Azaria (43 page)

"Oh, stay where you are. Don't get up for me. I'll just sit over here," Daneel said. She sat down on one of the padded stumps by the hearth, several paces away.

“Oh yeah, sorry...” Azaria answered.

"So how are you feeling?" Daneel asked. It was a little nerve-racking talking to her like this, having to keep her distance. She wanted to wrap her arms around her, but had promised her father she would stay away.

"Oh, I'm okay," Azaria answered, stretching the truth. She struggled to keep her cough at bay as she talked. She'd found she could control it better if she breathed shallowly and kept her voice soft. She also found she was nervous. She'd missed Daneel so much. Now she was here and she didn't want to blow it again.

"That's good to hear. I can't stay long, but I just want you to know I miss you and can't wait until you get better."

"Really, Daneel? So you forgive me? I'm so sorry about everything," Azaria said. It was all she could do to keep herself from breaking into sobs.

"I'm sorry too, and yes, I forgive you."

Tears filled Azaria's eyes. She simply couldn't stop them. It was too much to take all at once. Although it was clear Daneel's forgiveness was sincere, she felt she had to explain. "You should know... I really didn't kiss him to spite you, or because I liked him. It was..." Azaria said, pausing while waiting for the urge to cough to pass. She took a sip of water and then continued. "I was just so lonely. I felt like the life was draining out of me. And all of a sudden there he was. And he was so kind... It was crazy. I never knew he had that side to him. And I... I guess I just didn't think of the two of you. I never would have..."

Daneel looked at her friend and felt even more sympathetic, realizing Azaria's honesty. She knew Azaria would never do something like that out of anger or revenge. She wondered why she hadn't understood it earlier. "I know, Azaria. You don't have to say anything more. I know you're fighting your cough. Just let me talk now, okay?"

Azaria nodded, smiling more brightly than she had for moons.

"So I have something to tell you," Daneel said.

Azaria raised her eyebrows, but kept faithful to Daneel's command. She wondered what her friend would say. Initially she thought Daneel would explain how much she’d hurt her and why she'd been so angry. She knew all that, but wanted to give Daneel the chance to explain it. She deserved that much. She thought it was why she'd come in the first place. But Daneel didn't seem to need to at all. Instead, something else was on her mind.

Daneel stared at her for a long moment, her smile widening. She loved moments like these, letting the anticipation build. "Dogahn broke with Yumineh!" she finally blurted out.

Azaria's eyes widened to full, white orbs. "Really?" she whispered.

"Yes. It's been five suns. I'm pretty sure it's over between them. Although I doubt Yumineh's accepted it yet."

"What happened?" Azaria whispered, afraid to believe. Could it all be a cruel joke? Daneel's way of getting back at her for kissing Luzon? Is that what being friends with Yumineh had turned her into?

"I think he finally figured out how much he loves you," Daneel said.

"What did-" Azaria started to ask, but Daneel cut her off.

"Shhh, Azaria! I told you to stay quiet. I'll tell you everything." She then proceeded to tell Azaria everything she knew. How Yumineh had seduced Dogahn and how she’d confronted him in front of her to drive them apart. She ended with what she thought was sage counsel, "So I hope you see Azaria, it wasn't completely Dogahn's fault. Most men wouldn’t have been able to resist her either."

After hearing everything Daneel had to say, Azaria's upper lip quavered, her eyes welling up again. She wiped away the moisture before it ran down her face. Daneel couldn't handle it anymore, her friend looked so pathetic sitting there like that. Mastering her fear, she ran over, diving into the massive pile of furs Azaria was buried under. "Oh Azaria! I missed you so much! I'm so sorry!!" Daneel cried out.

"Daneel, I'm sor-"

"Shhhh, Azaria... Shhhh!" Daneel instructed. "I know... I know."

The two sat crying and giggling together until Azaria could contain her cough no more. Daneel backed off, finding her alarm had returned.

"Maybe I should go now?" Daneel said.

