The Edge of Hope: Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows Book Eleven

by Roberts, Leigh

  Ben and Miss Vivian glanced at each other. “Why would we not be up to it?” Miss Vivian asked. “Oh. I see—” She remembered him telling them that his people could be intimidating.

  “The People are kind,” put in Honovi. “They are peace-loving. They want only to live in harmony with the Great Spirit. You have nothing to fear from them.”

  Just then, Chief Is’Taqa rode in with a group of braves, back from a hunting party. They dismounted and handed their trophies to the women. The group admired the turkeys, grouse, and rabbits.

  Miss Vivian tried not to stare at Chief Is’Taqa as he joined his wife at the fire. He was a handsome man and carried himself with authority, yet at the same time, he seemed approachable.

  “You are becoming comfortable here?” he asked, nodding at Ben and then looking at Honovi, who immediately translated.

  “Yes,” Ben said. “We thank you for your hospitality.”

  “The circle has come around,” responded the Chief.

  In confusion, Ben looked at Miss Vivian, then back at the Chief, who explained.

  “So many years ago, your grandson, Oh’Dar, was abandoned not far from here. The one who found him, Adia, Healer of the People of the High Rocks, first brought him to our village. One of our new mothers nursed him and went with the Healer to help tend him for a few days. Now, you, his family, have also come here. The family circle is completed. It is good.”

  Miss Vivian hesitated before asking, “Would it be possible, could we—see where he was found? And the graves in which my son and daughter-in-law were buried.”

  Chief Is’Taqa looked at his life-walker for her thoughts.

  “We understand your wanting to go there,” said Honovi. “I suggest we wait for Adia to arrive, and then we can all go together. It was she who rescued Oh’Dar. She should do the re-telling.”

  They all nodded at the wisdom Honovi had spoken.

  Oh’Dar stood up. “I should send a message asking my mother to come as soon as she’s able. So, if you’ll excuse me—” He got up and walked away.

  “Is he going to Kthama now?” Miss Vivian asked Honovi.

  “No. Oh’Dar is going to ask one of the People’s watchers to carry the message back to Kthama.”

  Honovi explained about the watchers and how the previous High Protector of the People of the High Rocks had offered to place some within the Brothers’ territory to help look for Waschini riders. She explained the little she knew about their roles, how they helped monitor the weather and alerted the hunters to the presence of game, including the migrating herds.

  After some time, Oh’Dar rejoined the group, knowing that his mother would come as soon as she was able. How he longed once more to see the love for him in her eyes and feel her protective presence.

  The message was delivered to Acaraho, who immediately went to his mate. “Oh’Dar and his grandparents are now at the village. He asks that you come to meet them.”

  “So, they came, after all! You must come with me,” she said, her eyes lit with happiness because her son was back safe and sound.

  “He asks that you come alone. He said that in meeting you first, they would have less of an adjustment to make.”

  Adia nodded thoughtfully. “I will make arrangements for An’Kru and leave as soon as I can.”

  “I have had a room made ready for them. It is close to the surface, where there will be more light. And I will tell the community that we are expecting unusual guests and remind everyone that it will be a difficult transition. I will also meet with Haan and explain all of this to him.”

  Adia walked solemnly through the woods to the Brothers’ village. Her thoughts returned to when she had first discovered the small Outsider infant. The horrific scene and the moment of indecision where she had struggled with the fearful voices that reminded her she would be breaking Sacred Law. The soggy ground gave way under her feet; the sky overhead was a sharp blue. The birds that stayed for winter flitted from limb to limb and sprinkled their song across the silence.

  Despite all the beauty surrounding her and her joy at Oh’Dar’s safe return, a sadness filled Adia’s heart. It was not from her reminiscing; it was something else, but she could not grasp hold of it. She knew it was not unusual for new mothers to go through a dark time after giving birth, and she wanted to dismiss it as that but could not. Something is waiting to be made known. Something that will be difficult to bear. Great Mother, give me peace to weather whatever it is. I pray for the protection of all those dear to me and all our people, the Brothers, Oh’Dar’s Waschini family, and our new friends, the Sarnonn.

