Legacy of the Blood (The Threshold Trilogy) (32 page)

An embarrassed flush colored Adesina’s cheeks. “We had hoped to
reach our goal before the storms arrived.”

The Desert Dweller did not look convinced at the possibility.
“Unless your goal was to travel a few days and then turn back, I do not see how
you could have achieved it.”

There was a heavy pause.

Savir’s expression gentled. “Are you alone?”

“No, there are five others with us.”

His expression became decisive. “Very well. You shall be my guests
during the storms. I can offer only food and shelter—a poor repayment for you
saving my life.”

Adesina immediately shook her head. “No, Savir, it is not a poor
repayment. You are saving our lives from the storms, and that puts us in your
debt.”

He lowered his head in a gesture of humility. “It is nothing,
truly.”

The hawk cried again from the skies above.

“Come,” said Savir. “We must travel quickly if we are to reach
safety in time.”

Kendan was not pleased with the turn of events, and he made that
clear in his treatment of Savir.

“How do we know you will not simply lead us to our deaths and
steal our supplies?”

Even knowing of the natural suspicion that came with being a
Shimat, Adesina looked at her former instructor with surprise.

“Kendan!”

Savir looked deeply offended by the accusation, but he held his temper
in check. “I have declared you to be my guests, and that is an action bound by
honor. However, if you wish to stay here and brave the storms, I will not stop
you.”

The handsome Desert Dweller stiffly turned to face Adesina and
spoke with greater courtesy. “I will act as your scout and guide, if you will
allow me the privilege.”

The young queen bowed her head. “Of course.”

Savir walked a few feet away from the group and crouched in the
sand. His body began to shimmer like a mirage, and slowly changed form. When he
became solid again, he was a beautiful black hawk with the same liquid eyes. He
launched into the air with a few powerful strokes of his wings and joined the
grey hawk circling above.

Adesina stared after him, dumbfounded.

“He is a shape-shifter,” exclaimed Mar’sal.

“How is that possible?” asked Kendan. “I have never heard of any
human magic-users, other than the L’avan.”

Ravi furrowed his brow thoughtfully. “It is possible that the
L’avan are not the only descendants of a race of Immortals.”

The two hawks circled the group of travelers, impatient to begin
the journey.

“Well,” reasoned Adesina, “we can always ask questions later. For
now, we should follow them to safety.”

Kendan’s expression was a storm cloud. “We know nothing about
these people. He could be leading us into grave danger.”

Adesina felt a flash of impatience. “What would you suggest? The
desert storms can last for
weeks
. Do you want to sit here and wait for
the winds to strip the flesh off of our bones?”

It was clear that the former Shimat instructor had no response,
and that made him flush with anger.

“Do as you will,” he snapped, and turned to mount his horse.

Adesina indicated that the others should do the same, and the
hawks began flying southeast.

They traveled mostly in silence, but Adesina overheard a quiet
conversation between Faryl and Than’os.

“Kendan is right. We do not know what dangers lie ahead,” said the
former apothecary.

Than’os’s hushed reply was filled with confidence. “Adesina has my
complete confidence. If she feels it is right to place our trust in this Desert
Dweller, then I am certain it is the best thing to do.”

“She is still human,” Faryl pointed out. “She can still make
mistakes.”

The grin on Than’os’s face was evident in his tone. “I never
imagined otherwise.”

Adesina was glad to have the confidence of the L’avan, but it made
her uneasy as well. It was a great responsibility to bear such trust,
especially in perilous circumstances.

Savir led them on a steady path until nightfall, and then he
landed and transformed back into his human form. The grey hawk settled onto his
shoulder, and stared at each of them with fierce eyes.

“How do you do that?” Adesina asked in admiration.

Savir gave a mysterious smile. “It is the secret of the Henka. No
other tribe bears such gifts.”

“Can it be learned?”

The hawk on his shoulder gave a series of chirps, and Savir
chuckled. “She says that it can only be learned by those with the spirit for
it. She says the spirits of the other Desert Dwellers are too weak for such an
honor.”

Faryl gazed at the hawk with the appreciation of one who has
studied birds. “You can understand her?”

“Of course,” Savir replied. “How could she teach me if I did not
understand her?”

The older woman appeared uncertain how to respond.

