The Chamber of the Ancients: Wrak-Wavara: The Age of Darkness Book Two

by Roberts, Leigh

  Word quickly circulated that Bahr’Mok would be taking over the Deep Valley. Preparations were made to clean up the assembly chamber and decorate it for the evening’s ceremony. Many of the females were discussing the unexpected appointment of Bahr’Mok over his brother.

  News of the pairing of Rohm’Mok and the Guardian were exchanged in small circles and quickly took on the making of a once-in-a-lifetime romance. Few knew the Guardian, so there was much room for speculation about their union. In contrast to Hatos’Mok’s viewpoint of the situation, many felt there was a rightness about it all.

  Bahr’Mok and his brother stood together in a small meeting room just outside the assembly area.

  Bahr’Mok was readying himself for the ceremony about to take place. “Who would have thought it would be me and not you to whom Father will pass the ‘Mok staff tonight,” he said.

  “I think I have always known. I have always seen greatness in you.”

  “I hope I do not disappoint you.”

  “You will not. Father will be at your side for many years yet to come. So while you take his counsel, remember also to be true to who you are. Not Father’s idea of who you are. Or even Mother’s. You must lead from your own soul, your own heart, your own wisdom.”

  “And what of you?”

  “I will stay until Mother passes. Which I am afraid will not be too long. Then I will return to the High Rocks.”

  “Will it not be peculiar to be the mate of the Adik’Tar?” he asked.

  “I will let you know.”

  They both smiled in a tiny moment of levity.

  Bahr’Mok walked out ahead with his brother a few feet behind. So, the mantle of leadership now fell to him, not his brother as he had always believed it would. Rohm has faith in me, just as Mother does. Bahr’Mok would remember his brother’s words of wisdom and try to set aside their father’s last doubt in his abilities.

  In the center of the assembly stood Hatos’Mok, the Leader’s Staff in his hand. Deparia was seated not far from him, supported by the stone wall behind her.

  “Today is the day that always eventually comes,” began Hatos’Mok. “The day when leadership of a community passes from one hand to another.

  “As every parent here knows, you cannot help but have dreams of what will become of your offling. You want the best for them, and sometimes your vision of what they should become does not match up with their desires. It is not a secret that since he was born, I imagined the House of ‘Mok passing to my first son, Rohm’Mok. But the Great Spirit has another future for him. As you know, he has paired with the Guardian, Pan. And I wish him all the best in his new life at the High Rocks.”

  He motioned for Bahr’Mok to come forward and stand at his side.

  “I have not handled Rohm’Mok’s decision well. I have made it difficult for him and the rest of my family. And for that, I apologize. We have had words, ah, yes. If you are lucky, the time comes when your offling stand up to you and declare their right to choose their own paths. And then you know you have done your job as a parent. You have raised your offling to think for themselves, and though it may be difficult to give up your own idea of the path they should choose, you can find solace in knowing that they have come into their own and your job is complete.”

  “Bahr’Mok, you will be a great Leader of the people of Awenasa. You will guide them with wisdom and heart. Your patience and willingness to listen will prove to be only some of your many great gifts. Though you were not my first choice to assume leadership of the Deep Valley, I now realize you are the best choice. I am proud to hand the Leader’s Staff to you.”

  He held the Leader’s Staff out to Bahr’Mok, who reached across and firmly grasped it. Hatos’Mok then released the staff and declared, “Kah-Sol ’Rin! It is done!”

  Bahr’Mok could see his mother supported by Krin, smiling at him with such love in her eyes. It brought the sting of tears, and he fought them back. She will pass soon, I can feel it. This is what she was waiting for.

  He returned his attention to the crowd, looking out at many smiling faces and some serious ones. The Akassa stood toward the front with the larger Mothoc behind them. So much disparity. So little resemblance between the two groups. It was up to him now to find a way to bridge the future for all his people.

  Bahr’Mok turned to his father and nodded before stepping out into the crowd and making his way to his mother. “You look tired. Do you need to retire for the evening?” he asked. She nodded, and with Krin, he carefully helped her stand.

  “Stay here and mingle among your people, please,” Deparia said. “Come and see me when you are done and wake me if I am sleeping. Promise me you will.”

  Bahr’Mok nodded and solemnly watched as Krin helped his mother make her way to the welcome rest that awaited her in her quarters. His father followed them soon after.

  Well-wishers came up to have a word with the new Adik’Tar. Bahr’Mok gave them each their due of attention, and it was some time before the hall had cleared out. Rohm’Mok had stayed through it all, and Bahr’Mok was grateful for his brother’s support.

  Once almost everyone had left, Rohm’Mok approached him. “I do not know if you noticed, but you were being looked over very thoroughly by many of the younger females. I suspect you will have your pick now that you are Adik’Tar.”

  Bahr’Mok chuckled. “No doubt you are right. I will do my best to do as Mother said and take my time. I can only pray to be as blessed as you are to have found your beloved so young in your years.”

  “Trust me in this, brother,” Rohm’Mok said. “No matter how long it takes, it is worth the wait.”

  Bahr’Mok nodded his agreement. “Let us go and see Mother now.”

