Keeper of the People (Book One)

by Karah Quinney

  Hawk returned twice and landed on Jon’lan’s extended arm carefully walking up to perch on his shoulder, his talon’s tearing into the special padding that Jon’lan had sewn there. Jon’lan had not been able to break the bird of the habit of finding the highest perch on his body. Thankfully Hawk did not find his head a comfortable roosting spot.

  The special padding that he clamped his talons on had to be replaced frequently as it was. After finding his perch on Jon’lan’s shoulder Hawk would then look at Jon’lan in a bored fashion that let him know nothing was amiss. Finally on his third flight Jon’lan heard the rapid beat of wings and ducked just in time to see Hawk swoop right over his head, talon’s extended as if for a landing.

  Jon’lan knew that this meant Hawk had spotted something up ahead, but whether it was an animal foraging for food or Hetmos warriors come to seek vengeance Jon’lan could not know for sure. He had tried to teach Hawk many things, but teaching him how to speak in words that he could understand was beyond his abilities.

  Instead he had learned Hawk’s way of communicating; usually attempts to land on Jon’lan’s head meant danger. Jon’lan readied his bow and arrow, set the bird in the highest possible branch and found a good place to wait. Hawk had not flown far before returning to Jon’lan’s side. Whatever or whomever approached would not be far behind.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Roark saw the hawk circle above his head and then soar away and if he believed in omens this would not be a good one. Usually when birds circled overhead it meant that they had found something worth circling, like a dead or dying animal. Roark did not know exactly why this bird found him so interesting, but as the bird made a first and second pass overhead he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and that surely meant danger was nearby.

  Roark did the only thing he could do without knowing exactly what he faced, he loosened his grip on his warrior’s spear and walked onward. Many men upon going into battle made the mistake of tightening their hands, clenching their entire body, making ready for what was to come. Roark had learned through experience that the best way to face an enemy was when you were relaxed, every muscle loose and anticipating the next move.

  This tactic had kept Roark alive for twenty-nine comings and goings of the seasons and he depended on it each time he was forced to fight. He made his way stealthily through the trees, careful to listen for any sound that would betray the presence of another.

  Roark had an advantage, he was certain that this land was most likely uninhabited except for the trader and the Ada’na. If they were nearby then that was a good thing, for they were the reason that he had come. Suddenly he heard a screech and as he turned his head he was just able to make out the lily white coloring of the bird’s feathers. It was the eagle that had circled above him earlier and at that moment he remembered that the trader had possessed such a bird.

  He wasn’t sure if this was the same one, he had only seen it once in passing as he had walked by the trader’s supplies and the bird had seemed to be perched there on the boat guarding the packs. Roark laughed quietly to himself at the time, wondering what type of fool would expect a bird to sit as a guardsman, but now he wondered if perhaps he wasn’t the fool.

  He lowered his spear until it was balanced over his right foot with the spearhead pointing into the ground, putting his arms above his head he waved them back and forth and said quietly, “I come alone, I am no longer a Hetmos warrior and I am no longer led by Marad.” Suddenly Roark realized that, if it was the trader watching him, then the other man may not speak the language. Roark quickly repeated himself in trader’s pigeon.

  Jon’lan looked at the man who had laid down his weapon and now stood with his arms raised with his fingers interlocked behind his head. He knew the man was a Hetmos warrior by his clothing alone, but he had heard the man deny that he followed Marad, the warrior that he challenged for Taikiuu’s hand. Jon’lan was not sure whether to slay the man where he stood or face him. Honor finally made the decision for him for he could not kill a man in an unfair fight.

  Taking his time he approached the stranger, knowing the moment that he showed himself would prove whether the man spoke truth or not. Jon’lan had not made any noise as he approached the man and when he stood ten paces behind him he was surprised to hear the stranger say, “May I turn around now?” and then repeat himself in trader’s pigeon. Jon’lan did not know how the man knew he was there for he had truly made no sound.

