by Moose Tyler
“Interesting.” Amaria reached over a citizen, grabbed a cup of juice, and headed over to join her friends.
Elle and Camille sat next to Berry and Tush, two warriors four cycles younger. Ophea and Jax were on the other side. Berry nudged Tush, and they scooted over.
Amaria sat down and extended her arm to greet Ophea and Jax formerly. “Sisters.” She looked at Elle and Camille and nodded. “Ellamille.”
Elle laughed. “I see Ursula’s name has caught fire.”
“She’s all the rage these days.” Amaria picked up the rack and broke it apart. She looked up to see everyone watching her. “Don’t let me stop the talk. Carry on,” she said before chomping down.
Jax leaned forward. “Oh, Berry was just telling us something about someone. I don’t know. I stopped listening heartbeats ago.”
Ophea chortled, and she and Jax clapped hands.
Ophea and Jax were in this cycle’s crop of warriors training to take the shield. Their mothers’ lineage came from the northern region where the earth was tough and formidable, so they trained under Euphora. Her students were always the stoutest and tallest and were mostly stationed in the north after taking their shields. As much as Amaria admired Wanje and was proud to have the most-respected sage in Themiscia as her teacher, she wouldn’t have been upset if she had been assigned to Euphora after she had graduated Warrior Training, though that would have been unlikely. Amaria’s mother was eastern-born. All warriors whose lineage came from the east studied under Wanje.
Amaria looked at Berry. She was eyeing her plate. “Get your own, Suckling.” She growled at her before eating another rib.
“I can’t wait to start Quest Training,” said Berry.
Tush snorted. “If you make it through Warrior Training.”
All but Berry laughed.
“Oh, I’ll make it.” She pointed at Amaria. “She got boar ribs, and she got a whole bird.”
Amaria looked at Ophea. She nodded in verification. Amaria ate another rib.
Berry continued her rant. “She got bore snout and feet.”
Amaria looked at Jax. She shrugged. “It’s a special night. Sheila went all out.”
“All we got was wolf stew,” carped Berry.
“Thank the Great Mother for it,” Ophea snapped.
“And Sheila,” added Amaria. “Her wolf stew is delicious.”
“There’s Penelope,” said Camille.
Amaria turned and saw Penelope winding through the maze of tables. “It’s packed in here tonight,” she said as she took the seat next to Jax across from Amaria. “Sorry I’m late.”
“I can’t believe you’re northern-born.” Jax nudged Ophea. “Look at this plate.”
Penelope preferred lighter meals. Sheila had given her red fish on a bed of seasoned greens.
“A snack fit for any warrior,” Ophea said.
Jax snickered.
“Say what you will.” Penelope closed her eyes and prayed. “Bless this fish, Great Mother. May it give me strength to honor Thee. All in Her name.” She opened her eyes and dug in. Cheeks bulging, she smiled at Ophea and Jax. “Maybe it’s I who doubts that you’re northern-born.”
Penelope’s mother came from the same region as Ophea and Jax, but it must have been a different part. She was thinner in build, and her skin tone and hair color were radically different. Regardless of physical appearance, with northern lineage, Penelope should have been studying under Euphora, but in training, she had proved most in balance with water, which was why Wanje was her teacher.
“Boar’s breath,” said Jax, “everyone knows northern-born favor game to fish. Fish are for those limp flowers from the east.”
Amaria shrugged. Fish was good but certainly not her favorite.
Penelope kept eating. “Divine.” She smacked her lips. “Simply divine.”
“Enough about food,” said Camille. “I want to hear about training.”
Ophea sat back. “Can’t.” She motioned to Berry and Tush. “Sucklings are present.”
Camille turned to Berry and Tush. “Get out of here!”
“Ah,” groaned Berry.
Tush grabbed her arm. “Come on. Let’s go down to the shore.”
“I can’t wait to start Quest Training,” said Berry as she was dragged away.
Camille leaned in. “Okay. Spill the worms.”
Ophea folded her arms.
Elle stood up. “I think we’re part of the suckling group.”
