Azaria

by J. H. Hayes

  Zephia kissed him and caressed the top of his head. "Azerban, I love you. But you can't destroy yourself over this. Your family still needs you. You made one mistake in a moment of great strain. Who could blame you? You certainly can't blame yourself. How could anyone have thought rationally given the circumstances? Fahim is gone. It is done. We will put this behind us."

  "That is the only good thing to come of this," Azerban said. "Fahim is gone... and the sacrifices will stop."

  "Sacrifices?" Zephia asked. Azerban's eyes opened wide, realizing his mistake. He opened his mouth to answer, but Zephia put her lips to his. She rolled herself on top of him and kissed him fiercely. "Forget it. You can tell me later."

  While Azerban took his mate into his arms for the first time in many moons, his daughter sat atop Sunset Hill, alone. Her fury simmered as she dwelled on the notion that Daneel had known about Yumineh and Dogahn all along. And had kept it from her.

  ---

  Daneel stood indecisively watching Azaria wash dishes in the river. She wasn't sure her friend wanted to be bothered. Something was terribly wrong and all her attempts at discovering it had failed. She knew something was off because for the last two suns Yumineh and Dogahn had been inseparable and Azaria had been in hiding. Yumineh looked happier than Daneel had ever seen her. Dogahn’s mental state was harder to decipher. When she attempted to gather information from Yumineh, she was brushed off. Dogahn didn't seem to want to talk either. She’d asked almost everyone she could think of, at first trying a casual approach and then, when that didn't work, more pointedly. But no one seemed to know anything, or didn't want to tell her what they did know. The only people she hadn't talked to were Azaria's parents and Azaria herself. Since she didn't think Azerban or Zephia would appreciate her inquiries, the only one left to confront was her best friend. But she wasn't sure Azaria would welcome her company right now. She seemed to want to be left alone. So Daneel found herself in the awkward position of watching Azaria from afar, afraid to announce her presence and unwilling to turn around.

  To her embarrassment, Azaria solved the dilemma for her. She turned suddenly and yelled, "Why are you watching me?"

  "Oh, uhh... sorry." Daneel said, walking down to greet her properly. "I wasn't sure you wanted company."

  "Actually, I don't. I'd rather be left alone." Azaria could see the dismay on her friend's face and despite herself, felt guilty. "If you don't mind."

  "No, of course not. I understand... Maybe I'll see you later?" Daneel asked.

  "Yes, I'm sure."

  "Okay, then," Daneel said. "Well... see you later."

  "Okay, Daneel. You too." Azaria walked past her, a load of bone and wooden dishes in her arms.

  Disappointed, Daneel turned and watched her walk away, but then decided she couldn't take it anymore. She followed Azaria and matched her quick stride, almost running to keep up.

  "I just need to talk."

  “About what?” Azaria demanded.

  “Uhhh...”

  "Well??" Azaria demanded again.

  Daneel was a little put off by her tone. She wasn't surprised she wanted to be alone, especially if her suspicions were correct, but Azaria was exhibiting an extreme amount of hostility toward her - extreme for her anyway. She had no idea where it was coming from, but was getting a little scared. She decided she'd already blown the entry however, and might as well just come out with it. "What happened, Azaria?"

  Azaria knew what Daneel was referring to, but chafed against her friend's blunt approach. "What do you mean?"

  "What do I mean? Why are you hiding? Why is Yumineh acting like Dogahn's promised to her and why does Dogahn look like he just wants to crawl into some cave and hide away forever?"

  Daneel's brazenness angered her. How dare she act so oblivious? "As if you don't know!" Azaria raged. "What else do you expect me to do?"

  Daneel was caught speechless. It was more than obvious now that Azaria’s anger was at least in part directed at her, but she didn’t know why. She came to discover what was wrong and to console her best friend about what had happened and now she was being accused of... of something. She didn't even know what it was Azaria was accusing her of. "Azaria," she said gingerly. "I don't know what's going on. That's what I'm trying to figure out. Will you tell me what happened between you and Dogahn?"

