"Throw those as far down the steps as you can manage. Okay?"
He'd piled the branches so high she could hardly see to put one foot in front of the other.
"We’ll pick them up on the way back to camp. Throw those out as well," he indicated more bundles. "Mind the top step and don’t fall."
"I’m sure you’d enjoy that, wouldn’t you?" she muttered under her breath.
"Despite what you think, that isn’t a desired outcome," he retorted.
"But only because you’d be in big trouble with Ikeya." This was ridiculous. They were arguing like four-year-olds.
"That's not the only reason."
Kara’s mind churned. What did he mean not the only reason? What other motive could Ikeya have for keeping her healthy? Were they planning to ransom her? No, that was a ludicrous idea. She gritted her teeth and clamped her jaw tight to stop saying something she might regret. If throwing the firewood at him would have accomplished something she’d have done it, but it wouldn't. He’d just make her pick it up afterwards.
Rishi went over to one of the trunks, fiddled with the heavy clasp and opened it.
By the time she finished chucking the sweetwood bundles down the steps, her frustration, and reactions to the Clannad, had faded. She found Rishi standing by a line of opened boxes at the back of the cave. "Tell me, what other reasons are there for keeping me in one piece?" She adopted her ‘I’m a reasonable person and you can tell me anything’ voice.
"You are aware, aren't you, that none of your people have ever been allowed to travel with us in this manner?" He studied her, a serious look on his face.
"But...”
"Our coming across you the way we did wasn't an accident. It was what you call Fate or Destiny." He moved closer.
She breathed in his clean musky scent. Suddenly a wave of dizziness swept over her, and she swayed.
He caught her, supporting her as he lowered her to the floor. "Here, sit here for a while until you feel better," he said, sitting down beside her.
She put her head between her knees and after a minute or two her head cleared. What was wrong with her? She’d never been the fainting type. This was unlike her.
"Are you all right?"
She heard the same concern in his voice as when his nephews hurt themselves.
"Yes, thank you." The coldness of the stone floor seeped into her bones and she shivered.
"Here." He took off his outer jerkin, an embroidered satyr skin lined with thick fleece, and placed it around her shoulders.
"Thank you." She sat still for a few minutes, realizing how far from her previous life she'd traveled. Here she was, sitting on the floor of a cave at night, miles from anywhere with a young male Marut. She was beginning not to trust herself. "I’d like to see the herbs if you don’t mind." She stood, shrugging her arms through the short sleeves of the jerkin, welcoming its warmth as it hung halfway down her thighs.
"Take your pick." He led her over to the opened boxes.
She stared at the leather wrapped packets layered carefully inside. Well, that didn't help much. Did he expect her to open the packets and identify each plant without equipment?
"These are for fevers. Those,"’ He pointed to various packets, "are for cuts and wounds. These are for pains in the stomach and head."
The thought of removing a few samples flitted through her mind, but recalling Padini's illness, she realized these packets contained dried plants that could save lives. Dashara had mentioned having a talk. That would be a good idea. "How do you know the difference?" she asked, bewildered by the array.
"This," he picked up a packet and showed her the blue thread tied around the middle. "Different colors." He pointed at a second, and she saw the red thread. How simple and efficient.
She smiled at him. "Fascinating."
"Like you." Without warning, Rishi dropped the packets, and pulled her close.
She didn’t fight him. Part of her wanted to push him away, another part leaned into him, learning the feel of his body against hers and breathing in his musky scent.
He brought his mouth to hers and kissed her, broke off, and kissed her once more. "Not too bad for an annoying rakshasa." He moved back, and smiled.
She blushed and looked away.
He stroked her cheek and lifted her chin so she was forced to look at him. "Gradhaig," his voice was a soft whisper in the night. "What are we going to do now?"
Chapter Eight: The Desert
Eastern Desert Proverb:
The desert has no heart and knows no mercy.
