Keeper of the People (Book One)

by Karah Quinney

  “I will walk with you.” Kii responded solemnly, sure that her parents would not mind, especially with Giad here with them.

  Anaay held out his hand and Kii reached out, closing the distance between them. It was the first time that they had touched with a purpose and Anaay found that he had to force himself not to hold onto her too tightly. Kii hoped that her palms remained dry, her heart was beating with a staccato rhythm that she was certain Anaay could hear.

  “Why don’t you two just get married? I don’t understand what all the fuss is about.” Giad called to them even as they walked a short distance from him.

  Kii blushed to the roots of her hair and Anaay looked at her wondering why she was embarrassed. It sounded like a good suggestion to him. He thought perhaps he had spent too much time as Boy Alone, in the wild with only the animals to talk to and learn from. But Jon’lan had assured him that women were just another type of animal, different from man.

  Already Anaay was learning that when Kii looked down at the ground it was to hide her thoughts from his prying eyes, not because she was shy. Her face spoke clearly of her feelings and he wondered why she would want to hide the secrets of her heart from him.

  “Do you know how I feel about you, Kii?” Anaay spoke quietly careful that his voice did not carry to Giad. If the boy leaned any further in their direction he would fall over where he rested on his hunches.

  “I am a woman of your band. You wish to protect me always.” Kii spoke hopefully waiting for him to explain himself.

  “I would protect you and my hearth mother and aunt with my life. Always. Whether you become my mate or not. I will protect Yaa and Mar-ee in the same way. But what I feel for you is hard to explain with words. Yet I cannot truly show you until we join.” Anaay spoke as if reasoning with himself on the matter. It was finally evident to him why he couldn’t speak of his feelings with ease. His feelings for Kii were too many to ever put into words. “The way I feel for you would take a lifetime to explain.”

  Anaay sighed when Kii squeezed his hand gently. She raised her eyes to meet his steady gaze and he was relieved to see that her face mirrored his own words.

  “I feel the same way. It would take a lifetime to explain.” Kii whispered breathlessly as Anaay pulled her close into the circle of his embrace. She trembled with a delicious shiver at his touch, his arms were muscled and strong. He had also gained weight since she first met him and he looked wonderful and sure of himself, but it was his steady heart that she loved.

  “Perhaps I may kiss your hand?” Anaay whispered into the fragrant scent of her hair and when she nodded he stepped away from her so that he could look into her eyes. He held her hand in his own and he turned it over so that he could see her palm. Her hand looked tiny as he clasped it with his own and he raised her palm to his lips and kissed it gently, reverently. Kii closed her eyes so that she could remember this moment for all of her life. She smiled as he grinned at her as if he had just accomplished a great feat. “May I ask your father if I may become your lifemate?”

  Kii studied him as he watched her with an earnest expression. She knew that she could never be false with Anaay, he could easily read her soul. Jon’lan had asked only that she know her own feelings before accepting him as her mate. Kii remembered that her father had also asked her not to make their courtship too easy on Anaay.

  “You may ask.” Kii said simply giving him no further encouragement or indication of her answer. “I must return to our band.” Kii almost laughed aloud when Anaay’s mouth fell open in a stunned expression. She turned to go and then looked back at him over one shoulder, perfectly imitating the body language that her mother displayed for her father’s eyes alone. Anaay gasped as he clearly saw the outline of Kii’s form, the wind howled as it swirled snow around them but Kii and Anaay felt only the warmth of their newly found love.

  Chapter Forty

  Giad smiled when the couple returned to the fire where they stared at each other before Kii turned to head back to their band. Anaay watched her until she was safely within the firelight of their camp. Giad finished the last of the stew and smacked his lips at the delicious taste. Anaay glared at him briefly before ruffling his hair and taking out a bit of the dried meat that they each carried. “You could have left a bit for me.” Anaay said without any true malice.

