“Thank you.” Calish led her out of the tent. “I’ll see to it you are compensated for your efforts.”
“Please, my Lord, don’t be silly. I feel honored you asked me here. Just make sure she gets some rest and drinks a lot of water. That baby will be coming very soon. There’s no reason to make her uncomfortable until then. She’ll need all the energy she can muster for the delivery.”
* * *
By order of the midwife, rest is exactly what I got. I wasn’t permitted to do anything other than lie down and be waited on hand and foot. Despite the fact the contractions had stopped, Calish made me list everything needing to be done. He assured me he’d see to the tasks himself. The only things I came up with were caring for the children and checking on Tenor.
I pointed to the crumpled apron in the corner and told Calish about the Sakenbrush. “Ask him if it helped, and if it did, give him three more. He’ll need something to eat. It’s been a while since he’s taken a meal.”
“All right. I’ve got it. I’ll take care of him and the children. Will you just let yourself rest?” He kissed me on the forehead.
“Only if you come back and tell me how Tenor is doing.”
Calish fished around in the deep pockets of the apron, removing a dishcloth and a satchel of nuts in order to reach the twigs buried at the bottom. He weighed the Sakenbrush in his hand reluctantly, and before I could beg the favor, he left.
My dry eyes stung as my eyelids covered them, a sensation quickly soothed by the darkness they provided. I was so tired from not sleeping the night before. Time crawled and made every moment challenging. The deep breaths I drew rid my muscles of their tension when I exhaled. Inch by inch, from my feet to my hands tucked under my chin, I felt them release.
But Scavengers are not allowed good things by the gods.
Marsh entered the tent. “Hey, can I come in?”
My eyelids popped open, the stiffness returning to my shoulders as I rolled to face him. “Sure, but Calish will be back in a few moments. The midwife warned I should be resting. If he comes back and I’m not—”
“Yeah, I know. I won’t stay long. I just thought, well, you should let Nik know what’s going on.”
“Why?”
“Well, for starters, Mother was supposed to come here for you and the baby. He was also going to send people to keep you safe. Now that Noran’s called all these guys back to the Temple, we’re open to whoever wants to make their stand against the Authority.”
“We’re not the Authority,” I reminded him.
“Yes, we are. And this? This isn’t what we planned for, and now we need some help.” He turned to leave and added, “I just thought…I don’t know, I guess you being the Seers can decide what to do so no one gets needlessly hurt.”
“Marsh.” I stopped him, but he didn’t face me. “I know you’re sick about my vision. Stop behaving like the victim. If we’re in a situation and I tell you to take the shot, you need to trust me and do it. My visions have never steered us wrong.”
“I’m not going to shoot you, Una. Vision or not.” He left.
I could have chased after him, but to what end? I couldn’t talk him into killing me. The timing wasn’t right.
Isn’t that a troubling thought?
If our situations were reversed, I was sure I’d go insane at the prospect. There were too many things happening in the present to fret about the future, or that future anyway.
Marsh loved me. Sure, we fought, but it all came down to our stubborn nature not wanting to submit to the other. We never struggled with differing core beliefs or ideals. The question did twist in the quiet pauses of my mind, though. What disagreement between us could possibly lead to murder?
If only I saw more of that vision, perhaps I could understand it. I couldn’t explore it or alter it. The glimpses I received didn’t give a chance to experience different outcomes.
Wait.
Maybe there isn’t an opportunity to change it.
Maybe I am just supposed to accept it calmly.
I thought back to the book I read about Seers in the Disciple reading room. When testing them, the passage said they all knew their moment of death when it came. To know that meant they must have had a vision of it.
Is that it? Is this a warning?
Suddenly, I wasn’t tired anymore.
Could I be seeing it over and over again so when it finally happens I’ll be at peace with it?
I meditated on the thought, glad to be alone while doing it. Staring vacantly at the stacked bolts of fabric piled next the sewing machine, a feeling of peace and acceptance made my Seer’s mark tingle between my shoulder blades.
It would all be so much easier to accept if it were just me lined up in death’s queue. I hugged my belly, tucking my body around it as best as I could. Either I’d bring my child into the next realm with me, or I’d leave them behind.
“There are things worse than death,” Father said.
Yes, Father. There are.
* * *
Calish kept his word and reported back to me about Tenor, although not until the next morning. Needing to comply with Noran’s orders, he reassigned the officers to the Temple. Traveling after dark was not wise, no matter if you were part of the Authority or not.
“How is he?”
“The Woodsman? He’s much better. The Sakenbrush is helping. He actually ate some broth and held it down.”
Broth.
What I wished had been a nightmare was not. “I thought they destroyed it all.”
“Qarla buried a couple of jars in the corner of the field when she first arrived.”
I rubbed my eyes. “What?”
“She’s seen a few things in her years. At least that’s what she said when I asked.”
Calish pointed out a fresh pitcher of water and a glass, already filled. “How are your contractions?”
“Gone.”
“Good.” He ran his fingers through my hair and kissed my temple. Leaving his lips pressed against my skin, he said, “I’m needed outside. Please promise me you’ll relax.”
