The Healer’s Mantle

by Leigh Roberts

  After he brought the news, Acaraho had stood watching Adia. Urilla Wuti was there, and she went over to the new mother and stood behind her, placing her hands on Adia’s shoulders to help her find strength.

  Adia just nodded her agreement, then bent forward and hid her hands in her face.

  Urilla Wuti broke the silence. “I think it best that I leave too, with Nimida. I will send my two attendants to bring back a wet nurse, so there will be no risk to her on the days of journeying back. Ours is a large community, and I know of several candidates.”

  No one was surprised that Urilla Wuti also had this part of the plan covered.

  That settled, Acaraho and Urilla Wuti left, each to attend to their own business, leaving Nadiwani and Adia alone.

  Nadiwani put her arms around her friend and tried to comfort her. It was all so wrong, and Nadiwani wondered what the Great Spirit could be thinking, to allow everything to come to this.

  And what of these innocent offspring—are they never to know how much their mother loves them and will grieve over them for years to come? At least Nootau will still be here among our people. But the female—what will become of her and how can Adia ever have any peace not knowing?

  Of course, the Helper had no idea that thanks to Urilla Wuti, Adia would at least have some general idea of how they were doing.

  Nadiwani offered to help pack up Urilla Wuti’s supplies, but the Healer said that she would take only the few items she needed for the journey and that Adia and Nadiwani could keep the rest.

  * * *

  The females prepared for Urilla Wuti’s trip with Nimida back to her people. They packed one of the two large satchels with items the Healer was taking with her. They prepared the other as a carrier for the little female. Urilla Wuti had strengthened the sides so it would keep its form but not be obviously modified. They were so close; the secret of the second offspring had been kept safely for months. A misstep now would be a tragedy.

  Though it seemed on the surface to be more hurtful, Adia agreed that both the offspring should be taken from her at the same time. “A clean-edged cut always heals faster than a torn and jagged one,” she said.

  Acaraho notified Kachina that the transfer was almost underway. She was still to be his communication link to how Nootau was being treated. While most of the People’s customs had stood the test of time, Acaraho felt even more strongly that this one should be revisited. It was meant to be a means for an orphaned offspring to be placed with loving parents—but these offspring are not orphaned; their mother lives. The High Council has made a grievous error in this case.

  * * *

  It was not long before Urilla Wuti’s wet nurse arrived, passing as yet another of her helpers.

  Nadiwani packed the last of the Healer’s things, leaving the most perishable items for last. Just before everything was ready to go, she asked for time alone with the offspring to say her goodbyes. Adia agreed, and they did as she asked.

  The Helper tucked Nimida’s Keeping Stone into the satchel with the other items. It would not add much weight, and it was the offspring’s only tie to her real home. But before she did so, she made a special mark on Nimida’s stone indicating the day she was taken from Adia. She put Nootau’s in the pile of the things to go with him, with the identical mark that signified the date of their separation.

  The time had come. Nadiwani told the others everything was ready, and they came back into the room. Adia hugged Urilla Wuti and looked into her face for what would be the last time in quite a while. An attendant picked up one satchel and stood waiting by the door.

  Adia took a few moments to hold Nimida, tears running down her face, before she placed the tiny offspring carefully into the carrying case. It comforted her to see that Nimida would be completely safe, comfortable, and protected. The other attendant lifted the satchel with Nimida in it, making sure she could not shift position inside.

  Adia knew her daughter was in good hands. I wonder if I will ever see her again, the daughter I was never supposed to have; the daughter I will think about every day for the rest of my life.

  Nadiwani put her arm around Adia, knowing nothing could make this bearable.

  Acaraho stepped forward into the hallway and waited for Urilla Wuti’s group to file past. He gave Adia one last look and then closed the door behind them. Adia’s sobs carried down the hall as he led the group to the Mother Stream, where they would travel safely underground back home.

  He bid farewell to Urilla Wuti and her party and then returned to the Healer’s Quarters to find Nootau wrapped up and ready to go. Nadiwani had already sent word for Kachina to come, but when she arrived to take Nootau, Adia refused.

  “No. This I have to do myself. I have to see where Nootau will be kept; I have to know first-hand that everything has been properly prepared for him. I cannot simply hand him over. I will not,” Adia said, standing tall with Nootau held protectively in her arms.

  There was no one to tell her she could not, but Acaraho said, “Alright, Adia. I will go with you.”

  “No. I have to do this alone. You said they are waiting; I will take Nootau there. If you are worried, you can follow in a while, but give me time to do this myself,” she said firmly.

  * * *

  Acaraho hated letting Adia go alone, but it was not his place to dissuade her. She was turning over her son, and he supported whatever she needed to do to help her get through it. It made him almost more uncomfortable than he could bear, but he also knew Khon’Tor would not let any harm come to Adia at Hakani’s hand. The last thing the Leader wanted was for the High Council to have any more involvement with High Rocks.

  Adia picked up Nootau’s things and left with him. Acaraho, Nadiwani, and Kachina stood there, looking at each other. Then, having unexpected time available, Kachina returned to her quarters briefly.

