The Healer’s Mantle

by Leigh Roberts

  Acaraho found Khon’Tor in the general eating area. It was early enough that he had just finished the morning meal. He was sitting alone and aimlessly pushing the foodstuff around on the catalpa leaf in front of him.

  Acaraho was careful to make sure Khon’Tor would see him coming. The Leader looked up and signaled for him to sit down. Khon’Tor was still feeling threatened by the camaraderie demonstrated between Acaraho and Kurak’Kahn of the High Council. But Khon’Tor did not much like anyone right now, and he still needed the cooperation of the High Protector.

  So he spoke first. “How are you? I have not thanked you yet for making all the arrangements for the High Council, but I am grateful,” he tried, saying the opposite of what he was thinking.

  “I am well, Khon’Tor,” replied Acaraho, following social convention. “And you are welcome. So much has happened in the past few seasons. It seems we have barely had a chance for things to settle down when something else happens. If they have not already, I fear it will not be very long before someone figures it out or someone lets on that Adia is with offspring,” he said.

  Khon’Tor knew Acaraho was alluding to Hakani, and he also knew the High Protector was right. It was not beneath her to let the news slip out—anything to create more trouble. What is wrong with that female? He still did not have the answer to that.

  “Knowing you as I do, Commander, I am sure you have a suggestion. Please go on,” said Khon’Tor.

  “It is going to come out sooner or later—and most likely sooner—and is too volatile to leave to unchecked speculation. As you well know, it is unusual for the High Council to intervene in the affairs of any of the People’s communities. Someone needs to explain why the High Council was here, why it was appropriate that they came, what the situation is, and what will happen after the offspring is born. And it needs to be presented in a way that calms them instead of igniting more worry and concern,” said Acaraho plainly.

  Khon’Tor might be many things—arrogant, strong-willed, driven, self-centered—but he was not stupid. Acaraho is right. They need to hear an official statement from someone in authority. And they need to hear it from me. Nothing good is going to come of the continued disruption of their peace of mind with external worries.

  He let out a heavy sigh. This war with Adia must end. If she were going to turn me in to the High Council, she would already have done so. Instead, she stood there and took the brunt of everything; all the shame, the repercussions. Even when Kurak’Kahn pressed her about who the father is, she stood her ground.

  He knew Adia still had negative feelings about him, but she had a long road ahead, and nothing good would come of his continuing to work against her.

  I wanted to discredit her by allowing the Waschini offspring to learn Whitespeak, but she seems to have accepted what happened and is trying to move on. It is in my best interest to do the same.

  The Leader turned his attention back to Acaraho and said, “I agree with you. I will put thought to it and call a general meeting. If there is anything else you think of, please let me know.”

  “Khon’Tor, there is not a lot of time,” said Acaraho, and the Leader knew he was referring to Adia’s changing figure, which he had noticed himself.

  After Acaraho left, Khon‘Tor started formulating the major points he needed to make. Adia was with offspring, the identity of the father was of no importance, and everyone should respect her privacy. He had to make sure they knew the High Council’s decision was not meant as punishment. Somehow, he had to do this while presenting her in the most favorable light possible. Khon’Tor knew she was immensely popular with the People. If he did not speak in line with their reverence for her, they might turn against him.

  Confident he had a general idea of what to convey, he sent out word that there would be a general assembly before the end of the next day, at which everyone was required to be in attendance.

  * * *

  Adia received the news with mixed feelings. She believed Acaraho when he told her he felt Khon’Tor would give a unifying and rallying speech. That part was reassuring to her. The unsettling part was that now it would begin. The sideways glances, conversations that stopped mid-sentence when she entered a room, the constant speculation about who the father was.

  I believe I will have the support of the other females because they have experienced the longing to have offspring. But there will still be the question about how I could have let something like this happen. However, as far as her role as Healer went, she believed it could take the hit.

  Adia was glad Honovi had returned in time for the general meeting, and said to her, “You are part of our community now, so you should be there with everyone else.”

  * * *

  Khon’Tor did not move back to his quarters after the High Council meeting. In fact, he had still not moved back. He continued to live in the meeting room he had requisitioned.

  Hakani waited every night for his return, bracing herself for the aftermath to her claim of Adia’s unborn offspring. Days passed, and she neither saw him nor heard word from him or from anyone about his whereabouts. She would have liked to see him accidentally, to gauge his mood, but that did not happen either.

  Finally, the day he announced the general assembly, Khon’Tor came to their quarters. He stood just inside the door, making it obvious he was not staying long. Hakani rose as soon as she saw him. She told herself to relax because it was doubtful he would do anything drastic the day before the meeting; though this was the first time they had seen each other since the High Council.

  Khon’Tor’s posture was rigid. “I am sure you have heard that I called a meeting for tomorrow. I am going to cover some high-level items affecting everyone. I am going to tell them the purpose of the recent visit from the High Council. I am also going to tell them that Adia is with offspring and the reason why that offspring will be turned over to you after it is born,” he said matter-of-factly.

