Oh'Dar's Quest

by Leigh Roberts

  Adia ran her eyes over Acaraho as he returned to his thoughts. How she longed to go and put her arms around him. He had so much responsibility on his shoulders, and on top of that, he had taken on raising her two offspring. They were as much a family—in all the ways that defined a family—as any of the others in the community. But through all the years, she still had not found a way to quench her longing to be with him as his mate. They had learned to control their desire for each other by starving it off, allowing only the briefest of physical contact between them—a passing squeeze of a hand, perhaps a brief resting of one on a shoulder. But what they denied each other during the daytime both tried to make up in their imaginations at night.

  Acaraho turned and looked around the room. Most of the others had left by now. Khon’Tor was not in his usual eating area.

  “In the morning, I will have to let Khon’Tor know of my concerns. In the meantime, let me walk you back to your Quarters, Healer.”

  The two walked in silence, savoring the last few moments of each other’s company. Acaraho always accompanied Adia to her Quarters, each simultaneously reaching for and clasping the other’s hand for the briefest moment as they reached her door.

  Once Adia was safely inside, Acaraho returned to his quarters and drifted off to sleep with tender thoughts of Adia and longing for that which would never be theirs to share.

  Years before, Nadiwani had warned Acaraho about the path the two were taking. She knew they cared for each other deeply, but a Healer could never mate, and Acaraho was a robust male who himself had never mated. She feared they were asking more of themselves than was realistically possible, but somehow, it seemed they had never crossed the line. Nadiwani was also forbidden to mate, but she was not presented every day with the object of her desire within arm’s reach.

  Nadiwani was right—Acaraho and Adia had never crossed the line, but they were tortured by their longing for each other. Though forbidden to her, Adia knew that any of the females would jump at the chance to be Acaraho’s mate. She caught how their eyes followed him around the room. If she allowed her thoughts to linger on him for very long—how he towered over most of the People, his expansive shoulders, his broad chest, his dark warm eyes, his strong jawline, his muscular thighs—she would suffer another fitful, sleepless night. She struggled with the thought of abandoning her role as Healer. She was also plagued with guilt that he was giving up for her one of the pleasures of being a male.

  Adia had never established a Connection with Acaraho despite the ability taught to her by Urilla Wuti from the People of the Far High Hills. Urilla Wuti was the Healer who had come to help Adia deliver her twins, Nootau and Nimida. Then Urilla Wuti had taken Nimida back with her to hide the offspring’s existence in what was a highly inflammatory and dangerous situation at Kthama.

  Only once had Adia used her Connection skills with Acaraho. She had sent him a message of intense love, breaking through his rage and stopping him from murdering Khon’Tor at the path’s edge where Hakani had just taken her own life. Adia had not done it for Khon’Tor’s sake. She had feared that Acaraho would be filled with remorse that it was he who had killed Nootau’s natural father.

  Before falling asleep, Adia asked Oh’Dar if he had enjoyed his visit with Is’Taqa and Honovi. He told her he had but was disappointed to return home so suddenly.

  Impulsively, she hugged him and said, “You know, when you were little, Nadiwani and I used to marvel at your creativity. You would combine stacking toys in ways none of the other offspring thought of. And you were always coming up with new uses for everyday items. Even the other females would stare at you and marvel at your inventiveness.

  “I see in use everywhere around Kthama the large water baskets that you came up with. Because your weaves were so fine, we no longer have to use the inconvenient, small baskets for our daily water. Everyone remarks that your woven patterns are better than anyone else’s. And now, because of you, nearly every living area has more than enough water for each family’s daily needs. That one innovation alone has saved everyone a great deal of work carting water back and forth from the Mother Stream. You should be proud of yourself, Oh’Dar. I know I am.”

  Lying on his sleeping mat, Oh’Dar was glad to be home, and at the same time, he was not. He had missed Adia, who was his mother in all respects, and he was glad she was proud of him. He was also pleased to see Nootau. But the minute he was back among the People, he was again starkly reminded that he was an Outsider. And no matter how much he loved them and they loved him in return, there was unrest inside him that their love could not soothe.

