by Leeda Vada
“Why didn’t you?”
“Having me champion her cause against a very respected and highly-placed Canid leader would not aid her. In fact, it would do the exact opposite. It would become all about me, and some who would ordinarily support her case would vote against it, just to antagonize me,” Calli said.
“Unfortunately, you’re probably right,” Tamby agreed. “I wonder why she did not come to me or one of the other Smoke team members?”
“Maybe because of your affiliation with the Council,” Calli replied. “And, of course, you are the Alpha’s daughter,” she added. “Add to that the general perception that you supported Apollo before in my case…”
“Okay. Point taken.”
“Will you help her?”
“Of course I will help her,” Tamby said, rising from her desk. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you. I know I have tied your hands somewhat by not sharing more details. You can’t tell her I talked to you, but I would like to know what happens. But, if to protect her, you feel that it would be violating her confidence to tell me, then don’t. Helping her is the priority.”
“I’ll update you on what I can, even if it’s just to tell you that I have taken steps to secure her safety.”
“Thanks, my friend.” Calli turned to leave, paused, and looked back. “Shall I give your regards to Khan? He’s flying back to Aragon with us.”
Calli smiled to herself as Tamby’s grunt followed her out the door.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Six months later
Since this was the first substantial public gathering since Calli Powhatan’s sensational murder trial, the steering committee for the Canid Annual Convention expected an unprecedented turn out.
The younger generation—the eighteen to twenty-five-year-old group—were expected in droves this time. In the past, only those who were participants in the games and exhibitions or were designated as delegates-at-large bothered to attend.
Political and social agenda concerns were not yet a part of their worlds. And women before this had only needed two convention tents for housing, as opposed to this year’s erection of eight additional ones. Another reason for the increase was that even teenage girls still in Enforcer training had signed up to attend.
These were only the visible surface ramifications of the trial. These young females saw the attack on Calli, her successful defense against her attackers, and her subsequent exoneration as symbols of the sexual discrimination inherent in the tenets of all world cultures, not just that of the Canid nation.
Then, there was the other older female element that came to show their criticism of Calli’s actions, before, during, and after the attack. Most criticism centered on her rebellion against the traditional role of the Canid female.
It was stacking up to be an unforgettable event.
#
The permanent structures located to the right of the main conference hall were designated as residences for the Alphas and other mated couples.
The Alphas and their mates, of course, had the grandest suites in the original wing of the hotel. The other mated pairs were assigned rooms according to the longevity of their pairing and age in an adjacent wing.
The main Convention Hall, located at the head of the complex, was where the delegates conducted their business meetings. The tents for other attendees—delegates, athletes, and exhibitionists—were arranged so that they completed the formation of a square courtyard.
Security was unbelievably tight, as was to be expected with the reigning power of the North American Canid nations in residence.
The convention lasted five days. The delegates arrived on Sunday and worked Monday and Tuesday to conduct business. Everyone else arrived on Wednesday for the exhibitions and athletic competitions.
Though Canaan had arrived late on Monday in time for the first meeting, Calli did not come with him, though the mates of the others had arrived with them on Sunday.
On Tuesday, she was at Canaan’s side as she accompanied him to breakfast in the Convention Hall cafeteria. She was dressed very conservatively in a flowing, front-buttoned, short-sleeved, tan shirtwaist dress, her feet in matching mid-thigh leather string sandals, and her hair in a loose French braid, the end of which brushed her buttocks as she walked.
She appeared calm and composed, wearing the same emotionless mask of her trial. Canaan stayed at her side, holding her hand, caressing her waist, or resting his palm loosely on the small of her back. Mated Canid females refrained from wearing pants when not in some kind of uniform. It was a signal to single, unmated males that they were not available.
Calli had not wanted to attend the Assembly, but she felt she owed Canaan her support. She realized that it was unfair that he had to deal with the public’s outpouring of sympathy—both subtle and overt—that he encountered everywhere he went, while she hid in seclusion at Aragon. Though she was enjoying her work restoring and renovating the castle, she could not hide forever.
Though she had not agreed with many of Canaan’s decisions in the past with reference to their relationship, she knew in her heart that he had always done what he thought was in her best interest. He had always had her back—before, during, and after the trial—and he deserved no less from her.
Canaan had left the decision up to her. He said, of course, that he wanted her with him, but he didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything that would make her uncomfortable.
And if she wanted to be accepted as an independent, strong female, then she needed to step up and act like one. After all, could anything be harder than watching the video of her rape during the trial?
Wednesday night was roll call and “meet and greet night” for the ten assembled Canid packs. Everyone was waiting to see how the Powhatan Alpha would handle the introduction of Calli, since she was not a member of his pack anymore. Everyone remembered her rejection of him as her Alpha at her Warrior induction ceremony years ago.