I nodded, and he left.
Even though I slept all night, I felt too exhausted for more dreams or visions or anger or worry. I stretched my arms over my head and pushed my toes away to the extent of their reach. My back pulled long as the cramps of my bed (made of blankets on a dirt floor) worked their way out of my body. Sitting up, I folded my legs to nest my protruding belly and grabbed the glass poured for me. The water I drank moistened my throat and tongue but reminded my bladder to wake as well.
Always something rushing me.
Pulling open the canvas door of the tent, I squinted in the bright sun. Huxtyn and the boys were playing tag in the yard with Pais and Fyn, while the younger children were captivated by a caterpillar they found. Aria waved, and I blew her a kiss.
One, two, three…twelve, thirteen.
Davin was missing. So was Graken.
I took care of my personal business and padded my way over to where Calish was working with the builder.
Whatever his name is. I should pay more attention to things like that.
The rocks we’d collected from the Citizens were used to create a rock bed under the area cleared the day before. They began using a mixture of dried grasses, dirt, manure, and water to build knee-high walls. The odor caused my nose to wrinkle.
I greeted the contractor before addressing Calish. “Have you seen Davin?”
“He’s checking traps with Graken.”
“That’s what I figured.” I watched the men continue to work. “Is that going to hold up in the rains?”
“Don’t you worry, my Lady, it will.” The contractor patted the edge of the wall proudly. “The sun will help to dry it out, and when it does, it will be like rock. We’ll build layer upon layer just like this one, day after day, until the walls are an appropriate height. What we need is a good foundation with good drainage and large eaves to keep water from touching the finished surfaces. The r
ocks your people brought should do the job well.”
I studied the structure. “This is brilliant. Why haven’t I seen houses built like this before?”
“Oh, I’ve made them in all sorts of places. But people are funny; they want homes that look like their neighbors’. Many of the ones around here are made with wood or stone because of the accessibility to the materials.” He grabbed another handful of the mixture and continued working. “This method can be used most anywhere with few tools if done right.”
“And they can be made quickly.” Calish, immune to the smell, scooped up more from the batch and molded it into place. “If we can teach people how to do this, there’s a chance folks will have shelter during Talium.” He stood and brushed his hands on his pants. “Not that I’m asking you to recruit people to learn,” he flirted. “I thought you were going to rest?”
“I did.” I stopped. “I mean, I am, I just wanted to get a little air, that’s all.” I leaned in to receive his kiss. “I figured you went down to the valley. I don’t suppose you want to miss another meeting.”
“Meetings are every other day. I’ll be going tomorrow before sunrise,” he said. “Besides, after yesterday, I wanted to stick around here and make sure that you’re better. Now that you’re walking around, any cramping?”
“No. I feel normal. Huge, but normal,” I said, patting my stomach. “Well, I guess I’ll let you get back to work. I’m going to do my rounds.”
“Then you’re going to lie back down, or I’m going to have to carry you to bed.” He sprawled his dirty fingers wide and playfully threatened to touch me.
I recoiled. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.”
I rolled my eyes, and he gave me a serious stare in return.
“I mean it, Una.”
“It’s nice to see you practicing your fatherly tone.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He reached to tickle my stomach, and I scurried back with a yelp.
Calish put his hands behind his back and beckoned me near. His eyes flirted as they silently begged for a kiss. I missed playing with him. Seeing him momentarily carefree and hopeful, settled my soul in a way rest never would.
We’re going to be fine.
The thought of Marsh killing me broke the moment and made it easier to leave after accepting Calish’s kiss.
The seeds planted the previous day had grown to harvest, and someone had washed and laid the vegetables out for the taking. I grabbed a handful of greens and walked over to Tenor’s area of the property.
“Tenor, it’s me.” I lifted the corner of the blanket, but he wasn’t under there. Riffling through the blankets, I found nothing but the noose.
He’s gone.
I scanned the area, finding him nowhere in sight. He battled the herb leaving his body for days. Calish said he was better, but there’s a chance he just gave up anyway. He suffered intensely. Perhaps he ended his own pain. In a moment of reflection, I regretted not visiting him last night or early this morning. None of his struggles were my fault, but a part of me thought I could be strong enough to help him fight through it.
But no one is but Tenor, and even then, the cravings may be stronger than his will.
I stuffed the greens into my apron and gathered up his blankets to be put away.
I guess he won’t need these now.
“Mother Una!” Davin’s call hooked my attention. “Look! We got two more!” He skipped around like an excited pup. Graken held the blanket up, showing off their success. Together, they crossed over the bridge into the yard. Following behind them was Tenor. I dropped the blankets just in time to receive an energy-filled hug from Davin. “Did you hear me?” He beamed.
“Yes, I did,” I said, trying to pacify him. “Did that man go with you?”
“You mean Tenor? You bet! He’s a great trap setter.” He let go of my waist and ran to get his catch from Graken. Once he had it, he put the bag over his shoulder and carefully carried them over to the rabbit hutch.
