by Robin Roseau
"Still, I'm fine. It wouldn't be right to send me as our second best when I'm no more than sixth or seventh. I don't mind, Chief Beria."
And then the entire village had focused on bringing my skills to a peak. I had also been to Queen's Town once or twice a week, and the warriors there worked with me. By the time we arrived in Queen's Town for the tournament, I was as ready as I was ever going to be.
I had never seen so many Amazons gathered together at one time. Every village sent at least one warrior for the tournament. Most sent a delegation, although no one had as many as Queen's Town or Lake Juna present. Most of the village chiefs came, although a few had remained at home, allowing younger members to go while they stayed to handle demon patrols. I thought it was gracious of them. From our tours, I knew there was a lot of excitement about the tournament, after all.
Officially, each village was to handle all their own needs, including meals. Unofficially, Maya told us ahead of time she expected us to join Queen's Town. Lia and Aren had then pooled resources and efforts, the two of them smoothly sharing the Queen's Town kitchen. She had been coming with me when I came down to Queen's Town. She told me, "If I want to make something in particular, I tell Aren. If it fits with her plans, she tells me to go ahead. Other days, she just asks me to handle this portion of the meal or that one." And a few times, I knew they created something special together.
Omie and I couldn't have been more pleased that our companions had become good friends.
And so, we arrived and exchanged greetings with our friends at Queen's Town. We set up our camp, although about half our delegation was whisked away to shared housing in this hut or that one. Lia kissed me and hugged Omie and then disappeared in the direction of kitchen to offer her services to Aren. We lost track of the girls almost immediately as they were drawn away by some of the companions. I knew they would be well managed.
I turned to my old warrior. She was smiling at me.
"She's good for you," Omie said.
"Yes," I agreed. "She certainly is."
"How are you feeling?"
"Good."
"You should know. Aren and Lia negotiated. There is a truce on pranks this week."
"Lia told me."
"Going to honor it?"
"She told me what would happen to me if I didn't." I was good, but if the three of them decided I was getting a dye job, I was pretty sure I'd be getting a dye job.
"That's not an answer."
I laughed. "Yes, Omie, I will honor the truce. Lia informed me it began yesterday at dinner and extends until the conclusion of our first meal back at Lake Juna."
"Good. Should we go see what kind of trouble we can cause?"
We stepped out of the hut then stood watching for a minute. I'd never seen Queen's Town so busy. I caught a glimpse of Maya then made a double take. My daughters were standing with her as she greeted another delegation, the group from Tall Pines. Maya turned to Joelle and said something to her, and then I saw Joelle gesture, leading the delegation to their campsite.
"How did I not know about that?" I asked Omie.
"Maya's been training them while the warriors have been training you," Omie said. "You're not usually this unobservant. Your companion also has duties scheduled to work around the kitchen schedule. Between Maya and Malora, every available pair of hands is put to work."
"What are your duties?"
"Keep you out of trouble."
I laughed. "That hasn't been your responsibility for a long time, Omie."
"Perhaps not, but it is this week."
"Queen Malora doesn't trust me?"
"Queen Malora doesn't trust a few of the competitors. You'll see some of the other chiefs are taking similar precautions with their top competitors."
I turned to face her. "Wasn't it about two minutes ago you suggested we get into trouble? Now you're saying you're responsible for keeping me out of it."
"There's trouble, and there's trouble," Omie replied. "For instance, if I lured you to the kitchen, you'd get in one kind of trouble, but at least Malora would know where you were."
I laughed. "I have learned to avoid the kitchen when Lia is in it. We use the same agreement at Lake Juna that we have here. The head cook is the absolute law in the kitchen, and anyone foolish enough to step inside may be put to work."
Omie grinned. "Aren and I have an agreement. If I appear in the kitchen, she may order me to perform one minor task. She usually asks me to wash a few dishes. Sometimes she asks me to work a kink out of her back. I make a point of popping in once or twice a week."
