by Dana Davis
Taniras’s heart fell when she read the sign for their accommodations: Sea Biscuit Tavern. The two-story building looked much like all the others in Bankar, weathered, dull, and right along the stinking route to the water. Why hadn’t she been assigned to the quest with Maesa? They were headed to Zarenia’s home in Pashdad. And Zarenia Va’pash, who was two years Taniras’s junior, had taken her oaths already. The Goddess was so unfair!
Taniras’s eyes fell on Snowy and she smiled despite her sour mood. He was the only good thing about this quest. That he held a higher station didn’t seem to matter anymore. He’d been above her back in Maricar. In fact, she knew exactly what would set the man off and took various opportunities doing just that. He was handsome, and Taniras liked the way his chin jutted out when he was upset with her. Since she was no longer going to be a healer, why not take advantage of her youngling status? The others treated her as a child anyway. And perhaps she could get it into his stoneheaded skull that she loved him, wanted him, longed to bed him. He seemed completely oblivious to that and conducted himself as a loyal Gypsy servant should. His constant devotion to Gypsy laws that forbad intimate contact with younglings perturbed Taniras, and she grunted under her breath.
She had often fantasized about marrying him but wondered whether he even noticed she was a woman. Sure, he had danced with her at celebrations back in Maricar, but a lot had changed since then. Gypsies, including new-oathed, were allowed to marry anyone they chose, as long as that person agreed to take the oaths and swear themselves to the Gypsy cause.
But that courtesy wasn’t afforded to younglings. Younglings were treated as imbeciles. Females and males were only allowed to mingle with supervision. With the exception of those whose bodies the Goddess aged quicker than their minds, younglings were all marriage age or beyond. Even younglings who arrived as married couples, though they were rare, had to sleep in separate cottages until they were beyond the youngling stage.
Taniras’s eyes lingered on Snowy’s back as they rode up to the Sea Biscuit Tavern. He’d gained muscle during their eight moons in the Land of the Goddess and those broad shoulders beckoned her. She longed to feel his strong arms about her and an image of him without his tunic flashed through her mind. She felt stirrings between her legs despite the pounding saddle and fought to push those feelings away.
Finally, the group dismounted in front of the tavern. Taniras’s legs and backside were sore after the long ride and she stretched to relieve the pain. She handed her reins to Snowy and offered a slight sneer. Not enough for him to call her down but just the right amount to get his attention. He raised a dark brow, a paternal look, and she suppressed a groan. The man seemed absolutely clueless about women, or at least about her. Haranda hadn’t seen, much to her relief. Taniras had no intention of vexing her clan mother just now.
Snowy and the other hunter took the horses toward the livery, while the rest went into the Sea Biscuit. The tavern was larger inside than it appeared from the street. The sun was still up and the dining area well lit by numerous windows. Food smells from the kitchen filled the place, where a few customers sat.
A tall, plump woman stepped from the kitchen. Her skin held color but was she much lighter than many Taniras had seen in the streets. She eyed the quest a heartbeat then wiped large hands on her apron. “I’m Mistress Norine. You need rooms?”
Haranda stepped forward. “Yes, please, Mistress. My name is Haranda. We’re family to Cass Legrange. She said you know her. She roomed here a while back.”
The woman’s gray eyes lit up and she smiled. “Oh, yes. I would never forget such a delightful girl. In here several moons ago. I tried to get her to stay but she would have none of it. Said she was headed somewhere, looking for family. Must have found you then, yes?”
“Yes, she’s well, and she spoke highly of you and your accommodations.”
“Well, we’re pretty vacant this part of the year. Mainly locals. I’ll see that you get the very best rooms. I’m afraid you’ll have to double up, though. We’re not that big.”
“Why, thank you, Mistress Norine. Any rooms you have will be fine. We’ve been traveling a while.”
The large woman nodded and called a girl to her. This one looked young, despite her tall stature, and her skin was as dark as any Maricari, darker perhaps.
