I’m glad that I’m in a position to help these fine people. Wealth is a great power. And a great responsibility; I can see that now. In the wrong hands, I imagine it can do great harm as opposed to good. Oh’Dar rode back to the Webbs with an easier mind. Having put in motion all he could think of to help them, his thoughts turned to prayer for his grandmother’s full recovery.
By the time he got back, it was almost supper time. He washed up and sat down at the kitchen table. Grace had already taken a plate to his grandmother and reported that she’d eaten more than before and looked a little better.
As they passed the bowl of potatoes, the biscuits, butter, and stew around, Oh’Dar told them what he’d arranged for that day. Mr. Webb thanked him for arranging for the Baxters to help them. He said they were fine young lads, and with their help, he could probably spare Ned a day or so a week to begin studying with Mr. Clement. Everyone was in good spirits—better spirits than they’d been in a long time.
Over the next few weeks, Miss Vivian’s health progressed steadily. In that time, Oh’Dar, Ben, and the neighbor lads had managed to get the Webb homestead back into good repair. Winter crops were planted, the farmland tilled, horses shoed and tended to, the fences repaired. By the time they were ready to leave and continue on their way, the Webb place and the Webb family had been transformed back to their former selves.
The morning they were preparing to leave, Oh’Dar had a favor to ask of Mr. Webb. “I hate to impose on you, but would it be possible to leave two of the horses until I can return for them? Dealing with the wagon team has proven to be a bit more than I anticipated. I can handle Beauty; I think it would be a comfort for my grandmother to have her with us. But we still have a way to go, and it would be a relief if I don’t also have to worry about taking care of them.”
“Certainly, Grayson,” said Mr. Webb. “It’s the least I can do for all your help; we’ll keep them in the best of health, I promise. They’re beautiful animals. What plans do you have for them?”
“I have some friends who will use them to improve their horses’ bloodlines,” Oh’Dar answered.
It was time for goodbyes. After a round of hugs, some tears, and heartfelt words, Oh’Dar mounted Storm. Ben and Miss Vivian were seated on the wagon bench, and the wagon itself was packed with supplies for the trip. They had kept part of the back clear in case Miss Vivian needed a break from sitting up front.
“Remember, you should be hearing from the bank manager about some notes to sign,” Oh’Dar called out to the Webbs. “And I’ll be back as soon as I can, weather permitting. Take care, and thank you for your hospitality.”
As he and his grandparents pulled away, Oh’Dar briefly glanced back to take one last look at the people who had first taken him in and given him his place among the Waschini.
Chapter 3
Thorak did his best to avoid returning to the Far High Hills. He was now a watcher and had asked for the farthest post out because he could not bear seeing Iella and Nootau together. If they ever leave Amara, perhaps I will return to the community. But as long as they are here, it is better for everyone that I stay as far away as possible.
With Thorak no longer the High Protector, Harak’Sar had promoted First Guard Dreth into the position. In time, the guards and watchers accepted the change, though morale took a hit from Thorak’s failure to keep his personal feelings out of his professional duty. Having had a spotless record, it was a solemn reminder to everyone about the power of emotions and the need for balance between reason, will, and the heart.
Nootau and Iella settled into their life at the Far High Hills. Urilla Wuti continued her schooling with Iella, indoctrinating her more and more in the special abilities that the older Healer had spent decades helping Adia develop. The more Urilla Wuti worked with Iella, the more impressed she was with her student’s progression.
“You seem to be catching onto this very quickly. I do have to wonder if there is a genetic component after all,” she mused one day after they had just finished a very fruitful session.
“If so, then the lifting of the ban against us pairing and having offspring should produce even stronger lines of Healers,” Iella observed.
Urilla Wuti nodded as she wondered if, with both Iella and Nootau having healer bloodlines, their offspring might be doubly blessed with abilities. Only time would tell.