Azaria nodded vigorously. "Okay," she coughed, waving her away. "I'll talk to you soon. Thank you, Daneel! I love you."

17

Over the next half moon, as the first sprouts of green broke through thawing soil, whatever sickness had been gripping Azaria also showed signs of breaking. Her cough was receding, color returning to her cheeks as she took in more of the warmth of the returning sun. Most importantly, her energy was returning in abundance. To Azerban's great relief - and hers - she finally felt well enough to help her father with preparations for the return to Boar Camp. He guessed her recovery was in part assisted by the reunion with Daneel and the rumors Yumineh and Dogahn had broken. He felt bad for the young couple, Yumineh especially, but dismissed it with little remorse in exchange for a healthy daughter and a family whole. Whatever the reason, he was simply overjoyed to see Azaria looking like herself again.

Her revival couldn’t have come sooner. The stress and anxiety which came with deciding between his two children had been debilitating both mentally and physically. But now, as their departure neared and her health improved, having to make that horrific decision appeared less and less likely. Azerban finally allowed himself some optimism over the fate of his hearth. They all felt it. Even Grayfoot was confident enough to leave Azaria's side for some playful tromps through the snow or hunting with the other camp dogs.

Yumineh however, was losing hope. Each pass of the sun found her filled with increasing despair. At first she'd stayed away from Dogahn, assured he’d come crawling back to her soon enough, enchanted in the thought of making him pay for his betrayal when he finally did so. She’d planned to force him to promise in exchange for taking him back. But when he didn't return right away, her spirits fell sharply and when he continued to stay away, she quickly turned desperate. She didn't blame herself for the break. That iniquity she left for Azaria, and partly Dogahn, but mostly the former. Her hatred for her rival grew to irrational levels. She convinced herself Azaria had somehow connived her way back into his heart. Maybe by threat, or perhaps she'd guilted him into it. Whatever it was, she knew the other girl was full of lies and would stop at nothing to rip him from her arms.

Her pride kept her from going to Dogahn, begging him for forgiveness. But she couldn’t let him go either. Left with no action to take, she took to sneaking around, following him when she could and passing by Azaria’s cave frequently, listening for sounds he was there.

To her surprise however, she never discovered any evidence the two were back together. If she hadn't been so confident early on, she probably would have caught Dogahn approaching Azaria's cave. She would’ve seen Azerban turning him back in each instance, but it would’ve been enough to confirm her suspicions. She'd waited too long however, and when she did start snooping around, Dogahn had already given up trying to visit.

When Boar Camp finally departed for their summer dwellings, Yumineh was relieved - and not only because she wanted to get back, like everyone else. She planned on trailing Azaria as they returned, carefully observing any interactions between her and Dogahn. The nature of the trek would provide cover, instead of skulking around like a wretched rat.

Boar Camp left their winter shelter on a sunny morning, almost a full moon since Dogahn's blundering break with Yumineh. As they set foot down the sloping trail, her suspicions were quickly confirmed. Dogahn approached Azaria almost immediately. She seethed as she watched them together, the vilest conclusions swirling around her mind. After that first encounter, Dogahn visited Azaria several more times, but strangely he never stayed long and there was very little physical contact between them. Yumineh knew what they were up to though – it was obvious they were disguising their relationship, knowing she was watching.

In fact, Yumineh couldn’t have been more wrong. Dogahn did visit Azaria during the journey, but she would’ve been quite happy knowing the real reason his calls ended so abruptly. He never knew quite what to say and Azaria wasn’t quite ready to completely forgive, despite what Daneel had said. As much as she longed for him, the cumbersome silences they inflicted upon each other were too uncomfortable for either to bear. Dogahn usually ended up fleeing the awkwardly torturous encounters almost as soon as they’d begun.

