The implications of Doud’s misuse of his position shook Taikiuu more so than the blow that she was dealt. No one stepped forward to intervene and Taikiuu threw a quelling glance at Kii, imploring the young girl to remain still and silent. Several of the elder’s serving women rushed forward to offer help but Doud stopped them with a flicker of his hand.
"Do not touch her for it is death to touch such a one as she." Doud’s words rang clearly throughout the crowd. Taikiuu felt her courage leap up from within her, though her pride bled, her spirit did not weaken.
"I will not allow such an atrocity amongst the People." Kii spoke in a clear voice as Taikiuu signed, the Ada’na stood once again using her walking stick for support.
"It is not for you to say yes or no.” Doud responded, “A decision has been made. Selek's twin girls will be a blessing bestowed upon the People for their names will be remembered for all time."
The first part of the offering ceremony was complete. As Taikiuu walked toward the gathering place for the assembly she wondered what would become of Selek's twin daughters. She knew that tonight would change everything since the time before remembrance of the People.
Taikiuu felt that she had to find a way to save the children of her village from the insane ramblings of an evil old man. Surely there was a way. As she entered the assembly she looked around at the faces of her people, meeting their gazes briefly, and allowing warmth to shine through from her eyes. Surely these people whom she served could feel her love for them.
She took her place on a large ceremonial platform that was mounted so that all gathered tonight could see the elders and the Ada'na. She caught the eye of Kii and smiled secretly inside. How her little friend's eyes sparkled at the sight of the Ada'na wearing her creation. Taikiuu felt her back straighten even more under her young servant’s inspection.
Doud watched the Ada'na from a distance. He felt the stirring of a rage he had not known existed. Somehow Taikiuu radiated power and serenity, when she should have been a broken vessel by now. He had lowered her food rations by half, not allowing her more in a day than a small child would eat in one meal. Still her face beamed with vitality and strength. He would find a way to bend her to his will. Doud had plans that did not fit in with the Ada'na's view of the People or their future. Sirion, his daughter, lounged at his side and when he glanced at her comely face she smiled with malice.
Jon'lan stood at a distance observing the people gathering together for some type of ceremony or festival. He wasn't familiar with Hetmos customs but he assumed that their ceremonies were much like his own. He saw the woman referred to as the Ada'na seated upon a platform raised high above those gathered together. She was positioned so that all could see her, even at a distance. He wondered if this was at her request or at the request of the elders seated in a half circle to her right and to her left. The people quieted as the drums began to beat rhythmically sending pulses of sound through the air.
Jon'lan felt his heart begin to beat along with the rythym of the drums. His eyes focused again on the Ada'na and for a moment he could not tell if it was the dimming sunlight or the brilliance of her white doeskin tunic that made it seem as if she glowed. He blinked and the glow was gone.
Rubbing his fingers over his eyes, Jon'lan decided that he was overly tired from his travels. His body ached to lie down, but his curiosity held him securely anchored in the shadows of those gathered for the ceremony. Jon'lan listened closely as the elders each murmured their approval. The Ada'na remained quiet, but her eyes were alert and watchful.
"Ten days of fasting have the twin girls served in the women's Haik and now they are purified and ready to be sent as a willing sacrifice to the gods of the mountain." Doud spoke slowly keeping an eager eye on the crowd. He motioned for Selek to step forward and watched as the man did so with shoulders bowed as if from a great burden. Taikiuu saw that this man was a far cry from the man whom only a few days ago had given his two daughters as live sacrifices. The crowd parted as Selek's young daughters were led to the front of the assembly.
Their wrists were bound and their faces bore a haunted look that no child's face should hold. Taikiuu noticed that the girls had lost weight and from the look of their hollowed cheeks they had not eaten for many days. She felt the urge to rush forward and strike Selek for his failure to protect his innocent children. Taikiuu reigned in her anger waiting for the right moment. Over the last few days she had done nothing but think long and hard about what would appease the elders in replacement of these two children's lives. After many sleepless nights she had come to a decision.
Jon'lan felt his blood surge with anger at the sight of the two girl children being pulled forward by the women of the village. He couldn't make out all of the words but surely these children could not be guilty of any crime. He watched as the Ada'na looked upon them and then as if by force she looked away. Now the man Jon'lan assumed was their father stood with his head bowed as he addressed the elders. "Is there any other way...Is there any other way to appease the gods but still save my daughters alive. Perhaps..." Selek looked up sharply as Doud hissed through his teeth and he felt his very heart quiver when he looked into those dark, cold eyes that seemed to know no mercy. "Silence!" Doud roared and even the crowd quieted immediately.
Selek knew even from the very first moment the words left his mouth that he might be ensuring his own death. Yet he could not live with the sacrifice of two such beloved daughters. A part of him wondered if he would be making this objection if it were his youngest girl child that stood before him weeping.
He felt hate for his faithless second wife radiate up from some dark place, it was because of her that he offered the elders his youngest daughter to begin with. She was to blame for forcing him into this position. He felt a cold chill and looked up onto the platform to see the Ada'na looking at him as if his mind and thoughts were laid bare before her. In that second he glanced over to his first wife who was holding the youngest girl firmly by the neck. Now was the time to act.
