Silent Snow: Tales from Ancient Ieda 01

by Sarah Thomie

  “Since the Gauntlet starts tomorrow, she is required to stay in the barracks house with the rest of the candidates.”

  “And you are worried about her there, right?” Sparrow asked him.

  “Extremely worried. We have never had a female go through the Gauntlet, so this is new territory for us. I am especially worried because the First Son and his friends will also be in the barracks house. I do not trust them to not do anything to her.”

  I opened the door and closed it behind me.

  Howling Wolf glanced my way. “Is your arm feeling better?”

  I nodded.

  “You were eavesdropping?” Sparrow accused.

  I shrugged. The warrior that wrapped my arm up stood near the edge of the house. I waved at him, and he waved back.

  He came over. “I am just here because we do not want the accusation of favoritism, since he is not allowed to talk about the Gauntlet tasks themselves.”

  “Will there be any males that would be able to make sure she is not hurt?” Sparrow asked him.

  “The only people there will be her, along with the First Son and his friends, since they are the only Candidates this round.”

  Howling Wolf looked like he wanted to stop this from happening.

  “Have you talked with Grandfather about this?” she asked.

  “He and the Elder are the ones who decided about the barracks.” He grimaced.

  I looked at him, touching his cheek with my palm, as I got an idea. I mimed about seeing the barracks for myself now.

  “You are supposed to be getting ready for tonight.”

  I waved that off since this was more important.

  “I cannot show you.”

  “But I can.” The other warrior smirked. “You cannot because you cannot show favoritism, but I can because I am not a part of the Gauntlet.” He grabbed my arm, leading me toward the barracks, “I am Raven, by the way. Nice to meet you officially, City Elf.”

  I smiled back.

  He led me to a long building and opened the door. It was completely empty, save for the line of beds, the water closet in the back, and the chest at the foot of each bed. “I cannot help with finding a place for you, though,” he admitted.

  So, the sleeping part is a part of the Gauntlet itself. I needed to keep that in mind. I looked around, trying to figure out the answer to this conundrum. I saw the rafters above and got an idea. Snow Cats like heights, so I had been practicing my jumping into trees and high places. I could reach the rafters to sleep. But I did not tell Raven. He might be on my side for this, but I did not want to take the chance of anyone figuring out what I was thinking. I nodded to him, and he walked me back to Sparrow’s house.

  “She thinks that she found something.”

  I nodded in agreement.

  There was visible relief in Howling Wolf’s eyes. “Then, I will let you get back to getting ready, while we go tell the other Candidates that they will be staying in the barracks tonight as well. Stay safe.”

  We went back inside the house, and Xerinae scrunched her face in concern. “If she is staying in the barracks with the other Candidates, maybe we should not whet the male appetite. I do not trust them not to hurt her if they saw her as something except another warrior.”

  The wheels turned in Sparrow’s mind, as a smile blossomed on her face. “Get the girls. We are going a different route. They need to see her as a warrior, so we are going to make her into one.”

  We came out of Sparrow’s house as the drums played, calling us to the ceremony. They clothed me in all red linen, leathers hidden underneath for warmth. I wore the Bear pelt at my back, its head lying on top of mine. The red tunic and leggings were accented with copper threads and beads. They dressed my long hair up with dark red ribbons wrapping through the braid. They painted my face with makeup, highlighting my facial features, bringing out the colors of my eyes and painting my lips dark red. We walked through the village, the women in front of me, to present me to the Elder as the ceremonial guest of honor. The drums echoed through the forest, pulling us toward them.

  I saw the men dancing around the fire, welcoming a new Clan member. Xerinae said they did this every time someone was named. The drums stopped as we reached the edge of the circle. The women stayed around me, playing the part of the Goddess. The men, playing as the Dark Consort, went and gathered the women, one by one, taking them by the hand, until I was the only one left. I took a step forward, challenging the men in their taking of the women. They challenged back, hiding the women in the center of their circle.

