A/N- This is like two or three chapters in one. Yeah, it's long. Drink some coffee and do some stretches before digging in.
.
Chapter Twelve
.
Ewar no longer dwelled upon his unfortunate past. Hope was finally within reach. In this case, it wasn't some vague, intangible emotion. No, he could see it... and hear it, and touch it if he wanted.
Bella had become the embodiment of everything he had been waiting for.
His mood improved dramatically. Perhaps he wasn't doomed to a lifetime of bachelorhood. Binding Day was rapidly approaching. He would soon find out if Bella was willing to give him her hand. He wanted to shout for all to hear that she wasn't the famed Goddess of Fertility. Bella was a gift from Damara herself! But his rational side made him consider how the community might react to the news. As a goddess, Bella was treated with the utmost respect. How would they respond to her once they were told the truth?
It was too soon to tell.
Bella was essentially a stranger in their eyes, and her magic stone was beyond the scope of anything they had ever seen. For a mere mortal to wield such power would likely frighten them - and frightened people were prone to making poor decisions.
That settled it. He would keep Bella's true identity to himself until her status within the tribe was secure. And if she should one day agree to become his wife, it would afford her even more protection. No one would dare harm the spouse of the future leader.
He could barely keep his eyes off her in the days following his revelation. He was a moth to Bella's flame. He learned many things just by observing her. She enjoyed hazelnuts but avoided acorns. When she was unsure of herself, she would twist her hair around a finger until the skin turned white. And even though she appeared to enjoy interacting with others, sometimes she just wanted to be left alone. It wasn't unusual to find her sitting in a secluded spot and staring into space, her face cast in gloom.
What did she see within her mind to cause her so much grief?
He was able to glean so much information about her simply because she preferred his family's company above all others. She slept in their home and was Alie's constant companion. Because Ewar had a standing invitation to eat at his aunt and uncle's place, he spent every meal time in her presence. This fortunate circumstance provided ample opportunity to watch her. And, much to his surprise, he would occasionally look up from his food to find her watching him.
Was her interest in him platonic, or was it something more?
Several days passed since Bella was first welcomed into the village. "The Goddess's" pleasing, peaceable nature was often commented upon. Oza could no longer accuse Bella of wanting to wreak havoc upon anyone. Ewar had high hopes. If Oza could lower her guard and accept Bella's presence, the rest of the community would do so as well.
Only two people made life difficult. Despite being told repeatedly not to worship Bella, Ichel continued non-stop. Ewar suspected it was merely Ichel's way of forcing her to interact with him on a daily basis. She always responded with a concealed eye roll and a thin smile - which only made Ichel want to drop to the ground and worship her more. Of course, his attention made Essa extremely jealous. She and Ichel had formed an understanding prior to Bella's appearance. It had been assumed they would become husband and wife. Now, Ichel was so consumed with idolizing Bella, he rarely spared Essa a moment of his time.
Ewar worried he would have competition come Binding Day.
To avoid the stress, he kept himself busy with work. It was late afternoon and he was helping Old Man Bannar repair his roof before winter hit. The job was nearly done when a shrill whistle took them by surprise. It was the tribe's warning signal: three high notes followed by one low.
Danger.
"I wonder what's going on?" Bannar asked.
"I'll go look," answered Ewar as he stared at the entrance. "You and your wife better head inside for now... just in case."
As the two elders were following his advice, Ewar rushed to the village entrance. It had been Mett's turn for guard duty. Near the designated hiding spot down the path, Ewar spotted him speaking with a group of strangers. Their faces were painted the bloodiest of reds. Ewar's spine tingled. He had only heard whispers of their existence before. It appeared there was truth in the stories after all.
The Soul Eaters had arrived.
They were said to be a small tribe with an unusual custom. When a member of the Soul Eaters died, the body was not laid to rest or cremated. No, it was consumed. The eating of human flesh was supposedly a tribute towards their dead friend or relative, a way of keeping their spirit alive within the tribe.
Then why was it rumored when the Soul Eaters appeared near another tribe's territory, one of their neighbors would sometimes go missing?
Ewar spun around. He had to warn his family!
Arl and Ehmay were already aware of the situation and were preparing themselves. Bella and Alie were sitting outside, confused by the sudden chaos. A little voice inside Ewar's head said he needed to stick close to them both. Young women were often the first to suffer the consequences of meeting an unfamiliar tribe. They could be kidnapped and forced to become a wife to their captor... and that was if they survived the encounter at all.
He marched up to them. "Why are you sitting around doing nothing?"
Alie bristled at the harsh way he spoke. "Bella's scared and I'm comforting her. I assumed you and Father would handle whatever's going on."
"It's the Soul Eaters."
Her eyes bugged out from their sockets. It was as though he had informed her that monsters from her nightmares had arrived at the village. "They're real?"
"Evidently so."
"Well, what are they doing here for?!"
"I don't know." Ewar glanced significantly at the woman next to Alie. "But if we don't do something about Bella's clothes right now, they're going to see she's not one of us. Can you imagine how they might react if they were to find out she's a goddess? If they are as fearsome as the stories allege, she'll be their first target."
"There's no time for her to change!"
Ewar yanked off his tunic. Cool air hit his chest. He held back a shiver and tried to sound more confident than he truly felt. "Calm down, Alie. We're going to hide her clothes underneath our own."
Alie agreed to the plan and threw her fur cape across Bella's knees. Ewar shoved his tunic over Bella's struggling head. The extra large tunic covering her small frame looked almost comical. Her glare spoke volumes. She did not understand what they were doing.
Ewar lowered himself to her level, hoping he might convey the severity of the situation. "Bad people, Bella. Bad!"
Her eyes squinted in confusion. Regrettably, there was no time left to explain any further. The Soul Eaters would be there at any moment. He laid a finger over her pillowy lips and hushed her. If she stayed quiet and blended into the background, she might escape notice.
Ewar stood in front of the two vulnerable women and caught the eye of his friend nearby. Jas gave a barely perceptible nod in return. The silent confirmation was exactly what Ewar needed. If the worse were to happen, Jas would help defend the girls.
The Soul Eaters entered the village with weapons lowered. They surveyed their surroundings in awe, commenting on the novelty of living in a house instead of a tent or cave. Their anticlimactic arrival did little to lessen the tension. The villagers continued watching them with deep suspicion. A disturbing question was whispered from ear to ear.
Was that fresh blood painted on the Soul Eaters' faces or merely ochre?
Arl had very little time to prepare for the unexpected guests. He threw on some flashy beads and walked over to greet them, using the middle finger method Bella had taught him.
"Hello. I am Arl, leader of the Bat people."
A wrinkled man supported by a long walking stick stepped forward. His face was painted in elaborate designs, hinting at his elevated status.
"We are the Soul Eaters. I am Maru." He tilted his head at a smirking man standing next to him. "And this is my son, Ora."
Arl put on a facsimile of a smile. "It is a pleasure to meet with you both. Is there a reason for the visit?"
"We have wandered many days looking for a place to make camp for winter. Ora noticed the smoke from your fires and suggested we investigate before claiming anything."
