Amazon Companion

by Roseau, Robin

  "No one has been hurt so badly you couldn't attend to your warriors?"

  "Oh," said Bea. "Not me." The three of them shook their heads. "Maya, what aren't you telling us?"

  "I'll tell you, but not today." We were drawing an audience, as we were supposed to be serving our warriors. "We'll talk more later though. There will be a bonfire tonight."

  "Parlomith said she's our trainer," Bea said.

  "Don't worry about that," I said. "Trust Queen Malora."

  Bea smiled, then grinned. "Tell us."

  "Go serve your warriors," I said, pushing them away and smiling.

  When I got to the table with a tray for Malora, Parlomith was sitting to her left, which was normally Nori's position. I gave Malora her tray then kissed her cheek and said, "I'll be right back."

  I made a tray for Nori and gave it to her, sitting on Malora's right, out of position. Then I sat down between the two of them, and immediately offered each of them a hand to hold. They both took it. From the corner of my eye, I could see that Parlomith noticed. I squeezed their hands, then shifted in my seat so I was leaning slightly against Nori while facing Malora. I began grabbing bites of food from her tray while I wrapped a leg around hers, under the table, and settled my left hand on her neck. That didn't give Nori much bare skin to touch, but then I felt her fingers on my shoulder.

  Fingers weren't enough, but it was symbolic if anything else.

  The conversation over dinner was largely inconsequential. I people watched. Omie sat next to her sister and had a hand on her at all times.

  "Do we notice Omie or wait until later?"

  "So," Malora said loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Does anyone have any news to share?" She looked around. "Why didn't Benala and Ree take their companions when they went on patrol?"

  "Benala doesn't have a companion," Vorine said, smiling at her sister.

  "Omie!" Malora said, "congratulations! We'll have a celebration at the bonfire tonight. Will you be ready to tell the story?"

  "Yes, Queen Malora," she said. "May I speak with you beforehand?"

  "Of course, Omie," she said, her voice soft. "It gets easier."

  "That's what they've all said," Omie said. "I had no idea. I mean, I did, but..."

  "We'll talk," Malora said. "Vorine, I would like you there as well."

  "Omie, I'm pulled a little thin, but I always have time for you," I told her, and she looked at me with gratitude after a worried glance at her sister.

  From Malora's other side, I heard Parlomith mutter something about coddling. Malora ignored her.

  No one else had anything to add, but Bea said, "I noticed that Maya's hair is finally starting to fade."

  "The pink washed out of mine three days ago," Neela said. But Aura still had pink tips at the end of her braid. I wasn't going to tell her, but it looked cute.

  "About that," Malora said. "Maya disobeyed a direct order a week ago, and she needs a fresh reminder. Serra, we'll need more of the dye. Can you arrange it before the bonfire?"

  "Of course, Queen Malora," Serra said with a grin. "But I have no more of the lip paint."

  "Just the dye would do."

  I didn't know she was going to do this, but it amused me, and I heard Ralla chuckling.

  "I am not surprised to hear your companion was disobedient," Parlomith said. "Perhaps she requires a more stern hand."

  "Perhaps she does," Malora replied. "We will apply the punishment I have selected, and then she will explain to all of us why she is being punished."

  "Queen Malora," I said, "are you really going to make me act it all out the way you threatened?"

  "Yes," she said immediately, a twinkle in her eye at my suggestion. "That was such a brilliant idea of mine."

  I clasped her leg under the table, squeezing in thanks of her compliment.

  Conversation moved to other, more mundane topics. Twice Parlomith tried to bring up the topic of "my new training program", but Malora only said, "not now, Parlomith," both times.

  Finally dinner was over. Malora dismissed everyone then invited Vorine and Omie to her hut, bringing me along. When we got there, I hugged Omie, moving her hands to the back of my neck and pressing my cheek against hers, my hands on the back of her neck.

  "Ohhh," she said. "Ohhh." Then she was quiet. Vorine came up behind her, leaning against Omie's back, and the two of us held her for a while.

  "It's quiet," Omie whispered. "The voice. It's quiet!"