  As she approached the edge of the village, she stood a moment, waiting to see where the others were. She could see Oh’Dar and Acise playing with Noshoba while others watched. Her eye quickly caught the figures of Oh’Dar’s grandparents, easily spotted with their peculiar clothing and light skin. And the grandmother’s hair! Adia had never before seen hair the color of ochre. Even as far away as they were, she sensed their weariness, mixed both with excitement and trepidation. They are courageous souls, just like Oh’Dar.

  From the tree line, she called out—a sing-song note she had used with Oh’Dar and Nootau all their growing years. It was their secret call, and Oh’Dar immediately picked it up from among the other sounds.

  “My mother has arrived! Wait here,” he said to the others.

  Ben and Miss Vivian turned to watch him go. They waited, not taking their eyes off the spot where he had disappeared into the woods, waiting for him to re-emerge. They both tried to brace themselves, not sure what to expect but not wanting to react in any way which might appear rude or improper.

  Oh’Dar trotted over to the wood line and in a moment he had reached his mother and embraced her. Once again, she said a silent thank you to the Great Mother for his safe return.

  “Come,” he said and led her into the sunlight.

  Oh’Dar stepped out with his mother beside him. Miss Vivian’s hand went to her mouth, and she stared unabashedly. As the two approached, Miss Vivian could not help herself; her gaze ran over the Healer from head to toe. The long wavy black hair, large brown eyes, skin the color of sweet cream in coffee. She was very tall. Her arms were defined, and the buckskin she wore followed the lines of her body, showing strength built from hard work and service. She moved with the grace of an animal, yet there was nothing fierce or feral about her.

  Adia approached with a smile and kind eyes. When they were close enough, she spoke, and Oh’Dar translated for her, “Blessings. I am Adia, the Healer of the People of the High Rocks. I welcome you on behalf of my people.”

  Miss Vivian was not sure what to say; she was still blinded by the vibrant beauty of the creature before her.

  Ben had instinctively stood up. “Thank you,” he said, “thank you for accepting us into your trust.”

  Adia came over and knelt in front of them. She briefly took Miss Vivian’s hand in her own and stroked it, looking down at the gnarled fingers resting in hers. Oh’Dar translated as his mother said, “I know your pain and your joy over your grandson’s journey. May the new life that awaits you here bring you much happiness.”

  Miss Vivian looked into eyes so kind they seemed to soothe her heart at its very depths. She nodded and said thank you.

  “My mate, Acaraho, who is the Leader of the People at Kthama, is preparing a living area for you,” Adia continued. “We hope it will please you. He is speaking with our people, and they will welcome you. Whenever you are ready, we will be ready for you to join us.”

  Just then, Honovi and several other women came bearing gourds of hot tea, which Oh’Dar’s grandparents took readily, glad for the warmth of the containers. Miss Vivian sipped the beverage and was pleased to find it palatable.

  Once they were settled, Miss Vivian asked Oh’Dar to translate.

  She turned to Adia, “I have in my heart already thanked you many thousand times for rescuing my grandson and caring for him. I never imagined the day would come when I could thank
you in person.”

  Adia reached out and once again put her hand over Miss Vivian’s.

  “Before we go to where you live,” Miss Vivian asked quietly, “would you take us to where you found Grayson?”

  Even though Adia had prepared herself for the request, she still felt a punch in her stomach. “Yes. I will take you there, and I will tell you the story of how I found him.” Then she asked, “But are you sure you are up to it so soon after such a long journey? It will be difficult.”

  Ben looked at Miss Vivian and said, “We’re ready. We’ve been preparing ourselves for this.”

  Adia rose and waited for the others. She had never taken Oh’Dar there. It would be difficult for everyone, and she prayed for strength to help them and herself through it. “It is a way from here. There is much ground to cover.”

  Ben glanced at Miss Vivian, who nodded.

  “Thank you,” said Ben. “We’re ready.”