The Desert Dweller settled down in the sand and folded his legs
comfortably. “When a Henka child is two years old, they are taken to a sacred
place in the desert where they are left alone for seven days.”

Mar’sal gaped at the idea. “How can they survive on their own?”

“They cannot,” admitted Savir. “That is the purpose. During the
child’s time alone in that sacred place, a desert animal is drawn to their
spirit and begins to care for them. A deep bond is formed, and the animal
becomes a special sort of guardian. Much like you and Ravi,” he gestured to
Adesina. “The spirit of the child and the spirit of the animal become
linked—while one lives, so does the other. Over time, we Henka learn to
transform into the same shape as our animals guardians.”

“Fascinating,” said Ravi. “How long has your tribe possessed this
ability?”

Savir stared at the sky in concentration. “Let me see…”

The hawk chirped again.

“Ah, yes. The first was Tagira the Wanderer. She lived ten
generations ago.”

Faryl was still studying the hawk at a respectful distance. “Can
she understand us?”

“Yes,” answered the Henka. “When the bond is first established,
the understanding of the animal guardian is limited—as is an infant’s. As the
child grows, so does the mutual understanding between creatures.”

The desert cakes and water were passed around, and Savir accepted
his with humble gratitude.

“Your gift of food and water is a sign of the purity of your
spirit.”

Than’os looked surprised and slightly embarrassed by the praise.
“It is nothing,” he stammered.

Faryl offered the flavorful paste, and Savir tried it with a
measure of hesitation. His eyes widened with delight.

“Is this a dish from your homeland?”

The former apothecary laughed. “Not exactly. It is simply
something we put together.”

“I have never tasted anything so…fresh! It is delicious.”

Mar’sal leaned forward in interest. “Have you never tasted fresh
fruit or vegetables?”

Savir shook his head. “The produce we receive through trade is
always dried. It would not last, otherwise.”

“What is it that you trade?” inquired Than’os.

“Spices,” was the simple answer. “There are some plants that only
grow deep in the desert, and merchants will trade much for our services in
harvesting them.”

Savir continued to tell them about life in Zonne, and the L’avan
described what it was like to live in Sehar. The Desert Dweller’s eyes grew
dreamy when they spoke of the forests that surrounded Yavar.

Savir confessed his love of music, which opened up an entire
conversation between himself and Ravi. The young man even taught Ravi a song of
the desert.

The land of gold

Where none are rich

The land of fire

Where strength is
born

The land of truth

Where dreaming sighs

This is the land
before my eyes

The land of courage

Where fear cannot
abide

The land of prudence

Where waste is not

The land of vigor

Where weakness cries

This is the land
before my eyes

Adesina was glad to hear singing again. She had no talent for it
herself, and she admired those who did. The L’avan were a people with a great
appreciation for music, and they applauded Savir enthusiastically for his song.

Kendan kept his distance from the group, refusing to socialize and
going to bed early. Adesina watched him go with frustration in her eyes.

“Nevermind,” Faryl said to the young queen, following the
direction of her gaze. “He is just being childish.”

“No,” disagreed Adesina. “He is hurt. I told him that I trusted
him, but then I disregarded what he had to say.”

“Trust does not mean blind obedience.”

“I know that,” the L’avan woman replied. “He did not expect me to
obey him, but he did not expect me to brush him aside either.”

Faryl’s expression became thoughtful. “Perhaps you should go talk
to him, then. We still have a long way to go, and our team needs to be whole.”

Adesina glanced at Ravi, who gave a slight shrug.

If you wish.

She got to her feet and walked over to where Kendan was wrapped in
his desert robes. She sat down next to him, cross-legged. “Kendan?”

He turned to face her. “Yes?”

His voice was calm and expressionless, but his eyes were flowing
with a tumult of emotions.

“I am sorry for giving so little credence to your advice.”

“You are our leader,” he replied. “It is your decision.”

Her expression became pained. “Please, do not do that. I am trying
to apologize sincerely. Do not turn this into a game of words.”

Kendan sat up, his back rigid and his arms tense.

“You said you trust me. Was that a lie?”

“Of course not,” Adesina defended.

“Then why do you continue to treat me like an outsider? I gave up
everything to join you on this rescue mission. You know as well as I that there
is no going back after what I have done.”

