Tokens and Omens

by Jeri Baird

  Cobie said, “He carried the snake into the woods and disappeared.”

  “We have to go after him. He saved me.” Zander tried to stand, but fell back.

  Kaiya’s eyes filled with tears as she crouched next to Zander. “He’s gone, Zander. His destiny was to save you.” She touched his chest where the fangs hit. “I thought you died.”

  The teens slumped on the ground. Their faces reflected a multitude of feelings, and Zander shared each one. Relief, grief, pride, and shame warred in his mind. They ate a final meal of funnel cap mushrooms, strawberries, and the last of the bread tokens. They limped, they scratched at welts. Most of all, they held their heads high. They had survived.

  Despite their weariness, they began to joke with each other. With each story told came more laughter. The camaraderie of the quest bound them. Zander shared their relief, but he couldn’t stop watching for Shadow. He couldn’t believe his patron was dead.

  Dharien remained quiet amid the celebration. When he slipped from the circle, Zander followed.

  “Dharien?”

  He scowled. “Leave me alone.”

  “Come back to the group.”

  “I’m not part of the group,” Dharien snorted. “I was meant to die. Everyone probably hoped I would.”

  “If Moira had wanted you to die, you would have.”

  “I’m a cheater.”

  “So am I.” Zander met his eyes. “It’s why we both had to fight the panthers.

  “Alexa had one too.”

  “She cheated as well.”

  After confessing how he and Alexa used their favors to win the tournament, Zander said, “So you see. We’re not so different, you and me.” He stared past Dharien while he thought through his next words. “I think what’s important is how we worked together to fight the panthers. And our actions, now the quest is over.”

  “You saved my life and put yourself in danger. Why?”

  “It seemed like the right thing to do.” Zander shrugged. “You risked your life for Alexa, even after her confession about the potion.”

  As they stood in silence, the energy of the trees renewed Zander’s strength. “Dharien? How did Alexa get Shadow’s token?”

  “On the second day of the quest she asked for it before she told me about the potion.”

  “She had it all that time? And didn’t tell me?” The wound of betrayal broke open. “Why didn’t she tell me? Or give it to me? It was my choice, not hers.”

  Dharien stared at him. “She knew you wouldn’t use it. She saved your life, Zander. Can’t you see that?”

  “But it wasn’t her decision.” Zander ran his hands through his hair.

  “She betrayed us both.” Dharien looked glum. “I promised to fight her panther, and I didn’t even do that right. She’ll never forgive me for stealing your tokens and getting the quest moved up.” He rubbed the jagged cut on his cheek. “And how could she love me with this?”

  Zander placed his hand on Dharien’s shoulder. “We all have a lot to forgive. I cheated you in the tourney.” He grimaced. “Forgive me?”

  Dharien nodded. “Can you forgive me? I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

  He clasped Dharien’s outstretched hand. “I forgive you. Today we begin anew. ”

  “What about the potion? Do you think I’m under its spell?”

  “I doubt the effects of Melina Odella’s potion would last three months. Do you still love Alexa?”

  Dharien stared at the ground. “Yes.”

  “Then, I think it’s real.” Zander shook his head. “It’ll sort itself out soon enough. Let’s join the others.”

  “Everyone hates me, and I don’t blame them. I’d hate me too.”

  “You have to prove yourself to them. Show them you’ve changed.”

  As they stepped into the circle, the questers became silent. Alexa raised her eyebrows at her twin, and he tried to reassure her with his smile.

  Standing with his hand on Dharien’s shoulder, Zander cleared his throat. “Dharien wants to speak.”

  Dharien pulled back his shoulders. “I’m sorry for stealing Zander’s tokens and getting the quest moved up before we were ready.” He let his tears fall. “We survived because of Alexa and Zander. I hope you can forgive me.”

  One by one the questers rose and clasped his hand. Alexa approached last. She searched Zander’s face before she turned to Dharien.

  “Can you forgive me? I meant it, Alexa. I’ll be there to help you anytime. For anything. All you have to do is ask.”

  “Yes. If my brother can forgive you, I can.” Alexa hesitated. “We each did things that were wrong. Today we start new.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek before darting back to the group.

  Zander whispered to Dharien, “Who knows what my sister will decide in this new day, huh? She has her own scars.” He pushed playfully at his shoulder. “Let’s eat.” As tired as he was, Zander felt euphoric at ending the quest.

  More than a few of the questers stuttered when they wondered aloud what Fate would say in their dreams. Slowly they drifted off to lie in a soft patch of grass or lean against a tree, safe from the threat of an omen. They’d fought them all. Tomorrow, they would know their fates and see their families.

  When Zander found his own spot, away from the others, emptiness swallowed him. He missed Shadow. He fell to his knees and bowed his head into his hands. A gentle touch on his shoulder made him scramble to his feet.

  “Kaiya?”

  “I’m scared. What if Moira gives me an apprenticeship as a servant? I used to think it would be all right to do what Mother does, but now . . . now, I want more.” She burst into tears.

