Amazon Chief

by Robin Roseau

"Audacious companion, if you ask me," Maya muttered, but she reached out and clasped my hand.

  I grabbed Omie's hand and led the way to the first building site. I sent Narsana to the kitchens for her duty then gestured to the building site. "The location of the first hut, with your approval, Queen Malora," I said. "Rora can explain further."

  And so Rora did. Maya and Malora studied the building site. But when I saw Nori studying Rora instead, my heart soared.

  Rora finished her explanation, and then Malora asked questions. "It's a little close to the stables."

  "Bea said she didn't mind," I said. "She feels the screen of these bushes on either side gives the hut ample privacy and more than most, and she would be proud to live in this location. If you approve, Queen Malora."

  "I do," she said. "We did not expect to find this, Beria."

  "It was my suggestion to begin immediately, Queen Malora," said Rora. "I assured Beria I could reverse everything I have done."

  "No," Malora replied. "This is perfect." She looked at me. "You said the first hut."

  "I believe this second location may be somewhat more controversial," I said. "Maya said two huts, and so we picked a location for the second one. If you do not care for our choice, there are other locations."

  "Well then, lead the way, Companion."

  I thought Queen Malora would be pleased, but I was growing nervous. I had overstepped my bounds, and she was pointedly reminding me of my place. Still, I led the way to the second location.

  "There was a natural break here," I said, "between your hut and Lidi's. As you can see, we did not commit to this location quite as assuredly as the first, but I felt you would want Bea's hut completed first, anyway."

  Malora crossed her arms and studied the site we'd partially prepared. "Where would the walls be?" she asked.

  "I have marked the outer edges with the stakes," Rora said. "That supposed the same size as the other huts. If the materials you have brought are significantly different, I may need to make adjustments."

  Malora moved into the space then turned around. "The door would be here?"

  "Yes."

  "Windows?"

  "Along the back only," Rora explained.

  Malora moved towards where the rear wall would be. "This wall?"

  "Yes," said Rora. Malora turned around, her view only of the forest. She turned to face us.

  "Maya?"

  "This is where I had in mind," Maya said. "But if you do not like this location, then we would need to put the second hut outside the current borders of the village, perhaps putting a path through here and begin a second small circle of huts."

  "A circle of one?"

  "For now," Maya said with a grin.

  "You would grow Queen's Town further?"

  "Not this year," Maya replied.

  "It would be inappropriate to continue to grow Queen's Town before the other villages are at full strength," Malora said.

  "Which is why it will be another year or two," Maya replied with a grin.

  Malora frowned again. "If we build this hut in this location, where would you put this path in the future?"

  "On the other side of our hut," Malora replied. "There is room between us and Chalena, but not enough for a hut."

  "Nori?" Malora asked.

  "It matters not to me," Nori replied. "Beria, why did you pick this place instead of Maya's other choice?"

  "Maya did not share her ideas before she left," I said. "My opinion?"

  "Yes," Nori said. "That is why I asked."

  "If we are sure there will be more huts, then we should plan accordingly and perhaps abandon both prepared sites, putting both the new huts in the new ring. Otherwise there will be one lonely hut in back, isolating whoever lives there." I paused. "I might be concerned we would end with two villages, in a way."

  Malora nodded. "Maya, if we were to grow by another hut or two, how would you respond to Beria's concern?"

  "There is room on this side as we pass the stable. Bea's new hut would be the last one on that side."

  "All right," said Malora. "Maya, unless you want to move it, I believe this site is fine."

  Maya smiled. "Very good."

  "Queen Malora," I said, "I know I overstepped my bounds. Are you upset with me?"

  She turned to face me. "Do you have more oversteps you care to confess?"

  "Um. We've been training the honorary Amazons somewhat more lightly than we might otherwise, and without you or Nori here, there have been no demons chasing the two new companions. But I do not take responsibility for that part."

  "What?" ask Rora. "You would have demons chase new companions?"

  "Nori and I play the part of the demons," Malora said. "We urge them to greater speed and stamina when running."