  Adia looked at Honovi to see if she was coming. At that invitation, Honovi also rose.

  They walked together in silence. Each step through the deep ground-cover of the forest was made with almost meditative intention. Miss Vivian was going not only to the place where her grandson had been rescued, but also the place where her son and daughter-in-law were brutally murdered. Ben held her arm through most of the journey, partly to steady her as they walked, but also for emotional support.

  As they went down a slight incline, Adia turned to tell them that they were almost at the spot.

  She stepped into the clearing and looked around. Tall, dry grasses filled the little meadow. The wagon still stood, though rotted and toppling over, and a flood of emotions hit her. It was in many ways as if she had stepped back in time. The horror of the mutilated bodies, the frantic horses, and the hoof prints traversing the area. The deathly quiet and the stench of blood in the air. It all came rushing back, and she closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath before trying to breathe it all back out of her soul.

  Having buttressed her emotions, Adia moved farther in and turned to face the others. “The ground around the wagon was covered in horse prints.” She pointed to the area. In contrast to the decay, wildflowers had grown up around the bed, and some faded delicate heads remained, poking through the eroding wagon wheel spokes.

  “There were two horses still tethered to the wagon. I freed them, and they galloped off. Whoever was there had only just left. The prints told me they were Waschini horses, as the Brothers do not put hard hoops on their ponies’ hooves.” Adia paused.

  Miss Vivian spoke up, “Please go on.”

  “After I freed the horses, I came around the side of the wagon and found your son and his mate. I checked each of them, hoping that their spirits still lived. But they were already gone, so I said a prayer for them. As I was turning to leave, that is when I heard the sound. It was as if an arrow pierced my heart. I knew it was an offspring. My knees shook as I listened for the sound again, and I realized it was coming from the wagon. I found him inside; he had somehow been overlooked. He was nestled down safely among some blankets, and when I lifted him out, he looked up at me with those startling blue eyes, as if all was right with the world. I gathered a few of his things—a blue blanket, a little stuffed toy, and a pouch with a locket in it, and I took him with me back to the Brothers’ village. It was Ithua, the Medicine Woman, who helped me with him.”

  After Honovi had translated what Adia had said, Miss Vivian looked around. Off across the clearing, amid the tall grasses, she could see two wooden crosses poking above the brush. She glanced at Ben and walked over.

  Miss Vivian stared at the two graves. Carved into one of the rough-hewn crosses were the initials GSM. She leaned over and gently caressed the carvings. Then she closed her eyes, and tears rolled down her cheeks. My son. My beloved son. My firstborn. Oh, the hours I rocked you and cared for you, looking into those beautiful blue eyes of yours—my joy at your first steps, your first words, the merry times we had together. How you loved your father and dreamed of taking over Shadow Ridge one day. If only I could see you one last time. Tell you how much I love you. But it’s been years since you moved on, unfairly torn from me, whisked away to a place beyond my reach, never to feel my arms again. But I pray that somehow you hear the words of my heart and know I will never stop loving you, and that I have found some peace in being able to stand where you rest.

  Miss Vivian’s thoughts turned to her other son, Louis, who was responsible for the graves in front of her. She pushed the thought aside, still unable to bear the loss and betrayal she felt now as acutely as the day Ben had told her of Louis’ involvement in the murders of Grayson and Rachel.

  Waiting a distance away, the others left Miss Vivian to her grief. When she was ready, she returned to the others. Ben placed an arm around her waist, protectively drawing her to him.

  “Some time after,” said Honovi, “Waschini riders came to our village. They were looking for the child. They searched our village and found nothing, but they must have found the area where it happened and buried your loved ones. For this, I am grateful,” Honovi said.

  “When my son and his wife didn’t return, we knew something was wrong,” said Miss Vivian quietly. “The authorities sent out a search party. They came back and told us they had found this site and buried their bodies. They told us they’d searched your village but decided you were peaceful and none of your people were involved. When they found no sign of—” she stopped a moment and gathered herself. “They told us they couldn’t find the baby. It was then they suspected he’d been kidnapped and told us to expect a ransom demand. They posted signs all over the towns between here and there, but there was no word of him.”

