by Callie Kanno
Mar’sal looked daunted by this expectation. “What if you cannot remember all of it?”
Savir grinned. “Then you should speak as little as possible. You may even be admired for your silence. After all, a quiet man is a pleasant man—as the old joke says.”
He laughed merrily, but Mar’sal still seemed uncomfortable with the thought.
“What about women?” asked Faryl.
“Women may call anyone by a partial name once they have been introduced, but a single name is always reserved for those with permission.”
Adesina could see the growing discomfort among her male comrades, and she hid a smile. It would be difficult for them to remember to act sufficiently subservient. “Well, Savir, I think I can speak for all of us in saying that you are welcome to use our single names.”
Everyone nodded, and Savir beamed with pride. “Thank you. Your friendship means much to me.”
He walked back to his mother’s shelter with a bounce in his step, and the company of travelers went into their respective sleeping quarters.
Adesina was interested to see that the stone of their walls had been decorated with simple paints, as well as the glow lamp’s canvas. It seemed like quite a luxury had been extended to them as honored guests. Their individual sleeping alcoves were padded with thin cushions, rather than just a blanket, and several comfortable pillows were laid out on the floor.
“They have been very generous to us,” stated Faryl with gratitude.
“Yes,” agreed Adesina and Ravi.
“Do you have a preference in your bed?” asked the former apothecary.
The alcoves were carved one above another, in two rows of three. The bottom alcove was nearly level with the floor, and the middle one only just above normal bed height. The top one could be reached by placing a foot on the edge of the middle alcove and climbing up.
“I will take a lower one,” decided Adesina. “Ravi has bad dreams if I do not sleep near him.”
The Rashad smiled at her teasing. “Or perhaps you are afraid you will fall out of bed during the night.”
“I certainly am,” admitted Faryl. “These look rather narrow. I think I will also sleep on a lower one.”
Maizah took off her boots and climbed into an upper alcove. She looked quite comfortable lying that high off of the ground. She settled down on the cushion and closed her eyes to go to sleep.
Adesina and Faryl exchanged grins and followed suit. The young queen was exhausted, and she was glad to sleep in a comfortable temperature again.
Chapter Thirty-seven: Legends
“Adesina?”
Savir’s voice sounded just beyond the canvas curtain.
The L’avan woman stirred and raised her head. “Yes, Savir. Please come in.”
The room had become quite dim, and she could only see the outline of his form as he entered. He walked over to the glow lamp and gave it a gentle shake.
The insects within the lamp buzzed into activity, and the light was restored to the room.
Adesina rolled out of her sleeping alcove and sat up. “What time of day is it?”
“The middle hours have passed, and now we prepare for our evening meal.”
Faryl and Maizah also climbed out of their beds, and the five of them sat on the pillows on the floor.
“I can hear that the storms have begun,” commented Ravi, whose hearing was quite keen.
Adesina could also hear the faint whistling of powerful winds from afar.
“Yes,” acknowledged Savir. “We have secured all of the openings to the surface, but the sound still travels down the tunnels.”
“How long do these storms last?” asked Adesina.
The Henka warrior raised both hands. “That is dependent on the whim of the desert. Last year they lasted for nine days, but the year before they lasted for thirty-two days.”
Adesina felt her heart grow cold. “Thirty-two days?”
Savir’s face was solemn. “Yes. We started rationing our resources after twenty days. We always store enough food and water to last for thirty days, but we were worried that we would not have enough to last us through that year’s storms.”
“There is no way to tell how long they will last?” Adesina’s voice was tinged with desperation.
She knew that Basha could not travel in the storms anymore than they could, but she hated the idea of L’iam being under Basha’s control for one moment more than he already had.
Savir slowly shook his head. “There is always an hour or two of stillness before the last storm begins, but the last storm can last for up to three days.”
“What is the shortest amount of time these storms have lasted?” inquired Faryl, casting a glance at Adesina.
“My grandmother remembers a year when the storms lasted only six days.” The young man observed the expression on the L’avan queen’s face and quickly added, “It is quite rare for the storms to last more than twenty days. I would say that it is most common for them to last between ten and fifteen days.”
“Adesina?”
The voice came from the other side of the curtain, and she recognized it as belonging to Kendan.
“Come in,” she answered, doing her best to put aside her disappointment in the delay of their journey.
The former Shimat’s face darkened slightly at the sight of Savir, but he kept his tone light. “We were told that it was time to meet for the evening meal.”
“Yes,” said Savir as he got to his feet. “Forgive me for keeping you all waiting. You must be hungry.”
They walked down the tunnels, back towards the entrance to the caves. The sound of the torrential winds grew louder, and Adesina easily believed that survival without shelter was impossible.
There were two large common areas where the Henka tribe gathered together to share their meals. One of the caves held all of the children and young teenagers, and a handful of adults supervised their noisy meal. The other cave was reserved for the adults and the older teenagers, and the clamor was only slightly more subdued.
There were no tables or chairs in the common area. The Henka sat in rows, and there were bowls and plates placed on the ground with food that was shared all around. Adesina saw that it wasn’t uncommon for the Henka to stand up in the middle of the meal and walk to a different area to sit and socialize.