  “I could have, but then you could have spent less time staring at Kii and more time eating.” Giad grinned when Anaay threw a small stick his way, which he easily dodged.

  “One day you will feel love and you will know that it fills your soul. There is no need for food with such a feeling.” Anaay confessed in a rare moment of true conversation. Giad was used to one word answers from Anaay, as he was a solitary figure. He wondered if love had loosened Anaay’s tongue or perhaps the man felt less alone, now that he had found someone to share his life with. Giad wasn’t sure, but whatever the case, he liked the happy shine of his hearth brother’s eyes.

  The Old One sat around the hearth fire the next morning watching as everyone made preparations to leave. The men helped the women whenever needed and the women assisted each other and the little children. The Old One noticed that the girl child called Yaa watched him from the corner of her eye; she was a guarded child, for one of such tender years. The little girl named Mar-ee stared at him in unabashed curiosity and he smiled at her fondly whenever she caught his eye. She reminded him of his son’s daughters, perhaps already they had forgotten him.

  Young ones quickly forgot those who came before them as they were wrapped up in the need to survive their daily lives. The Old One felt saddened as he thought of his sons and their wives and children. Perhaps they honored him with stories and songs around their hearth fires, perhaps not. He was struck by the beauty of the three women, the youngest one was barely more than a girl, yet she walked with poise and grace.

  Mar-ee’s mother captured his interest immediately, although she had not spoken a word to him, except to smile in welcome, he was captivated by the aura of power that surrounded her. She held her shoulders back and her head erect as she appraised all those around her.

  The Old One marveled at the small band that he had followed for many sunsets. Often he told himself to cease following them and to return to the mountain that would carry him to the land of his forefathers. Yet their very nearness called out to him. He had survived for many moons alone in the barren mountains. Often he had gone hungry or thirsty as he waited for his death. But death had never come for him even as he sought it, for the betterment of his people. He pondered these things as he sat around the dying hearth fire, waiting for someone to tell him what to do or where to go. Perhaps this band would also banish him to the wind. He would not hope for anything more.

  Taikiuu watched the Old One as he watched them. The man made no preparations to leave and he did not speak even as they moved around him, gathering their things and making ready to go. Taikiuu touched Star Feather’s hand as the woman walked past her while holding her young son.

  “What of the Old One?” Taikiuu whispered as she watched Star Feather’s reaction.

  “I like him.” Star Feather replied, “He has kind eyes. I cannot believe his people cast him to the wind.”

  “Yes and many others before him.” Taikiuu whispered as she watched Star Feather’s eyes widen.

  The women realized that they were walking into an unknown land. They had not allowed themselves to fear whatever dangers waited for them on the other side of the mountain until now. Perhaps there were unfriendly bands that awaited their arrival. Perhaps there were those that would become an enemy to their band.

  Taikiuu looked again at the old man without thinking she cradled her hand protectively over the small mound of her belly. Star Feather glanced down and smiled knowingly. Neither woman spoke of Taikiuu’s pregnancy.

  Both women understood that it would be best to wait until the child moved in the womb before speaking of the pregnancy. Star Feather smiled even as Taikiuu blushed becomingly and her already b
rown complexion made her skin glow like the sun before she lowered her eyes, shielding her gaze with her eyelashes.

  “We will make the Old One welcome. He can tell us much about the new land that we will enter.” Taikiuu gestured and Star Feather followed each word carefully before confirming her agreement.

  “The men are ready to turn him back to the mountain, based upon his smell alone.” Star Feather wrinkled her nose as she remembered the man’s offensive odor. Perhaps he had lost his own sense of smell.

  “We will take care of that this morning. Yaa spotted a waterfall this morning as she scouted the area. Your daughter is fast becoming a wonderful scout.” Star Feather stood still as she took in the Ada’na’s words, for surely this was the Ada’na speaking to her, she bowed her head as she gave the other woman’s words her consideration. At first, it bothered her that Yaa was so full of spirit for a girl and the way that the child followed her brother so closely appeared unseemly. She grimaced delicately as she thought of Yaa’s use of weapons to hunt. In her village growing up such a thing would have never been allowed, but here in this wild land, her daughter’s skills were both necessary and valuable.