  "It won't last," Malora said. "I'm sorry about that, Omie." Then she joined the hug. "I'm proud of you, my newest warrior."

  "How do you handle it, Queen Malora?"

  "For this conversation, I am just Malora. All right?"

  "I'll try," she said.

  "That means you too, Vorine. I have a favor to ask of you."

  "Anything, Queen Malora." Malora gave her a dirty look, and she amended it. "Anything, Malora."

  "Good. All right, let's sit." We separated, Omie sighing, but she let Vorine pull her to a bench, and then Malora and I took the other bench.

  "First again, congratulations, Omie."

  "I didn't do anything," she said. "I just stood there, frozen once the voice entered my head."

  "Were you close?"

  "Yes."

  "So you hesitated a few seconds?"

  "I should have killed it! It was right there, and I had my sword out. Benala killed it for me before it could reach me. I'm not a warrior."

  "Usually the voices come sooner," she said, "for your first kill. We make sure."

  "We were surprised," Omie said. "There wasn't time."

  "That happens," Malora said. "You would have been fine. You won't freeze again."

  "Again?"

  "Omie, it gets easier. Once there are two or three voices, they tend to fight amongst themselves, almost. They never cooperate. It gets better, I promise."

  "All right," she said.

  "You're going to need a companion though, and sooner rather than later, but the soonest we can get you one, unless a warrior dies and frees a companion, is next spring."

  "There are warriors who have gone a long time without a companion," Omie said, "but I can't go more than a few hours. Vorine has been great, and the other companions, too, but their warriors need them, and Vorine deserves to go on patrol. She deserves her chance."

  "About that," Malora said. "You know why Parlomith is here."

  "Yes," Vorine said. "Nori was very angry."

  "If I had accepted Parlomith's offer without discussing it with Nori, then Nori would have a right to be angry," Malora said. "I did not accept her offer, and I am not going to. We will not discuss the entire reason tonight, but once she is gone, you may ask Maya for all the details."

  They both nodded.

  "Maya has offered another proposal. Vorine, your sister needs you."

  "I know," she said. "Ree has said I can stay here with her, or she can go on patrol with us, and I can serve as her companion as well as Ree's. But if I go on patrol..."

  "You might become a warrior," Malora said.

  "So," Vorine said. "No patrols until Omie has a companion," Vorine said. "I understand. She's my sister. I can wait."

  "That's not fair to you," Omie said.

  "You're my sister, and I love you, Omie. You need me, and I will be here for you. Forever, if that's what it takes."

  "It won't be forever, Vorine," Malora said. "But you deserve your own recognition. And so does Omie. You have both earned it. Maya, it was your idea. Do you want to tell them?"

  "It should come from the queen," I replied.

  "All right," she said. "But understand that Maya made this proposal, and I think you will both immediately understand why. Vorine, Omie, would you like to share the position Parlomith covets?"

  "The companion trainer?" Omie asked.

  "Yes."

  "We're not good enough," Omie said. "I mean, we could teach wrestling, but not the rest."

  "I disagree, at least for the beginning companions," Mal
ora said. "The advanced companions would train with the warriors, just like the two of you have been doing. And you will find that teaching the skills makes you stronger in them yourselves. And you won't be alone. Nori and I will both help you."

  "Neither of us is good with a whip," Vorine said.

  I rubbed my backside.

  "Find another incentive," Malora said, "or ask Nori or I to help. You won't be on your own. But you could set your own program. You would need to discuss it with Nori and me, but we would care about results, not tradition."

  They turned to me. "We will drive you hard," Omie explained.

  "I expect nothing else."

  "It won't be all wrestling and tickle fights," Vorine said.

  "But there will be wrestling and tickle fights?"

  Everyone laughed. "Yes."

  "I'll do it," said Vorine.

  "And me," said Omie.

  "On one condition," they said together after a shared glance.

  "Oh?" Malora said, her eyebrow raised.

  "Yes. Maya is the water wrestling instructor."

  Malora laughed. "Unofficially. She has official duties for me that take precedence. Water wrestling is not a priority. It is recreation."

  "And a chance to win wagers with other villages," Omie said.

