Legends of Belariath

Salina Kyle

The Warrior’s Dance Part Six

The warriors bound the strangers to take back to camp. All the warriors remained quiet. Lighting Hawk lead the way, and I walked just behind him. The camp had gathered around the speaking circle. Chief Great Mountain sat with his white bear skin wrapped about him. His daughter sat to one side whimpering now and then. Her eyes showed she had been crying. Silently, I knelt at my Chief’s feet. The prisoners remained just outside the circle. Blindfolding the strangers allowed the warriors to remove their masks. Fear made my heart race as I waited.

“Did you fight these intruders, Flaming Spirit?” the Chief asked in grim tone.

“Yes, my Chief,” I said, clearly.

“Did you use warrior’s skills?” He wanted to be sure for my life depended on it.

“Yes, my Chief,” I answered softly but with enough strength to let him hear.

“Chawchee?” he asked still hoping to divert what had to come.

“Yes, my Chief,” I said as tears ran down my cheeks. That brought gasps and mutters of rage, as the warriors felt stunned by this admission of guilt, quickly growing angry. Not that I blamed them for their anger. A woman knew Chawchee, ‘The Warrior’s Dance’, a woman who lived as a slave. The women showed just as much shock and disbelief. No Sheyka woman would have dared to fight as a warrior. It was to the men to protect.

“There is only one way she could have learned it,” Raging Boar shouted with a sickening glee, “Lighting Hawk taught his slave the sacred art. They should both be put to death.” To his credit, Lighting Hawk didn’t respond to Raging Boar. We both knew the truth of the situation.

“It was not Lighting Hawk who taught me,” I said, in a loud and clear voice, “My master is an honorable man. He would never betray his warrior’s oath.” I stared deep into the Chief’s eyes hoping he’d believe what was the truth.

“If he didn’t teach you then who did?” Great Mountain demanded. I took a deep breath trying to gather my strength.

“Great Gray Wolf taught me the dance, my Chief,” I said hedging a little. That brought more gasps and shouts. Curiosity and intrigue in his eyes, Gray Wolf stepped forward.

“I don’t remember teaching you, Flaming Spirit,” he said with calm authority, “Explain.” The time for the truth had come. I would have to tell them about the Training Grounds. It was the only way to protect Lighting Hawk.

“I’ve been learning the Chawchee since after the pig attack, my Chief,” I said, looking up into his hazel eyes. “It began when I went to gather Fungus Root last year. As I worked, a Great Snow Wolf came upon me. He didn’t harm me, but he stared for several minutes. When he darted off into the forest, I followed him. It seemed like the right thing to do. Anyway, he went through some bushes. As I reached the bushes, I heard shouting. -“

“You’d found the Training Grounds,” Gray Wolf said with a knowing nod of his head. My head nodded.

“I turned to flee but my body stopped. Watching the warriors, I felt a need to follow their movements. As the dance came to me, I wanted to know more. So I-“

“You found ways to sneak out and watch them train,” Great Mountain said complete understanding in each word.

“Yes, my Chief,” I said, but added in defense, “I meant no harm. It was like I didn’t have a choice. The Warrior’s Dance called to me… and I had to answer.”

“She lies,” Raging Boar shouted with a shake of his fist, “No girl could learn the Chawchee by watching others. Lighting Hawk had to help her.”

“Please, my Chief, I beg you,” I pleaded, my hand going to his pants leg, “Lighting Hawk had nothing to do with it. He didn’t know what I was doing. You must believe me.” My tears ran faster as I feared for the one I loved.

“Gray Wolf, is there a way to test Flaming Spirit?” he asked. His large white braids swung in a gentle breeze.

“I can test her, my Chief, but it shouldn’t be here,” the teacher said, rubbing his wrinkled chin, “Let the girl lead us to the Training Grounds. Only the Elders will come. I will test her there.” The elders gathered in their cloaks of rank.

“Let it be so,” said Chief Great Mountain. Standing, I cast a quick look at Lighting Hawk. His eyes remained on the ground. With a deep breath, I lead the Elders from the camp.

We stood in the center of the Training Grounds. Great Gray Wolf came from the bushes still looking curious.

“I found the place, just as she said,” he said, as bristles fell from his shoulders, “It is strange we never heard her. It looks like she has been practicing there for a while.”

“Do you realize it is death for a woman to see the Training Grounds, much less watch the warriors train?” Great Mountain demanded. His angry eyes glared down at me.

“I know, my Chief,” I said softly, bowing my head.

“Let us see how far she has gotten,” Gray Wolf said. We squared off. He started out slowly. Gray Wolf tested me with easy moves. Blocks. Dodges. Kicks. As he became better acquainted with my skill, he got harder, and faster. The display lasted for several minutes. He stopped with a known signal. I went back to my standing position. My breathing remained in control, and calm.

“You show great skill,” he said with some respect, “How often do you practice?”

“Every chance I get, Gray Wolf,” I said, pride showing in my eyes, “Whenever I have free time.”