Harak’Sar and Khon’Tor were getting near the end of their morning meeting. “You have given me a great deal to think about,” said the Leader of the Far High Hills.
Khon’Tor simply nodded in response.
“I would like you to start working with Brondin.”
“Your first son?” Khon’Tor asked.
“Yes. I want you to mentor him. Spend time with him. Let him ask you questions about your experience as Leader at Kthama. If he asks you anything you do not wish to answer, just tell him so. I am sure you will have no problem doing that.”
“Very well. Are you preparing to transition leadership to Brondin?”
“Not anytime soon. But one never knows. He is still too young to take over, but he has expressed an interest and I would prefer to foster it. As for my other sons—they, fortunately, do not wish to lead.”
“Fortunately?” Khon’Tor asked.
“It makes it less difficult when there are no hard feelings between siblings. Their interests lie in other directions.”
“I see.”
“You and I are cut from the same cloth, Khon’Tor. We are both demanding Leaders. Others have their own way, but I have always felt a kindred spirit in you.”
“Harak’Sar—” Khon’Tor started.
The Leader raised his hand to interrupt, “You must let the sins of the past go; I see the shame in you every time we speak. Punishment has been delivered. If you still seek redemption, find it by bringing your gifts to the community to help us weather the difficult future that is no doubt ahead of us.”
Harak’Sar got up and pushed the meeting room boulder in place, sealing the room against his next question being overheard.
“You have seen the offspring of Adia the Healer and High Protector Acaraho,” Harak’Sar said.
“He is no longer High Protector; he is the Leader of the High Rocks. But yes, I have.”
“Clearly, the offspring is an aberration. There is no natural explanation for an offspring to be born like that. Whatever his coming heralds, it will not be an easy path. Yes, I know the People are comforted by the Sarnonn proclamation that he will bring in a new age. But you and I both know that peace is often hard-won on the tails of much conflict. To think otherwise is folly. And we are not people of folly, are we?”
Khon’Tor nodded, admitting he had entertained such thoughts himself. “I share your concerns. I have not spoken of it to anyone, lest it appear petty on my part. As if I begrudge Acaraho the happiness he has found in having a son, and the honor of leading Kthama.”
“Whatever is coming, it is not going to be a gentle stroll into the welcoming arms of peace and plenty. Those of us who realize this must do what we can, silently in the background, to prepare for the hard times to come. Perhaps harder times than we have ever experienced before.”
“I appreciate your candor,” Khon’Tor said.
“Good. Then let us dismiss. I shall let Brondin know that his training will begin with you on your schedule. Anyone can send him to you when you are ready.”
Harak’Sar got up to remove the boulder.
“Wait,” said Khon’Tor.
Harak’Sar turned and looked back.
“There is more I must know. If you and I are to act as equals, as counsel to each other, I must know the truth. What happened that Urilla Wuti is now Overseer? What has become of Kurak’Kahn?”
“Kurak’Kahn intended to murder you. The whip he used was a Jhorallax. A weapon banned long ago, as you know, for being too brutal and deadly. I am certain that no one still alive has ever seen one. When the Healers tended to you, they found the shards left by the whip buried dee
p in your flesh. It was that which brought on the infection. Acaraho figured it out and confronted Kurak’Kahn, who admitted that he wanted you dead.”
Khon’Tor stared at Harak’Sar and finally asked, “But why?”
“Kurak’Kahn claimed that the unknown victim you raped, the one who never came forward and whom you could not identify, was his niece. She bore an offspring at about the right time. Her mate accused her of being unfaithful and did not believe her story of being Taken Without Consent. In the end, he physically attacked her and abducted the child. Kurak’Kahn said that his niece, unable to bear the pain of it, had thrown herself from a high cliff and ended her life. For this, he blamed you.”
Khon’Tor had to look away. When he glanced back, he said, “It could well be true. It could well have been my fault that she is dead now and the offspring is missing. I assume they did not see any evidence of the offspring’s—” His voice trailed off.