  Yet Star Feather remembered how Yaa had painstakingly created a bow and several arrows for Kii and how she helped Mar-ee mend her torn garments. She also remembered that it was Yaa that helped the band find the mammoth, time and time again. Her daughter was everything that a mother could dream of for a girl child and she excelled in areas that Star Feather had never even considered. She smiled gently, accepting the compliment. “Perhaps I will learn how to use a bow and arrow along with your daughter, Kii.”

  “I can teach you when we have time and you could surprise your daughter with your skill.” Taikiuu offered and she almost laughed in delight as Star Feather’s eyes widened in surprise. It had never occurred to Star Feather that another woman, especially the Ada’na knew how to hunt and shoot with a bow and arrow.

  Star Feather gasped slightly at this revelation and then said, “May it be so.”

  Taikiuu pulled Jon’lan aside, early on, before they began their journey. “It is a good thing that we have an old one amongst us, husband.” Taikiuu spoke quietly letting the bitter wind carry her words to her husband. He smiled evenly as he looked over at the Old One who sat at their camp fire.

  “He cannot hunt, he cannot shoot an arrow. I do not see the good, only another mouth to feed on this long journey.” Jon’lan knew that he could speak the truth with his young wife. Jon’lan sighed as he thought of the burden that the older man represented to their band. It was hard enough guiding young children through the rugged terrain, now he had to worry about the fragile bones of an old man.

  Jon’lan respected his elders and he always would, but the safety of the entire band rested squarely on his shoulders. He could not afford a delay. Even now the weather grew colder than they had ever known it to be. He did not want to imagine how they would he keep the little ones warm if they were delayed by even a day. He looked into his wife’s obsidian eyes and saw no judgment there, only warmth and kindness.

  “We will help him on this journey and he will not be a great burden. Already we must walk slowly because of the little ones. He does not walk any slower than your daughter.” Taikiuu reasoned with him as she thought of Mar-ee who grew tired of being carried and needed to walk and stretch her legs as any growing child would.

  “We will travel with him today and see how he does. I cannot stand the smell of the man at the moment and perhaps that alone is clouding my judgment.” Jon’lan admitted, even as his wife squeezed his hand in appreciation. She had never asked him for anything, not even his protection or love. She freely offered her heart to him and now she carried his child nestled in the protection of her womb. He could not deny her this and he truly did not have the heart to send the old man back into the wild of the mountain alone, to die.

  “I have already asked Kii and Star Feather to assist the Old One with his bathing.” Taikiuu gestured towards the fire and Jon’lan saw that Kii and Star Feather had fashioned their bedding furs into a small tent that would allow the Old One to warm his bones after bathing. There was nothing to be done about the old man’s clothing, it would need to be washed or perhaps burned.

  “I will offer him a spare traveling garment.” Jon’lan decided as he thought of the chill the old man would face without proper clothing.

  Taikiuu stopped him with only the brilliance of her smile and he stared at her in wonder as she said, “I thank you husband.”

  Jon’lan felt proud to be her husband, especially when she looked at him as if he arranged the moon, the stars and the heavens above. He felt his back straighten in pride and his shoulders square. He wondered for a moment if his wife understood the effect that she had on him, as a man. He studied her beautiful almond shaped eyes even as she turned her face up for his kiss. The warmth of her lips distracted him from his thoughts.

  Her small hands tugged at his parka and leg coverings and he laughed at her display of eagerness. Jon’lan allowed his mind to be distracted from his duties and took a few more moments to be alone with his wife before heading back to their sleeping place. As Taikiuu came willingly into his arms he wondered what he had been concerned about at the beginning of their conversation, he could not remember. Nor did he want to think of anything or anyone, except for his wife and the warmth of her body as she pressed against him.

