by Moose Tyler
Amaria looked at Penelope.
Penelope smiled. “You better take good care of him. He was a painful prize.”
“But, you’re going to need him in the north.”
Penelope shook her head.
“Penelope has been reassigned to Deep South,” said Wanje.
Amaria was shocked and completely impressed. “P, Deep South?”
A smile spread across Penelope’s face. “Looks like it.”
“You beast.” Amaria socked Penelope’s arm playfully. “You’re like…you’re like…you’re elite.”
Warriors stationed at Deep South where the best swimmers in the queen’s army. Many of them were high-ranked veterans who could outswim you with one arm. They were way too fierce to compete in the Games. Competitions were for sucklings.
Penelope laughed at the compliment. “I’m excited but scared, too.”
Deep South was the frontline for any attack from the south, and they were the destructive force that surprised the enemy from behind when the threat came at Themiscia from all other directions. If the tribe went to war, Penelope would see a lot of action.
“You’re ready, Sister. Third-class. Remember that. It’s only been a day and already you’ve been promoted. I’m so proud of you, P.”
“Actually, the queen was always going to assign Penelope to Deep South.” Wanje poured another cup of tea. “She was waiting until after Niam passed. She hadn’t heard the news before the ranking ceremony.”
Penelope was surprised. “She was?”
Wanje nodded. “She thought it was important for you to spend as many heartbeats with your mother as possible. Being posted at Deep South would keep you at sea for many moons.”
Penelope looked at Amaria. “You see, I have no use for a horse. Wanje asked me what I wanted to do. I know you’ll be at sea, too, but you’ll be closer, and when you’re away—”
“—Actually, she won’t be at sea,” said Wanje. “Your reassignment to Deep South has left a position open in the north. Amaria, you’ve been reassigned, as well. You’ll report to Phoenix. Your horse will be kept in the warriors’ stables, and you will ride it every day.”
Amaria couldn’t believe it. “Am I still first-class?”
Wanje laughed. “Yes, and since this is supposed to be our last lesson, any thoughts on why you received such a low rank?”
Amaria looked at her plate and thought about the ranking ceremony. No other warrior made her mistake. She nodded. “I didn’t follow instructions.”
“Precisely. The queen doesn’t think her army will be effective if it’s plagued with rogue warriors, but I assure you, you weren’t the only one who didn’t follow instructions. Aiella has been demoted for her actions during your quest and will fill the post under Kazi at the first southern checkpoint. Had you followed instructions, you would have been granted second-class, possibly third for your efforts. You did save another warrior’s life, Amaria.”
Amaria thought about Aiella. She wished that she could give her the sliver that Amaria had lost in the battle with the bottom skimmer as a gesture of gratitude. It would have been a puny present compared to the potent punishment Aiella had received, but at least it would have been something. Had Aiella followed instructions, the warriors at the tar pit would have been more prepared, and Amaria might not have finished her quest by first light. She was glad Aiella had gone rogue, and now that she thought about it, Zora should be thankful, too.
“But, Wanje, had I followed instructions, I wouldn’t have been there to save that warrior’s life.”
The crooks of Wanje’s mouth lifted. “A conundrum, isn’t it?”
Amaria nodded. “Yes, it is.” She drank the rest of her tea. She felt raw about her ranking, but seeing Penelope, being at the sacred pools, and of course, her reassignment to the north had soothed some of the sting.
“There is good news,” said Wanje. “You will have the opportunity for rapid advancement under Phoenix, provided you perform as expected and learn to follow instructions.”
Penelope whistled. “I won’t be up for promotion for a hundred cycles at Deep South. That is good news, Sister.”
Amaria smiled. Thank you, Great Mother. She looked at Wanje and Penelope before raising her water glass. “To the Great Mother,” she said.
Wanje and Penelope raised their glasses. “All in Her name,” said Wanje.
