by Lori Holmes
The tribe huddled closer together, knowing tonight may be the night they had to flee, leaving their lives behind.
Without waiting for the still fuming Haana to argue, Aardn turned and lead them quickly in the direction of the eshaara grove.
Nyri rushed forward to help Sefaan and Baarias get Kyaati onto her feet. “Come on, Kyaati,” she murmured in her friend’s ear. “We have to go home.”
Kyaati did not resist as they pulled her up and supported her between them as they set off after the tribe. Sefaan released her and followed behind.
“Baarias,” Nyri whispered. “What can we do?” She would do anything to ease her friend’s pain, even for a moment.
“There is nothing you can do, child.” It was Sefaan who answered. “She is finally beginning to accept but a lot more needs to happen before she can be truly healed.”
Some of the tension left Nyri’s muscles as they finally reached the eshaara grove and Baarias’ tree came into view. The whole tribe gathered inside, Aardn keeping them together until the sentries returned with news. Baarias took Kyaati straight to her bower, out from under Haana’s murderous glare, and made her drink a whole dose of his sleep remedy. Her eyes closed almost immediately, too exhausted to fight or maybe all too willing to go, Nyri suspected both.
She remained by Kyaati’s side for a long time, stroking her hair. She feared the consequences to follow. Daajir’s words echoed around her head. She took a child…
The night passed and the tribe took turns sleeping as the others remained awake, waiting for the alert. It never came. Nyri hoped the sentries were safe; if they had been captured or killed, then there would be no warning. Anxiety shot through her at the thought and banished any hope of sleep. She almost envied Kyaati’s soft breathing as her friend lay unaware of the tension beside her. Nyri was tempted to ask Baarias for her own remedy. Oblivion would be better than this interminable waiting.
The horrors from the night flashed through her mind. Baarias’ empty tree; Kyaati, her eyes half crazed, holding the kidnapped Naaya in her arms, the Woves in the woods. The Forbidden in the Pit.
As though the thought had summoned it, his voice filled her whole mind.
Nyri, Nyri, Nyriaana.
Nyri shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself.
Nyri.
Go away! She told the silent call.
It seemed like forever had passed before Ninmah finally broke into the sky. Most of the tribe were now sleeping, or at least dozing fitfully. Nyri’s head was just beginning to bow forward when a flicker in the corner of her eye brought her fully awake. Something was moving outside of Baarias’ tree. Her head snapped up in time for her to see a lean form step into the entranceway.
He appeared so fast Nyri didn’t even have time to raise the alarm.
24
Zykiel
“Imaani!”
Aardn leaped to her feet and rushed to the exhausted sentry as he stumbled inside the tree. “Baarias, get him some water!”
Umaa ran to her mate’s side as Imaani sank to the ground. Baarias drew water from the nearest aquilem vine and handed the filled shell to the watchman. The tribe pressed close as they waited for the news he had brought.
“The Woves?” Aardn asked quickly as Imaani drained the hala shell. “Where are they?”
“Gone,” Imaani gasped as soon as his lips were free.
“Gone?”
Imaani nodded. “We found the pair who breached our borders but they made no attempt to come near the settlement. We tracked them and they returned to their camp as soon as dawn began to break. They are no longer in the forest.”
Aardn’s brow shot up. “They just left?”
“Yes,” Imaani’s face was just as perplexed as the Elders.
“What are they doing?” Aardn began to pace restlessly.
“I can’t be sure, my Elder, but to me it seemed as if they were searching for something.”
“Searching for what? They already know where we are.”
Nyri grew very still as she listened to this.
“Whatever it was, I don’t think they found it.”
Aardn’s frown deepened. “What could they possibly be after if not us…?” she pondered out loud then shook herself. “You’re quite sure none remain within our borders?”
“Quite sure, my Elder. There are five of them, all that remained after the wolves attacked them. All five can be seen moving within their camp.”
