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

by Roberts, Leigh

  “In a moment. I must first report to Harak’Sar what I found.”

  Harak’Sar and High Protector Dreth both stepped forward.

  “I found what I am confident was Berak’s body,” Khon’Tor explained. “He had been dead for some time; I gave him as fair a Good Journey as I could. There was no sign of the offspring, nor any sign that it was with him when he passed.”

  Harak’Sar nodded slowly. “The watchers have reported that three other males are also on their way back.”

  “I split us up to cover more ground, so a second group should also be reporting back soon.”

  Harak’Sar shook his head. “It is my hope that your effort will at least provide some peace to Larara and Linoi’s parents.”

  Khon’Tor nodded slowly. He turned as he saw movement, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see that Nootau had joined the group and was studying him.

  Urilla Wuti stepped forward to face Khon’Tor.

  “The offspring is still alive; I can feel it,” he said, looking steadily at her.

  “I agree with you. Your heart is troubled but rest in the knowledge that you accomplished what you were meant to. Let us pray the offspring will be found at the right time,” she offered.

  Khon’Tor nodded, and with Harak’Sar’s leave, he left with Tehya, looking forward to the comfort of her love and care.

  Chief Kotori and Second Chief Tawa had asked for Myrica to join them. She stooped down, moving the flap to enter the shelter.

  Chief Kotori addressed her. “Ahanu is growing. Already he is stronger than the young children his age.”

  “He has a joyful gentleness of spirit and he is no threat to them,” she answered, eyes downcast. “He is a joy; he is no burden.”

  “Do not let your heart hide from you the truth of what you know will eventually be. You must be prepared, Myrica. The day will come when he has to be returned to his people,” said Second Chief Tawa.

  “But today is not the day,” she replied.

  The two Chiefs nodded.

  Outside, Tiponi was waiting for her with Ahanu on her hip. The child reached for Myrica when she re-emerged—the only mother he knew.

  “He is heavy,” she laughed as she took him from Tiponi, tussling his full head of dark wavy hair, so different from their straight locks.

  “And he gets heavier every day, it seems.” Tiponi smiled at her friend.

  “Chief Tawa reminded me that one day he must be returned to his people. But when and how I cannot know,” Myrica said and sighed heavily.

  “Trust that the Great Spirit, who brought Ahanu into your care, will know when the time is right and will make a way to return him safely to his kind.”

  “But today is not that day,” Myrica repeated.

  After the other males had returned with no report of any sign of the offspring, Khon’Tor set out to give Larara the news. She and Linoi’s parents sat quietly while he relayed his story to them.

  Larara spoke when he had finished. “We are grateful for your efforts,” she sighed. “I will let my mate know. Again, I apologize that he doesn’t wish to meet with you. I have no explanation.”

  Khon’Tor stood up to go and meet with Berak’s parents. “In my heart, I believe the offspring lives. I would not tell you this if I did not believe it to be true. The Overseer, Urilla Wuti, agrees. Let us pray to the Great Spirit that in time he will be returned to you.”

  “The Overseer,” said Larara. “Urilla Wuti is the new Overseer?”

  “Yes,” Khon’Tor replied.

  “I wondered who they would appoint. I am relieved that my mate stepped down. It was too much for him, and during the past year, it seemed to be wearing on him more and more. He hardly seems the person I know him to be.”

  Stepped down? thought Khon’Tor. So that is what he told her. I suppose that without saying he was removed, it is the only plausible explanation for why he is no longer Overseer. At least I now know he has not broken his agreement with Acaraho and the High Council by speaking of what really happened. Between that and how she has been treating me, Larara does not suspect I was the one who took her niece Without Her Consent.

  On his way back to the Far High Hills, Khon’Tor once again had time to think. Despite my efforts to avoid deception, it follows me. But what of this offspring? It is a male, so what if it favors me as did Akar’Tor. Must I live the rest of my days with my sins hanging over my head? The wounds on my back are healing, but the scars on my soul may never heal. Perhaps only when death comes will I find true peace.

