by Toni Cox
Maia waded back to shore, her heart heavy. She had been so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she had not noticed Wolf return. He now gave a short warning yap. It was a small sound, one they had always used as a warning and she was immediately alert. She saw Wolf sitting about twenty strides away to her right, wagging his tail. So where was the danger? What had he warned her about? She looked around and there, just a few paces up the path, stood Aaron.
Maia froze; every nerve and muscle in her body tense. Within moments, feelings of confusion, panic and then anger went through her head. She had recognised him instantly, but it had taken another moment for her brain to comprehend the concept of Aaron being in her forest. He just stood there, open-mouthed, gaping at her. For a few long seconds they stared at each other, and then seemingly both at the same time, they became aware of her nakedness.
Maia saw the colour creep up into Aaron’s face before he turned and fled. She hurried the remaining few steps to shore and shrugged on her suit over her wet body. What was he doing here? He should not be here! What was she going to do? Her thoughts chased each other around in her head. Slowly, with Wolf walking by her side, she made her way back to the tree. This was not how she had imagined her homecoming. Here she was, walking towards her family and home and dreading every step she took. She felt confused and hurt. This should have been a happy moment for her.
When she reached the tree, Silas was waiting for her outside. She was not surprised to see him there. Somehow, he always managed to show up when she needed him the most. Silas took a few steps towards her and opened his arms. Maia ran to him and let him enfold her in his arms while she cried. He did not say anything, but just let her cry.
By the time the tears stopped flowing she was exhausted. Silas used his sleeve to wipe her face and then sat her down on the log besides the entrance to the tree. She hiccuped.
“Hush, Maia, it will be all right.”
Silas sat down beside her and took her hands in his.
“Oh, Silas, what have I done? Why is he here?”
Silas had always been there for her from the moment she was born. He had been her mentor and her friend. Although she was close to her parents, it was Silas she had always gone to for her problems. She knew he understood her and, like in moments like today, needed few explanations to know how she felt.
“It is good to see you, Maia, I have missed you.”
He squeezed her hands.
“And you are home now, that is all that matters. We will find solutions for everything else in time.”
Maia looked up at him. She felt his calming influence and immediately felt a little better. She tried a smile.
“As I have missed you, Silas, but I had imagined my homecoming differently. How long have I been here?”
“Three days. You have been asleep until now. Wolf started acting strangely about three days ago and when your mother told us yesterday that Wolf had taken off through the Silver Forest and on into the fields, we decided to follow him and see what was bothering him. We rode like the wind trying to catch up with him, but he ran as if chased by a Riven. We followed his spoor, which led to the Gate. We found him there watching over you. I think he gave your companions quite a scare.”
Silas chuckled, but Maia frowned.
“Companions?”
“Besides your husband, you have also brought both your children, Luke and Jasmin.”
Silas forestalled Maia’s interruption by holding up a hand.
“And they are lovely children. You have done well. Although they are all a little confused, they are holding up well enough. Your father has already decided to take them home with us until we can find a solution. Do you know how you brought them here?”
Silas looked at her enquiringly.
“All three?”
Maia was shocked. What had she done? This was worse than anything she had ever done. How could Silas be so calm? She felt the panic rise within her, but Silas put a calming hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t fret now, my girl. We will have answers to all in time. By tomorrow we will be home and things will look better already.”
Silas rose from the log.
“Come, everyone will be waking. Let us say good morning. Your farther will be happy to see you.”
Together they walked through the entrance of the Hollow Tree. Fires had been lit and kettles for morning tea were already heating. People were sitting around, sharing biscuits and travel bread. There was the quiet hubbub of people conversing and general companionship. It felt warm and inviting; like home.
“Maia!”
Jaik exclaimed and covered the distance between them in three long strides. Before she had time to react, she was swept up in his arms and crushed to his body. Maia closed her eyes. He smelt like horse and forest, like wolf and fire and of metal and leather. The mixture was a smell she only associated with her brother and she revelled in the closeness of him. Oh, how she had missed him!
“We thought you would never wake. You had us so worried. How are you feeling?”
“Happy to be home,” she answered honestly.
She put a smile on her face for his benefit and then added in a whisper.
“Am I in deep trouble?”
By the time the sun had fully risen they were all packed up and moving. Maia walked at the front of the column, just behind her father, Jaik beside her. She did not see the path in front of her, nor the trees. She just concentrated on taking one step at a time. Her mind was in turmoil and her heart sore.
She had so looked forward to going home and now that she was here, she wished it was not so. How could she have been so careless? Her father had greeted her warmly and she could see the genuine pleasure in his eyes when he hugged her. However, she had also noticed the underlying tension. She knew that, as clan leader, he felt it was his responsibility to keep these Humans safe.
Everyone else had also been happy to see her, Filithrin and Archer, who she had grown up with, especially so. However, what had been so difficult, and what was bothering her now, was the meeting with Aaron and his children. Jasmin had smiled and even hugged her. She had seemed pleased that she was awake and that she was now able to talk to her. Maia had detected no falseness in her voice and wondered how this girl could just accept everything so easily. Luke had been reserved. He had formally nodded his head to her, limited his replies to one-word answers and not asked any questions.