  Azaria stared at her friend, now also confused. She’d known Daneel her whole life and could tell when she was lying, or even holding back. The two could read each other as easily as a seasoned hunter reads the path of his prey. She knew Daneel was sincere. "Oh, Daneel!" she sobbed. "You don't know what happened between Dogahn and Yumineh? I thought you knew. I thought you'd kept it from me."

  "That's what I'm trying to find out!" Daneel exclaimed.

  "Yumineh's not a virgin, Daneel! And Dogahn is the reason." Azaria turned away after blurting the words out. She was tired of crying over Dogahn. It seemed to her it was all she'd done since Yumineh had confronted him at the practice targets. The realization embarrassed her. He didn't deserve her tears. She struggled to regain her composure. "So that's what's wrong."

  Daneel was lost in thought. So it was Dogahn. She wondered how Azaria had found out, but didn't feel right pushing her anymore. She’d confirmed what she wanted to know. Azaria had found out about them. That would have been enough to break them. And Yumineh was taking advantage of their separation. It was enough information for now. Her errand had changed. Now her friend needed her. "Oh, Azaria! I'm so sorry."

  "I'm not," Azaria replied. "If that's who he is, then isn’t it better I found out now? At least we weren't tied."

  Daneel wondered how she could be so strong. She knew how much Azaria had loved Dogahn. How could he have done this to her? But even as she wondered, she had a strong suspicion as to the answer. She was sure it was probably more Yumineh's doing than his. If Yumineh had made herself available to him, it would have been difficult for any man to resist. Still, Dogahn was supposed to be in love with Azaria.

  She wondered what would come next. Were they broken for good? Would Dogahn want to be with Yumineh after everyone discovered what they’d done? She has a lot to offer still. Even with the dishonor, she'll still be left with a lot of status. Can Azaria really get over it so easily? If so, then why was she hiding? She’s probably humiliated. But it wasn’t her fault. "You're right, Azaria!" she finally answered. "He's not good enough for you. He never was. You deserve someone much better."

  Azaria put the dishes down on the table outside her shelter and smiled, but there was also an obvious sadness in the expression. "Thanks, Daneel. I don't know what I'd do without you. We'll just go back to the way things were in the spring. Before Dogahn and I got together. And before Yumineh showed up. It'll just be me and you again."

  Daneel smiled and hugged her. But she also grew anxious. She hadn't thought Azaria would expect her to give up her friendship with Yumineh. She wasn't sure she wanted to. Despite her faults, Yumineh had been a good friend. Daneel liked her. We're always the center of attention when we're together, she thought. Men can't resist following us around. But I love Azaria, too. Will she be hurt if I keep Yumineh’s friendship? But even if I try to stay away from her, Yumineh will never leave me alone. She'll try to drive a wedge between Azaria and me. At least she can't stay here much longer. She'll have to go back to Fox Camp before the snows fall.

  Daneel hoped her reasoning would prove true.

  11

  Daneel kept a close eye on Azaria over the next few suns. It bothered her that her best friend had been so suspicious of her. It was so unlike Azaria, to come to judgment without even asking first. It's true, I did suspect something was going on between them, but I didn't know for sure. If Yumineh did lay with someone, it made sense that it would be Dogahn, but I couldn't tell Azaria yet. It was all still rumor. And if it turned out to be untrue, it would've been unfair to Dogahn.

  She was just happy she’d chosen to confront Azaria when she did. Had she not, Azaria's suspicions would have fe
stered. She knew how some dwelt on negativity when depressed, especially when they closed themselves off from their friends, like Azaria had been doing. She knew how quickly paranoia set, followed by anger and hatred.

  Azaria had always been a light-hearted, cheerful kind of girl. But Daneel knew now that even she was susceptible to unhealthy bouts of despair. She determined to do all she could to make sure it didn't happen again.

  For Azaria, the evenings were always the worst. It was when she missed Dogahn the most. She began to dread the setting sun, knowing sorrow and gloom would descend with it. But Daneel had just the thing, as she often did. They were sitting together on a lonely hilltop when Daneel produced a large bag of sweet-tasting poison. Azaria rejected it at first, not wanting to turn to brew to deal with her problems like some did. But after a little prodding and Daneel's assurances it would make the evenings easier, she took a pull and soon both were red-faced and giggling hysterically. They sat up late that night, sipping and crying and laughing. Daneel traded for another bag the next evening, encouraged by how well the first one worked. They turned out to be happy nights for Azaria, all things considered, and she later looked back fondly on those memories, blurry and fragmented as they were.