  “How did you know I stood here?” Jon’lan spoke fluently in the Aztlan tongue, he took time to practice the language with his new family and now he spoke with barely any accent at all.

  Roark was surprised by the man’s easy way with their language, even as he answered him. “Your bird gave you away. He follows you with his eyes waiting for your command.”

  If Jon’lan had not been so worried about a band of Hetmos warriors spreading around him even as he stood talking with the man he might have been amused. Few people paid so much attention to an animal.

  “Where are your men?” Jon’lan asked, recognizing this man as a higher ranking warrior, surely he had followers. Upon hearing his question Jon’lan watched as the man’s face contorted with distaste.

  “I am no longer a Hetmos warrior. I no longer consider those men my brothers.” Roark spit upon the ground to show his disdain for men that he once considered brothers. Roark spoke calmly, but what he wanted to do was to turn around and grab the trader by his tunic and shake him until he told him where to find the woman who could save his wife. Still the rational side of him realized that he could not win everything by brawn alone, he must do some things with words and logic. He also realized that although Jon’lan stood with a seemingly relaxed pose, he would be a formidable opponent if riled.

  “You do not travel alone.” Jon’lan spoke with authority, knowing that he was missing something, even though the man’s words rang true.

  “I am alone at present. I had to leave my woman and our children behind in order to find help. My wife is sick, possibly dying and I need the help of the Ada’na.” Roark was not used to speaking so many words, he felt winded when he finished and Jon’lan seemed to sense this.

  “You may turn around, fear no harm from me.” Jon’lan lowered his weapon as Roark turned to face him. He was taken aback by the man’s face, that tattoos that he wore gave him a formidable visage. Still, Jon’lan had listened to the man and he heard the emotion in his voice when he spoke of his wife and children. As for Roark he was not certain himself why he told Jon’lan that Giad and Yaa were his children, but as he thought it over the idea seemed to grow until it warmed his heart. He would have to speak to Giad about it further.

  “I ask only that the Ada’na help my wife. She will not awaken no matter what I try and she burns with fever.” Roark did not know what it would take to convince the man to help him, but he was willing to try anything.

  “I cannot tell you if my wife will help your woman, I can only ask her to do so and she must choose it if she wishes. I will send a message to her but for now let us return to your woman and children.” Jon’lan did not know where the words came from but even as he spoke he realized that it was the best thing to do.

  He did not dare take the man back to their camp and it was a far walk as it was, they were closer to the passage that had brought them to this valley. He whistled for Hawk and headed back the way Roark had come. Jon’lan effortlessly followed the trail of the warrior as the bird soared over head. Roark watched in open surprise until the trader disappeared into the woods, finally he shook himself and started eagerly after him.

  Roark was naturally a man of few words and at first he did not know what to do. Should he force the trader to take him to his wife? Even thinking of the Ada’na as anyone’s wife seemed amazing and beyond belief; still the trader said the word so naturally that Roark knew that it was not a lie. How would the man send a message to the woman? Roark took this to mean that there was someone nearby perhaps just out of sigh
t that would follow them back to Star Feather and the children.

  It did not seem that he had much choice and if the roles were reversed he knew that he would do the same thing. He did wonder for a moment that the trader would walk in front of him taking him at his word that he was no longer a warrior of Marad.

  But even as he thought this he saw that the bird Hawk rode on Jon’lan’s shoulder not facing forward, but backwards, staring directly at Roark. It seemed the bird would watch Jon’lan’s back, warning him of any trouble and once again Roark wondered who had played the fool.

  Jon’lan saw Rhea keeping pace with him in his peripheral vision, she seemed to think this was a game and she was enjoying it if the sight of her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth was any indication. Jon’lan heard Roark shout out a warning just as Rhea lunged into Jon’lan’s path stepping lightly over sticks and fallen leaves to run over to Jon’lan for a scratch and sniff.

