The Age of Darkness: Wrak-Wavara: The Age of Darkness Book 1 (The Etera Chronicles Series Two - Wrak-Wavara: The Age of Darkness)

by Leigh Roberts

  Moc’Tor, “Alright. But what about your station?”

  Rohm’Mok paced a few steps and turned back to face Moc’Tor.

  “It is true, I am heir to the leadership of the Deep Valley. But I am prepared to vacate the position if your daughter will have me,” he declared.

  Moc’Tor let out a long breath. “I see. That changes the picture, but what about your parents? I assume they have no idea of your position on this?” Moc’Tor asked.

  “Yes, you are correct; they do not know. I have struggled with it because my father has expectations of me. But it comes down to which I could more easily give up—leadership of the Deep Valley or your daughter. Once I put it in that perspective, no decision has ever been easier.”

  Then he continued, “Adik’Tar, I am not blind to the position this puts you in as far as your relationship with my father is concerned. But I have a very capable brother. At the Deep Valley, there will still be a Leader from the House of ‘Mok. It will just not be me.”

  Moc’Tor thought for a moment before replying. “I believe you. And I do understand how you feel about my daughter. I had the same experience when I met my First Choice, E’ranale. I knew there would never be one such as her. In every way, I knew I had to have her. And in every way, it was the wisest decision I ever made; she is my beloved, my counselor, the foundation of my world. Although I had other females before her, and later Ny’on and Ushca, I rarely touched them. It was she whose company I sought out at every opportunity.”

  Moc’Tor then changed his tone. “What of your parents? They expect you to take over as Leader of Deep Valley. What if they refuse to allow you to leave?”

  “Let me ask you this, with all due respect,” said Rohm’Mok. “What would have kept you from being with E’ranale?”

  Moc’Tor set his hand on the younger male’s shoulder, and looking into his eyes, said, “You have my permission to pursue my daughter. Her mother will agree once I tell her of our conversation.”

  Rohm’Mok nodded and said, “Thank you, Adik’Tar. I will not hurt her, I promise. I will spend my life making hers as wonderful as I can.”

  Moc’Tor nodded in return. “Come then; let us go back to the table. By now, Dochrohan should have your quarters prepared.”

  By the time they returned to the Great Hall, Dochrohan was indeed waiting for them. “Adik’Tar, the quarters are prepared.”

  Then the first guard turned to the guests. “If you follow me, I will show you to them so you can get settled.”

  Rohm’Mok looked at Pan and said, “Whenever you are ready, I would love to start that tour.”

  Pan frowned at her father. From the look on her face, it was obvious she was burning up with the desire to know what he and Rohm’Mok had spoken about.

  “I will give you time to refresh yourself, then I will come to your quarters.”

  Rohm’Mok nodded, and the others stood to join him. They all followed Dochrohan out of the eating area.

  When they were far enough out of earshot, Pan turned to her father.

  “What is going on? What did you two speak about? How could you assign me to be his escort? Spending time with him is the last thing I want!” she whispered.

  Moc’Tor looked around to see who else was in the huge cavern. Most had left, so he explained, “I did not mean to put you in an awkward position, but he asked for you specifically. I felt I had to agree, though I intended first to speak bluntly with him as I am not prepared to stand by and watch your heart being broken. Depending on how he answered my questions, I was prepared to withdraw my agreement for you to be his escort.

  “I saw how you looked at Rohm’Mok. And I saw how he looked at you. I asked him plainly what his intentions are. Whether he clearly understands that in no way would you leave Kthama to be paired. I warned him not to toy with you.”

  Unconsciously, Pan held her breath.

  “You can relax, Pan. Rohm’Mok assured me that he is serious about his interest in you. He spoke of his feelings for you as I speak of my feelings for your mother. He is prepared to abandon his station as heir to Deep Valley if it turns out you will have him.”

  “He said that?”

  “As clear as the light of a full moon,” Moc’Tor answered. “Rohm’Mok’s younger brother would take his place in the line of succession.”

  E’ranale hugged her daughter and beamed at her mate. Pan buried her face in her mother’s soft coat and answered a muffled, “Thank you, Father. Thank you.”

  Perhaps this will ease the sting of losing Liru. Moc’Tor knew that a mate and an offling were different. But the pair would have their own offling someday, and perhaps that would comfort her. “Now you had better wash your face, take a walk in the sunlight, and then go and meet your beloved.”

  Pan turned to throw her arms around her father’s neck. “Thank you, thank you,” she said, and she looked at her mother with a glowing smile.

  Pan almost scampered down the corridor to her quarters. She entered and twirled around; arms flung out. Thank you, Great Spirit. Thank you for this greatest of blessings.

  Still overly excited, she went to her personal area, poured some fresh water onto a small piece of hide, and washed her face as her father had suggested. Then she walked outside to bask in the sunshine for a few moments before going to find Rohm’Mok.

  Rohm’Mok was pacing in his quarters. His hands were sweaty. Expecting Pan to show up at any moment, he found he could not concentrate. This may really be happening. He had believed from her actions that she was interested in him, but her father had now confirmed it. He might get to spend the rest of his life with Pan and give her offling of her own to raise. He had never been happier or more nervous than he was right now.