“The offspring’s body? No. It could be that these events were put in place by you. But we will never know. However, using his position as cover, that was Kurak’Kahn’s motivation for trying to murder you. When you came forward and confessed of your own accord, it played right into his hands.”
“And what buys his silence?”
“Acaraho made a deal with him that he was to say nothing lest he be prosecuted for his crime against you and for the abuse of his station.”
“And who knows of this?” Khon’Tor asked.
“Acaraho, Adia, the Healer, her Helper Nadiwani, Urilla Wuti, Risik’Tar, and Lesharo’Mok. And, of course, Kurak’Kahn. Whether his mate, Larara, knows or not, depends on whether he told her the truth about his own part in it. Which I doubt. If it was this female whom you took Without Her Consent, then that is what is on your soul. What happened between her and her mate thereafter was not your doing,” Harak’Sar continued.
“But I set the events in motion. And now many more lives are ruined,” Khon’Tor said. Then he added, “Thank you for telling me the truth.”
“There is more. Acaraho and I committed to sending our people out to look for the offspring or any signs or clues about what might have happened to him. I admit now that I have been remiss in following through. I need to rectify that.”
Her session with Urilla Wuti finished, Iella went to find Nootau. He was working outside in the fields, planting with Hollia, which seemed to be one of his favorite pastimes.
“I have never known anyone to love plants and the Great Mother’s creation as you do,” she said as she approached.
He looked up from his toil and smiled. “Only surpassed by my love for you, Saraste’” he said. “Here.” He held out a creamy-white lace-dancer bloom that she took and tucked into her hair above one ear.
“I am done with my work with Urilla Wuti this morning,” she explained. “I thought we might spend the day together.”
“What did you have in mind?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.
She laughed, “Well, that, yes, but later. I would like to go to the caves down past the bend in the river and see if we can find any more fluorite.”
“I will be done here in a little while. I will find a carrying basket and meet you there if you wish to get a head start.”
Iella made her way down the river bank, enjoying the feel of sunlight on her face. The cold breeze coming up across the water made the slight warmth of the sun even more enjoyable. She picked her way along the water’s edge, careful not to cut her foot coverings on the sharper rocks and shells.
She found the opening to the cave and entered. The moment she was there, she knew she had made a terrible mistake.
She was face-to-face with a huge brown bear, its fangs open in a terrifying snarl. The People had few encounters with bears, ordinarily giving them the respect they deserved and staying out of their way. Nowhere as dangerous as a Sarius snake, the males of the People could kill one if needed. Still, they were loath to take the life of any living creature other than for food, and bears were revered by the Brothers as fellow healers who represented the love of the Great Mother.
Not daring to avert her gaze from the bear, out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. Peeking out from behind were two cubs. Oh no, she thought, a mother bear. The one thing possibly as dangerous as a Sarius snake, and I am unarmed.
The bear shook its head, then rose on its hind legs. Letting out a piercing roar, it shook its head, fur flinging around as if in slow motion. Iella saw her life with Nootau ripped apart before her in a flash.
She felt the fear rising in her gut. Knowing there was only one power that could help her, she closed her eyes. She prayed to the Great Mother and calmed herself. When moments had passed and the attack still had not come, she opened her eyes. The bear was still standing, just looking at her, and the cubs had wandered farther behind it.
Something moved deep inside Iella, and she held up her palms, saying calmly, “Let there be peace between us, Honawmato; I mean you and your offspring no harm.”
The bear continued to stare at Iella before dropping back to all fours. Much to Iella’s amazement, the giant creature shook itself all over, then slowly turned and led her cubs farther back into the recesses of the cave. The little brown bodies scampered clumsily after their mother’s giant, shaggy form.
Iella did not move. She barely blinked. Then, gathering herself, she slowly backed out of the cave and inched her way back to the riverbank.
In the distance, she could see Nootau coming her way. She waved her arms, palms facing him, and he stopped where he was.