  Then he took a couple of steps toward her. Hakani, despite her self-assurance of a moment earlier, stiffened and unconsciously took a step backward.

  “Relax, Hakani. You are safe—for the moment. However, let me make this very clear. Do not act up tomorrow. I expect you to attend, listen attentively, and behave like the Leader’s Mate. You are getting what you want. I suggest you behave accordingly,” he said.

  Hakani did not answer.

  Khon’Tor stared her down a little while longer, intentionally trying to make her uncomfortable. Then, just to let her know he had not forgotten her acts of defiance, he narrowed his eyes and curled his left upper lip into a snarl—just noticeable enough—and left.

  Despite her silence, Khon’Tor knew Hakani well enough to tell that her earlier bravado in front of the High Council was gone. He was disappointed, for it would have made what he was planning for her later so much more sporting.

  * * *

  The next afternoon came soon enough. Acaraho was there early. There was not much talk among the crowd once they got seated. They were subdued, which told him they were lost in their own thoughts, wondering about the reason for this meeting.

  Adia, Honovi, and Nadiwani came in and took seats not too far from Acaraho. Mapiya sat next to Honovi.

  Hakani was one of the last to get there, keeping to the back. Soon everyone was seated, and it was not long before Khon’Tor arrived and walked confidently up to the front. He had brought the Leader’s Staff, indicating that this was a matter of great importance. A chill went through most members in attendance once they noticed he was carrying it. As was his practice, Khon’Tor raised his left hand to indicate he was about to speak.

  Adia suddenly felt light-headed and was concerned she might faint. She prayed to the Mother that she would not and focused on controlling her breathing.

  Khon’Tor spoke. “Thank you for coming. You all need to hear this at the same time, so there is no conjecture later over what I said. No doubt you are aware that recently the High Council came to Kthama, something which has only happened
a handful of times in our memory. Only matters of the highest importance are attended to by the High Council. Matters which affect a community at a deep level and those which need the combined wisdom of many to decide. For several seasons our community has faced many challenges. Those challenges are not over, but that is the nature of life; the challenges will never be over.”

  There was a murmur in the crowd until he continued.

  “Change is the nature of life. As much as we would like everything to stay the same, it never will. Our people do not easily accept change. It has always proven hard for us, regardless of what it has been. But no matter how hard, we have made it through each one—all of them. And we will make it through the changes to come,” he said.

  Then he took a few steps over to the side, something Khon’Tor never did. He usually stood in the same place once he started speaking and never left it.

  “Our Ancestors created the laws of the People. The laws are here to guide us and direct us. They are meant for our benefit, not for our persecution. I will start by quoting one of the First Laws. In all things, show forbearance for each other’s failings.

  “The High Council came to hear a very difficult situation. One that will challenge our ability as a People to obey the law I just quoted. I have no doubt you will be affected by what I am about to tell you, perhaps deeply. But I ask you to hear me out before you pass judgment, and to keep in mind that none of us—no matter who it is—is infallible, and nor should we be expected to be.”

  Then he walked back to his original starting position.

  “The High Council came here to sit in judgment of a crime. A crime that was committed by one of our most revered and respected Leaders. As you know, a crime committed by one of the high ranks cannot be heard within the community concerned—it must be heard by the High Council,” he continued.

  “This was not a crime as you might think. But because what has happened goes against one of the Second Laws, it is still technically a crime. Although a law was broken, the High Council did not pass judgment. They did hand down a ruling on what should happen as a result of this situation, but it was not a judgment. They were very clear about that.”

  Everyone was shifting in their seats by now.

  “Under any other circumstance, were it anyone else, what I am about to tell you would be an occasion for joy. I hope that by the time I have finished speaking, you will be able to embrace it as just that.

  “Adia,” and he held out his free hand as if he were expecting her to join him. Adia startled, then froze and looked at Acaraho.

  Seeing her discomfort, Acaraho stepped over and extended his hand out to hers, to help her up. She took his hand and rose to walk to Khon’Tor. The High Protector walked a few steps with her, and then she took Khon’Tor’s hand and stood beside him.

  By having Adia join him, Khon’Tor sent a clear message that they were standing together in this matter. Those in the crowd were looking at each other now, trying to understand.

  Khon’Tor paused a moment before continuing.

  “Adia Adoeete, revered and respected Healer of the People of the High Rocks, is with offspring,” he said, still holding her hand.

  * * *

  Nothing could contain the outbreak that followed. It was not riotous, and it was not contentious; it was just that they could not control their reactions.

  Khon’Tor let it continue for a few moments. He knew this was part of their comprehending what he had just told them. He knew that if he interrupted this flow of energy at this moment, it would turn against him out of frustration. And frustration often turned to anger.

  Finally, as the conversation slowed, he raised his staff, commanding everyone’s attention.

  They slowly stopped talking and turned to look back at him.