  He pulled her into his arms and let her cry. When her sobs ended, she looked up at him. Stars! she looked so beautiful. He leaned down and kissed her.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

  Quest Day Five

  Zander

  Moira appeared as a young woman in Zander’s dream.

  “Walk with me,” she whispered. Her silver hair flowed as she escorted him to the oak tree where he had meditated. They stood under the eaves of the giant tree, and the branches seemed to embrace their words and hold them secret.

  “Well done, Zander. You survived the quest, and to you alone, I give a choice.”

  He searched her emerald eyes for clues. “Why me?”

  “Zander,” she spoke so he had to lean in to hear. “Because you bear the name—defender of all.”

  “What?” he whispered. “I don’t understand.”

  “No, you don’t.” She smiled, and the warmth of it spread through his body and healed his hurts.

  “I didn’t defend them all in the quest. Alexa did more to keep them alive than I did.”

  “Your destiny calls upon your name. You have yet to fulfill it.”

  “My destiny?”

  “You have a dream.”

  Zander’s heartbeat pounded in his ears. He could choose to be a Protector.

  “You saved Elder Warrin’s son. He will take you as his own, and if you like, you may train with the Protectors.” She pulled him close, lowering her voice, “But first there is something you need to know.”

  When she finished, Zander stepped back stunned.

  “Choose carefully, defender of all, for you will speak first. One choice binds the others to your path. The other allows them to apprentice with the guilds. Only your sister is unaffected by your choice.”

  He had a choice, but what Moira had whispered to him would not be easy. “If I give up my dream, I have two requests.”

  “Go on.”

  Zander blurted, “I don’t want to see secrets anymore.”

  “And the second?”

  “I want Shadow back.”

  Moira’s eyes narrowed. “Magic requires a price. Shadow saved your lif
e. The price is his death. I can’t alter that without another payment.”

  Zander’s heart broke.

  “My tokens are gone. I have nothing to give.”

  “About your favor. If you choose to become a Protector, I can change your gift to insight instead of knowledge. But if you choose the second, it will be needed. It is your choice.”

  “Is it?”

  “You always have a choice.” Moira stared past him. “You will do what’s right.” She looked back and studied him. “It is the nature of your name.”

  Zander woke, miserable and unsure of his decision.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

  Alexa

  Moira came as an old woman in Alexa’s dream. “Take my arm,” she instructed. They ambled to a wooden bench carved with runes, hidden beneath the branches of a gnarled old willow. A stream babbled behind them.

  Moira held Alexa’s chin in her bony hand. “I will not reveal your path, but I will tell you that it lies not with the traditional apprenticeships. You must honor your heart.”

  Alexa stiffened. “Then I will have my desire?”

  “Yes, but it may be other than you have believed.”

  Dharien? Paal? Alexa wasn’t sure what she wanted, but for now it didn’t include either of them.

  The old woman smiled, and Alexa’s pain melted away. “You will choose last.” She lifted the wooden heart hanging at Alexa’s neck. “Feel with your heart as the others declare their future. Then, you will know.”

  It wasn’t the answer she’d expected, but she had other questions for Fate. “Moira? Why did you allow Zander and me both to live?”

  “It was chosen before you were born.”

  “Then it was for naught? The sacrifice our parents made? The quest?”

  “Nothing is ever for naught.”

  While Alexa puzzled over her words, Moira continued. “Your life has meaning. Your struggles have meaning. You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can always control how you respond. It has always been this way, and it always will be this way.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You will, child, you will.”

  “Moira? Zander will never forgive me for using Shadow. Is there anything I can do to bring him back?”

  “There is a price that can be paid.” Moira whispered in Alexa’s ear.

  “I’ll do it.” Alexa’s eyes filled with tears. “For Zander, I’ll do it.”

  “Then, it is done.”

  Alexa woke, feeling unsettled. She had expected to know her future and she didn’t.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

  Zander

  In contrast to the last night’s frivolity, somber faces greeted Zander as the other questers arose in the morning. They gathered for the last time as questers. Their instructions were to keep private their visit from Moira until the time of choosing. None seemed inclined to break that rule, although they each stole furtive glances at Zander. Only Kaiya smiled.

  The responsibility of his decision weighed on him. Moira warned it would affect each of them except for Alexa. He mulled over the two choices. The only thing he’d ever wanted was to become a Protector. He’d belong with them. He was an excellent marksman and he could get rid of the favor of seeing secrets. But, he wasn’t sure he could be content with that after what Moira had revealed.

  Zander stood. “The quest is over. It’s time to return.”

  As the questers gathered their journals, their patrons joined them. Jarl’s shepherd loped to his side. A yellow cat curled around Odo’s feet while Bindi’s calico jumped in her arms. A green and blue chameleon appeared on Cobie’s journal. A cardinal, sparrow, and crow flew from the trees and landed on their owner’s shoulders.

  The faces of Dharien, Paal, Tarni, and Yarra reflected the pain Zander felt. He glanced at Alexa. She was holding back tears. He didn’t see Fiona.

  Then a golden blur caught his eye. Shadow raced from the trees and barreled into Zander’s knees, knocking him over. Shock coursed through Zander. He stared at his twin. Her tentative smile confirmed his suspicion.