  Oh’Dar turned over on his side and spied the stuffed bear that Adia had told him she found when she rescued him. Tattered and worn, it was still his favorite toy. He was far too old for toys, but he did not care. He loved his bear, and it was a comfort to him. He hugged it close, shut his eyes, and tried to sleep.

  The next morning, Acaraho told Khon’Tor how he had followed the Waschini tracks and his belief that there would be others traveling the same route eventually. Acaraho also told Khon’Tor of his intention to approach Ogima Adoeete, the High Chief of the Brothers, and Second Chief Is’Taqa, about posting watchers along the suspected Waschini travel route crossing the Brothers’ territory.

  As Khon’Tor replied, Acaraho was indulging in a vision of his hands around Khon’Tor’s throat. Acaraho was never near the Leader without having to resist the desire to snap his neck, but he had a duty to honor his position as High Protector. For the sake of the People, he had promised Adia he would not harm Khon’Tor. And he had learned to control that desire, just as he had learned to suppress his longing for Adia. Acaraho was often exhausted at night from fighting urges that severely tested his self-control.

  He recognized that Khon’Tor had so far shown great restraint in not invoking Wrak-Ayya, the Age of Shadows, at the High Rocks. Wrak-Ayya was foretold by the Ancients and would usher in harsh changes necessary to ensure the continuation of the People. The High Council had mapped out several stages of Wrak-Ayya. The lowest levels created minimal impact on day-to-day living, but as the threat rose, the effect on the People’s lives and routines would also rise. Each Leader had to decide for himself when and if to invoke stages of Wrak-Ayya. It was a weighty decision.

  “—my hope is that it will be generations before the Age of Shadows falls,” said Khon’Tor, “But if what you believe is true, I may well be forced to invoke Wrak-Ayya in my lifetime.”

  Acaraho and several of his watchers traced the Waschini tracks partway back to where they had come from. The riders had only crossed one border of the People’s territory before crossing into that of the Brothers.

  Before too much time had passed, Acaraho met with Ogima Adoeete and Is’Taqa. They agreed to let Acaraho post some of the watchers along the route that the riders had traveled. Chief Ogima was glad for Acaraho’s help. Though there had not yet been problems between the Waschini and the Brothers, having the watchers in place benefited both tribes.

  Is’Taqa was particularly grateful for Acaraho’s suggestion. It made him nervous that Honovi and Oh’Dar had been out alone that day. Should a similar situation arise, Is’Taqa knew that none of the People would allow any harm to come to anyone—People or Brothers—under their watch.

  Not long after, Acaraho sent several of his watchers to follow the tracks across the open field from where he had left off following the riders. They easily picked up the Waschini trail on the other side and followed it for days under cover of darkness. During the day, they remained concealed—a defensive tactic they were exceptionally good at—and started again at nightfall. They repeated the same tree breaks to indicate the path as Acaraho had.

  Finally, after many days’ travel, from the top of a high crest, they spotted lights far down in the valley below. It was not campfire light; it was coming from inside many varied structures. Horses whinnied and neighed, perhaps picking up the watchers’ scent from above them. The males turned back and reported to Acaraho w
hat they had found. Though the place was many days from the Brothers’ territory and many days farther from the People’s, Acaraho still found its existence unsettling.

  Summer progressed uneventfully. Oh’Dar spent more and more time with Is’Taqa and Honovi. As Oh’Dar had asked, Is’Taqa taught him how to tan deer hide into leather. Honovi showed him how to fashion small bones into sewing needles and what to use for thread. She also taught him how to make moccasins and weave soft undergarments from cotton. Now that he could make his own clothes, he would no longer be dependent on the Brothers' hand-me-downs.

  With each new skill, Oh’Dar moved a step forward in his independence. Though he was a male, he had no compunction about learning to sew. Next season he hoped to learn how to spin the thread from cotton. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and soaked up whatever they or his people were willing to teach him.

