FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

XVII

Sha'-Naky (Day 120 on Tashoo)

The Mory are very pragmatic and don't mourn long for their dead. As a matter of fact, except for close friends and family, and those that fought alongside of them, nobody showed up at any of the burials of those killed in the battle. All of the fallen had been buried on the same day which is the norm after any battle. The burials consisted of sliding the bodies head first into a hole in the side of one of the Trees of the Dead Warriors. I could hear the bodies sliding into the interior of the tree, but the bodies sounded like they were going downward and further away from us, a long way away from us. The first body seemed to slide for over a minute before it stopped.

Because we had fought side by side, all of the warriors in the battle, including Rora, the Ka' Ky-Kikoo, the Ka' Re-Sheshoo, and I attended the "burials". It seemed that everything in the village revolved around the trees. It was a long time before I found out why.

When he saw me at the "funeral", Ka' Sheshoo spoke to me and said, "Chitekuro, Mvilu. Once again I wish to offer up my apologies to you for my vote. I will have a hard time forgiving myself for it."

"Chitekuro, Ka' Sheshoo. Please do not continue to claw yourself, my Lord. I had already forgotten about your vote as soon as the Ka' Kikoo voted to let me live and if he had voted for my death, it would not have mattered who voted and how. It is easy for me to forget what some would hold as a grudge, especially if I know it was done without prejudice against me personally."

"Once again, I thank you, Mvilu. I look forward to assisting you in any way I can when you start digging the mota. As a matter of fact, I may assist Mu-Naka as Ka' of the project."

Ka' Kikoo looked at me as though he wanted to give me the sign of friendship. He even approached and listened to our conversation, although he didn't join in. However, after Sheshoo left, he said, "Mvilu, please forgive me. I would love to show you the sign of friendship. But, I fear what the Ka'yno will do to me if he heard about it. After all, he is the one that sent me to Sheshoo's Ka'na with a message for one of his warriors moments before the warriors of Te'ka-Jy attacked."

I replied, "Do not worry, Ka' Kikoo. I accept your reasoning for not showing friendship to me. I cannot ask for, nor expect, you do to it, especially knowing the situation as you described it. Whenever you are ready to make it publicly known that you have befriended me, I will be ready to accept your friendship. So, until the day that you and your warriors assist in digging the mota, I will show you the respect that your office holds and speak to you only when a slave is allowed to speak to a Ka'."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mvilu. I pray to the Great Being that the day I can openly show my friendship to you comes soon."

After saying this, as is the custom with the Mory warriors, Kikoo turned around and walked toward his Suala Ka'ny. Rora watched him walk away and, after giving his head a little shake in surprise, led me back to our home. As we walked, Rora told me how surprised he was that two Aka' had befriended me and a third one wanted to. But, he added that, at the same time, he believed it was possible for The One Who Will Unify to do this. He even said that he thought that eventually all eight of the Aka' would accept me and befriend me.

Because he was now assisting me on the ditch, Rora had been relieved from guard duty at the garden. We had marked forty-five of the seventy-five kilometers we would eventually dig thanks to finding the sticks that were close to the garden. We were now over half way up the western side of the village. We had started on the northern end of the ditch because, even though the Kachunoo River flows from south to north, I thought it would be better to start digging the ditch from the north so we wouldn't have the fear of the river's flow causing too much erosion too soon. If we could keep up at the same pace, we should be ready to start digging the ditch in about five days.

Unfortunately, that was not to be. Five days after the battle with the warriors of Te'ka-Jy, while we were eating the nakyvy, we heard someone scratching on the door. Ara got up and answered the door. She spoke for a couple of seconds. Finally she stepped aside and Rora's friend from the Suala Ka'ynony, Vamoo, stepped inside. He looked at me and said, "Chitekuro, Mvilu, the presence of you and your master is required at the Suala Ka'ynony immediately. You will be granted enough time to dress properly. The Ka'yno and the entire Ishoo'se Aka'ny will be present, along with visitors. The visitors are here for the specific reason of quote, speaking with the warrior who killed the Ka'yna, unquote."