Taniras, who was no short woman herself and with dark skin, glanced around at the others coming and going from the tavern kitchen. All the Bankari were large and dark, even more so than Taniras’s own root people. Snowy and the other hunter, Brandorin, entered and joined them. Bankari women were as tall as Snowy and sturdy. They seemed quite proud of their womanly bodies and wore bodices that accentuated abundant breasts.
“Prepare the rooms on the west end,” Mistress Norine said to her help.
The girl smiled at Brandorin. The large hunter seemed to notice her too. Especially the low cut bodice.
Mistress Norine smacked the girl on the bottom. “You’re spoken for, LaNel.”
LaNel grunted, took the offered keys, and latched onto another Bankari girl before disappearing up the stairs.
“My daughter,” Mistress Norine said. Her graying blonde hair was quite a contrast to her daughter’s dark locks. “She wants a second husband before she’s even ridden in her first marriage boat.”
“You mean she can have more than one husband?” Taniras said, a bit jolted. That little tidbit was left out of her studies.
“Of course. But only after she’s been married for at least three seasons. Wouldn’t be fair to the men to take them so quickly. Each needs a chance to plant his seed within his new wife. Three seasons between marriages usually does it.”
Two husbands? Taniras wondered just how they decided who bedded together and when. There was no chance she would ask such questions, though, at least not in front of the others. She watched Snowy. What would he be like in bed? Gentle, she imagined. Or perhaps he was a commanding lover. Either way, Taniras averted her eyes when he studied her. She didn’t have to think about that too long, anyway. Haranda inquired about the cost of the rooms, and soon Taniras was seated uncomfortably at a table with a hardy meal in front of her.
The food filled her belly but wasn’t as tasty as what she’d eaten in the Land of the Goddess. She deliberately left morsels on her plate but no one seemed to notice. Besides, if she wasn’t allowed to draw in the Energy, why would she need so much food? The Energy exercises she had done in youngling classes drained her and made her ravenous. She’d learned quickly why Gypsy servants were so insistent on everyone downing large portions. Food and sleep were necessary to replenish the body after harnessing the Energy, but right now Taniras longed for a warm bath to wash away the dirt and ease her sore muscles, and a soft bed in which to lay her weary noggin.
As if sensing her abilities with animals, a large, orange cat meandered to the table and twined between her feet. “Shoo.” The cat ignored her.
Haranda sat at another table with Predula and Saldia, and the servants all sat at various locations Around the tavern. There were only two chairs at Taniras’s table and Eletha had the other. The fiery-haired treewalker wouldn’t know or care if Taniras took in the Energy. In fact, she would probably be amused. The Gypsies were occupied in conversation, so she took a chance and harnessed just enough to urge the cat toward the door then quickly let the Energy flow back into the earth below.
Mistress Norine scooped up the animal as it passed. “Naughty girl. You should be down at the docks today. There are mice to catch. She set the cat down and pushed her outside. “Off with you.” She disappeared into the kitchen.
Urging animals did have advantages. That’s when Taniras realized that Haranda, Predula and Saldia studied her. Bloody blazes!
Haranda slowly rose to her feet and stepped to Taniras’s shoulder. She leaned close. “I see that you need another lesson in obedience.” The absent youngling term was clear in her tone.
Taniras’s heart raced. She’d been so careful with the Energy. How did
the Gypsies always know? If she had to be stuck with animal urging, the least she could do was learn how to conceal when she harnessed it. Haranda crossed to her seat, and Taniras gave the woman’s back a sour look. She quickly turned her attention to her cup and took a long drink of spiced cider wine.
Eletha tapped her leg under the table. “You’re almost as stubborn as I am.”
Taniras suppressed a smile. Eletha had such a foul temper and was so occupied with trees that Taniras usually avoided the little woman. Otherwise, she would be tempted to smack the treewalker. But there were occasions when Eletha made her laugh.
She raised a brow. “How are you handling this bloody ‘young person’ thing?” She had to be careful not to give them away as Gypsies. Not that middlings would know much about them. Most of their tales about Gypsies were untrue, not to mention ridiculous. “I’m ready to chew right through this table.” And it was made of very thick wood.