Arl's smile slipped. "That was very wise. Our territory stretches from the gorge to the edge of the grassland. But if you were to travel due east from here, in four days time, you will find an excellent site nestled between two hills. It offers good protection and a water hole with many fish."
Maru quirked his brow. "Mmm. If the place is as you describe, it should suit our purpose well."
"Wonderful! I'm glad to have been of help. Now, I'm sure you and your people are eager to get going..."
Ora coughed. Maru glanced at him before speaking to Arl once more. "Actually... it will be dark soon and we are unfamiliar with the land. We seek your permission to take refuge here for the night."
Arl was momentarily speechless. It was common courtesy to provide a visiting tribe food and a temporary shelter as long as they asked respectfully. But if the Soul Eaters were as dangerous as legend said, hosting them for the night would be playing with fire. Then again, if he expelled them immediately, they might take it as an insult and retaliate. Neither option was risk-free.
Arl made a snap decision. He would allow them to stay but they would be watched most carefully.
"Welcome to our village," he said.
The Soul Eaters were directed to sit around the central fire. Ehmay and a few other women pitched in to feed the unwanted guests. Ewar watched with rising disgust. Most of the men of the Soul Eaters were little better than animals. Their fingers were caked in dirt, and they leered at every female in sight - including wives and girls not yet of age.
Ewar felt inside his belt pouch for the blade he always kept hidden there. If one of them even tried laying a finger on Alie or Bella...
Ehmay approached him from the front, purposely blocking the glare he was sending the visiting tribe. "Sit down, Ewar," she scolded softly. "It's time to eat."
"I can't."
"The way you're standing guard is bringing attention to the girls. You must relax, or else you may bring trouble down on yourself and them."
"Ehmay..."
"You don't have to leave the girls unprotected," she soothed. "Sit with them. They'll be safe and you won't stick out so much."
After some internal deliberation, Ewar agreed.
Alie moved down enough where he could sit between herself and Bella. Although the food smelled delicious, he could not eat. He was too busy dissecting the social structure of the Soul Eaters. At the very top was Maru. Next in line was Ora... except Ewar suspected this man held more power than he ought. Maru ate his dinner obliviously, too busy stuffing his face to do much else. Ora, on the other hand, took in his surroundings with an arrogant smirk. Nothing happened without him noticing.
As for the other four men of the tribe, they behaved little better than rutting beasts. They howled with laughter while taking turns groping the two women members. Ewar couldn't imagine any sane person who would willingly stay with such men. They had to be either brainwashed or slaves.
Ora motioned for a young, dark-haired woman to attend him. "Ree, I find myself quite parched this evening. Fetch me the cup."
Ree dug through his belongings until she located what he requested. With lowered head, she held it out for him to take. In a power play, he ignored her, forcing her to wait. The instant she raised her eyes to see what the hold up could possibly be, he pounced. He shook her by the arm and pushed her hard to the ground.
The Soul Eaters erupted in laughter.
"What have I told you?" he snarled. "Never look at your superiors unless you have been given permission. Have I made myself clear? Well... answer me!"
"Y-yes," she replied while carefully keeping her gaze averted. "I understand."
Ora allowed her to rise and continue serving him. This time he condescended to accept the cup. Even from a distance Ewar could see the "cup" was a skull.
Who had it once belonged to? A beloved member of their tribe, or was it some unlucky person who once crossed their path?
The brain cavity was filled with water. Ora placed it against his curling lips and took a long sip, pausing momentarily to savor the flavor.
"Ah. Delicious," he proclaimed. He held it higher. "Let us all drink from the cup and receive its power."
The cup was passed to the adult males of the Soul Eaters. Each took a slobbering gulp. When it was back in Ora's possession, he swaggered up to Arl.
"I believe," Ora began smugly, "since you were gracious enough to host us tonight, we should share our bounty with you." He attempted to hand over the cup. "Drink. May its spirit strengthen you."
Arl grimaced slightly at the sight of human remains being used as a drinking vessel. "No, thank you," he answered carefully. "I'm not thirsty."
Ora grinned. "Too bad. But perhaps someone else of your tribe could use a drink."
He strolled from man to man - ignoring the women and children - offering them use of the cup. Not a single person of the Bat People would drink from it. They all offered polite excuses, which Ora accepted with unhidden amusement.
Ora stopped in front of Ewar last. "Care for a sip?"
"I'd sooner drink the urine of a fox than ever touch your cup."
"Ewar!" gasped Ehmay from nearby.
Instead of hostility, Ora only chuckled. "What a surprise. Of all people, I would have thought you would have been the most interested! Even a virile young man such as yourself could use more power." A depraved smile crept across his face as his gaze caressed Alie and Bella. "Especially when you have two beauties to keep your bed warm at night. How do you have the energy to satisfy them both?"
Ewar had no intention of dispelling the false impression. Polygamy wasn't unheard of, but no one of his acquaintance practiced it. He only wanted Ora to move on.
Without warning, Ora's twisted sense of humor was replaced with a piercing stare of disbelief. He grabbed a handful of Bella's long hair and flung it over her shoulder. The rage building inside Ewar finally burst. He jumped to his feet and shoved Ora backward several steps.
"Don't you dare touch her!" he shouted.
Ora never once looked away from Bella. He pointed a trembling finger at her. "Stars!"
The Soul Eaters were curious as to his meaning. As they began to rise, Ewar held up his hand. "No one move! Stay where you are."
Ora glared at Ewar, finally taking eyes off of Bella. "Do not tell my people what to do," he hissed.
"Tell them to stay away and I won't have to," growled Ewar in return.
Arl and Maru hurried over just as Ora took a threatening step. "Do not fight!" yelled Arl.
"What's going on here?" demanded Maru at the same time.
"That woman wears stars in her earlobes!" answered Ora. "How can it be?"
Maru turned his gaze on Bella and flinched. "What Ora said is true!" He glanced at Arl. "How did a mere woman gain possession of something from the sky?"
"She is no mere woman," Arl replied. "She is Bella... but you would know her as Damara."
"Arl!" bellowed Ewar. "Tell them nothing!"
His uncle's smile faltered. "Excuse me, Maru. I must speak privately with my successor."
The two of them moved out of the way but remained within sight of everyone. The moment they were out of hearing distance, Ewar let loose his anger. "What were you thinking, Arl? Why would you tell them Bella is a goddess?!"
"It is the truth. Why would I hide it?"
Ewar huffed. "Would you tell them how many weapons we have? Or how many of us are fighters?"
"No..."
"Then why tell them of Bella?"
"The Soul Eaters are said to be a powerful tribe, Ewar. We may be larger, but we are a peaceful people. We have few true fighters among us. If the Soul Eaters were to attack, innocent women and children could die. So, what is the harm of showing our adversaries Damara is on our side?"
"Because... Because... She isn't a goddess known for fighting!"
Arl waved away the concern. "I've seen the way she looks at Essa when she's being disrespected. Her glare alone would move mountains!"
"That's different. Essa is nothing but a jealous child. These are dangerous, fully grown men."
