by Abby Aaron
Rounding on the healer he demanded she prevent this needless death. “Go to the city and get the necessary fruit to save her.”
His words rattled her, spoken aloud for anyone who came inside the compound to hear. She rushed to seal the entrances before acknowledging the command. “Lower your voice, son of Ryder, Wolf and Kai. You above all others should understand the price to be paid for such an action.”
“Absolutely,” he bellowed, “I know the price. My family has paid your damn price. My baby sister was your price. One day soon the whole Creator forsaken city will pay a price, too. Save this innocent woman’s life!”
“I would if I could!” she raged back at him. “Don’t think for a moment that we healers are unaffected by this awful system. We live among you, remember, caring for those most in need. If we had any real control, changes would be made, exceptions allowed. We mourn each loss alongside the villages, doing our best to sway the priestesses in the city to modify their original agreement. It has been futile. Without the price to be sacrificed, they will not provide the life-giving fruit.”
Aras’ eyes darted to the jars lining the wall. The whole damn lot of priestesses acted as if they deserved Creator status, passing final judgment over life and death matters. He started to rip the cases from the walls to show them all his frustration when a crazy notion of one way to outmaneuver the system came to him.
“How many pups can you harvest from one of these vials, healer?” He held one aloft and she looked concerned with his tampering with her system.
“Do you honestly wish to discuss my hound breeding system now?” Dalia asked, working to make Giannis comfortable as she faded in and out of consciousness. “Three, maybe four offspring is a likely average. How could such knowledge help you, son of Konrad?”
He turned around and the cabinet shook as he slammed it with his palm. After a few seconds to calm himself, Aras turned and demanded the healer provide him with an empty jar. His request was fulfilled and he snatched the container before taking his leave. “Continue to do what you can for Giannis. I may be able to honor the damn price your priestess needs.”
Aras returned later; the once empty vial now half full of a white substance. He held it up for Dalia to examine. “Take this to your city leader. Offer it in exchange for the healing fruit.”
She watched him warily as she would a crazed patient under her care. He could see the fear in her face and saw her reach for a syringe. Probably a concoction used to put people to sleep while being sewed up, Aras decided. “Do not concern yourself with my sanity, healer. I have not gone mad, just desperate. This is the only way I can conceive for making the payment necessary to save her life.”
When Dalia took the container, he shoved her away and walked over to check Giannis’ breathing. The bandage around her leg was nearly soaked now. Time was running out. “The prize you hold may not be a newborn daughter, but the potential is there. Even if my seed results in three sons and only one daughter, the price will be met.”
“You filled this jar… do you understand what you are suggesting, son of Konrad? Truly understand the ramifications of what you are suggesting?” The healer examined his reaction carefully before shaking her head in resolution. “Such an offer has never been tried, but I will do my best to broker the exchange. You must stay here and watch over her,” Dalia ordered, pointing to the city bride. “I will return with all haste.”
The healer touched a secret section of floor near the far wall. A trapdoor opened below and wide stairs led to the second level of the compound. Aras rushed to follow her so he could watch as she gained access to the third level; it was too late. The opening closed and he could only surmise what happened next.
From what his fathers had explained, the healer in their village had a hidden exit under the heavy bed where mothers labored. A secret knob caused the bed to shift positions to show a clandestine tunnel below. The narrow path led underground linking the room with the city. A small opening in the rock by the wall there allowed a newborn baby to be handed over and a life-saving seed to be returned.
It seemed to be a long time before the healer reappeared. By then, a commotion outside the compound suggested Giannis’ mates had arrived and were trying to gain access to the first level. Between the two of them, Aras and Dalia managed to get the seed down the city bride’s throat. Now only time would prove if it was too little, too late.
“I trust this matter will be kept in confidence, son of Konrad.” Dalia started for the entrance so the husbands could be given access. “Your sacrifice shocks me. You have already lost so much because of the travesty of the priestesses’ actions, two sisters if I am not mistaken…”
“And a mother, nearly two,” he replied, hatred seething from every sound he uttered.
“Yet you just offered another generation of innocent lives to them. Any daughters produced from your seed will never know you. I do not even care to think what will become of any male offspring which results in the use of your seed.”
Beside Aras, Giannis started moaning, her voice noticeably stronger than just moments before. A smile crept across his lips. “First, I did what was necessary to save an innocent life. The Creator in heaven will no doubt forgive the desperate measures I was forced to take.”
Dalia nodded her agreement. “It was an honorable sacrifice. One, few would consider, much less follow through with for someone else’s bride.”
“Secondly, I promised myself none of my children would ever end up in the city, even if I had to remain a virgin to ensure it. My seed would never be planted inside a city inhabitant.”
The healer’s face grew pale. “You said you understood the ramifications of what you offered in exchange for the life-giving fruit? The priestess will use the sample you provided to breed as many offspring as possible, even cloning the resulting children if necessary.”
A sarcastic grin covered Aras’ face. “Is the value of pups so high in the city, then?” He watched her begin to reason out what he was suggesting. “Did you really think I would offer up my own seed to the evil people who run the city? After everyone I have already lost because of them? I do hope you collected more than one sample from the alpha gray hound whose semen you just exchanged with the priestess. I would hate to be responsible for your line of tracking hounds to dwindle because of me.”