“Ah,” groaned Camille.
Elle grabbed her arm. “Come on. Let’s go down to the shore.”
Camille muttered curses as she and Elle walked away.
Jax leaned on the table. “Now that they’re gone, who’s got a story?”
Amaria shoved a slice of stewed fruit in her mouth. She looked at her fingers. She had forgotten a cloth. She glanced at Penelope. Penelope handed her one. “I got two,” she said.
Amaria smiled.
“I guess I’ll start.” Jax raised her hand. “Who got a scroll?”
“Aye,” said Ophea.
Penelope finished her drink and set the cup down. “Aye.”
Amaria nodded. “Aye.”
“And, who has read their scroll?” asked Jax. “Aye,” she said.
“Aye,” Ophea and Penelope said in unison.
Amaria ate another slice of fruit and nodded. There was nothing to read on hers.
Jax put her hand down. “So, anyone get tricked and bungle their deadline like I did?”
“Aye,” said Ophea.
Amaria looked at her “What?”
Jax interrupted. “Aye or nay?”
Ophea had already admitted that she had been tricked. “Aye,” said Amaria. She looked at Penelope.
Penelope finished the greens, wiped her hands, took another drink, and set the cup down. “Nay.”
Jax was outraged. “What? Why not?”
“Because I’m smarter than you.”
Ophea laughed, and she and Penelope clapped hands. “Respect to you, Sister,” said Ophea. “I was led clear to the Beltline.” She motioned to Jax. “She took a swim off the eastern shore.”
Jax punched Ophea’s arm.
“Ouch!” Ophea rubbed her bicep. “What? We all got it. I heard Mortli and Taryn were sent on bird chases through the northwest. Not sure about Zora, but they ran Lyla ragged on the southern shore.”
Mortli and Taryn trained under Anthea because their mothers’ bloodlines were rooted in the west where the harsh winds ruled mercilessly. They always sat at a table on the other side of the common area with Zora and Lyla. Their mothers were from the south where the sun reigned from above and spewed up from the ground. Fire was their energy source so Bekos was their teacher.
Jax looked at Penelope. “So, why didn’t you get tricked?”
“They tried. I just didn’t engage.”
Jax looked at Amaria. “You give her a warning?”
Amaria was offended. “Who are you talking to?”
“I figured it out,” said Penelope. “It was Lethivia. Her attack game was suspicious. She kept delaying and trying to lure me in, like she wanted me to follow her, and I did for a few heartbeats. When I disengaged, she didn’t come after me, which now makes sense.”
“Roslyn for me,” said Jax.
“Helen,” said Ophea.
Amaria was surprised. Helen had a higher rank than Roslyn, Lethivia, and Sakina. “How’d you fare?”
Ophea laughed. “How do you think?”
Amaria grimaced.
Ophea nodded. “Yes, that bad. What about you?”
Amaria waited a few heartbeats before confessing. “Sakina.”
A loud, unanimous groan erupted.
Ophea laughed. “Sakina?”
Jax joined in. “What a kick in the
ribs!”
Penelope shook her head. “Curses to that, Sister.”
Amaria smiled. It felt good to have support. Being tricked by Sakina was a kick in the ribs.
“So, what’s your punishment?” asked Jax. “Euphora’s making us swim to the eastern checkpoint five times.”
Amaria looked at her plate, but there was nothing left to stick in her mouth. She eyed the cup of honey balls but wasn’t in the mood for sweets. “Carrying berries to the healers,” she said. She omitted the second part on purpose. Her spirits were just now lifting and talking about donating her weapons would only pin them back down.
“For how long?” asked Penelope.
Amaria shrugged. She wasn’t happy about her punishment. It was far worse than Ophea and Jax’s, but she felt better knowing that she wasn’t the only one who had been made a suckling of that day.
The table was quiet for a few heartbeats before Penelope raised her cup. “To our first council meeting, Sisters. You all look divine tonight. Truly.”
