Legacy of the Blood (The Threshold Trilogy)

by Callie Kanno

  Faryl offered the flavorful paste, and Savir tried it with a measure of hesitation. His eyes widened with delight.

  “Is this a dish from your homeland?”

  The former apothecary laughed. “Not exactly. It is simply something we put together.”

  “I have never tasted anything so…fresh! It is delicious.”

  Mar’sal leaned forward in interest. “Have you never tasted fresh fruit or vegetables?”

  Savir shook his head. “The produce we receive through trade is always dried. It would not last, otherwise.”

  “What is it that you trade?” inquired Than’os.

  “Spices,” was the simple answer. “There are some plants that only grow deep in the desert, and merchants will trade much for our services in harvesting them.”

  Savir continued to tell them about life in Zonne, and the L’avan described what it was like to live in Sehar. The Desert Dweller’s eyes grew dreamy when they spoke of the forests that surrounded Yavar.

  Savir confessed his love of music, which opened up an entire conversation between himself and Ravi. The young man even taught Ravi a song of the desert.

  The land of gold

  Where none are rich

  The land of fire

  Where strength is born

  The land of truth

  Where dreaming sighs

  This is the land before my eyes

  The land of courage

  Where fear cannot abide

  The land of prudence

  Where waste is not

  The land of vigor

  Where weakness cries

  This is the land before my eyes

  Adesina was glad to hear singing again. She had no talent for it herself, and she admired those who did. The L’avan were a people with a great appreciation for music, and they applauded Savir enthusiastically for his song.

  Kendan kept his distance from the group, refusing to socialize and going to bed early. Adesina watched him go with frustration in her eyes.

  “Nevermind,” Faryl said to the young queen, following the direction of her gaze. “He is just being childish.”

  “No,” disagreed Adesina. “He is hurt. I told him that I trusted him, but then I disregarded what he had to say.”

  “Trust does not mean blind obedience.”

  “I know that,” the L’avan woman replied. “He did not expect me to obey him, but he did not expect me to brush him aside either.”

  Faryl’s expression became thoughtful. “Perhaps you should go talk to him, then. We still have a long way to go, and our team needs to be whole.”

  Adesina glanced at Ravi, who gave a slight shrug.

  If you wish.

  She got to her feet and walked over to where Kendan was wrapped in his desert robes. She sat down next to him, cross-legged. “Kendan?”

  He turned to face her. “Yes?”

  His voice was calm and expressionless, but his eyes were flowing with a tumult of emotions.

  “I am sorry for giving so little credence to your advice.”

  “You are our leader,” he replied. “It is your decision.”

  Her expression became pained. “Please, do not do that. I am trying to apologize sincerely. Do not turn this into a game of words.”

  Kendan sat up, his back rigid and his arms tense.

  “You said you trust me. Was that a lie?”

  “Of course not,” Adesina defended.

  “Then why do you continue to treat me like an outsider? I gave up everything to join you on this rescue mission. You know as well as I that there is no going back after what I have done.”

  The young woman hesitated before answering.

  “I have grown accustomed to grouping you with my enemies. I have viewed you in that light for five years. It was the only way I could cope, at first, and then it became habit.”

  Kendan’s brow creased. “Cope with what?”

  “My broken heart,” was the whispered reply.

  Adesina couldn’t bring herself to look at the face of her former instructor. She kept her eyes fixed on the ground between them.

  She was surprised when she saw his hand reach over to grip her own. Adesina’s gaze darted up, and she saw him looking at her with an openly sorrowful countenance.

  “My feelings for you were never a lie. If I had been able to speak to you alone that day…but Basha stood there, watching my every move.”

  Adesina understood. If Kendan had shown any sign of betrayal, he would have been killed on the spot. She felt a wave of sadness at what had passed between them all those years ago.

  “I have been wrong in holding our past against you, even though it was not done consciously. But there is something that you must remember.”

  “What is that?” he asked.

  “I am not your student anymore. I am not that broken-hearted girl in the woods. I have grown, and I have learned. I need you to trust me as well.”

  A wry smile spread across Kendan’s handsome face. “I must admit it is strange to see you so changed.”

  Adesina placed her free hand over his, and turned her purple and gold eyes directly to his dark ones.

  “I was in love with you, Kendan, but that was a long time ago. I did not marry L’iam out of revenge or desperation. I love my husband more dearly than I have ever loved anything or anyone.”

  She could see the pain that her words caused, and she knew that Kendan still harbored feelings for her.

  He removed his hand from hers with a self-mocking smile. “I know.”

  Adesina did not try to comfort him. “I think it would be best if we both forget our former selves and try to start anew.”

  He gave a single nod, and she rose to her feet.

  “Goodnight, old friend.”

  Kendan’s response was whispered to Adesina’s retreating figure.

  “Goodnight.”

  Chapter Thirty-six: The Henka

  It was a two-day journey from where the L’avan found Savir to the edge of his village. They arrived with only hours to spare.

  The great sandstorms could be seen approaching from the distance, and it caused considerable fear for the unseasoned desert travelers. Adesina’s heart pounded in her chest as the mass of sand and wind rose like a wall on the horizon, blanketing the land in darkness.