  Larara carried the news to her mate, Kurak’Kahn, who met her with a stony glare. She had hoped for his comfort, that together they might find solace.

  “Have you nothing to say?” she finally asked him.

  “What would you have me say?” he asked, his voice flat. “I am happy to hear that Berak is dead, I will say that. But what is it you want to hear from me? Do you want me to say how thankful I am that Khon’Tor took some of his precious time to look for U’Kail? Well, so what. He did not find the offspring, did he? So we are no further ahead than we were.”

  Larara shook her head. “I no longer know who you are. This bitterness you feel toward Khon’Tor—whatever it is you are not telling me, please, I beg of you, tell me now,” she pleaded.

  “If I told you the truth, it would only drive this wedge further between us. So if you are going to leave me, do so quickly,” her mate said sourly. “I have nothing to tell you; nothing that can change what has happened.”

  Larara stood and looked at Kurak’Kahn for a while.

  “Are you speaking of Bak’tah-Awhidi?” Her voice broke.

  If I tell her that Khon’Tor raped Linoi, she will ask how I know. And Acaraho was right; I cannot prove it. But she will not let it go; she will push and push and push for an answer. Eventually, she will go to the High Council and ask one of them about it, and then Acaraho will know I broke the agreement. And he will tell her the truth, that I tried to murder Khon’Tor; that I dishonored my station as Overseer. And I will be banished for breaking my word. At that point, I will lose her anyway.

  Kurak’Kahn finally looked at his mate. “It is no use. There is nothing for us to share together except more anguish and suffering. You are better off without me. You can stay here, with what is left of our family. Ask for Bak’tah-Awhidi; I can virtually guarantee you that the High Council will grant it. Then perhaps, alone, we can each salvage something of what is left of our days here on Etera.”

  Silence.

  “Larara, send a messenger to the Far High Hills and ask when the High Council will next be meeting. When you find out, let me know. I will go there with my belongings to ask for a place in another community.”

  Larara stared at Kurak’Kahn for a while, but he did not meet her gaze. Then she turned and went to find a messenger.

  Oh’Dar had been traveling for some time. He hated to have left his grandparents and Acise but knew he had been right to go. Winter had descended and it would be a race to get to Wilde Edge and back before the heavy snowfalls hit.

  He urged the team on, grateful that the Webb’s little town would soon come into sight. He was looking forward to seeing the Webb family again. Though the trip had been long, especially traveling alone, he had spent a great deal of the time in prayer to the Great Spirit. He had not only asked for guidance but had also given thanks for the blessings in his life. However, he was anxious to return to be assured that both Acise and their offspring were doing well.

  Grace ran out of the house when she heard the wagon approach. “Mama! It’s Grayson. He’s come back!”

  Before long, Mrs. Webb came out of the house. “How good to see you,” she said. “You’re back sooner than we expected.”

  “While you were gone, the lawyer came with the papers from the bank!” Grace said.

  Oh’Dar’s face blanched. “He came here? Mr. Storgis?”

  “Yes,” said Mrs. Webb. “He brought the papers himself. I’m not sure why; perhaps he didn’t t
rust them to get to us otherwise.”

  Oh’Dar’s mind started whirring. He didn’t want to ask too much and raise suspicions by the nature of his questions.

  “How long are you staying?” Grace asked.

  “Only a few days. The items I ordered are ready, so tomorrow I’ll return to town and load them up, then set out early the following morning.”

  Snide Tucker stood in the tavern looking absent-mindedly out of the window at the general store across the street. He had a coin in his hand and was tossing it up and catching it again. So Storgis was right. The man sure wasn’t hard to miss. And the storekeeper told me he’ll be coming back tomorrow to get the materials he ordered. Best I’m ready to leave by then, he thought.

  With everything loaded on the wagon and secure, Oh’Dar returned to the Webbs for the rest of the day. As he’d said he would, he rose early the next morning, and with a basket of food Mrs. Webb had prepared for him, started out on the journey back to the Brothers’ village. I still don’t know why Mr. Storgis would come to Wilde Edge. Even if he has heard about my grandparents, I’ve no intention of returning here for a very long time, and he has no way of finding me.