The trio drank slowly. When she was done, Amaria didn’t bang the glass on the table. For one, it would break. For another, this wasn’t a rowdy toast. She was truly grateful for all that she had been given. She was still unsettled about Telsa and Sakina, but as far as her place in the queen’s army was concerned, there was now a light at the end of her tunnel.
The conversation silenced at the table for several heartbeats. The Great Mother’s creatures sang their nighttime songs around the gazebo. The light fish darted in the water below, and above, the fire flies flitted about. Amaria looked at Wanje. “So, now what?”
“Now, Penelope needs sleep.”
“You haven’t slept, P?”
Penelope yawned. “No. I’ve had things to arrange with the house. I’m letting Ursula live there, now that Mother is gone. It will just collect dust otherwise, and Urs said she’d take care of everything while I’m away.”
“That’s beastly.”
“She’s been a blessing. She’s done so much. She says she only wants me to focus on Mother’s funeral. We return her to the Great Mother in two days. I asked Urs to come to the family’s ceremony. I’d like you to be there, too, Ree. You’re the only family I’ve got now.”
Amaria reached out and grabbed Penelope’s hand. “I’d be honored, P.”
A tear slid down Penelope’s cheek, and she wiped it away with the cloth. “I leave for Deep South at first light after that.”
“Which is why you should get some sleep,” said Wanje.
Penelope nodded and looked at Amaria. “I’m taking my horse. You can have him after I ship out. He will be in my barn. You have a wounded mountain cat in yours.”
“You’ve seen Timber?”
“Yes, but only after Gilda put sleeping tea in her water bowl. That cat scares the dung out of me.” She looked at Wanje. “Sorry for cursing.”
Wanje waved off the infraction.
Penelope looked at Amaria. “Had to knock her out to clean the wounds, but she was real sweet unconscious.”
Amaria laughed. “I’m glad she’s okay.”
Penelope stood up, and Amaria followed suit.
“Seriously, her yawn makes me soil myself.”
“Want to know who else soiled—”
“—Amaria,” said Wanje, “our lesson is not over.” She stood and hugged Penelope. “Get some rest, and I will see you at the healers’ camp before Niam’s prepping.”
Penelope released Wanje and hugged Amaria. “I’ll come see you tomorrow. Wait, is it tomorrow or today?”
Amaria shrugged. She honestly had no idea.
Wanje returned to her seat. “Your horse is waiting to take you home. Follow the trail, and use the path lined with yellow buds.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Penelope chucked an earth blossom in her mouth before walking down the slope and disappearing from sight.
Amaria sat down and looked at her hands. Her mother had done a good job of cleaning the dirt from under the nails, but there were swollen snake bite marks, fresh blisters, old callouses, and plenty of welts and scratches on the skin. She stared out at the sacred pool and watched the light show. It had intensified.
Wanje broke the silence. “I want you to know why the queen initially assigned you to the southern waters. She picked that post to protect you.”
Amaria was taken aback. “What do you mean? Warriors protect the queen, not the other way around.”
“Yes, but never forget that a queen was first a wa
rrior.”
Amaria was confused.
“The boats are coming from the northwest,” said Wanje. “Before they reach land, warriors posted at the southern checkpoints will come inland and join the brigades at Middle Divide. The chance of you fighting will be slimmer.”
“Why would her grace not want me to fight? Not to be vain, Wanje, but I’m a pretty good fighter.”
“Because she was acting under the believe that you will be the next queen.”
Amaria held her breath.
“Telsa was fresh from her recounting, and she had named you as the queen’s predecessor. She spoke of Sakina and others, but she said you would be queen. Heartbeats after the ranking ceremony, the queen received new information.”
Amaria exhaled slowly. She picked up the glass and gulped until the water was gone.
“Two other sages have verified the prophecy, only one has named another predecessor, and the other said that the name was not revealed.”
“Who else is named?”
“That is not your concern.”
Amaria scratched her head. “Did you verify the prophecy?”