“Your skill is greater than I would’ve thought,” he said, looking concerned “Much greater.” He turned to Great Mountain. “We must consider this carefully.”

“I agree,” the Chief said, with a solemn nod of his head, “We will return to the camp to discuss it.” We went back to the others.

Chief Great Mountain ordered me to Lighting Hawk’s tent while the council decided my fate. I only wished to spare my kind master any more pain or shame. He wasn’t there when I came in. Out of habit, I went about preparing the evening meal. It gave me something to do. As I heated the water in the clay pot, there was movement at the opening. Dancing Brook stuck her head in and looked around.

“What are you doing here, Dancing Brook?” I asked in shock, “You shouldn’t be here.” She ducked into the dark tent with a flip of her braids, her eyes filled with fear and sadness.

“I have Thunderstrike, my father’s fastest runner beast,” she said in an urgent whisper, “If you hurry you can be far away before dawn. I will cover for you as long as I can.” My mouth dropped open with disbelief, eyes widened in shock.

“You want me to runaway?” I asked, thinking I must’ve misunderstood her somehow.

“They’ll put you to death,” she cried softly but with great anguish, “You will die because you protected me. I can’t let that happen. We must hurry.” Catching her hands, I held her down beside me.

“No, Dancing Brook, you can’t mean that,” I said, “You are Sheyka. You must honor the laws of the tribe… As I must honor them.”

“But-“ she began. I stopped her.

“Do you think that my skin is white and my hair red that I can not be Sheyka?” I asked, staring hard into her violet eyes. “If you’d offered me the runner beast last summer, I might’ve taken your offer. I can’t run. Not now. Though my blood is not, my spirit is Sheyka. I knew the price for what I was doing. Gladly do I accept my death in defense of your life. You’re my friend, and I’d protect you for as long as I can. Don’t be mad at your father and the elders. They must keep the Law. It is the Sheyka way, and a way I hold as my own.” Tears ran down the girl’s cheeks.

“They’ll put you to death,” she cried. My arms wrapped around her.

“It’s going to be okay,” I soothed, as we rocked together. “The pain will ease in time. My love will always be with you.” Lighting Hawk stood at the entrance. Sticking his head in, the warrior smiled at the child.

“You should return to your teeja, Dancing Brook,” he said, softly. Giving me a final hug, the girl scooted passed him, and disappeared. He sat down at our fire. Quietly, I served him his dinner.

“Did you mean what you said to her?” he asked in quiet tones.

“Yes, master,” I said, holding my head high, “You said I would be Sheyka and I am. Even a slave can change.” He ate for several moments in silence. Lighting Hawk wouldn’t look at me, and it made my heart ache.

“I’m sorry I’ve shamed you, master,” I said, wiping a tear from my face. “I never meant to shame you. I swear it, Lighting Hawk.” He caught me in his arms, and held me tight.

“You haven’t shamed me, Flaming Spirit,” he husked in a voice thick emotions. “What other man can say that his slave learned the Chawchee by only watching another without help of a teacher? From what I could gather, your skill impressed the elders. No, I am not ashamed of you, my love.” My breath caught in my chest as I saw the truth in his eyes. We held one another close our tears wetting his tunic.

“Master, what form will my death take?” I asked, softly. He flinched as though struck in his heart. For several moments, Lighting Hawk couldn’t speak.

“The most common form of death for a slave is to slit- his- throat,” he said, forcing each word from his mouth.

“Master, may I make a request of you?” I asked very softly.

“Anything. If I can grant it I will.” This would be hard for both of us, but it needed to be this way.

“When the time comes,” I said, taking a deep breath, “I want you to be the one. The one that-“ The warrior stiffened, then shoved me away in great rage jumping to his feet.

“How can you ask me that?” he hissed, “I love you.”

“I know, master,” I said, “I love you. That’s why I wish my death to come from you. You’ll make it quick and painless. I want to die with your arms about me. Please, master.” Tears drenched his cheeks and mine as he held me to his chest in his strong and loving arms.

“I don’t want you to die, Flaming Spirit,” he moaned, “Spirit of the Hawk, I would run away with you if I could.” His cry of grief to his protector spirit startled me a little to be even thinking of fleeing from the Way.

“You don’t mean that, Lighting Hawk,” I said, staring into his eyes, “You are Sheyka… as am I. You promised me I would be Sheyka, and I am. Let us take heart in the spirit of the tribe.” Gray Wolf came to the door ready to take me before the camp to answer for my crimes.

“It is time,” he said, softly. Lighting Hawk held me as though to never let me go. Gently, I pulled away from my warrior. With a deep breath, I straightened my back in stubborn pride not showing a bit of the fear raging in my heart. I came out of the tent to stand in front of the elder. He gestured toward the speaking circle, his eyes unreadable though not angry as I might’ve expected. Without hesitation, my feet carried me forward. Lighting Hawk followed Gray Wolf at a slower more pain-filled pace, going with me to meet my fate.

