by Beth Reason
Chapter 27
Tenet didn't think he'd ever seen a more beautiful sight than the dark, scary path through the thick forest that would lead them up the mountain into Ogden. In fact, it was so moving, that he pulled his horse to a stop and waited for the others to catch up.
"Why did we stop, Da?" Violet asked, turning her head around and up to look at his face from her perch on the saddle in front of him.
"I just want to remember this," he said.
Violet frowned and shrugged. "You're a weirdo."
Scarab snorted as she pulled up next to Tenet. "Where did you hear that word?"
"Anka called me that all the time," she said, crinkling her nose at the memory of her cousin.
"Did you tell her it takes one to know one?" Scarab asked.
Tenet sighed. "Way to kill the moment, ladies." He gave Scarab a wry smile and she shrugged.
"May I have permission to lead us in?" Lendyl asked. He'd been trying to work up the courage to make the request since they changed from vehicles to horses at Last Inn.
Wren looked at the boy. No, man, he corrected himself, as he had to many times over the last few months. Lendyl left their village a boy, but he was returning a man. "I do not object."
"I think it be a fine idea," said Fratz. He had direct orders to see all the Ogden residents back to their village safely, and even brought the remainder of his troop with him. Though two had fallen in their advanced attack, the others would not hear of Fratz leading the Celtists home without them. Krupkie had been so pleased at the bonds that were forming between the army and the Celtist warriors that she ordered them all to go on the mission.
Lendyl's pride was clear in his eyes, though he schooled his features. Wren felt the pride of a teacher swell in his breast again. He was now a fine warrior, indeed. Capable. Worthy. Takar had been correct. It was Lendyl that would take Wren's place one day.
Wren felt the sadness tinged with calm as he thought about his brother. Takar had healed from his injuries, but would never be whole. He lost his leg and part of a hand. Even though the man Weevil assured Takar he was going to design a metal leg as a replacement, Takar would never again be able to fight for Ogden. When Wren heard Tenet's diagnosis, he had meditated for hours for the strength from the Mother to help Takar handle the bitter news, then went to him expecting the worst. Instead, he found his brother finally at peace.
"You look confused. I like this Wren," Takar had said, still pale and weak from the loss of blood.
"You do not seem as upset as you should."
Takar had waited for Wren to sit. "I fought bravely, brother. The enemies fell before my bow as if the Mother herself guided the arrows."
"Yes. The tale is already spreading. By the time we return to Ogden, your head will be five sizes too large for your doorway and a new house will need to be built."
Takar had smiled openly, perhaps the first true smile Wren had seen since they were children, and in that moment, Wren knew. Takar had changed, and soon Wren would be left without him. "I will not return to Ogden, brother. I am no longer a warrior." When Wren had protested, Takar would not let him finish. "What would happen for me in Ogden? I have no wife, nor will I ever. I am no longer a warrior and have no position. There is nothing there for me but sympathy. I cannot live with that."
"You will be cared for by the septad as a fine and brave member!" Wren's mind had scrambled to find any purpose for Takar. "Mordin is old. Perhaps the Mother would see fit to select you to be the new Grandfather." Even before the words were out, Takar had started laughing.
"Me? Grandfather? I would have to like to be around people for that. No, brother. When Mordin's time comes, I believe it will be you the Mother will select. I can think of no one better to raise the young men of Ogden and lead them down their paths." Takar had grabbed his brother's hand and squeezed it. "I will not be a burden on Ogden, Wren. I will not have old maids bring me my meals and young maidens look at me and wonder if I should have need of their...relief. I could not face their pity and confusions day after day. Can you not understand?"
Wren could understand even through his sadness. "Then you will stay here? To what end?"
Takar's face had turned red, something Wren wondered about over and over through the long trip back to Ogden. "To my own end. For my own purposes. Have I not earned it?"