"Does my companion know of this agreement?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe if we popped into the kitchen now, she would honor it?"
"You could negotiate from the doorway, but my agreement with Aren starts if I allow one wayward hair to cross the threshold."
"Then let us go negotiate," I said. She grinned and set a path to the kitchen. I greeted a few people on the way, but when Clara saw where we were headed, she asked, "Are you sure you want to do that?"
We grinned at her and continued towards the kitchen.
On arrival, Omie opened the door and stepped right in. Aren saw her immediately and smiled at her, then looked past me. I hovered outside. She watched me carefully then frowned.
"You warned her."
I grinned. "I've lived here before," I said. "Is my companion available for a brief conference?"
"I'm here," came Lia's voice from somewhere inside. I couldn't see her from the doorway.
"Omie has informed me of an arrangement she shares with Aren. I was wondering if you would honor the same arrangement."
"Come on in and we can discuss it," Lia said.
"I'll come in if you agree to the arrangement."
"Get in here. I'm not talking to you through a wall."
"I'm not stepping so much as a toe past this threshold unless I am guaranteed immunity."
Aren laughed. From around the corner, Lia said, "I like their rule," Lia said. "Yes, Beria, I will agree to the same arrangement. If you step into my kitchen, I will not demand more than a minor task from you, but you will do it without complaint or you become my kitchen slave until I release you."
I crossed the threshold to see my companion up to her elbows in preparation.
"Chief Beria," said Aren. "There is a sink full of dirty dishes. Please wash and dry them. I believe you should remember how."
I glanced at the sink. "That is more than a minor task."
"You have your orders, Chief Beria," Aren said. I noticed Omie smirking at me, and when I looked at Lia, so was she.
"I will happily wash a few of the dishes," I said. "I believe that to be the limit of my agreement with both of you."
"Honey," said Lia. "I made an agreement when you step into my kitchen. This kitchen is Aren's."
I stared at her, then turned to Omie. "You set me up!"
"I sure did," she said with a grin.
"Thank you, dearest," Aren said to Omie.
I looked at Lia. "You helped," I accused.
She grinned. "I sure did."
"Did we or did we not, just minutes ago in your hut, agree there was to be no pranking this week?"
Aren smiled at me. "Chief Beria, we are short handed and would like the company of our warriors. We're all a little stressed. We set you up in fun. After this week, I will honor with you the same agreement I honor with my companion. But we could really use your help. Maya has all the companions busy, and we assured her we could handle it."
It stung a little to have been outfoxed, and I was annoyed with the three of them for having done it and then telling me, in effect, I wasn't allowed to outfox them in return. I knew it was my competitive nature and my pride getting in the way, but I suddenly felt very petty. And that made me as annoyed with myself as I was with them.
I stood there for several seconds, looking back and forth between the three of them, unsure whether I was going to say something cutting and head for the exit
or find a way to swallow my pride and let them win their game. The best choice was to be mature and gracious, but I was feeling very immature and childish.
The three of them waited, smiling, but there were also a few furrowed brows. None of them tried to rush me or pressure me, and slowly my maturity returned.
I smiled. "I'll wash the dishes if you stop calling me Chief, Aren."
She laughed. "Thank you."
I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Lia stopped by with a few more dishes for me, setting them on the counter near the sink.
"Don't be angry."
I smiled at her. "I'm not. It's pretty funny, and you know I would have offered to help if you'd told me."
"But this was more fun. Omie doesn't pull one over on you very often, and you made her day."
"Is the truce real?"
"Yes, after this little bit of fun. Anyone who violates it gets the other three on her."
"Do you need us here for every meal?"
"Any meals you can. I suspect you'll have to play politics from time to time as well."
It was actually nice to do something simple, like washing dishes. Aren kept Omie busy, with Lia asking for her help from time to time as well.
I couldn't believe how many dirty dishes they produced. I decided they were doing it intentionally, but I didn't accuse them. Both companions were effusive with their thanks and their touches.