  They found Krin waiting for them just outside the room. “What is wrong?” Bahr’Mok asked.

  “I am glad you have come,” she said. “She does not have long. We were about to send for you.” She led them to their mother’s sleeping mat.

  Deparia slowly opened her eyes and watched as her sons entered. She weakly reached out her hand for them to come to her side.

  Rohm’Mok and Bahr’Mok crouched down to her level. “Where is Father?” asked Rohm’Mok.

  “He has been at my side until just now. We have said our goodbyes. Now it is my time to be with you two,” she said quietly.

  “No, please. Do not leave us yet,” said Bahr’Mok, taking her hand and raising it to press against his cheek.

  “Shhhhh. We all know it is time for me to go. I do not wish to leave you, but I am at peace knowing you have each found your own paths, and I have no will to continue suffering; I long for release from this painful vessel.”

  “I love you so much,” said Bahr’Mok.

  Rohm’Mok held her other hand and could only nod in agreement.

  “I know you do, both of you. You have been wonderful sons; no mother could ask for better. And no mother could ask for more than both of you have given me. I have loved you each from the moment I first held you in my arms. I heard you each take your first breath. I watched over both of you as you started to crawl, then as you took your first steps. I opened my arms to you after your first fall. Hearing your first words, learning your likes and dislikes, discovering along the way who you were. Oh! How you hated tarnosil sprouts, Bahr. I could hardly ever get you to eat them. And you, Rohm, how you wanted to do anything but follow your father around listening to his tales of the honors and triumphs of leadership.”

  They both smiled, acknowledging the truth of that.

  She continued quietly, “I can leave happily, knowing that when your father finally joins me, you will still have each other. You each have your own gifts. Even though you will be living in different places, never lose touch. Turn to each other, lean against each other. Every parent knows the time will come—after they have returned to the Great Spirit—when their offling will only have each other. And so we do our best to try to forge a bond between you, a bond that will carry you together into your future, long after we
are no longer here. Remember this when you have your own offling. Do not raise them to compete or bicker among themselves. Teach them to honor their differences, to support each other in their individual gifts and life choices. To celebrate each other’s victories and comfort each other in times of trial.”

  Exhausted, Deparia let out a huge sigh. She moaned and her body convulsed.

  Both sons immediately glanced at Krin, who was watching solemnly from just inside the door. She nodded sympathetically.

  They turned back to their mother. Finally, Deparia quieted and said, “Please do not cry too much for me. I will see you again; I know this to be true. Never forget how much I have loved you—and will always love you. Take care of each other.”

  She turned her head to the other side. “Please leave me now. I wish to be alone. But know that my love goes with you.”

  It was all Bahr’Mok could do to maintain some composure. “I love you, Mother.”

  “I love you as well. Good Journey.” Rohm’Mok was also obviously battling to control the quiver in his voice.

  Both rose, and Krin motioned for them to come to her.

  “Let her have her last wish. Leaving this realm is a very private experience. Your mother is deeply spiritual, and she feels this in her soul.”

  She guided them through the doorway. “She will be gone by morning. Remember her words. Know that her love goes with you every step of the way, for the remainder of both of your lives. Honor her by honoring your own journey; it is all she has ever wanted. Take comfort in knowing that she lived to see her dreams come true, for each of you has found your path.”

  “Will you stay with her?” Rohm’Mok asked.

  “I will make sure she knows I am right outside. As, shortly, my father will also be. If she calls out, I will go to her, I promise.”

  The two brothers thanked the young Healer and quietly walked down the corridor, each step taking them one bit farther away from the female who had spent her life preparing them for just this moment—when they would be left to walk into the future without her to guide and comfort them.

  Early the next day, Oragur went to tell the sons that their mother had returned to the Great Spirit. The community was in mourning, and the two brothers spent the day outside together, away from everyone else, reminiscing about their upbringing and consoling each other.

  Hatos’Mok spent his day in solitude. He prayed for his mate’s forgiveness for his stubbornness. He thought back to their last hours together when he had again declared his love for her and expressed his regret that he had not been a better mate. Too late, he had learned what mattered, and he would spend the rest of his life regretting that he had not loved her more deeply. He was not the mate she deserved, but she had loved him, regardless.

  Oragur and his mate, Neilith, made the ceremonial preparations. When it was time, everyone assembled, and Oragur conducted the ritual.

  The ceremony over, Hatos’Mok nodded to his sons and went back to what had been his quarters with Deparia.

  Alone.

  Chapter 9

  Back at Kthama, Pan tended to the business of running the High Rocks. The cold weather would eventually break, but in the meantime, hunting parties still went out to keep the stores full. The youngest offling played in the Great Chamber, watched over collectively by some of the mothers. Every morning, Pan checked her figure, looking to see if it was obvious yet that she was seeded. Luckily, her heavier winter coat covered much of her shape. When she was not busy, she spent much of her leisure time visiting Tyria and cuddling the Healer’s offling.

  “He is so good-natured. I hope I am as lucky—” Pan caught herself.

  Tyria’s eyes opened wide, “You are seeded?”

  “Oh— Oh, I could not possibly know that already. I was just saying how calm your son is.”