"And what are men compared to a goddess? Let Bella show the Soul Eaters she is not to be underestimated! Surely they will leave us alone once they see the power she holds."
Before Ewar could argue further against the idea, Arl was already on his way to speak with her. "Oh wonderful, wise Bella," he chanted loudly in a fit of showmanship. "Please show our guests your magic stone."
After communicating through hand signs, he conveyed his wish to her. Bella pulled out her magic stone and touched the side. The blackness on one side went away, replaced by a variety of colors. Several of the Soul Eaters cowered at the sight. She held up the stone for all to see. A flash of white light temporarily blinded Maru and Ora. With a look of satisfaction, she turned the magic stone around. And there, plain as day, were both of the men's faces.
Bella captured their souls in her magic stone!
"Damara!" screamed Ora.
Ora began charging in Bella's direction. Ewar stepped out and used his own body to prevent the man from getting any closer. Jas, Met, and a few others arrived as backup. Several spears were aimed at the troublemaker.
"All of you, get out of my way!" Ora howled.
"Never," spat Ewar.
"She has my soul. I demand she give it back! Move so I may speak to her."
Ewar narrowed his eyes. "I'll move out of your way only when I'm cold in my grave."
"If that is your choice, I will be most pleased to send you there."
Eyes flitting around nervously, Maru pointed at the magic stone. "Look! Damara's stone is black now. Our souls have been released! No harm was done. Let us sit down and finish eating. All is well now."
Ora sneered at his father. "You would 'sit down' when Damara is in our midst? Did you not see her power? She should be ours!"
Ewar's nostrils flared. What was Ora's plan? To take Bella as a prisoner? Make her a slave-wife? Or, did he covet her power to such an extent, he would consume her flesh in order to steal her spirit?
Maru shook his head. "Damara is a goddess. She belongs to no one. To take her against her will would bring the fury of the Great Spirits upon us all."
"You are wrong!" Ora swung around to address the men of his tribe. "Do not listen to his nonsense. We will take her as I said, and whoever is in our way will pay with their lives. Who is with me?!"
The Soul Eaters looked at Ora, then at their leader, Maru.
Not one of them moved.
Ora's face reddened. "What are you waiting for? Take her... now!"
Arl marched into the middle of the madness. "Maru, your son has gone too far! The Goddess is our esteemed guest, and we will allow no one to threaten her. I must ask that you and your people leave this instant."
Maru thought a long moment before answering. "We will do as you ask. I apologise for the disturbance."
While the majority of the Soul Eaters prepared to leave, Ora turned against his father. "You weak, pathetic old man! Damara has the power to make us as great as she, and you want to do nothing. I should have known you wouldn't have it in you to take what is ours."
Maru regarded Ora's accusation with a deep frown. He then turned his sights to two burly men from his tribe. The men seemed to understand exactly what he wanted. They grabbed Ora from behind, taking him by surprise.
"Help Ora walk," Maru commanded his men. "And don't let him loose until I say."
"No! Put me down!" Ora snarled and kicked his legs like a wild animal, fighting every step. As his guards physically dragged him toward the village exit, he managed to establish eye contact with Bella one last time.
"Damara," he grunted. "Damara is mine... Damara is MINE!"
Ewar relaxed only when Ora could no longer be seen nor heard. Wearily, he turned around to check on the girls. He had never seen Bella look so pale.
"Take her inside, Alie," he said worriedly. "Get her to lay down."
Alie nodded and did as he advised.
The village was still in turmoil. There hadn't been an unfriendly tribe in their territory in years. Arl waved over Ichel and Jas. "Follow the Soul Eaters," he ordered quietly. "Try not to be seen. Make sure they leave our land and then report back to me."
After Jas and Ichel left, Arl met Ewar's stony gaze.
"Never again, Arl. As far as any visitors are concerned, Bella is just a woman. Don't tell anyone anything about her from now on."
"I won't, and I'll order everyone in the village to keep quiet as well. I... had no idea she would be so vulnerable to attack. Why did she not use her divine powers to defend herself?"
Ewar avoided Arl's bewildered eyes. He knew exactly why.
00000000000000000000
Days passed. The Bat People searched for signs of the Soul Eaters infringing on their territory, yet none were found. It appeared the troublesome tribe did in fact leave the area. Life slowly returned to normal, but everyone continued being cautious. And much to Ewar's relief, Bella had put away her unusual clothing and instead took to wearing his tribe's traditional wardrobe. Now if another tribe were to see her, they wouldn't automatically suspect she was any different from the rest of the Bat People.
Autumn was nearing its end. When the last of the hawthorne berries were gone, Arl declared that Binding Day was to be celebrated in four days time. The news was met with great anticipation. Binding Day meant a feast would be held. And since winter was approaching, it wasn't a bad idea to stock up on food.
A big hunt was needed.
Two men were left behind to help defend the village. The rest were required to join the hunt. Ewar did not want to go, but his tribe could not afford to let him stay behind. He was quite skilled with his spear. When he threw it, it brought down his target more times than not. It was vital that he participate if the hunt was to be successful.
The men traveled out of the forest and into the grassland, where larger animals grazed. After a half day of looking, Jas found the tracks of a herd of giant elk. The hoofprints indicated the animals were headed north. It took only a day to locate them. The herd was enormous. The males stood taller than Mett, and their antlers spread wider than two grown men. Only a few of them would feed the entire village for weeks as long as the meat was preserved properly.
Ewar and the other men belly-crawled closer to their prey. Upon receiving Arl's hand signal, they attacked. Ewar's spear flew into the neck of the largest elk. It ran a few steps before stumbling to the ground. Several men surrounded the injured animal and finished it off.
When all was said and done, four giant elk lay dead. Only one man was injured when he was knocked down by a fleeing bull.
The hunt was a success.
The remainder of the daylight hours were spent carving the useful parts off the animals. Every scrap of meat, from tongues to organs, was removed. The skins and antlers would be saved as well. That night, they gathered around the fire and ate well.
After the meal, no one was quite ready to go to sleep. Some of them speculated about what would happen on Binding Day. Others, like Ewar, only listened while they worked on personal projects.
"This Binding Day will be larger than usual," Arl said. "The Wolf People will join the celebration!"
Ewar's head snapped up. The Wolf People were coming? This was the first he had heard of it.
Mett observed the frowns on the faces of some of the bachelors. "This should be interesting," he chuckled. "The Wolf People don't have any unattached women. They'll be looking to bind with our women most likely."
"True," replied Arl. "But inviting them will give our women more of a variety to choose from. It's the right thing to do."
"I'm not worried," Ichel smirked. "The girl I've got my eyes on is too smart to choose one of those long-haired wolf pups - not when she's got me for the taking."
Mett's eyes twinkled. "Yes, we know. Essa has made her attachment to you very clear."
"Essa?" Ichel snorted. "She may be attached to me but that doesn't mean I am to her. She can find herself another husband."
Conversation took a different turn, but Jas could not stop thinking about the previous subject. He moved closer to Ewar so they could speak privately.
"If Essa isn't his choice anymore," Jas whispered, "who might it be?"
"It's not Alie."
