Tag: war

Chapter 6.27 New Revelations

pammiechick

“A financial advisor?” Kalani asks Temon, puzzled.

“Of course, my lady. I helped the slave hold to grow its interests five fold in the few years I handled their assets.”

This slave spoke in gibberish to Kalani. Tribe Wahine has never cared for its riches. To her, it is a necessary evil. “And what do we gain by growing these…assets? We have enough money. Nay more than enough. Why do we need more?”

“To trade and barter with the other tribes. To buy more slaves, if needed. To acquire more land. We are bursting at the seams here with all the babies that have been born. They will sire more children and on and on it goes. Can you not see the future? Seriously, your grace, to have more is always best. It’s for your protection, too. As it is, you need more slaves to guard us from warring tribes. We are but a paltry few as most have run off to defend the crown.”

That makes sense. The children will wish to have their own bedrooms once they come of age and they don’t have enough space for all of them. A larger compound will be necessary in the future. And although there aren’t any threats at present, maybe there will be in the future depending on how the war ends. Temon is obviously a very smart man. “So…what would this ‘growing of our assets’ look like? What would you do?”

“First, we will need a vault to put all of our money. From there, I’ll manage our crops, making sure we get the best dollar amounts. We have the rarest of plants and that should grow our gold. I’ll give you a statement of what we produce every week. I promise you’ll be surprised at how rich our tribe will become if you have a person managing it.”

Mist beams. “I told you he was a genius, Creator. He shouldn’t be in charge of laundry anymore. Maybe we can buy another slave to help with that?”

Kalani nods. “You’re right, Mist. I’ll put Temon in charge of acquiring another slave.”

Lifting her hand, Kalani says, “Very well, Temon. You are our chief financial officiant. Do what you wish at managing our wealth. I will meet with you every moon for updates. And I’ll put Kanui in charge of building you an office with its own vault in the basement. Does this sound good to you?”

Temon is beside himself with relief. There is nothing more exciting to him than checking off ledgers and completing a financial grid. No more laundry! Those words are heaven on earth. “Very good indeed, my Creator. And thank you very much.”

*****

Aley loves his job of taking care of the little ones. And he especially is smitten with baby Dak. What a charmer!

“Who’s daddy are you?” Dak asks as Aley is teaching him his A B C’s.

“I’m no one’s daddy, young man. Well, not yet anyway.” If duty calls, Aley will perform for the good of the tribe. Slaves are scarce these days and fresh genes are always welcome. And besides, he saw the change that came over his love, Temon, when little Meadow was born. Aley would like that special gift of a child, too, one day.

RIsing, Aley says to the toddler, “It’s time for you to play, Dak. Run along now.”

“But Aley, who’s MY daddy?”

Good grief! This child is beyond smart for his age. But what to say? Truth is always best but…how could Aley tell this tot his father is a treacherous lout? And Dak was begotten under the most accursed and scandalous situation.

Aley sighs. “Your father is a…um…a hero, little Dak. He…did his duty at defending this tribe and…risked his life to save…you. So, he’s off defending us as we speak.” Aley’s face blushes as he speaks these lies. He fancies himself a good storyteller and so what if it wasn’t true? Dak will never know the difference as he’s never seen his father and no one ever speaks of the curse that his mother is under in the tribe.

Thinking of how wonderful this imagined hero slave is, Aley decides to write it down. Maybe he’ll create a book of stories to tell the little ones.

*****

Newlin’s body screams at him in pain. His double crossing snake brothers drugged him so he couldn’t defend himself. And they pounded, kicked, and beat him until he almost passed out. Why do they hate him so? He came to this tribe out of love only to find poison. He aches for his home, Tribe Wahine. If only he could go back in time, he would have become the most conscientious tribal son, always happy to help, doing his lowly duties with a smile on his face. He would have waited the two suns for Kiko to ask him to be hers. His stomach stabs him painfully.

But it’s too late. And he’s stuck here. In hell.

Newlin passes out for who knows how long when a woman’s husky voice awakens him. “Get up, brother. I’ll tend to your wounds.”

Alena? Since when has she ever been nice? She had been worse than the twins to Newlin. But his face throbs and he needs help to even walk. Grasping her strong hand, he whispers, “Thank you.”

*****

He must have slept for two days, his body aching. Once dressed, Newlin opens his bedroom door to find Alena waiting on him.