  "Oh," said Rora. "My apologies, Queen Malora."

  "Quite all right." She turned back to me. "Anything else, Beria?"

  "Um. I've kept the companion duty roster."

  "Of course. You've done that for nearly two years."

  "I may have suggested our swimming instructor might offer swimming lessons," I admitted.

  "What else?" Malora asked.

  "I can't think of anything else."

  "I can," Nori said.

  "Oh, that. We had to put them somewhere," I said. "Um. I promised Narsana a slumber party in our hut tonight. And Bea and Halla are in your hut, Queen Malora, but that's what Maya told us to do before you left."

  Malora flashed me a fleeting smile. I hadn't promised Narsana any such thing, but I wanted to get her out of the way.

  I wasn't done matchmaking, after all.

  "It is your hut my daughter and I occupy, isn't it, Nori? We will vacate immediately. I've always wanted to sleep in a tent."

  "Nonsense," Nori said. "You are our guests, and I am sure I will be going on patrol soon enough. I can join the party in Malora's hut, perhaps."

  "I don't know," I said, frowning. "It's kind of crowded there. If Omie and I have Narsana tonight, maybe you and Rora can work something out."

  Maya stepped to my side and whispered, "Don't oversell it."

  "I hate to put you out," Rora said.

  "Well, we shall work something out," Nori said.

  "Omie and I have patrol tomorrow," I pointed out. "Of course, now that Maya is back, I am sure she'll orchestrate everything." I turned back to Queen Malora, biting my lip.

  She laughed and pulled me into a hug. "Well done, Beria," she said. Then she whispered into my ear, "Let them work it out now. Stay out of it." I nodded understanding, and she released me.

  * * * *

  Four days later, with Omie and I freshly back from patrol, there was a bonfire. Malora thanked Rora for all her help with the huts. There had been good progress, and it looked like it would be useable in another week or so. There were a few other minor announcements, then Malora asked if anyone had anything requiring the queen's attention.

  She didn't ask that very often, so I thought she already expected what was to happen.

  Nori stood up. "Queen Malora," she said. Then she glanced at Rora, sitting with her daughter near the fire. "I have served the Amazons well."

  "You have, Nori."

  "I cannot recall the last time I asked for a favor."

  "I believe the last favor you asked of me came while you were still my companion and was along the lines of, 'Will you please stop hitting me so hard on the training field?' "

  There were chuckles.

  "I come with a favor to ask, Queen Malora," Nori said.

  "You have only to ask, my old friend. If it is within my power to grant, you know I shall."

  "I wish you to remove the 'honorary' title of our guests," Nori said. "They wish to remain here. In Queen's Town. With me."

  Everyone grew quiet, but I began grinning wildly. I couldn't help myself. I stood up and said loudly, "Yes!"

  Malora turned to me and frowned. "I do not believe it is your decision to make, Beria."

  "Sorry, Queen Malora. I just. Um."r />
  "Sit down, little matchmaker."

  Nori turned to look at me, then she grinned at me. "She wasn't even subtle, and I didn't notice."

  "You were too busy noticing Rora," said Maya.

  Malora turned to face Rora. "Is this your wish?"

  "It is, Queen Malora," Rora said.

  Malora turned back to Nori. "This strikes me as a small request, easily granted. Is there more to ask?"

  "There is," Nori said. "We have not in my memory had children in our villages. Narsana is too young to take from her mother. I would train her as a companion, and she would assume her share of duties about the village. But she would not be assigned to a warrior until she is older, and at that time, we would ask her to remain in the same village as her mother."

  "You are both aware that warriors sometimes move."

  "Yes, Queen Malora," Rora said. "And she would likely become a companion in another three years, anyway, leaving home at that time."

  "Is there more, Nori?" Malora asked.

  "Yes, Queen Malora. I would ask our schoolteacher to provide lessons to our newest Amazon. I realize this is an imposition, but if she can provide books and assistance, we can perhaps find ample teachers for the day to day lessons."

  "You ask me to evaluate her education to date, and then plan and oversee additional education?" Maya asked.

  "Yes," Nori said.

