"Remember Gwen you will need an heir, I got lucky with you. We were able to pass blood, but you must have a child. Because of your background you need a stronger bond with your heir to pass on the power. Your blood mixed well with mine; otherwise you would never have the ancient knowledge. Some knowledge, yes, but not what is needed to truly direct a storm," the words of my dead mentor floated through my mind calling forth a warm but foreboding memory. We had been having a very serious discussion, but she had managed to make me comfortable and lighten the mood. She had that uncanny and always brighten my darkest days. Her loss hit me hard. But this is not what I dreamt. Only the words and a sense of dread floated through my head.
A warm haze shown through my eyelids. Slowly I came to full wakefulness. I felt extremely comfortable; it had been a long time since I slept on a bed. All at once I remembered what I had done the night before. Lightning affected everyone differently so I painstakingly went through every part of my body making sure it moved properly. My calves gave me trouble but they were only sore; walking would be painful.
At last I opened my eyes and sat up. Pain lanced through my abdomen. Gasping I stopped my movement. My teacher had experienced this same pain after being struck by lightning. A few weeks later she learned that she would never have children. I knew instantly that I would never conceive a healthy child. There would always be complications. My dream came to me with sickening clarity. I would never truly pass on the teaching and powers. My line of storm dancing would end with me.
I sat in silent shock. Something wet fell from my cheek onto my hand. I was crying and I did not care. Even though I was afraid of having children it was always a comforting thought; it was my birth right. To have it taken from me by someone else's foolishness made my tears into those of frustration and anger. When I thought about what I had given this up for my sorrow increased and I resigned myself to leave as soon as I could without notice. The powers were against me though: the Shaman and chief Chose that moment to enter the tent they had let me sleep in.
My face still wet from tears and my fist still clenched in anger they entered and addressed me. "You have questions to answer to and explanations to give," it was the Chief that spoke. I eyed them hiding my distaste by whipping my face. I refused to answer, forcing them to ask for the information they wanted. It was a game of silence. After a few minutes I broke first, but not in the way they wanted.
Barely keeping the anger out of my voice I tightly said, "I owe you nothing." As calmly as I could I gathered my belongings which had been so nicely left for me. Everything except for my flags. My anger came back in full force. Forgetting my soreness I stood too quickly; anger once again flashing across my face. My legs gave way and I braced myself for impact and mentally kicked myself for forgetting the state of my legs. But it never came. Strong arms wrapped around my torso supporting me. I looked and felt my anger slip away leaving me tired. The man currently supporting me was the one who was responsible for the mess I was in.
"Please help me sit," I sighed gesturing to the bed I had left not a moment before. With surprising gentleness he set me down and I smoothed out me skirts. "Let me have my flags and I will tell you need to know," I was tired and more depressed than I had ever been. Not even when my teacher died. I was having trouble keeping a lid on my emotions. While all this played out in my mind they had had enough time to decide to grant my wish and go get my flags. They were placed in my lap and immediately began to stroke them.
"I am a Storm Dancer. I direct gales, floods, and lightning. Through dance I can either destroy entire tribes or protect them. I was here to protect the village from the storm, but I was struck by lightning. I thought it was common sense to not go out in a thunder storm; especially if you are one of the tallest things around," I gibbed at the man, "I am sorry to inconvenience you but I cannot leave like I had originally wanted. I will not be able to until my legs get better. But if you desire it, I will leave. I will not know the extent of the damage done by the lightning for a while. Since I will not be leaving as planned I will examine the ground where the lightning struck if you wish," I was withdrawn and tired and it showed clearly in my speech.
"You may stay. Kocoum will watch over you while you stay here," the Chief spoke and motioned to the center of my problems.
"I hate to go against your judgment, but is there not a woman I may stay with?" I broke in softly. "I may need their assistance." It was true, but if I were to be honest I was grasping weakly at straws. I did not want to be tied to this man.
"You will stay with him," his words were final and commanding. I bowed my head and gripped my flags. I sensed that the conversation was over and was conformed when he stood to go.
"Wait!" I spoke without speaking, "Were there any children harmed in the storm?" They all looked at me oddly, and it was the Shaman who spoke, "No one was harmed." My hands were suddenly very interesting.
After they left I released a sigh and looked up at the man now responsible for me. I could not help but feel as though I was some sort of war bride. I needed to be alone. "Is there a place that I may be alone?" I tentatively asked. I wasn't sure how he would react, but I wouldn't have been surprised if he had ignored me. Instead he held out his hand and helped me up. I had to lean on him almost completely.
He took me to a clearing not far from the village; if I had to I could find my way back. I gratefully sat down at the bias of an oak and sighed. "Thank you," I said quietly. This whole ordeal had me rather cowed. I closed my eyes for a moment and when I opened them he was gone. I was drained and dejected. The words to a sorrowful lullaby came to my lips and I let my bitter sorrow go in song. Choking on the words I fell into tears and cried myself to sleep.