Once a Canid committed such an offense, the only way back was an appearance before the full Powhatan Canid body to petition for reinstatement. No petition had ever been successful, since all ranking members of the Canid Assembly had to vote favorably. Some of Calli’s detractors wondered if the vote was unfavorable, would Apollo go against Canid law and make an exception for his daughter-in-law?
The question went unanswered as Calli did not attend the opening ceremony. Only Canaan appeared. Though Calli’s absence did cause tongues to wag, her attendance and possible snub by the Cumberland delegation would have been much worse.
#
Tamby, Zuri, and other members of the Snow Team who sponsored the Canid delegation of girls aged 11–17 had approached Calli about helping to coach the girls. Though she recognized the olive branch for what it was, she was grateful and agreed. Tamby asked Calli to lead the warm-up routine before the practice.
Calli took her position on the platform and signaled Zuri to start the music. The instrumental version of The Enforcer fight song played in the background, accompanied by two Flames on a set of African djembe hand drums.
Now let me hear you scream. Let the world know who you are. Rev up those drums, little ladies. Let your feet sing your power, sing your freedom. Let it echo through the ground to the far corners of the Canid world.
Their feet and hands began to move at a moderate pace.
We lay claim to our power, our roar, our screams herald it. The drums beat it into the ground. Our screams give voice to those Canid females who have gone before us.
We, the Canid females of the third generation to populate these shores, hereby commandeer our past, and we demand the right to shape it into our own future.
Each participant began to turn in circles—feet pounding, hands clapping over their heads—as the pace increased.
You own your body. Some may question, want to usurp your power over it. If this happens to you, remember, your body is only a shell. A precious shell, ‘Yes’, but a shell, nevertheless. It is only
there to house your soul.
They branched out to form circles of three, clasping hands as the pace of the movements accelerated even more as the drums beat faster to catch the faster rhythm.
No one can touch your soul. It belongs only to you, and only you can let someone in.
The beat kept rising, louder, deeper, feet pounding, the platform shaking, speakers blaring. Calli’s voice ringing over the drums, over the shouts and screams rising to match the beat and volume.
They may batter your body. Take your innocence. Rip and tear, bruise and squeeze, burn and crush. Rub and scrape.
After a few taut seconds, the tempo began to slow and the volume to decrease.
They leave you bleeding, leave you weeping, stamping your hopes and dreams, pounded into dust.
They formed wider circles, anchored by their Flame mentors.
But they cannot vanquish your soul. It is invincible. It is a phoenix, rising from the ashes.
They all raised their hands together. Calli left the platform to join her hands to theirs.
Reach higher. Plough deeper. Strengthen the core that is our soul—our essence—our strength. The blessed gift that God in his wisdom and grace and His love gave to each of us. And you have my promise that He will never take it away.
She said her final words as the entire group, still clasping hands, knelt and bowed their heads to touch the ground.
Let the world know, ladies, that you are children of God, and you will brook no interference in your becoming what you must to raise the next generation of daughters who will carry on your legacy.
The music slowly ended. Then, as if on cue, the field rose. The young girls and their mentors unclasped hands and dispersed to conduct their solitary exercises.
#
That night, Belen and Apollo visited Canaan and Calli’s room. Canaan answered the door.
“I want to speak with Calli. Alone, Canaan,” Belen asked.
“Mom, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he warned.
“Good idea or not, son, it’s necessary.”
“It’s okay, Canaan,” Calli said from the bedroom door. “Your mother is right. Don’t worry. We can talk to each other without bloodshed.”
“Come, let’s take a walk,” Apollo said.
After the two men left, Calli turned to her mother-in-law. “Have a seat, Belen. Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thanks, Calli.”
Calli sat. “What’s on your mind?”
“I want you to consider petitioning for re-admittance into the pack by swearing your allegiance to Apollo.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Ordinarily, I would say for the sake of the pack or to present a unified front to counter the rampant rumors spreading through the assembly, that is, if I thought those reasons would change your mind. But there is one area where you and I are in accord. We both love Canaan. Through all of our interactions over the years, that is the one thing I have never doubted: the depth of your love for my son. Your re-admittance into the pack would help him, would eliminate some of the constant criticism he receives for his unconditional support of you. His support estranges him from his people, people he will someday have to lead as Alpha. It is very true that you didn’t deserve what happened to you, Calli,” Belen acknowledged, “but, neither did Canaan. He stood by you through it all and continues to do so with no thought about the price that support continues to cost him.”
The door opened as their mates walked in.
“Everything okay?” Canaan asked, warily.
“Yes,” said Calli. “Your mother wanted my input on some strategies for the girls to use during the youth trials tomorrow. She thought I may have picked up a few moves when I trained with the Scythians. I appreciate her suggestion.”
#
The closing ceremony had ended with a spectacular performance orchestrated by Zuri and her Flames. The culminating exhibition of fireworks had surpassed that of previous years. People were leaving the area to prepare for the black and white ball that ended every assembly.