Aardn blew out a breath. “Good. Go with Umaa, Imaani, and rest. I will call on you when I have need.”
Imaani staggered to his feet and, using Umaa for support, disappeared outside with his family.
“I suggest the rest of you do the same,” Aardn addressed the gathered tribe. “It’s been a long-”
“Aardn,” Haana’a voice cut through the air. “I can’t wait any longer. This is not over.”
Aardn’s face tightened. “Haana-”
Haana ignored the warning in the Elder’s tone. “My child was taken from me, Aardn, taken out into the woods where monsters were lurking. Such a crime I cannot forgive.” She jabbed an accusing finger towards the chamber where Kyaati still slept. “I want her to know the pain she caused me. I demand the right of Zykiel.”
“No,” Nyri denied, and threw herself between Kyaati’s chamber and Haana.
The Ritual of Transference would force Kyaati to take the fear and pain Haana had experienced as her own. Kyaati would not survive this punishment. As fragile as she was, it would shatter her mind completely. Surely Haana could see that. Baarias rose to his feet and came to stand by Nyri’s side, his face was hard with disapproval.
“I am sure she already knows your pain, Haana,” he said darkly. “I am sure she knows it better than you. You have your daughter. She does not.”
Aardn seemed inclined to agree. “Haana…”
Haana’s expression was unrelenting, anger driving out her compassion. “I do not care! I want justice for what was done to my family. I want the one responsible to know the pain I was caused.”
“Then punish me!” Baarias stepped forward.
A collected gasp went around the tribe.
“Baarias,” Nyri gripped his arm. “No.”
Baarias pushed her away gently. “I left Kyaati alone against my better judgement. I am responsible for your child’s kidnapping, Haana. Kyaati was not in her right mind, she was my responsibility. What happened last night was my fault and mine alone. I am the one who deserves punishment.”
Aardn was outwardly impassive but Nyri could taste her relief on the air as Baarias offered himself in Kyaati’s place. “Is Nyriaana capable of taking your place should you not recover?”
“Yes.”
“Then, do you accept Baarias’ offer, Haana?”
Haana glared at the healer, her jaw working furiously. Nyri gripped Baarias’ shoulder.
“Yes,” Haana replied finally through her teeth. “That is acceptable.”
“Then it is decided.” Aardn beckoned. “Sefaan.”
All eyes turned to where the ancient Kamaali had been sitting at the edge of the gathering. Raanya aided her as she pushed herself stiffly to her feet; the large seed bound to her throat swayed with the awkward movement. Nyri felt a tightening in the collective atmosphere as they all witnessed Sefaan’s increasing frailty.
Aardn bowed her head stiffly, making it clear her respect was only a formality. Somehow Nyri knew that if she had had any other choice, Aardn would have excluded Sefaan. The Ritual could only be carried out by the tribe Kamaali. Not only did the process take a lot of skill and strength but to hold such power over someone’s life was a responsibility to be trusted only to the wisest of hands. “Revered Kamaali,” the Elder ground out. “The Ritual of Zykiel has been demanded and by our lore must now be evoked. I place the lives of this victim and the perpetrator in your hands.”
Sefaan nodded, appearing not to notice the forced edge to Aardn’s tone. “Who calls for the right of Zykiel?”
“I do,” Haana lifted her chin.
“And whom do you call against?”
“This man so that he might know the pain I have suffered, pain inflicted by his own negligence.”
Sefaan raised a hand. “And do you accept her right?” she asked of Baarias.
The healer’s shoulders were straight, his head high. “I do, for the sake of Kyaati.”
“Both have agreed to the Ritual. You will kneel before me.”
Haana sank to her knees beside Baarias and Sefaan placed a hand upon both their heads.
Nyri felt hands clamp around her arms as Daarjir pulled her away from Baarias.
“No!” She struggled but Daarjir held her firm, his fingers cutting into her skin.
Sefaan grew still, her eyes emptying. She was a conduit, her own soul and emotions removed. Nyri could almost see the energy move up through the arm reaching down to Haana, contracting through her and finally moving into Baarias.
