Scouting
Slightly shaking, she pulled her head from her hands, and looked up at the man standing still before her.
"Joharé, Chakra. How fare you this evening?" she asked wearily.
He was painted with gold and red in holy symbols, he was Shaman to the tribe; he was Chakra, once Lochan. The man looked at her in silence, then held out his hand. Surprised, but too tired to express it, she took his offer and pulled herself upright, swaying, then steadying herself. Still holding her hand, he steered her away from the fire and prying eyes. Curious, despite her exhaustion, she waited for him to speak.
"You have been one of the tribe," he said, "for many seasons now; you have become one of Sanga's children.
"The memory of your mother and father still lies heavy in your heart," said Chakra suddenly, causing her to swing her head in his direction, "You have not forgotten them."
"No, I have not forgotten them" she answered calmly, then vehemently continued, "I will never forget them; or the ones who took them and my brother from me."
"One has come."
After a few moments, he turned to her and she marveled at the wisdom in his eyes.
"One has come from your past, claiming you are of kin."
A cold chill settled in her heart as she fixed him with her gaze, silently urging him to continue.
"This one is not Shaman, yet possesses powers of a Siddha. I would name her Devi-child, but I do not believe her to be one."
"Does," she picked her words carefully, "Does she claim to be of devikin?"
"No, she claims her powers come from her birth. From being a 'witch'. Some of her powers are not unlike your own Gifts."
Swallowing hard, she ruthlessly fought down her fear, her terror threatening to overwhelm her. It worked.
"I must be discreet," she pondered, "You will show me which hut she is in, and I will scout it. If I believe her to be a threat to Sanga, I will kill her myself. None of the tribe may interfere; I will not allow my people to be hurt."
The older man nodded.
"I will speak to Dhanan," he said to her, "He will insure you are alone."
As he turned to go, he heard her begin her Call. Shivering despite the heat of the night, he prayed to Rama for mercy for the stranger. She would have none from Chanda Bright-Hair.
A.N.:
Siddha = spirits of great purity and holiness, who dwell apart in the sky or mid-air between earth and heaven
Joharé = salutation