  The women explained the steps to me as they were getting me ready. I was not actually supposed to fight them, just the challenge was enough to get them to see the power I held. One by one, the men released the captured women, as they gathered behind me, accepting my protection of them. The men parted as I moved toward the Elder and Grandfather.

  I saw Howling Wolf in all black standing next to them, and surprise flashed across his eyes. He was the final challenger, the one who taught me everything I need to know for the naming and Gauntlet. I raised my hand up to him, calling him to the challenge. He took his three steps forward, entering the circle of movement with me. We circled each other. He reached forward to grab me, playing the part of danger that would always be there. I let him grab me, then snagged his wrist and pulled him away from me. His question was if I was ready to defend the Clan with everything I was. I answered his movements with the promise to protect them until the day I died. He moved to the side, allowing me to pass.

  I looked to the Elder and Grandfather and saw them pleased that I followed their traditions. I knelt in front of them, acknowledging their position and respect for it. “Here kneels a woman ready to claim her name,” the Elder called out to the crowd. “She has fought off a Bear to protect her fellow Clansmen.” He looked to Howling Wolf and Sparrow. “As her closest people, do you have a name for her?”

  I did not know they would be the ones to name me, and I wondered why they did not tell me.

  “We do, Honorable Elder.” Sparrow stepped forward. “Our Clanswoman carries the spirit of a Snow Cat within her. In light of this, we have chosen her name.”

  “Speak her name,” the Elder commanded.

  Howling Wolf’s voice was strong and clear. “We give her the name of Silent Snow, in honor of the deadly silence they share when they hunt, telling no prey of their presence.”

  “Silent Snow, do you accept your name, the one given to you by those closest to you?” Grandfather asked.

  I gave him a single nod, taking the name they thought suited me best.

  He helped me to stand. “We accept Silent Snow as our newest member of our Clan. Tonight, we feast and rejoice on this honorable occasion!” Grandfather called out to the rest of the Clan.

  The Clan cheered, happy that I had been named. They could finally stop calling me City Elf or the designation branded on my wrist.

  The Clan dismissed to enjoy the rest of the party, I turned to the Elder. I took off the Bear pelt and presented it to him.

  He tilted his head. “What is this?”

  I spoke with my hands, as Grandfather translated. “A gift for the male who gave her the greatest gift she could have ever received.”

  I smiled. The Elder took the Bear pelt from me, and I could see a hint of tears in his eyes.

  “It is funny that you are giving him this.” Grandfather stepped closer to touch both the Elder’s and my shoulders. “You see, he was named Ferocious Bear by his wife, after he became a man,” he told me quietly.

  I watched as the Elder wiped his tears away before they could fall.

  The Elder pulled off the Snow Cat pelt from his back and gave it to me. “This should fit you better, Silent Snow.” He settled the Bear pelt on his shoulders, then spoke, “Go enjoy your night, Silent Snow. Tomorrow is the start of a new task for you.”

  I nodded, taking his dismissal. I hopped over to Sparrow and Howling Wolf as they laughed with Raven and Xerinae. They saw the Snow C
at pelt, then turned to see the Elder with the Bear one.

  “He looks so happy,” Sparrow commented. She turned and gave me a hug. “I am so glad that you are officially a part of the Clan, Silent Snow.” She grinned. “Now, we dance!” She dragged me out to the dance circle and showed me the steps.

  I followed along while I got the hang of it. The music sped up; our feet and arms were flying. Then the music stopped, and I fell to the ground.

  Howling Wolf came over and gave me a hand to stand back up. “Sparrow should have warned you that dance has a sudden stop.”

  I smiled, feeling exhilarated from the ceremony and dances.

  “You look a bit flushed, Snow.” He led me to a table, where Sparrow, Xerinae, and Raven sat. He handed me a mug of water, “Drink up.”

  I sipped on the water, watching the other dancers.

