The Last Sundancer

by Quinney, Karah

  Denoa’s words were wise and Amara recognized the wisdom in listening to her advice.

  “That is what I did, each day that I loved Kaichen’s father and it is what I do now.” Denoa turned away to give Amara time to gather her thoughts to herself before she smiled at her daughter. “Would you like to make your own clay pot? It can sit alongside the ones that I have made as a joining gift for you and Kaichen.”

  Amara smiled in delight as Denoa displayed the pots and clay vessels that she had worked to create over the last few days.

  “I would like that very much.” Amara thanked Denoa for her kindness.

  Her hands were eager to delve into the cool clay that Denoa presented to her upon a slab of stone. It felt wonderful to take up such a normal task as the forming of a clay vessel.

  Amara’s eyes lit with joy as Denoa set about grinding some harvested grasses into grain. The grinding stone fit into Denoa’s hand as if it were made especially for her grasp. She worked the stone against the flat slab with the skilled use of a woman that had managed the task since the time of childhood until now.

  She and Amara worked in companionable silence for a time and soon they moved outside of her dwelling to sit in the setting sun. Other women stopped by as they went about their preparations for the evening, some shared tales about their families and others talked about the success of the harvest and the coming cold season. There was much preparation within the village as the men and women came together to add their hands to the work shared by all.

  Kaichen walked until he reached the place that called to him. He remembered his mother’s words about the red rocks that sheltered their people from the rays of the sun. He believed that the red rocks gave his people protection and power. As he climbed higher and higher he felt the familiar pull of a sacred place and gave himself over to it.

  He had much to give thanks for and though he did not wish to leave Amara’s side, he felt a pressing need to seek out solitude and cleanse his body in the way that Azin had taught him.

  Kaichen carried a small pack that had all the items that he would need. Inside was a bundle of fragrant, dried grasses and the things he would need to start a fire. Without hearing the words from his mother’s lips, he could not be certain, but Kaichen felt sure that he stood in a place that his father once stood.

  He had not forgotten the day of the battle when he had danced at the behest of his father and brother. During that time, when power swirled within him and consumed what he willingly offered of himself, he had danced alongside his father and his brother. The pure joy of that moment was called back to mind simply by settling himself upon the red rocks and closing his eyes.

  He could no longer call his father’s image to him, to stand beside him and imbue him with the strength needed to attempt the impossible. But there was no sadness in his heart as he realized that such a thing was no longer necessary.

  Far below, his people went about their lives with the knowledge that they were safe and secure. Kaichen almost opened his eyes to better see his people, but he dwelled within the silence of his mind as he thought of the ways in which Antuk had already started to make a difference within their village.

  Antuk took in the sight of the harvested fields and frowned at the way that the people worked the land. He agreed that they should not plant and grow crops in the same place season after season.

  But he asked several of the men and women why they did not direct water through small ditches to irrigate their fields. Though many of the villagers treated Antuk with kindness and appreciation they had not considered him as a resource until that time.

  Antuk quickly showed them how they could improve the success of their next harvest and all around them there was chaos as the people shouted to one another. Kaichen had merely smiled into his mother’s laughing eyes.

  He kept his eyes closed as he remembered his time upon the spire and that which had been hidden in the back of his mind until now. Instead of leaving the dried grasses at the bottom of the spire, Antuk had managed to carry the weighty bundles to the top of the rock, in the dark.

  Though Kaichen was a skilled climber, he could not imagine doing such a thing himself. The only other time that he had done the impossible had been with Azin when he climbed the same spire that his father had once climbed.

  As time unfolded Kaichen had come to believe that Ni’zin or Tonaka had attempted to climb the spire and failed. Perhaps that was still true.

  Kaichen saw that the moon was a white crescent in the dark sky. He had been deep within the circling thoughts of his mind from the time that the sun first lifted into the sky until now.

  He recalled a conversation that he had once had with Azin and yet this time he saw things in an entirely different light.

  “Who was the man that succeeded in learning the secret of the spire?” Kaichen’s voice always surprised the listener. It was a dry rasp, hovering slightly above a whisper.

  “Your father and one other.” Azin did not have to look at Kaichen to see that the young man had already known the answer to his question though Kaichen was surprised that someone else had conquered the spire. “The name of the man that failed is no longer spoken.”

  At the time, Kaichen had never considered the identity of the second man, now he saw things clearly.

  “Antuk?” Kaichen questioned, even as he considered whether or not his friend was indeed more than what he seemed.

  Looking back over their friendship, Kaichen was certain that he had the answer to his question. Antuk had loyally remained at his side through many trials and even fought along with him for the freedom of people not of his shared blood.

  He was a brother, a friend in times both good and bad. Kaichen shook his head in humble chagrin as he realized that he had underestimated his friend. Laughter caused his shoulders to shake. Wherever Azin was, whether it was in the comfort of his dwelling or looking out upon the night sky, it was possible that the wise man was laughing along with him.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  “Why are you still here? When do you plan to return to the high places that your people prefer to claim as their own?” Kaichen spoke to Tamol with undisguised curiosity and mild annoyance.