“You don’t need to speak the divine tongue to predict the death of a queen, Amaria. It’s bound to happen eventually. My visions are focused on larger things.”
“Like what?”
“Again, that is not your concern.”
Amaria set the glass down. “So, what does all this mean?”
“It doesn’t mean anything. The prophecy won’t be blessed until all five sages have verified it. The queen has decided to take council’s advice and let the Great Mother’s plan unfold as She intended, without her grace’s interference.”
“Will she send a rescue party for Sakina?”
“Don’t worry about Sakina.”
Amaria laughed at the suggestion. “How can you say that? She’s my sister.” She impersonated Wanje’s voice. “Truer than any. Remember that?”
Wanje smiled for a few heartbeats before turning back to serious. “Sakina knew what she was volunteering for. She knew the danger. You can pray for her safety, but you cannot change her fate.”
“So, I’m just supposed to sit here and pretend she’s not captured at sea?”
“No, you are supposed to prepare for war. Your new position puts you dangerously close to the action, if they breach the north shore. You will have the opportunity for great glory on the battlefield. Not to mention, you will be responsible for protecting me.”
Amaria gasped. “What?”
“If we go to war, I will be called to the north corner. You and the others will have to keep me safe, so I can channel the elements. I am quite vulnerable in that state.”
“You keep saying if. Is there a chance we won’t?”
“There’s always hope. Your sister and the other warriors did some damage to a few of their ships, according to Olivia. She said she thought the convoy had docked at a string of small islands to make repairs. The queen has sent scouts.”
“You seem so calm.”
“I smoked a little red weed earlier,” joked Wanje.
Amaria laughed.
Wanje chuckled before getting serious again. “This will not be my first war nor would it be my first false alarm. War is death, and dealing with the threat, real or false, requires a level head and a steady hand. Just promise me, if war comes, you will be ready, and that you will do all you can, from now until then, to help prepare others.”
“I-I-promise, Wanje. I’ll be ready.”
“I know you will because the Great Mother guides you, and now you have that beautiful band to remind you of Her blessings.”
Amaria looked at the Great Mother’s Spirit Award on her arm. It was made with quality metal, and though it had no value as far as rank in the queen’s army, it certainly looked beastly wrapped around her bicep.
“The last thing to discuss is Timber.”
Amaria sighed. “I’ll have to give her up.” Her heart sank at the idea, but she saw no other option. She didn’t think mountain cats would be allowed at the warriors’ camp in the north.
“Why in Great Mother’s name would you give her up? The connection has already rooted.”
“I just thought that, with my moving to the warriors’ camp, where would she stay?”
“Where she wants, I suppose.”
“In the barracks?”
Wanje shrugged. “Possibly. Though, she might not like the accommodations and opt for the comforts of your barn instead. Either way, she’s been blessed. She will not harm horse, citizen, or warrior. Messenger birds, on the other hand, hard to guarantee their safety.”
Amaria laughed.
“I was going to suggest, if she does stay in your barn, that you allow Gypsus to help. She’s proven to be a talented game tender and has taken a shine to your cat.”
“You don’t have to sell me on Gypsus. Mother is the one who barred her from the barn.”
“Well, I think you’ll find Pathenia’s had a change of heart, but you can ask for yourself.”
Wanje motioned, and Amaria looked out at the pool. She saw her mother briskly walking up the slope. When she saw Amaria, she hiked up one end of her tunic and traversed the rest of the incline.
Amaria stood up, rushed over, and was pulled into a hug.
Mother’s clasp was firm. “Oh, my heart,” she said. “Thank you, Great Mother.”
Tears rushed to Amaria’s eyes. She hadn’t felt like crying since Bria’s chiding, but now, in the comfort of her mother’s arms, the emotion overtook her and she wept.
“Shhh,” said Mother. She rubbed Amaria’s back. “It’s going to be alright.” She kissed the side of Amaria’s head. “Everything is okay.”