Jas felt he could finally breathe. He was blissfully unaware his friend was not similarly relieved.
On Binding Day, single men in want of a wife were expected to present a gift to their desired bride. It was important to present the very best if they wished to catch the woman's eye. Jas pulled out the gift he had made recently. "Do you think Alie would like this?"
Ewar barely spared the amber bead bracelet a glance. It was a lovely piece of craftsmanship, of course. But what Jas didn't know was that Alie was so in love with him, she would gladly accept nearly anything. If it meant she would become his wife, she would probably even take a broken limb off a pine tree.
"Yes, I suppose she might like it," was all Ewar would reveal.
Feeling much more confident, Jas finally noticed an object in Ewar's hand. "What are you working on?"
"A comb." Ewar couldn't help but picture where the comb may soon rest. He had noticed a certain someone who looked annoyed whenever the wind blew her hair in her face...
"Oh. Who is it for?"
Ewar looked up at his friend. "Bella."
"Bella?! Do you really think the Goddess will participate this Binding Day?"
It was difficult keeping his mouth shut regarding Bella's true identity, but he managed it. "I have a feeling she might," he said.
Jas squinted his eyes, mulling over the facts. After a short while, his eyebrows lifted. "Bella does seem to like being in your company."
"You think so?"
"Yes. She smiles at you a lot, and she watches you work whenever she can."
"That's true," Ewar agreed breathlessly.
Maybe there was hope for him after all!
The men began the journey home the next morning. Even with their dragging sleds, the butchered meat weighed them down greatly. It would take twice as long to get back to the village. One of the men was instructed to visit the Wolf People, who would be camped at their traditional winter settlement. He would let them know Binding Day was imminent.
They arrived home the next day. The women of the village greeted their men warmly and took charge of the meat. A good portion would be cooked for that evening's feast. The rest would either be hung up in the smoke house or buried underground where it was cooler. If properly preserved, it would last far into the winter.
Ewar stopped at the stream and washed the dirt and sweat from his body. Upon arriving at his hut, he put on his best tunic and leather leggings. It was Binding Day, so it was imperative that he look his best. After he had completed dressing, he found his aunt fidgeting with her armband outside his home... and Ehmay never fidgeted.
"Is there a problem?" he asked her
"You won't believe this, Ewar. Alie asked Bella if she wanted a husband - and she said yes! They're in our home getting ready for Binding Day as we speak. Why would a goddess want a man when she could bind herself to a god?! It is unheard of..." She sucked in a jittery breath and continued. "Bella had no marriage clothes. And since Alie has mine, I let Bella borrow your mother's. Is that all right?"
"Yes," Ewar answered as though in a daze.
"Are you sure? You don't think I should have saved the clothes for your future wife or daughter?"
"It's... fine, Ehmay. Give Bella anything she needs. I don't mind at all."
He shuffled away from his aunt, floating on a cloud. It was happening!
He positioned himself in a place where he could watch his family's hut without being seen. His heart skipped a beat when the girls finally came out. Bella was radiant. His mother's marriage clothes looked as though they belonged on her, and her hair was as delicate as spun spider silk. Alie had painted the symbols for fertility, happiness, and love on Bella's arms. He badly wanted to trace the symbols with his fingers.
Ewar was glad he had hidden himself out of sight. He would have been the laughing stock of the village if someone had seen the lovestruck look on his face.
After several deep breaths to collect himself, he came out of hiding. He weaved through throngs of people until he was only steps behind the woman he had been admiring. A whistle from the village guard made her flinch, no doubt because she was unaware it was merely the signal given when a friendly tribe came to visit. As the visitors entered the village, Ewar moved closer to Bella.
"Wolf People," he said, his lips hovering at her ear.
Startled, she twirled around but relaxed when she saw it was him. She repeated his words, her expression puzzled.
Determined to make her understand, he pointed at the sharp teeth hanging from the leader Illim's neck. "Wolf."
She babbled something in her foreign tongue, still confused.
Ewar tilted his head back and howled. "Wolf!"
That did the trick. Her eyes lit with recognition. She finally understood what he was saying! She then taught him the word for wolf in her own language. Ewar absorbed it hungrily, adding it to the handful of other words he had learned from her.
It was nearly time for festivities to begin. Bella and Alie took their place by the central fire. Essa joined them, her nose pointed high in the air. The Wolf People, unsurprisingly, had no single women to contribute. Arl announced that the men of the Wolf People may meet the eligible women. This would allow all parties to determine if they were interested in binding themselves into marriage to what was essentially a stranger.
Ewar sent Arl a look of warning, reminding him to keep quiet about Bella being a "goddess". Arl did exactly as requested, but Ewar found very little relief. Four single men were being introduced to the eligible women. While they found Essa's sour attitude off-putting, that was not the case with the other two girls. The men divided their time between hanging from Alie's every word and staring helplessly into Bella's enchanting eyes.
Ewar's heart sank further when Illim's son, Akob, made his intentions to Bella known. It was exactly what Ewar had been dreading. Now he, Ichel, and Akob would be competing for her. He was especially fearful of this newest challenger. Akob was the son of a tribal leader, a fine catch. And, unlike Ewar, he had no rumors of infertility weighing him down.
The hope which had previously buoyed Ewar suddenly gave out from under him.
At sundown, the ceremony began. The three eligible women were left to sit alone in the middle of the village. Arl separated himself from the crowd and gave the annual introductory speech.
"The first men and women were conceived by The Mother," Arl said in a loud voice. "But the Mother Goddess did not teach her children as she should, so these First People lived like animals. They were without shelter and did not know of fire. When they mated, they were ignorant of its consequences. The fathers were unaware their seed could bring forth children, and the mothers were forced to raise their babes on their own.
"Tribes suffered.
"The Great Spirits grew weary of the chaos and decided to do something about it. Four were sent to earth. Brasennus taught the First People the benefits of fire. Lén built them shelter, so they would no longer be vulnerable to the snow or rain. This was valuable knowledge, but it wasn't enough to bring about harmony.
"Senuna, the Goddess of Love, and -" Arl sent Bella a tiny smile. "- Damara, the Goddess of Fertility, taught the First People the joy of having a family. Mating brought about children, and children required the love of their parents in order to thrive. Man learned he needed a mate if he wanted his tribe to grow and be successful. And Woman was given the right to choose the person who would become her helpmate in life. If she found a man satisfactory, their souls were bound together, where only they themselves could ever break the bond.
"So the binding ceremony was born. The Goddesses were pleased and blessed the ceremony, declaring it would be held before each winter, when the last of the hawthorne berries disappeared. This is how it was... and it is how it shall forever be."
Arl motioned toward the girls sitting by the fire. "Three women come before us today searching for a mate. Let the first woman's suitors step up. The binding begins... now!"
Two prospective spouses came forward for Alie. Ewar suppressed a smile at how she feigned a slight interest in the member of the Wolf People. It was doubtful she even remembered the man's name. She was going to keep Jas on his toes till the very end! It was no surprise when she finally got around to giving him her hand. She had her sights set on Jas for years - he just wasn't aware of it.