  “You should thank me for watching over your wife while you went to seek a vision.” Tamol made light of Kaichen’s purification ritual but the carefully barbed words did not bother Kaichen at all.

  “Thank you, Tamol. I am indebted to you for your loyalty.” Kaichen’s sincere words surprised Tamol and both men cleared their throats almost simultaneously.

  Often as the days passed Kaichen caught sight of Tamol’s gaze lingering upon his mother. He could not say how he felt about the man’s interest in Denoa.

  “I lost my wife long ago.” Tamol growled the words as he turned away from Denoa and the other women.

  Kaichen was surprised that he felt the sadness that was hidden within Tamol’s words. He could not imagine his life without Amara. She had become the soothing balm placed over a wound. She was the light in his eyes and the reason for waking each morning. Kaichen vowed silently that he would never take Amara for granted.

  “I do not trust Ni’zin and Tonaka to simply run off into the desert sands and die.” Tamol turned the topic of discussion to things that he knew well. They spoke of battle and the things that drove desperate men to do desperate things.

  “Your men have already returned home. Farren has returned to his band and still you linger.” Kaichen watched Tamol, even as the other man looked away.

  Tamol turned his eye toward Denoa. She sat with several women, caught up in conversation. She appeared to be content.

  “You do not seek to protect my mother, do you?” Kaichen’s words cut to the heart of the matter.

  “No.” Tamol knew that it was not his place to offer his protection to Denoa. Kaichen would see to his mother’s wellbeing. “But I seek to right a wrong. There was a time when I held Ni’zin’s life in my hands and I let him live. I am just as guilty as he is for the wro
ngs done, long ago. I have grown old and I will not rest until I am certain that all is as it should be.”

  Kaichen heard the vow in Tamol’s voice and he could not find any words to form a response.

  His mother did not seem upset by Tamol’s presence amongst them and the three bands had decided to meet during the warm season to share in a hunt. It was possible that some of their men and women would join and chose lifemates from amongst the bands of Farren and Tamol.

  It was possible that the alliance made upon the desert sand to fight against a common enemy, would provide security well into the future. In that moment, Kaichen could see far into the future and he knew that if things continued as they were, their bands would eventually become one.

  Tamol knew that he had delayed his return for as long as he could. Soon the first breath of the cold season would be upon them and traveling even a short distance would become increasingly difficult. Already the days were growing shorter and the hand of night remained upon the land even longer.

  The people of Denoa’s village prepared for the cold season in the way that was common to their band. The last of the fields to produce green shoots was quickly harvested with the help of the men, women and children.

  It was an occasion for celebration as their Beloved Woman, Denoa, joined them. She moved in harmony with the other women and Tamol’s eyes strayed to her constantly.

  He could survive torture and recover from the wounds of battle, but the sight of the one woman that he could never possess was more than he wished to endure.

  Kaichen understood that Tamol had come to the end of his endurance when he finally turned to face him.

  “Do not stand certain in the belief that Ni’zin and Tonaka will heed your warning. Ni’zin does not forgive dishonor though he has no honor to call his own. Tonaka is the leader of his brother, though he is often silent. You defeated their men, you decimated the band of raiders that they built up from the dregs of men that chose to call themselves murderers and thieves. They will not rest until you are felled by a blow from their hands.” Tamol’s voice was a low murmur of warning.

  “I will keep watch for the men that have marked themselves as our enemy.” Kaichen’s hand gestured between himself and Tamol.

  “Do not give them a chance to escape or to strike. Remember your own words and do not show mercy. Do not pull back the killing blow of your hand.” Tamol looked steadily at Kaichen and his voice was that of a father as he spoke to his son. “If you have the chance to end the life of our enemy, do so without thought, move swiftly and strike the first blow. It is the way that your father walked. Remember this.”

  Tamol exhaled as he finished speaking. Without another word he turned his attention back to the people that worked over the field. There was laughter and the sound of joyous voices as each person worked to aid his companion.

  Kaichen allowed Tamol’s words to sink into his mind. He did not utter any words against Tamol’s warning. Instead, he committed all that he heard to memory.

  For a moment, Kaichen was the image of his father. He saw Shale recreated in the form of a young man, strong of body and full of health and vigor.

  “I will send men to journey with you.” Kaichen’s words broke into Tamol’s thoughts. He knew before he spoke that Tamol would reject his offer and he was not surprised when the man simply glared at him.

  “Continue to train these men to be warriors, instead of mere hunters and harvesters of the land. You will always have a place within my band.” These were Tamol’s parting words and Kaichen took them to heart.

  “Our people have made plans to meet during the start of the warm season. We will join you and Farren in a celebration of our victory over the raiders.” Kaichen remained silent as Tamol gathered his weapons and the few belongings that he carried with him.