“Good. You’re up. Mother wants to speak with you. Attend her upstairs.”

Mother. Yes! That’s the way to get back at his duplicitous siblings. She always had showed him love and respect. “I will go at once, dear sister. And I’ll bend her ear on what folly Finn and Vance have done to me.”

Waving her hands, Alena implores, “You will not speak of this to Mother. Are you as stupid as you look now, brother? She hates weakness. Attend to her needs and button your lip. Understand?”

“But my face will show that someone beat the hell out of me. I’ll not lie.”

Arching her eyebrow, Alena says, “I promise she’ll not ask you. She already knows anyway. She predicted they’d do something to you. Can you not see the hatred in their eyes they cast your way? You must put them in their place. Running to Mother is not the answer.”

Anger wells within him at his sister’s words. He doesn’t believe her. His mother cares for him unlike Alena or his brothers. Alena wants him to fight and get into trouble. “Thank you for your kindness, sister,” he says with malevolence coloring his voice.

He charges upstairs to find his mother having dinner. He grabs a plate. “Do you know what your sons have done to me, Mother? They should go to the pillar of punishment for this injustice.”

Glaring up at him, Mor hisses, “Who did I put in charge of this compound? Are you not strong enough to keep them in line?”

Not a shred of sympathy? Maybe Alena was right. “B-But…they drugged me. How can I control that?”

“Stupid boy. Tribe Wahine has turned you into a sniveling little weakling. I’m ashamed at the sight of you. If you can’t control your siblings, you have no business being here. Deal with this shame or I will put YOU into the pillar of punishment. Understand?”

Her words were like a lash to his back.

But there is truth in what she says. He feels like a scared little weakling. Maybe Tribe Wahine was too lax. Had he not had the best of comforts? This made him soft even with the gifting of his mana. He never had a chance to use it. But now?

His brothers have no idea how strong mana made a person. Finn and Vance were like little boys playing with a cobra.

He chuckles. “As you wish, Mother.”

Weeks pass. Newlin lays low so his brothers will not suspect the malice in his heart. His wounds are healed but not his pride.

Searching the compound, he comes upon them, sitting by a fire, not doing the chores he’s asked of them as usual.

“Yes, brother? What is it you wish from us?” Vance asks.

Finn smirks. “That look on your face could kill a lion. Come. Sit by the fire. We promise to do our chores tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow will be too late for you two will not be able to stand.” Newlin’s hands grow into fists as the mana’s energy surges through him.

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6.21 Home Sweet Home

pammiechick

Kiko’s child weighs heavy, making her joints ache. Already two weeks late, she wonders if she’ll ever give birth.

Turning around, she spies the Creator Heiress staring at her.

“What is it, child? Did you need me to do something for you?” Kiko asks.

“I just wanted to let you know you don’t have to worry. You won’t be cursed once I become the Creator.”

Waving her arms Kiko explains, “It’s not up to you, little one. I have broken the sacred laws. The curse cannot be lifted. Even by you as a Creator. Didn’t Mist explain all of this to you?” Mist’s absence has really put Makana’s education at risk.

Cocking her head, Makana answers, “I don’t believe in curses, so you don’t have to worry.”

Kiko shakes her head. “Makana, you could get yourself and this tribe in trouble if you don’t abide by Amazon law. Your great grandmother was chosen by the Maker as well as her council to create laws for us to follow. You may think them unfair but if you want change, you must seek out the queen. I do not want to be the cause of shame falling down upon our tribe. Please don’t say such things.”

But the little princess only smirks at Kiko then saunters away. Kiko takes a plate of food, thinking to herself. “That child! She’s so headstrong. She may be the folly of us all!” She decides to pray to the Maker, asking for an abundance of mercy for she can see they all are going to need it.

******

Lilit is swelling with twins. Kanui worries for his mate. She can barely move and is always in a bad mood. He decides to take her to the jungle village park where the flowers are in bloom this time of year.

“Oh, Kanui, it’s simply amazing!” Lilit gushes. “The smell alone puts a smile on my face.”

“The flowers cast a glow about you, my love. I’m so glad you like it. Nothing makes me happier.” His mate really does look so beautiful under the pink lights.