Ewar held his breath when it was Bella's turn. He stepped forward with Ichel and Akob. His stomach tied in knots once he saw what Akob had as a gift. The phallic statue was large and ornate. It must have taken him a long time to make.
Since Bella served Damara in some way, would the fertility token please her?
He exhaled when he saw the expression she made after Akob tried (and failed) handing her the gift. Her smile was tight-lipped. An ordinary observer would likely misinterpret the expression as one of delight. But to Ewar, who had been studying her little quirks for weeks, knew exactly what that smile meant.
She hated Akob's gift!
She moved away from Akob and stopped in front of Ewar. With slightly shaking hands, he gave her the comb he had painstakingly created. Her reaction was underwhelming. She appeared confused by its purpose. Undaunted, Ewar slid it through her hair and waited. Her hand flew to her scalp as she fondled the comb. Her eyes gleamed in realization.
This time her smile nearly knocked him to the ground.
Ewar stood straighter, forcing himself to keep his elation in check. Just because she liked his gift did not mean she would choose him as a husband...
Ichel's turn was next. He was known as a decent cook, so Ewar once again was nervous. His gift was a bowl of his dandelion and chestnut grub stew. All went well until Bella looked closely into the bowl. Her face contorted into a scowl. She pushed the bowl back at Ichel, evidently wanting nothing more to do with the stew - or Ichel, for that matter.
Ewar was unsure of the problem. Yet in the end, he discovered he didn't care.
Bella had eliminated the competition. She had chosen him!
The vast majority of the villagers were uncertain how to react. The Goddess of Fertility picked a husband rumored to be infertile. It was shocking. It was also inspirational! She had blessed Ewar beyond measure. His status grew in the blink of an eye.
Ewar did not see how the villagers slowly began cheering for him. Nor did he catch the jealous glares coming from Akob or Ichel. He noticed nothing except the small hand he held.
Bella's hand.
After the two of them moved away from the center fire, Alie launched herself at Bella. "This is better than I ever hoped," she glowed. "You're about to become Ewar's wife. Do you know what this means? We're going to be sisters! I mean... not sisters exactly, but it's close enough!"
Jas and Ewar chuckled at her exuberance. "Bella doesn't understand a word you're saying," Ewar reminded her.
"I know, but I'm sure she can tell how happy I am that she's joining the family. Oh! Does this mean we're related to the Great Spirits now?"
Her chattering paused when Arl announced that it was Essa's turn to choose a mate. To absolutely no one's surprise, only Ichel came forward.
Alie curled her lip. "Ugh. Ichel offered for Bella, got turned down, and now he's offering for someone else the very same night! I suppose any woman will do for him."
Jas smirked down at her. "I, for one, feel sorry for Ichel."
"Why?"
"Because now he has to accept Essa as his wife."
"That's mean, Jas. I agree with you completely, but you're not supposed to say it out loud!"
Essa physically dragged a reluctant Ichel to where the Binding of Souls would be taking place. All three couples held hands with their intended spouse while Arl spoke joyfully.
"The women have chosen their mates. These hands clasped together represent two souls joining into sacred union. May each of you live happily and fruitfully, blessed forever by the Great Spirits who watch over us. Let us celebrate the binding of these couples... Time to send the wives to their new homes!"
The crowd roared.
A traditional song was hummed by a multitude of people. It described how the newly married couples would have each other to keep warm during the approaching winter. Ewar tightened his hold on Bella's hand as the crowd surged toward them. Ehmay had already seen to it that the girls' belongings were easily accessible. One by one, Alie and Bella's baskets were removed from their hut by the crowd. Bella alternated between dumbstruck and distraught when her basket was passed from hand to hand.
But why? All they were doing was helping her move.
Staring adoringly at Jas, Alie walked inside her new home with a blushing smile. For the next five days, the new couples would be allowed to remain inside their homes without being disturbed. It was a way for them to bond in the sanctuary of their bed. Neither Essa nor Ichel looked thrilled by the prospect. This was partially because Ichel couldn't stop gazing longingly at Bella, the woman he had preferred.
Based on the icy glare Essa was sending her spouse, Ewar was unsure if Ichel would survive the next few days unscathed.
Bella's belongings were delivered to her new home. As Ewar went to walk inside, she pulled her hand from his grasp. He turned to find her standing in place, wide-eyed and frozen. He smiled and motioned for her to follow him.
Her eyes went even wider. Then, she shook her head.
What did that mean?
Before Ewar knew it, Bella was clinging to his aunt Ehmay like a frightened child. Ehmay looked up and inclined her head toward the hut, silently urging him to go inside.
Filled with confusion, Ewar did as she instructed. Not long afterwards, Ehmay and Bella joined him in the privacy of the hut. His wife appeared much calmer... until she met his eyes. Panic came back full-force.
"I think Bella is a little nervous," Ehmay revealed. "Be gentle with her, Ewar." His aunt turned to Bella and spoke softly. "It will be all right. Ewar is a good man. If you let him, he will take good care of you." She then sent him a significant look. It seemed to say, "You better not make me a liar."
And with that, Ehmay closed the door flap and was gone.
Bella and Ewar remained several steps apart, each eyeing the other. She looked at him as though he were a beast on the prowl. Ewar did not dare move for fear it would only make matters worse. An eternity passed. He watched as her eyes began circling the room, taking in everything. Belatedly, he remembered this was the first time she had ever been inside his home. When her traveling gaze stopped at his bed, she blanched. Even her lips were nearly bloodless.
Was she going to faint?
Ewar rushed towards her. But she did not faint nor fall.
She ran.
He furrowed his brow and followed after her. They circled the room multiple times. Her footsteps became progressively unsteady. Much aware of her inability to walk in a straight line without tripping, he thought for sure she would fall headfirst into the fire.
Just before he reached her, she grabbed a log and held it like a club. She delivered a short speech, her voice shaking like her hands. Unbeknownst to her, she nearly hit her own head several times with her improvised weapon. Ewar darted forward to take it before she could hurt herself.
She screamed the instant he laid a finger on her.
She reared back, as though fighting for her very life. Her weapon was lifted high, ready to strike. He could not understand the words pouring from her mouth, but her tone of voice and body language were undeniable.
Bella did not want him anywhere near her.
She backed away to the opposite side of the room, still poised to hit him if necessary. Her body slid down the wall until her bottom hit the ground, her eyes never leaving his face.
He watched and waited, but she never put down her weapon.
Fatigue of both mind and body forced him to give up. The bed would be left available for her - if she ever decided to stop cowering on the floor. As for himself, he laid down on a mat made of grass and tried his hardest to understand what went wrong. This was their first night as a mated couple. Yet he would be sleeping alone - the same as always. In his mind, he had done nothing to warrant such a response from her! Bella seemed fine during the binding ceremony. Now, it seemed she regretted choosing him.
Somehow, he shut his eyes and fell into a dreamless slumber. How long he was out, he could not say. It was still dark when he startled awake. The fire had nearly burnt out. He squinted blearily around the room and frowned at what he saw.
Bella was balled up on the floor, sound asleep.