Ophea, Jax, and Amaria banged their cups on the table thrice and raised it to Penelope’s. “Aye,” they said before taking a gulp.
Amaria slammed hers down first, followed by Ophea, Jax, and Penelope.
Penelope wiped the juice from her lips and motioned to Amaria’s arm guards. “Your leather is divine.”
“Yes,” said Jax, “those are nice.”
Amaria looked at her arms. “Urs gave them to me last Genesis.”
Penelope looked up. “Speak of her name.”
Amaria turned and saw Ursula walking towards the table. She was still in her paint smock, but her hair was now colored peacock blue. “It was just pink,” said Amaria.
“What?” asked Penelope.
Ursula stopped at the table. “Amaria, what lovely leather you’re wearing!”
Amaria smiled. “Yes, everyone’s been asking about them.”
Ursula curtsied. She looked at the others at the table. “Oh, P! You look as divine as the Great Mother Herself.”
Penelope did look good. Her hair was slicked back and knotted low on her neck. When she turned her head, light reflected off the two small daggers she had sticking out of the bun. Her eye color was amplified by the green of her kilt and chest piece.
She smiled. “Thank you. You look festive. I like your hair.”
Ursula waved off the compliment. “Oh this? Just some dust and berries.” She turned to Ophea and bowed. “It’s been a few moons. You look well.”
Ophea nodded. “You too, Urs.”
“Jax.” Ursula bowed.
Jax looked offended. “When are you going to make me some leather?”
“Could be awhile,” said Amaria. “She got her first tree today.”
Penelope stood up. “That’s beastly!” She gave Ursula a hug. “When’s the showing?”
“Genesis,” she said, “so right after that, Jax, I’ll make you some leather.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Ursula laughed. “Please don’t.”
“There are a few orders ahead of you, Jax. Quality crafting is in high demand.” Amaria admired the guards. “If you paid extra, she might bump you up on the list.”
Jax shot her a look. “What are you, her business partner?”
Amaria laughed. “Just a fan.”
Penelope sat up in her chair. “Stay calm, Amaria.”
She looked at Penelope, confused. “About what?”
A voice hit Amaria’s ears and sent a current of irritation down her spine. “This table looks dull,” it said.
Amaria turned and saw Zora standing in her most confident pose with Lyla and Venus, a warrior the same cycle as Ellamille, flanked behind her. Zora’s black hair was slicked back tight. Her grey kilt and chest piece shimmered, making her skin look even paler than it was. Lyla wore a white kilt and chest piece, and Venus had on red. Both had smeared their lips with paint. Amaria felt the urge to slap the jeers off their faces, but she remained seated and pretended not to be bothered by the trio.
“You’re looking lovely tonight, Zora,” said Ursula cheerfully.
“Don’t talk to me, Citizen,” Zora snapped.
In a heartbeat, Amaria was to her feet. Her empty plate crashed on the floor, silencing the commotion around them. In another heartbeat, Penelope, Ophea, and Jax were at her side.
“Don’t talk to her like that,” said Amaria. She could feel the attention of other diners focusing on her table, but she didn’t care. “This citizen,” she said, indicating Ursula, “paid you a compliment. Great Mother only knows why, but she did.”
Zora laughed. It sounded like a boar’s snort, and it made Amaria’s stomach turn. “Why would I care what she thinks? She’s not my equal.”
“No, she’s much better than you,” said Penelope.
Zora looked at Penelope. “Oh, yes, I forget you also have a liking for citizens. They’re so fragile. How is your mother doing, by the way?”
Venus and Lyla snickered.
Penelope clenched her fist. “Better than yours.”
The insult was a direct hit. Zora’s lip snarled, and her foot slipped back into a more aggressive stance. “Watch your tongue, Penelope. It’s not polite to insult the dead.”
The women nearby pounded their fists on the table. The ones seated farther away stood for a better view.
“Nor is it polite to insult the ill,” said Ophea.
“Nobody asked your opinion,” Lyla hissed.
“Is she talking to me?” Ophea asked Jax.
Jax nodded. “I believe she was.”