  Food was served, and I found out what Bear tasted like. It was not bad, but I prayed over the meal, another apology to the Bear, hoping it would find its way to rebirth. I listened to them talk about their own naming ceremonies and the shenanigans that happened during them. I felt at home, and for once in my life, at peace and safe. They gave me more than just a name, they gave me a family. I watched as people yawned and retired, but I was told that I had to wait with the other Candidates for instructions for the morning.

  I waved goodbye to Sparrow and Xerinae as they went back to their homes.

  A voice snarled behind me, “A name? Like a City Elf deserves a name.” I turned to glare at the First Son, as he continued, “I heard that City Elf females are only good for breeding and being on their backs.”

  A memory of a City Elf girl being raped flashed through my mind. I stood up, fully ready to attack him like he deserved.

  “Enough, First Son,” Howling Wolf commanded. “Stand down, Silent Snow.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest but did as he said. One of the other warriors was passing around drinks to the Candidates. I grabbed the mug from the platter, watching as the other Candidates grabbed theirs. We waited for the next instruction.

  Howling Wolf stood us all get closer together but kept the First Son and I as far away as possible from each other. Behind us, circled the other warriors. “Drink this cup only if you believe you are ready for the Gauntlet. Once you have sipped from it, you are no longer allowed to back out.” He waited for any of us to step aside. We all just waited, looking at him. He held his own mug up. “We drink to the newest Candidates and to the perils of the Gauntlet!” he shouted, the warriors around us answering the shout.

  I took a sip from the cup before I recognized the taste. I threw the mug on the ground, as I watched the other Candidates fall, only to be caught by one of the standing warriors. I tried to fight off the sleeping poison, but even that small sip was too much. I glared at Howling Wolf, seeing the sympathy in his eyes. I wanted to hit him, but all I could muster was mouthing, “You Bastard,” to him.

  “I’m sorry, Snow,” he said as darkness enclosed around me. I was gone before I ever hit the ground.

  Chapter 06

  I woke up, fighting against the sleep poison. I bit my tongue, the pain keeping me awake. We were in a covered caravan, reminding me all too much of the travelling slave cages. It was daylight out, and I noticed the other Candidates still out. My wrists and ankles were tied in front of me, and I glared at Howling Wolf and another warrior sitting with him. He did not say anything to me, but I could see the pain in his eyes.

  The other warrior remarked to the Enforcer, “I am surprised she shook that off so quickly. I do not think any of the other Candidates have been able to do that.”

  I spoke with my hands, telling them that I knew what it was by taste, so I did not get the full dosage.

  They both stiffened, not realizing anyone would have tasted it. Howling Wolf asked gently. “The humans used it on you?”

  I gave him an angry nod, feeling the rage from the last time I drank a sleeping poison and the damage it caused me. There was regret on his face, like he would not have done it if he knew. I could feel the Snow Cat stumbling up, the spirit shaking off the poison as well.

  My eyes tinted blue, but Howling Wolf spoke softly, “Not yet.”

  I pulled my lips back in a hiss.

  “Since she is the first to awaken, she is the first to be dropped off.” The other warrior knocked on the wood between our compartment and the driver. I shook my head, forcing them to look at me. If they tried to toss me out, I would fight back with everything I was. “You do not want to be the first one out? But that puts you closer to the village.” I gave him a look of death before he looked away. “Or maybe we should knock her back out until the others awaken?”

  Howling Wolf mumbled just loud enough for me to hear, “Do not run away, Snow.”

  I gave him a sadistic smile. No, I would not run away, but he would need the entire continent between us to protect him. I looked to see the First Son near my foot, and I thought about kicking him in the face. The wagon kept moving, until the other Candidates stirred. Then the wagon stopped, and they carried us out and laid us on the ground in the middle of the forest. Howling Wolf was gentle with me, maybe hoping that I would forgive him. Maybe I would, but that would not be today.