13
Another Price to be Paid
Jemina made no effort to hide the disdain she felt for having to sit so close to Johan and Hendrix at the evening meal. How much humiliation would she have to bear because of one, poor miscalculation? Her hearing was superior to many. Jemina counted on such when necessary. It had given her an advantage over knowing who was heading her direction in the second challenge. It also flushed her out, causing Crosby of all warriors to stumble upon her.
The witless man had gotten separated from his triad and was on the opposite side of the village from them. She had been tempted to rush off so the win would not go to the Finn triad, but as luck would have it, a Urijah warrior witnessed the entire event and sent her back to do the honorable thing. Why did there always seem to be witnesses around lately?
Her brother and his triad had begun their work on protecting the village wall today, since the third claiming of their bride was complete. Giannis’ accident had sent a shock wave through the village, and various people were doing their best to locate the husbands so they could go to their wife in her moment of need.
Hendrix used the guise of reaching for a platter of meat to try moving his chair closer to Jemina. She automatically moved further away, only to have Johan crowd her in on the other side. Slipping her dagger from a hidden sheath on her thigh, she made a production of stabbing it deeply into the slab of beef on his plate.
“My apologies,” she quipped boldly. “I almost cut you. Maybe it would be best to put a bit of distance between our plates for your own safety.” Her steel eyes locked on him as she extracted the sharp blade and laid it beside her plate, ready to access it again if she
felt so inclined. Johan retreated but an inch or so, but Jemina took pride in his withdrawal.
Ellena moved around the table, coming to stand between Hendrix and her daughter. Using her small frame as leverage, Jemina’s mother found a way to push herself forward. Soon she was sharing her daughter’s seat. The village bride smiled at her mother’s protection, only to realize someone had done the same on the other side, insulating her from Johan’s presence.
“Giannis?” Jemina shrieked with joy. “Are you feeling stronger? I am so sorry you were wounded trying to aid me today. I know my brother will never forgive me for encouraging your participation, but I pray one day you will find it in your heart to pardon me.”
“There is nothing to forgive.” The city wife smiled. Her next words were directed at Johan. “Would you be so kind as to move your chair over a bit. It’s so crowded.”
The soldier complied, but his expression was dark and promised retaliation for taking away his right to dine beside Jemina. His triad had been the first to locate her, after all. Konrad’s men had been allowed to dine beside her after their win. “You missed the end of today’s challenge while you were in the healer’s care. Shall we detail how the Village of Finn claimed the victory?” he sneered.
Ellena stole his attempt to brag. “Jemina caught wind of your injury, Giannis. In her haste to rush to your side, she lost her footing on the branch she was perched on and fell. Crosby was below her at the time, and she landed on top of him.”
“His body did provide me with a nice cushion to break my fall,” Jemina added. “I never thanked you for that kindness, sir.” She graced him with a full smile. Across from her, Crosby still looked confused by the events, which led to the Village of Finn being awarded the second win. He was probably wondering if the Creator had dropped the village bride in his lap as a sign, they were meant to win her hand.
“Wife, care you to explain how you ended up sitting here?” Jael appeared from nowhere, his triad at his side. “You claimed you only needed a moment of privacy when you asked to be excused from our table.”
“And I did, husband. I wanted a moment alone with my dear, new sister.” Giannis seemed to be trying to keep her tone even. “Soon she will leave our home and any chance of mending bruised feelings will be gone. Sit, dear mates. Crosby, would you mind moving a few chairs down so my husbands can sit across from us. As Jemina’s twin, it is important for Jael to enjoy what little time he has left with his sister.”
Before Jael could object outright, his two triad brothers shoved aside Crosby. The Konrad triad had already moved down to allow for the newcomers. Aras, Anders and Loinbard noted the blatant distaste of the Urijah when they regarded Hendrix and Johan. Now that they were no longer fairly secluded with their bride for most of the day, they had probably heard much about those who competed for Jemina’s hand.
Realizing he was outnumbered; Jael reluctantly took a seat across from his bride. His eyes bored into Johan first and then Hendrix until each uncomfortably moved their seats over. Ellias appeared out of nowhere, two chairs in arm. Now the three ladies could sit easily without perching on a single stool.
“Our guests at the other table will be wondering about our absence,” Jael said in a low voice.
“My parents and siblings are too busy enjoying tonight’s dessert, brother,” Chaim offered. “We won’t be missed for a brief visit.”
Moshe, the third member of Jael’s triad reached over to lay claim to Crosby’s goblet of wine and helped himself to a healthy gulp. “Our wife has already accepted the blame for putting herself in danger. Are we to shame her in front of your family by acting so rudely?” Jemina heard his low sanction meant for her twin’s ears alone. It made her wince. Her foolish actions had caused strife among the new family unit.
“Tis true, Giannis has accepted her responsibility.” Jemina’s twin brother locked eyes with her now. “She is new here, unaware of the dangers which lurk. I no longer seek her remorse. The wound on her ankle will serve as a lesson against being led into future rash actions.”