  Azaria woke after one poison-heavy binge to the harsh sound of barking dogs followed by loud, panicked yells. The space between her temples pounded and she feared she might heave, but she forced herself up knowing something was wrong. A shrill scream cleared her mind and she focused on the sounds outside, straining to learn what was happening. Most of the screams were too muffled to be useful, but she was able to pick out one word, a word which frightened her – Kebar. With her head still spinning, she poked her head out and saw several men armed with spearthrowers sprinting west and women and children running in all directions. She noticed the noise of the barking dogs had diminished. They sound like they’re at the bottom of Sunset Hill, she thought. I hope Grayfoot is safe.

  "Azaria! Azaria!" a voice rang out.

  She turned in its direction and saw Daneel rushing toward her. She looked even more terror-stricken than she was - and sloppy! I must look even worse, Azaria thought, if I look anywhere near as bad as I feel.

  "Daneel! What's going on?"

  "Azaria! The Kebar are attacking! Your father asked me to get you," Daneel said, doubling over to catch her breath.

  Azaria nodded. So it is the Kebar. She wondered why her father hadn't woken her. They must have all been out when they received word of the attack.

  "We're supposed to meet the rest of the women and children by the river," Daneel continued.

  "What about mother and Quzo?"

  "Azerban is already taking them. Come on!"

  Azaria nodded and began to follow before stopping. Instead she turned around and headed back inside.

  "Azaria! Where are you going?" Daneel screamed.

  "You go ahead, Daneel. I’ll be there."

  "Azaria, no! We have to go!" Daneel objected, before giving up and racing off. She knew she wouldn't be able to change Azaria's mind and was too scared to linger.

  Azaria threw her quiver full of spears over her head and grabbed her spearthrower. Outside the shelter, everyone had dispersed. The empty camp felt eerily calm, although she could still hear shouts and yells toward the river and over Sunset Hill. She wondered if the Kebar had already been met. She was about to follow Daneel when a forbidding chill ran down the length of her spine.

  Azaria had the distinct sensation she was being watched.

  She turned back toward the forest and saw a man walking calmly toward her. He was covered in blue and white war paint. A line of fierce warriors appeared out of the forest behind him. They were all carrying torches and had quivers full of mostly thrusting-spears on their backs. By the types of weapons they carried, Azaria knew they had arrived ready for close combat. A second chill ran down her back as she realized what was happening. The attack from the west was a diversion. The real attack was right in front of her - on an undefended side of Boar Camp.

  Azaria stood frozen watching the Kebar men advance on her. She met the glare of the one who looked like the leader, slightly in front of the rest of the line. He stood tall and wide, with massive muscles bulging across his neck and shoulders, despite his youthful appearance. Under different conditions, she might have found him attractive. Now she only feared for her life.

  The man brought a finger to his lips, the universal sign commanding silence. It was followed by a surprisingly reassuring smile which almost convinced Azaria to trust him.

  Instead, she screamed at the top of her lungs.

  The smile the man wore folded. He raised his spear.

  In turn, Azaria dropped hers. As she watched the man plant his back foot and take a step toward her, she stepped backward.

  Azerban had just reached the top of Sunset Hill, confused by the scene he found. There was no battle raging, no Kebar invaders, nothing. Down the hill, he could see the disturbance in the high grasses and hear the barks and howls of dogs fighting, but otherwise there was no sign of an attack. Had the Kebar already broken off their advance? Was the battle over so quickly? The Natu defenders already arrived were also scratching their heads. Some were turning circles in the grass, searching for targets for their spears. Others watched the fight raging between the two rival packs of dogs. Still others were walking back up the hill, shaking their heads.