In the following suns, as Boar Camp trudged through ice and snow, wind and frozen rain, the trek took its effect on Azaria. Although her family started each morning near the front, their position in line soon drifted backward, until they were nearly last. By the fourth sun, even Daneel, who went out of her way to walk with Azaria’s hearth, was moderating her pace to remain with them. Azaria plodded slowly forward, her head drooped in front of her, her shoulders curled forward. The large pack sitting precariously atop her shoulders looked as if it might crush her spindly frame. Its straps dug deep into her bony shoulders, even through her heavy winter tunic. Her plight didn't go unnoticed though. More than one hunter offered to add a small portion of her load to his - a sacrifice both she and her father appreciated immensely. Azerban was becoming severely concerned with his daughter again, worried the great strain would prove too much. He'd already taken as much from her as he could bear, slowing his pace to match hers. By the seventh sun, their lethargic stride was setting the pace for the whole of Boar Camp. Many were openly frustrated with the slow clip, although some of the elders secretly took heart and were quick to defend the pace when complaints were aired.

Nine suns after they'd departed Winter Cave, Takur’s people finally reached the outskirts of the cedar forest that lay just south of Boar Camp. There was still a lengthy march ahead of them, but with a moderate pace, they would reach their destination before darkness fell. The mood among the travelers lightened, as all looked forward to spending their first night within the borders of Boar Camp. The first few nights would be spent camped outside, as they'd work to repair the worst of the damage the harsh season inflicted on their mudbrick hovels. The mudbricks took a full moon to harden, but with some creative thatching, the shelters could be made usable. They'd have to dig through whatever snow was left before they could even begin rebuilding, but at least the end was in sight. Soon the shelters would be repaired and the mild spring would return.

Azaria, although happy to be back, found her body didn't respond in kind. She was as exhausted as ever and fell asleep as soon as she lay upon her furs. She wheezed heavily throughout the first night and woke up coughing furiously the next morning. She rose only briefly to drag the night bowl under her or accept some broth her father offered. Her condition worsened on the next sun and Azerban, greatly worried, fed her medicinally infused broth to keep her asleep and her cough at bay. He kept vigil by her side, stunned the evil had returned so quickly and concerned it might really have transferred from mother to daughter, as Takur so delicately warned. What shaded his heart most though, were the tormenting fears that it may spread further and could endanger others, especially his young son.

As Azerban made his way to Takur’s dwelling, several suns later, he was unsurprised at having been called.

“Sit, Azerban. I understand your desire to stay with your daughter, but she is the reason I asked you here. We must speak,” Ta’araki said.

It was as Azerban had suspected. Takur’s resolve had not wavered. He was clearly still convinced of the danger Azaria posed to Boar Camp and determined to mitigate the threat. Azerban knew how he would respond. He’d already decided, although he hadn’t realized it until that very moment. He would take Azaria away, care for her until she recovered fully, until it was absolutely certain she would not relapse again. There was much he needed to do first though. Much preparation. And Quzo needed to be provided for as well. His son could not come with him. But would Takur allow him the suns necessary to prepare?

As Azerban took his seat, an ominous thought distilled within his mind. They were alone. Before Takur could make a sound, Azerban could be upon him, his hand over his mouth, smothering the life out of him. He could tell everyone his worn heart had given out. No one would suspect the truth, except perhaps Hadir. But the boy would not talk. He’d remain faithful.

Azerban faced Takur square.

“Is it your intention to exile her then, Ta’araki?”

Takur’s eyes widened before narrowing again. His guest came straight to the point. It was clear he’d been contemplating the fate of his daughter, and had resigned himself to the fact. As was his habit, Takur praised himself. His careful efforts at preparing Azerban for what must be done, at gently nudging him along the correct path, were paying off. “Not intent, Azerban. Responsibility. It is my reluctant responsibility. To protect Boar Camp, if she will not agree to the ritual.”

Azerban raised his left hand and slowly placed it on the other man’s shoulder. “I cannot allow that, Takur.”

The leader of Boar Camp did not realize his acolyte hadn’t addressed him with his proper title. His shoulder felt the strength in the giant man’s grip. He whispered in reply, “There is no other choice, son.”

“There is always another path, Takur,” Azerban answered.

He took a deep breath.