  Savir remained in his human form for the last league of the journey, giving reassurance to Adesina and her companions.

  “The storms are visible long before they reach us. It is a small mercy that the desert gives.”

  Faryl’s eyes were glued to the approaching mass of dust. “It seems only moments away.”

  “Yes,” agreed Savir, “but we still have plenty of time to reach shelter. Do not worry. You will be safe.”

  As they topped the rise of the dune before them, the large settlement suddenly appeared before their eyes. The crude structures were carved from the rocky outcroppings that rose from the golden sand. It blended so well into the desert terrain that it was almost invisible to the eye.

  “Most of our structures are underground,” explained Savir. “It keeps the temperatures lower, and it provides greater protection from storms and from enemies.”

  Adesina was only able to identify it due to the number of people bustling around in preparation for the oncoming gale. Animals were being herded to safety, stretches of sand-colored canvas were being secured over openings, and supplies were being distributed.

  A warning shout went up as the visitors were spotted, and Savir stood in a place of prominence.

  “We must wait here until we are approached. To do otherwise is to provoke aggression.”

  Two Henka warriors climbed up the dune with ease and studied the strangers with suspicion. The foremost Henka questioned Savir harshly in their native tongue, and Savir answered in a mild and soothing tone.

  With an imperious gesture, the two warriors began walking back towards the settlement.

  “We are to follow them,” translated Savir. “The tribe elders w
ish to speak to us.”

  The members of the Henka tribe watched the visitors curiously as they were led to the nearest underground opening. The carved stairs that led downward were worn smooth with age and use, and the air had a scent that could only be described as ancient. The smell was not stale or unpleasant, but it had a musty quality. Canvas lanterns lit the passageways, and closer inspection showed that they were filled with glowing insects rather than flammable materials.

  The caverns were connected by a maze of tunnels, and it seemed that every portion of space was designated for a specific purpose. They walked past the storerooms and the common areas and into the residential section of the underground village.

  The doorways were covered only with canvas curtains to give a measure of privacy. The two Henka warriors that were leading the way paused outside one of these partitions and spoke respectfully in their native tongue to the occupants on the other side.

  A short response was given, and the visitors were waved into the room.

  Adesina was surprised by what she saw. The Henka village seemed completely without adornment, but this room was a splash of bright colors. The ground was covered with patterned rugs, and large pillows provided padding for those sitting. The plain canvas glow lamps had been painted with idyllic scenes, and the stone walls were also painted with elaborate murals.

  Half a dozen aged women sat comfortably on the floor, with ramrod-straight backs and intense eyes. Their expressions and body language defied the clear signs of advanced years that showed in their wrinkled skin and snowy hair.

  The village elders were all dressed in the simple desert robes that every other Zonnese wore, and they bore no ornaments to signify rank. And yet they each had a noble bearing and an air of unmistakable authority.

  Like Savir’s hawk, which perched on his shoulder, each of these Henka had a desert animal of some sort near to them. Adesina saw two wild dogs, a hare, a snake, a large rodent with a thin tail that became bushy at the end, and a smaller hunting bird that was about half the size of a hawk.

  The most prominent of the aged women—the one with the desert rodent—beckoned for the visitors to come and sit with them.

  “Come, young travelers. I am Gauri le Jaya len Omana ol Henka, Chief Elder of the Henka Desert Dwellers. Join us and explain why you are here.”

  Savir remained standing, since he had not been included in the invitation, and lowered his eyes to the ground in humility.

  Adesina and the others found unoccupied pillows and sat down cross-legged. Everyone looked to the L’avan queen to begin, and so she took a deep breath to collect her thoughts.

  Give your full name and title. It is considered polite.

  “I am Adesina, daughter of Me’shan and E’rian, Queen of the L’avan.”

  There was a shift in the atmosphere of the room. The faces of the Henka elders remained impassive, but there was an increased interest in the newcomers.

  “Two days ago we came across Savir an Kavi nan Darshan ol Henka, who had been dangerously wounded. We healed his wound, and he offered us shelter from the storms.”

  Gauri turned her wise eyes to Savir for the first time. “Is this true, son of Kavi?”

  “Yes, Honored Elder,” was his quiet reply.

  “These strangers preserved your lifeblood?”

  “Yes, Honored Elder.”

  “You owe them a great debt.”

  “I have declared them to be my most honored guests.”

  One of the elders from the corner of the room—one sitting next to a wild dog—spoke up. “The Darshan clan will join with the son of Kavi in giving shelter and comfort to these visitors. Our hearts are glad that lifeblood was preserved.”

  Gauri looked over Adesina’s face and observed, “You are tired from your journey. Go and rest, if it pleases you. Tonight we shall feast in your honor, and tomorrow we will discuss your greater purpose.”

  The L’avan queen bowed her head politely. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

  The Henka elders all waved aside her thanks and murmured, “It is nothing.”

  The elder that spoke for the Darshan clan addressed Savir. “Take them to your mother’s shelter. She will see to them.”