Aaron on the other hand had decided that he did not even want to see her and had gone outside to wait until they were ready to leave. She had followed him out, but when she approached, he had turned and stomped off into the forest, mumbling things under his breath that did not sound very friendly. She had looked after him for a while, feeling hurt, but had eventually given up and helped the others pack. She knew she needed to talk to them, but they were not making it easy for her.
“I have been sending out patrols every three days for the past Moon cycle, hoping that you would return. Fili, Archer and I were just on our way back from one of our rounds when we met Father and Silas, along with the rest of the Guard, on the trail.”
Jaik put an arm around Maia’s shoulder.
“I am so happy to have you back. I have missed you. There has been no-one to tease while you were gone.”
Maia smiled up at him. She could feel his love for her; it was like a soft vibration along his arm where it rested across her shoulder.
“Let me tell you about all the things that have happened while you were away. Maybe it will take your mind off your little problem for a while.”
Jaik turned slightly and looked back at Aaron walking further back with his children. He did not look very happy and was glowering at them. Jaik frowned back at him; protective as he was over his sister, he did not like this man. He cleared his throat and then launched into his recounting.
“Ätta has finally fallen pregnant; Brindalor was ecstatic when he told us. After twenty years of trying, they are finally going to have a baby. I think she is due in ano
ther two Moons or so. I never know how to work that out. She has been struggling a little, but Silas has made some of his concoctions for her and she has been a little better since then.”
“Oh, that is wonderful news, Jaik. I am glad to hear it.”
“And the Builders have finished the new Elder Hall they started just after you left. It is about twice the size of the old one and spans between five different trees. It is amazing. I cannot wait to show you.”
Jaik dropped his arm from Maia’s shoulders and took her hand instead. His green eyes sparkled as he looked at her.
“And you will be happy to know that we have had some excellent foals over the past two years. Your stallion has done especially well. There is this one filly, born just after you left that can run faster than all the rest. She is a beautiful little thing; you will like her.”
Jaik carried on talking while they walked. Maia tried to pay attention and it did distract her a little. Not all the news that Jaik had to share was good. There had been some disappearances and Tila’s parents had died in a rock slide. In some parts, there had even been reports of attacks, albeit the details were still too sketchy to draw conclusions. Some say, Death was involved, but Maia knew that most accounts of Death were just superstitions and she dismissed them. Maia listened to him and the day passed swifter than she would have imagined. She could almost forget that her human family was walking along behind her, could almost ignore Aaron’s glowering, accusing glare. But, it was always there, at the back of her mind, causing her to feel guilty and ashamed.
In the afternoon, Jagaer sent Filithrin and Archer out to shoot some game or fowl to roast over the coals at the camp that evening. Maia watched as Archer carefully lifted Jasmin off his horse. She noticed Jasmin leaning in, taking a deep breath of his manliness before he set her on the ground. He did not seem to be in a hurry to let her go either. Maia suppressed a little smile. She had flirted with the idea of being with Archer on numerous occasions; he was rather irresistible; but it had never worked out. He was too much like a brother to her.
Once the two riders were gone, Jasmin stood for a moment, unsure of what to do. Sunlight dappled through the canopy, playing with the natural highlights in her blonde hair. Maia thought she was very pretty in an impish sort of way. Then Jasmin noticed Maia looking at her and quickly walked over to her. Maia felt her stomach lurch. Was she coming to talk to her? What would she say? Unsure, she turned and followed Jaik, who had already moved off a couple of paces.
“Hi. Can I walk with you?” Jasmin asked as she caught up and fell into step next to Maia.
She had a friendly voice and Maia felt no animosity from her. Maia noticed that her Eläm had a soft violet glow, like a flower. She relaxed a little.
“Yes, of course you may.”
They walked on in silence for a moment, each trying to think of what to say next. Maia felt a little awkward, knowing that this was supposed to be her daughter. She was barely even old enough to have children, yet here she was walking alongside her almost fully-grown child. She bit the inside of her lip.
“You know, Papa is a little upset about the whole thing. But I think it is wonderful. Your home is so beautiful. I have never seen this many living things in one place before.”
It was not what Maia had expected. She had been prepared for questions and accusations, so she was a little stumped as to what to say to this statement.
“I am glad you like it,” Maia said hesitantly.
She thought for a moment and then asked, “How do you feel? Are you still sore?”
“No, I’m feeling much better, thank you. Although, I think my thighs are chafing a little from the saddle. But it is so wonderful to ride a horse. I have never seen a horse before. Do you have lots of them here?”
“Yes, we breed them,” she said.
It was a lot easier to talk to this girl than she had imagined. Somehow, it seemed natural.
“Our clan is renowned for our horses. I can show you when we get to Shadow Hall if you like.”
Maia was glad to pick up on a subject she was comfortable with. She did not have any answers for them on why they were here or how they would get back. And she felt like she would enjoy talking to Jasmin. She seemed open, friendly, and somehow genuinely pleased with her situation. Maia wondered why.