Staring sweetly at him, Lilit asks, “What do you wish to name our children, Kanui? I’ve been thinking a lot about it and I want you to name them. You are the Master Slave, after all, and I wish to bestow this special gift. You treat me with such honor and love. I’m so happy.”

Leaning toward her, he whispers, “It is my honor just to have been chosen by you. But if you wish to give me a gift, I will not throw it away. If they are boys, Ahe, which means gentle breeze for I would wish him to be gentle in his strength. And the other boy will be Alika, which means guardian, for our tribe will need strong tribal sons who will guard our great tribe.”

“I like those names very much. But what if they’re girls, my love? What should we call them?”

Taking her hand, he says, “Since they will be as beautiful as their mother, I think we should name one Kaliko which means beautiful bird and the other, Keao, which means light of the morning sun.”

With that, Kanui kisses Lilit sending butterflies through her. She adores him. How lucky is she that the Maker gave him to her!

A sudden twinge pokes her back. “I think I need to find a bathroom.”

“Of course. I’ll wait here,” Kanui says, smiling.

As she waddles toward the outdoor restrooms, a knife seems to stab her in the back. “Oh no! I think the twins are coming!”

********

Mist brings home not one slave, but two! Kalani asks Runoi to greet them and show them around. Alethualpa or Aley for short, takes right to the babies and asks if he can help the Provider. Eila is thrilled.

Temon is a different story. Kalani tells Runoi that the man is a bit of a curmudgeon and might have a harder time adjusting. With Runoi’s wit, Kalani thinks he might be able to draw the man out of his shell.

Shaking Temon’s hand vigorously, Runoi says, “Welcome, dear Temon, to the great Tribe Wahine where queens are born and legends arise. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m the Creator’s mate, Runoi Iki. Just let me know how I can help you get settled here in this rather large compound. If there’s a special dish you’d like me to cook, please feel free to suggest. The women of this tribe do allow us men to have a say in the menu.” Runoi winks at him, hoping to melt the already cool vibes he’s feeling from the man.

Temon wonders why this slave is chattering at him like a squirrel taunting a dog. Mist is a lovely woman and he very much is grateful to her for allowing him to take his love with him, but to endure someone like this Runoi, well, he isn’t sure it will be worth it. His nerves are already screaming at him. Maybe if he makes it clear he is to be left alone. “Thank you, Runoi. I am most pleased to be here. If you could show me my quarters, I would be most obliged.”

The red haired man answers, “Well, Temon, my already great friend, I’m about to make our dinner. Slave quarters are all the way on the other side of the compound on the second floor. You cannot miss them. But why don’t you get acquainted with one of the little ones? Hoku, my lovely daughter, is ready for someone to read her a story. I cannot for I am too busy but here you are with a voice as rich as any songbird. Would you do that for me, old chap?”

“I…erm…despise children.” Maybe that was a bit harsh but how is Temon supposed to get through to a person such as this? The nerve that he’d think Temon, a former Master Slave, would take on helping with the children. Give him a toilet to clean or a fence to mend.

Runoi’s smile turns to a frown. “I did NOT just hear you say that, did I, good man? All tribal members help with the children. We are a family after all. Or do you think you’re above all its members? If so, please, take it up to our Creator. I think she would very much be interested in this attitude.”

The threat rings in Temon’s ears.

“Fine.” Temon flops onto the couch, eyeing a particularly chubby baby girl who is staring at him like she wants to sit in his lap. Temon can already feel how sticky she’ll make his skirt. He’d have to wash it right away after this unseemly duty.

Inching closer to him, the little girl says nothing making Temon nervous. “What is it you want from me…child?”

“Read this.” She plops a book in his lap.

Sighing, Temon opens it and starts to read. “Once upon a time, before the time of the Amazon, there was a dinosaur named Moondogle. All Moondogle wished for was a friend.”

“Will you be my friend?” the sticky little child asks him.

A slight smile works itself on the edge of Temon’s mouth. Maybe he could endure this one child, Hoku, but no others. He would be adamant about that.

********

Finally, the Rigan Tribe arrives home. Alena feels like they’ve been away for too long. But the hair stands up on the back of her neck. Something’s wrong.

“Mother…we have an intruder. Do you see what I do? There’s male clothing hanging out to dry on a line, and that damned cowplant has been recently fed. I thought the viscious thing would be nothing but bones by now. I hate that plant.”

Finnegan’s stomach jolts. “Those are MY clothes on the line. The thief is very brave indeed.”