When they parted weeks later, when Tenet's healing skills were no longer needed to help the wounded and it was clear there would be no more danger from Southland, Takar had stood with them, using a special crutch Weevil designed. He refused to wear the clothing of the army, keeping his leathers in spite of Krupkie's requests, and still looked like an Ogden warrior on the outside. However, Wren had noticed how calm Takar was. There was no longer anger in his eyes and for that, Wren could be glad. He had embraced Takar, not as a warrior, but as his brother, and told him their father's spirit was proud. His last image of his brother was one he would always treasure. Takar had stood proud and tall beside the man Weevil, who looked upon Takar with open adoration. Wren would not tell the septad of that, but inside, he rejoiced that his brother finally found acceptance.
It all came back to Wren as they entered the forest path. It was the first time in twenty years that he rode home without Takar by his side. It was bittersweet, and in spite of his excitement, he took a moment to say a prayer to the Mother.
The group made their way to the center where all paths into Ogden met, then hesitated. Tenet wanted to turn off the path and race to his house. He could not wait to fix them a dinner on their very own stove while his wife traded jokes with his daughter until the girl fell asleep. He could not wait to carry Violet into her room and tuck her into her own bed and kiss her gel-free hair as he wrapped the warm fur up over her. And then what he would do with his wife...
As much as he longed to be in his home right that moment, it would have to wait and he knew it. He could not race to his house and pick up life where it left off. He was part of the returning party, and he knew he must present himself to the village for their welcome as Scarab had explained. He might not be a warrior, but he was a member of Ogden and a decorated hero by the Borderlands government for the lives he saved after the first and only battle. He pushed all fantasies aside and turned his horse to follow Lendyl down the path that would lead them to the center of the village.
Lendyl's horse did not even break free from the path surrounded by thickly growing sister trees before they could hear the cheer of welcome.
"Is that for us, Da?" Violet asked, leaning forward to see past Lendyl.
Tenet smiled. "Yes, I think it is."
"Will I get my medal now?" she asked excitedly.
Tenet tightened his hold around her. "You certainly won't if you fall off this horse!"
Violet rolled her eyes but held on to Tenet's arm just in case he was right. They walked the few more steps and the village center opened in the clearing before them. Everyone was there, clapping and cheering and waving. She waved her hand, looking around the crowd for her friends."
"Violet!" came a clear, young voice.
"Beddick!" she yelled, seeing him and Kenda standing with Mrs. McKay on the steps of Hans' store. "Da, let me down!" she said, pulling against him, suddenly needing to see her friends.
Tenet saw the tears in her eyes and pulled his horse to a stop. He got down and was immediately surrounded by the townspeople. He felt a flash of fear as they closed in and suddenly wanted to get Violet out of there and back to safety.
"Tenet, let her go," said Scarab. "They're all friends here."
Tenet looked at his wife in wonder and surprise. Slowly he lifted Violet down and set her on the ground. He started after her when she began to push through the crowd, but Scarab was suddenly there, holding his hand, reassuring him.
"I never thought I'd see the day when you were the one telling me to relax," he said nervously.
Scarab's eyes twinkled with amusement, but she kept the smile in check. In truth, she was equally nerv
ous. She did not like people. She did not like the fact that they were surrounded by the whole village and people were all talking and laughing and pushing. However, for the first time in her life, she did not think they were plotting against her. She felt like she had come home. Though she was still uncomfortable with the idea, Scarab forced herself to let them give their welcome. She even tried to smile, though she knew it came off fake and wooden when Mrs. McKay shot her a scared look. Still, she tried. And that was a huge step.
Wren embraced his wife and took her teary teasing about his short beard with good humor. And when she kissed him with deep passion, he wondered if perhaps if he would keep the beard trimmed after all. He released her and bowed to Mirvena and Mordin.
"A full accounting will be necessary for the chronicles," said Gwyn.
"Not now," Mirvena snapped at her niece. "There is plenty of time for that later. Can't you see they just got back?"
Gwyn rolled her eyes and smiled at Fratz, completely unmoved by her aunt's testiness. "It is said that you have agreed to sit for a telling."
Fratz looked uncomfortable, but nodded. Tenet had talked him into it back in Carlton, and Krupkie had been very quick to agree. "We've got a foot in the door to getting their trust, Gundersson. Don't screw it up."
"Id'na planned ta do the best I can," he assured her.