I know I looked shocked, because I felt it. I thought to myself, "Who are these visitors? Why do they specifically wish to speak with me?" I said to Vamoo, "Do you know why these visitors wish to speak to me?"

"Other than what I heard them say, I do not, Mvilu. I do know that, for a change, you have no trouble from the Ka'yno or Ishoo'se Aka'ny. The visitors arrived late last evening and you could not be summoned until this morning. That is all I know."

"I understand, my Lord, TeVamoo. I will be ready in a couple of minutes."

I went to my room and, a couple of minutes later; I left the room in my best vest and breech-clout. I was told by Vamoo that I needed to put on better clothing. This surprised me speechless, something difficult at best to do. I looked at Ara and she simply got up and walked to her room. A few minutes later, she returned and handed me a small package. She said, "Take these, Mvilu. Go to your room and change."

I followed her instructions and, after opening the package, I stood there for a second in shock. There lying on my bed was clothing that included something similar to pants. But, they looked more like leather breeches worn by Native Americans some six hundred years ago, along with a well decorated vest and new breech-clout. One of the designs on the vest was the family crest of My-Ara's family. I changed into the clothing and exited my room. Rora and Vamoo let out a whistle, a difficult task for the Mory due to the shape of their lips. Ara just looked proud as she realized that her selections of clothing had been appreciated.

I said, "Is this acceptable, TeVamoo?"

Obviously impressed with the clothing, Vamoo said, "Yes, it is more than acceptable. Come, the Ishoo'se is waiting and they do not like to be kept waiting."

Before I left, I turned to Ara and asked, "TaAra, how were you able to afford this outfit?"

"I have been saving most of the extra pay that Rora has been receiving lately. You know we don't spend extravagantly. Since we had the extra money, I decided to purchase you a better suit of clothing."

"Thank you, TaAra." I said as I gave her a hug before I headed out the door.

After I gave Ara her hug, she ducked her head in the Mory sign of embarrassment and said, "Mvilu, I am not your norotha. You should not do that to me."

I just smiled and said, "You may not be my norotha, TaAra, but you treat me as if I was your chorothoo. So, I hope it will not be considered out of line if I should give you a hug once in a while."

Ara just smiled and waved me out the door.

We left the house and started on our way to the Suala Ka'ynony. Vamoo was reticent about speaking, although he did mention again that he wasn't certain why Rora and I were being summoned. After about fifteen minutes, we arrived at the Suala Ka'ynony and Vamoo had us wait as he went inside to announce our arrival. After about thirty seconds, Vamoo returned, held the door and ushered us inside.

Upon entering the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny, I instantly noticed that all eight of the Aka', the Ka'yno and several strange Mory were sitting on thrones on the dais. I also saw the requisite guards. These visiting Mory must be very important indeed.

As soon as we entered, one of the strange Mory, a relatively young warrior of about 20 years, turned to the Ka'yno and said, "Why is the warrior accompanied by a Uany?"

The Ka'yno replied, "Sha'-Naky, the Uany is the one you wish to see and speak with. Allow me to introduce you. Sha'-Naky, this is the Uany slave, Mvilu Uatusun. Slave, this is the Ka'yno of Te'ka-Jy, Sha'-Naky."

I thought, "Ka'yno? Why would the Ka'yno of Te'ka-Jy wish to speak with me? Am I to be turned over to him to be killed since I killed his brother?"

While I was thinking, Sha'-Naky was speaking, "What? The Uany is the warrior that killed my chorothy?" He thought for a second then said, "Uany is this true? Did you kill my chorothy in fair combat?"

I looked at my Ka'yno questioningly. He merely turned his face away from me. I turned back to the Ka'yno Sha'-Naky and said, "Chitekuro, Great One." I might as well treat him with proper respect no matter the final consequences. "Yes, I am the one who killed your chorothy."