He had half a mind to leave her there on that cold, hard ground. It was, after all, what she had insisted upon. But the more sympathetic side of him could not stomach it. She would wake up with a stiff neck if left in that position.
It was his responsibility to take care of her... even if she no longer wanted him.
He scooped her up from the dirt floor and held her close as they crossed the room. She never once opened her eyes. He set her down on his bed, covered her up with blankets, and stood a moment to admire her. The comb he made was still in her hair, ivory white against luminous brown. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she dreamed. It was remarkably easy to forget she wasn't really a goddess.
Returning to his mat by the fire, he found he could no longer sleep. His mind was too abuzz with unpleasant thoughts of how his night went. He needed someone to talk to, someone who could give him some much needed advice. He waited until the birds were chirping before going outside. The Wolf People had made camp in the middle of the village. The villagers were asleep in their homes.
No one would see him if he was careful.
Ewar walked stealthily to visit his aunt and uncle's house. Ehmay was usually an early riser, and this morning was no exception. He found her sitting upright while Arl still lay asleep. Her saddened eyes were pinned on Alie's empty bed. It would take a while before she would adjust to the idea that her daughter was married and would no longer live in the same house.
Ewar backed away guiltily. He couldn't heap his problems on top of his aunt. She had issues of her own.
He fled into the forest outside of the gorge. To keep his mind off the sting of rejection, he collected firewood. The sun had risen by the time his arms were full. Many people were up and about when he returned to the village. They looked at him curiously as he passed them by. It was unusual for a man to leave his hut so soon after marriage without an emergency being involved.
Ewar ignored their stares and focused on getting home. Three baskets partially blocked the entrance. Undoubtedly, they were supplies left by friends and family so the newly married couple would have no need to leave home during the first days of wedded bliss. Juggling the armload of wood, he ignored the baskets for now. He stepped inside and immediately skid to a stop. Bella was no longer in the bed. She was wide awake and in the middle of changing clothes. He saw everything, from her rose pink nipples down to the strip of curly hair at the apex of her legs.
"Ewar! Out!"
Her mortified scream sent him racing back outside. Along the way he lost the firewood he had gathered, but he couldn't say where exactly he dropped it. His head was too full of Bella's nakedness to make sense of anything. Ordinarily he wouldn't even blink if someone stripped down in front of him. Nakedness was natural. Yet from the very beginning, Bella had been oddly private about herself . She was obsessed with covering nearly every part of her skin at all times. He supposed that was why he couldn't stop thinking about the way she looked without clothes. Not being allowed to see something made it even more desirable once it finally was exposed.
But why would she worry so much about hiding herself?
Ewar saw nothing wrong with her body. In fact, he had only high praise. It was yet another mystery to add to the already enormous pile.
He escaped to the peacefulness of the stream to splash water on his face. The coldness helped banish Bella's bewitching body from his head. He had to admit the mystery surrounding her was partly why he found her so fascinating. His first marriage ended because he and his ex were bored of one another. There was never any spark between them, no laughter or smiles. With Bella it was different. How often had she made him laugh in just the short time they had known one another? He was definitely not bored of her, and never would he be. Sadly, humor was not enough to keep their relationship going. If she truly regretted choosing him as her husband, there was little he could do to change her mind.
He feared his second marriage would fail sooner than even his first.
Having learned his lesson, he gave Bella plenty of time to get dressed. He even made stomping noises outside his home just so she wouldn't be taken off guard by his entrance. However, when he peeked through the doorway, he discovered it had been unnecessary.
She was not inside the hut.
He turned his head in every direction. She wasn't anywhere he could see. Was she so angry at him that she left the village by herself? If Ora were to stumble upon her again, her life would be in jeopardy!
Desperate, he ran to his family's home and burst in unannounced. "Ehmay! Bella disappeared..."
The sight of two figures by the fire stole his ability to speak. Ehmay and Bella were enjoying a quiet breakfast, though Bella's blushing face hinted she was no longer comfortable.
Ehmay cleared her throat to catch his attention. "Come and sit, Ewar," she said. "We just got started eating. Arl should be joining us soon." The expression in her eyes and tone said she knew something was going on between himself and Bella, but she was choosing to remain neutral at the moment.
Ewar walked as though trapped in a nightmare and took a seat next to his new wife. She gasped. Her posture went straight as a tree. He immediately lost what was left of his appetite. She was still unhappy to be in his company, that much was for certain. She had escaped their home to come here. Bella preferred being with Ehmay more than her own husband! On top of that, the comb he gifted to her was gone from her hair.
Had she developed such a loathing toward him, she could no longer stand even having the comb he made near her?
"Ewar," scolded his aunt. "If you don't stop scowling at your food, I will take it away and send you out of this house. Is that understood?"
He acknowledged her words with a single nod. He was an adult but he still took his aunt's threats seriously.
Surprise briefly overtook Arl when he arrived on scene. Ehmay sent him an arched look. Whatever she conveyed made Arl slap on a smile.
"Good morning," he crowed. "It's always nice to have company over." No one commented, but he kept on going. "The Wolf People left the village just now. They're anxious to get back to their winter grounds before the first frost. Illim sent you his farewells, Ehmay."
Arl continued chattering about the trivial while the others ate. It wasn't until the end of the meal that Ehmay abruptly changed the conversation.
"Arl, do you recall when I spoke to you last night regarding a certain concern I had?"
"Oh, er. Yes, I do." Arl's gaze switched nervously between Ewar and Bella.
"Good, because what I was worried about appears to be true. Why don't you and Ewar go have a private talk today. I'll keep Bella company until you two get back."
Ewar frowned. What could his aunt and uncle have to say about his already failing marriage that he didn't already know?
Arl led Ewar out of the hut. They left the village and entered a rarely visited section of the gorge. Up a steep, narrow slope they climbed. Soon they were on the highest hill, looking down on the landscape. Far away landmarks were visible from where they stood. But Arl was interested in something much closer.
"All of this will one day be your responsibility, Ewar," he said while they watched the goings-on of the village from high above. "Everyone, from the youngest babe to the elders, will look to you for leadership. No matter what problems may arise, you will have to find a way to solve it."
"I am aware," Ewar responded dryly.
His uncle glanced at him. "Yes, I know you are - but did you know who down there is your first responsibility? The one who matters above all others?"
Ewar shuffled a pebble with his foot. "My wife," he mumbled.
"Exactly. Your wife is suffering, but you've been too busy feeling sorry for yourself to help!"
Ewar's face snapped up. Arl rarely spoke so forcefully. "What can I do for her? She can't tell me what's wrong."
Arl shook his head in exasperation. "Your aunt saw the problem last night, and I could guess this morning. Bella is frightened."
"I already knew that. But why?"
Arl's expression turned pointed. "Did you lie with her last night?"
"Lie with her?" Ewar huffed a humorless laugh. "No. How could we have done that? She threatened to hit me on the head with a log if I got anywhere near her."