Kara didn’t know when the Clannad ended the previous night, but after she and Rishi had returned with the sweetwood and Yleni’s herbs, there’d been no evidence of any violence in the camp. The tents hadn’t been erected, and she’d lain for a while staring up at the stars, wrapped in the warm soft satyr blankets by the banked fire. Her former life seemed distant, the details fading the further she traveled away from the settlement. Odd though the notion was, life seemed more real here. Despite the dangers, she felt more alive. Ikeya still hadn't returned by the time she drifted off to sleep thinking of Rishi.
The camp woke early the next morning.
"You and I go at the rear of the caravan today," Ikeya instructed Rishi. The leader looked tired. "That way I can see if anyone gets up to anything."
Kara had just finished her morning cup of caj, something she was beginning to really enjoy, as she caught the last few words of the conversation. She had a good idea of who they were referring to. Speculating what other factors could be in play was useless as she didn't know enough of how their tribal politics worked. She refused to dwell on the various awful scenarios her mind kept conjuring up.
Leyrah and her daughters rode with Dashara today.
"Padini is tired but recovered," Yleni told Kara as they finished packing the blankets. "The fever has abated. Dashara and Leyrah send their heartfelt thanks for saving the child."
Kara blushed, embarrassed by the praise. "It was the medicine, not me," she began but Yleni held up her hand.
"You have made a powerful friend, accept the thanks with grace."
Kara nodded, but as far as she was concerned, she wasn’t a miracle worker.
Before long the final wagon rolled past them out of the clearing. The tribe's efficiency impressed her. As before, other than the ground being flattened and darker from the cooking fires, little indication of their overnight stay remained.
"Why are we at the tail end today?’ She wanted to confirm her suspicions. Political machinations at the base didn’t affect the cadets, but sometimes rumors of a situation trickled down, but only after the incident was over. The intimate relations between individuals here meant more opportunities to witness the inner workings of the tribe.
Rishi’s eyes narrowed as he considered her question.
"Dashara is leading us today, and we are here with Ikeya because this way he can make sure no one starts trouble."
"It’s because of me, isn’t it? Is Ikeya in trouble with the tribe?" When they’d left the Clannad, the atmosphere had been sizzling with tension.
"Leaders are rarely replaced but they can be if the whole tribe agrees. It doesn't happen often and takes considerable discussion to accomplish, and we never undertake such a decision when we travel."
In the colony it took a long time to remove an inefficient or corrupt leader. Endless checks, investigations, and more checks took place before any change occurred. Kara admired the efficiency of the Marut system. It showed a leader had to have his finger on the pulse of the tribe and deal with grievances quickly and fairly to keep the community satisfied. Nonetheless, the information that he could be removed wasn’t good news for Ikeya, his family, or her.
The Marut tribe traveled throughout the day without stopping. The monotony of the scorched umber landscape, and the sun’s relentless hammer left Kara nearly catatonic. Reaction from the night before and a creeping resignation numbed her mind. By the day's end, she was having difficulty pictu
ring the mountains and forests around the base as the tribe made camp within sight of the true desert.
The busyness of the evening routine was oddly comforting as she accompanied the boys to a well, and fetched water. She was even more pleased when she espied some of the young men dumping the previously collected satyr dung around the lappa bushes. How efficient. Use the dung from the animals as fertilizer to feed the bushes that fed the animals. What a perfect cycle. She helped Yleni with the meal preparation and cooking, and was pleased when Yleni complimented her on how quickly she kneaded and rolled the flatbreads, although her skill at cooking them over the fire had some way to go to produce the light brown evenly crisped breads that Yleni produced.
After they’d eaten, Rishi disappeared but Kara lingered, enjoying the feeling of comfort after the meal and liking the sweet smell of the slow-burning wood. Judging by his expression Ikeya looked as satisfied as she was. It was time to gather her nerve to ask him about going home.
“Is it time yet?” Makel and Masir bounced up and down, elbowing each other.
“Yes, it’s time. Come, Kara, you’ll want to watch this.”