  Star Feather sighed in relief as Kii assisted her with helping the Old One to wash by the waterfall. She had sacrificed the last of her soap root, but getting the Old One clean had been worth the loss. Kii smiled in silent agreement even as Jon’lan and Taikiuu returned to the campfire. Jon’lan went through one of his trade packs and pulled out a clean parka which he handed to Kii who smiled her thanks.

  Star Feather knew that Jon’lan sacrificed his trading goods and she marveled at the kindness the man displayed. Only in her own village had she seen older ones treated with true respect for their wisdom and age. Yet, Jon’lan and Taikiuu naturally took care of those weaker and less able to care for themselves.

  Star Feather felt pride at becoming a part of such a wonderful band. She thought of her own much loved grandfather and it made the chore of helping the Old One to dress much easier. He was not so bad, now that he was clean. The tent of furs that Kii had quickly created was warm and comfortable. The Old One wanted to stay inside, but he could not turn his back on the kindness these unknown people displayed to him.

  Jon’lan led the band with their extra member walking between Kii and Star Feather. Roark brought up the rear, while Anaay scouted far ahead with Giad. The young man had stolen a moment alone with Kii and had not been satisfied until she blushed crimson at his teasing. Jon’lan scowled at the young man, but it was only a show and Anaay seemed to sense this as he ran back to the lead with Giad at his heels.

  Jon’lan thought of his wife who walked at his back with Mar-ee tethered to her waist. He could almost see her in his mind’s eye and he knew that she too was thinking of their lovemaking, how well they fit together and how right they were for each other. Jon’lan had always believed in the many gods that his people worshipped, this was the teaching from long ago. There were gods for all things.

  Yet something about one Creator, one great being seemed right to fit together in the recesses of his spirit and he marveled as this idea began to form and take hold of his heart. His wife was a wise woman, even though she was a few seasons younger than his own twenty three seasons. Already she was a mother to two daughters, with another child on the way. He smiled to himself as he thought of how his own mother would view his wife. His mother would see Taikiuu as a mature woman, one that should set an example for the entire band. Jon’lan could easily understand that point of view; even now he hoped that his own daughters would follow in their mother’s blessed footsteps.

  Jon’lan followed the path left by Anaay and Giad as he led his band forward. He realized that they were now walking along the trail of the mammoth. Ya
a chattered behind him in giddy delight. Already she recognized the sign of the mammoth herd. They could not hear the trumpeting of the animals from this distance but Jon’lan knew that it was only a matter of time. Soon they would be close enough to hear the mammoth calling to one another.

  At mid-day, they stopped to rest and Jon’lan saw the excitement in his niece’s eyes. He spoke briefly with Roark and the man chuckled as he agreed that Yaa should be allowed to run ahead and catch up with Giad and Anaay. Yaa took off like a shot with Hawk riding on her shoulder, she would send the bird back once she safely reached Anaay.

  Roark marveled that his small daughter was not afraid of the large hawk that rode on her shoulder as calmly as if he had been born to do so. Jon’lan laughed at that and told the man that so far they had not discovered anything that would scare Roark’s fearless daughter. Roark’s chest puffed out in pride. While he loved Giad, the rough and tumble boy that had become a son to him he had a special affection for Yaa, she was truly the daughter of his heart.

  Yaa crested a steep hill and gasped in delight as she spotted Giad and Anaay up ahead, they traveled swiftly over the uneven ground. She was careful not to trip and fall as she quickly made her way towards them. As soon as she was within eyesight and waved her hand to signal Giad she released Hawk into the air with a command to return to Jon’lan. Hawk circled above them once and then made his way in the direction that she had come from. Anaay and Giad waited for her to keep up.

  “What took you so long?” Giad laughed with mirth at the look of consternation on Yaa’s face.

  “What do you mean?” Yaa asked as she came abreast of her brother, taking up his easy loping stride.