The young woman hesitated before answering.

“I have grown accustomed to grouping you with my enemies. I have
viewed you in that light for five years. It was the only way I could cope, at
first, and then it became habit.”

Kendan’s brow creased. “Cope with what?”

“My broken heart,” was the whispered reply.

Adesina couldn’t bring herself to look at the face of her former
instructor. She kept her eyes fixed on the ground between them.

She was surprised when she saw his hand reach over to grip her
own. Adesina’s gaze darted up, and she saw him looking at her with an openly
sorrowful countenance.

“My feelings for you were never a lie. If I had been able to speak
to you alone that day…but Basha stood there, watching my every move.”

Adesina understood. If Kendan had shown any sign of betrayal, he
would have been killed on the spot. She felt a wave of sadness at what had
passed between them all those years ago.

“I have been wrong in holding our past against you, even though it
was not done consciously. But there is something that you must remember.”

“What is that?” he asked.

“I am not your student anymore. I am not that broken-hearted girl
in the woods. I have grown, and I have learned. I need you to trust me as
well.”

A wry smile spread across Kendan’s handsome face. “I must admit it
is strange to see you so changed.”

Adesina placed her free hand over his, and turned her purple and
gold eyes directly to his dark ones.

“I was in love with you, Kendan, but that was a long time ago. I
did not marry L’iam out of revenge or desperation. I love my husband more
dearly than I have ever loved anything or anyone.”

She could see the pain that her words caused, and she knew that
Kendan still harbored feelings for her.

He removed his hand from hers with a self-mocking smile. “I know.”

Adesina did not try to comfort him. “I think it would be best if
we both forget our former selves and try to start anew.”

He gave a single nod, and she rose to her feet.

“Goodnight, old friend.”

Kendan’s response was whispered to Adesina’s retreating figure.

“Goodnight.”

It was a two-day journey from where the L’avan found Savir to the
edge of his village. They arrived with only hours to spare.

The great sandstorms could be seen approaching from the distance,
and it caused considerable fear for the unseasoned desert travelers. Adesina’s
heart pounded in her chest as the mass of sand and wind rose like a wall on the
horizon, blanketing the land in darkness.

Savir remained in his human form for the last league of the
journey, giving reassurance to Adesina and her companions.

“The storms are visible long before they reach us. It is a small
mercy that the desert gives.”

Faryl’s eyes were glued to the approaching mass of dust. “It seems
only moments away.”

“Yes,” agreed Savir, “but we still have plenty of time to reach
shelter. Do not worry. You will be safe.”

As they topped the rise of the dune before them, the large
settlement suddenly appeared before their eyes. The crude structures were
carved from the rocky outcroppings that rose from the golden sand. It blended so
well into the desert terrain that it was almost invisible to the eye.

“Most of our structures are underground,” explained Savir. “It
keeps the temperatures lower, and it provides greater protection from storms
and from enemies.”

Adesina was only able to identify it due to the number of people
bustling around in preparation for the oncoming gale. Animals were being herded
to safety, stretches of sand-colored canvas were being secured over openings, and
supplies were being distributed.

A warning shout went up as the visitors were spotted, and Savir
stood in a place of prominence.

“We must wait here until we are approached. To do otherwise is to
provoke aggression.”

Two Henka warriors climbed up the dune with ease and studied the
strangers with suspicion. The foremost Henka questioned Savir harshly in their
native tongue, and Savir answered in a mild and soothing tone.

With an imperious gesture, the two warriors began walking back
towards the settlement.

“We are to follow them,” translated Savir. “The tribe elders wish
to speak to us.”

The
members of the Henka tribe watched the visitors curiously as they were led to
the nearest underground opening. The carved stairs that led downward were worn
smooth with age and use, and the air had a scent that could only be described
as ancient. The smell was not stale or unpleasant, but it had a musty quality.
Canvas lanterns lit the passageways, and closer inspection showed that they
were filled with glowing insects rather than flammable materials.

The
caverns were connected by a maze of tunnels, and it seemed that every portion
of space was designated for a specific purpose. They walked past the storerooms
and the common areas and into the residential section of the underground
village.

The
doorways were covered only with canvas curtains to give a measure of privacy.
The two Henka warriors that were leading the way paused outside one of these
partitions and spoke respectfully in their native tongue to the occupants on
the other side.