  Since Jon’lan blocked Rhea from any threat posed by Roark he did not caution the man against throwing his spear. Roark stopped in his tracks, his mouth hanging wide open as he watched the man lightly run his fingers over the cat’s large head and affectionately swipe at its tongue which hung halfway out of the cat’s mouth.

  Roark had never before seen a panther and he did not know the name of the cat, but the animal was massive and surely wild. In his mind Jon’lan had somehow charmed the beast persuading it not to attack. He could not fathom how this was possible, but he did not doubt what his eyes were seeing. Jon’lan knew that this must look strange to the man, but he respected the man’s ability to keep silent even skirting around Jon’lan and Rhea to take up the lead.

  Roark’s attempt to warn Jon’lan of the danger he felt Rhea represented solidified Jon’lan’s instinct to trust the man. Jon’lan silently thanked the cat for her help. Roark set off at a fast pace, wanting to hurry back to Star Feather and the children, eager to return to the people and things that were familiar to him.

  Jon’lan easily kept up with the warrior, allowing Hawk to take flight above them and careful not to trip over Rhea who jumped into his path from time to time as he ran. Jon’lan could not help but smile to himself as the cat ran at his side, Anaay had been disappointed to learn that his brother cat was actually female, but Jon’lan had taken him aside and explained some of the basic facts of nature to him.

  Anaay’s face had flamed when Jon’lan explained the identifying factors of a male animal compared to a female. But Jon’lan had continued talking of other things ignoring the boy’s embarrassment even going on to tell him that since Rhea was female they could hope for a litter if she were to find a suitable mate here in the valley. This seemed to mollify Anaay and they were able to talk of other matters.

  Jon’lan called Rhea back as she caught the scent of what he suspected was the warrior’s woman and the children that he claimed were with him. They had traveled many hands of time and the sun was now lower in the sky.

  “You will go first and if I sense a trap, you will be the first to die.” Jon’lan said the words simply, but it was not an easy thing for him. He hated killing and he was tired of death. Still if this man led him into a trap then he deserved to die for it. His instincts told him that the way was clear even before the man spoke.

  “I am a man of my word, just as I hope you are a man of yours. There is no trap.” Roark spoke softly and then much louder he called out for Giad and Yaa. He waited patiently and was not surprised when Giad swung down from a nearby tree asking simply. “Have you found the Ada’na?”

  Jon’lan followed the boy and the warrior until they led him to a woman and a small girl. After checking the woman’s condition he immediately removed his bandana and tied this around Hawk’s ankle sending the bird off with a command for home. Hawk had already learned how to navigate the cavern and enter the cave. Jon’lan only hoped that the bird would do so this time and not become distracted along the way.

  It was obvious to him that the woman needed help and he only hoped that Taikiuu would understand his message. He instructed Roark to help him build a travois. They would make better time by setting off to meet Taikiuu than waiting for her here. Also Jon’lan did not like being so exposed by the passageway that had brought him here. If the warrior found his way here then surely Marad could as well.

  Giad watched as Jon’lan and Roark set about cutting small trees to form a litter upon which they planned to carry Star Feather. The woman had not stirred during the entire time that Roark was gone. Giad hoped that she would wake soon and he wished that she would be well. It was obvious to him that her son needed her.

  The baby had awoken several times and each time Yaa fed him tepid water mixed with a little stew and the baby sputtered and cried until Yaa could rock him fitfully back to sleep. If the child did not nurse soon he would grow weak and die. Giad did not want the baby to die. But perhaps no one wanted Star Feather well as much as Roark.