  "Happily," Maya said. "I have offered that in the past to everyone here."

  "And I have one more request, Queen Malora," Nori said.

  "Well then, state it, and we can consider the entirety of your request."

  "Rora is strong, but she is here as a companion. I do not want her to patrol, and I wish her trained gently. Similarly, Narsana is young, and she should be trained somewhat more gently than she might be when she is older."

  "I want to be a warrior!" Narsana said from beside her mother.

  "Hush," Rora said to her quietly.

  "Yes, Mama," Narsana said.

  "Nori," Malora said, "I am quite pleased to grant your entire favor." She turned to Omie and Vorine. "You understand?"

  "Of course, Queen Malora," said Vorine.

  She turned to Rora. "Will Chester be upset with us?"

  "No," Rora said. "I will need permission to go home and see to some business. My son is ready to take over the rest of my responsibilities in Howard's Den, and I would not have further children. I will need a week."

  "I will take her," Nori said. "Perhaps we may leave Narsana here."

  "And you will take one more warrior with you," Malora said. "Omie reports bandits."

  "If I may have Omie and Beria, we'll take care of the bandits," Nori replied.

  Malora smiled then walked over to stand in front of Rora and Narsana. She knelt down and looked into Narsana's eyes. "Do you understand what was just discussed?"

  The girl nodded. "Yes, Queen Malora. Nori asked if Mama and I could be her companions. I think you said 'yes'."

  "Nori asked if your mother can be Nori's companion," Malora said. "You will be trained as a companion but will not be assigned to a warrior for a year or two."

  The girl took her mother's hand. "But you said I could stay here."

  "Yes," Malora said with a smile. "I said you may stay here. You understand you will need to obey Nori."

  "And you, and Maya and Omie and Beria and Vorine. And Mama, of course. And my warrior, when I have one."

  "Yes," said Malora. She stood up and turned to Nori, pulling her into a hug. I heard her whisper, "Congratulations."

  They separated, and then Nori turned to me. "I believe now your reaction is appropriate," Nori said.

  I jumped to my feet. "Yes!" I said. "Yes, yes, yes!" Laughing, Nori pulled me into a hug.

  "Thank you."

  Changes

  I turned twenty-two. I had been in two more demon fights, supplying the killing blow on the first and a hamstring on the second, but Nori took the first voice and Omie the second. I was still not a warrior.

  Winter arrived, hard and cold, but still we patrolled. The demons didn't seem to care about the change of seasons. The snow was sparse, but it was a cold winter, and we all bundled under our furs and cloaks. At night, we moved into the forest and constructed extra windbreaks to give the horses a break from the cold.

  It was at the northernmost portion of our route that we noticed the demon. He was two miles ahead, standing at the top of a hill, still as a statue, right at the border we shared with Black Oak. Ralla was leading the trip with Bea, Karena, Omie and me. I was the only companion.

  "Beria," Ralla said, "bad day to become a warrior."

  "Yes, Ralla," I said. With no other companion here, if I became a warrior today, both Omie and I would need to make it another day and a half without comfort. I was not in a hurry.

  "Bea, you need another voice."

  She nodded. "Malora said it gets easier with four or five. I only have two."

  "Bea, center," Ralla said. "Omie right, I'll take the left. Karena back up Bea. Beria, I know you're ready, but I want you to stay out of this fight. Stay with the horses."

  We all acknowledged our orders and climbed from our horses. I took the reins from everyone, and they strode forth. Bea lifted her horn to her lips and gave a solid blow, an Amazon battle cry.

  Seconds later, the demon's head snapped towards us, we could see it even at this great distance. He lifted his head to the sky, and it was seconds before we heard his answer. And then he was charging towards us.

  The warriors fanned out, giving themselves some room. Bea blew her horn again, and they all came to a stop perhaps forty yards in front of me. I loosened my sword, just in case, but I attended to my duties, keeping the horses calm. It was just one demon, after all. This would be a quick fight.