  Suddenly there was the familiar clack of the announcement stone. Rohm’Mok smoothed down his hair covering and pushed the door open. He broke into a huge smile as he saw Pan standing before him. To his surprise, he suddenly felt shy.

  “Are you ready for your tour?” she asked, obviously trying to keep her composure.

  “Yes. Thank you for taking the time to show me around.”

  “It is my pleasure,” she answered before looking away. “What would you like to see first?”

  “You decide. I am sure our cave systems are pretty much the same. Do you have a special place that you enjoy going to?”

  Pan thought a moment, then said, “Yes, I do. It is not far; come.” She turned to lead the way.

  “I am sorry how it worked out with Oragur. I know it must be heartbreaking to give up Liru.”

  “It is,” she said softly. “She was like my own. The thought of not seeing her every day is so painful. How I wish Oragur would take up my father’s invitation to bring his family back here.”

  “I know it does not help at the moment, but maybe you will have offling of your own someday. Would you like that?” he asked.

  “If it were with the right mate, I would. But it would have to be with someone I respected and knew would be a good father to my offling. And I would like to feel about him as my mother does about my father. What they have is very special.” Briefly, she looked up at him.

  Rohm’Mok met her gaze. “Then make sure you hold out for the right mate. Because you deserve nothing less than that kind of happiness.”

  Pan stood transfixed by his eyes, seemingly unable to move. After what seemed like forever, he looked away.

  “How far is it?” he asked.

  “Not far. Just outside and up one of the paths.”

  Pan led him out of Kthama and then up the climb to the meadow above. When they reached it, she stopped to give him time to look around.

  “This is a sacred place. I can feel it,” he said.

  “Yes. It is a place of great peace and great power. My father and I come here to discharge our duties as Guardians. Others are allowed here only under very special circumstances.”

  Rohm’Mok suddenly understood the special consideration Pan was giving by taking him there. “I never thought about y
ou having duties. Is it like meditation?”

  “Not exactly. Perhaps in some ways. It is here that we connect with the creative life force of the Great Spirit. And it is here that we enter the Order of Functions.”

  “I have heard of the Order of Functions. But I do not pretend to understand it,” he said.

  “The Order of Functions is the wisdom built into every aspect of Etera. It is the pattern of our realm. An incomprehensible weaving together, so that every piece affects another all according to the rules and pattern that hold together creation as we know it. An intelligence so vast that no individual mind can even begin to understand it.”

  “If you do not understand it, how do you work with it?” he asked.

  “It is not a question of working with it. It is only a question of surrender.”

  “Sit with me,” and Rohm’Mok reached out his hand to lead her to a grassy knoll he had spotted. He waited for her to take a seat and then selected a spot next to her. “I do not pretend that I could ever understand your responsibilities. But I would like to try. I hope we will have many more conversations like this.” He looked around. “This place is very special. And very beautiful,” he said. “Like you.”

  Pan felt her face flush. “Thank you.” Then she rose and added, “We should be getting back.”

  “As you wish,” he said and stood up. “Pan, do not be afraid. We will take our time getting to know each other. Whatever it takes for you to feel certain about—us. I know you feel something for me,” he added. “But I will not push you.”

  “I do,” she said quietly. “I do feel something for you. I just do not want to be hurt.”

  “I would never hurt you. I want only to take care of you, protect you, make your life easier. I know that sounds stupid; a Guardian, most of all, does not need protection. But it is still how I feel.”

  “My father told me about your conversation. Would you really leave the Deep Valley? Your parents would not be happy,” she said quietly.

  “I know. I will speak with them as soon as I return. There is no point in dragging it out because I will not change my mind. My place is with you, and the sooner they know of my decision, the sooner they can focus on my brother, Bahr’Mok. They will be upset, but in time they will come around. Do not let that be of any concern,” he said.

  She looked at him again, and he gently brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. She raised her hand and covered his. Then Rohm’Mok brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, never letting his eyes leave hers.

  A thrill ran through her center, and Pan closed her eyes. More than anything, she wanted to fall into his arms and surrender herself to him as she surrendered to the Order of Functions. It was moving so fast, but she did not care. I know there will never be anyone for me but him.

  She opened her eyes and looked up at him just as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. She wanted to stop time, to stay forever in this place at his side.

  Though she wanted more, so much more, he pulled back from her. “You said we should get back. I hope to see you at evening meal,” he said.

  “I will make sure someone comes to fetch you.”

  They walked to Kthama in silence, each filled with visions, hopes, and dreams of a future together.

  During the next few days, Rohm’Mok and Pan spent as much time with each other as possible. They had both relaxed and discovered how much they enjoyed each other’s company. Moc’Tor and E’ranale could not have been happier for their daughter.

  In between spending time with Rohm’Mok, Pan stole as many visits with Liru as Oragur would allow. She knew it was just keeping the wound open, but if there was some chance the little offling would remember her, it would be worth every bit of hurt.

  The day came that Oragur and his family were to return to Deep Valley. Rohm’Mok and Pan said their goodbyes in private.

  “I will return as soon as I can,” he said, holding both her hands.