“Feeling better, my Lady?” Graken asked chipperly.
I watched Tenor walk sheepishly behind him. “Yeah, um, who let him free?” I asked abruptly, not interested in small talk.
“I did,” he replied defensively. “I thought it wise to have him come with us rather than leave him unattended.”
“He’s been unattended for days. That’s what the noose was for.”
He cleared his throat, his joy gone. “I mean no disrespect, my Lady, but you are quite wrong. He has been under the constant supervision of the Authority since you brought him here, and given the fact I am one of only two guards left tending to you and your kin, I thought it best to bring him with me and the boy.”
“And you thought it proper to just let him walk about freely, then?”
“I’m pretty confident I could catch him if necessary,” he huffed, “but if I remember correctly, you said he was allowed to leave at any time he wanted.”
I clenched my teeth together and took a deep breath. “You put one of my children at risk. I told you not to take Davin, or any of them, outside the perimeter. Then you do so with a man not yet confirmed to be an ally?” I pointed my finger at his badge. “I don’t know what authority you think you have in this place, but you are crossing a line, Mr. Graken.”
The officer took a step back, holding his tongue but glaring at the finger I had aimed at him.
“Mother Una.” Tenor held up his hands defensively. “I actually took off the rope this morning, not him.” He hurried to pick it up. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause a problem.” He lifted it over his head.
Gods be damned.
“No, don’t.” I grabbed it before he put it on. “I obviously misunderstood the situation. You can leave it off, Tenor.”
Of all the times to chastise Graken.
“May I be dismissed, my Lady?” the guard asked, standing at a most rigid attention.
“Yes, you may,” I stammered. “Thank you.”
He saluted, turned on his heels, and headed off in different direction.
I tried to assume a softer expression. “So, how are you doing, Tenor?”
“Much better, thanks to you. Lord Calish gave me some more of the Sakenbrush, but I didn’t need it.” He collected the twigs from where he hid them and handed them to me. “I still have quite a headache, but the other symptoms have subsided. I think I’m going to make it through.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Are you ready to be useful?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Then follow me.” I led him to Calish. “You can aid these men. I believe you already know my husband.”
“Yes, ma’am. Good day, my Lord.” He bowed.
“Tenor, this is Mr. Albet, our contractor. He is the man in charge of this project. You and I are his workforce.”
“Understood, sir. Show me what to do.”
While they trained Tenor, I searched for Graken. I didn’t much care for the man, but he did protect my family despite his similar feelings about me. We didn’t have to get along to exist in the same space, nor did we have to like each other to keep things respectful. I wronged him, and as much as I loathed doing it, I needed to make things right between us.
Or try.
But doing that was easier said than done. I searched the road, the field, and the unattended barricade with a declaration from the Priest propped up against it. I couldn’t find him. Our property and the surrounding area weren’t enormous, but they were large enough to assume we passed each other without being seen. As such, I waddled back, committed to apologizing the next time I saw him.
Qarla and the others had already served the children breakfast and cleaned up after. Since there was no broth to make for visiting Citizens, everyone busied themselves with various chores. At the moment, Sterle and her school friend Acia were busy mending the children’s clothing while chatting about old acquaintances and fonder memories
. I envied their friendship and common history. Scavenger children were never allowed such a privilege. Thankfully, I had my brothers to keep me occupied over the seasons. Ironically, overhearing the girl’s stories made me question if I didn’t have the better childhood. The girls they spoke of sounded downright cruel, and the boys, well, they just sounded silly.
Qarla worked with the older children to harvest herbs and vegetables, while her son Alkin helped Marsh and Sterle’s other friend Torence cut down the hay in the pasture. They took turns with the sickle, while the others dragged it out to let it dry under the midday sun. At the rate they harvested, they might rake it up just in time to harvest another fieldful. Our next big project would be baling all of it. We didn’t have a structure to store it in yet. Having a Grower was a blessing, but as we were finding out, it also created a great deal of work.
I gave the youngest children more seeds, and like little birds pecking at the ground, they planted them as the boys had taught them to the day before. I always enjoyed planting with my mother. As a child, it never occurred to me she might also. Of course, I don’t remember her belly being so big she couldn’t breathe and squat at the same time.
With a little help from Fyn, I stood and wiped the soil from my hands. One quick glance at Calish and he pointed me to the tent. It’s as if he were waiting for me to look at him. I felt fine, but in an effort to submit to my husband’s wishes, I gave in after hugging all the children first.
Aria skipped alongside me all the way back to my quarters. Once inside, she poured me a fresh glass of water. She offered it as if it were her duty to make me drink it.
“Are you the one who’s been sneaking in and out of here with the water?” I teased.
She blushed and nodded innocently.
“Thank you for taking such good care of me.” I set down my cup and held my arms open wide. “Can I have another hug?” Aria ran to me and threw her arms around my enormous belly. I kissed the top of her head. “You can come in here any time,” I whispered in her ear. “No matter if I’m sleeping or not. I have a feeling Calish is going to make me stay here forever!” I joked.
Scavenger Girl: Season of Toridia Page 46