The Last Sundancer

by Quinney, Karah

  “I would never accept it.” Kaichen tore his gaze away from Amara and stared over the fire into the darkness beyond.

  “Did you tell your mother about the raiders? Did you warn her?” Amara’s hands twisted together in anxiety as she waited for Kaichen’s answer.

  “My mother already knew. She worries that the band of raiders will attack our village shortly after the first harvest. She is concerned that their crops and the food that has already been harvested will be taken. I could not burden her further.” Kaichen knew that his words were the wrong ones as soon as he finished speaking. Amara’s eyes sparked with indignation and outrage. “Perhaps the raiders that attacked your village are not one and the same as the men that my mother fears. Our villages are a vast distance apart.”

  “It is possible, but not likely. I believe that they are one and the same.” Amara’s voice was solemn and tinged by fear. “Kaichen, you do not know the damage that they will bring like I do. They will come, they will find this cavern of red rock. The raiders will follow the river and find this village. Perhaps they were not as strong the first time that they raided this village, but they have grown in strength. They will slaughter and take until there is nothing left. You must warn your people.” Amara’s voice was vehement and her shoulders were rigid with tension.

  “I will not speak of it and I ask that you do not speak of it either. My people have enough to worry about. There is no indication that the raiders that attacked your band will ever find our village or harm the people here.” Kaichen knew that Amara was angry and he was sorry to have disturbed her hard won peace. But he would not burden his people further. “Right now their primary concern is the harvest and storing enough food for the time of long cold. I will seek out the bands that dwell nearby and we will try to find a solution to the problems facing our people.”

  Amara remained silent. Kaichen looked at her but she turned her gaze away. He should feel relieved that she did not plan to argue the point any further, but instead he felt as if he had greatly disappointed her. The night sounds around them created a harmony that was soothing and familiar. But it could not compare to the music that Amara had called forth from her flute and it did not change the fact that they were both weighed down by the fierce battle to survive in a hostile land.

  Denoa backed away from the fire circle where her son sat with the woman that he had claimed as his own. She was secretly pleased. All around her people murmured over the beautiful music that had drawn them from their dwellings to gather in the darkness outside of Kaichen’s dwelling.

  Who was the young woman that called powerful music forth from her instrument? Denoa recognized that she had witnessed something exceedingly different from any other musician’s performance. The wide eyes of her people were upon her and Denoa stiffened her spine. She would not show even a hint of uncertainty when so many eyes were upon her.

  “My son needs rest. Return to your homes, we have much to do tomorrow.” Denoa had learned, at great cost, to speak with authority even if she was truly uncertain.

  “You do not know the woman that your son has brought to our village.” Madra’s calm voice was like a balm to Denoa’s soul. Her friend had always stood by her side, even when the outcome was uncertain. Madra was a few season older than Denoa, but that only strengthened their friendship.

  Denoa made certain that they were alone and not within hearing of the others before she responded.

  “I trust Kaichen’s judgment, yet it would have helped solidify his place within our village if he would have chosen a wife from amongst the young women that I selected.” Denoa’s mouth twisted in bitter disappointment as Madra linked their arms together.

  “Your son did not deny that he is the last hope of our people.” Madra hoped to offer Denoa encouragement with her words.

  “Kaichen would not shame me in front of our people. You do not think that he would do such a thing, do you? I could not bear it!” Denoa’s wide eyes sought reassurance from her friend but Madra simply shook her head.

  “Who can say? He is like his father and his father was unmovable, no matter who pushed or prodded.” Madra immediately regretted her words.

  The sorrow in Denoa’s eyes cut to the heart and she squeezed her friend’s hand in silent apology.

  “It is only that Kaichen is the image of his father and he stands as his brother would have stood before me. It is almost more than a woman that was once a wife and mother can endure.” Denoa’s voice shook with suppressed emotion as she spoke of Shale and Siada.

  “Denoa, if you must cry, then cry. There is no shame in a woman’s tears. In truth, you might find a reprieve from the many sorrows that plague you. We are a village without a leader, we are a people that cling to a fading hope. Our crops continue to fail in a land that thirsts for water, yet our village floods season after season. How can one man stop or bring the rain? Your expectations for Kaichen are too high.” Madra tried to reason with her friend.

  Denoa carried the weight of their entire village though she was not given the respect that was her due. They were a village of men, women and children that relied upon the land to ensure their very existence. Without food, they would perish.

  “Do not say such a thing. Kaichen must live up to the legend that his father created with his dance of power. Shale brought the rain and freedom for our people. Kaichen must become what is needed for the survival of our village. This is the way of the Sundancer. He is the only hope for our people. It must be just so.” Denoa’s face was full of anguish and she gasped for breath, clutching her chest with both hands. “I did not cling to survival and suffer the loss of so much, just to see it all turn to dust in my hands. The children of our village will walk upon this land and find sustenance here and their children as well. It must be so.”

  Madra did not speak again, for there was nothing to say. Denoa’s will was strong and she only hoped that Kaichen would succeed in his efforts to help them. If not, then all hope would certainly be lost.