I knelt in front of Chief Great Mountain, my eyes dropped to the ground appropriately before one of his station. He stood with his arms crossed over his broad chest, all the strength and wisdom of the Great Mountain Bear’s spirit resting within him. The whole camp had gathered to hear his decision on my transgressions against the Sheyka Way. Raging Boar stood to the side grinning at me, satisfaction bright in the angry warrior’s eyes. The Chief raised his hands to bring a silence to the murmurs of the camp. Before he could speak, Dancing Brook ran up to grab her father’s arm, pale grey with fear and desperate to protect me.

“Please, father,” she cried, “Please don’t kill Flaming Spirit.”

“The Council of Elders has decided, my daughter,” he said, “Flaming Spirit knew what would happen to her if she were caught practicing the ways of warriors.”

“But she revealed herself to save me,” the girl cried, “Flaming Spirit didn’t have to stop those men.” I opened my mouth to speak, but Gray Wolf nudged me, his head making a slight negative move. Great Mountain held his distraught daughter to him trying to comfort her.

“Dancing Brook, Flaming Spirit has broken the laws of the Sheyka,” he said, “No matter how it was found out, she had no right to defy the Way. She must be punished for her wrongs… It is the Law… She understands this as a slave, and so should you as a child of the Sheyka, my daughter.” Dancing Brook’s mother and Winter Flower took the girl from the circle holding her trembling body as the child wept. My eyes went up to the Chief’s burning gaze, only the smallest fear in my eyes. His face showed kindness, and wisdom with his wrinkles.

“Flaming Spirit, you, who are a slave, have trespassed on the sacred Training Grounds,” he boomed, so all could hear clearly, “You have practiced the sacred art of Chawchee. You have fought as a warrior. Do you deny it?”

“No, my Chief,” I said, holding my head up. A small smile of respect came to his lips.

“The Council of Elders has decided that Flaming Spirit will be given to the Protector Spirits of the Sheyka. It is the Spirits this slave has offended. They will deal with you as the wise spirits see fit, Flaming Spirit.” The camp sat in stunned disbelief at the strange announcement none expected to hear. Many of the warriors muttered to one another. Raging Boar looked confused. Chief Great Mountain raised his callused hands bringing silence.

“In two suns, Flaming Spirit will be taken to the place of the Protector Spirits,” he said, “Till that night, the slave will be confined to Great Gray Wolf’s teeja. She will speak to no one, and fast. This will give you time to consider your fate, Flaming Spirit.” At first, no one moved. Gray Wolf touched my shoulder making me jump still trying to understand what the chief had said. Carefully, I stood to follow the teacher of the warriors. Lighting Hawk could barely contain himself from taking me in his arms one last time. My heart ached to say good-bye one final time, but I didn’t dare. The elder lead me away from the crowd to where his tent waited.

Two days to think about what my death would be like from the Protector Spirits. I could’ve wished it over with quicker. Gray Wolf stopped me at the entry to his teeja with a raised hand.

“Remove your clothing,” he said. Startled, I obeyed at once feeling no shame or embarrassment at my nudity anymore. Nodding, he gestured me in first in the dark interior. I stood by his fire pit wondering at the strange mix, wood and herb together in the kindling. The elder indicated a place near the fire where I knelt at once, but he shook his head.

“Sit, Flaming Spirit,” he said. This kept growing stranger by the moment, nothing I’d dreamt of when thinking of my coming death. My legs crossed comfortably under me. Gray Wolf went to the other side of the pit to sit, his legs folded under him. With a ritual air, he took out a fire stick. It looked to be made of herb. His gentle knowing eyes studied my frightened eyes. He had to know I wanted to know what this meant. Taking out a tinderbox, Gray Wolf lit the fire stick and held it over the pit. The stick dropped into the wood with a gentle puff. Fragrant smoke began to float up. Flames leaped high crackling on the dry wood. As the smoke moved around me, the elder sat down directly across from me. Our eyes locked briefly. My heart beat hard, but I fought down my fear. It seemed to please Gray Wolf greatly that I didn’t give in to my panic. He dropped his eyes momentarily, letting me drop my gaze. It released me from the hold of his will. The flames started to leap pretty high. He picked up a clay bowl and held it up to the flames for a moment.

“Take the bowl, Flaming Spirit,” he said, holding it out. I would have to reach through the flames to take it. After a brief hesitation, my hands went out. I expected to feel pain. My hands passed the barrier of fire to take the bowl from him. I couldn’t feel the heat of the flames taking the bowel from his steady hands into my trembling ones. A brown liquid filled the shallow bowl.

“Drink, Flaming Spirit.” It had a bitter scent with some herbs I didn’t recognize. My throat choked, but the potion went down. He held his hands out, and I passed it back to him. My head felt light. The fire put out a lot more heat than I had felt at first. A soft drumming caught my attention. Gray Wolf had taken up his drum and gently played. The steady beat seeped into my thin body. My heart beat at the same rhythm sitting like that into the night.

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