Gwyn clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh think of it! Chronicles from the army and Southland and a grand saga that shall be handed down for generations."
Mirvena sighed outwardly, but had to fight her own smile. "You and your soldiers are welcome to the hospitalities of Ogden," she said to Fratz. "You will be housed in the warrior sector. Lendyl can show you the way." Mirvena turned to Lendyl then, and welcomed him as a full warrior. There was no pomp, no official ceremony, or even words spoken loud enough for the rest of the chattering septad to hear. However, they all knew, and Lendyl stood tall and proud.
Mirvena moved to Wren. "It is with a sad heart we do not welcome everyone home. However, Takar's bravery and dedication cannot be denied. You raised a good warrior, and we shall sing about him at the solstice."
Wren's eyes filled with tears and his wife squeezed his hand. He could only nod for fear of embarrassing himself in front of the village if he spoke.
Mirvena moved to Tenet and Scarab, who both stood watching Violet with hawk eyes. "She will not be harmed here," she said quietly to the pair.
Tenet sighed. "I know." And he did, logically. "I can't help it if there are scars."
"Of course not," said Mirvena. "To think otherwise would be foolish." She turned to Scarab. "And what of you, granddaughter? Are you finally ready to take me up on my offer?"
Scarab tore her eyes away from Violet and stared at Mirvena with surprise. Many years ago, Mirvena told Scarab the time would come when Scarab would be ready to release her burdens, and Mirvena offered to take them from her. Over the years, Scarab had moments when she believed she was ready for that, ready to let go. However, every time she had started up the imposing hill toward the Celtist temple, she talked herself out of it. Her past made her who she was. The pain and fears made her strong, made her sharp, made her sure. They made her Scarab, and in the end, the idea of losing all of that was terrifying. Every time she started up that hill, she would turn back around and run, go on a hunt or help Tenet chop fallen sisters, anything to keep her focus clear. She knew what Mirvena was asking, and opened her mouth to once again thank her for the offer, but decline.
"I think I would like that," Scarab said, stunning herself. She clamped her mouth shut and felt her cheeks burn. She told herself to take it back, to fix her mistake. And then the image of Violet clinging to her for comfort, her, not Tenet, went through her head and she kept her mouth shut in spite of her fear.
Mirvena lifted her hand and ran it down Scarab's cheek. The woman before her was utterly terrified. It seemed the only thing that scared the huntress was herself. But Scarab would let go, of that Mirvena was certain. She was ready. Before her own emotions got the better of her and she made herself look like an old fool like Mordin, Mirvena dropped her hand and turned away. "Let these people go to their homes, you buzzards," she yelled at the crowd. "There will be plenty of time for gossip later!"
Tenet watched Mirvena climb the steep hill to the temple, then looked down at his wife's stunned face, a bemused look in his eye. "Um, what just happened?"
Scarab shook her head, unable to explain. There would be time later. There would be plenty of time later. She took his hand and cleared her throat. "Get your kid. I think it's time to go home."
Tenet grinned and called Violet. He made their excuses and dismissals to the crowd, promising he'd be in town the next day to tell them all about their adventure. He climbed up on his horse and held his hands down to take Violet from Scarab. He settled her in front of him, waved to the group, then turned his horse towards home.
"I'm glad to be home, Da," Violet said, her eyes sparkling with excitement and happiness.
"Me too, kiddo."
"Beddick said he missed me."
Tenet sighed. "Mr. Beddick," he reminded her. "And of course he missed you. Everyone missed you."
"But Beddick missed me best." She snuggled back against Tenet and yawned. "I will have to tell him tomorrow to start his championship."
Scarab snorted and Tenet groaned. "Oh no, you don't, missy."
Violet sat forward. "But Da! How will he win my favor?"
Scarab looked at Tenet's terrified expression and threw her head back and laughed. "Yeah, Tenet. He's already six, for crying out loud."
Tenet turned to Scarab, outraged. "Don't tell me you are in support of this idea?" Scarab's eyes glinted and he realized she was teasing him. His frown changed to a wry grin. "You'll pay for that later, wench."