Sha'-Naky responded with respect toward me as well, "Chitekuro, Uany. It was fair combat?"

"Yes, Great One. We fought for several minutes before he made a mistake and left himself open for a split second. If you are half the swordsman that that your chorothy and all Mory warriors are, then you can understand how quickly a sword battle can change in a split second. I would also like to say that during our fight, he asked for a rest. During this rest he said that I was the best swordsman he had ever encountered. He also could not understand why a Uany would be so willing to defend a Mory village."

"Nor can I understand. Why would you be willing to violate Mory Law to defend the village in which you are a slave?"

I answered saying, "Great One, some time back I was on trial for my life in this very room. During that trial I was asked what I would do in just such a scenario as actually happened five days ago. I told the Ishoo'se Aka'ny that I would not hesitate to protect Talo-Vy, even it if meant violating Mory Law. My reasoning is that Talo-Vy is my home and my master and his norotha are my family. Therefore, I was protecting Talo-Vy's food to help them. I can guarantee that I would do it again, if it happened to be necessary." I looked directly at Ka'yno Sha'-Naky as I said this.

Sha'-Naky asked me, "How did you obtain the sword that you used?"

Now I came to realize why Rora did what he did. So, I said, "Great One, my master and I were out walking when we heard the sounds of the battle." I chose to not tell Sha'-Naky the reason we were walking until I could ascertain what his attitude toward me and Talo-Vy would be. "As he is required to do, my master took off running toward the battle and I followed. He was carrying both of his swords; his short sword was in his left hand. As we approached the battle, my master stumbled and dropped his short sword. I picked it up and was attempting to return it when I was attacked. That, Great One, is how I had obtained the sword I used."

Sha'-Naky looked very impressed by my answer and honesty; but, at the same time, I think I noted a slight look of disbelief in his eyes. However, he said, "A slave that would knowingly violate Mory Law is both a blessing and a curse. But, in this situation, I believe it is a blessing." Turning to the Ka'yno of Talo-Vy, he said, "However, this brings up a touchy situation, Lo-Nachoo." This name brought me to my fullest attention. Why does that name sound familiar? I could not figure it out for a short while.

I said, "What do you mean, Great One?"

He turned back to me and said, "Under Mory Law, and tradition, by killing my chorothy, you are entitled to all of his worldly goods. This includes his swords, daggers, clothing, and slaves, if he had any, which he did not. You are also entitled to all of his food rations for three months. Except for the food rations, we have brought all of these things." Looking at Ka'yno Lo-Nachoo, he continued, "But, we cannot give the weapons to a slave."

I thought for a second, then I said, "Great Ones, may I make a suggestion?" Both of the Aka'yno looked at me questioningly. I said, "Why not give the weapons to my master? He could keep them for me in the unlikely event that I might eventually gain my freedom."

Sha'-Naky said, "That is an excellent suggestion, Mvilu. Do you not agree, Lo-Nachoo?" While glaring at me, Lo-Nachoo reluctantly nodded. "If I had known the name of the one who had bested my chorothy in battle, I would have known it must have been you when you entered the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny, Mvilu, and I would not have made the mistake of thinking your master was the one to whom I should pay homage."

I thought, "Homage?"

"Mvilu Uatusun, please approach the dais. I wish to honor you as few other Uany, and even fewer Uany slaves, have ever been honored."

I looked at Rora, but he was no help. He continued to look forward. So, I followed the instructions of Sha'-Naky. I approached to within three meters of the dais and instinctively stopped and knelt. Sha'-Naky, watching what I did, nodded imperceptibly as I stopped. He, along with four guards, approached me. He put his right hand on my shoulder causing me to look up at him. He looked me in the eyes and nodded imperceptibly. He then took his dagger and made a small incision in his right palm. Then, he took my hand and made an incision in my right palm. Finally, he took my hand in his and said, "Mvilu Uatusun, our blood has mingled and we are now of one blood. You are now under the protection of the Ka'yno of Te'ka-Jy. So long as you continue to show the bravery and honor you showed during your battle with my late chorothy, I will be your chorothy and you will be my chorothy and have my protection. Do you understand?"

