Amáne of Teravinea - The Chosen One (The Teravinea Series Book 1) (15 page)

Slowly, she came back to herself. Still a bit disoriented, she said, “Amáne, please forgive me. I don’t know what just happened. I saw you at your breaking point and I couldn’t control myself. I couldn’t bear to see you suffer, but yet I almost killed you.”

“But you didn’t, Eshshah. Let’s never let anything like this happen to us again. Do you understand me?”

“I’m so ashamed, Amáne. Please offer my apologies to the Healer and Gallen. My behavior is unforgivable.”

I turned to the Healer and Gallen who were slowly approaching, one eye on Eshshah, one on me. Both of them visibly shaken. “We offer our apologies Healer and Gallen, we’re ashamed of ourselves — both of us. This behavior will not be repeated.”

The Healer came up to me, took my face in her hands and looked deeply into my eyes. I don’t know what she was looking for. But apparently satisfied, she wrapped her arms around me and Gallen put his arm around my shoulder. Eshshah put her nose on my back and all four of us stood like that for a time.

The Healer finally broke the silence, “I don’t know ... but that was either the bravest, strongest demonstration of a rider’s link with their dragon I have ever witnessed ... or it was the most foolish.”

“I’m betting on the former,” Gallen stated.

“Amáne and Eshshah,” the Healer said, “it is I who beg your forgiveness. There’s no excuse for the way I’ve treated you for the last several weeks. But I had to see what you two were made of. You linked and grew together on your own, without any supervision or training. I was worried you’d be difficult to train correctly. I wanted to push you to find your limits. Truthfully, I was amazed at your superior skills for an untrained linked pair. I felt I had to keep testing you. Instead of letting up as I should have, I increased the pressure.

“I’m astonished. I found you’re at the level that most dragon riders took at least two years to attain, and some never did achieve. The only explanation I can come up with is the excessive amount of venom you have in your veins. You’ve withstood more than ever
should have been dealt to you. I’m truly sorry. But you have to understand our very kingdom relies upon both of you.”

My anger had subsided. I didn’t need to fear any danger with Eshshah. But, I needed to know. “Healer, no disrespect, but I have to tell you that all this time I thought you were angry with us. I thought maybe you were sorry Eshshah chose me and that you were disappointed with me — that maybe I was too young to be a dragon rider, or that I was a girl, or that I wasn’t good enough — I didn’t know why.”

“No, Amáne, that’s not true. I wish I could explain it to you right here ... right now. But I can’t. It will all eventually become clearer to you. I promise.” Her brown eyes reflected her sincerity.

She cleared her throat and looked into my eyes once again, then kissed my forehead. Her expression indicated the conversation was over. “I have business to attend to this evening, so I must go out, but we have a lot to discuss tomorrow. There’s porridge in the kitchen. Get some rest tonight.”

She turned to walk away, then stopped and faced me. “I am so very proud of you, Amáne. And your mother would have been, too.”

The sun shone bright through the skylight when I finally realized I should have been up, prepared to start my day. I jumped out of bed and saw Eshshah was still curled up in her sleeping area seemingly in no hurry to get outside. Finding a note on the floor, I picked it up and read what the Healer had written.

My Dear Amáne
,

I had to go out early but I do want to apologize one more time for my mistreatment. I want you to know I never meant it to go as far as it did. Please be assured I was never angry with you, nor was I sorry that Eshshah chose you
.

You are free to do what you will this morning. I have heated water and have placed some herbs and aromatics in the tub if you choose to soak in the bathing room. I know it has been a while since you have enjoyed one of your favorite pastimes. Today is also a market day if you want to go into town to see any of your acquaintances. All I ask is that you be back here by the midday meal
.

Affectionately
,

H

“Eshshah.” I exclaimed. “I have a free day. I can do whatever I want.”

“Good, Amáne, you’ve earned it. What are you planning to do?”

“First thing, I’m going for a soak. Eshshah, how long has it been since I’ve had a chance to do that?” Excited, I grabbed a bath sheet and rushed out of my chambers.

In the bathing room I inhaled with joy. The steam fused with the scent of lavender and herbs the Healer had combined for my benefit. I quickly dropped my clothing on the floor and headed toward the wooden tub that invited me into its fragrant mist.

Passing my reflection in the glass, I came to a standstill. I had always been of slight build and maybe a bit thin as far as body type, but I didn’t recognize my own body. My muscles had been toned, cut and chiseled into what reminded me of ancient drawings and sculptures I had seen. I was surprised and fascinated by my transformation. Not like I was anything special, but just that instead of looking plain and shapeless like I always had, I now looked ... well ... athletic. I had no time in the last several weeks to even think of my appearance, let alone ever look at myself in the glass. I lingered in front of my reflection longer than I should have, a little absorbed with myself.

“What are you doing?” Eshshah broke into my vain thoughts. Quite embarrassed, I stuttered some nonsense about getting ready to soak. Sliding quickly into the tub, I vowed to work on my humility.

I soaked until my fingers and toes looked like dried grapes — it was paradise.

After my bath, I told Eshshah I planned to go to the marketplace, just to get out for a while. I hadn’t been into town for quite some time.

Wandering the colorful stalls made me feel like an ordinary citizen of Dorsal again. The smells, the people, the buzz. I didn’t realize how much had changed in my life — it would never be the same. At least I could enjoy some normalcy for a little while.

