We traveled like this for an interminable amount of time. The effects of the poison began to wear off, but I was tied so firmly, it was useless to struggle. I did, however get my voice.
“Let me go! Why are you doing this? Where are you taking me?”
They answered by jerking the pole roughly, causing me to grunt in pain. I remained silent for the rest of the trip as we wended our way deeper into the jungle. The light sifting down through the impenetrable canopy of trees came through as an eerie green cast.
Eshshah followed our movement, soaring high above the forest.
“Amáne, the jungle seems to go on forever. I see no clearing anywhere. Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of water. It appears you are traveling alongside of a river. But, the trees are too close to its banks and hang over the water. I can’t get close.”
“Just your nearness is a comfort, Eshshah. If we ever get out of this, promise me you will whip me with your tail the next time I decide to go against your better judgement.”
At last we arrived at what appeared to be a small settlement built between the trees. The savages lowered their burden, not too gently. My lungs emptied when I hit the ground. It was impossible to take a deep breath because of the ropes that bound my chest. I lay helpless — my back to the main activities. I tried to roll over so I could see what was happening. A sharp kick to my ribs discouraged my efforts. All I could do was listen to their indecipherable discussion as it became more energetic. More-than-likely, the conversation involved me.
The exchange ended abruptly. A native stood above me with a long knife. I braced myself for the blow, but instead he cut the ropes that secured me to the bamboo pole. Gathering my strength, I made an attempt to leap to my feet and assume a defensive stance. The effects of the poison, as well as my method of transport left me weak. I toppled over before I could find my feet. I landed in a sitting position. The natives laughed.
Surrounded by warriors, and with my debilitating condition, I decided I wouldn’t be fighting my way free any time soon. My best option was to try to remain calm until Eshshah and I could figure something out. I could see there was nowhere for her to land — no way for her to enter the close-packed forest to reach me.
Several bamboo huts rested high up on stilts, their roofs thatched in palm fronds. The structures looked like they were woven in with the tree trunks, blending in above the forest floor, maybe about the height of one-and-a-half men. A notched log leaned from the ground to the entry of each hut. I watched as a small man descended from one of the lodgings. His angry words filled the air as he rushed down the pole. The natives around me tensed up noticeably. The man, though grey and thin, was obviously their leader. Around his neck he wore countless strands of beads, animal teeth, bones and coins. So thick was the ornamentation, it looked like a breastplate.
Berating all those that stood around me, he shoved them out of his way. They moved quickly to avoid his wrath. The chieftain, as I assumed him to be, stood over me and eyed me curiously. He shouted to someone over his shoulder. From behind the onlookers a young girl emerged, maybe about my age, or a bit older.
The chieftain’s voice became more subdued as she approached. She walked confidently toward me. Her dark long hair hid her partial nudeness. Almost all of the females wore nothing above their waists. They were covered only with their hair and multiple strands of beads. Most were dressed in grass skirts, but some were wrapped in colorful fabric, similar to what I saw in the town of Orchila.
The chief spoke to the girl, who turned to me and in a thick accent said, “I am Lia’ina. Our Chief Father say to you, welcome.”
I huffed. The irony of the situation was nearly laughable. They had kidnapped me and carried me like an animal to their encampment, yet they welcomed me?
“What do you want with me?”
“You will know soon. You are called?” she asked.
I remained silent, but then decided I would probably fare better if I cooperated.
“Amáne.”
The Chief Father barked orders at the men who brought me in. I cringed as two of them reached for me.
I felt Eshshah’s strength flow into me and at last overcome the effects of the poison dart. “Thank you, Eshshah,” I said in thought transference.
“I’m with you, Amáne.”
As the men touched my arms to help me up, I swatted them away and sprang to my feet. My eyes shot daggers at the two. I felt a small bit of satisfaction at their hesitation. One man actually jumped back — the same one I had slashed with my knife. For some reason, their leader found humor in this and issued what sounded like a string of mocking words at his men.