  “Woman, blessed amongst all.” Denoa’s smile was welcoming as she looked upon the woman that Kaichen had claimed as his to protect.

  Amara was startled to find another person so close at hand. They were to leave on their journey soon and she had sought a quiet moment away from prying eyes.

  The desire to be alone had been great within her and she hoped to claim a few moments for herself. Rising early, she easily found the stream which the villagers used to feed their crops. The banks of the river were flooded and Amara stopped walking before she reached the water’s edge.

  She knew the voice of the woman who called out to her and still she hesitated to turn and face her.

  She inclined her head respectfully as Kaichen’s mother examined her from head to toe. Amara knew what Denoa saw. She saw a young woman with a face that was more than pleasing, but with clothes that were worn thin and frayed. Amara did her best to wash and clean her garments and she was proud that her skin fairly squeaked with cleanliness due to her efforts.

  “So you are the woman that Kaichen has chosen as his mate. You are the reason that he has rejected the young women that are the daughters of my band.” Denoa’s voice was a soft murmur, capturing Amara’s full attention.

  Her tone was not accusing, nor was it condemning. Amara did not know what to say in reply to Denoa’s words and so she stood silently, respectfully. The other woman laughed, a rich, throaty sound that danced upon the air.

  “I heard the sound of your flute. Most of our band heard the melody that you bring to life with your hands and lips. My people see it as a good omen. They believe that you will be a fitting mate for Kaichen.” Denoa stepped closer to Amara and she was surprised to see the strength of will present in the young woman’s eyes.

  I have no claim upon Kaichen. It is he that has claimed me. Amara wanted to respond to Denoa’s words, but she withheld her private thoughts.

  Denoa made her feel like an unwelcome intruder but there was also a hidden vulnerability within the woman’s eye
s that softened Amara’s heart. “Kaichen does not believe that he is the one that you seek.”

  Denoa’s mouth twisted over these last words and Amara wished that she could call them back. There was an undeniable source of rock hard strength within Kaichen’s mother. Amara recognized the thread of strength as that which also belonged to Kaichen.

  “I do not know how to reach Kaichen. It is obvious that he despises me and will not hear anything that I have to say. But you….he does not hate you. . Has he told you about the raiders that preyed upon our village during the last harvest?” Denoa did not expect an answer to her question simply because Amara turned her head to the side and away, silently indicating that she would not say anything further.

  “You do not have to betray his confidence, but know this, Kaichen must learn to believe that which he denies. His father was special and Kaichen is the same. He cannot change who he is anymore than a fish can shed its scales and become a bird of the sky. Some men are especially blessed, they walk with power and they do not even know it.” Denoa’s eyes were dark orbs wreathed by sadness, but her gaze also held hope.

  “I must go.” Amara knew that her words did not give the woman the assurance that she sought, but she would not be forced to take sides against Kaichen.

  “You seek to protect my son and that is good. But perhaps you should consider that I seek to protect all those that rely upon my judgment and wisdom. If you had remained behind today, you would have come under my protection just like any of the daughters of our band.” Denoa’s winsome smile wrenched Amara’s heart. “My son has chosen made a fine choice for his mate. Have a safe journey. Return safely.”

  “Thank you.” Amara found that she had placed her hand over her heart as she thanked Kaichen’s mother for the compliment.

  She inclined her head slightly in respect before she hurried away. Her conversation with Denoa weighed heavily upon her mind with each footstep that she took. She threw one glance over her shoulder and the image of Denoa standing above the flowing water was etched into her mind forever.

  Amara mentally shook herself. Kaichen and Antuk were waiting and they had a far distance to travel before the heat of the sun was hard upon them. Amara did not wish to be the cause for their delay.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The first rays of morning light stirred the land to a state of wakefulness. Soon the shining light of a blindingly brilliant sun would be upon them. Kaichen glanced back to see that Amara waited in the place that he had taken her to. Antuk would remain with her.

  Kaichen knew that he could have trusted his mother to ensure Amara’s safety. He could have left her behind and rested sure in the knowledge that she would be there to greet him when he returned.

  The thought of a raid upon his village by a marauding band of warriors during his absence did not sit well with him. Amara would be left defenseless without his protection.

  His mother had found a way to hide the women and children each time that a raid had taken place, but he could not simply hope that Amara would be protected like one of their own. He had taken it upon himself to save her life and he would not simply hand over that responsibility now that he had returned to his people.

  Kaichen’s footsteps found firm ground as he walked farther and farther away from Amara and Antuk. His friend would watch over the delicate woman at his side, Kaichen was certain. Day by day, Antuk had become increasingly protective of Amara, even as she learned to care for herself as they traveled together.

  Kaichen felt his lips twitch in silent admiration. He had very little to laugh about, but Amara’s courageous spirit brought a smile to his lips.

  His thoughts returned to Antuk. His friend had not spoken a word since the previous evening. Kaichen did not know what to make of his friend’s strange mood. Antuk was simply the person that he was.