  The only comfort for Acaraho was that there were still two guards stationed a short way from Khon’Tor’s quarters, and he knew for a fact they could overhear what went on in there.

  Unlike the special meeting rooms that had been soundproofed, there had never been a reason to soundproof any of the living quarters. Especially the Leader’s, which were situated at the end of a long tunnel and where, short of dire emergencies, no one ever entered. So he knew that if there were any altercations, he could count on the guards to be at Adia’s side in a few seconds.

  * * *

  Adia kept putting one foot in front of the other and tried not to think. She did not want to upset Nootau, who so far was sleeping peacefully.

  As Adia approached the guards, they parted for her to pass. Then they turned and watched her travel the rest of the stone hallway to Khon’Tor’s quarters. The door was open, but the People did not enter others’ quarters without making their presence known and receiving permission. It felt inappropriate to follow proper courtesies under these circumstances. But, instead of walking in, Adia stood in the doorway waiting for them to acknowledge her. She was not prepared to risk antagonizing Hakani, to whom she was about to surrender her precious offspring.

  Khon’Tor and Hakani stood there, not saying a word when they saw it was Adia who was bringing the offspring. Finally, the Healer spoke up.

  “I need to see where he will sleep,” was all she said.

  Khon’Tor motioned to the other side of the room to a small alcove that had been converted into a nursery. She walked over and looked at the warm, cozy place prepared for him to sleep. It was very welcoming, a fact Adia attributed wholly to Kachina’s doing. She looked around the rest of the room and saw appropriate wrappings and supplies had been assembled.

  Convinced that Kachina had done an excellent job, Adia laid Nootau down in the little nest. She bent over him, taking a long, last look. Her tears fell gently down upon her son, soaking into his wrap. He lay there looking up at her with his big brown eyes. She placed her hand on his little chest and said a blessing and a prayer of protection over him. It took her a while to break away.

  No Mother sh
ould have to go through this, she thought. And neither should any offspring. This is barbaric. Unfair. Cruel. This custom is for situations where the mother has died or abandoned her offspring. When, ever, has a mother been forced to give up her offspring? And to someone who is only using the offspring as a weapon.

  Under normal circumstances, there are few true victims in life, but in this case, Adia was one. None of this was her fault, none of this was her doing, and yet she was paying for Khon’Tor’s crimes. She had gotten through the scars of the attack and made peace with it as best she could, but this— This was beyond what should ever be asked of anyone. And especially not an innocent person of Adia’s caliber who had put herself last. She was protecting the monster who had caused her to be in this position—all in an effort to prevent the destruction of her culture and community with the truth.

  Adia turned and faced Khon’Tor and Hakani again. Her eyes were steely cold; her face still wet with tears. If she ever hated anyone, she hated these two now. And she did not try to hide it—from herself or from them.

  “I would like to check on him regularly.”

  Hakani spoke. “That will not be necessary. You forget, he is not your offspring any longer, Healer. He is mine now. A wet nurse has been arranged, which means he has no need for you anymore. I suggest you go tend to your Waschini child, the one you chose over this one,” she taunted.

  Adia stood frozen, shocked at the cruelty of what Hakani was saying. It took all her self-control not to attack her. Instead, not trusting herself a second longer in the female’s presence, she turned to leave.

  * * *

  Khon’Tor heard Hakani take a breath as if she were going to say something else to cut Adia more. He turned, raised his hand to her with his index finger up, and narrowed his gaze to glare at his mate. He snarled at her, “Tend to your offspring, female.” He then stepped into the hallway and closed the heavy stone door behind him.

  Adia was most of the way down the corridor by the time Khon’Tor caught up with her. What made him go after her? It was not that he was concerned for her, because it was not within Khon’Tor’s ability to care for anyone but himself. Whatever the reason, his following her had disastrous consequences.

  Chapter 12

  Adia had reached the two guards by the time Khon’Tor got to her. He grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him. Adia looked at his hand and sank her nails into it as hard as she could, drawing blood.

  Khon’Tor released her immediately and caught up his bleeding hand. He turned to the two guards who were standing there aghast and snarled at them, “Leave here. Now! Qa!” The two males turned and left, running directly to find Acaraho.

  When he turned to face her again, Adia took a step back and open-handed Khon’Tor as hard as she could across his face, her eyes wild with anger.

  “PetaQ! How dare you touch me!” She leaned toward him and snarled. “Do not ever lay a hand on me again! Ever! Have you not done enough to ruin my life?”

  It was over; her last thread of self-control had snapped.

  “Why? Khon’Tor? Why? What did I ever do to you that I deserved this? How could you hate me so much to do what you did? I am a Healer. I was a maiden, and you knew it when you took me Without My Consent. You had no right! And as I lay there helpless and barely conscious, at your mercy? Just how heartless are you?”

  She was oblivious to their surroundings, oblivious to anything but Khon’Tor standing in front of her—the cause of her heartbreak, humiliation, and disgrace in front of the High Council and her people.