* * * *
There were surprises at dinner. When Aren and Lia finally released Omie and me, we stepped outside and looked around. The tables were nearly full with Amazons from Queen's Town and Lake Juna plus a few other village chiefs.
Sitting at the table with Maya and Malora were Ralla and Jasmine. And then I saw Ping and Serra as well.
"Ralla?"
"And Ping," Omie said. "Surprise."
We stepped forward, and Jasmine noticed us first. "Beria!" she called. She climbed to her feet and rushed over to us, hugging me tightly.
"When did you get here?"
"A few days ago," she said. "Come on, we saved places for you and your companions." She pulled us towards the queen's table, but I peeled off to give greetings to Ping and Serra.
"No Balorie?"
"She wasn't up for the trip," Ping said.
The thought made me sad, but Serra added, "She fell out of a tree. She'll be fine in a few more months."
"She fell out of a tree?"
"Collecting oranges for Gweneth."
I had to smile at the image. "It's good to see you both."
"We're looking forward to the event," Serra replied. "Ping is one of the judges. And I am on vacation. I offered to help in the kitchen, but Aren chased me out."
"Aren asked me if you wanted to help or were offering to help," Ping explained. "I told her you were offering. If I was mistaken, I am sorry."
"No, it's her kitchen now, and I don't think I would take orders very well, but I don't want to take over." She shuddered.
"Don't let her fool you. She runs the kitchens at home," Ping explained.
"Like we'd let you do it," she replied. "It's good to see everyone though."
Omie pulled me away, and we sat down. Malora was smiling at me, but her eyes were red. I wondered if she'd been crying, perhaps overcome by seeing some of her old, dear friends.
"Hello, Ralla," I said. "How are things on the coast?"
"Good," she said. "The inn is quiet, just the way we like it. Your brothers have been a great deal of help."
I hadn't known that. I thought it was sweet of them. We'd visited with them last summer. They had an inn overlooking the ocean about eight miles south of Gallen's Cove. It was just off the main road, and the view was outstanding, although I worried about the winter storms. It was well above the water on a tall cliff, a safe distance from the edge, and the storms can be fierce. I asked about that.
"We had a little storm damage," Jasmine said, "but nothing significant. Chandor and Naren come to visit every couple of weeks, and the new baby is adorable. I've been trading baby sitting duties for sailing lessons."
I laughed.
"Jasmine likes children so much," Ralla said. "We actually talked about adopting a few orphans, but we decided the inn was enough responsibility."
Malora looked at them sadly for a moment, and I wondered what was going unsaid.
"Adopting orphans," said Maya. "I never thought of that." She looked around. "Of course, we're constantly adopting girls around here, I guess."
"You should talk to Ping and Serra," Ralla said. "Their group down there is practically running an orphanage." She raised her voice. "Ping, how many kids now?"
"Twelve," she called back.
"Thirteen," corrected Serra.
"Twelve," Ping argued with her.
"You're not counting Balorie. She's been a complete baby since she broke her leg."
Everyone laughed.
"Four boys," Serra continued. "Maya, we will be sending two girls to you next year. I expect you to hand pick their warriors."
"They already know how to fight," Ping added. "Nori, you will need to assess, and of course, they have some bad habits I've been trying to break, but I was never very good at that. I didn't get much practice. They each have several years of training, but only once a day."
"They're running a recruitment orphanage?" I asked quietly.
"No, but it is nearly impossible for an Amazon to adopt children and not instill an Amazon's perspective," explained Malora. "I am sure the girls have been pestering them for years."
"They ride well," Serra said. "We do not know if they will come with their own horses. We're trying to discourage it. They would not be good war mounts. They were selected for five-year-old girls, not warriors."
"We'll convince them to gift the horses to a couple of the younger kids," Ping said. "I'll take them on a simulated demon hunt if I have to. They'll see."