The treewalker chuckled and her fiery hair whipped with her head movement. “Maybe you could use your ‘talent’ and have a beaver do that for you.” Those blue eyes sparkled.
“If I could figure out how to do that without notice, I just might.”
“Let me know if you learn that secret. I saw a few trees on the way here that I’d love to sit in awhile.”
There weren’t many trees near Bankar, just a tiny, forested area, but the trees there had huge trunks compared to most. In fact, they were the some of the largest Taniras had ever seen. Both clamped mouths shut as a servant arrived to take up plates and refill cups. The Bankari girl then headed to the kitchen.
Since they never had classes together, Taniras was still unclear just how a treewalker used the Energy, and she took advantage of Eletha’s good mood. “So, what do you do when you sit in a tree?” She hoped she wouldn’t offend the little woman and was relieved at the smile she got.
Eletha had a pretty smile and looked much better than when she had that awful scowl on her face. Of course, Taniras wasn’t stupid enough to point that out. She had no desire to engage in fisticuffs, though she was certain she would win.
“I look at other trees.” Eletha’s eyes narrowed at Taniras’s confusion. “I see through the trees.” She cocked her head slightly.
Taniras understood and nodded. So, the treewalker sent the Energy through the trees. She still didn’t know just how that worked but the prospect interested her. Eletha could probably do a lot with that aspect of the Energy. The little woman had weak sparking Energy, same as she did, and would probably never develop any aspect that gave her intimate contact with people. But treewalking sounded much more interesting than animal urging and more dignified.
Eletha scooted her chair close. “I use the trees, much like looking through water. They’re all connected, all over the world, and I’m learning to see at greater distances.”
The surprise must have been apparent on Taniras’s face. “That’s impressive.” She pushed down an annoying surge of jealousy. “How far—”
Another servant came by and asked if they needed anything. They politely turned her away. Taniras then gave Eletha a look that all younglings knew, the one they used when Gypsies were about to step too close and hear something they shouldn’t. Eletha nodded her understanding and turned her attention on her wine.
Taniras glanced around the tavern. Most were sailors, men and women, who downed food in quick gulps and laughed with hardy countenance. A handsome, muscular man with a scar on his chin and another snaking down his right forearm sat at a table underneath the stairs, alone. He wasn’t as large as the Bankari men and his skin was quite a bit lighter. She guessed him to be a traveler, perhaps a Hunter, though he didn’t have the telltale ring through his nose. He eyed her and she quickly averted her gaze to look at Snowy, who sat at the next table with several kin.
Snowy’s face was animated as he talked and a stubble of beard filled out his chin. Her heart raced as she studied his lean, muscular build. He was slightly smaller than the Bankari men, but strong and well proportioned, which Taniras liked. Too much bulk on a man didn’t attract her.
After several heartbeats, she realized Eletha watched the stranger too, and she glanced at the man again. His attention was on one of the servant girls. The girl seemed much more interested in him than the other way around, though. The stranger looked amused by her attentions, until Mistress Norine entered and made her way to his table.
She shoved the girl toward the kitchen with a slap to her bottom and focused on the stranger. “LaWen’s a good catch, Brak. I know she’s not the prettiest from my loins but she’ll make a fine wife. A strong fisherwoman too. She’s nearly seventeen now. Needs to decide on a first husband. You’ve been here long enough to start a marriage boat.”
Brak gave her a crooked smiled. “Thank you, Mistress Norine.” His voice was deep and smooth, very unlike his appearance. “But I’ve told you before, I’m not looking for a wife just now.”
“Suit yourself. You’ll want children to carry on your business someday. Trust me on this, Brak. My girls are strong, make healthy babies.” She nudged him. “Might even give you a son or two to work the trawlers.” She snapped a towel over her shoulder. “You think hard on what I say. If you change your mind, I’ll see that LaWen accepts your boat.” She made her way to Haranda’s table. “Can I get anything else for your brood, Mistress?”
“No, thank you, Mistress Norine. I think we’ve had our fill. Everything was wonderful.” She smiled and Taniras wanted to cuff her.