  “And then you left me there to die. And now this? Having to give up my offspring—an offspring I was never supposed to have—to stand by and watch a female who hates me raise my son. Your son. A son you will never claim, but who rightfully should take your place as Leader?”

  It all came pouring out.

  “You made your deal, Adia,” said Khon’Tor through gritted teeth, his face still stinging from her slap.

  “If you are talking about the Rah-hora, my silence about what you did to me has nothing to do with that, Khon’Tor. I decided to keep my silence long before you struck that bargain. I have kept my silence because of what it would do to our people, and for no other reason. As sad as it is, they need you. They need a Leader with your will and drive. If it were not for them, you would have paid long ago for what you did to me,” she hissed at him, her teeth bared and her face inches from his.

  She turned to leave and then looked back to fire one last insult before she went.

  Looking Khon’Tor up and down with disgust, she said,

  “By the Mother! What kind of male has to take an unconscious maiden to satisfy himself? Tell me that! What does that say about the magnificent and virile Khon’Tor, Leader of the People of the High Rocks?” she asked, throwing at his manhood the worst insult she could think of.

  Khon’Tor stood still and let her leave. He closed his eyes to focus his thoughts. He was sure Hakani could not hear, as far away as they were, but he was not sure if anyone else might have entered the passage. He gave Adia a brief head start, then went up the corridor and looked both ways down the connecting tunnels. He saw no one. Well, if anyone did hear, I will know soon enough. And if so, somehow, while I am still able, even if it is the last thing I do, I will make her pay for what she said, avowed the Leader.

  He retraced his steps to where he could see back down the corridor to his quarters. The door was still tightly closed. He knew Hakani, and he knew if she had overhead any of the argument, she would have flown out of there and come after him in a furious rage.

  Needing a private place to think, he went to his meeting room and sat down to figure out what to do next.

  Khon’Tor was very wrong about two things. One was that he knew everything there was to know about Hakani. The other was that sound did not travel down the corridor into his quarters.

  * * *

  Hakani had heard it all. Because of the precise place where Adia and Khon’Tor had stood and argued, every word was conducted down the tunnel and into the Leader’s Quarters.

  Hakani flew around, her fists in her hair.

  His offspring? This is his offspring? Through Adia? The female who has been his First Choice all along? Her mind was reeling. It was not possible.

  All this time, he was laughing at me behind my back, realizing that, unawares, I would be raising his offspring after all? And I thought it was I who had tricked him by claiming the offspring. And all those times he took me by force; he was using me to relive his enjoyment of what he did to Adia?

  It was truly more than any mind could bear, and especially one that had systematically been broken and tortured over months and months. Hakani had one thought only. To make them all pay. In whatever way she could strike the hardest at both Khon’Tor and Adia was what she would do now—or she would die trying.

  Nootau let out a little cry from the safety of his bed in the alcove. That was it. She knew just how to strike them both a fatal blow and end her pain at the same time.

  Hakani dragged the door open. Then she snatched up Nootau and hurried down the corridor.

  * * *

  Having given Adia time to hand Nootau over to Hakani, Kachina was making her way to check on how he was settling in. When she got to the door of Khon’Tor’s quarters and saw it was open, she went in and looked around for Hakani and the offspring.

  The room was in disarray.

  She spotted Nootau’s wrappings on the table and went over to the alcove to see if he was there sleeping—though if he had been left unattended by Hakani that was certainly a serious strike against her. Nootau was not there. She quickly checked around the rest of the quarters, even the personal care area.

  Hakani was never to take Nootau anywhere without one of the guards or me as an escort. Speaking of the guards, where are they? They were not at their post when I came by! Maybe they are escorting her somewhere?

  Kachina flew out in panicked pursuit of anyone who could tell her what was going
on.

  * * *

  Adia had turned into the tunnel leading to her quarters when she stopped. She crumpled to the ground in an emotional heap. The two guards saw her and raced to her side.

  * * *

  Acaraho was still in the Healer’s Quarters with Nadiwani, having given Adia the space for which she had asked. As the minutes ticked by, he was growing more and more alarmed. Finally, not being able to wait any longer, he stood up.

  “I am going after her. I have a terrible feeling about this,” he said. Just as he stepped into the hallway, he saw Adia slide down the wall and collapse near the guards.

  “Adia!” he bellowed, and left in a dead run down the corridor, reaching her just seconds after the two guards. Nadiwani came bolting out of the Healer’s Quarters after him.

  Acaraho was at Adia’s side, bending down to her. She was in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. He circled his arms around her. Just then, the two guards from Khon’Tor’s area came barreling around the corner in search of Acaraho, followed close behind by First Guard Awan who had seen them running through the corridors.

  “Acaraho!” shouted the front guard the minute he saw Acaraho on the floor holding Adia.

  “What happened?” Acaraho belted out. The males stepped backward.

  “Adia and Khon’Tor,” gasped one while trying to catch his breath.

  Just then Kachina tore around the corner and came to an abrupt stop when she saw them.

  “Hakani is gone, and so is the offspring!” she shouted.