Scarab flashed him a grin, then clicked her tongue and dug her heels into her steed, making him surge forward. Tenet gave chase, with Violet loudly cheering the race on and clinging to him with all her might. They turned the last corner and entered their clearing, then slowed and sat taking in the image.
The sun was low in the sky, casting a pale pink glow around the clearing that was nestled in a perfect circle in the forest. The grass had been trimmed and the lights glowed from inside the low, round building. It was clear that the roofing thatch had been replaced by one of their neighbors, and the smell of a stew cooking inside let them know that someone had gotten the house ready for their return.
"It's a lot different than the mansion in Southland," Scarab said, looking at their shabby home. After seeing the house where Tenet grew up, she couldn't shake the feeling that he gave up too much. As she watched him sitting there, staring, she knew what he would see. He'd see the shutter that had fallen off in an early winter storm that needed repair. He'd see the crumbling stones of the south chimney. When they got inside, he'd see the chipped wooden cup they let Violet use to hold flowers instead of the ornate enameled vases of Southland. There would be no carved marble walls, no soft electric lighting through crystals, no library of books that stretched from floor to ceiling. Their curtains would always be ugly, their sheets would get itchy in the heat, and every single day would be twice as hard as a Southland life.
Tenet turned to Scarab slowly and stared at her with his mouth open.
"What?"
He shook his head and nudged his horse, turning the beast so he could face Scarab. "You're right. It's a lot different than a mansion in Southland, and you have no idea how happy that makes me."
"We don't have money."
He shrugged. "Then we'll earn some."
"It'll take forever to afford a new transport."
Tenet patted the horse. "I'm getting used to these models. Not the best gas mileage, and boy do they smell sometimes." Violet giggled. "But at least they're open on a hot day, right?"
Scarab bit the corners of her mouth to keep from laughing. "Tenet, I'm being serious."
"And you're not saying anything I don't already know." He shook his
head. "I've been living up here for almost seven years now. I know our house needs work, I know we'll have to be the ones to fix it, and I know I'll have to work my ass off to earn any extra thing we need or want. I get it. We're broke. We have no maids or mansions or yachts..."
Scarab quirked an eyebrow. "I didn't see a yacht."
"That's because we weren't on the coastal..." He stopped and shook his head quickly. "It doesn't matter. All that crap doesn't matter. I know we won't have any of it, and I mean it when I say this is the life I want. Marble is cold, crystal breaks, and dishes that match are just pretentious."
Scarab closed her eyes for a moment, the warmth of the sincerity in his voice acting like a balm on her fears. She needed to hear him say it. She needed to know that even after he got a taste of that easy life again, he'd still choose her. When she opened them and looked at Tenet, there was the twinkle in his eye and the half-smirk of his lips that always made her fall a little more in love with him. She didn't care how awkward it was, she suddenly needed to feel him and she threw her arms around Tenet, ignoring Violet's protests as she squeezed him tight.
Tenet laughed and wrapped his arms around Scarab as best he could with Violet on his lap, the reins in his hand, and an antsy horse trying to pull them apart.
"You're squishin' me!" Violet said, trying to wriggle out from between them.
Scarab chuckled and released her hold. "Way to kill the mood, kid."
Violet smoothed her hair away from her face and took a deep breath. "You can kiss and hug Da later. Can't we just go home already?"
Tenet and Scarab shared a smile before he turned his horse around towards the house. "Yes, Violet," he said, clicking his tongue to get his horse to take the last few steps of their long journey. "Let's go home."
~~~ * * * ~~~
About the Author:
Beth Reason likes most types of music, with country being the exception. She plays video games and will argue about first dibs on a new game with her teenagers. In fourth grade she started playing the saxophone, joined the chorus in seventh grade, and took two years of Latin in high school, thus rounding out her solid hold on both the geek AND the nerd cultures. She never wore a pocket protector, though. There are limits.
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Want to read more by Beth Reason? Sure you do!
Broken Tenets: Book I in the Tenet Series
Sacred Tenets: Book II in the Tenet Series
A Journey Deep
Four books not enough for you? Coming in March 2014: The Great Mother