“That would be wonderful, Maia, I would like that very much.”
Jasmin clapped her hands. Maia smiled at her.
“I want to learn as much as I can about your home while we are here. And, if you are really our mom, then of course I want to spend as much time with you as possible, before we have to go again. If that is all right with you.”
Jasmin made it sound like a question and looked up at her pleadingly.
Maia took in a sharp breath. Of course she did not mind spending time with them; they were her responsibility now after all, but being a mother was totally foreign to her. How could she be a mother to these two grown kids?
“Does that mean you believe us? That I am your mother. You are not upset?”
Maia’s heart was beating fast as she waited for her answer.
“Oh, I said right from the beginning that you looked like Mom. You know, when we first saw you lying there next to us. Thinking back, it all makes sense. You were sick and had to go home. Then we came and you took us with you. I think it is kind of like getting your jacket caught on a moving …,” she thought for a moment, looking for the right word, “train and being dragged along as it moves off. I am glad you are feeling better, even if you are different now. Inside, you are still you.”
Maia frowned at Jasmin’s explanation. Somehow, the word train did not feel right, but strangely, she knew what it meant. Although Maia could not quite imagine being dragged along by a train, the theory made sense. It sounded so logical. She had summoned the Gate and somehow they had been swept up in the energy and been taken along.
Although she had been somewhat different on Earth, she was essentially still the same person. Her heartbeat slowed a little as the two girls walked on. Maia noticed, and not for the first time, that Jasmin smelled faintly of tarragon and raspberries. A smile played across her lips. She had always loved tarragon, it reminded her of Silas. The smell of tarragon also lingered on Luke and Aaron, although not as strongly and theirs was mingled with, and in Aaron’s case almost overpowered by, the smell of sun-warmed rock.
Jaik had distanced himself a little, giving them space to talk. Sometime during the afternoon, Luke caught up with them as well and although he did not say much, was happy to walk beside them and listen. Maia was enjoying herself and had completely forgotten about Aaron until they finally rounded an outcropping of grey rock. They had reached the cave where they would spend another night. If one reached this point in one’s travel during the morning, then it was possible to go on to the city and still reach it during daylight hours. However, at this time of the evening, it would be dark within an hour and travelling through the forest at night could be dangerous.
While the men saw to the horses, Maia led her guests into the cave, followed by Silas and Wolf. Aaron walked right behind her and it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as if she was in danger. His Eläm exuded animosity and she struggled to shield herself from it. She shivered a little and it was not just from the cooler air in the cave.
It was a big cave and, having been used by their clan for generations as a stopover, was stocked with essentials, much like the Hollow Tree. There were sleeping rolls and blankets, lanterns, firewood and flint, water buckets, a basket full of eating utensils and a shelf full of cups. A stream ran past the cave, so fresh water was always available. Once inside, Maia showed them where to sit. Jasmin and Luke sat down next to each other, while Aaron sat on the far side of the fireplace. Wolf curled up by Jasmin’s feet and she absently rubbed the back of his head with her hand. Silas busied himself with making a fire and then put on a kettle of water to brew some tea. None of the humans noticed Silas’ way of making a fire, but it made Maia won
der if she remembered how to. She had not used magic in so long, could she still do it? She resolved to do some little tests when she got home.
Then the others came in and started setting up camp for the night. The cave became a bustle of activity and Maia started to feel a little crowded. Aaron was still sitting alone, watching Maia’s every move, his brow furrowed into deep lines on his forehead. She felt awkward under his gaze and somehow naked. She remembered how he had stared at her when he had caught her by the river. She shivered. But then she thought that that might be the ideal solution to her problem right now.
“I think I will take Jasmin down to the pool to wash, while it is still light enough to see. Father, will you let the men know that we are down there and need some privacy?”
Jagaer nodded and Maia grabbed Jasmin’s hand to lead her out of the cave. She felt like a weight had lifted off her chest once she stepped out into the fresh air and out of Aaron’s sight. The stream formed a little pool just downstream from the cave and Maia now led Jasmin down the path, Wolf at their heels.
“I thought you might like to wash. The pool’s water will be cold, it comes straight off the snow fields on Shadow Peak, but it is very beautiful.”
“Thanks, Maia. I feel so dirty. I have not washed or changed in three days. I’m surprised Archer is not repulsed by the smell of me.”
“Do not worry, Jasmin, no-one will think badly of you. Tomorrow I will give you some of my clothes for you to wear. You’ll see; they are a lot more comfortable than the suit.”
“Thank you, Maia. That would be nice.”
“Look, here we are.”
Maia pointed ahead and Jasmin got her first look at the pool. The little run-off stream that came from high up in the mountains gathered here in a shallow depression in the rock, before spilling over on the other side, creating a small waterfall. The roughly circular pool spanned about ten paces across and was about as deep as a man was tall. It was surrounded by rocks and foliage, creating a little pocket in the forest that could not be seen from the path.