  "And that," Malora agreed.

  "I want odds," I said. "Big experienced warriors against one incompetent companion. I should get odds."

  They laughed. "That might work for a while," Malora said, "until your reputation gets around."

  "With Parlomith spreading my reputation, I should get an entire cow against a dirty rabbit skin."

  Malora's expression changed. "Parlomith is wrong."

  Omie said, "People were beginning to believe her, but after she just touched me, Parlomith couldn't be more wrong."

  "No," Malora said, "they couldn't." She smiled. "And you haven't heard why she's being 'punished'."

  "I like my pink hair!" I said. "Are you going to do the ribbons, too?"

  "Do you want me to?"

  "They're silly," I said, "so it's up to you what you want. But thank you for the pink hair. It amuses me."

  "I thought it might. It amuses me, too."

  "She's not being punished?" Omie asked.

  "The official story is punishment," Malora said, "and that is the only story that leaves this hut. Am I clear?"

  "Yes, Malora," Omie said with a grin. "I'm glad you're back."

  "Omie, this is going to seem counter-intuitive, but we need to get you in another demon fight. Soon." She paused. "Perhaps this fall. I need my companion ready to patrol with us. I require you to make her ready." She turned to me. "You will cooperate with them, or I will find real punishments for you. Do I make myself clear?"

  "Yes, Malora."

  "Good. All right. We'll announce this when I turn Parlomith down. Do not breathe a word of it to anyone. I should have asked Ree's permission, Vorine, but she'll understand."

  "She's been a kind warrior and gentle lover," Vorine said. "I'm going to miss that."

  "I already miss that with Benala," Omie said.

  "Do all companions become lovers with their warriors?" I asked.

  "You haven't," Omie said.

  "Varda isn't," Vorine said. "Can you imagine her spreading her legs for anyone?"

  "Bea hasn't yet," Omie said, "but I think she's curious about it. She's been hinting with questions."

  "She's only sixteen," I said.

  "An adult in Amazon eyes," Malora pointed out. "If you're old enough to be a warrior, you're old enough to be considered an adult." She paused. "Unless there are questions, we should get to the fire."

  "When do we start?" Omie asked.

  "Tomorrow," Malora said. "We'll announce tonight, and beginning tomorrow the two of you have responsibilities for all the companions in Queen's Town."

  "Does that include Spade?" Spade was Parlomith's companion.

  "If she's still here by training tomorrow, yes. Do not abuse her."

  "Why would you say that?" Vorine asked.

  "Never mind," Malora said. She sighed. "Ask Maya about it after they're gone."

  "It's possible we'll be swimming tomorrow," I pointed out.

  "We'll adjust accordingly," Vorine replied.

  "All right," Malora said, getting up and leading the way to the bonfire.

  Everyone else was milling around. Parlomith was talking to Balorie, who looked relieved to see us emerge from our hut.

  "All right," Malora said. "Do we have a fire ready?"

  "We do," Nori said. "We were waiting for you."

  "Then let us get started. Omie, would you light the fire for us?"

  Omie smiled, pulling away from Vorine, then spent a minute lighting the fire, fanning it into the bonfire.

  "Thank you, Omie," Malora said. She had the rest of us take our seats, but she kept Omie with her.

  "Your warrior should be here for this," Malora said, "and if she likes, we can do this again, but I do not care to wait."

  Malora walked back and forth in front of us, talking about the things we all knew, how important a job the Amazons held. She talked about duty, and she talked about sisterhood. Finally she turned to Omie and said, "Omie, I have been so proud of you since the day you arrived. I have watched both you and your sister grow as Amazons, and it was only a matter of time before you both were to become two of our best warriors."

  "And luck which one was first!" Vorine shouted out.

  "Quite," Malora agreed. Malora pulled Omie into a hug for a moment, then said, "Now you are a warrior, with all the rights and responsibilities implied to be called an Amazon warrior." Malora looked out at us. "An Amazon warrior fights for her sisters. An Amazon warrior fights for all of Morehama. An Amazon warrior fights to keep the demons at bay. And I know you will do all these with distinction and honor."