“He say you brave warrior. It show in your eyes. They are weak women before you,” Lia’ina said.
Resentment reflected in the face of the one who had stepped back.
“So sorry, but because you warrior, cannot remain free. With respect, you must be roped ... uh ...” She pantomimed being tied up.
Until I figured out what their intentions were, I thought it best not to resist. There were far too many of them, and only one of me. Under the old man’s scrutiny, they tied my wrists and hobbled my ankles. I was thankful they allowed my hands in front of me.
They led me to a stump off to the side and motioned for me to sit. The clan bustled about as if preparing for a feast. I could feel the excitement that ran through the entire camp. It grated my nerves the way they looked at me.
Maybe a couple of hours passed as I sat on that stump. It looked like every member of the tribe had a job to do in putting together the meal, including the children. Someone started beating a rhythm on a log. He was joined by a drum and then by sticks banged together, increasing to an urgent tempo. Women began to dance with bells on their ankles and the mood quickly became festive. The aroma of whatever they were roasting was enticing. I relaxed a bit as I decided it wasn’t me about to be put to the spit. At least not yet.
A large leaf, stacked with food, was placed on my lap. It included the roasted meat. Next to the meat, they added a serving of mush, possibly some kind of grain. Another dark pile of unidentifiable fare lay on my leaf plate. I saw insect-like legs intermingled in the unknown serving and decided I would not be sampling that portion. The smell of the food reminded me I had not eaten in a long time. My stomach growled.
The natives surrounded me, watching expectantly. I noted they hadn’t served themselves, but waited in anticipation for what I guessed would be my reaction to their meal. I hoped this wasn’t their way to finish me off with more poison, but Lia’ina nodded at me with a smile, encouraging me to try it. She took a piece of meat from my serving and ate it. Unless they had an immunity to poison, I guessed it would be fine for me to eat. No utensils were offered and they had confiscated my knife, so I grabbed some meat with my bound hands and took a bite. The juiciness and the subtle spices surprised me. I found it very tasty and nodded to them in approval.
They exploded into laughter and clapping. The drums began to beat again and leaf plates laden with the unusual cuisine were passed around to the rest of the village. In another setting, I may have found the situation enjoyable, but I was here as their prisoner. There was no amusement in that.
My head jerked as I forced my eyes open. The night dragged on, and still I sat on the stump. How I stayed upright remained a mystery — I was exhausted and starting to feel ill. It was hard to believe the revelry still continued as the natives danced and caroused. The men passed around a gourd full of what I guessed was a strong ale or liquor. The drums beat at a frenzied pace.
At a late hour the chieftain stood up and beat on a gong for attention. It seemed he finally called the festivities to an end. From the ones left standing, or more like swaying, there was a collective sigh of resignation. With additional words, he turned and gestured toward me. This brought a loud round of cheering and applause. As they stumbled to their huts, they passed me and bowed. It made me very uncomfortable.
Eshshah, much to her distress, could
do nothing for me at this time. The settlement was built so tightly between the trees, there was not enough room for her to land. We had to wait.
“Amáne, I’ve found a spot where I can land. It’s near the river we followed after your capture. It’s not far from where you are.”
“Eshshah, I’m glad you didn’t have to soar all night. I am so sorry I got you into this mess.”
“No matter, Amáne. Don’t spend your night in regret. We’ll know more tomorrow about their plans for you. Maybe there will be an opportunity for you to reach this clearing. At least we’re close.
Lia’ina slipped next to me and sat on the ground near the stump. “Amáne, stay tonight in hut with Lia’ina?”
Did I have a choice?
“Lia’ina, what is this about? Your people tie me up as a criminal, yet offer me a feast as if they honor me.”
“Stay in my hut. Amáne learn at morning light. Come.”