Most of the Canid Assembly had risen and were turning to leave the dais. Laura was the first to notice Calli’s approach. Suddenly uncomfortable, she grasped Odin’s hand.
“Alpha Apollo,” Calli called out. “May I have a few moments of the Council’s time?”
Apollo turned to face her. So did the others.
“What is it?”
Calli dropped to her knees. “I wish an audience to petition the re-instatement of my membership in the Powhatan Canid pack.”
The few remaining attendees fell silent.
“I realize this is not a full assembly, so I ask that you convene one at a time and place of your choice, and I will attend.”
“Is Canaan aware of your petition?” Apollo inquired, guardedly.
“No, I am not,” Canaan answered roughly, having come up behind his mate. He took Calli’s hand, raising her to her feet. “There will be no petition for re-instatement.”
“Isn’t that Calli’s decision?” countered Duncan.
“I am enacting Canid Mating law, which forbids any interference between mates, and I deem your pursuit of this matter a serious breach of that edict.”
“We are not seeking to interfere in your union. Your mate approached us,” Duncan countered.
“Calli, what is your wish in this matter?” Apollo asked.
Calli turned and studied her husband’s eyes. Seeing the anger and betrayal reflected there, she realized she had made a terrible mistake. “I apologize for importuning your time, Alpha Powhatan. I withdraw my petition.”
“So be it,” Apollo declared, turned, grasped his mate’s hand, and left the hall.
#
Canaan did not speak as they walked to their suite. After seeing her inside and checking that the apartment was secure, he turned and walked out.
She hadn’t anticipated Canaan’s negative reaction. Now she realized that she should have discussed her decision to pursue re-instatement in the pack with Canaan before acting on it.
Becoming a part of the Canid community again, she could be an asset in his work and not a liability. But instead, she had dishonored and embarrassed him before people whose respect he valued so highly.
She was too upset to stay inside. Leaving Canaan a note telling him she was going to walk over to the exhibition grounds and watch the last of the dismantling, she hurried out.
Just as Calli arrived at the site, a huge explosion catapulted her into the air. Landing with a huff, she lay flat, letting the air return to her lungs.
After a few moments, she struggled to her feet and looking around saw a huge fallen oak on the ground. She was one of the first to reach it and gasped in horror.
A young girl was pinned beneath it. Calli rushed to her side. The trunk had landed horizontally across the child’s middle, cutting all blood flow to the lower half of her body. All of Calli’s medical training told her that the child’s survival was not an option. As soon as the heart realized there was no way for it to pump blood to the body’s lower extremities, it would stop beating.
“I know you,” the little girl whispered. “You’re Canaan’s mate.”
“Yes, my claim to fame,” Calli answered, slipping her right arm under the young girl’s shoulder and raising her up enough for Calli to anchor enough of her body to give her some support.
“You’re Malaida, aren’t you?” Calli asked, using her free hand to smooth the child’s hair back from her forehead.
“How do you know my name?”
“You are one of the Enforcer preteen trainees. I watched all of you practicing your exercises before the exhibition yesterday. You were very impressive,” Calli added. “I asked Warrior Tamby about your name because you exhibited such a strong spirit when you danced, and I remember you because your name is so beautiful.”
“I don’t feel so strong right now. What happened to me?”
Calli examined the position of the tree again. Even with h
er limited medical training, she could see that the trunk of the tree had flattened Malaida’s torso. The bottom half of her body was crushed beyond repair.
“When the tree fell, it pinned your body beneath it.”
“Am I dead?”
“No, sweetheart,” Calli assured her.
“But I don’t feel any pain. Shouldn’t I be in a lot of pain if a tree fell on me?”
“One would think so, but the way the trunk of the tree is positioned across your body prevents you from feeling pain,” Calli explained.
“I don’t understand. What does that mean?”
“It means your body is in shock. When the shock wears off, you will start to feel again.”
“But I don’t want to feel pain,” Malaida said and began to cry.
“I know, sweetheart, but don’t be alarmed. It will not last long. After a few minutes, your physical body will stop feeling anything, and your spiritual body will take over.”
“I’m going to die, aren’t I?”
Glancing up at Dr. Win Arjani and registering her confirmation, Calli struggled to get her emotions under control and find the words to answer her.
“I don’t want to die, Calli.”
“I know, sweetheart.”
“Stop saying that. You don’t know.”
Calli exhaled a deep sigh. “You’re right, of course. It’s something we adults say to make ourselves feel better when we don’t know what to do to fix things.”
Malaida took a moment or two to absorb what Calli had said. “You can’t fix me, can you?”
“No, but I think I can help, if you’ll let me?”
“How can you help?”
“By being with you as you transition to your next life, your life with your mother.” Calli continued to stroke Malaida’s forehead as she spoke to her. “I think your mother sent me to be with you as you go from this world to her world.”
“Is her world Heaven?”
