Coram felt like he had done nothing but shake his head in disbelief from the moment he got Alanna's letter requesting his presence. Of course, that fiery little eleven-year-old who had convinced him to go along with her daft scheme all those years ago was now acting shaman to a remote desert tribe after going on a secretive quest with the heir to the throne.
Their trip back to the Bloody Hawk was uneventful, save for the many shocks Coram received as he learned more and more details about the last several months.
"So ye killed the old shaman, became the new one, and are training a couple girls to take yer place, overturnin' all of their ideas about men and women in the process. And on top of that, Prince Jonathan is now this "Voice" person, and ye turned down his marriage proposal. Did I miss anythin'?" Coram asked.
"Those are all the big things," Alanna said calmly. She hadn't actually meant to tell him about her relationship with Jon, but Thom had asked about their relationship before she could ask him not to.
"Oh, and I've taken up weaving."
"Weaving?" Coram repeated
"I'm not good at it, but yes, I've started weaving."
"Out of everythin', why is it that's what's most surprising?" Coram asked.
Alanna just smiled.
Coram's welcome from the Bloody Hawk was much warmer than Alanna's had been and much less eventful. He was immediately invited to join the tribe, and Alanna was shocked when he readily accepted.
He seemed hurt by her surprise when she asked him about it later that evening.
"We've been apart for a long time now, and I haven't been the most accepting of some of yer choices, but I've cared for ye since ye were a babe. If you go joinin' some gods-forsaken tribe in the middle of the desert, that means I'm joinin' them too."
He surprised her further by agreeing to commune with the Voice.
"It could be a very handy form of communication if we need it," he explained to Alanna. "And I'm damned curious how it all works. I'll say hello to him for ye."
Alanna quickly got back into the rhythm of the tribe and returned her focus to her apprentices. Coram found his own way among the men of the tribe and couldn't deny that he was enjoying the novelty and adventure.
"The final part of your test to become shamans will be lifting yourselves over a trench that's about this wide," Alanna explained to her apprentices as she arranged two sticks to mark the distance. "It's harder than it sounds, and you're forbidden from using thread or any other tool besides your own power."
Alanna nodded to Kara. "See how far you can get."
Kara made it about halfway before hitting the ground in a stumble. Kourrem landed much more gracefully after her own attempt but was dismayed to see that she only made it about a third of the way across.
"Don't worry," Alanna told the dejected girls. "That was your first try, and it's tricky magic. We'll get you there."
"Ishak probably would have made it," Kourrem pouted.
"He's probably flying by now at that northern school," Kara agreed.
"As a matter of fact," Alanna said, "I'm quite sure that Ishak is up to his ears in written assignments trying to catch him up on the non-magical education that most adepts would have by his age. He's probably begging his masters to let him try exciting magic, and they are having none of it."
Alanna couldn't help smiling at the vivid mental image the thought gave her. "I think the City of the Gods will be good for him, but right now, it's safe to bet he would be jealous of you."
Both girls looked somewhat mollified.
"Now, try it again," Alanna instructed. "For this to work, you need to build up your stamina."
They worked until the girls were too tired to continue. The sun was getting low anyway, and it was time for the evening meal, during which Alanna made sure her charges got enough food to replenish what the magic had cost them.
When it was time to commune with the Voice, Alanna walked a good distance away from the tribe and crouched down to pet Faithful.
It was so peaceful, watching the entire tribe in that trancelike state around the fire. A small part of her longed to join them, but she felt no regrets as she relaxed and tried to think of nothing but the pleasure of Faithful's purring and the warm desert air against her skin.
Myles watched with pride as Jonathan excused himself from the evening's party just as the sun was about to set. The newly minted Voice of the Tribes had told his parents and his uncle of his new status, but they were still working out how to announce such a foreign concept to the broader Court.
Myles quickly caught up with the Prince and walked with him towards his rooms. "May I join you?" he asked. I admit I'm very curious to see how this works when you're so far away from the tribe."
"I'm not sure if there will be much to see, but I welcome your presence," Jonathan responded.
When they reached Jonathan's rooms, Myles made himself comfortable in a plush chair while the Prince sat down on a cushion in front of the fire. Myles watched as Jonathan closed his eyes and then sat utterly still for a long stretch. It has been just the same when Ali Muktahb communed with the tribe, but Myles could still sense a difference - the previous Voice had the ease of long practice to him, but also the gravity of so many years of responsibility. Jonathan sat with more of a sense of determination and energy.
Finally, Jonathan opened his eyes and began stretching stiff muscles. "That didn't bore you into sleep?" he asked Myles.
Myles chuckled, "It may have gotten a little dull, but I still find the whole thing fascinating."
"You could try it out yourself if you want. You are a member of the tribe," Jonathan offered.
"I know, but I enjoy talking to you without you already knowing what I'm going to say," Myles said. "Which brings me to my ulterior motive for getting you alone. Can you talk, or do you need to rush back?"
Jonathan sighed, "Mother just introduced me to a lovely princess who has just arrived who I should probably consider marrying. As soon as I go back, I'll need to give her my attention, which is, of course, my way of saying 'take all of my time that you want.'"
Myles smiled knowingly. "You'll go back to being excited by beautiful princesses soon enough. But, on to my own news: Eleni has accepted my proposal!"
"Congratulations!" Jonathan said as he shook Myle's hand. "That's wonderful. When's the wedding?"
"As soon as we can get George and Alanna back into town - probably in two months or so."
"I am sincerely happy for you. I can tell you make each other very happy."
"We do indeed. I did also have an idea I'd like to get your thoughts on that I'm afraid maybe a little insensitive."
"That's alright. What's on your mind?"
They discussed the idea at length until finally, Jonathan sighed and said, "It's a good plan. I don't - I don't like it, but you should move forward. I'll work on my part in the morning."
"Thank you," Myles said, squeezing his shoulder. "Now come. We can't keep your princess waiting."