She called to someone in the group. A large native approached and bowed to her. Before I realized what was happening, he bent down, picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. I struggled to free myself, but he held tighter. With Eshshah’s help, I could have overtaken him, but again, where would that have gotten me? I was deep in a jungle with enough warriors to make any escape at this point almost impossible. Not to mention their blowguns with that incapacitating poison they wielded. I could still feel its effects. I wouldn’t want another dose.
I closed my eyes as the native carried me up one of the long single poles that led to a hut. Thankfully, he was sure-footed and ascended the log ladder effortlessly.
“So sorry,” Lia’ina said as she motioned for me to sit on a mat in the corner of the hut. The man tied my hands to a pole.
It turned out to be a very uncomfortable night. I hardly found any sleep. At least I wasn’t plagued with nightmares. Instead, the slight illness I felt earlier exploded into a burning fever. I tried to keep up a conversation with Eshshah, but it proved too difficult.
“Amáne, I can hear you, but you don’t sound like yourself. It’s almost like your voice is fading.”
“I know, I don’t feel right. I just need to sleep, Eshshah.” My mind began to drift.
Just when it felt like my eyes finally closed, Lia’ina’s soft voice sounded behind me. “Amáne, morning time. You must awake.”
My body screamed in protest. My head throbbed; my eyes felt like I had rubbed sand in them; my tongue was thick; I could barely swallow. Maybe it was the unfamiliar food I ate last night. I shrugged the native girl off with a jerk of my shoulder.
“Leave me alone, Lia’ina.”
She put her hand on my forehead. It felt cool against my skin. “Did no one give nápoj to drink when they bring you?”
“What’s nápoj? All I got when they brought me here was pain. Now just leave me alone.” I closed my eyes.
She spoke to someone else in the room. I heard footsteps as that person rushed from the hut.
“Nápoj drink is take away the poj ... the poison ... when they catch you. My father not smile when Lia’ina tell him they did not give.”
Footsteps again as someone entered. Lia’ina cut my bonds and pulled my shoulder toward her so I would roll onto my back. One of her attendants lifted me to a sitting position. The room seemed to spin.
“Drink,” Lia’ina said with an urgency in her voice. She held a gourd to my mouth. I pressed my lips together in protest.
“Amáne, so sorry. Must drink. It take away the poj, the poison, or you die. You very strong, or very lucky you not wake up dead.”
I did as she bade. The drink was sickeningly sweet, with a bitter aftertaste. I could feel it burn its way down my throat. A girl behind kept me in a sitting position. I opened my eyes and saw Lia’ina and four other women, probably her maids, staring at me. Concern filled their faces.
The nápoj worked swiftly. My head began to clear, moisture restored in my mouth. The girls relaxed their strained looks. Lia’ina sighed in relief, as did Eshshah.
“Amáne, I was just ready to come crashing through the trees to get to you. I almost couldn’t feel you anymore.”
“I think I’m fine, now, Eshshah. You wouldn’t have been able come through the trees, even with your strength. They’re too thick.”
“I would have tried anyway.”
“Your wings would have shredded if you weren’t impaled first. You don’t have a breastplate on to protect you. Eshshah, whatever happens to me, please you must make it back to Ansel. This is my doing. I know now that I’ve jeopardized your life and my duty to Teravinea. I think if I live through this, the Healer will send me to my ancestors anyway.”
“We just need to get off of this hateful island,” she said.
Lia’ina watched me closely for a while longer, then said something to her maids. They bustled about. A few left the hut and one returned with a large water jug balanced on her head. I couldn’t believe she could carry it like that and climb up the ladder pole. Others came in with baskets of sweet-smelling herbs and other items I couldn’t identify.
After checking to make sure I was fully recovered, they pulled me to a standing position and herded me to the opposite corner of the hut. They motioned for me to sit on another mat. When they reached for my shirt like they wanted to remove it, I shoved their hands away and glared at them. The frightened girls retreated.
“They will help, not hurt you.”
“I don’t need anyone’s help.”