I answered, "Yes, Great One." So, we are now blood brothers and I am under his protection as a result. This did not bode well for Lo-Nachoo. But, I couldn't see how it would be a lot of help for me.

Next, Sha'-Naky looked at Rora and motioned him forward. Rora complied, stopped at my side and knelt as well. The Ka'yno Sha'-Naky said to him, "What is your name?"

Not looking Sha'-Naky in the eye, Rora said, "I am called My-Rora, Great One."

Sha'-Naky said, "My-Rora, do you understand what is being required of you by your slave?"

Rora paused before replying, "I--must admit to ignorance, Great One."

"I understand your ignorance, My-Rora. What is being asked of you is virtually unheard of on Tashoo. Therefore, I will explain it to you. You and your slave are in an unusual situation. You are, at the same time, both his master and his slave." This brought a look of shock from Rora and me. "This is because, by killing the Ka'yna of Te'ka-Jy, your slave has become your superior. Yet, by being captured by you, he is your slave; therefore, you are his superior. Do you now see why this is virtually unheard of?" Rora nodded.

"Now, I must inform you of your duties. You will protect his possessions with your life. You will also have to protect his life for as long as the two of you live. Do you understand these requirements?"

Rora, looking as serious as I have ever seen him look, replied, "Yes, Great One. I understand."

"Good." He handed Rora a package before continuing, "Now, I must leave."

I took a chance, arose and took a step forward. "Great One, may I impose on you and make a suggestion?"

Both of the Aka'yno looked at me. Sha'-Naky said, "What is your suggestion, Mvilu Uatusun?"

"I find myself wondering why the Mory regularly attack each other. According to my master, this is a common occurrence here. When I asked him why, he had no answer. I got my answer when your warriors attacked Talo-Vy. You attack each other because you have shortages that other villages may have as surpluses. Is this not true?"

"That is so. Why do you tell us the obvious?"

"Please indulge me, Great One. Does your village have things that Talo-Vy would possibly attack Te'ka-Jy to obtain?"

"Of course we do. Talo-Vy has attacked Te'ka-Jy regularly in the past. Why do you ask these questions?"

"Perhaps Talo-Vy and Te'ka-Jy could trade for the things each village needs that the other has in excess instead of attacking each other or possibly Talo-Vy and Te'ka-Jy could just outright purchase the items each village needs or wants."

After I said this, I believe you could have knocked each Ka'yno, and every other Mory in the room for that matter, over with a proverbial feather. I saw that my suggestion had never been considered before.

Finally, after a few seconds, Sha'-Naky said to Lo-Nachoo, "Perhaps we could work something out. I do know that we have better hunting than Talo-Vy, especially this time of year, and you have a much better selection of fruits and vegetables. I have been told that a lot of your vegetables are going bad because you cannot use them in time."

Lo-Nachoo was not happy with my suggestion. He thought long and hard. I had a feeling that he was trying to think of how my suggestion could work to his advantage. He was also caught in a quandary. If he refused outright, Sha'-Naky would leave here with an extremely bitter taste in his mouth where Talo-Vy and Lo-Nachoo were concerned and he might possibly attack Talo-Vy more often and more viciously. No sane leader would allow continued and regular attacks against his people, if he wished to remain the leader, even if it was a part of the culture and, therefore, expected.

Finally, Lo-Nachoo said, "I will send a representative to Te'ka-Jy in a few days to work something out." But, he was glaring at me when he said this.

