Kaichen set his jaw and made a decision that he hoped he would not regret. He turned back to face his people and took in the sight of his mother and father’s loved ones watching him in return. Kaichen did not speak; instead he raised his palms to the sky in greeting.
He made a powerful sight standing against the outline of the heavens with the red rocks of the land set before him. He heard the word that the people whispered as they looked up at him. He knew that his mother had stirred their belief that he alone would be their salvation. Kaichen turned away from the seeking eyes of his people as the weight of their combined hope threatened to force the air from his lungs with every inhalation of breath.
Amara could barely stand. Her strength had deserted her two days ago and since that time she had moved forward with the aid of her will and the last of her strength. Kaichen and Antuk gave her water and hunted for food, but she could not seem to regain her strength. Amara knew what caused her spirit to waste away, grief for her mother and for her band churned inside of her with every footstep.
Kaichen returned to them silently, as was his way. Amara saw the rigid line of his jaw and the way that his shoulders were held tight with tension. She could not understand why he had reason to be angry or upset. He had returned to his people. It was reason for rejoicing and happiness. Yet, Amara had come to trust Kaichen’s instincts and his unease translated itself to her. She noticed that Antuk and the animals were subdued as well. Perhaps she was not the only one that looked to Kaichen for reassurance.
Amara did not know how well she would be received by Kaichen’s people. He had told her a little about them as they traveled. At times, she often wondered if he wished to prepare her for a band of people that were vastly different from those that she had known until now.
At times, she drew Kaichen’s gaze and he found that he could not look away. The feeling of possession that stole over Kaichen whenever he was near Amara no longer bothered him. The gifts passed down to him from his father included logic, common sense and the ability to use reason to resolve problems as they arose. Kaichen relied upon these gifts where Amara was concerned.
He knew that she would be a fitting companion in all ways. Yet, he hesitated to lie down with her, forever binding them together as man and wife. He would not take the light in her eyes and see it dull over time as she was burdened by the same responsibility that he carried.
Amara deserved more out of life and he wished to see her truly happy. She deserved to be joined with a man that could focus his attention upon providing for her alone, instead of providing for an entire band of people. Nevertheless, the thought of Amara as the lifemate of another man caused blinding fury to surge through Kaichen’s body.
An unfamiliar possessive urge afflicted him, causing anger to rise up into his nostrils until he forced himself to look away. Kaichen sought control and after a time, it flowed through him like a river running upstream.
He fought for the peace of mind that was his for the taking. Azin would be proud. He had trained him well.
“Remember that you have my protection.” Kaichen wanted to touch Amara’s shoulder, but she held herself apart. He knew that she believed in him but it would take time to gain her trust.
He sighed as he clicked his tongue, bringing his horse to nuzzle the palm of his hand. He spoke quietly to his horse, sharing words with the animal that had faithfully carried them on their journey. “You have been a faithful companion and we will find a mate for you amongst my mother’s people. Your sons and daughters will run free through these canyons and the open plains and pine forests. I ask only that you remain at my side for a little while longer.”
The horse chuffed and nodded his head as if he understood Kaichen’s words and agreed with them. The hint of a smile moved over Kaichen’s lips as he glanced over at Antuk.
“You speak to your horse, a horse that you have not named for fear he would die on this journey.” Antuk’s eyes were clear and they sparkled with mischief.
“The horse has not told me his name. Have you ever considered that his mother already named him?” Kaichen lifted Amara and settled her upon his horse. His question had rendered Antuk mute and he almost wanted to laugh. Amara remained silent for a moment and then she laughed. The sound was like the trilling call of a night bird and held the same beauty of a waterfall crashing upon the rocks.
He tried to ignore the soft curves of her body as she sat astride his horse. He knew that she looked to him for reassurance, but other than the promise of his protection, there was nothing else that he could offer.
Kaichen was resolved to do all he could for his people, yet he could not rejoice over his homecoming when death was sure to follow swiftly. What young man welcomed death?
He turned his face to the sky and closed his eyes. There was power there, rippling in currents and shafts of light. There was more than he could touch, taste or feel. The red rocks that surrounded the land where his people nurtured crops from the ground were sacred. Kaichen felt peace radiate through his body. He understood that the harmony of the land and sky had been interrupted by some great force outside of his control. He wondered if his people could continue to survive upon a land that was in a continual state of change.
His people would not leave the land that they loved though leaving would have been the best choice. The river basin below had once been the best area to lay down seed and watch as the sun and sky blessed the crops of amaranth, corn, beans, squash, sunflower and mustard seeds.
Some of the plants that grew without the hand of man to tend had been harvested and brought to the river basin only to grow anew each season. Kaichen knew the stories of his people and he also knew that they had once roamed this land without a central place to call their own.
It was the return to those days of old that his mother fought against. She swore that they would find only death, darkness and pain if they left their homes and walked the land without a central place to call their own.