  “These last few days together have been the happiest I have ever known,” she whispered.

  “There will be many more, I promise.”

  He leaned down and kissed her, resisting the drive to pull her more dangerously close. “I do want you so. The sooner we are paired, the sooner our life together can begin.”

  She nodded silently, and they left the meeting room to find the others.

  Oragur and his family were standing in the Great Entrance, waiting on Rohm’Mok. As he and Pan entered, Oragur tilted his head. “That is interesting,” he whispered to his new mate Neilith, who was holding Liru.

  “I think so too,” she whispered back.

  “How did you know?” Oragur asked.

  “You do not have to have a Healer’s Seventh Sense to see what is going on. I am sure everyone else here has noticed it,” she chuckled. “I expect we are in for some drama once we return to the Deep Valley.”

  “Thank you for your hospitality,” Oragur said to Moc’Tor as the Leader and E’ranale joined them.

  Pan stepped over and placed a kiss on Liru’s forehead. Krin took her friend’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze as Pan turned away for a moment to hide her grief. A few more goodbyes were said, and then the visitors were gone.

  Pan stood next to her father and mother for a while. “Father, when is the next Council meeting?” she asked.

  “You miss him already,” said Moc’Tor, smiling at his daughter.

  Pan felt the color rise in her cheeks. “Maybe a little,” she grinned.

  “It is not far off. Not as soon as you would like, though, I am sure. The High Rocks must have a Healer, and I need the Leaders’ help locating someone from another community, even if he or she needs to be trained before being brought here. It is a great deal to ask, to change homes, but those who are called to Healing are generally self-sacrificing.”

  “All the young females do it when they are paired with a male from another community,” said E’ranale. “The new generations now accept it as the way things are, so whether the new Healer is male or female, the concept is not new. I know it is still very hard for them, though. Change has never been easy for any of our people.”

  Pan grew silent as she suddenly realized how much Rohm’Mok was giving up to be with her.

  Chapter 10

  Activities outside Kayerm increased with the cooler weather. Although the Mothoc and Sassen subsisted primarily on a vegetarian diet, hunting added fat and protein and was a welcome change.

  Straf’Tor and Nox’Tor were crouched in the tree line watching a herd of deer drink from a tributary of the Great River. Straf’Tor had already made a kill, and now it was his son’s turn. Nox’Tor signaled that he was ready, and with lightning speed, he rose and flung his spear, taking down the largest buck. The rest scattered, and the two males ran to the fallen beast to make sure it was not suffering. They thanked the Great Spirit for the stag and wished its soul Good Journey on its return home.

  Nox dragged the carcass out of the water and up onto the bank. “Kyana and Mother will be glad to see this.”

  “It will keep them for a few days. The forest is overrun with deer, and we must encourage the others to hunt; otherwise, many animals will perish terribly in the upcoming cold months,” said Straf’Tor. Then he continued, “We must spend more time together. I do not see you as often as I would like. Although there is still unrest at Kayerm, it does not seem as active, so I should have more time.”

  “I am not convinced of that, Father,” Nox’Tor replied. “I do not think Ridg’Sor has given up his quest to incite trouble. I think he is just being more subtle about it.”

  “You could be right. I will have to ask Wosot what he is hearing—and we need to finish with these deer and get back; I am anxious to show Ushca my kill.”

  The two males dressed the deer carcasses, packed the meat into their carrying baskets, and hoisted them over their shoulders. They returned and immediately went to find Ushca and Kyana.

  Ushca, Kyana, and Ushca’s friend, Beala, looked up from th
eir task as their mates entered.

  “The Great Spirit blessed us today,” said Straf’Tor as he swung his basket down to the rock floor. It made a heavy thud.

  “That is great news,” said Beala. “Especially since Ushca— Oh.” Her voice trailed off, and she looked guiltily at her friend.

  “What? What is going on?” asked Straf’Tor.

  The three females exchanged smiles, and Ushca stopped and held up what she had been working on. A tiny wrapping made of the softest hide.

  “Really?” Straf’Tor exclaimed. Ushca nodded, and he rushed over, crouched down, and took her in his arms.

  “I do not know why it took so long, but, yes, I am finally seeded,” she exclaimed.

  Straf’Tor hugged her tighter and smiled over at Beala, then up at his son.

  “That is great news,” said Nox’Tor. “I am happy for you both.”

  “Our offling will know nothing but life here at Kayerm,” added Straf’Tor. “If the others would let go of their memories of the past, we could build a true future here.”

  “Adik’Tar,” said Wosot, “We caught Salus and some others making their way to Kthama.”

  “Ridg’Sor’s band?” Straf’Tor asked.

  “Yes, but not all of them. Some of our people were with him. I believe they were on their way to scout it out.”

  “Where are they now?”

  “They were easy enough to follow; they made no attempt to hide their tracks in the snow. We tried to force them to return, but I only had a handful of sentries with me, and they refused.”

  “Gather as many sentries as you can and arm them,” Straf’Tor ordered.

  By traveling at full speed, after a while, Straf’Tor and his group caught up to Ridg’Sor and his band of followers.

  “Stop!” the Leader called out.