Sha'-Naky said, "Good. I have long thought that this continual fighting among the Mory needs to stop. I just never could think of a way to stop it. Now, it seems that a simple Uany slave has done this for me." Turning to me, he said, "This idea makes me wonder if you could possibly be The One Who Will Unify. This is something else for me to consider."

I interrupted, "Great One, I hope that you will forgive a poor Uany slave for interrupting, but I must say that I know very little about this person to whom you just referred, The One Who Will Unify, other than what little I have been told by my master, his norotha and a few others. I do not believe I am this person, but I am honored to be considered a savior."

Sha'-Naky continued, "You need not fear, Mvilu Uatusun. However, I wish to give you two more honors. First, even though you will continue to be a slave in Talo-Vy and even though we are achorothy in blood, I officially adopt you as a member of my family, a tochorothy if you wish to call it that." This statement drew looks of shock throughout the whole Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny and greater indignation and mutterings from Lo-Nachoo. "Second, if you should ever achieve your freedom and you wish to have a new home, you will be more than welcome in Te'ka-Jy. When Lo-Nachoo's representative returns from Te'ka-Jy, he will be carrying tokens and certificates that are to be given directly to you, and no one else, to show you that these statements are true."

I stood there speechless, a rare situation. All I could think to say was, "I--thank--you for these great honors, Great One."

Lo-Nachoo stood at the top of the dais steaming. Finally, he said, "My-Rora, you may take your slave and leave, assuming Sha'-Naky is finished."

Sha'-Naky indicated that he was finished by ascending the dais and taking his seat. Rora and I bowed and backed toward the door.

When we entered the anteroom, Rora looked at me and said, "Do you realize that you have been granted the greatest honor that has ever been bestowed on a Uany?"

Vamoo said, "Yes, a great honor has been bestowed on Mvilu."

I said, "My Lord, how do you know this?"

Vamoo ignored my question and said, "The Ka'yno is really going to hate you now, Mvilu. You must be even more careful than normal."

"Do not worry about me, my Lord. I will be as careful as I can possibly be, as I normally am. Besides, Rora and I are in the middle of planning on where the mota is going to be dug. I will not say the Ka'yno will not try to have me killed, but I believe he will at least wait until we complete the mota, if for no other reason than to, hopefully, see me fall from grace."

I turned to Rora and said, "Master Rora, would it be acceptable if we looked at the package that Ka'yno Sha'-Naky gave to you for me?"

He said, "I see no reason why we could not." He walked over to a table that was near the front door and placed the package on it. He untied the bundle and opened it. When he did this, I let out a low whistle. There lying on the table were the following items: two Mory long swords, two Mory short swords, two Mory daggers, two sets of sword belts and scabbards, ten vests, loincloths and sets of leggings, all cut to fit an adult Mory warrior, and several other items that a Mory warrior would need. However, the reason for my whistle was this. One of the long swords, one of the short swords, and one of the daggers were highly polished and decorated with jewels and etchings of animals of the forests of this part of Tashoo. Also, one of the sword belts and all three of the scabbards were highly decorated with jewels and the same etchings of animals that were on the weaponry. A blind man could tell that these were no ordinary weapons. They had to be ceremonial and valuable, sentimentally, if not financially.

I said to Vamoo, "My Lord, TeVamoo, could you please do me a favor?"

"What is that, Mvilu?"

"Could you please see if we could speak to the Ka'yno Sha'-Naky? I cannot accept these weapons. They are too valuable and important."

"I will see what I can do, Mvilu. Give me a few seconds."

He reentered the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny. About fifteen seconds later, Vamoo returned and said, "Mvilu, they said that they will allow you to return."

"Thank you, my Lord, TeVamoo. Master Rora, please bring the bundle with you."

When we returned, I immediately walked to the dais. This was not normally allowed, but, since I had specifically requested an audience, the Ishoo'se Aka'ny and the Aka'yno overlooked what would normally be considered insolence, although I could see anger and displeasure on Lo-Katoo's face.

