* * * * *
Farra walked with her mother toward their village, watching Pupa as he scurried along, stopping to sniff at every rodent and insect that caught his eye. He was so young and small. Her connection with him was very young with room for so much growth. She imagined how their connection would be when he reached the age and size of Laka, her mother’s wolf. She longed for that connection with Pupa, to be able to smell what Pupa smells and see what Pupa sees. She could not tear herself from the thought that this journey of Bomani’s would be just the thing she needed to enhance the bond between her soul and Pupa’s.
“Mother,” she said in a timid voice, “I’d like to go with the boy.”
“He didn’t seem as if he wanted company, wherever he was going,” said Anika.
“Yes, but I think he was just being stubborn. I don’t think he knows what he needs.”
“You’re probably right.” Anika agreed. “But that is his journey; it doesn’t mean that it is yours.”
“Isn’t it the way of our people to help others? Whatever journey he is on, it can’t be that difficult. He’s alone. Besides, I seek to strengthen the bond between Pupa and me. I look forward to our sacred union,” Farra pleaded.
“Sacred unions are tricky things, Farra. You are at the age when your body, mind, and soul, long for it. It’s different with everyone. It could be something that takes a very long time to achieve. You have to find your own path, but don’t expect to gain your sacred union too quickly. A union made too quickly makes for a very hard journey, which could end in possible death. It is better to take your time through your journey. It may take a while to achieve your union, but it is the safest way.” Anika advised her daughter wisely.
“Be it short and hard, or long and easy, I don’t mind, mother. I’ll take whatever road the gods wish me to take. It’s just that I feel something inside me telling me to follow the boy.”
“My solemn answer is no. But if you insist, I will support you should you wish to confront the council with this matter.”
Farra stopped in her tracks, her eyes opened wide with fear. “Me? Speak with the council?”
Chapter 2
THE TEST
The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest, Search for the Ifa Scepter Page 3