“I’ll handle this,” Alena sneers. “You stay here. I’ll bring you his head as a prize, brother.”

Stealthy as a cougar, Alena skulks into the kitchen, catching the intruder. Readying her weapon to slice off his head, she says, “Give me your last words before I cut you down. Why are you here? You better not lie. I can make your death very painful.”

Heart in his throat, Newlin raises his hands. “Please do not kill me. I am your dear lost brother, Newlin!”

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Chapter 6.19 New Bonds

pammiechick

Warning: NSFW pic at very end

Sexual situations, nudity

After spending almost every waking moment with her new love, Jozka, Leia feels it’s time to do the right thing. She walks into the bedroom she shares with Tonai.

“Tonai?” she says gingerly, not in the commanding voice she’d like. Guilt ripples through her as she looks on the man she once loved. “Tonai, please wake up.” Her words are a bit more forceful.

He clears his throat then raises to a sitting position, yawning. “Yes, my love? What is it you wish from me?”

Pausing, she feels her pulse quicken as she speeds on with what she’s rehearsed in her mind. “I’m…um…I am following a different path for my life now, Tonai. The true Amazon way. Therefore…it is with regret I must inform you I am no longer in need of your services.”

Flinching and casting a wicked glare at Jozka, Tonai shakes his head, eyes blinking. He mutters to himself at this news then hisses, “She’s twisted your mind, Leia. Don’t listen to her. You can do what you wish. You are queen! Don’t throw me away. Not now. Not when you know you still love me.”

Arching an eyebrow, Jozka says, “She’s seen the truth. She has no use for slaves anymore. She is beyond child bearing years and that’s only what a breeding slave is good for after all.”

Leia adds quickly to try to make things better for Tonai, “I have contacted the slave hold in the Red Basin. They are the best in all the Amazon. You will be well taken care of. The master slave there isn’t fond of my mother and therefore, will not blow the whistle on your whereabouts to her. I have paid for your quarters–they are the best money can buy. You will have all you need. I’ve made sure of that.”

“Put out to pasture like an old horse. Is that it, Leia?” Tonai spits the words at her.

Leia’s heart pricks at the sight of his stricken face.

“I’m sorry. You’ve had a good life, Tonai. Once I take over, things are going to change for all slaves. I’m going to enforce true Amazon culture. Most slaves will be killed once they breed. You will be spared this.”

Rising to his feet, Tonai’s eyes pierce Leia to the core. “You will regret this.”

*****

Mist ventures for two weeks, following the map to the renown slave hold in the Red Basin. If she’s being tasked with finding a breeding slave, she might as well pick the best.

Finally, in the cool early morning as the clouds hang heavy in the sky, she is welcomed by a nicely adorned slave with cute curly locks and a wide smile.

The man greets her. “Ah…a lovely alabaster treasure has meandered into our midst. What are your desires, my lady? All you must do is ask, and we will be happy to provide.”

Knitting her eyebrows, Mist answers, “I didn’t know this was a brothel. I don’t want a plaything. I wish to purchase a breeding slave.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place, white princess. We specialize in training our breeding slaves to serve in that capacity of any passion your ladyship might desire. We aren’t renown throughout the Amazon for nothing.”

Mist laughs to herself. She likes this one. And he’s as cute as a tiny bear cub. “Let’s make this easy on all of us. How about you? I live in one of the largest compounds in all the Amazon. Tribe Wahine. You may have heard of it?”

The slave bows reverently. “Of course I’ve heard of the great Tribe Wahine. The queen’s tribe. But I’m but a Master slave and not bred for the task of breeding. Come. Follow me. I will bring you to the best of the best.”

Disappointed, Mist obliges the slave, wondering what his name is. He brings her to a circle of very handsome slaves, eating breakfast by the fire.

Stopping, he mutters, “Now, not all of these are fine enough for you. Therefore, my advice is to go with the one with the red locks. His name is Lash. He’s the son of Rayna Saan, Creator of Saan tribe. Unfortunately, they died off in a plague and he wandered into our ranks. His manners are most high. He is worthy of a Tribe Wahine lady.”

Grinning, Mist says, “Oh, thank you…er…what is your name, please?”

“It is Temon,” he answers curtly and bows.

Mist eyes all of the slaves. So much beauty. She wonders which red head is Lash.

