realm, doomed to hardship, grief, and pain.

As he stood there, dressed in the furs of battle, pale, wet eyes fixed on his child, his were true tears. For he did not know whether he would return home—or if those now gathered here in sorrow would one day gather again in joy, to celebrate his release from this realm.