  “I do not have to tell you about Adia’s spotless record. I do not have to tell you how she has served every one of us diligently and with love. How many of us here have been healed by her care? How many of our Elders has she tended to in their Twilight, and even through their Return to the Great Spirit? She has been here for us in joy and tragedy. She has never turned her back on us, no matter what our need. I am asking you not to turn your backs on her now in her time of need.”

  Silence.

  “I told you earlier that the High Council did not pass judgment on Adia. They recognize none of us is infallible. I hope each of you accepts that truth for yourselves at this moment.

  “The High Council is sending a Healer to help Adia through the next few months of waiting. As you know, the Healer is one of the most important members of a community; even more so one of Adia’s heart and talent. We all know that carrying and delivering an offspring can be trying and dangerous, so Adia must receive the best support and care through the next few months,” he said.

  Acaraho shook his head at Khon’Tor’s instincts and abilities when it came to unifying and motivating people.

  The Leader continued. “It would be an understatement for me to say there are circumstances regarding her situation about which you are no doubt curious, and questions for which you want answers. There will be times where you may even find yourselves feeling driven to seek out these answers. I am asking you now to find it within yourselves to let that pass and commit to not having all the answers you want. Respect Adia’s privacy. Focus instead on the joy of a new life coming into our community.

  “The offspring of a Healer is, in many ways, an event to be celebrated. It is in truth, a sacred event—not a shameful one. Adia is our Healer, and we are blessed to have her. But Adia is also a female, and she is about to experience one of the greatest blessings of being a female. Let us share her joy with her and let us practice the law of forbearance for each other.”

  Khon’Tor paused. Instinctively, he decided to leave out the part where the offspring would be turned over to Hakani.

  And so, with that, Khon’Tor raised Adia’s hand in his and slammed his staff into the floor.

  Slowly, a single thought must have passed through the People because as if on cue, each raised a hand toward Adia, returning the gesture. It was a spontaneous act and one that had never occurred before. In the same moment, Adia felt warmth pass through her, and she was convinced it was the Spirit of the Great Mother moving through them all that had stirred the moment of unity.

  Acaraho stepped forward, and Khon’Tor passed Adia’s hand back to him. Acaraho helped her to her seat.

  Just as she sat, Khon’Tor raised his hand again and said, “Thank you, People of the High Rocks. That is all,” and he looked straight ahead as he walked through the crowd to the back of the room and left.

  * * *

  The mood had changed from one of anticipation and concern to shock and alarm when Khon’Tor had made his announcement, and now it changed again, to one of reverence. The People talked among themselves in hushed tones. As they got up to leave, nearly every one of them went past Adia and took her hand; even those at the back who had to come forward to do so.

  Acaraho kept his position and took his eyes off her only to assimilate everyone’s reactions.

  People came up to her and gave her their congratulations, or simply looked at her with kindness and smiled at her. Adia was moved to tears and let them roll silently down her face. But these were not tears of sadness; they were tears of relief and gratitude at the outpouring of love and acceptance toward her.

  Nadiwani, Honovi, and Mapiya stayed seated at Adia’s side throughout. It seemed to take forever, but eventually, everyone had left except the five of them.

  Acaraho came over and knelt in front of Adia, so he was at eye level with her. He placed one hand over hers as they lay folded in her lap. He did not say a word; he just looked into her eyes.

  They stayed there for a few more moments until suddenly Adia sat up a little straighter and her hand went to her midsection. She looked around at them, her eyes a little wide, and said, “The offspring just moved.”

  And they all broke out in joyful smiles, even the us
ually stoic Acaraho.

  Adia and Acaraho were thinking the same thing.

  To what depths did Khon’Tor reach into himself that he could speak as he did. It was an unfathomable dichotomy—that one who himself was capable of so much evil and selfishness was also capable of moving others to so much love and compassion.

  Chapter 9

  However, it was not just the five of them left in the room.

  Way in the back in the shadows stood someone who had not been moved by Khon’Tor’s speech—or at least not in the same way as the others.

  Hakani did not want the People to embrace and forgive Adia. She had been thrilled when she heard Adia was with offspring. Finally, the great Healer had fallen like the rest of them. Adia had been brought down, shown to be no better than anyone else, and Hakani had come to the meeting anticipating that the People would turn away from Adia in disappointment. Perhaps, if Hakani were very lucky, even in disgust.

  But none of it happened—because of Khon’Tor and his krellshar speech. And to make it worse, he did not even mention I would be the one to raise the offspring. That Adia’s offspring would be taken away from its disgraced mother and given to me to raise instead.

  Hakani had come to see Adia shamed, not glorified. Rejected, not embraced. The hatred and the rebellion fired up again within her; against Khon’Tor, against Adia, and against Adia’s unborn offspring.

  She slipped out of the room amid the shadows, but not unnoticed; the movement caught Acaraho’s eye.

  * * *

  As she walked back to her quarters—Khon’Tor’s quarters—Hakani developed her plans for revenge. She would make sure they all suffered for this—especially her mate.

  She did not yet know how, but she would make him pay most of all.