One slave notices and greets her, saying,”Welcome, dear lady! What do we have the honor of your presence? I am Zephyr, here to serve in any way I can.”

“Hello, Zephyr. I’m looking for a breeding slave. May I speak with Lash? He comes highly recommended.”

Standing up, the most handsome slave of the group towers over her. “Over here, my lady. I am Lash.”

“I am Mist of Tribe Wahine. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lash.” Mist looks down awkwardly, thinking about breeding with this slave sends tingles through her whole body.

“No, my beautiful damsel. The pleasure will be all mine.”

*******

Kanui’s stomach growls, but the only food he finds is some stale popcorn. Why did Runoi request his presence? “Er…Runoi, I’ve come but dinner isn’t served, is it?”

Runoi chuckles as he chops some tomatoes for tonight’s supper. “No, you dolt. I’m obviously not finished. But your presence is requested in the gardens, I believe. You must go there at once!”

Kanui groans. “What is it now? I thought Horus was in charge of the slave garden duties.”

“I believe it’s your strength that’s required?” Runio turns and winks at him then goes back to wrangling vegetables and whistling.

Shaking his head, Kanui grumbles. He didn’t realize how much work Newlin actually had performed until he was lost. Now, Kanui worked full time, not a moment of leisure to be had. Being down to three slaves and really two working slaves is too much. His body aches thinking about all the digging that is obviously going to be required of him.

But when he enters the gardens, instead of Ina and Horus greeting him, it’s his beautiful Lilit. His breath is knocked out of him.

“Hello, handsome.”

Not believing what he’s seeing, his mind catches up to what is happening. His mouth dries. “H-Hello.”

Arching an eyebrow, Lilit says, “Are you just going to stand there or are you going to come when you’re called.”

Feeling foolish, he rushes over to her, heart pounding. “W-When…uh…is it your birthday? Already?”

“I wanted to surprise you. I mean…I thought you’d be happy but…anyway, I know I’m not the prettiest girl here, and I know I’m not the smartest…um…and if you don’t want to then it’s okay, Kanui. I won’t force you, but…I have to ask formally anyway.” She stops and gulps then says, “Will you be my mate? It would make me the happiest amazon on the planet.”

Chuckling at Lilit’s sweet awkwardness, something that used to annoy but now he treasures, Kanui answers, “Of course, sweetheart. I cannot wait to be your mate. For life, if you’ll have me.”

Through ritual, Lilit kisses Kanui on the cheek.

Elation filling him, Kanui whisks his love up in the air, kissing her deeply, passion zinging through him.

As they hit her room, clothes fly off and before he knows it, Kanui is making love to the only woman of his desires in total and complete ecstasy.

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Chapter 6.18 Conversations

pammiechick

A jolt spiraled through Kalani when she sees her Shaman, Mist Mountain, walking into the living room. “Dearest Creator Kalani, it is with great honor I’ve arrived home. Finally.”

Without another word, Kalani embraces Mist, squeezing her, thanking the Maker for her return. Without the woman’s sage advice, Kalani has felt lost having to make decisions without the experience only a shaman can give. “You have been sorely missed, my tribal sister. Please, tell me how things are. How are Dilabi and her Tribe Cisneris. Is her mate, Mattias, well?” Kalani last heard he was on the brink of death at the hands of the evil Simon Le Boeff.

Mist stayed on to take care of the ailing slave.

But that was suns ago and since she hadn’t heard back, Kalani thought maybe Mist wanted to join Tribe Cisneris.

“All is very well, my Creator,” Mist answered. “In fact, Dilabi is expecting her second child. I’m very sorry for my delay, but the budding tribe needed me and I felt I couldn’t leave until we found a proper replacement.”

“Of course. My mother told me not to expect you back. So having you here even after all these suns, is a blessing!” Kalani waves toward the bar. “Come. Let us chat for a bit before you settle into your room. We’ve changed things around here since you were last home.”

Mist laughs. “I can very well see that this tribe has the full blessing of the Maker. I will be lost. The grounds are vast indeed.”

“We are doing well, but we’ve had a few bumps. Still, that treacherous Simon Le Boeff, has not been captured and there is talk of war. But all in all, we’re managing. With only three slaves to clean and take care of our extensive grounds, we’re in desperate need of more. But I’m too busy to go to the slave hold to buy a new one.”