Taking a deep breath he spoke, "I beg of you, my elders, please listen to my words, it is in fear of the future of our village that I make this request. Do not take my twin girls as a sacrifice to the mountains, but instead take this one," He reached for the younger child, grasping her by her hair. "She is young and easily trained. Surely she is a better gift to the mountains. Let my two older girls marry as I have planned for them." Selek felt a sway in the mood of the crowd and the elders appeared to listen to his words. He pushed the girl onto her knees in front of him, as he held her by the hair.
"Take her and do with her what you will." Looking to his wife for approval he did not see the fury that filled the eyes of the Ada'na. Before Doud could respond Taikiuu raised her staff which signaled that she would speak. All of the elders inclined their heads to Taikiuu’s servant, Kii, as her young voice rang clear across the assembly.
"Elders, if a sacrifice is what you require then please allow me to be the one to make it." Taikiuu breathed and continued to communicate by hand signs so that Kii could translate her words into speech. For many comings of the moon the elders had pressured Taikiuu to do what no other Ada'na before her had done. Marry by their choice. Taikiuu remained steadfast in her resistance, refusing to marry any man but that of her own choosing. Yet the elders wanted an alliance with a powerful family and to them she was only a commodity, something to be sold off or used for their benefit.
In a strong clear voice Kii continued to speak for Taikiuu, "I will marry a man of your choosing, on three conditions. The first condition is that no child or person of the People be sacrificed to the mountains, at this time or at any time in the future. The second condition is that Selek's younger daughter, come serve me for as long as I require. The third condition is that I be allowed to pass on the title of Ada'na to my firstborn daughter or a girl child of the People of my choosing as has been the right of each Ada’na before me, from time beyond beginning. Those are my conditions." Taikiuu sank into a graceful kneel, awa
iting the words that would condemn her future.
Jon'lan listened intently as the girl that served the woman somehow interpreted the hand signs and spoke words for her. Was it possible then that the woman was unable to speak or hear? Jon'lan did not think it was the latter, for she appeared to be listening to the words being said by the youngest elder.
Drawn by the need to hear every detail Jon'lan found himself moving closer to the platform. He carefully pushed his way forward until he was close enough to the raised platform to see every feature of the young woman’s lovely face.
His eyes took in the man that offered his daughters to the mountain that rumbled even now and then he looked at the young child whose father held her by the hair. He bristled as he watched tears streak down her young face and he wanted to destroy the man that would abuse a child in such a cruel way.
Doud was silent as he listened to the Ada'na's words, he watched as those in the crowd waited breathlessly for his response. The Ada'na had done exactly as he hoped she would, truly, he could not have planned it better. Surely the gods smiled upon him this day. Doud allowed his glance to alight briefly upon the woman and then he caught the determined glint in his daughter’s eye, noting that Sirion looked pleased.
Finally he looked out upon the crowd and spoke, "I will accept your terms Ada'na of the People. This day you will marry before the sun has rested and the moon rises." The crowd began to buzz with excitement as Doud conferred with the other elders for a moment and then he spoke triumphantly. "We have chosen Marad to be your mate."
Taikiuu looked at Doud and for the first time in her life she felt a feeling close to hate. Calmly she held herself with her back stiff and her head erect, using her walking stick to rise to her feet and stand. She would not flinch at his cold-hearted decree. If being forced to marry Marad was the worst they could do to her then she would endure. Although it was a brave thought her insides trembled at the idea of Marad as her future lifemate.
Jon'lan heard the elders words translated to him in trader's pigeon and his heart nearly stopped. The Ada'na was to marry the warrior with no soul. Anger blazed through Jon'lan and he felt a familiar surge of power as his body readied itself for battle, with a quick breath he sought calm.
His eyes met those of the woman who stood with a royal bearing upon the platform. Jon'lan asked the man next to him if there was any way that the woman would not have to marry Marad. The man looked at him as if he had spoken blasphemy. Jon'lan felt a tug on the back of his tunic; he turned to find the old woman who had sought him out earlier in the day standing before him now.
"Grandmother." Jon'lan spoke the word with respect, for surely a woman of her age, with a crown of silver hair, deserved to be treated with such. He leaned down to hear what she would say to him, sensing that her words would be important.
"Challenge Marad and you shall have her." The woman spoke so quietly that Jon'lan feared he had not heard her correctly.
But the intense look that burned in her eyes only reinforced her words. Jon'lan straightened until he reached his full height; it could not be that this old woman was suggesting that he challenge the warrior. He was obviously one of the most feared warriors of the village and no matter how beautiful the woman, it was not his place to interfere.
Yet, as he looked at the woman who would sacrifice her future for the well being of innocent children he felt his heart harden with resolve. Jon'lan had put away his desire to fight many seasons ago. Yet the old woman's words flamed the fire in Jon'lan's heart, one that had started to burn from the first moment he looked upon the beautiful woman. He was a fool; he knew it even as he pushed through the crowd, making his way steadily to the dais where the Ada'na and elders were seated. The crowd began to part for him as he edged closer.