Sha'-Naky looked down at me questioningly and said, "Is there a problem, Mvilu Uatusun?"

"I guess that would depend on what you consider a problem, Great One. Please forgive my insolence, but, after my master and I left the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny, we opened the bundle you gave us," I turned to Rora and indicated the bundle, "and found that three of the weapons, three of the scabbards and one of the sword belts are very expensive. Great One, we--I--cannot accept them. Please allow me to return the ceremonial weapons to you."

Sha'-Naky said, "You wish to return the ceremonial weapons? I see that my beliefs concerning you were correct. Because you asked to return these particular weapons, it shows me that you honor the dead greatly. You truly are an honorable Uany. Therefore, I will accept them in honor of my fallen chorothy and, in exchange, I will send a double ration of meat to your master's home. Please accept the meat as my way of thanking you for the way you have honored my chorothy and because of your prowess as a swordsman."

"Great One, I will be more than happy to accept the exchange."

Sha'-Naky smiled at me and, turning to Lo-Nachoo, said, "You truly are blessed to have a Uany in your village that understands the subtleties of Mory tradition and I am honored to adopt him as my fachorothy."

Once again, Lo-Nachoo showed his displeasure by openly scowling at me. I knew that, sooner or later, his hatred of me would come to a head and one of us would have to die. This worried me a bit because, despite Lo-Nachoo's hatred of me, I had no desire for either one of us to die. I believed that Lo-Nachoo wouldn't do anything openly, though. I believed this because I had the protection of another Ka'yno. I wasn't, however, going to take advantage of this protection, unless I believed that Lo-Nachoo's hatred of me would possibly cause harm to someone else as a result. Also, I didn't want to take advantage of this protection because I still didn't know and understand all of the Mory traditions to know how far my protection could carry me.

I said, "I thank you for the honors you have heaped upon me this day, my Lord, Sha'-Naky. I will no longer burden you with my presence and, with your permission, will once again take my leave of you. Be well and 'May your teeth and claws be sharp and always at the throat of your enemies.'"

Sha'-Naky, very impressed, replied, "I wish the same to you as well, Mvilu Uatusun."

Rora and I once again backed out of the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny and entered the anteroom. Vamoo was waiting at the door and we almost knocked him over when we suddenly opened it. As a matter of fact, he stumbled back a couple of paces, out of sight of the Ishoo'se Choko Aka'ny, fortunately. I had to stifle a laugh until the door was closed and then I laughed out loud. Rora joined me before Vamoo, suitably embarrassed, laughed as well.

Vamoo said, "The Ka'yno Sha'-Naky seemed to be impressed that you returned the weaponry, Rora"

"It was not I that returned them, Vamoo. It was Mvilu."

Vamoo said, "I have a question. Does Sha'-Naky not know about the Armed Slave Law?"

"Mvilu won the weapons during the attack by the village of Te'ka-Jy five days ago. I had my short sword in my hand and lost it when I stumbled. Mvilu picked it up and, as he was attempting to return it to me, used it to kill Sha'-Naky's brother in fair combat." Vamoo looked at Rora with a knowing look, but said nothing. Rora continued, "As for the Ka'yno Sha'-Naky knowing about the Armed Slave Law, I am to be in possession of the weaponry until such time as Mvilu might possibly win his freedom and knowing Mvilu as I do, I believe he will eventually win his freedom."

Vamoo looked at me and said, "I quite agree with you, Rora. He is an extremely intelligent Uany, and resourceful as I understand."

I merely smiled at the compliment and said, "My Lord, TeVamoo, I wish to thank you for your assistance earlier. Tomorrow, my master and I will be back laying out the mota. As I figure, we should be able to start digging it in about five days, if there are no more interruptions. Be well, my Lord, TeVamoo, and 'May your teeth and claws always be sharp and at the throat of your enemies'."

"'I wish the same to you as well, Mvilu.'"