"And that didn't tell you anything? I thought you were more perceptive than that, my boy! Bella fears the marriage bed." Arl held up a hand before Ewar could speak. "It is unlikely her fear has anything to do with you personally. Maidens who may have seen other women being mistreated in the marriage bed will sometimes refuse to lie with their new husbands. Yes, I admit it is surprising Bella is a maiden. To think, the Goddess of Fertility has never been with a man! But all evidence points in that direction..."
Ewar knitted his brow. Could it be so simple? He barely dared to hope. Disregarding all that "goddess" nonsense, might Bella merely fear consummating their marriage? It was an obstacle for sure, but it was better than Bella regretting becoming his wife.
"What should I do?" he asked.
Arl pursed his lips. "You must build trust with her first. Treat her kindly - don't force her to do anything. Her faith in you will grow given time. Then, one day, the two of you will truly become mates."
"How will we ever become mates if I cannot get close to her?"
Arl chuckled and patted Ewar's back. "She will come to you, my son. Let Bella be your guide in love and all will be well."
00000000000000000000
Ewar returned to his home and readied it for Bella's return. He lit a fire and began warming the food someone had left in a basket. His second chore was clearing the hut of all sharp and blunt objects. This was for the safety of them both. If Bella were to feel defensive again, she was quite capable of hurting herself and Ewar. It was probably a good idea to remove the temptation.
Once everything was set in place, he and Arl arrived at the family's home. A look of dread crossed Bella's face when she saw him. It took everything in Ewar to pretend he did not see it.
"It is time to go home," he said as he waved for her to leave with him.
Bella did not move.
With motherly affection, Ehmay took Bella's hand and helped her up from the ground. "Everything will be fine," she said. After setting Bella's hand in Ewar's, she smiled. "You are welcome to visit tomorrow, Bella. Sleep well." She glanced at her nephew, her smile fading. "Did you and Arl have that discussion I spoke of?"
"Yes." He barely could look her in the eye as he said this. "We won't be doing anything she doesn't want."
Ehmay's demeanor turned softer. "It will get better. Give her time to adjust."
He gave a quick nod but did not feel as optimistic.
When the newly wedded couple were alone outside, Bella made sure to put space between them. He hid the sting of rejection well and escorted her inside their hut. She reluctantly sat by the fire, hugging her knees and avoiding his gaze. She reminded him of a lost little girl, alone in a frightening world.
An idea struck him like lightning.
Had Damara not told her she was being sent here to become his wife?
That had to be it. How could Damara have been so careless? It was borderline cruel. But there was no point in complaining now. The deed had been done. Bella was his wife, for better or worse. It was up to him to smooth everything over and make things right.
"Bella." He waited until she met his eyes before continuing. "You are safe here. This is your home now."
She blinked but did not say a word in response.
They ate a quiet meal together. Ewar could feel his energy plummeting. If he didn't lie down soon, he would fall asleep where he sat. And considering how Bella stayed up for much of the night, she was likely just as tired. He hopped up and pulled back the blankets on the bed. Something white against the dark furs attracted his eyes. There sat the comb he made for her! He almost smiled. She hadn't gotten rid of it on purpose. It most likely fell from her hair while she slept.
He palmed the comb and stood upright. Bella's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he walked towards her. He lowered himself until he was on his knees, and then he presented her with what she had lost.
For the first time since she became his wife, she did not appear wary of his presence. She seemed almost... pleased.
He decided to test the limits of their budding relationship. Before she could guess what he was up to, he slid the comb back where it belonged in her hair. He shook a finger at it, as though it was a naughty child.
"Stay," he said in her language.
That single laugh of hers renewed his hope.
Ewar put away the clutter of baskets taking up the floor space and stretched out on his mat. His eyes tried fluttering shut right away. He had just enough energy left to check on Bella one last time. She sat on the opposite side of the fire, still staring at him while her brow was knitted in puzzlement.
Was she planning on sitting up all night?
He aimed a finger at the empty bed. It would be hers alone... until the day she invited him to share it with her.
"Sleep," he said to her.
Then, he followed his own advice and allowed his eyes to close.
00000000000000000000
Married life may not have went as he expected, but he was determined to make the best of the situation. He would give her all the time she needed. So, the next morning, he was not upset when Bella left their home to visit Ehmay. He wished her a good day and then planned what he himself would do. The only downside was quite a few eyebrows were raised around the village.
Newly wedded couples were supposed to stay in their hut and indulge in one another for several days - not go about doing chores!
His aunt stepped in before rumors could take off. Marriage customs were different where Bella came from, she reasoned to the nosy neighbors. And since "where Bella came from" was the faraway land where the Great Spirits dwelled, no one in the village could argue it was wrong for newlyweds to separate so soon.
Days passed. Ewar slowly gained ground. Bella no longer trembled or looked at him as though she expected him to attack any moment. They spent their evenings together in quiet camaraderie. He enjoyed having her near while he worked a stone into a new animal token. Oftentimes he would find that she had been watching. Occasionally she would even smile her approval. As he drifted off to sleep one night, he felt it wouldn't be much longer before the two of them would be sharing the bed together.
The following morning, Ewar went about doing work, as always. It wasn't until late in the day he heard a commotion in the village center. Mett was pacing back and forth while a group of people were chattering amongst themselves. His two children, Enja and Afrin, were running around under his feet, unaware of the tension.
"Anything wrong?" asked Ewar to no one in particular.
Old man Bannar took care to keep his voice low. "Oza went into labor, and now Mett is walking a hole in the ground. New child on the way jitters, you know. I tried telling him to rest, but the man won't listen. Oza is a strong and hearty woman, I said. No need to worry so much. She and her babe will come through just fine." He chuckled. "Mett will be worn out from worry by the time Ehmay says he may see his new child!"
Ehmay often acted as a midwife. Of course she would be helping with the delivery. But where was Bella? Since Alie was still in seclusion with Jas, Bella and Ehmay had been spending most of the daylight hours together.
"Do you know where Bella is?" he asked Bannar.
"Yes! She and my wife are assisting Ehmay in the birth. How fortunate is Oza! The Goddess will surely bless her and the new babe."
Ewar tried and failed to smile. When Bella first arrived in the village, Oza had accused him of summoning "the Goddess" against her as revenge. He dismissed her accusation as the ramblings of a pregnant woman too stressed to think clearly. Since that day, Oza watched Bella carefully but never found anything to complain about. Ewar believed Oza was beginning to accept that Bella wasn't out to get her.
But hearing these two women were in the very same hut together was not good news. An ominous feeling grew and took hold of him.
He should have told Ehmay to keep Bella far, far away from Oza!
The remainder of the day dragged. Ewar was tempted to pace back and forth right alongside Mett. As the evening wore on, more and more people gathered in the village center. Births always brought forth a festive atmosphere. Painful screams coming from one particular hut made Mett's face go white. Several times he attempted to go to his wife, but someone always dragged him away.
Childbirth was a wonderful, mystical celebration, they reminded him, but it was meant for women's eyes alone. Men were not allowed to watch.
The moon was high in the sky when the loudest scream yet ripped through the air. A sudden hush fell. The silence broke when shouts and bumps could be heard coming from the birthing hut. Not long after it began, Bella ran outside and took off without acknowledging anyone. Ewar followed her to their home. She lay face down in bed, weeping. He wished to ask what had happened but had no way to do so.