The healer shuddered and gasped as the full force of Haana’s desperation, anger and fear were forced upon him. Nyri fought harder against Daajir’s grip as Baarias bent double, his arms wrapping around his chest as he fought to contain the onslaught. A whimper escaped through his teeth.
Nyri echoed the sound.
At last it was over. Sefaan blinked and returned to herself. She staggered, drained by the effort she had put forth. Baarias opened eyes that were wet with tears. He knew now what it was like to lose a child. He reached a trembling hand towards Haana. “I am sorry,” he rasped. “I am so sorry.”
Haana only turned her back and moved away with her mate and her daughter.
Daajir released Nyri and she rushed to where Baarias knelt, bowed under his ordeal.
“Justice has been given,” Aardn barked a dismissal. “Go to your own trees now, all of you,”
A babble rose as the rest of the tribe moved to obey. Some glanced curiously towards where Kyaati slept, others spoke in hushed whispers about what had just happened. The last to leave was Sefaan. The Kamaali gave Nyri a meaningful stare before following the rest of the tribe.
“Baarias…”
He did not raise his head as he flinched away. His control was tenuous, Nyri could feel him fighting to hold together in front of her. She felt sick.
“Come,” she pulled him to his feet and lead him into the far chamber and laid him upon his bower. “You need to rest.” Please fight this.
Nyri raged against his suffering. Baarias needed to balance the new emotions and sensations within his mind and soul before he could accept them. If he did not, his mind would be broken. Her palms sweated. She was not ready to take over from him yet.
He’s strong, she told herself. He will recover.
“Leave me,” Baarais whispered. “T-take care of Kyaati.”
Nyri squeezed his hand and went back to where Kyaati rested, collapsing next to her inside the bower. Kyaati had no idea what Baarias had just done for her. She hoped what he had just suffered was worth it, she hoped Sefaan had been right and Kyaati would now begin to heal.
“Nyri.”
Nyri sat abruptly, disorientated. The light was now dim. She had fallen asleep. The whole day had passed. Kyaati was awake and regarding her solemnly. Nyri tensed but the manic gleam that had haunted her friend’s eyes since losing her baby was gone.
Nyri took her hand. “Yes?”
“Why did my baby have to die?”
Nyri swallowed, fighting to keep her voice steady. Baarias would not tremble before someone who needed his strength. “She was born with a malformed chest, Kyaati,” she told her softly. “She could not breathe. It was not your fault.”
Kyaati’s hand tightened on Nyri’s as she choked. “I have been thinking. Do you think he is right? Baarias? Are we doing this to ourselves? Are we killing our own children in the pursuit of the past and the teachings of an absent deity?” Her eyes were tortured as they met Nyri’s.
“No, Kyaati!” Nyri shook her head vehemently. “It cannot be. Ninmah taught us our ways and we were strong for generations before the Woves came with their dark magic.”
“But, if it is true…”
Nyri took her friend’s face between her palms. “No. We did not do this. You did not do this. None of this is your fault. This is happening because of the curses the Woves have placed upon us. Now stop. Leave the worrying to the Elders. You concentrate on getting better. You need to be strong before the Fury. You need to survive.”
“Why?” Kyaati mocked. “What are we surviving for, Nyri? Tell me one thing worth going on for?”
To her dismay, Nyri could not think of an answer.
Baarias entered the chamber. Nyri leaped to her feet, taking his hands. “Baarias! You should still be resting!” His hands were trembling faintly within hers but he seemed to have regained a measure of his usual composure. She could only imagine the effort it was taking.
No, my akaabi. I cannot lie there any longer. I have experienced loss before. I need to busy myself. I will take over Kyaati now.
“How long must I stay here?” Kyaati’s voice broke into their exchange.
Baarias shifted, his expression carefully composed. “I do not think it is wise to return home yet, Kyaati.”