  "Aaaaahhhhhh!" came a piercing wail from behind him. Azerban turned in fright, instantly knowing something was terribly wrong. The scream was bloodcurdling and had come from inside Boar Camp. He couldn't tell whose voice it was, but knew it came from a young woman. His heart dropped at the thought it could be his daughter, whose safety he’d entrusted to Daneel. It was a mistake. Daneel was incompetent. But she was the best choice, given the options he had at the moment. He raced back toward the shelters, and by the sound of footsteps thrashing through the high grasses behind him, knew at least several hunters had heard the scream too.

  Azaria watched the lead Kebar warrior lunge his spear forward, it's sharp, stone tip trained directly on her.

  As he threw, Azaria stumbled backward. Before she hit dirt, she watched the Kebar spear pass just over. Then she scampered up and dove behind the fleeting safety of her shelter.

  "Azaria!!"

  She rolled over and saw her father rushing to her side. Several Natu hunters passed by. She heard battle whoops cry out as the small band of Natu warriors met the larger line of Kebar invaders.

  "Azaria, are you hurt?" Azerban asked. He scanned her body, an instinct ingrained from half a lifetime of Ta'araki training. Besides a few scrapes, she appeared to be fine. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her breath was foul with the stench of digested poison. He wasn't surprised. He'd known she'd been staying out late drinking with Daneel. Despite his disappointment he'd allowed it. Azerban knew something had gone seriously wrong between her and Dogahn. Although his daughter hadn't chosen to inform him of her troubles, he'd noticed Dogahn and Yumineh were suddenly inseparable and that the boy's visits had come to an abrupt halt.

  "I'm fine," Azaria answered. "But the Kebar are attacking from the south. I think they mean to set fire to the shelters."

  Her statement explained the earlier absence of Kebar. "Azaria, stay here. Seto!" he said, grabbing the arm of a young hunter who was sprinting by. "Stay with Azaria. If any Kebar come near her, kill them. Azaria, I'll be back. Don't move and stay down."

  "Yes, Ta'araki."

  "Yes, father."

  Azerban left his daughter at least somewhat secure in the knowledge she was guarded and out of sight. As he reached the southern face of his shelter, he noticed flames on top of several of the southeastern shelters and dark smoke emanating from them. One man was lying face up with a spear protruding from his chest. By the blue paint, Azerban knew the man was Kebar.

  Soon after her father had left, Azaria saw Dogahn sprinting toward her. She wasn’t sure he’d seen her, but at the last moment he broke off his cha
se and knelt beside her. "Azaria, what are you doing here? Are you hurt?" he asked.

  She looked up at him and briefly forgot everything that had recently passed between them. "Dogahn! What are you doing here?" She swung her arms around his neck, nearly toppling him over.

  "Yumineh and I heard the dogs and then everything went crazy. Someone said there was an attack. So we grabbed our throwers and headed up Sunset Hill. But when we reached the top, there was nothing. Then we heard a scream from the shelters - wait, was that you? Anyway, we came back and well, here I am. But you're okay?"

  "I'm fine," Azaria answered. "The Kebar attacked from the forest. One of their spears almost killed me.” Still in a state of shock, the urge to share her ordeal with him, her closest of friends, was overpowering.

  "What!? Why weren’t you at the river? Did you see Yumineh? I lost track of her. Do you know where the Kebar are now?"

  "I don't know, but father went after them that way," Azaria answered, choosing to ignore his question about Yumineh. She pointed toward newly rising columns of smoke. "They had torches," she added, realizing they must have achieved at least some of what they came for. As he held her in his arms, Azaria remembered how much she loved him. But his mention of Yumineh also reminded her of why she missed him in the first place. She stiffened, loosening her grip.

  Dogahn couldn't believe how good it felt to hold her in his arms again. He didn't ever want to let go. He only wanted to protect her. And as he felt her pull away, his heart fell. Rejected and kneeling awkwardly with Azaria still half in his arms, he had a sudden, overwhelming urge to flee. He'd rather be fighting the Kebar. "Uhh... I should make sure Yumineh is okay," he said, releasing her completely. "Seto, make sure no harm comes to her."

  Seto bristled at the command from his junior. "Dogahn, you stay with... Dogahn!" he yelled. But it was too late. The boy was already out of sight and he didn't dare abandon Ta'araki's daughter to go after him.