  Acaraho went to meet Oh’Dar when it was time for the young man to return to Kthama. Oh’Dar had a large stack of hides and skins to bring back to work on through the winter months when most of the People moved their attention to indoor activities. Acaraho traversed the steep incline to the meeting spot where Is’Taqa was waiting.

  “Hello, Acaraho!” Is’Taqa raised his hand as he shouted out the greeting.

  “Is‘Taqa! It is good to see you again. How are Honovi and your offspring?” he asked, his strong legs easily carrying him down the slope to Is‘Taqa’s side.

  “Everyone is well. It has been a bountiful harvest this year, and we are looking forward to a break over the upcoming cooler months,” replied the Chief.

  Acaraho followed him to the Brothers’ village where Oh’Dar was waiting. Oh’Dar was sitting with Honovi, Acise, Snana, and the young Noshoba, who was asleep on a soft pelt at their feet. He was helping Acise string some shells into a necklace for her mother.

  It was unusual for one of the People to enter the village in broad daylight, but Acaraho had come to carry Oh’Dar’s supplies. Easily eight feet tall, Acaraho towered over Is’Taqa—who himself was tall for one of the Brothers. As they approached, nearly everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look. Acise and Snana watched, transfixed. Their eyes widened as Acaraho drew near. Little Noshoba, just a toddler, slept through his arrival, unimpressed. Acaraho, the male who had raised Oh’Dar as his own son, was now entering the camp in broad daylight.

  To Oh’Dar, Acaraho was his father coming to pick him up, not the legendary Acaraho, High Protector of the People of the High Rocks. He looked around at the Brothers’ reactions and was dumbstruck. For the first time, he saw his father through their eyes.

  Honovi stood up and greeted Acaraho. Wanting to reassure her children that he was a friend, she took his hand and led him closer to the two girls.

  Most of the contact between the two tribes involved only the Leaders, and that usually under cover of darkness. Even though Ithua and Adia were good friends and exchanged knowledge and supplies, Adia rarely appeared openly in or around the Brothers’ village.

  Acaraho ignored the open stares of the Brothers. He realized that he was a novelty to them and was glad for the opportunity to demonstrate his good intent.

  Seeing that the girls were not afraid, he crouched down next to them, making it a point to do so very slowly.

  Snana, the younger, put out her hand and ran it down his shoulder and over his arm, petting the soft undercoat. She smiled from ear to ear and said, “Bunny, soft, big, man!” to which everyone laughed out loud.

  With that, the tension was broken, and everyone relaxed a bit.

  Acaraho saw the gigantic pile of wraps over to one side. Oh’Dar indeed had a considerable stock of hides and furs. It was no matter for Acaraho to carry them back, but he could see why they had not moved them closer to the meeting place and why he had needed to enter the village.

  Pointing at the stack and smiling, Acaraho asked, “Is that all?” Everyone laughed at his joke.

  “I cannot wait for Mama to see it!” exclaimed Oh’Dar. Acaraho was happy to see him so proud of his accomplishments.

  “Oh’Dar is always an exemplary student, Acaraho,” replied Is’Taqa. “We have been talking about what he might like to learn this summer,” he added.

  “Your mother will be anxious to hear everything you plan to learn, Oh’Dar,” said Acaraho. He knew that Adia’s heartfelt desire was for Oh’Dar to grow in his abilities and find his place in the world.

  As they were still talking, three wolf cubs ambled over in their direction. Acise and Snana laughed as the cubs jumped all over them, happily covering their faces with puppy kisses.

  “What is up with these little things?” asked Acaraho. It was not unusual for the Brothers to take in wolf cubs and keep them as pets, though it was odd to see any this young.

  “Unfortunately, one of the wolves we trapped had young. We rescued them and brought them here,” Is’Taqa explained.

  One of the cubs was now clamoring around Oh’Dar, jumping onto his legs, hoping to be picked up. Oh’Dar reached down and retrieved the little bundle of fur, hugging the fluffy creature to his neck and stroking it gently.