The banging on the tables grew louder and echoed off the walls of the common area.
Ophea pounded her fist into her palm. “Maybe she should bring that tongue of hers closer.”
Zora held up her hand, and Lyla backed down.
Jax blew Lyla a kiss. “Good girl.”
“Now, Ophea,” said Zora, “you know we’re not supposed to fight. That’s what the Games are for.” Zora winked at Amaria.
Amaria felt her mouth fill with saliva. She spat it on the ground.
Zora looked at Lyla and motioned to Ursula. “I don’t know why they didn’t drown that one fresh off the boat. Useless.”
Amaria leapt, the blood in her veins too hot to handle any longer. Her knee crashed into Zora’s side, knocking her into the next table. The women scattered. Amaria came down on top of her, grabbing the back of her head with one hand and removing Little Blade with the other. In a heartbeat, she had it pressed against Zora’s neck. The room exploded with chants, whistles, and cheers from the spectators.
The move had been unexpected, and Lyla and Venus were slow to react. Penelope, Ophea, and Jax, on the other hand, were much more prepared. They blocked Zora’s cronies from interfering.
The noise around them quieted. Amaria dug her knee deeper into Zora’s chest for a heartbeat before jumping off, flicking Little Blade as she went. Zora got to her feet. A drop of blood trickled down her neck. She touched the scrape and looked at her fingers. The tips glistened with red.
“Amaria,” she heard Penelope say from behind her. Amaria didn’t turn around.
Zora licked her fingers and spat at her feet. “Take my blood, Sister, since you’ve forgotten yours.”
Amaria put Little Blade away. “We might share divine blood, Zora, but I will never call you sister.”
Some of the spectators gabbled at the comment, and Zora snorted before turning to Venus and Lyla. “Let’s go,” she said. “Waste of heartbeats.”
Zora, Venus, and Lyla turned to leave. When they moved, Amaria saw that Wanje was standing behind them, dressed in her ceremonial robe. She wore a light green cloak that had a hood lined with bear hide. Her silver hair was pulled back and knotted with pearl clips. Peacock feathers dangled from her ears and stuck out of her head l
ike a plume.
“Bekos will hear about this,” said Zora, as she passed the sage.
Wanje bowed. “I am certain she will.” She turned to Amaria. “I came with news.”
Amaria looked at the floor.
“It was unfair of me to not give you an end to your punishment. I came to remedy the mistake.”
Amaria looked up. “Wanje—”
“Originally, I felt carrying the berries for three days while you made the decision about your weapons was sufficient, but after witnessing what just transpired, I’ve reconsidered.”
“But, Wanje—”
“You will carry the berries for seven days.”
Amaria cursed in her head.
“You will also apologize to Zora for your behavior.”
“But, Wanje—”
“I suggest you keep your weapon in its sheath for the rest of the evening.” Wanje looked at Penelope sternly before turning and leaving the common area.
After a few heartbeats, the talk at the tables started churning again, and soon, the room buzzed with private conversations.
“Great Mother,” said Penelope.
“Amaria,” said Ursula.
Amaria was distracted. “Yeah?”
“Thanks for thinking I shouldn’t be drowned.”
Amaria looked at Ursula and smiled. “No one who crafts leather this divine should be.” She hugged her. “Great Mother be with you.”
“Happy first council meeting,” said Ursula. “May the excitement last into the night.”
Amaria nodded. “It’s been just beastly so far.”
Ophea nudged Amaria. “We’ve got to stop by the east docks, so we’re leaving.”
Amaria gripped forearms with Ophea first, then Jax. “Thank you for your assistance, Sisters. Whenever you require it, I too will stand by your side.”
“Wouldn’t want to conjure your wrath,” Jax said before she and Ophea headed out.
Penelope said goodbye to Ursula, and she and Amaria exited through the archway. Once outside, Penelope spoke first.
“What was that, Amaria?”
“I don’t know what happened.”
“I know you don’t like Zora, but that was a little much. To dispute her is one thing, but you drew blood. That goes against the Code.”