  Antuk could not be measured or expected to act in a familiar way. His moods were ever changing, though he almost always returned to a happy, agreeable companion. His wide smile was at odds with the imposing bulk of his body and the deft fingers that drew arrow to bow with deathly precision.

  Antuk was unpredictable and yet this was what drew Kaichen to rely upon his friendship. Antuk’s loyalty was constant, never changing and it would never fade, of this Kaichen was certain

  He walked without the weight of any of his weapons. He knew that the other bands were made up of men that had once befriended his father.

  If it was as his mother said and the other bands had no desire to remember the past, then what motivation was there for them to help his mother’s people? Kaichen did not have an answer.

  Kaichen knew the taste and feel of the land that he walked over, it was as familiar as breathing. The land was a part of him and the dust was as his flesh, the trees that dotted the land were like the limbs of his own body. Yet, this very land was the cause of suffering amongst the various bands and surrounding villages.

  He remembered Amara’s impassioned plea of the previous night. She wanted him to he tell his people about the threat of the raiders. Kaichen would not consider it.

  His mother had told him of the suffering caused by the raids that took place during the last harvest. How much more could his people endure and survive? They needed warriors. They needed strong men that knew how to fight.

  Kaichen could stand up and fight for them, but one man was not enough. Even a man as skilled as he was could not hold off a horde of warriors bent on stealing and creating mayhem. If the raiders had grown in might and the thirst for blood was strong within them, nothing would stop their attack.

  Kaichen knew that the ground that he walked upon was a living, breathing entity. He could almost feel the heart tones of the land.

  “We are simply children, unfit to receive such a precious gift.” Kaichen murmured the words softly and he was surprised to hear his own voice speak out in the silence.

  He only wished that he knew whether his words were a prayer, an invocation or a benediction.

  Kaichen looked into the distance and saw the familiar spires and buttes that marked the place where the nearby bands dwelled. He took a sip of water from the waterskin given to him by Amara.

  She had taken it upon herself to rise early and walk to the river to fill their waterskins. He remembered her eager gaze as it rested upon him. Her eyes sparkled with the hope that he would remember his promise. He had vowed to take her with him and he could see that she was not eager to remain amongst his people.

  Kaichen understood Amara’s unease, but a part of him wished that it was not so. She did not know his people the way that he did. They were frightened, just as they should be and they were wary of strangers. Kaichen saw that Amara’s eyes had not been filled with judgment when she met the people of his village for the first time. He had seen a sparkle of hope before his mother had spoken, dousing the light from Amara’s eyes by her words alone.

  Kaichen could remember that he wanted to stop and turn to Amara, it was foolish but he wanted to reassure her that all would be well. When had her feelings become so important to him and when had he noticed the light in her eyes?

  He could not say with certainty, but he knew that his regard for her had deepened. From the moment that she stepped forward in an effort to save his life, Kaichen had laid a claim upon her. He did not speak of it and he tried to deny it, but it was there nonetheless. How long would he be able to deny it?

  A scowl twisted his features and suddenly Kaichen realized that he was no longer alone. He could feel the stare of eyes upon him as they watched him from all sides.

  “I am Kaichen, son of Shale.” Kaichen’s voice rang out in the silence and still he saw nothing but rock and shadow.

  He had knowingly walked into an area that was perfect for an ambush. It was the same as handing a weapon to an enemy and waiting silently for that one to finish off the deed. Yet, he had no other choice.

  Kaichen’s eyes narrowed when all remained silent. He knew that he could rely upon his instincts; he felt eyes upon him
even now. He continued to move forward though he was careful to keep his arms away from his body and his hands open. When he passed through the towering rocks without feeling the impact of an arrow as it plunged into his body he finally dared to breathe.

  He blinked and pulled the feather that adorned his hair forward, shading his eyes. He looked once more at the rocks around him and then he knew.

  Men waited there and the reason that he had not seen them immediately was because they were covered almost completely in the same color as the rocks. One man stepped forward and Kaichen made out the flashing whites of his eyes and the dark centers therein.

  He waited.

  A large man moved forward with threatening steps. His spear was raised and his white teeth were clenched together in a grimace known to warriors of the land. He braced himself to throw his spear.

  A voice rang out, causing the man to lower his spear.

  “Shale lives in you.”

  Kaichen closed his eyes for a moment as sweat beaded upon his forehead and traveled in rivulets down the side of his face. It pained him to hear his father’s name, though the man had died well before Kaichen ever breathed his first breath.

  His mother had made Shale come alive for him, with her constant stories and whispered words that filtered into his dreams. Like grains of sand they stuck to his skin and lived as he lived, day by day.

  He could not escape the words that were like forgotten memories anymore than he could escape the shell of his own body.

  Standing before him was a man that he had never seen before, but had always known through the stories given to him by his mother.

  “Kaichen. You have returned to us. You have finally come to take your rightful place by our side.” Tamol walked forward proudly as he spoke to Kaichen but also for the benefit of his men.