Rora and I left the Suala Ka'ynony and started walking back toward our home. He was silent, obviously thinking; I chose to not interrupt him. I figured that he was trying to come to grips with what had happened earlier. After all, it isn't every day that a Uany slave is adopted by the Ka'yno of a village and a Mory slave holder also becomes the slave of his slave, so to speak.

I was thinking as well. While we were chatting with the Ka'yno Sha'-Naky, an idea had starting growing in my head. I was hoping that, in the next few days, I would be able to speak with the Ishoo'se Aka'ny and tell them of my idea. But, I needed to flesh it out and make it obvious enough that even the most dull-witted Mory could understand what I was saying. I knew that the members of the Ishoo'se Aka'ny were anything but dull-witted. However, I wanted to be certain that anyone in the village could grasp what I was offering them.

While we were walking home, we passed Joola's house. We were outside the door before I realized where we were. Rora had stopped and I had instinctively stopped with him. That is how engrossed I was with my idea.

After a minute or so, Rora looked at me questioningly and said, "Do you not have any humorous statements to make, Mvilu?"

"What? What was that, Rora? I mean, TeRora." Then I realized where we were. "Oh, I am sorry, TeRora. I was lost in thought. Are we going to visit Kyta or do you wish to continue home?"

"Well, we have a few minutes to stop, if you wish."

Now it was Rora's turn to give me a hard time about visiting. I laughed and said, "Only if you think it will not be considered improper. Besides, she may have a visitor. You know how popular she is."

We both laughed. He turned and scratched on the door and Kyta's face appeared in the doorway. She smiled broadly, as I have said before, a menacing looking sight, but too obviously friendly to truly be menacing. She said, "Chitekuro, Rora, and Mvilu. Welcome to our humble home. Please enter and grace us with your presence."

Rora said, "Chitekuro, Kyta. I wish our home was as luxurious as yours."

As I entered, she turned toward the back of the house and said, "Tyarza, we have visitors. Would you like to come in and say hello?"

Tyarza opened the door to her room and stepped out. As usual when I saw her, I felt my heart leap and suddenly became somewhat tongue tied. She was as beautiful as ever. Her form fitting one piece leather dress, this one had a strap over her left shoulder and left her right shoulder bare, left nothing to the imagination as to whether or not she was a female. Her yellow in blue eyes with extremely long lashes were, to me, most beguiling. When she saw me, she smiled through brown lips and then just as suddenly it was gone. It wasn't replaced by a frown, but she was no longer smiling. Her blue-blond hair was as straight and soft as I had ever seen it. Her golden lion yellow skin was as attractive as it was the first time I ever got a good look at her, so many days ago.

I stammered, "Ch--Chitekuro, Tyarza. You are looking as nice as I have ever seen you look."

Now, it was everybody's opportunity to laugh at me. At first, I was a bit put off, but I realized that now I was the one acting like an adolescent with a crush on the head cheerleader and found out that she was interested in me.

Tyarza smiled an appreciative smile and said, "Chitekuro, Mvilu. Thank you very much, Mvilu. That is as nice a compliment as I have ever received." Then, in a totally non-committal voice, she asked, "Why are you and Rora here today?"

I said, "We just returned from the Suala Ka'ynony. We met with the Ka'yno of Te'ka-Jy."

Kyta's eyes widened to where we could see the whites. She said, "The Ka'yno of Te'ka-Jy? Why did you meet with him?"

I briefly told the story of the meeting. Both Kyta and Tyarza were impressed almost beyond words. They looked at each other and Tyarza said, "Mvilu, even in the village of my birth the swordsmanship of the warriors of Te'ka-Jy is much feared and respected. Even the warrior to whom I am to be mated, fears meeting one of them and you bested the brother of the Ka'yno in fair combat? Perhaps I have been mistaken about you, and him. Do you have proof of what you say?"

I had Rora open the bundle that Sha'-Naky had given him. Kyta and Tyarza were awestruck when they saw the items, especially the weaponry.