A
short response was given, and the visitors were waved into the room.

Adesina
was surprised by what she saw. The Henka village seemed completely without
adornment, but this room was a splash of bright colors. The ground was covered
with patterned rugs, and large pillows provided padding for those sitting. The
plain canvas glow lamps had been painted with idyllic scenes, and the stone
walls were also painted with elaborate murals.

Half
a dozen aged women sat comfortably on the floor, with ramrod-straight backs and
intense eyes. Their expressions and body language defied the clear signs of
advanced years that showed in their wrinkled skin and snowy hair.

The
village elders were all dressed in the simple desert robes that every other
Zonnese wore, and they bore no ornaments to signify rank. And yet they each had
a noble bearing and an air of unmistakable authority.

Like
Savir’s hawk, which perched on his shoulder, each of these Henka had a desert
animal of some sort near to them. Adesina saw two wild dogs, a hare, a snake, a
large rodent with a thin tail that became bushy at the end, and a smaller
hunting bird that was about half the size of a hawk.

The
most prominent of the aged women—the one with the desert rodent—beckoned for
the visitors to come and sit with them.

“Come,
young travelers. I am
Gauri le Jaya len Omana ol
Henka, Chief Elder of the Henka Desert Dwellers.
Join us and explain why
you are here.”

Savir
remained standing, since he had not been included in the invitation, and
lowered his eyes to the ground in humility.

Adesina
and the others found unoccupied pillows and sat down cross-legged. Everyone
looked to the L’avan queen to begin, and so she took a deep breath to collect
her thoughts.

Give
your full name and title. It is considered polite.

“I
am Adesina, daughter of Me’shan and E’rian, Queen of the L’avan.”

There
was a shift in the atmosphere of the room. The faces of the Henka elders
remained impassive, but there was an increased interest in the newcomers.

“Two
days ago we came across Savir
an Kavi nan Darshan ol
Henka, who had been dangerously wounded. We healed his wound, and he offered us
shelter from the storms.”

Gauri turned her wise eyes to Savir for the first time. “Is this true,
son of Kavi?”

“Yes, Honored Elder,” was his quiet reply.

“These strangers preserved your lifeblood?”

“Yes, Honored Elder.”

“You owe them a great debt.”

“I have declared them to be my most honored guests.”

One of the elders from the corner of the room—one sitting next to
a wild dog—spoke up. “The Darshan clan will join with the son of Kavi in giving
shelter and comfort to these visitors. Our hearts are glad that lifeblood was
preserved.”

Gauri
looked over Adesina’s face and observed, “You are tired from your journey. Go
and rest, if it pleases you. Tonight we shall feast in your honor, and tomorrow
we will discuss your greater purpose.”

The
L’avan queen bowed her head politely. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

The
Henka elders all waved aside her thanks and murmured, “It is nothing.”

The
elder that spoke for the Darshan clan addressed Savir. “Take them to your
mother’s shelter. She will see to them.”

Savir
beckoned for Adesina and the others to follow him, and they walked back into
the maze of tunnels.

“Is
this a matriarchal society?” asked Than’os with interest. “I did not see any
male elders.”

Their
Henka guide looked startled. “Male elders? Of course not! Does such a thing
exist among the L’avan?”

Mar’sal
grinned. “Well, we are ruled by a king.”

Savir
glanced at Adesina with confusion. “I thought…”

“The
ruler of the L’avan is my husband,” she explained. “I only rule in his absence.
The L’avan do not place importance on gender when it comes to the leaders of
our people.”

Savir
continued to frown. “Is your husband the eldest of the L’avan?”

Several
chuckles sounded around the group.

“No,”
smiled Adesina. “He is king because his father was king before him.”

The
perplexed expression cleared from the Henka’s face. “Ah, I see! Your people
have bloodline leaders.”

“Yes,
I suppose we do.”

“It
is a strange concept,” mused Savir as they descended a set of stairs. “One’s
parentage does not make one worthy or unworthy of leadership.”

Adesina
couldn’t help but agree. “That is true.”

“What
if there is someone more worthy to lead your people, but they do not come from
the appropriate bloodline?”

Than’os
answered, “Most often they become leaders to a lesser degree—military officers,
royal advisors, or teachers.”