  Far enough behind not to be discovered, the best tracker known for hundreds of miles around was following Oh’Dar’s trail.

  Back at the Far High Hills, Iella continued to hone her new ability to communicate with Etera’s creatures. She used her free time to practice reaching out to them. She was relieved to learn that they were voluntarily communicating with her and that she was not compelling them to do as she asked. In no way did she want to have dominion over them.

  She sat perched on a moss-covered rock and eyed the bobcat that stared at her from the fallen trunk of an old Oak tree.

  The bobcat stood perfectly still, eyes locked on hers. Iella dropped into the center of her soul and bade him sit. And he sat. Then she asked him to stand up and walk the length of the trunk. He did as she asked.

  “Thank you, brother,” she said aloud. “Be on your way now until we meet again.” This is truly remarkable. I do not know what to think. I have no idea why I now have the ability or what I am to use it for. But I am sure in time the reason will be shown to me. Thank you, Great Mother; may I learn how best to serve you with this gift you have granted me.

  Urilla Wuti left word for Khon’Tor to see her. He found her in the Healer’s Quarters with Nootau. Standing in the doorway a moment, he watched them before he announced himself. How do the People not see me in him?

  “You asked for me?” he finally said.

  Urilla Wuti turned to him. “Thank you for coming. Please, sit.” She indicated one of the seating boulders.

  Khon’Tor wanted to remain standing, but out of respect for the Healer, he sat.

  “Harak’Sar has come to me with his concerns about the offspring of Adia and Acaraho,” she said. “He told me he has also shared those concerns with you.”

  He nodded slowly and waited for her to continue.

  “I believe Haan’s proclamation about An’Kru. Everything in me resonates with that truth. But I also agree with Harak’Sar’s wisdom, that whatever peace may be coming will not necessarily be easily ushered in.”

  Khon’Tor remained seated, watching her.

  “Nootau, here,” she said, motioning to the young male. “We have been told that he will play an important role with An’Kru. We are not sure what that role will be, so we must be open to any possibility.”

  Khon’Tor did not ask from where Urilla Wuti got this information. He accepted it as more of the Healers’ world to which he was not privy.

  “But where there is light, there is also darkness,” she added. “It is possible that there are—elements—that do not wish to see this come to pass.”

  Finally, Khon’Tor spoke. “You fear Adia’s new offspring may be in danger?”

  “Harak’Sar considers it a possibility,” she answered. “As do I.” She walked across and sat down next to Khon’Tor. “Here, you are too far removed,” she said. “You must leave your family and return to Kthama.”

  Khon’Tor could not suppress the frown that heavily creased his brow. “Kthama?” His heart seemed to sink and leap at the same time. “To what purpose?” he asked. “What do you expect me to uncover? A plot among the People of the High Rocks to harm the offspring?” he scoffed, not catching his reaction in time.

  Then he paused and sighed. “I apologize, Healer. Overseer. I do not mean to be disrespectful, but if I were to return, what of Tehya? Arismae? And I am to start training Brondin, Harak’Sar’s oldest offspring. Was anything spoken of those?”

  “We are not suggesting you move there permanently. But much is changing and whatever happens will start there. That is where the primary vortex is, and everything points to Kthama being at the center of it all. We cannot wait for news to reach us here. By then, it may be too late.”

  “I must speak with Tehya about this. And with all due respect, Harak’Sar himself.”

  “Perfectly understandable,” spoke a voice from the doorway. Everyone turned as Harak’Sar walked in.

  “While you were out looking for Berak and any sign of the offspring, I spent a great deal of time in meditation and reflection,” said the Leader. “I was seeking wisdom from the Great Spirit, and my gut feeling only grows stronger with each day. Now I believe you need to be at Kthama, and I believe Nootau must go with you.”

  “What of Acaraho,” said Khon’Tor. “He has barely established his position.”