  Ben put his arm around her. “When they couldn’t find Grayson’s body and determined it may have been a kidnapping, it opened the possibility that he might still be alive somewhere,” he said. “I watched Miss Vivian waiting for years for the ransom note. Yet none came. Still, it gave her hope. If it hadn’t been for that, I believe losing her family this way would have killed her.”

  Adia asked, “They caught the men involved, did they not?”

  “Yes,” said Miss Vivian. “It was only later we learned that Louis, my other son and Oh’Dar’s uncle, was involved. He’d hired the men to kill them, all of them. At the trial, one testified that something startled them—someone coming down through the woods—and they panicked. They rode off in a hurry, completely forgetting about the baby.”

  Adia became very still and quiet. “What is it?” Oh’Dar asked.

  Adia closed her eyes and put a hand to her mouth. Thinking.

  Finally, she opened her eyes and said, “It must have been me. It was me they heard, coming through the woods. It was my approach that scared them off.”

  Oh’Dar put his arms around his mother’s shoulders. “Then you saved me twice, first by scaring them off and secondly, by rescuing me and raising me as your own. Though you tried to protect me, I have heard stories. I know you paid for that decision at Khon’Tor’s hand. I do not know how you could forgive him for the misery he caused you. But you did.”

  Adia could not help it; tears streamed down her face, and she sobbed for a while. After a long moment, she was able to control herself again and lifted her face to say, “Something compelled me to go that morning. I knew I had to go, even though Khon’Tor, our Leader at the time, was away. It was an unshakable urging, so I surrendered and gathered the Goldenseal I was to take to Ithua. But the river was up, and I could not cross where I usually would have, so I had to take a longer way around. Otherwise, I would never have come here. The Great Mother, in her wisdom, in her perfect timing, led me to you. Why I was not in time to save your parents, I do not know.”

  Miss Vivian placed a hand on Adia’s arm, and the two exchanged glances. They stood a moment and then turned to look around one last time.

  “Thank you for bringing me here,” said Miss Vivian, taking another last look at her son’s resting place.

  T
hen they reverently and quietly made their way back to the village.

  After the evening meal, Adia said she would return to Kthama. She offered to take some of the grandparents’ things with her, and they picked through everything to give Adia a basket of items to carry back. Oh’Dar said he would arrange to bring the rest of their belongings later as he could not get the wagon up to Kthama, nor would he want to try for fear of leaving tracks.

  It had been an emotionally trying day. At the end of it, having bid Adia farewell, Oh’Dar lay with Acise in her parent’s shelter as his grandparents were still in theirs. Honovi and Chief Is’Taqa were still out by the evening fire, purposefully stalling to give the young couple some time alone.

  Acise was curled up against Oh’Dar, her head resting on his shoulder. She toyed with a strand of his hair, knowing it would be some time yet before it grew out in the style the braves wore.

  “Will you be gone long?” she asked.

  “To Kthama? I do not know. Long enough to get them settled. At some point, I need to head back toward Shadow Ridge to pick up supplies I ordered in the town closest to here. Items my grandmother suggested to help with teaching Whitespeak to the offspring and others. And few ideas I had to help make her and Ben comfortable. Why?”

  “I missed you, that is all.” She raised her face to kiss him.

  “I promise you I will hurry. I do not wish to be very far away from you, especially at this time, but I also need to take care of everything ahead of the worst weather, which is about to settle in. Things will soon return to normal. I promise.”

  Then Oh’Dar turned on his side to face her and gave her what she wanted. Soon, joined as one, they found escape in each other’s arms from all that was weighing on their minds.

  Chapter 5

  Acaraho had been busy preparing a room for the grandparents. He selected vacant quarters not far from the main tunnels, yet a little bit out of the flow of traffic. He wanted them to be able to get around easily yet not feel overwhelmed by the daily activity.