  Alexa had paid the price to bring Shadow back.

  He motioned for her to join him. Alexa slumped next to Shadow and cried in his neck.

  “Why?” Zander whispered.

  “It was my fault. I had to.”

  Zander pulled her in for a hug. His other half. Day and night. Together they were whole.

  ~

  The questers trailed in a single line behind Zander and Alexa in silence. Dharien brought up the rear. They entered the village and soon reached the Quinary.

  Zander spied the fortune-teller as she paced, skirt swishing. Her hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes trailed from Zander to Dharien. Then her knees buckled, and she clutched the corner post to stay upright.

  A roar erupted from the villagers as families raced to hug the questers, children no longer, but young men and women ready to take their places in society. Tears flowed when they realized all had returned. There would be no sorrow this year. No search parties for those who had not returned, and no funerals. No guilt for the parents whose children survived.

  Zander’s father hugged him until Zander couldn’t breathe. His mother’s tears looked at odds with her smile. She pulled him close and whispered, “We can be a family again.”

  The joy on Alexa’s face was marred only by the purple bruise surrounding her eye. Zander wondered what she would choose as her apprenticeship. He’d made his decision, so he knew what the others must choose.

  Together they celebrated. Venison supplied by the elders; wedges of cheese; all manner of breads, pastries, and savory dishes loaded the tables for the communal feast. Laughter rose like a sweet perfume.

  Melina Odella recovered from the shock of all thirteen returning, although her cheeks remained flushed and she ate little. When the meal finished, she stood. At her signal, the guilds lined up around the Quinary, each holding their flags. Mother left to stand with the flag of the bakers.

  “It is the time of choosing,” the fortune-teller announced. “The guild you apprentice to becomes your family and guides you into adulthood. Moira appeared in your dreams. You will follow her guidance, for she knows what is best for you and for the village.” She studied Zander. “Zander will choose first.”

  All eyes followed Zander as he strode forward with Shadow at his side. Zander faced the questers, hoping they would approve of his decision. “What I choose affects each of you, save Alexa.” He gazed across the people gathered. His people. His voice sounded strong despite his trembling. “Moira has given me a choice, but warned me the safety of the village depends upon my decision.”

  The villagers murmured among themselves. Zander grinned at their whispers. “I am not deluded. The others can confirm the burden Fate has laid upon me.” The questers solemnly nodded. His eyes swept the guilds. “My fate lies not with tradition.”

  The other questers’ heads snapped up, and they gazed expectantly, waiting on his words.

  Emboldened at their approval, Zander faced Melina Odella. “I am a warrior.”

  Not a respected Protector, but a down-and-dirty fighter with a favor he didn’t want but would need. Not a pawn to the elders, but life-sworn to his village.

  Cries rang out from the villagers.

  “A warrior?” called a man from the metalsmith’s guild.

  “What does this mean?” cried a woman at the front of the crowd.

  “What has Moira planned for our village?” asked a burly man with crossed arms.

  Zander held up his hand. “We need to prepare for an attack on our village. Thanks to Moira, we’ll be ready.”

  The villagers grew silent.

  “There’s more.” He took a deep breath. “Puck’s ghost has often spoken to me. He won’t rest until we unite the tribes as equals.”

  “You’r
e a liar and a fool.” Elder Terrec strode forward and pushed Zander. “We won’t stand for a boy telling us what to do.”

  Again, the crowd broke out in a frenzy of talk. Elder Warrin raised his hand for quiet. “I’ve heard Puck too. Zander, you may train at my estate.” He glared at Terrec. “We’ve failed the vision for too long.”

  Rage flooded Elder Terrec’s face. He leaned in to Zander and grabbed his tunic. Whispering low enough that only Zander heard, the elder said, “Not everyone believes Puck’s death was an accident.”

  Stunned, Zander watched Terrec push his way through the crowd.

  Melina Odella’s voice rang out over the shouts of the villagers. “Moira has spoken. We do well to heed her counsels.” She gestured to Paal. “What say you?”

  Paal joined Zander and declared, “I am also a warrior.”

  Odo came next to stand with them. “I’m a warrior too.

  Cobie gazed at the three before he took a deep breath. Nodding at Zander, he declared with quiet conviction, “I am to be a healer.” He stood next to Eva, the lone healer in the village. Waku followed Cobie and Jarl joined Zander.

  Dharien came last. Zander leaned in to whisper, “There’s no glory in this, my friend.”

  His eyes met Zander’s in fierce pride. “There’s no other place I’d rather serve. I too am a warrior.”

  They clasped hands.

  Once enemies, now they would fight together.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  Alexa

  As the boys declared Moira’s choices, Alexa’s heart thumped in her throat. Warriors and healers. What could this mean?

  Struggling to speak above the crowd, Melina Odella’s voice rose. “Moira has spoken.” She turned to the girls. “Merindah? What choose you?”

  Merindah lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. She joined the nuns. “I choose the nunnery.” She raised her eyes to the heavens. “It has been too long since the church has held an anchoress. I declare my intention as such for when the priest declares me ready.” The two nuns dropped to their knees in prayer.