Swallowing hard, Jemina found the courage to admit her fault. Her beautiful, new sister could have been seriously injured today. Praise the Creator above for planting Aras nearby to protect her. She had little doubt Hendrix and Johan would never have given up the challenge to help Giannis. Crosby might have tried, but would have gotten lost or caused greater damage.
“You are right not to hold a grudge against your innocent wife. Someone else is solely responsible for today’s accident. That person alone should face the consequences, brother. Announce the punishment to be meted out, and it will be accepted.”
“I am no longer responsible for correcting you, sister, now that I have formed my own family unit. That falls to the triad that heads your unit. Our fathers have lacked the heart to address your poor choices from your very birth. I pray your husbands will learn to tame your wilder traits without bending your brilliant mind and skill as a warrior.” Jael had turned toward where Aras, Loinbard and Anders sat when he gave those words. Only two of the three remained at the table though.
Aras had moved to stand directly behind Jemina. His hands on her shoulders, his voice resolute, he said, “Your sister is not to blame for Giannis’ wound. That blame lies solely with me. She did not realize I had been sneaking bits of food to her pet hound, winning his trust to use as an extra advantage if a challenge arrived where I needed him. Had I not freed the dog and set him on the trail of her scent, none of this would have happened. Even Smiley is not at fault. He protects his mistress. I put him in a position where an innocent startled him and his animal instinct took over.”
The three men watched Aras carefully. Their wife understood the threat that passed between them. Giannis started to protest, but Jael motioned for her to remain quiet. Jemina tried to intervene next, but Aras’ fingers tightened against her skin, so she, too, kept silent. “May I suggest we take up this matter later tonight after the ladies have turned in? My triad conveniently beds down in your meeting area.”
Loinbard and Anders began to take their feet to join Aras, knowing what his words meant. Punishment within the villages was meted out with an iron hot cane across the back of the offenders. As his brothers, they were agreeing to accept payment for his action as their own. “My brothers are in no way responsible for the wound Giannis received. I alone will stand before you ready to make amends.” Aras stalled their action. Both men gave Aras a challenging eye.
“Agreed,” Jael said. His eyes met Loinbard and Anders. “Your brother already paid a part of the price by leaving the games to make sure our wife reached the healer. The original count will be reduced as such.” A pleasant smile soon replaced the censuring expression Jemina’s twin bore from before. “Some good did come from the entire catastrophe.”
The hands on her shoulders stopped her from rising, but Jemina refused to be quieted. “What does it mean, ‘the original count will be reduced as such’, brother? If anyone is to bear the weight of this punishment, it shall be me. Aras is not from this village. Only a family member may accept the lot of the offender, namely me. I will not allow him to do so in my stead.”
Aras bent low and ordered her to stop speaking. “The matter is closed. If you have any respect for me as a man and a warrior, do not shame me before all who share this meal.” As if trusting her regard for him to cease her protest, he walked back to his seat to continue his meal. Her brother’s triad clearly valued Aras’ actions. Though the punishment had yet to be carried out, all was forgiven concerning the issue.
“There was one glorious outcome from today’s events.” Ellena broke the heavy silence. “Our dear Giannis is clearly not a bleeder.” Aras stiffened, as did his blood brother.
“But I am a bleeder. Most virgin births are such,” Giannis countered. “Inside the city walls, I needed vast amounts of the seeds from the Tree of Life throughout my existence. I did not realize they were in such short supply here until Aras tried to make your healer fetch some for me. I heard
his angry words when she did not follow his orders immediately. Though the confusion of going in and out of an uneasy sleep muddled my thinking about most things going on around me, I am sure Aras ensured my recovery by getting the seed for me.”
Ellena vaguely recalled the tree her daughter-in-law spoke of from her time in the city, though it was many cycles ago. “Some of the women I worked alongside of required the seeds from the tree you speak of, but I was lucky not to be a bleeder. I never paid much attention to the topic, because the tree was always available. It was only when I came here that I realized it was difficult to harvest. I was unaware Dalia had such a plant here in our village. Until this very moment, I have never heard of such a tree being located outside of the walls of the city.”
Aras cursed himself. The secret was in jeopardy because he had spoken too freely in front of those outside of his family unit. He had to repair the damage without doing more harm. “The body acts strangely when someone is hurt, Giannis. The mind tries to help us deal with the pain forced upon us, especially when we lose vast amounts of blood. Your past experiences with the city’s use of some mysterious seeds of life no doubt took over your thinking. Your brain probably wanted the proven solution such a cure was close at hand and believed it was coming quickly.”
Giannis looked puzzled now by his explanation. “But… I was certain you fought with Dalia over providing me with the seed.” Shaking her head, she pondered more hazy memories. “Of course, I also thought I heard you offer up three sons and a daughter from your own family to the city priestess,” she giggled. “No men are allowed inside the city walls, so I recalled thinking it was an odd promise.” Now she laughed gaily, no longer fretting over the false memories he suggested she had of the seeds.