"Thank you, Ping," said Maya. "Will you be bringing them yourselves?"
"Travel in the spring? I don't think so. Maya, will you be able to keep them together?"
"I'm sure we'll do our best," Maya said. "I can't imagine breaking up sisters." She reached across the table and clasped my hand."
"Are they sisters, Ping?" I asked.
"They've been raised together since they were five," Serra replied. "They see each other as sisters and are as tight as you and Maya."
"Then if there is no room at Queen's Town, we will find room at Lake Juna," I offered. "Somewhere."
There were chuckles, and then two other chiefs made similar offers.
From the entrance to the kitchen, Aren spoke. She must have been waiting for a pause. "We need all the companions. We have platters to set upon the tables, as it would be chaotic to serve in our usual fashion."
"The companions from Queen's Town will serve the platters from the kitchen. They are waiting for you," said Lia. "The companions from Lake Juna will pass out plates and silverware. The companions from Queen's Town will take drink orders, although we have pitchers of some drinks to set out as well as pots of tea."
I smiled at my companion. It was such a simple thing what she was doing, but she stepped up to every task offered to her and just handled it. I felt a fresh surge of love. She caught my smile and nodded to me.
A few minutes later, she and Aren joined us. Our table was full, but there was room. Lia made a plate for us to share and then offered me a mug of cider. Once she was settled, I laid my head on her shoulder then turned so I could whisper into her ear.
"I love you so much," I told her.
She caressed my cheek. "You say the sweetest things," she replied.
The meal progressed, and near the end, Chief Mar, sitting at a nearby table, stood. "Queen Malora!"
"Yes, Chief Mar?" Malora asked.
"As long as we're all friends here," and she gestured around, "I was wondering if you were open to a wager?"
"I do not often wager with the village chiefs," she said. "But what did you have in mind?"
"I do not fail to notice the one village chief sitting at your own table," Mar said. "While the rest of us are relegated to other, lesser tables."
"We are all Amazon sisters," Malora said. "All tables are equal, are they not? Rora, are some of the tables deficient?"
"I personally checked every structure in Queen's Town, including the tables, benches and chairs, Queen Malora," Rora said. "If there is a deficiency, it either is new or escaped my inspection."
There were chuckles at that.
"Queen Malora," said Mar, "you offer misdirection? The young chief from Lake Juna sits opposite the queen of the Amazons."
"Technically," said Malora, "the deeply respected chief from Lake Juna sits opposite her sister and beside the warrior who most recently held another job the chief now carries. I believe they have been using this rare opportunity to compare notes. The chief's companion sits opposite the queen. Furthermore, while the chief dines at my table, it is you who will share a roof with me this week. Perhaps the chief of Lake Juna has cause to complain."
Mar huffed. "I did not come to bicker over seating arrangements nor sleeping arrangements. I simply pointed out the seating arrangements as prelude to the offer of a wager."
"Oh, of course," Malora said. "Please go on."
"To say it plainly: will you be wagering on Chief Beria?"
"Of course not," Malora said. "It would be terribly inappropriate for me to wager on the winner of this event. No one from Queen's Town will be placing wagers on the main tournament. I may, however, choose to place very small wagers on some of the lesser events. Or I may not. I have not yet decided."
Mar huffed again. "Then who will wager on Chief Beria?"
Lia immediately jumped to her feet. "I am not of Queen's Town. I will wager on my warrior," she said firmly, "But I will wager no more than I can afford to lose, and I am a companion of only two years. What do you propose?"
I tried to tug her back to her seat, but under the table, Maya kicked my legs. When I looked at her, she shook her head very slightly.
Mar looked around then settled her gaze back on Malora. "Will you allow the chiefs to wager on their competitors?"
"Yes, but I will not allow anyone to be pressured into excessively large wagers."
"Well then, Lia," Mar said. "The standard wager amongst Amazons is a deer skin. As this is a significant event, it may be a larger wager is more appropriate."