At this, Ina sits down after she gives Mist a warm welcome hug. “My dearest Creator, we don’t need more slaves. We need more babies. If we fetch another slave, he must be a breeding slave. He will do his duty, then we must cast him out. We cannot have undue meddling with our tribal daughters here. Our Tribe Wahine compound is too big.”

“Very well,” Kalani agrees. “Mist, why don’t you fetch the new slave for us. He will be your mate as you haven’t produced an offspring. As Ina says, our tribe needs new members. I’d love for little Hoku to have another playmate in addition to baby Britta.”

Mist’s stomach clenches at the thought of having a child at her late middle age. She always thought the duty of child bearing would be left for the other younger women of the tribe. But with so few sisters left in the group, she knows she cannot refuse.

She swallows and says, “Yes, of course. I’ll…leave straight away and bring back a mate.”

*****

“Does that feel good, my queen?” Jozka’s cool fingers soothingly dig into Leia’s tense shoulders, sending ripples of relaxation throughout her body.

“Mmm…yes, dear Jozka. I’ve never had such a nice massage. Tonai’s hands are always too rough.”

“That’s because he’s a man. Men have no place doing things of this nature.” She suddenly slows the pressure. “My queen, may I ask a question?”

Arching an eyebrow, Leia answers, “Of course. You’re always welcome to speak freely with me, Jozka.”

“Why do you have a slave as a mate who stays with you? Is that not against our ways? I believe your mother has cursed your tribe in giving slaves too many rights. In the end, if you’re not careful, his influence will rule over you. That is against everything we’re about to fight for.”

Leia has never thought about this. Her tribal sisters have always loved their slaves, always been attached to them. It’s the way she’s known. But history dictates that it wasn’t always this way. In fact, in the histories of Tribe Wahine, Abra Wahine, the first creator, left the tribe to stay with her love, Kai Pakala, a woman. And any bond between a slave and an amazon was strictly forbidden. Jozka speaks truth. Has she been living wrongly this whole time? But…Leia loves Tonai. How could she give him up? “I…um…know no other way, Jozka. An amazon rules, yes, but…men are a part of our tribe just like family.”

Leia thinks about how her own son, Kanui, would have been sacrificed with the old laws. Is it not good that this law has been abolished? Plus, in her mother’s rule, any partner, no matter the gender, was not forbidden. Leia is conflicted. How far would she go, embracing the ancient ways?

Moving toward Leia, Jozka says in a sultry voice, “You must follow the true Amazon ways now, Leia. Without men.”

Leia’s heart flutters as she gazes into Jozka’s light eyes. Her lashes are so long, and her face so near, she can almost feel them. Her skin prickles at the thought of being with Jozka like this. “What are you suggesting?” Leia whispers.

“Be with me. I will make that slave leave your mind for good.”

*****

Betrayal. Anger. Fury. Heartbreak. Misery. These are just a few of the emotions running through Makana after the unjust treatment of her uncle by her mother. He is her mother’s brother! How could she throw him away like an old toy? He isn’t some slave they bought at the hold who has no manners and only wants to breed–he is blood. Royalty. Grandson of the queen!

Makana is so furious she’d spit venom if she could.

Hearing the dinner bell ring throughout the compound, Makana storms down the steps, each footfall an exclamation point on how she feels.

The one person she desperately doesn’t want to see strides over to her. “Ah, there you are, Makana. Time for supper. Everyone is looking for you.”

Makana glares. “I was already on my way.”

Kalani lurches her head back. “Makana…is something the matter?”

The cauldron that is building inside Makana blows. “OF COURSE something’s the matter. My uncle. My FAVORITE uncle is gone! You tricked me into telling you. You lied! And now I’ll never see him again!”

“Oh, Makana…we really need to talk this out. You cannot bluster about in a fit. Come. Let us chat. Okay?”

Makana doesn’t want to chat. But she follows her mother into the gardens anyway. She’d get into a lot of trouble if she disobeyed. “Yeah,” Makana thinks. “She’d probably cast me out, too, and make Hoku the next Creator.”

“Makana…this anger you’re feeling…it’s not right to hold it in. You don’t understand that sometimes as a Creator, we must make hard decisions. Decisions that go against our own wishes. I didn’t want to cast out Newlin. It grieved me abominably. I want him back with us with all my heart, but…”

“But what?” Makana interrupted. “You are the Creator. You can do what you want. Why did you have to do it, Mother? He did nothing wrong!”