  Omie was smiling, and when I glanced at Vorine, she was beaming at her sister.

  "An Amazon warrior has a right to a companion, to ease your soul and to help serve your needs," Malora said. "I do not have a companion to give you this day, but I vow you will have one. In the meantime, who will help to ease our sister's soul?"

  Vorine stood up and immediately said, "I am her sister, and my warrior has offered my assistance. I will ease my sister's soul."

  I stood up. "I am the queen's companion, and I ease the soul of many here, and my arms are open to my sister, Omie."

  Bea stood up. "Omie is my friend, and I will help to ease my sister's soul."

  Neela and Aura stood up. "We are still learning to become companions," Aura said, "but we will ease our sister's soul."

  Malora beamed at all of us. "I have asked that question before. I have never had this response. I am proud of all of you. Omie, these woman standing are a testament of our love for you."

  "I know," said Omie. "Thank you, all of you."

  Malora gestured, and we sat.

  "Omie, an Amazon warrior is entitled to choose her village, at least amongst the villages that would welcome her. An Amazon warrior is entitled to move from a village, if she feels another would fit better, provided she has the approval of both village chiefs. Omie, you are welcome in Queen's Town. If ever you decide to leave, you will have my permission, but I hope you never ask."

  "Queen's Town is full," Omie said, "and my sister Vorine will be a warrior soon."

  "That is a problem needing a solution on another day," Malora replied. "Will you stay in Queen's Town, Omie?"

  "I will, as long as I am welcome. If Vorine some day chooses to leave, then I may ask to leave with her."

  "We stay together," Vorine said, "with your permission, Queen Malora."

  "I would not think to separate the two of you," Malora replied. "When you become a warrior, Vorine, you will be welcome here."

  "Thank you, Queen Malora," she replied.

  "Omie, there is one more choice you must make tonight. You are now a warrior and no longer a companion. Many warriors choose to cut their hair.
Many warriors ask their companions to wear their hair long, as yours has done. Have you decided what you will do?"

  "Yes, Queen Malora. I will keep my hair."

  "Well then, Omie, Amazon warrior. I thank you for your duty and sacrifice." And then Malora surprised me. She knelt to Omie, and soon every woman present knelt to the new warrior. There was a pause, then Malora stood, gesturing for the rest of us to do so.

  Then someone began a warbling cheer, quickly added by all the other women, and Malora shouted over the cheer, "Come greet our newest warrior."

  Vorine was first, flying into her sister's arms, hugging her deeply. And then the rest of us were there, some reaching past the others to touch her for a moment, some of us taking more hugs. She saw me and pulled me to her.

  Malora let this go on for a while then chased us all back to our seats.

  "Not you, queen's companion," she said to me, snagging my arm. "There is a punishment to deliver."

  I sighed dramatically.

  "I require a table. Serra, I require a bucket of dye."

  "It is ready," Serra said.

  Nori and Ralla were waiting with the table, quickly delivering it.

  "You know what to do, Maya," Malora said, pointing at the table. I sighed again and climbed onto the table, lying down with my head pointing to the other Amazons.

  "We will apply the punishment, then we will all see why my companion is being subjected yet again to this reminder to obey orders."

  Serra stepped forward with her bucket, and Malora took it. She looked into it. "As I recall, applying this last time left several companions with pink hands for a few days. I do not wish my hands to be pink, and I do not believe Maya can do this without assistance. Do we have a volunteer?"

  Ralla immediately stood up. "I will dye Maya's hair. I know why she is being punished."

  There was a pause, then Bea stood up. "It is not proper for a distinguished warrior to carry pink hands. I will dye my Amazon sister's hair."

  "Thank you, Bea," Malora said immediately. "Proceed. Do not forget her eyebrows. And Maya, if you make me do this again, she will dye all your hair. Do I make myself clear?"

  I knew exactly what she meant, and I laughed nervously. "Yes, Queen Malora." I crossed my legs reflexively, earning chuckles from the Amazons.

  "Do a good job," I whispered to Bea. She nodded and began. While she worked, Malora talked further about duty and obedience. Then she began talking about the need for applying ourselves during our training.