“What
if the current leader is unworthy of the role?”

The
L’avan soldier smiled softly. “It is tradition for the eldest child of the
current ruler to become the next in line for the throne. However, it is not
law. If the eldest child is unworthy of becoming king or queen, then the
current leader can choose one of the other children. Or even a niece or nephew,
if it comes to that.”

“Has
that ever happened?” asked Adesina, curious about this aspect of L’avan
royalty.

Than’os
shook his head. “Not to my knowledge. There have been those who have declined
to be the royal heir and the crown has passed to a younger sibling, but that
has only happened once or twice.”

Savir
gave a friendly smile. “It seems rather complicated. The Henka are simply led
by the wisest of the tribe.”

They
slowed in front of another canvas curtain, and the Henka warrior spoke through
the cloth.

“Mother?
It is I, your son Savir.”

A
pleasant and round voice answered. “Come in, my son.”

The
living area for Savir’s family was little more than an alcove. It had a plain
canvas glow lamp to shed some light, recesses carved into the wall where one
could lay down and sleep, and a few pillows in the center for sitting. Adesina
had observed as they were walking that the Henka had large common areas for
eating and socializing. These private quarters seemed to be used mainly for
sleep.

A
lovely woman with greying hair and a plump face was sitting on a pillow while
mending a set of robes. A younger woman with cherubic features, looking close
to Savir’s age, sat next to her. A hare slept in the lap of the older woman,
and a cobra wound itself around the younger woman’s arm.

The
older woman’s eyes widened at the entrance of the group. “Savir! You have
brought guests.”

“Yes.
The elders told me to bring them here. They preserved my lifeblood, and they
are my honored guests.”

Savir’s
mother gave her son a worried glance, as if measuring his well-being. Then she
gave the visitors each a warm smile and an embrace. “You are most welcome. I am
Urja le Asha len Darshan ol Henka.”

The
younger woman also stood to greet them. “Welcome! I am Vanhi le Urja len
Darshan ol Henka. Savir is my twin brother.”

It
seemed that it was custom for every individual to introduce themselves, and so
each of the travelers stated their name and their parents’ names. Kendan
introduced Maizah and explained that she was mute.

When
it was Ravi’s turn, Urja and Vanhi stared at him in astonishment.

“I
am Ravi, son of Riordan, of the Ruana clan of the Rashad.”

Urja
was the first to recover from the shock of seeing an enormous feline speak.
“We…we are honored to have such illustrious guests. Please, follow me and I
will show you to your sleeping quarters.”

It
was a short walk down the tunnel to another simple alcove.

“This
will be the men’s shelter,” Urja said, gesturing to the plain curtain. “And
this,” she pointed across the hall to a curtain that had been dyed a light
shade of green, “will be the women’s shelter.”

She
hesitated and turned her eyes to Adesina’s guardian. “Forgive me, Ravi an
Riordan nan Ruana ol Rashad, but I do not know where you prefer to take your
rest.”

“I
am bonded to Adesina le E’rian len Ed’mon ol L’avan,” he replied solemnly.

Urja
was grateful for the clarification. “Of course. I will have extra pillows
brought to her shelter for your comfort.”

She
wished them a peaceful rest and walked away, leaving Savir to whisper a few
last instructions to the men of the group.

“It
is not improper for men to be in a woman’s shelter, but he must always ask
permission to enter first. Women may enter a man’s shelter without permission,
but it is still polite to request it.”

Kendan
flashed a sideways smile at Adesina before acknowledging the advice. “Anything
else we should know about Henka etiquette?”

Savir
considered his question. “Most of it you will learn as you go. You are
visitors, and indulgences will be granted. However, there is one thing you
should keep in mind. Unless you have been given permission to use a person’s
single name, you should call them by their full name. It is acceptable for you
to call another man by a partial name after you have formed a social
connection—for example, if you were to call me Savir an Kavi—but a woman must
be given her full name until she bids you otherwise.”

Mar’sal
looked daunted by this expectation. “What if you cannot remember all of it?”

Savir
grinned. “Then you should speak as little as possible. You may even be admired
for your silence. After all, a quiet man is a pleasant man—as the old joke
says.”

He
laughed merrily, but Mar’sal still seemed uncomfortable with the thought.