  The demon bounded towards us, returning Bea's battle cry as he ran. And then about two hundred yards in front of the warriors, he stopped. He bellowed again, turning back and forth to include them all. Bea responded with her horn, and the demon stopped to stare at her for a moment.

  It pawed at the ground, and I thought he would charge, but he looked around again, and then he looked past the warriors right at me.

  Bea blew her horn again then dropped it and began yelling at him.

  "You miserable creature," she screamed. "You come to our lands, forcing us out in the cold like this. Come fight us! Come fight me. I will thrust my sword deep inside you and see this body you wear turn to dust."

  The demon bellowed once more then began running in great, ground-eating leaps, heading first towards Bea, but then he turned directions towards Omie. Bea screamed at him, but he ran towards my warrior, then gathered his muscles and made a great leap, landing twenty paces past her, off to my right. He skidded to a stop and immediately turned to me.

  "Why are you hiding back here?" he said into my mind. "Did you not wish to become a warrior today?"

  I screamed in rage, drew my sword, and ran at him.

  "You are the only companion here," he said to me. "Will my voice drive you mad before they can find a companion to soothe you?"

  "Die!" I screamed as I reached him. He swiped at me with his upper claws and tried to grab me with his lower claws, but I slid to the sparse snow, sliding underneath him, jabbing upwards into his heart, nearly losing my blade as I slid past him. But I retained possession, ripping it from his body, slicing deeply as I came to a rest several feet past him.

  I was sprayed by his innards.

  I rolled, rolled out of the way, then turned to face him in time to see the body crumble into dust.

  But in my head, the voice was still there.

  "No companions to soothe you," he said. "And a new voice. All this room in your mind, everywhere to roam. Whatever shall we talk about?" Then he went digging through my memories, memories of Omie, my warrior, my friend, my lover. "Oh, you won't be doing this anymore," he said. "Or this. And definitely not this."

  Around me, the warriors gathered, and Omie was screaming, "Bea, did
you take the voice? Who took the voice?"

  I knelt in the snow. "Shut up!" I screamed at the demon. "Shut up! Those are my memories, and you can't have them."

  "No," said Omie. "No." She ran around in front of me. "Beria, no."

  She reached for me, but Ralla screamed at her, "Omie, don't touch her!"

  And Omie drew back, falling to her knees, and she began to sob.

  "Omie? Make him stop. Make him stop!"

  "Oh baby," she sobbed. "I can't. I'm so sorry. I'm not ready to lose you!"

  She reached for me, and I reached for her, but Ralla screamed. "Omie, no! Bea, Karena, get her out of here!"

  Bea and Karena ran around me, grabbing Omie by the arms, dragging her away. She fought them, and there was a tussle, but then she went limp, and they dragged her away.

  "Omie?"

  Then Ralla was there, kneeling in front of me.

  "Beria," she said. "Look at me. Look at me!"

  I raised my eyes. "Ralla. He's eating my memories. He's eating my memories of Omie."

  "No," she said. "He's not. It's a fight, but he's lying. That's what they do. He can't steal your memories. He can't hurt your memories. They are your memories, not his."

  "Oh, what does she know?" the demon said. "Just because her demons are too stupid to eat your memories doesn't mean I am. Oh look, this one is especially tasty. Nom, nom, nom... Burrrrrppp."

  "He's lying, Beria," Ralla said. "Everything he tells you is a lie. They are all lies. He might try to disguise his lies with truth, but they are all lies."

  "He's lying?" I asked.

  "Demons lie, Beria," she said. "And you are stronger than they are. You are stronger than all of them."

  "They are evil," I said in a cold voice.

  "Yes," Ralla said. "They are. Selfish and evil, but you are the light, Beria. You are truth and you are strength. He cannot hurt you if you don't let him."

  "Oh yes I can," the voice said. "Oh, what's this? Your mother. Did you know your father isn't your father? Your father was actually a horrid man who raped your mother while your father was fishing. Ask your sister. He made her watch, and then he raped her, too."

  "Liar!" I screamed. "Liar, liar, liar!"

  "Ask your sister? You'll see it in her eyes. Oh yes, you will."

  "You're wrong!"