Amaria nodded and pulled out of the embrace. “I know.” She took a deep breath and dried her eyes. “It’s just a lot has happened. Seems like only a few moons since I started Quest Training. Now, it’s over.”
Mother smiled. “Makes you wish you had paid better attention.”
Amaria nodded.
“I know the feeling, but it’s not too late.” Mother took Amaria’s hand. “We have two more moons to right that wrong. Let’s go home, have some Genesis Stew, and you can tell me all about your quest. From what Wanje says, you were truly a marvel to watch.”
Amaria looked at Wanje. She had no idea how the sage knew what Amaria looked like on her quest, but the compliment felt good. “Well, I had a pretty good teacher.”
Wanje bowed.
Amaria let go of her mother’s hand. “I hope you brought a horse.”
“How do you think I got here?”
Amaria shrugged. “On the back of a bird?”
Mother faked a laugh and looked at Wanje. “You have her fighting bottom skimmers and snakes. Now, she wants to ride birds.”
Wanje shrugged. “Stranger things have happened.”
Mother’s laugh was genuine. “Indeed.” She turned to Amaria. “Don’t ever doubt your mother.” She looked back at Wanje. “Great Mother be with you, and thank you, as always, for your guidance.”
The sage bowed again. “Great Mother be with you, Pathenia, and you as well, Amaria.”
Amaria bowed. “Great Mother be with you, too.”
She turned and linked arms with her mother. They walked side-by-side down the slope towards the light show. The fire flies had taken the shape of the Sacred Peacock.
Amaria gasped. “Great Mother!”
Mother smacked Amaria’s arm. “You are at the sacred pools. This is the Great Mother’s sanctuary. Will you please not curse?”
“Sorry. Penelope said dung, and Wanje didn’t care.”
She smacked Amaria again. “You just cursed twice.”
Amaria laughed.
“This is not funny.”
Amaria pointed to the wonder in the
sky. “But, Mother, it’s the Sacred Peacock.”
Mother’s attitude stayed stiff. “Uh-huh.”
Amaria started singing the Sacred Peacock’s Flight to lighten the mood. “With every cycle she brings blessed love and precious gifts to each sister who’s pure in her heart.”
She paused, waiting for her mother to join in, but she kept silent, so Amaria continued the carol. “Say your prayers and close your eyes. Sacred Peacock comes tonight to lay feast and treasures round the hearth.”
She smiled at her mother. “You know you want to sing the last part. You know you do.”
Her mother’s stern expression finally faded, and she took the solo. She sang in a whisper, just as she had on Genesis Eve cycles ago, before the threat of war, when all three of her daughters were safe at home. “So go to sleep. She’ll take flight. Sacred Peacock comes tonight—”
Amaria joined in for the last line just as she had cycles ago, when her only care was competing in the Games. She belted the lyrics dramatically, “—to lay feast and treasures round the hearth!”
Mother laughed. “That was a little much.”
Amaria nodded. She actually didn’t mean to sing it that loud. “You still love me?”
“Always.”
They walked to a horse waiting along the trail. It was smaller and older than Penelope’s, and its coat was white and brown, but the saddle was large enough for two. Amaria climbed on, and helped her mother onto the back.
“You know where you’re going?” asked Mother.
“Follow the yellow buds?”
Mother nodded and held on as Amaria nudged the horse’s ribs and urged it towards the path that led home. She couldn’t wait to see Timber, sleep in her own bed, and have two, no, three helpings of Genesis Stew. She had survived the quests through the Great Ravine, the Valley of Sand, and the one to take the shield. Her rank, Sakina’s future, Telsa’s vision, even the boats lurking at sea, none of that matter. Amaria thought about what Sakina had said that day in the meadow. Once a warrior took the shield, nothing would belong to her anymore. Amaria had two moons of leave before she would report to her post in the north and fulfill her true purpose – to protect the citizens, the Great Mother, and the queen.