Kara sighed. Her theory that the universe was conspiring to keep her here was being confirmed as fact.
They joined a stream of people heading into the central space. Her heart beat a little faster at the thought of another Clannad, but relaxed as she saw the group of young men stretching and warming up. This must be some kind of display or competition. She’d usually avoided such exhibitions at the Academy, but as she spotted Rishi, his bronzed muscled upper body bare, trews rolled up to his knees, and his long braids wrapped tight around his head, she couldn’t help it, her eyes twinkled. She quickly looked away. Yleni was far too sharp, and she didn’t want the woman to think she liked the young Marut, because she didn’t. She was merely studying how young Marut males challenged each other. Who am I trying to fool? Any further thoughts along this line fled as she sat down with Ikeya’s family in the front row between Makel and Masir.
The group of young men stood to attention as an older man put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. “Hai!” he yelled, nodded at two young men, who ran into the center and paired off.
From what she could remember, this version of wrestling appeared to be virtually the same as that practiced at the base. “How do you know who’s won?” she whispered in Makel’s ear.
He grinned up at her. “When one of them lands on his back or on all fours, the other one is the winner,” he told her, not taking his eyes off the two grappling youths. Abruptly one caught the leg of the other, pulling it as high as he could, and with a quick side sweep of his leg knocked his opponent’s other leg from underneath him, and the man landed flat on his back. The crowd roared a rousing ‘Hai!’
Next up was Rishi.
Fascinated by the play of muscles on his back as he moved in low and fast, she ignored the flush in her cheeks and the thrill of watching him defeat his shorter stockier opponent with surprising speed.
“Rishi is our best wrestler,” Masir told her proudly, as his uncle ran out of the circle.
The competition continued, the winners of each bout returning to fight until there were only two combatants left—Rishi and a tall gangly youth who, despite his apparent lack of muscular strength, had also defeated every opponent he’d come up against. The two faced off, and as the bout started, it was clear the two were familiar with each other’s style and tricks.
As the match began, Kara watched, hardly able to take her eyes off Rishi. He’d not exerted himself in many of his previous bouts, but this one had a different feel. At the Academy wrestlers mocked and taunted each other—an angry fighter lost control easier, but the Maruts fought in total silence. The rapt audience heard each grunt and slap as the fighters engaged, seeking a hold that could bring the other down, then withdrew—their eyes never leaving each other—to circle once more.
Rishi’s speed and strength gradually wore down the other youth, and in a blur of fast movement, he shot forward with one knee to the earth, thrust his head to the side of his opponent’s chest, had his arms around his waist, reaching for the back of his legs, then jerked the other man off his feet and onto his back.
The crowd bounced to their feet with a deafening ‘Hai!’ as Rishi held out his hand, pulled the defeated fighter to his feet and they bowed to each other. Rishi’s eyes sought and held hers as he raised his arms in victory, breaking off to bow to the crowd.
As the crowd dispersed, Kara argued with herself. I should admit it, I like him, said her adventurous side. Yeah, just like I liked Miklo, and how did that turn out? the sober circumspect part of her responded. I’m just having a little fun, her bolder side retorted. I repeat, came the solemn rejoinder, how well did that go for you last time? In the end, she pushed Rishi out of her mind. Doubtless he’d return to the camp unbearably full of himself, and, in the meantime, she had more serious problems.
After they’d returned to their own little camp, Kara watched Ikeya as he lay stretched out and relaxed by the fire, with both of his boys using his body as a pillow as they laughed and talked. There was no trace of worry on his face as he joked and listened to their chatter. She guessed he seldom enjoyed many such opportunities. She waited till she judged his mood relaxed enough to tackle him about her circumstances. If he imagined she'd forgotten his previous words, well, he'd discover she didn't give up easily.
"Shanwatah Ikeya," she began, a sudden flutter in her gut, as the leader brought an amused glance to bear on her.
"Yes, Kara, how may I be of service to you?"