Kaichen closed his eyes as memories came back to him despite his efforts to hold them at bay. He could hear his mother’s voice as it came alive with the telling of the story.
“Your father believed in a central place. He said that the family circle was sacred. When the red rock river was first discovered by the people that lived here before us, they did not understand its significance. Water is the source of life. We need it to survive, just like the animals that roam the land. This river has nourished our bodies and fed our souls. Your father drank from this river and he bathed downstream. I carried water from this place to our home, just like the other women and each season we water the land and hope that vegetation will grow.” Denoa’s voice was a gentle murmur as she spoke to her sons.
“You must always remember that this is your center. This is your home and you must never abandon it. Always return to this place and remember that this is where you will find the first breath of your soul.”
The first breath of your soul. Kaichen did not wish to do so, but he inhaled deeply, seeking and as he exhaled he found that his mother’s words rang true. If he were alone he would bend to his knees and raise his arms to the sky and welcome the land as it welcomed him.
Though turmoil burned in his heart, his face did not speak of it. He kept his eyes downcast as he struggled with his thoughts.
He was well equipped to care for himself, to walk away and never return. But the central place of his people called to him.
This was the land of his birth. If he were to release the breath of life contained within his body, then this place would receive him. Kaichen had come home.
Chapter Twelve
“This woman is called Amara, she is my mate. See to it that she is cared for and given a place to rest.” Kaichen spoke so that his people could hear not only his words, but the meaning behind them.
Amara did not move and Kaichen was proud of her. He had not told her that he would claim her in front of his people, but he did so for her own safety.
He should have done mor
e to prepare her for what she would find in the village of his birth. His mother moved forward with a grace that was as familiar as breathing.
Kaichen could understand why his father had loved his mother. He could have mistaken his mother for a young woman, though in his band she was considered to be a woman of considerable age.
Her body was strong and firm from long days of hard work under the heat of the sun. Kaichen felt sympathy for the mother of his heart, the woman from his earliest memories, but he felt no regard for the woman that stood before him now.
“Kaichen, I have selected two women for you to choose from. One of them will be your wife. This woman, while beautiful, cannot take the position of wife to my son.” Denoa knew that her words were cruel and she felt a moment of pity for the young woman that stood at her son’s side.
She could see why her son wanted this young woman as his mate. Her small shoulders were proud and her gaze direct, though she appeared fatigued beyond measure. She was clean and free of desert sand and dust. Kaichen must have used the last of his water to allow the woman to bathe, Denoa stored that thought away to contemplate later.
She felt the eyes of her people upon her and she hoped that her son would not shame her in front of them. Yet, she appeared to be completely relaxed as she awaited her son’s response. Her calm demeanor was well practiced and hard won.
Kaichen dismissed his mother easily as he held out his hand in a gesture that demanded silence.
“This man is called Antuk. He is a good hunter and fine warrior. He is welcome.” Words of agreement came from the men that were present and the women lowered their heads respectfully.
Antuk made no comment. He stared at Kaichen for a moment and then bared his teeth.
Kaichen moved to help Amara down from his horse and he waited until her feet were steady before removing his hands from the curve of her waist. In that brief moment, Amara’s uncertainty was clear to see and he could not resist uttering words of reassurance.
“All will be well. Go with my mother now, she will show you a place to rest.” Kaichen turned to face his mother. “Please see to it that Amara is given food, water and the opportunity to rest. Our journey has been long and hard on her.”
Denoa nodded and spoke quietly to a woman close to her own age. The two young women that stood close together gazed at Kaichen with wide eyes although they were studiously ignored.
Kaichen had noticed the young girls standing beside his mother and he made it clear to his mother that he was already joined. It bothered him that his mother did not acknowledge Amara as his wife. Their way of life was at stake and his entire focus needed to be upon saving his people, not the whims of his mother.
“Antuk, are you related to Azin?” Denoa struggled to keep her voice steady as she turned to the strong young man that stood beside her son.
Antuk was taller than Kaichen and he was sturdily made. His chest was wide and his arms were corded with strength.
Denoa saw that Antuk had the same build as her old friend Azin and she did not need the young man before her to answer her question, but she waited patiently.
“Azin is my uncle.” Antuk answered Denoa directly. “You are graceful, like a young doe.”
Denoa smiled as she allowed herself to be distracted by the compliment. Antuk’s words were not bold or seeking. He spoke from his heart, like a child, but with a man’s voice. Denoa turned her eyes back to her son in question, but Kaichen had already turned away.
His silent rebuff stung. Her son did not wish to share a moment of amusement with her. He did not see the yearning in his mother’s eyes or the way that she folded her hands together to keep from reaching out to him.
He was the image of his father. He was Shale reborn. Yet, he was also the son of her body and her heart. Would the rift between them never heal?