  “Uh-oh,” thought Acaraho. It was obvious that this one had become Oh’Dar’s cub! He heaved a huge sigh. It was not unheard of for the People to keep pets, but usually, they were rabbits and small reptiles and only kept for short periods. Acaraho was uncertain what Adia would say, but he knew he did not have the heart to deny the boy if Oh’Dar asked to bring the cub back with him. Acaraho decided that if he had to, he would keep it in his bachelor quarters.

  Oh’Dar looked over at his father, his eyes begging to be able to keep the cub.

  Acaraho could not help but chuckle. “Alright,” he smiled, “But do not dare leave me alone when it’s time to tell your mother!” he joked.

  Oh’Dar broke out in a huge smile, the little cub still covering his face with kisses.

  “Are you ready to head back?” Acaraho asked.

  Oh’Dar gave Honovi and each of the girls a hug, though Acise held onto him for longer than her mother and sister did. Is’Taqa came over and put his arm around Oh’Dar’s shoulder.

  Acaraho easily scooped up the huge pile and turned to head back to Kthama. He let Oh’Dar take the lead and set the pace, the cub secured in a sling specifically fashioned for carrying him. Acaraho smiled to himself; the young man had anticipated his permission to bring the wolf back with them.

  As they walked together, a swell of gratitude rose in Oh’Dar’s chest. He was pleased about everything he was learning from the Brothers, but Acaraho had taught him even more.

  “Father, I’ve been thinking about all the time you spent with Nootau and me when we were growing up. I remember lying outside at night, looking up at the bright sky while you explained the phases of the moon and how to navigate using it and the stars, and how the night sky shows us what to plant when. And you taught us how to tell the different calls of the night birds. I still cannot pick up Etera’s magnetic fields, like you taught Nootau. That sure must be handy for navigation, but I do not think I will ever be able to do that.”

  Acaraho had helped each find his own gifts and had taught Oh’Dar and Nootau to be proud of their differences instead of comparing themselves with each other. And he taught them that, as brothers, they should help and lean on each other as their differing skills allowed.

  He told them the stories from the Ancients that had been passed down for generations from father to son. He played hunting games with them that taught them how to think strategically. He taught them how to fashion tools, how to defend themselves, and, if necessary, how to fight.

  Acaraho had always made sure there was no direct competition between the two boys. He knew that in any show of strength, Oh’Dar would not stand a chance against Nootau, but that when it came to innovation and creativity, Nootau would not stand a chance against Oh’Dar.

  “Though I am learning a lot from Is’Taqa and the Brothers, I am grateful for all the time you spend with us.” Oh’Dar s
topped and turned back to face Acaraho, adding, “No one could ask for a better father.”

  “And no one could ask for a better son,” smiled Acaraho in return. “But you’re still telling your mother about the wolf cub,” he added before they continued.

  They made it back to Kthama in reasonable time. They’d had to stop and let the little cub out now and then, which slowed them down a bit.

  Once back at Kthama, Acaraho carried the pile of hides and furs into the Great Chamber and plopped them down on one of the largest tables for the meantime.

  Some of the females came over, not only to welcome them back but out of curiosity over the high pile of wrappings Acaraho had just offloaded. Because many of the females wore wrappings, they were curious about the volume and rich array of materials—and what Oh’Dar might do with them considering his unusual skills.

  Mapiya, who had sat with Oh’Dar many times while he was growing up, was one of the females to come over. She hugged him and remarked on how handsome he looked.

  Oh’Dar flipped through the skins, peeling up a corner of each so they could see them more easily. The females oohed and aahed over each one, especially the thick, soft wolf pelts.

  As she examined them, Mapiya felt something licking her arm and jumped. Oh’Dar’s wolf cub had managed to get his head out of the carrying sling and was affectionately greeting her. Now all the females had to pass the cub around and cuddle it.

  Acaraho was very happy to see his son enjoying the attention and looking so relaxed.

  Finally, Adia, Nadiwani, and Nootau showed up and came rushing over to greet the returning family members.