  “Well, do not worry; it will happen in time.”

  Pan changed the subject. “How is Jhotin working out?”

  “He is a big help to me. He is smart, learns fast, and is patient. He is also attentive and can see when I need a break. And he never complains about the time I take to tend to Fahr.”

  “He sounds like the perfect male.”

  Tyria eyed her friend and laughed. “Do not get any ideas, Guardian. I am not in any rush to be paired. I am just saying I appreciate his help.”

  The rebel group led by Laborn had managed to settle into a routine in their new location. The nearby stream did turn out to be a rich source of fish, and of course, fresh water. The vortex below was nowhere as strong as the one at Kthama and not likely to be the strongest they could have found, but the group had grown tired of travel and was satisfied with the new habitat.

  Hunting was also plentiful. The nearby forest provided all they needed to build a life there for themselves. The females had made the living quarters as comfortable as could be, and several were seeded and awaiting the birth of their offling. As time went by, there was less grumbling about having to leave Kayerm, and it appeared that even their Leader was finally making peace with the past.

  Laborn woke to screaming and jumped up from his mate’s side. Billows of dust were blowing into their chamber. “Get up, get up! Something terrible is happening,” he shouted.

  He pulled his mate to her feet, and they both ran out into the tunnel, trying to wave the dust clouds away to see for sure where they were going.

  Voices of males, females, and offling filled the interior, some yelling warnings and others calling for help. In the background was a rumbling and a terrible sound of falling, crashing rock.

  Feeling his way along the side of the passage toward the very first rays of daylight coming in through the opening of the entrance, Laborn took Shikrin’s hand and eventually led her out to safety. They were both coughing, and he wiped his face trying to clear the dust from his eyes. He spotted a gathering of his people a distance away and pointed to her to join them.

  Kaisak and Gard came storming out of the entrance, turning back and yelling to others behind them who were also trying to escape.

  Laborn ran over to them. “What happened? How many are left inside?”

  “Several from what I can tell by the voices.”

  “Let the debris settle so we can see what we are doing,” he ordered. “As soon as we can, we will go back in and get them out.”

  The wait was excruciating as they had to continue listening to the calls for help. Laborn went back to the entrance and stepped into it, calling out loudly, “Stay where you are. We will get you out as soon as we can!”

  Hearing the voices, Shikrin cried out, “Hoontl is still in there, my dearest friend! Please go in and help her!”

  “We will,” Laborn shouted and ran back to her side. “But it is too dangerous to go in there now.”

  “No! We must help her! Now!” and Shikrin tore away from them all and ran toward the back caverns.

  “No!” Laborn immediately followed after her. He choked and gasped as he entered the dust-filled entrance. Just then, there was another rumble, and the entrance started to collapse.

  “Shikrin!” he called out, but rocks and more dust started raining down from the ceiling.

  Laborn staggered clear of the entrance, and just as the ceiling at the back of the entrance collapsed, was dragged to safety by Kaisak. A giant dust cloud billowed out, and then the air was still, filled only with silence.

  Laborn staggered to his feet and cried out, “Noooo!” then collapsed down to his knees, his head buried in his arms.

  Several of the males ran to the opening and stood there, unable to help those trapped and now certainly crushed to death.

  Useaves, the older female who served as their Healer, came to console him and he shrugged her off as his grief quickly turned to anger.

  Enraged, he staggered to his feet and raised his fist to the sky. “Moc’Tor! Straf’Tor! Why will you not let us be! We have all tried to move on; even I have. But now this. This is your fault. You brought this on us. You created the abominations that drove us
from our home. I promise I will repay you for your crimes. I will not rest until all the PetaQ Akassa are scoured from the face of Etera!”

  Having figured out who they had lost by who was not in the crowd outside the entrance, many others also started wailing.

  “Laborn is right,” Gard shouted to the others gathered outside. “If Straf’Tor and Moc’Tor had not angered the Great Spirit, none of this would have happened. We would all still be safe at Kthama, but because of their mistakes, we were driven from our home. First to Kayerm and then here. To this!”

  “We must set it right! This must be our mission now. Despite this tragedy, despite our heartache, we must now all vow to live long enough to see them die!

  Others in the crowd cried out in agreement.

  “Let them continue on in their travesties!” Laborn bellowed. “The more the Akassa reproduce, the weaker they become. They are no match for us, even now, but we must focus on increasing our own numbers. Time is on our side. Mark my words; the day will dawn when we will have our revenge! When the time is right, they will surrender or die. We will become their masters!”

  “But what of the Sassen!” Kaisak yelled out. “Are they also not an abomination? They are also proof of Staf’Tor and Moc’Tor’s betrayal of the Others. The Others were our wards; it was our charge to protect them. Instead, our so-called Leaders betrayed their trust. As long as the Sassen live, it is a bloodstain on the honor of the Mothoc!”

  “You are right!” shouted Laborn. “It is so clear now. We have become complacent. We have turned our focus away from the truth. And we have paid the price. But no longer. We must wake up and accept our calling! We must rid Etera of both the Akassa and the Sassen. Only then will we again find favor with the Great Spirit!”