“I do not wish to go back,” she replied and her deadened eyes sparked briefly with some of her old fire.
Baarias reached out to squeeze her arm. “You do not have to return to your father until you are ready.”
Her drawn face eased slightly. It wasn’t long before she returned to sleep’s embrace.
“Her mind is recovered,” Baarias murmured, “but her heart still has a way to go. Are you alright?” Baarias was studying Nyri’s pale face.
“You’re asking me? Baarias, I am more worried about you.”
“I can manage this, Kyaati cannot. I had to do it.” He touched her face. “Go home, Nyriaana. I will keep watch now.”
Nyri hesitated. His eyes crinkled reassuringly.
“I’ll be back in the morning,” she promised and turned to leave. “Call me if it gets too much.” She had taken but a step when dizziness swamped her and she almost fell.
Baarias caught and steadied her. “Nyri!”
“I’m alright.” Nyri tried to push him away. He didn’t let her get away so easily. She felt his energy probe against hers, assessing.
“When did you last eat?” he demanded.
Nyri shrugged. She knew exactly when but she was not going to admit that to Baarias.
He glowered disapprovingly at her. “I’m calling Daajir to help you to the stores, you need to eat.”
“No,” Nyri straightened up with an effort. “You don’t have to do that. I can make my own way to the stores.”
Baarias’ face was stern. “Go, now. You help no one by weakening yourself in this way. It is unwise.”
“I know,” she attempted a weak smile. “Don’t worry, Baarias, I promise it won’t happen again.” She meant it.
Calling on her last reserves of strength, she made her way to the store tree and picked out a ration for herself. It had been two days since she had eaten; she remembered the previous day’s ration tumbling away into the Pit when-
The Woves had been searching for something last night. She knew what that something was. He was drawing the predators right to the flock.
My kin will find me and when they do, you had better pray to the gods for mercy!
She dropped the fruit core she had been eating. She should tell the Elders and let them kill him. She flinched violently at her own thought and pushed it aside. Killing him would not make a difference. Dead or not, the Woves would still be searching.
The only answer was to release him. Perhaps he if went back to the raiding party, they would leave. She huffed out a breath. That was a false hope. She thought of the terrible green eyes and knew for certain that if she released him then he would kill her and after her death, he would summon the Woves and they would murder her tribe.
Nyri dropped her head into her hands
.
Nyri, Nyri, Nyriaana…
Nyri growled to herself. It was still there, the pull inside her heart, the yearning to go to him. She couldn’t believe after all that had happened his call still held any power over her. He hated her and wanted her dead, his very presence was putting her people in danger. He had almost cost them Kyaati. Nyri shivered to think of what would have happened had Sefaan not appeared last night.
Nyri…
Stop it!
Why? Her heart replied suddenly. You will not let the Elders kill him but you will murder him yourself by abandoning him to starvation? He is going to die out there.
She lifted her chin, ignoring the pain. He made his choice when he tried to kill me.
Did he? Her heart taunted. Did you ever know Juaan to miss when he threw a rock? He is still in there and you are abandoning him! You are a coward, hiding like a child behind your fear!
* * *
25
No Turning Back
The girl was coming home. Sefaan could feel her energy approaching. She was agitated and hurting, desperate for the familiarity of her tree.
Sefaan kept to the shadows as Nyriaana leaped lightly into her living space. It was an indication of her state of mind that the girl did not notice that she was not alone. Sefaan knew she had come at the right time.
“Hello, Nyriaana,” she spoke as she stepped from the shadows. “I am glad you have finally decided to come home.”
The girl let out a soft yelp, her hand flying to her chest. “Revered Kamaali!”
It gave Sefaan a small sense of comfort to know that one person at least still regarded her so. She hid her smile however. They had bigger issues to attend to. “Not stealing out tonight, child?”
The colour drained from Nyriaana’s face. Sefaan could almost hear her heart pound. “W-what do you mean?”
“I think you know what I mean.” The time for playing games was over.