I stopped at the fruit stand and bought an apple. I took pleasure in its juicy sweetness while strolling up and down the rows completely enjoying myself. Not paying much attention, I found I had subconsciously wandered into the weapons row — not a big surprise. I came to a halt in front of a booth stocked with blades of excellent craftsmanship and gazed at them with a new appreciation.

“Hi Amáne.” It was Kail, the grinder’s son, my old sparring partner. “Where have you been? Sorry about your Mother. Were you gone all this time on your memorial journey?”

I greeted Kail, then replied, “I’ve been back for a while, but I’m staying with the Healer and ... working around her place.”

“We should get together to fight sometime. I need someone I can defeat easily,” he said with such confidence, yet with a teasing look in his eyes.

“Hey, it wasn’t that easy for you. I had the upper hand enough times. You just never admitted it.” I shot back.
If he only knew the truth, he wouldn’t dare to challenge me now
.

Another of my acquaintances, Fiona, spotted me and came over to where I stood with Kail. She had her twin sisters, Rio and Mila in tow, both of whom ran up to me and gave me hugs.

“Amáne, how are you?” asked Fiona. “I haven’t seen you in so long. My condolences to you in the loss of your mother. May she rest with her ancestors.”

She turned to Kail with a change of expression and a timid inflection in her voice, “Hi Kail.”

Kail smiled and greeted Fiona a bit shyly, then excused himself, saying he had to help in his father’s grinder’s shop, sharpening knives, daggers and swords.

I felt the attraction between the two but said nothing. It was actually nice to see Fiona. She had always been kind to me regardless of my quirkiness. And I relished Rio and Mila’s affectionate attentions.

“Hmm, of course I would find you at this stall, Amáne,” Fiona said amiably. “We’re on our way to my favorite — the fabrics. Join us, will you?”

She took my arm and Rio and Mila fought for the other.
How could I decline?

“Where did you go for your memorial journey?” Fiona asked.

As I was dragged to the fabrics and ribbons Fiona always loved, I told her I had gone camping on the cove.

“Oh yes, you and camping. If it were my mother who went to rest with her ancestors, I’d go to the City of Teravinea and wander the market place to see all the noble ladies in their silk gowns. My mother would of course approve.”

We arrived at the fabrics stall and as she admired the finery, she rambled on, “You’re so lucky you are of age, now, Amáne. No more classes and you can concentrate on finding a husband. Who’ll make the arrangements for that now, the Healer?”

“Fiona, I’m in no hurry to find a husband. You know that. I have plenty of time in my life before I have to start bothering with that.”

“Oh, but then you may not be young and beautiful any longer. You are beautiful, you know, Amáne. You just don’t use it to your advantage. Your sapphire blue eyes with your dark hair is rather exotic. Your light olive skin is perfect. You should capitalize on that. Men want beauty in their lives.”

“Fiona. Stop.”

“Look at that bolt of silk! Can you help me get it down, please?”

I reached for it with my left hand and my sleeve fell back exposing the scar on my wrist. I never had time to work with Eshshah on reducing it, or to ask the Healer for something to lessen the ugly mark.

“Amáne, what happened to you?”

“Er, I just got clumsy, that’s all. It’s not that bad.” I covered it back up as quickly as I could.

“See, that’s what I’m talking about. You need to take better care of yourself. A man doesn’t want a bride that’s all scarred up.”

“Fiona, is that all you can think about? Please, we are not having this conversation.”

“Well, all right, go ahead and amuse yourself with your swords, and I’ll let you know if I need you to fight someone for me. I’ll marry my true love and work with my silks, and you can let me know when you’re ready to act like a lady — then I’ll be there for you.”

“Deal.”

It was soon time for me to get back home on orders from the Healer, so I took my leave of Fiona and her sisters. I wondered again as I had wondered my whole life how different my existence would be if, like Fiona, I had two parents and siblings. Being an only child was not that great. I looked back wistfully as she was led down the row by a twin on either arm.

It was a pleasure to see Fiona, Mila and Rio. But it was also nice to be on my own again, and away from her preoccupation with marriage. It made me nervous.

I leaned against Eshshah and took advantage of her shade as she soaked up the sun in the courtyard. The Healer arrived on Thunder. The blacksmith, Dorjan, rode in on his horse behind her. Gallen joined us just as Dorjan’s horse spotted Eshshah and reared up in fright. I was quite impressed with how Dorjan remained in the saddle and managed to get him under control quickly. He turned his horse toward the barn to get him some distance from my dragon so he could calm him down. Thunder, although not overly fond of Eshshah, was at least used to her. I wondered if they knew what a tasty meal they would make for her. Eshshah let out her laugh-like rumble as we watched them ride to the barn.

Dorjan and the Healer walked back to the courtyard where we waited. His ebony eyes rested on Eshshah. He gazed at her with admiration. Dorjan was a large dark man with a kind face, framed in a short dark beard. Walking straight up to us, he saluted both Eshshah and me. We acknowledged the greeting with a nod.

“May I?” He asked permission to speak with Eshshah.

“Of course,” I answered.

“Eshshah, red beauty, you’ve sparked a fire in this man’s heart. I am honored to meet you.”

Eshshah hummed her pleasure at his compliment.

“She thanks you, Dorjan. She’s pleased to meet you as well.”

We went inside to the kitchen and served ourselves our midday meal. I was famished, and without any further conversation, I drew my attention to my plate.

At the same instant that I’d gulped a large mouthful of my tea, the Healer spoke, “Amáne, you know Dorjan.”