But Acaraho had accepted his fate and resigned himself to it. He would have to find a way to be satisfied with the memory of the days he spent lying with her, holding her in his protective embrace while she was so deathly ill. He knew he could never tell her, but he hoped that in a hundred little ways she would feel his love for her, and know she was safe—that he would do everything in his power never, ever to let anything bad happen to her again.
Acaraho also realized he might never know what Khon’Tor’s part had been in Adia’s injury. At the end of the meeting, he had seen pass between them what he believed to be the completion of the Rah-hora. He surmised that with it Khon’Tor had bought her silence. Acaraho wanted to believe that the tension between the two had been eased by this. But in his gut, he knew another storm had to be coming.
Adia had gotten what she needed to ensure Oh'Dar’s opportunity to learn Whitespeak—and more. Better than his original part of the deal, Khon’Tor had publicly stated that Adia would be given the support she needed and Oh’Dar would be provided whatever he required to make him a full member of the community. And Khon’Tor had extended his protection to the offspring.
As for the Rah-hora between her and Khon’Tor, Khon’Tor had in reality collected nothing from her. The silence he had asked for as fulfillment of her part of the Rah-hora was a silence she had already vowed to keep.
Had Adia told him she was never going to reveal his transgressions against her, he would have left the debt as yet unnamed, or named another. Now there was no further way in which the Rah-hora could harm her. She knew Khon’Tor would never default—and she had every confidence he would move mountains to make sure she was bound to keep her vow of silence.
Adia walked back with Acaraho and Nadiwani, a peaceful smile on her lips. Oddly, she felt her world was falling into place, piece by piece. Her friendship with Nadiwani had only deepened through the ordeals they had experienced recently. The presence of the Waschini offspring, Oh'Dar, had given her a chance to raise and nurture an offspring. A chance that never would have been possible in her role as Healer. And her role as Healer to the People of the High Rocks gave her the personal fulfillment she needed, tending and caring for the community she loved so much.
Adia glanced up at Acaraho, walking beside her. She was at peace when he was around; his strength comforted her, and she felt safe and protected. She remembered the two times when he had spoken directly to her. They had filled her with a happiness she did not recognize. And, oh, how his eyes pierced directly into her soul. She realized she wanted to draw him into her world and break down the distance their different roles created. Whether that was possible or wise, she did not let herself reflect upon for long.
Her thoughts turned back to her father, the great Apenimon’Mok, Leader of the People of the Great Valley. Adia believed he was still watching over her. Perhaps he had sent Acaraho to protect her; she did not know. But she did know that love always brought harmony, whereas evil divided. She did not doubt—however that love existed—that it was all connected through the Great Mother.
Adia suspected Nadiwani would keep her awake that night for some time yet, between discussing Khon’Tor’s speech and adding to her requirements for Oh’Dar’s education now the restrictions had been lifted.
She did not mind. Her life was comprised of an odd conglomeration of pieces, and rag-tag though it might be, she felt she had a family now. Despite the hardships of the last while, despite the injustice of what Khon’Tor had done to her, she had survived.
How fortunate for Adia that a Healer’s vision of her own future was often blocked and she could enjoy her brief period of peace.
Because a storm was coming.
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Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows is the first of three series in The Etera Chronicles. There are nine books in series one. The next in this series is:
Book Two: The Healer’s Mantle
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, to my dear husband who put up with my disappearance from our life while I worked on this series, and who tirelessly kept the wheels turning without me.
Secondly, to my beta readers, family, and friends who joined with me in making this series a reality; your advice and support meant the world to me.
To my friends and colleagues at SPS, I thank you for the wisdom you so selflessly shared, for your encouragement, and the high standards you set. I could not leave out Eric Van Der Hope, who was always there to answer my calls for help, not only with the exact answer but with links and references to boot. Ramy, you are a great coach, and your insights, experience, and reassurances were invaluable.
Lastly, and not at all least, to my remarkable, wonderful, talented editor Joy Sephton—who put up with my incessantly incorrect use of lay, laid, lain, lie, as well as dealing with other grammatical blocks that I have yet to overcome. I can say without a doubt that this series is the best it could be because of her gentle, humorous, and indispensable advice. Pick out your red dress, Joy—we are on our way!
Khon'Tor's Wrath Page 21