She took a deep breath. "You know I'm very grateful to you for saving my life and looking after me.’
"Do you mean when you were about to be attacked by a kallin bear or afterwards when you lay unconscious?" Rishi interrupted, appearing suddenly out of the darkness beyond the firelight.
She scowled at him. This was the Rishi she disliked. The obnoxious, sticking his nose in where it wasn’t wanted, Rishi.
Ikeya raised his eyebrows and Yleni shushed him from across the fire.
"I wanted to ask when do you think it possible for me to return home? To my people."
Ikeya didn’t reply but studied the flames as they hungrily licked the fresh block of sweetwood Yleni placed on the dying fire.
"I mean, my father," she swallowed, "will be worried about me. He might think I’m injured. Or worse. You have been really kind," she gabbled on before she lost her nerve. "And I don’t—"
Ikeya held his hand up bringing her runaway tongue to a halt. "I give you my word, Kara, I will return you to your father."
The knot in her gut unwound.
"But I regret I cannot tell you exactly when." The knot tightened. "We are heading for our annual Summer Meet and are traveling in the opposite direction to where your community is settled. Unfortunately, it is too far away to make a detour, therefore dropping you off is out of the question in the immediate future."
She bit her lip. She wouldn't cry. Not in front of these people. They seemed strong and contained in their lives, in their culture, and in themselves. She wouldn’t let them see her display weakness. "I see." She was glad her voice sounded normal.
"But I promise you, I give you my word in front of my family, on my honor, you will be reunited with your father."
Yleni smiled reassuringly at her, but Rishi looked away, not meeting her eye.
Chapter Nine: Getting Acquainted
Marut Proverb:
Look to someone’s deeds if you wish to know their heart.
Ikeya’s answer was a bitter pill to digest, and despite the excitement of the wrestling practice, Kara didn’t sleep well that night, haunted by dreams of her father who kept reaching out his hands toward her. Once on their way the following day, she retreated into herself, answering Rishi’s questions with a grunt or not at all.
Today, as if he understood the reason for her withdrawal, Rishi chatted non-stop all morning, telling her stories of his tribe, their travels
, and their history. "Do you know how the Maruts came to be on this planet?" he asked.
"You mean they haven’t always lived here?" Kara was intrigued. The early settlers had naturally assumed the Maruts were an indigenous species who evolved on the planet, as they'd found no signs of any advanced technology. That assumption was taught as fact.
"No. Our earliest legends tell of how our ancestors came from the sky. They lived far away among the stars in another part of the sky, but they destroyed their worlds in a cataclysmic war. Many fled before the final destruction."
The analytical part of Kara’s brain perked up. “You’re telling me you didn’t originate on this planet?"
"Pay attention, child, when I instruct you."
How could anyone be that irritating? She wanted to slap him. Asking questions and confirming the answers came first and was a basic tenet in scientific investigation. Analysis and understanding came later. She gritted her teeth.
"Yes, that’s what I said. They settled here and formulated laws forbidding the advancement of certain technologies—particularly development of weaponry. My people possess a great fear we will not survive another devastation."
Kara listened enthralled. This was information that would change every idea the colonists had about the Maruts. It explained why they had asked for metal crossbows, arrow and spearheads in return for permission to build a settlement—because they already possessed these weapons, albeit made of wood and bone.
"After the Founders died, the laws they created became unbreakable commandments. Their teachings state if we go against these principles, we destroy our culture. We believe we are all that is left of a great race that spanned the stars, and have been given a second chance." His expression was grave. "We cannot budge on this, Kara. Too much change would destroy who we are."
She nodded. Was there any truth in what Rishi was telling her? She cast her mind back over what she learned in Marut Studies, but as far as she knew she was the first outsider to hear this story. Her father was one of the leading experts on the Maruts, and had led the annual negotiations for treaty renewal for over ten cycles before her mother died. She imagined how his eyes would light up when she told him, could hear his deep voice muttering that a full scientific investigation was necessary to determine the truth.
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