  After much preparation he gently laid his wife on the carrier and hefted both her pack and his unto his back. Giad had his own pack to carry and now he carried Yaa’s as well since she had her hands full with the baby. Jon’lan saw Roark’s dilemma and without comment he shouldered the second pack, making it easier for both of them to carry their load. Roark was humbled by the man’s trust in him and he only hoped that the woman whom his village had revered would be able to cure his wife from what ailed her. If not, he would truly be lost.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Anaay studied the horizon, it was past midday and Jon’lan should have returned by now. They had waited as long as possible and then prepared the morning meal. Anaay noticed that Taikiuu lifted her head at the slightest noise searching for her husband and when he did not appear she would quickly look away. Kii sat behind Taikiuu braiding her hair, but her mother was making the task difficult by jerking her head up at every sound. Kii sighed which made Taikiuu turn to face her with raised eyebrows and this made Mar-ee laugh.

  The little one’s laughter seemed to break the tense mood that had fallen over the small band since eating the midday meal without Jon’lan. Now as they turned to look at the little girl who played with Owl in the sand they were startled to hear her call out “Hawk come!” as she had seen Jon’lan do countless times since coming to this valley.

  Everyone looked to the sky to see Hawk circle once and then head towards them in a smooth glide landing effortlessly upon the rock where Anaay sat. Taikiuu was on her feet, peering anxiously around the large boulder that sheltered their cave from view expecting to see Jon’lan at any moment. But when he did not appear she turned and looked closely at Hawk who seemed agitated.

  She noticed that he had something tied around one of his talons and as she drew closer she saw that it was Jon’lan’s bandana. She gasped at first not able to comprehend what her eyes were telling her, Jon’lan had taken to wearing the bandana during their long journey.

  “We must go to him.” Taikiuu signed to Kii, she had been practicing her words secretly with Jon’lan during the long hours of the night and slowly she was beginning to speak out loud to others. But after enduring silence for so long, her first response was to sign.

  Kii nodded her head, looking expectantly at Anaay. When Jon’lan was gone, Anaay was the head of the band in his place. Even Taikiuu found herself looking at him for direction. The boy stood tall listening as Kii translated Taikiuu’s signs to him.

  When Anaay spoke his words were wise beyond his years. “Jon’lan surely meant this as a message, to let us know that he cannot come to us, or that he has perhaps been injured. Kii you must stay with Mar-ee and see to her well-being. Taikiuu you and I must go to Jon’lan, please bring whatever healing things you may need.”

  Taikiuu nodded, thankful for Anaay’s calm manner and assertive position. He would be a great leader one day and she knew that he appreciated her difference to him, even though she was older and Jon’lan’s wife. She quickly gathered her pouches, which contained many healing herbs and medicines. She always c
arried a few things tied to her waist, but here in this valley she had found much to add to her collection. There were many plants that she had never seen before and so she was only now testing them for various uses. She had recently stumbled upon a plant with prickly thorns that numbed the skin if pricked and though Mar-ee had not found it helpful when she tumbled into such a bush, Taikiuu had seen unlimited possibilities for such a plant.

  Within moments she was ready to travel and signaled to Anaay. She kissed Kii and Mar-ee, hugging them tightly to her before admonishing Mar-ee to listen to her older sister.

  Kii watched as Anaay and her mother started off in search of Jon’lan. She held Mar-ee up high so that the little girl could see them until they at last disappeared over a ridge. Settling Mar-ee on her hip the little girl looked at Kii and raised her hands in question and Kii immediately found herself signing back to the child without realizing that the little girl had picked up the meaning of their hand signals. Kii answered Mar-ee with words saying, “Mother has gone to find father and she will bring him back shortly.”

  Mar-ee simply nodded her head at Kii’s words, believing with unfailing trust that her parents would return for her. The little girl could indeed remember her other parents, but each day as her new mother and father cared for her, sharing affection and discipline and love with her, those other parents faded in her memory. The scars from past beatings had begun to fade and with it Mar-ee’s spirit had begun to blossom.

  The little girl sat proudly imitating the set of her mother’s shoulders and the tilt of her chin. She could no longer imagine any other family and she believed her sister Kii when she promised that mother and father would return. Kii was kind to her as she held her high up whenever she carried her so that Mar-ee could see far ahead just like big people.