“Very well. I’ll see what’s keeping LaNel. Your rooms should be ready.” She headed up the stairs and was soon back to lead them to their accommodations.
Taniras shared a room with Haranda, much to her dismay. She wanted to be with Saldia. At least the new-oathed woman hadn’t punished her or threatened to report her for anything. And Taniras wanted to learn what it was like living in the comforts of the dome and getting instruction from the Vedi. She would have to ask the shade walker later, if she could ever manage to be alone with her.
Predula and Eletha took the next room with Saldia, and the cook shared with her husband. The other men were given accommodations at the far end of the hall. Evidently, Mistress Norine was vigilant in separating unwed women and men when it came to beds, even family members. Both Haranda and Predula had harnessed the Energy to see if the place had bugs. They felt a few large ones now and again behind the wall or beneath the floor, along with a mouse or two, but no dreaded creatures in the bedding.
The warm bath soothed Taniras’s sore muscles and she had just dried off and slipped into her nightdress, when Haranda confronted her. “Sit, young one.” The Gypsy mother tone rang out clear as she pointed to a chair.
Taniras sighed. She would probably be up to her eyeballs in laundry the rest of her stay here. She took a while retrieving her brush from her pack and deliberately stood to smooth out her hair as Haranda began the lecture.
“This is very tiring.” The Gypsy stepped close. “Why do you test me?” Dark, invasive eyes narrowed on Taniras when she didn’t answer.
She still felt as though her clothes had been stripped away but she held the gaze, something she couldn’t do before they left the Land of the Goddess. What she wouldn’t give to intimidate others with her own Gypsy stare. “I’m tired too, Cousin Haranda. Mine is not a fair Energy. And I’m still not new-oa—“ she cut herself off at Haranda’s sharp glare. “I’m too old. I shouldn’t have to ask permission to use my talent. That’s so bloody stupid.” Her cheek stung with Haranda’s slap. Not a hard one, just enough to warn.
“Guard your tongue. I know you’re frustrated. I’ve told you age means nothing at this phase. You’ll move up when She thinks you worthy. And I also know that you will become worthy, if I have to give you nasty chores the rest of your young days just to get that message through your stoneheaded skull.”
Taniras was taken aback. Haranda had never used that tone with her before, the tone a woman took with another when she acted foolish, not the way
one spoke to an insolent child. She opened her mouth but nothing came out and she clamped it shut to stare at her clan mother.
“That’s the smartest thing you’ve done in a while, Taniras Ei’sele. These penalties are completely up to you. If you act the way we expect of you, the way She expects, then you won’t be punished. Act a child and I’ll treat you as such.” Haranda and the others avoided mentioning the Goddess or anything else that would indicate who they were, even when they were alone. The Gypsy’s eyes hardened. “And don’t think I’m stupid.”
“I never said—“
“You don’t have to. I know how you feel about Snowy. And I know that patience isn’t your best dress.” She leveled her gaze. “Do you wish to marry him?”
“What?”
“Do you wish to marry Devin Nee’cher? Or are you only interested in taunting him?”
“Cousin Haranda!”
“Don’t act so surprised. You’re a woman, even if our rules make you wait. There’s nothing wrong with attracting a man. Snowy’s a good choice but he knows what’s expected of him. What you two decide is your own business, but not until our rules state you’re of proper status.”
Taniras’s lip quivered with deep held frustration and she forced her back straight. “I love him.” Why was she admitting that to Haranda? Yes, she felt a family bond with the woman, but most days, she could use her stubborn will and ignore it.
“Well, finally.” The Gypsy’s tone held exasperation. “He loves you too.”
“He does?” So, Haranda had been paying attention.
“You claim you want to be connected to people but, girl, you can be as blind as a dung beetle sometimes.”
Taniras threw her head back in laughter at that comment. Her root mother had told her something very similar just after she had crossed to marriage age. Haranda stared at her as though she had gone completely mad.
“I’m all right, Cousin.” She placed the hairbrush on the table. “I just—all this—my coming heritage, waiting for my acceptance. This has been very trying for me. I had other plans for my life.” She hadn’t told anyone those feelings in a while.