Savir led them to the highest point of the room, where the tribe elders sat together. Gauri stood to greet them and addressed the rest of the Henka.
“My children, we have been given a great honor. Savir an Kavi nan Darshan ol Henka was attacked by lowly Hanta barbarians and left to die in the desert.”
The Henka all hissed in disdain.
“His lifeblood was fleeing, but he was saved by these visitors. They healed his wounds, and returned his life to him.”
The Henka cheered.
“They have traveled from a distant land, and have no shelter of their own in the desert. It is our honor and our pleasure to share our shelter with them. Tonight, we feast in their honor.”
Following this cue, eight Henka women entered the room carrying a large beast on a platter. It was bigger than a horse, and it resembled something between a boar and a scorpion. It had been roasted over an open fire, and it was garnished with steamed vegetables and edible roots.
Sounds of delight escaped every Henka mouth, and several people hurried forward to begin carving the beast.
Gauri seated the visitors among the elders, and she even bid Savir to join them. The young man flushed with pleasure and sat down next to Adesina and Faryl.
“I have never sat with the elders before,” he whispered. “It is a great honor for a man. My mother will be so proud.”
Indeed, Urja gave her son a broad smile from across the room and nodded in approval.
Large plates with meat and vegetables were brought up to the elders and their guests, and Gauri offered the food first to Adesina.
The meat of the strange beast had a heavily mineral scent, and it was slick with g
rease. Adesina only paused briefly before accepting a large hunk, along with some sort of baked tuber.
Savir leaned forward to offer an explanation. “This is a feast, indeed. This was the tribe’s only captive aradsus, and it was being saved to see if we could domesticate the beasts. They are violent creatures with terrible tempers, but they give a nutritious milk.”
“I am sorry you had to kill it, if it was your only one,” expressed Faryl.
The young warrior shrugged. “After the storms we shall try to capture another one. It will be great sport for the warriors of the tribe.”
The meat of the aradsus was salty as well as greasy, but it had a flavor similar to pork. When paired with the somewhat bland tuber, it became more balanced and was a rather tasty meal.
“Now, Adesina le E’rian,” said Gauri, who was sitting across from the young queen, “tell me what has brought you to the deserts of Zonne.”
Adesina cast her mind back on the past several weeks that had taken her from her home. So much had happened, and she wasn’t sure how much to share with these people who were nearly strangers.
“I have an enemy—one that I have known since my youth. She has sworn to destroy me and all that I hold dear.”
All of the elders were listening, and they nodded in complete understanding. They, too, had lifelong enemies who threatened their way of life.
“She has captured my husband and has altered his mind so that he no longer remembers who he is. She has brought him to Zonne to… attempt to gain power, and we have come to stop her.”
The Darshan elder gave a wistful smile. “You have come in search of your heart.”
“No, Pallavi,” corrected Gauri with a shrewd expression. “There is more to this tale. Bare your mind to us, Adesina le E’rian. We may have been put in your path to help you to succeed.”
Tell them of the Threshold.
Adesina couldn’t tell if that we her thought or if it belonged to Ravi.
“There is a place in the desert,” she began slowly, “high atop a lone mountain. It is a place of magic—a doorway between worlds. My enemy wishes to open that doorway and to call forth unspeakable evil.”
A wave of murmurs passed through the Henka elders.
“You speak of the Threshold,” stated an elder on the other side of Gauri.
Adesina stared at them in amazement. “Yes. How…?”
“The Desert Dwellers are the guardians of the Threshold until the Great Ones return.”
“Who gave you this task?” asked Ravi.
The other Henka who had heard the Rashad speak had been filled with astonishment, but the elders looked as though it was simply a confirmation of something they had known by instinct.
“Our mothers gave us this charge, just as it was given to them by their mothers. We have been watching and waiting since the Desert Dwellers were one people.”
“Can you tell us what you know of the Threshold?” asked Adesina eagerly.
All eyes turned to the Darshan elder, who straightened with pride.
“I am Pallavi le Prema len Darshan ol Henka, Elder of the Darshan clan and Keeper of Memory. I am she who can tell you of the past of the Desert Dwellers.”
All who were within earshot heard this declaration, and a hush fell over the Henka as Pallavi stood to tell the tale of their origins.
“In ancient days, there were creatures of great power. Humankind has reduced this part of history to myth, but we Henka know the truth. Humans were the lesser beings, and we lived by the grace and mercy of the Great Ones.”
Several Henka nodded knowingly.
“Many of the Great Ones were creatures of Light—benevolent and generous, sharing their magical gifts freely. Other Great Ones were creatures of Darkness, and they bore no love for mortal beings. A war began between the Great Ones. On one side there were those who wished to rule and dominate, and on the other side there were those who wished to protect and nurture. The war lasted for a century, and even the humans joined the fight after many years.”
Adesina could see that many chests puffed out in pride. It was clearly part of their heritage that their ancestors had been among those who fought in the Great Wars.