"Bella?"
She lifted her head at the sound of his voice. Her face was wet with tears. It pained him to see her so upset. Unbidden, his finger wiped a tear from her cheek. She jerked, as though stung by his touch.
Guilt swept through him. He had forgotten touching her was out of the question unless she instigated the contact. As he stepped back to give her space, his shadow no longer covered her. The moonlight beaming inside hit her face. He saw something he had not noticed before.
An angry red handprint.
Fury blinded him. Who dared slap her? And why! He had been making progress with her, had even regained some of her trust. Now it was all gone!
Whoever did this would pay.
Unable to control himself a moment longer, he went to seek answers. Right away he noted Mett was gone. The villagers were whispering and shaking their heads. Ewar located Arl and pulled him to the side. His uncle hung his head as heartrending cries seeped from Oza's home.
"The babe was born dead," he revealed. "Oza is not taking it well. Ehmay summoned Mett to comfort her, but it doesn't appear to be helping."
Ewar normally would feel sympathy for someone suffering from such a loss. This night he felt very little. He had a feeling who hurt Bella. He bit his tongue to keep from saying anything he might later regret.
He waited until Ehmay finally exited Oza's home. By then it was pitch black outside. Nearly everyone else had gone to sleep.
"Ewar! What are you doing up?"
"Who hit Bella?" he barked as a way of greeting.
Ehmay frowned. "Oza." Seeing how the news negatively affected him, she caught his elbow before he could go confront anyone. "Do not be too upset, Ewar. Oza was given a devastating blow. I doubt she knew what she was doing."
"Oh yes she did!" He explained in detail how Oza had been paranoid of Bella's presence from the very start.
Ehmay made a disgruntled face. "If I had known, I would not have kept Bella around to help with the birth."
"It's not your fault - it's mine, Ehmay. I didn't take Oza seriously enough, and Bella paid the price."
Her expression softened. "How is she?"
"She was crying when I last saw her."
Ehmay sighed. "Poor thing."
Ewar recalled his aunt being wary of Bella not long ago. He raised a skeptical eyebrow. "So you do not believe Bella is responsible for the child's death?"
"Of course not. She looked almost as devastated as Oza when we realized the babe wasn't going to live. Beside that, I have been concerned quite some time about this birth. The babe wasn't moving like he should. I had hoped having a goddess near would bring about a miracle... Well, this was a tragedy that would have taken place even if Bella hadn't been there."
"And did you tell Oza this?"
"Yes, but she won't listen. She is too lost in her grief. She refuses to speak. All she will do is cry and stare at the wall. Not even her husband can break through to her. We are worried for her well-being."
Ewar escorted Ehmay to her home and then went to his own. All was quiet. Bella lay on the bed, unmoving. He moved closer to check on her. Her face was tear-stained; her hair a tangled mess. She thrashed in her sleep. Ewar could not understand the words she mumbled, but the desperate way they were spoken wrung his heart.
"I wanna go home... Please, let me go..."
Ewar did not have the confidence to shake her awake from the nightmare world. How would she react to him touching her in the middle of the night? All he could do was watch over her, to ensure no one else harmed her in the realm of the living.
Staying up gave him time to sort out his thoughts. Arl had been right. As a husband, he had not done enough to help Bella. From almost the moment he met her, he knew something was different about her. She reacted to seemingly ordinary things in confounding ways. And he knew from observing her that something had been bothering her for a long time.
Why hadn't he tried harder to find out the cause?
Because he had been selfish. He believed everything would work out on its own in the end. That was obviously a fool's dream. If he wanted things to get better, he would have to do something about it himself.
First things first, he needed answers. And who was it that gave the best answers...
He managed only a bit of sleep before rising with the sun. He felt energized. Having a plan in place helped him fight off the creeping depression. He left Bella, still deep asleep, and woke his aunt and uncle to inform them of his plan.
"Mayant-hattatar?" repeated Ehmay. "Why do you want to visit the Wise Man?"
"They say he is the wisest among us all. He might know how to help Bella. She and I will leave today."
Ehmay's eyes doubled in size. "No! The Wise Man lives too far away. You'll never make it there and back before the snow comes!"
"If we hurry we can."
Arl frowned. "Ehmay is right, Ewar. It's too late to travel great distances. Can't this wait until the warm season?"
Ewar shook his head. "Bella is suffering now. Look what happened in such a short time. The Soul Eaters tried taking her and then Oza attacked her. She's a walking bad luck charm. If we wait much longer, something even worse may happen."
Ignoring his family's impassioned pleas, he began constructing a drag sled. When they saw how serious he was about leaving, they gave up trying to change his mind and chose to help instead. They donated their extra blankets and any other supplies that would be helpful on a long journey. Ewar made sure to take Bella's basket, the one filled with her otherworldly clothes and the magic stone. Seeking admission to see the Wise Man was difficult if not impossible. Many sought his advice, but only a select few would ever come before him. Ewar figured the oddities in the basket might be the only way they might be granted to see Mayant-hattatar on such short notice. Surely the Wise Man would be too curious to pass up seeing such astounding things.
He was almost done loading everything when Alie marched up. She stabbed an accusing finger into his gut.
"Why didn't you tell me you and Bella were having problems?" she demanded.
"And interrupt your first days of married life? I couldn't do that."
"I wouldn't have minded. Family doesn't keep secrets." She wiped away an angry tear. "Family helps out one another - no matter what!"
"I'm sorry, Alie. I was too overwhelmed to think of it that way."
The hard set of her mouth lightened slightly. "I forgive you, but next time come to me sooner... There's nothing I can do to make you stay, is there?"
"No."
"That's what I thought. Once your mind is set, there's no changing it." She sighed. "Do us all a favor. Be careful. And you and Bella better come back home soon!"
Upon hearing footsteps, they looked around to find Bella exiting his family's home, where she had been eating a light breakfast. Alie enveloped her in a hug.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't there when you needed me, Bella," she cried. "I'm a horrible friend. But you're going to see the Wise Man, and I'm sure he will know exactly what to do to make everything better for you."
While Alie continued murmuring optimistically, Bella met Ewar's gaze. Her eyes were rimmed with red. Her shoulders were hunched forward. She looked as fragile as a butterfly's wing.
Any lingering doubt he had vanished. He was doing the right thing. The Wise Man would find the cause of Bella's unhappiness and come up with a solution to all the problems facing them. And afterwards, she and Ewar would live as mates... just as Damara had intended.
00000000000000000000
A/N-
Say bye-bye to Epov. Bella (and Alistair!) will back next chapter.
I modeled the Soul Eaters' "skull cup" on actual archaeological evidence. Around 14,000 years ago at Gough's Cave, some folks thought it would be cool to take a bite out of dead people. It remains a mystery if the dead died of natural causes, or if they were killed for the express intent of being eaten. For fanfiction purposes, we're going the darker route.
Ora is pestering everyone about not getting enough water in their diet. People who review can take a rain check on drinking from the skull cup.
Thanks for reading. :-)