“Prepare Amáne for ceremony. Must wear ceremony cloth called kikoi. Please to not make me offend and ask man or many men to hold Amáne quiet.”
The last thing I wanted was for one of those savages out there to touch me. Once again, I saw no other option than to comply with her wishes.
I closed my eyes and pressed my lips together, trying to control my desire to knock all these native girls senseless and run out of here. It started to look like a more desirable plan as each minute passed. However, I didn’t miss the fact two large guards waited at the bottom of the ladder pole — armed with their poison darts.
“What do you want with me?”
“Know you have great honor in our village. Amáne be one who save us. Must say no more.”
“Save you? From what?”
“Patience, Amáne. Soon.”
A colorful cloth was handed to me. I removed my clothing and wrapped it around myself immediately. Forgetting, themselves, the girls laughed.
“No, Amáne. It only for ... skirt, like this.” She gestured to her wrap and those of her attendants.
I gasped. They wore no tops.
“No!” I said.
One of the young natives ran to another part of the room and brought back a smaller piece of cloth. She folded it lengthwise. Using a sort of pantomime, the girl indicated it could be used for a top. After moving the kikoi to my waist, I allowed her to proceed. With surprising skill she wound the folded sarong around me, leaving my stomach bare. She brought the ends to the back of my neck and tied it securely. The girl then rewrapped and tied my skirt.
A maid dipped a sponge in the water mixed with the herbs and handed it to me. She indicated to wash my face and arms. They brushed my hair and left it straight down my back, then put a wreath of flowers on my head.
Next, a girl stepped up with a tray that held several bowls. Each contained a paste-like substance ranging from earthy shades of reds, to browns and near-blacks.
“Decorate Amáne with henna. Not hurt. Look beautiful,” Lia’ina explained.
I nodded reluctantly and sighed. The girl took up her brush and dipped it in one of the bowls. She started at the corner of my right eye. I felt the soft strokes of the brush as she made swirling designs on my face and down my cheek. She proceeded to my jaw, then my neck, continuing with the intricate design across my shoulder, adding leafs and other shapes in the different shades of henna. I watched as she wound the vine pattern around Eshshah’s linking mark, then down my arm, finally ending at the nail on my little finger. For
such an elaborate pattern, she completed it in a remarkably short time.
Lia’ina studied the design. Satisfied, she smiled and said, “Noa’ina make Amáne more beautiful. Ready for journey. Come, Father waits.”
“What journey? Why won’t you tell me?” I knew it was useless to ask. She wasn’t going to give me an answer.
I made my way carefully down the ladder pole. When I reached the bottom, the two guards flanked me. Lia’ina took my hand and led me to where the villagers had gathered — the men on one side and women on the other. The women chattered and pointed at me. They stared in awe. I caught glints of admiration in their eyes. Those whom I walked near reached out to touch me. They touched my arms, stroked my hair. The henna tattoo received a lot of attention. My skin was much lighter than theirs which made the design stand out. They paid extra attention to Eshshah’s linking mark.
The chief nodded at me. I didn’t return the gesture.
I noted where I stood in relation to my surroundings.
“Eshshah, this might be our chance. I’m not tied up.”
“Can you get to me?”
“I can feel the direction you’re in. There’s a path through the trees that heads that way.”
I marked the positions of the men who had weapons. “I could use the crowd to shield me from the poison darts.”
“I’m with you, Amáne.”
I felt her strength flow through me. My heart beat fast. I inhaled and prepared to bolt toward the path.
At that moment the chief took my arm and pulled me to the front of the crowd, to the empty space beside him. He turned me to face the villagers and began to speak — a tight grip on my wrist. I’d missed my chance.
Lia’ina stepped up next to me and began to translate haltingly. “Chief Father say ‘Amáne great warrior maiden. She powerful sacrifice — more mighty than other maiden before. Will save village.”
Amane of Teravinea - The Crown (The Teravinea Series Book 3) Page 9