“The final battle was fought here on the soil of Zonne, then green with life. The battle was fierce and it ravaged the land, lasting for seven days. Our ancestors were not allowed to join in the final battle, but they watched from afar.”
Flashes of Adesina’s Dream passed before her eyes as she listened to the tale. She saw L’avan and the Qetza, the lone mountain, and violence of war.
“The Zeras—beautiful angels of Light—opened a portal to the stars, and all of the Great Ones were called to pass through. Our ancestors were left alone in the ruins of the war-torn land, wondering where to find their new purpose.”
Adesina and Ravi exchanged glances. This was where the tale of the Henka passed beyond what they already knew.
“Nayati the Scholar was leader in those days, and he knew that the service of humankind to the Great Ones was not complete. He rallied those that witnessed the final battle, and declared that they were to search for their purpose at the door of the portal.”
Pallavi paused for dramatic effect.
“Nayati the Scholar and his Ten Companions traveled across the wasted lands of Zonne, searching for some sign of their revered masters. They came at last to Daemon Mount—the lone mountain that grows up from flames—where the gateway to the stars can be found.”
A chill ran down Adesina’s spine. That was the location of the Threshold.
“Daemon Mount pierced the sky, like an unholy blade—jagged, as if torn from the womb of the earth. A ring of fire encircled the base, spewing forth molten stone and turning aside the bravest of warriors.”
Several Henka children had crept closer to hear the story, and their eyes widened at the theatrical description.
“Three of the Ten Companions turned away, declaring that passage was impossible. The angelic Zeras had made certain that the gateway would be safe from intruders. However, Nayati the Scholar would not give up. He sat at the base of the mountain and pondered how he might conquer the magical flames.
“Layfan, one of the remaining Companions and dear friend to our honored ancestor, suggested digging underneath the ring of fire, but the flames ran deep in the earth. Nayati the Scholar reasoned that if they could not go underneath the fire, then they would have to go over it.”
The young L’avan queen frowned, wondering how such a thing could be accomplished.
“Nayati the Scholar and his Seven Companions worked to build a bridge that would span the river of flames. They did not want strangers finding the path across the barrier, so they built it in a hidden crevice among the rocks.”
The children nodded in understanding, smiling in approval at the plan.
“When time came to cross the wall of fire, two more Companions turned away. They were willing to help build the bridge, but they could not bear to go over the heat of the molten rock. Nayati the Scholar and his Five Companions went forward bravely, but not all would make it to the other side.”
Adesina found herself holding her breath with the rest of the audience.
“One of the Companions lost his footing while crossing the bridge. He tried desperately to cling to safety, but he fell to a fiery grave.”
The children gasped in dismay, and the adults looked equally grim.
“Nayati the Scholar and his Four Companions soon found that there even more dangers beyond the wall of fire. The first mountain cave held many traps and obstacles, and it was a struggle for them to cross. There were floors made of spears and walls that crushed unsuspecting visitors. There were cleverly covered holes in the floor through which one could fall and break a leg, and there were hidden blades that swung out to cut off limbs.”
Adesina’s brow creased thoughtfully. She wondered how accurate this tale was. Would they be faced with the same challenges, or was it an exaggeration?
“Most deadly of
all was a magical shadow of sleep that ensnared the unwary. Two of the Companions died when the shadow caught them as they tried to navigate the dangerous traps of the great cave.”
Pallavi cast her eyes across her audience.
“Do you suppose that they were safe at last?”
Several listeners shook their heads.
“No,” Pallavi answered her own question. “There was one more trial to face. Nayati the Scholar and his Two Companions entered a room where they were faced with a terrible object of magic—a mirror that revealed the truth, no matter how carefully hidden. Nayati the Scholar saw terrible truths about himself, and it caused his heart to recoil. Yet, he was a strong man. He faced the truth, and he was able to pass beyond.”
The rapt audience cheered.
“Viveka the Gentle followed her leader, facing the truth of her nature and accepting it. She was evermore changed by what she saw, but she did not flinch.”
They cheered again.
“The final Companion was Layfan, the oldest friend to Nayati the Scholar. He faced the mirror, and was given a unique vision of the future. Layfan told Nayati the Scholar that he must face his truth by leaving his old friend alone. Nayati the Scholar was saddened, but he knew that Layfan must follow the path that was shown him.”
Pallavi took a deep breath and continued her tale in a lowered voice.
“Nayati the Scholar and Viveka the Gentle were the only ones to reach the gateway to the stars. The portal was closed, but there were words inscribed on the door in magical light. The words bade Nayati and Viveka to act as guardians of the sacred Threshold, and to keep it from the hands of evil until the return of the Great Ones.”
The words were profound, and their impact could be seen clearly on the faces of the Henka.
“Nayati the Scholar and Viveka the Gentle returned from Daemon Mount, and made their home in the deserts of Zonne. They and their children were the first Desert Dwellers, and we have always honored the pledge to guard the Threshold until the day of the Great Return.”
Applause sounded the end of the tale.
Pallavi gave a humble bow, and once again took her seat. The buzz of hundreds of different conversations sprang up as the Henka returned to their feasting activities.