  Savir beckoned for Adesina and the others to follow him, and they walked back into the maze of tunnels.

  “Is this a matriarchal society?” asked Than’os with interest. “I did not see any male elders.”

  Their Henka guide looked startled. “Male elders? Of course not! Does such a thing exist among the L’avan?”

  Mar’sal grinned. “Well, we are ruled by a king.”

  Savir glanced at Adesina with confusion. “I thought…”

  “The ruler of the L’avan is my husband,” she explained. “I only rule in his absence. The L’avan do not place importance on gender when it comes to the leaders of our people.”

  Savir continued to frown. “Is your husband the eldest of the L’avan?”

  Several chuckles sounded around the group.

  “No,” smiled Adesina. “He is king because his father was king before him.”

  The perplexed expression cleared from the Henka’s face. “Ah, I see! Your people have bloodline leaders.”

  “Yes, I suppose we do.”

  “It is a strange concept,” mused Savir as they descended a set of stairs. “One’s parentage does not make one worthy or unworthy of leadership.”

  Adesina couldn’t help but agree. “That is true.”

  “What if there is someone more worthy to lead your people, but they do not come from the appropriate bloodline?”

  Than’os answered, “Most often they become leaders to a lesser degree—military officers, royal advisors, or teachers.”

  “What if the current leader is unworthy of the role?”

  The L’avan soldier smiled softly. “It is tradition for the eldest child of the current ruler to become the next in line for the throne. However, it is not law. If the eldest child is unworthy of becoming king or queen, then the current leader can choose one of the other children. Or even a niece or nephew, if it comes to that.”

  “Has that ever happened?” asked Adesina, curious about this aspect of L’avan royalty.

  Than’os shook his head. “Not to my knowledge. There have been those who have declined to be the royal heir and the crown has passed to a younger sibling, but that has only happened once or twice.”

  Savir gave a friendly smile. “It seems rather complicated. The Henka are simply led by the wisest of the tribe.”

  They slowed in front of another canvas curtain, and the Henka warrior spoke through the cloth.

  “Mother? It is I, your son Savir.”

  A pleasant and round voice answered. “Come in, my son.”

  The living area for Savir’s family was little more than an alcove. It had a plain canvas glow lamp to shed some light, recesses carved into the wall where one could lay down and sleep, and a few pillows in the center for sitting. Adesina had observed as they were walking that the Henka had large common areas for eating and socializing. These private quarters seemed to be used mainly for sleep.

  A lovely woman with greying hair and a plump face was sitting on a pillow while mending a set of robes. A younger woman with cherubic features, looking close to Savir’s age, sat next to her. A hare slept in the lap of the older woman, and a cobra wound itself around the younger woman’s arm.

  The older woman’s eyes widened at the entrance of the group. “Savir! You have brought guests.”

  “Yes. The elders told me to bring them here. They preserved my lifeblood, and they are my honored guests.”

  Savir’s mother gave her son a worried glance, as if measuring his well-being. Then she gave the visitors each a warm smile and an embrace. “You are most welcome. I am Urja le Asha len Darshan ol Henka.”

  The younger woman also stood to greet them. “Welcome! I am Vanhi le Urja len Darshan ol Henka. Savir is my twin brother.”

  It seemed that it was custom for every ind
ividual to introduce themselves, and so each of the travelers stated their name and their parents’ names. Kendan introduced Maizah and explained that she was mute.

  When it was Ravi’s turn, Urja and Vanhi stared at him in astonishment.

  “I am Ravi, son of Riordan, of the Ruana clan of the Rashad.”

  Urja was the first to recover from the shock of seeing an enormous feline speak. “We…we are honored to have such illustrious guests. Please, follow me and I will show you to your sleeping quarters.”

  It was a short walk down the tunnel to another simple alcove.

  “This will be the men’s shelter,” Urja said, gesturing to the plain curtain. “And this,” she pointed across the hall to a curtain that had been dyed a light shade of green, “will be the women’s shelter.”

  She hesitated and turned her eyes to Adesina’s guardian. “Forgive me, Ravi an Riordan nan Ruana ol Rashad, but I do not know where you prefer to take your rest.”

  “I am bonded to Adesina le E’rian len Ed’mon ol L’avan,” he replied solemnly.

  Urja was grateful for the clarification. “Of course. I will have extra pillows brought to her shelter for your comfort.”

  She wished them a peaceful rest and walked away, leaving Savir to whisper a few last instructions to the men of the group.

  “It is not improper for men to be in a woman’s shelter, but he must always ask permission to enter first. Women may enter a man’s shelter without permission, but it is still polite to request it.”

  Kendan flashed a sideways smile at Adesina before acknowledging the advice. “Anything else we should know about Henka etiquette?”

  Savir considered his question. “Most of it you will learn as you go. You are visitors, and indulgences will be granted. However, there is one thing you should keep in mind. Unless you have been given permission to use a person’s single name, you should call them by their full name. It is acceptable for you to call another man by a partial name after you have formed a social connection—for example, if you were to call me Savir an Kavi—but a woman must be given her full name until she bids you otherwise.”