“You’re wrong, Makana, and it’s a prudent thing you learn now. Slaves and amazons are not allowed to have children until the woman comes of age. This is to protect the amazon. It is only a woman’s choice whether or not it’s time for breeding. It is a strict thing. If I allowed Newlin to get away with breaking our laws, then slaves as well as tribal sisters would not abide by my rule. There would be no end to it. Rules are there for protection. You will understand this more as you mature.”

“I don’t understand. It’s a dumb rule. I’ll make it change when I’m Creator.”

Kalani sighs. She feels she has failed as a mother to Makana. Maybe she’s been too lax on rules with her. But how can she train her better? Maybe Mist could help in this.

Eyeing Makana, Kalani says, “When a woman and a slave mate, it is a special time, done in ceremony with the blessing of the Maker. There are rituals we must follow or the tribe will fall under a curse. Do you want our Tribe to suffer?”

Narrowing her eyes, Makana says, “I don’t believe in curses.”

“They’re real, Makana. You better believe it or you’ll anger the Maker.”

Waving her arms, Makana says, “The Maker wouldn’t care if Newlin stayed with us. It would be better! He loves babies. He could help take care of his baby, too. He used to help all the time in watching Hoku and Britta. I think you cursed us by making him leave.”

This conversation is going nowhere. Makana is too young to understand. “I’m done discussing this with you. One day, you will understand the wisdom in my decision. Until then, I’ll hear no more about it or you will be punished. Do you understand, Makana?”

Defeated, Makana simply nods even though in her heart she doesn’t wish to.

“Good.” Her mother stands, brushing out the wrinkles in her dress. “Now it’s time for supper. I’m sure your father is not happy that we are going to be late for the meal he’s worked very hard on for everyone.”

Tears pool in Makana’s eyes for she knows she’ll never see her uncle again and there’s nothing she can do about it.

Hey, Amazons!

I’m having a casting call for new slaves for this story for when Makana takes over. If you want to participate, please read the instructions on the sims forum. If you want to submit but don’t belong to the forum, please join my discord server and you can submit them there.

Click here for submission guidelines: TRIBE WAHINE GEN 6 CASTING CALL

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Chapter 6.17 New Plans

pammiechick

“The monsoons are about to begin,” Hanalani’s Creator, Jozka, says as she walks alongside Leia near the ocean. The surf roars as the waves crash against the huge rocks. Leia had never lived by the sea. She wishes she wouldn’t have to go back to the desert. Maybe once she became queen, she’d build a massive castle right here where she’d always get to listen to the comfort of cawing seagulls and smell the salty sea air.

“There you are,” Mor says as she skuttles around the women like a spider. As the weeks pass, Leia has grown more wary of her partner in this quest. She wonders if Mor is jealous of her new comradarie with Jozka. “You should retire inside. It’s about to rain.”

Turning to her new friend, Leia says, “She is right, Jozka, maybe we should go back, much as I like it out here.”

“We have plenty of time, sweet Leia,” Jozka says, grazing her fingers along Leia’s arm, making goosebumps in their wake. Turning toward Mor, Jozka smiles. “We are quite capable of figuring out when to go back on our own, Mor Rigan. Is there something on your mind?”

Leia could hear the undertone of a challenge in the woman’s voice. She wonders how Mor will take the subtle threat.

Leia notices Mor’s hands turning to fists, but Mor keeps a calm demeanor. “It’s just that for the protection of our queen, I think she should not wander so far from the compound. It is folly without a guard.”

Smirking, Jozka retorts, “I am quite capable of guarding the queen. She is safe with me.”

Before Mor could respond, Nob hurries toward the women and makes a curt bow. “If I may, Creator. I have urgent news.”

“Yes, Nob, what is it?” Jozka asks.

“We’ve got word Amazons and slaves from all over the empire are streaming into the royal palace. They’re assembling for war. Someone alerted them to the building of our army.”

“Damn,” Leia mutters as pins prickle over her, thinking about her mother preparing to war against her. Although Leia knew this would happen, planning a thing and actually doing it are so different. A part of her wishes to retreat back with Tonai, live a quiet life and never think about Tribe Wahine and the throne again. But she’s gone too far for these silly notions.