Kyta said, "Those markings are the markings of Te'ka-Jy. The only ways to receive one is to become a warrior of Te'ka-Jy or to kill one of their warriors."

I said, "There were two more swords, a dagger, three scabbards and a sword belt that we returned to Sha'-Naky. They were beautifully encrusted with jewels and etchings. I knew they had to be expensive and ceremonial. I returned them because of their ceremonial nature and the possibility that Sha'-Naky would like to keep them as a reminder of his chorothy."

As she looked at the items and listened to my story, I sensed that Tyarza's attitude toward me was changing. She was still angry but now she seemed to have a respect for me that she had not had before my arrival today. She even looked at me with the hero worship she had when I had outwitted the Ka'yno. This look caused me to want to grab her and crush her to my chest. But, I had to refrain from doing so, if I wanted to prove to her that I was as honorable as I had always claimed. Any future actions in our relationship, whatever it may be, would be hers to initiate and she would have to initiate the relationship openly enough for a dull witted male, such as I, to know exactly what she means and, yes, I started hoping then and there that she would do just that.

After Kyta and Tyarza had marveled at everything that Sha'-Naky had brought to Talo-Vy to give to me for several minutes, I decided it was time for us to leave. I asked Rora to tie the bundle up again and said, "We need to be leaving. It is getting late and your norotha will be worrying about us."

By the time I finished speaking, Rora had the bundle tied up and over his shoulder. I was still trying to figure out if Ara would believe me when I told her that everything in the bundle was mine, plus we would be receiving some meat from Te'ka-Jy soon. Whether she believed us or not, she would know for certain when the meat arrived.

Rora and I walked to the door and I said, "It was wonderful seeing the two of you again and I look forward to seeing you again soon."

As I turned to leave, Tyarza gave me a friendly hug. I had my back to the door so I didn't see Joola as she approached, until I heard her voice. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

I was thinking, "Oops. What do I do now?"

Still in the middle of Tyarza's hug, I looked over my shoulder and said, "Chitekuro, TaJoola. Tyarza was just giving me a hug and saying good-night to me. Rora and I have to be heading home before it gets too late."

Joola had a sly look in her eyes as she smiled and said, "Well, then, I guess I will see you two at a later time. Good night, Mvilu. Please come back as soon as you can."

"Yes, TaJoola. We will."

Rora and I left and headed straight home. I was thinking as we walked that perhaps Joola would have liked to see the gifts that Sha'-Naky had given me. I was also wishing that I had taken the time to show her, but it really was getting late. I decided that the next time Joola and her family visited I would show her then. But, I felt fairly certain that Kyta and Tyarza would tell her about it.

When we arrived home, we showed Ara the bundle and she was every bit as impressed as Kyta and Tyarza had been. But, she was also a bit worried. When I asked her why she was so worried, she reminded me of the Armed Slave Law. She also reminded me of the Ka'yno's hatred of me and how she feared that he would use my violation of Mory law to have the Ishoo'se Aka'ny condemn me to death. But, despite her worries, she accepted the story as we told it; however, I believe she was doubtful about the meat and other food rations that were supposed to be coming from Te'ka-Jy until they actually arrived.

Immediately after the nakymoty, I asked Ara for a pen and some paper. I told her I had an idea and I wanted to write it down before I forgot it. After I got what I needed, I went to my room and, sitting at a desk that didn't exist when I left for the Suala Ka'ynony that morning, started writing. I wrote for hours until I finally had my entire idea written down and fleshed out. Now all I needed to do was get an audience with the Ishoo'se Aka'ny. I took what I had written with me and got into bed. I started rereading everything to make certain I hadn't forgotten anything. But the day's activities, mental and physical, were starting to weigh mightily upon my body and mind. Soon, I found myself drifting off to sleep, even before I could put my paperwork away. The next morning, I found them lying on the bed right where I had left them when I fell asleep.