In a loud voice Jon'lan cried out, "I will fight for her hand in marriage."
The crowd began to talk all at once and Jon'lan did not flinch under the gaze of Doud. Instead he looked steadily at the Ada'na, wishing that he at least knew the name of the one whom he would die for this day.
Chapter Four
Taikiuu looked at the trader who surely knew that he risked death with his challenge for her hand. It was foreign to her that anyone would try to save her. She realized that he must have an ulterior motive for his actions, but at this point she didn't care.
Surely a marriage to the trader would be better than a marriage to Marad. She ignored the part of her heart that wished the trader fought for her under entirely different circumstances.
Amongst her people Marad was much feared and he was known as a manslayer. She had no desire to be his lifemate. The idea of living as Marad’s woman only filled her heart with despair and as she looked upon the face of the trader, Taikiuu felt her heart swell with hope.
Doud bit back his quick response to the trader’s challenge, watching the crowd as they swelled with excitement, some even began to murmur a war chant. Doud knew that this was an opportunity to bring glory and honor to his village.
Instead of forcing the woman to marry a man of his choosing he would give her to the man that still stood in a fight to the death. Allowing Marad, their most feared warrior, to best the trader in a fight would feed his grandson’s thirst for glory. He allowed the tension to rise until it was almost unbearable. Only then did he hold up his hands demanding the attention of all gathered.
"If you dare to challenge our greatest warrior for this woman’s hand, it will be so.” He smiled as he saw the trader’s face alight with hope and he ignored his daughter’s gasp. “But it will be a fight to the death and he who remains standing will be given the right to have the Ada’na as lifemate.”
Doud’s words caused the crowd to surge with excitement. Some began to chant loudly, while others sought the best position to see what was to come. Jon’lan did not allow himself to flinch under the old man’s penetrating gaze.
His eyes shifted to the woman on the platform and he saw that she approved of his challenge. Her approval solidified his determination to fight for her hand and as the crowd parted Jon’lan braced himself for what was to come.
Taikiuu rose gracefully to her feet and made her way down from the dais, parting the crowd with just a look as she made her way to stand face to face with the trader. Taking one of the white feathers that Kii used to adorn her hair Taikiuu placed this under the man’s arm band.
Jon’lan felt the woman’s soft touch as her fingers fluttered over his arm and he held very still, careful not to frighten her with any movement. Finally when she was satisfied that he had received a sign of her favor she stepped back raising her eyes to meet his.
Taikiuu was satisfied to see that his gaze, held no hint of fear, but only grim determination to face the task at hand. She allowed her face to reveal her hope that he would win this fight. She wished that he could see that she would willingly become his lifemate even though it would mean abandoning the only village that she had ever known. Jon’lan had never experienced such a wealth of communication in just a glance and he found it both surprising and endearing.
Before him stood a woman that his mother and sister would claim as their own, a woman that he could be proud to bring to his hearth fire. Never before had he met anyone that could so easily lay claim to his heart, if with nothing more than the unspoken promise that he saw in her eyes.
He heard a war cry from behind him and turned just in time to block the blow of the warrior called Marad. Jon’lan used his hands and arms to deflect the man’s bone crushing fists. From the corner of his vision he saw the woman standing with hands clasped and face upturned to the sky.
The next few moments slowed almost to a standstill as Jon’lan used all of his skill to defend himself against the warrior that sought his death. He used his hands and feet in a way that was completely unfamiliar to the people of Hetmos. Marad attacked again and again. This time he came at Jon’lan with his knife raised for a killing blow and each time Jon’lan was able to deflect his blow before the knife ever touched him.
Taikiuu kept her face turned to the sky as she willed strength into the trader that fought for both of their lives and the life of the young girl who served her.
She closed her eyes for a moment and sent a silent prayer to the heavens, even as she raised her palms in supplication. She opened her eyes suddenly as the very air around them began to change.
The crowd didn’t hear the rumbling sound at first as their cheers and shouting drowned out all else, but suddenly the noise was so loud that it shattered the world around them. The sunlight dimmed and suddenly massive clouds formed even as the two men fought.
Marad had yet to draw first blood and Jon’lan remained on the defensive looking for the first sign of weakness. No one in the crowd had offered him a knife and Jon’lan realized that it would take all of his skill to fight Marad and win. The man was a formidable opponent.
Sudden thunder and lightning flashed from overhead. The sky seemed to rip in two as the mountain shook the very ground where the assembly was standing.
The dark clouds overhead were like nothing that Jon’lan had ever witnessed, but it wasn’t rain, instead it was ash that began to fall. Taikiuu let out a piercing scream the likes of which Jon’lan had never heard before and while Jon’lan did not want to allow his attention to drift he noticed that even the warrior who panted in front of him like a wild animal had turned his attention to the woman who beseeched the heavens.
Stepping far out of the reach of the warrior’s knife Jon’lan looked at the woman and then followed her gaze to the clouds of billowing smoke that were rolling with a life of their own from the mountain that covered most of the island home of Hetmos. The crowd around him stilled almost as one and with a collective gasp of breath, everyone watched as the world around them seemed to implode. W
Keeper of the People (Book One) Page 5