Doubt and fear had been Denoa’s constant companions. She had hoped that with the return of her son she would find peace once more. Yet, her son had made it clear that he did not seek her approval and he did not hope to let go of all that stood between them. With a deep sigh of regret Denoa decided that peace was as elusive as a cloud and just as far outside of her reach.
Amara followed along in silence. The women looked at her with inquisitive eyes, yet they did not speak. She saw that her clothing was different from theirs and curiosity urged her to speak, yet she refused.
A guest of her band was treated with honor and welcoming smiles. These women did not smile when their eyes appraised her and they did not raise their hands in greeting.
Two sullen young women walked behind her and Amara felt their disappointment. They had been chosen for Kaichen, in the hope that he would select one of them as his future mate.
Kaichen had not spared the beautiful young women more than a cursory glance in their direction. He had not looked at them for a moment longer than what was necessary to take notice of their presence.
Amara knew that it was wrong to feel such pleasure that it was not mere beauty that attracted Kaichen’s notice. Both women were attractive and delicately feminine and yet Kaichen had not paid any attention to them. Amara took a deep breath as she stood before the entrance of the small dwelling that the older woman gestured toward.
“This was to be Kaichen’s dwelling and one of us should have been chosen as his wife.” One of the young women sneered at Amara as she complained over the change in her circumstances.
It was obvious that the women assumed that Amara did not understand her words.
“That is no longer your concern.” The older woman sent a scolding look toward the woman who had spoken and then she turned to face Amara. There was a spark of kindness in her eyes though the older woman did not smile. “Rest. We will bring food.”
With those words, the women left Amara to stand at the entrance of a dwelling that felt cold and empty. There was no fire in the hearth circle and no wood to burn.
Blankets were neatly stacked upon a sleeping place but there were not any personal items to show that this was a treasured home.
Amara caressed her flute as she stared at the cold, empty walls around her. Only when she was certain that she was alone, did she bow her head and allow herself to cry out her loneliness and grief.
“Where will I sleep?” Antuk asked as he took in the sight around them.
In many places the land was muddy and discolored. The river that had always given them water and life was now their enemy. It overflowed its banks, drowning the tender shoots and stalks before they had a chance to thrive.
The location of their village had been chosen long ago when the river was quiet and calm. Over time the land had changed though the people continued to hope that it would return to the way that it had been.
Kaichen studied the lodge where the young, unmarried men took their rest each night. He knew that Antuk would not enjoy the boisterous group of men that made up the hunter’s lodge.
“You can stay with me, but I will sleep under the canopy of the lights in the sky.” Kaichen knew that Antuk would find his response interesting.
What man did not enjoy the wide open spaces and the night sky? Antuk did not like to reside inside of the walls built to protect people from the weather. Kaichen felt the same. He also realized that Amara had been given the dwelling set aside for him.
“Your mother asks a lot of questions.” Antuk’s voice broke into Kaichen’s thoughts and he almost smiled.
Kaichen did not immediately respond to Antuk’s words and soon enough his friend was busy eating the food that had been set aside for them.
Kaichen took his place outside of the dwelling where Amara rested and he began to eat. The food was well cooked and the flavors reminded him of his childhood. His mind spun with thoughts of his brother. The remembered pain of losing Siada was enough to cause his stomach to rebel. Kaichen set the food aside and studied his surroundings.
He was tempted to look in on Amara, but he did not want to interrupt her rest. His mother would not cause her harm while she
was under his protection.
Denoa wanted Kaichen to bend to her will and despite his desire to stay far away from his mother he felt a responsibility to the people that took shelter under the wide expanse of sky and red rock. This was his home. This was his central place.
“You wanted to speak to me?” Kaichen did not know what it was about his mother that made him feel like a young boy seeking permission.
For a moment, Denoa’s eyes widened and then a shadow passed over her face and she turned her gaze away.
“We have much to discuss.” Denoa was surprised that Kaichen had sought her out so late in the day. She had expected him to take his rest and come to her in the morning when he was refreshed. She did not expect to see her son, standing before her, tall and strong, shadowed in moonlight.
“I want you to know that I returned here for the benefit of our people. I did not return for you.” Kaichen knew that his words were bitter but he would not temper them with kindness.
“I am your mother.” Denoa felt her heart break as she studied her son. During his childhood she had known that he would come to have the look of her husband. But Kaichen was almost identical to Shale and for a moment she was cast back in time. She blinked and the moment was lost.
“I have not come here to argue with you. What is it that you have promised our people?” Kaichen dismissed his mother’s tears by not looking directly at her.
He was a man, yet he was still her son. The intensity of her imploring gaze burned his soul and he thought perhaps that was her intention. He was not without compassion. His mother had lost her husband and then one of her sons. Her actions had also caused her the loss of his love. It was no small thing and he knew that she regretted the past, but it could not be undone.
Denoa started to speak, she thought to invoke Siada’s name but one look into Kaichen’s cold eyes stopped her.
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