  “You are concerned your presence will usurp his authority. I understand that. This is why I suggest you move into Kthama Minor with Haan and his people. That way, you can interact with Kthama but not be there every moment. And now you are wondering if Acaraho, Adia, and Haan will be in accord with this. I believe that other leaders have felt whatever currents are moving outside of our awareness to prepare us for what is to come. I assure you that they will also recognize the need for your presence. However, I will send a messenger to Adik’Tar Acaraho and let him know you are coming at my request, and why.”

  “And Nootau?” Khon’Tor asked, letting himself look at the other son he could never acknowledge.

  “I agree with Harak’Sar,” Urilla Wuti stated. “Nootau must go with you.”

  “I can be ready to leave whenever you are,” Nootau said to Khon’Tor. “Iella already knows of this and understands.”

  “Very well. If it is permissible, I would like a few days before I leave Tehya again,” said Khon’Tor.

  “Of course,” said Harak’Sar.

  “When you go, please carry a request to Acaraho,” said Urilla Wuti. “Ask him if we may once again use Kthama as the location for the High Council meetings. Now that we are including the wider circle of Leaders, Kthama is the only location that can accommodate such numbers. If he agrees, ask him to send messengers to the other communities to tell them of the change in location. And ask if I may have a private area, separate from the High Council meetings, in which to meet with the Healers and Helpers.”

  “I will carry your requests, Overseer,” Khon’Tor answered.

  He returned to find Tehya seated on the floor of their quarters playing with Arismae. The offspring had some of Tehya’s wrappings and covered her head with them before peering out at her mother and giggling.

  Tehya turned as Khon’Tor greeted her. He sat down with his family and picked up Arismae, holding her close. She reached up, grabbed hold of his beard, and hung on tightly. As she tugged on it, he chuckled and looked down into her golden eyes. “Arismae, you look like your mother more and more every day,” he said to her.

  Then he hiked her further up, onto his shoulder, and carefully hugged her tighter.

  “Saraste’, I do not want to tell you this, but Harak’Sar has asked me to go to Kthama and stay there for a while.”

  Her eyes got wide, “Without us?” she asked.

  “Yes. It has to do with the offspring, An’Kru,” he answered.

  She closed her eyes tight
ly. “So soon. So soon,” she said quietly. “You just got back.”

  “I do not have to leave for a few days,” he answered.

  Tehya rose to her knees and reached for Arismae. “Before you leave, we will make the best of your time.” She leaned forward and pressed her lips tightly against his.

  With Arismae tucked into her nest, Tehya led Khon’Tor to their sleeping mat, and they spent the rest of the afternoon in each other’s arms. It was too long since Khon’Tor had enjoyed his tiny mate and he took his time with her, claiming her again and again until both were exhausted and fully satisfied.

  Chapter 8

  In silence, Khon’Tor and Nootau traveled along the Mother Stream. Khon’Tor had never taken a specific interest in Nootau, even though the young male was his son. But now, he found himself curious about who this person had become.

  “How is your life progressing at the Far High Hills?” he asked as they walked.

  “I am happy to be paired with Iella. And I am grateful to Acaraho for helping raise me,” he answered.

  Khon’Tor frowned at the choice of words.

  “I miss living at Kthama. I hate leaving Iella, but I will be glad to see my mother and Acaraho.”

  They continued a while in silence punctuated only by the Mother Stream coursing along on the left, carrying life-giving oxygen and nutrients on her way to Kthama and Kht’shWea.

  Suddenly, Nootau stopped and dropped his carrying bag to the ground. Khon’Tor took another few steps before turning back to face Nootau.

  “Are you not going to ask me why I am speaking of Acaraho in that way? Are you not at all curious about why I do not call him my father?”

  Khon’Tor kept his eyes on the young male.

  “I know the truth, Khon’Tor. I know that I am of your seed. I know that you took my mother Without Her Consent. And I know that out of the greatness of her heart, to protect our people, she kept your secret all those years—and keeps it still.”