“What can we do? We don’t have the numbers to defeat my mother’s original army yet and now with more troops…” Leia says, dread blanketing her like a dark tomb.

Jozka raises her hand, “We’ve predicted this, but not so fast. When will your daughter have our warriors ready, Mor? The longer we wait, the stronger this imposter queen grows.”

Without a shred of worry in her voice, Mor says, “It is a simple thing. Anyone with half a brain would know what to do in such situations.” Mor stares at Leia, implicating that she’s chosen the wrong woman to follow.

Leia swallows and asks, “What should we do then?”

Lifting the side of her mouth, Mor answers, “We simply wait until the quarry settles. Forgets we’re even in the shadows.” She arches an eyebrow. “Then we strike.”

*****

Kanui strips Newlin’s binds and frees him as they stop at the edge of Tribe Wahine’s property. He spies his cousin’s melancholy face and feels a sorrowful pang. He and Newlin never got along growing up, but the man wasn’t truly evil. Kanui feels the punishment was too strong for what had happened. With Lilit’s young adult birthday only moons away, it’s easy for him to wait, but what if it was two suns? He wonders if he wouldn’t have followed the same fate. He believes the laws are too strict. They don’t belong with the liberal rule of allowing intermingling of slaves and Amazons. Maybe the Amazons of old knew what they were doing with separating slave and woman. But now…Kanui feels only misery never getting to see his tribal brother again. He thinks they might have become friends in time once they both matured.

But as the tribe’s Master Slave, Kanui has a job to do. He cannot let his own emotions color his duty. “I bid you farewell, slave. Dare not to tread on these grounds again for I will have to chain you and throw you in the pit of death.”

Newlin doesn’t respond. He only gazes at the beautiful oasis, something Kanui often loved to look at. In fact, he’d come out here not long ago with Lilit, kissing her as the sun set. Kanui realizes this is the last time Newlin will see this scene.

Another pang of regret washes over him. Kanui’s muscles relax and he says, “I’ll miss you, my…friend.”

Sighing, Newlin mutters, “I’ll miss you, too.”

Not wishing to stand there any longer, Kanui turns on his heel, ambling up the hill as the dust swirls in the whisper of the wind. A knot forms in his throat. These are the darkest times for Tribe Wahine. He hopes Newlin will make his way out there in safety. He prays this earnestly to the Maker.

*****

Weeks pass. Newlin has slept in caves, eaten ants, caught fish with his bare hands, and suffered bitter cold winds as he wound his way to his mother’s hut. But finally, he sees the glowing skulls of the entrance welcoming him.

HIs mother had sent him a detailed map and drawing of the place several suns ago, imploring him to run away, but he never would.

And now, the tribe he loved, the tribe he was so loyal to, cast him out so he had no choice. And Kiko will not meet him. He knows that deep in his heart.

Even if he sent a messsage, Kanui would fetch it first from the mail and destroy any communications. It was hopeless. He would never see his love or his child.

“Mother!” Newlin calls as he walks on the wooden deck. It’s strange not to be greeted. He knew his siblings would be guarding the grounds. Surely they aren’t all asleep, leaving this place to theives and vagabonds. No wonder his mother begged him to live with her. His younger siblings must be a spoiled, lazy lot! She needs a proper Master Slave.

He searches every room but no one is here. The place is deserted. An ominous feeling creeps over him. What if they were all killed by marauders. Since they lived in such a remote place, it was a possibility.

Newlin’s stomach growls like a hungry leopard. He had no time for worries. His mother was a formidible witch. There had to be a reason they weren’t here. Newlin is sure she’ll come home soon enough. In the meantime, his stomach has to be satiated. He picks through his mother’s stores, finding some rations that hadn’t spoiled.

Slicing some vegetables, Newlin groans thinking he’ll have to cook for himself, but he’ll gladly do this. He hadn’t eaten anything decent since he left the tribe.

A pain slices through his fingers and he hollars, “Ouch! Damn it!” He grabs his throbbing finger, blood dripping.

“Where the hell is Runoi when you need him?” But even the thought of his former tribe’s cook and mate of his hated sister squeezes his heart. “I will not think about them. I won’t!” he groans at himself.

But as he eats, he sees how dark and dingy his mother’s place is. The feelings of homesickness devour him. Is life worth this? he wonders.

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