A heavy slapping sound resounded within the mudbrick walls of the Ta’araki hearth. Takur saw the horror filling Azerban’s eyes before they narrowed.

Azerban made for the entrance flaps, sweeping one side open with his mighty hand. A young face peered in, eyes wide like full globes, consternation etched along the lines of her fine features.

“Xanni! Come in. What is wrong girl? Why have you returned so soon?” Azerban asked the new arrival.

“Thank you... Ta’araki...” she panted, stepping quickly around him. “It’s good... you’re here too.”

Azerban realized the girl was completely winded. She must have raced all the way from the Temple. He instantly knew something was wrong.

“Here, Ta’araki,” Xanni said, handing Takur a rolled piece of smooth leather. “The Great Temple has been damaged!”

“What!?” both men exclaimed.

Takur unfurled the leather scrap and studied it for a long moment, his face slowly grimacing. “What is this, Xanni? I don’t understand,” he finally asked.

“One of the Temple stones was toppled and broken,” she answered. “And another was knocked out of place. There was a drawing on the largest broken piece. I redrew it on the leather scrap.”

“Aaahhhh, I see,” Takur replied. He stared at the scrap a bit longer. “Sit, Azerban,” he finally directed, a thin smile now etched across his face. "It seems your faith in our neighbors was premature, my Second."

"I don't understand," Azerban responded. It was infuriating watching Takur’s smug grin without knowing what the leather scrap had told him. "What is on the leather?" he barked.

Takur let the tension build as he sipped casually at his tea. Finally he set it down and looked Azerban square in the eye. “See for yourself,” he said, handing Azerban the scrap. If Xanni’s representation is correct, there can be no question as to the perpetrators of this vicious act."

Azerban took the parchment and studied it. Marked in charcoal was a picture of a headless body resting horizontally. Above and to the right, was what appeared to be a large avian, its talons gripping a head, presumably that of the man who'd just lost his. "What is this nonsense, Xanni? I can make nothing of it," Azerban said, frustrated with Takur's obvious pleasure.

"Look at the man's tunic, Azerban. What does it remind you of? That's not the Natu style," Takur explained for her.

As he stared at the picture, glimmers of understanding swept over him. Takur was correct. There could be no doubt the man was Kebar. More than that, it appeared the giant carrion bird was making off with his head. But what did that mean? He couldn't yet ascertain the full meaning of the sketch, but it was obvious the Kebar were trying to send some sort of message.

"You’re sure this image accurately portrays the drawing on the stone, Xanni?" Azerban asked.

"Yes, Ta'araki. As well as I could manage. Everyone agreed my version was accurate," she explained, almost apologetically.

Xanni had traveled to the Great Temple with a group of several men, tasked with digging the sacred site out from the snow and ice. It was a burden which always drew many volunteers, since in exchange for half a moon of work they'd be completely excused from their summer toil at the Temple complex. A runner was always included in case any messages needed to be relayed.

Directing his attention back down to the gazelle skin, Azerban thought the scene through. Could the beheaded man symbolize the Kebar spy who'd been sacrificed the last summer? If correct, the ramifications were disturbing. It meant the Kebar had known all along about the sacrifice. Further, it made clear the toppling of the stone was an intentional retaliation. All of his negotiations with Vidai had been false then, in vain. There’d be no honoring of their commitments. He let the captive Ufli go in good faith - and for nothing. After a moment of self-reflection, Azerban slowly raised his eyes to Takur's.

Ta'araki looked positively smug. "That is all for now, Xanni. Thank you, dear. I’ll have further instructions for you later."

"Yes, Ta'araki," Xanni answered, before nodding to both men and taking her leave.

Once out of earshot, Takur said, "Do you appreciate my skepticism now, my son? The Kebar are not to be trusted."

Azerban threw the gazelle skin against the wall. He'd lost all credibility. Takur had won. Standing up and turning away, he took a few moments to swallow his anger. When he turned back to his First, he was completely quailed, like a young boy who'd just been taught a particularly embarrassing lesson. Finally, he sighed, "How do we respond, then?"