  When the others awakened, Howling Wolf said, “Your task is to find your way back to the village. You will be alone out here with your fellow Candidates, so I suggest learning how to work together. If you try to go this alone, it will be much tougher than you think it will be.” He shifted his gaze to the First Son and I. “Along the way, there will be dangers that you have to overcome, so I suggest that you plan for them.”

  He then laid different weapons on the ground near us, “Each of you will get a weapon that you have been deemed an expert of.” The other warriors left, leaving only the Enforcer with us. “Take this task seriously. We will not be here to save you if you get into trouble. You will have to rely on your fellow Candidates. Good luck to all of you.” He walked back through the forest, leaving us all tied up.

  I glanced at the pile of weapons, seeing a spear that would work for me. I felt the dagger in its sheath and wondered why they would not take it. Unless they did not realize that I carried it with me everywhere. I lifted the bottom of my dark red linen shirt and grabbed the dagger, cutting the cords around my wrists and ankles. I stood up and grabbed the spear.

  “You are just going to leave us?!” The First Son growled as I walked away. “And why do you have a dagger, but we do not?”

  I shrugged, not able to give him an answer.

  “You can at least help us, before you take off back to the humans where you belong.”

  Again, I looked at the weapons and found a knife that I could leave. I used the knife to undo their ankles but left their wrists. They should be able to get out of those without my help. I did not want them near me with weapons while we were all alone. I tossed the knife to the ground, before walking into the forest. The breeze caressed me, and I smiled, feeling better than before. The sounds of the other Candidates getting out of their binds drifted to me, so I took off through the forest, letting the Snow Cat guide my steps. The Gauntlet had started.

  Chapter 07

  It was day three of the Gauntlet, and the other Candidates were no closer than I was to getting back to the village. I slept in the trees away from them, so that they could not attack me at night. I know Howling Wolf said to trust them, but I could not.

  I reached the river before they did, and I saw them a little bit further upriver. We needed to cross it, but the other Candidates spoke with confidence that they could swim across it. The First Son went first since he was their designated leader. He slipped in the river from the tall bank. Something felt wrong as he fell below the waterline. I looked at the rushing water and knew what happened. The undercurrent was too strong for him to swim through.

  The Snow Cat took over, assessing our surroundings. I looked around to find somewhere downstream, as his friends tried to grab him from the water. I saw a tree hangi
ng over the river and ran to it, hoping to make it in time. I did not like the male, but if he was going to die, I wanted it to be the one to kill him. I bounced on the tree, testing its strength and limberness. I wrapped my legs around the tree, linking my ankles together. I swung under it, wrapping my arms around the spear to hold it easier and to keep it from falling from my wet hands.

  The First Son rushed toward me, trying to stay above the waterline. I whistled at him, getting his and his friends’ attention.

  He grabbed for the spear just as he passed under the tree I was hanging from. “Do not let go of me,” he begged as he wrapped his arms around the spear, and I grabbed onto his wrists.

  I held onto him, while his friends came to the tree I was on and tried to figure out how to get to us. I did not think that far ahead, only caring about the width being able for me to keep my ankles tight against one another. Someone tossed a vine over me and the tree, dangling in the water below. He reached for it, then wrapped it around his arm. He and I kept a death grip on each other with his other arm.

  “Let go! We got him!” his friends shouted.

  I nodded to him below me.

  He shook his head, fear in his eyes, “No!”

  I readjusted my grip to hold the spear with the inside of my elbow, as I used that arm to try to pull myself up. The First Son kept a hold of the spear and the vine. I would not be able to keep holding him there, nor would he have the strength to hold on for much longer.

  I took a deep breath and let go of the tree with my ankles. I splashed into the water next to him, grabbing onto the vine as I dropped. His friends pulled us to the safety of the shoreline. They pulled the two of us onto the bank, and the First Son looked like he had stared the Dark Consort in the eyes, just for Him to let the Elf go. I laid on the bank, breathing hard, staring at the trees above. My vision went back to normal, the Snow Cat going back into her den. If they attacked me, I would not be able to fight back at that second.