  The men, women and children of their village stood silently by as Tamol climbed the steep cavern walls that were their protection and shelter. When Tamol made it to the top of the ridge wall he looked down upon the raised faces of the people of the red rocks. One person stood apart from the villagers. Denoa.

  He had not taken the time to say goodbye, he had sensed that the gesture would not be welcome. She had already expressed her sorrow over the loss of his son. There was nothing more to be said between them.

  The gifts that he carried in his packs were tokens of her thanks. She had all that she needed with her son near and his wife who had become the daughter of her heart.

  Tamol was no longer needed and he had no further reason to linger. He memorized the face of the woman that remained faithful to the love of another.

  Who could say what tomorrow would bring? Yet, Denoa had not given him any reason to hope that her heart would soften toward him.

  “If there is a life after this one, then you must wait for her, just as she waits for you.” Tamol spoke silently to Shale. For surely theirs was a love that even the bonds of death could not break.

  The days passed in a blur of activity as each person tried to prepare for the time of long cold. Their food caches were full and their dwellings were made as comfortable as possible. The villagers preferred to stand in the light of the sun and enjoy the last vestiges of warmth that the midday sun brought to them.

  Kaichen was pleased to see that Amara had been accepted into the circle of women that he called cousin and aunt. Denoa and the other women had encircled his wife, pulling her into the comfort of their fold. He was thankful beyond measure that his wife’s face glowed with good health and her cheeks were often tinged with a flush of happiness.

  The men kept guard over their village from the high places just as they had been directed. Instead of grumbling and complaining, men eagerly offered themselves and standing watch over their village had become a position of honor. The men of their village understood the need to protect that which they held dear, now more than ever.

  There was very little reason to venture outside of the red rock caverns. But the lure of the hunt called to the men even as the sky told of a coming storm.

  The weather gave cause for agitation. If the time of long cold lasted longer than expected there was always the risk of starvation. Even with the last of the grain collected from the fields there was no guarantee of survival.

  If Kaichen did not bear the responsibility of an entire village he would simply restore his food supply as it started to run low. But he needed to think of the men, women and children that trusted him to see to their safekeeping.

  “What is this that you have made?” Kaichen spoke gently to his wife as she positioned a red jar so that it sat just so.

  “Each day the women gather together and make preparations for the time of long cold. I have learned to coil the clay into ropes and shape it so that it forms a vessel such as this jar. With my own hands I polished the moist surfaces with a smooth stone and placed the jar upon the hot stones of the fire.” Amara proudly displayed the jar to her husband. He turned it in his hands and lifted it up so that he could see the etchings that she had created.

  “A man dances around the fire, but the circle continues, never stopping.” Kaichen spoke the words given to him by his father, from the lips of his mother. “You have captured the central place of all bands.” Amara ducked her head shyly as Kaichen praised her work.

  “It is a thing of beauty.” Kaichen carefully moved the jar into the exact place where Amara had set it to rest.

  “Inside are delightful things that we have gathered for the time of long cold. Each woman gathered what she could and we shared amongst each other.” Amara cleared her throat as Kaichen started to reach for the lid of the jar.

  “You wish to wait?” Kaichen almost groaned with dismay and he was surprised at the eager anticipation that he felt to discover what was kept in the hidden depths of the jar.

  “Many are eager to see the time of long cold come as it must and then go away as quickly as possible. In this way, we will have something to look forward to each day. With the first snow you can reach into this
jar and something delicious will be waiting for you.” Amara chuckled as Kaichen groaned again.

  She enjoyed seeing the delight dancing in Kaichen’s eyes.

  “Is that why Antuk was so happy this morning? I saw him walking to his dwelling with a jar similar to this one.” Kaichen considered the full mouth that Antuk had and the vigorous chewing that his friend had been in the midst of and he wisely kept that knowledge to himself.

  “I do not think that Antuk will wait to discover the hidden secrets of his jar. But we will wait, will we not?” Amara smiled with mischief as Kaichen made a grab for her.

  He was too quick for her to elude and in truth she did not try very hard at all to escape the welcome heat of his arms as they encircled her.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “I will take three men with me to hunt outside of the boundary of the red rocks.” Kaichen spoke to the hunters gathered nearby. The men had taken to sitting beside one fire, while the women sat beside another. The children of their band ran back and forth between the men and women.

  “When will you go?” One of the men called out in question even as a shriek of laughter from the women caused all eyes to turn their way and then the men turned their eyes back to Kaichen.

  “We will leave before first light.” Kaichen knew that the men wondered which of them would be asked to go and which would stay behind.

  Each man was eager to go on a hunt and enjoy the praise of their band when they returned laden with fresh meat. He quickly picked the two men that had proven to be the best hunters in the village and then he selected a boy that had not yet been named a hunter.

  “Why do you lower your chances of making a kill, by choosing an unproven boy, instead of another able bodied man to hunt at your side?” Urri was the first to speak up, but his question held no belligerence, only mild curiosity.