Her heart racing, Iella made her way toward Nootau as quietly as possible. When she reached him, she said, “Come. We must turn back; in the cave is a mother bear with her cubs.”
“What!” he said. He immediately looked his mate up and down in case she had any injuries.
“I am fine. I will tell you about it later; please, let us leave.”
Nootau put his arm around her shoulder and led her back to the safety of Amara’s walls while she told him what she had just experienced.
Once inside, he led Iella to the eating area and had her sit down. Then he came back with a calming drink in a little gourd. He had asked one of the females there please to fetch Urilla Wuti, who soon joined them.
Nootau explained to the older Healer what had happened.
“I know better than to walk into a cave without thinking,” Iella said. “It was a foolish mistake. But what was peculiar is that the bear seemed to understand me when I called it by name and said I meant it no harm.”
She took a sip from the gourd. “I have not had an experience like that before. Have you?” she asked her aunt.
“No. But it seems many things are changing. Your abilities are progressing at a rate I have not seen before, not even with Adia of the High Rocks. Perhaps this is caused by more of your abilities coming to the fore. Though I do not suggest that you intentionally test your ability to communicate with the Great Mother’s creatures. At least, not any that size,” said Urilla Wuti.
“That is a good point,” said Nootau. “I think you should test them. We could go out and see if you can communicate with the smaller animals. It is worth a try. I do not know where this might lead, but it is an interesting turn of events. It seems a little like the way in which all the creatures are drawn to An’Kru.”
“It does. I wonder if it has anything to do with him?” Iella pondered. Then she leaned in and rested her head on Nootau’s shoulder.
“I do not know what I would do if anything happened to you,” he said softly.
Urilla Wuti looked at them sitting together. Something in Nootau had changed. Somehow, he suddenly seemed so much more mature. Had something happened to him? Or was it just more of the effect that E’ranale had said An’Kru would bring—the widening between good and evil, the augmentation of who they were at their core.
Curious to experiment, Iella went for a walk down the paths that wound everywhere around Amara. The brisk air brought her the scent of deer, squirre
l, raccoon, and the rich loam of the forest floor. She found a quiet area, one of her favorites, ringed by tall lush ferns and through which a little stream meandered. Iella made herself comfortable on a fallen log, her feet dangling inches above the slow-moving water. The songbirds' lilting calls broke the silence, and the afternoon sunlight breaking through the treetops completed the idyllic scene. Iella could not have imagined a more peaceful and beautiful setting.
She focused on her breathing and did as Urilla Wuti had taught, slowing her inner vibration until she felt in harmony with the stillness about her. Then she reached out her mind to see if she could feel any other living creatures nearby.
After a few moments, Iella opened her eyes and looked around but did not see any of the creatures that, by their scent, she knew to be in the area. Trying again, this time she quieted the tyranny of her thoughts and simply focused on what she could sense around her. The sweet smell of the forest floor, the quiet rippling of the water trickling past, the reeds and tall grasses tickling her feet. In the quietness of herself, she realized how content she was. And suddenly, she had company.
She opened her eyes to see a little grey squirrel perched on a branch close to her. He tipped his head as if looking her over. Iella was filled with a surge of love for this little creature. She saw how perfect he was, his variegated grey hairs that overlapped each other, his tiny little claws in his paws, which were curled up in front of him. And for a moment, she saw life through his eyes. The vastness of the forest, the soothing, protective cover of the tall plants, the slow wordless rhythm of life. Her sense of the little creature began to deepen, and it felt almost as if she was the little squirrel. She could feel the satisfaction of his solid purchase on the tree branch—the secure grip of his hind feet around the bark, the slight swaying of the tiny branch under its weight as it shifted. She felt the warmth of the little shaft of light that peeked through the leaves overhead and warmed his back—the counterweight of his tail keeping his balance without effort or thought.
The Edge of Hope: Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows Book Eleven Page 4
