Page 13 of 1000 of You
A scream overhead madeGovapause at the tent’s entrance. Glancing up, she spotteda pair of hawks circling above them, and a ribbon of fear went through her. Itwas exactly like her dream from last night. A warning of some sort, sent by theAncient Mother. A gentle tug on her hand drew her attention away from thebirds, and she followedMuaminside, but not withouta feeling of dread coloring her happiness.
Teyhaswaswaiting inside when they entered. The shaman waved for them to join him as thecrowd filed in to take a stance at the rear. A small table behind the thin,little man served as an altar. On it,Govaspotted asmall bowl and pitcher, a burning lamp, and a sheaf of rushes.
“Welcome,Muam.Welcome,Gova. Blessings on you both.” The man hadthe couple kneel before him. “You are here seeking to consecrate your union ashusband and wife.MuamandGova,are you both free to make that decision of your own free will?”
“I am,”Muamannounced.
Govaglanced at him. Now she understood why he had released her as his slave.Otherwise, the shaman would not have allowed their marriage to take place. Shesmiled atTeyhas. “I am.”
The shaman reached for the smallbowl and carafe. Pouring some wine in the bowl, he passed it first overMuam’shead, then hers. “May this union be blessed with thefruit of thebelly.” He held the bowl out toMuam, who took a sip.Govadidthe same, and the bowl was set to the side.
Taking up the lantern, he held itover them and waved his hand, causing the smoke to waft into their faces. “Maythis union be blessed with the warmth of thehearth.”
The lantern was returned to thetable, and the shaman reached for the sheaf. He shook the rushes above theirheads, then lightly tapped them on both shoulders. “May this union remaincleansed of disease andharm.”
“Whatever you are doing, it willcease immediately!” a voice loudly demanded.
Govawhirled around and gasped. At the same time,Muamtook her by the shoulder, drawing her protectively against him.
Teyhasstiffened. “This is a solemn ceremony, stranger. Show appropriate reverence.”
“Your solemn ceremony is illegal,if it is what I think it is,”Kolisboomed, stridingfurther inside. He pointed toGova. “I thought it wasillegal for a free man to marry his slave.”
Teyhasturned toGovaasMuamanswered. “She was given her freedom after you sold her to me,KolisRahn.”
“So you claim,”Kolissneered.
“He tells the truth,”Govaretorted.
Kolis’sface darkened. “I believe nothing you say, slave. You do nothing but telllies.” He waved a finger atMuam. “You are also aliar. You sold me a worthless sword. I have returned to take back my slave.”
Muamlifted his chin. “My weapons are not worthless. That sword was crafted withcare. It should have lasted you for many years, unless you abused it…the wayyou abused this woman.”
Kolisdrew a sword from his belt, holding it over his head for everyone to see.Govastared at what remained of the broken blade asMuam’shand tightened on her shoulder.
“That is not the sword I sold you,”Muamdeclared.
Kolisgave a bark of laughter. “I knew you would deny it.” He waved it at thegathered crowd. “Look at this! Look at how flimsy the blade is. I barelymanaged to escape with my life, no thanks to this man who sold me a worthlesssword!”
Muamstepped forward, anger also clouding his face. “That is not my sword!” heyelled back. “I place my mark on all my blades at the hilt. There is no markanywhere on that weapon. And I changed out the grip at your request. That isnot the grip I gave you.” He motioned to one of the men in the crowd. “Look atit,Shesher. You know my work. You own two of myswords. You know I always place my mark at the hilt. Do you see a mark?”
The man namedShesherstarted towardKolisto check the weapon, butKoliswas faster. Running over, he suddenly grabbedGovaby the upper arm and jerked her away fromMuam. Before anyone could react, he placed the broken endof the sword to her breast.
“You sold me a worthless weapon, soI am taking back the slave you stole from me.”
Govastruggled to free herself.Kolispressed the pointmore forcefully through the thin material. She gasped in pain as it pierced herskin, and felt her own warm blood trickle downward.
Muamreacted automatically. Pulling the newly-made dagger from his belt, he raisedit overhead as he rushed toward the soldier. A heartbeat before he reached theman,Kolisturned his blade around and pointed it atMuam.
Govascreamed as the ragged point slid intoMuam’schest.Unable to stop his momentum,Muamgasped as it wentall the way into his body, up to the hilt.
For a long moment he stood there,blood draining from his face. He coughed, and blood bubbled around his lips.His legs went out from under him, and he collapsed on the rug in front of thealtar.
She shrieked his name and tried tofree herself fromKolis’sgrasp, but the man’sfingers gripped her so tightly, she felt her arm come out of the socket. Hesaid something to her, but his words were unintelligible. Whirling around, shetried one final time to escape. Her hand hit the side of his face, and sheinstinctively curved her fingers, digging her nails into the man’s cheek andouter eye.Kolisroared with anger and slammed hisfist into her chest.
Pain enveloped her body as shedropped to the ground. The sound of angry bees filled her head as she struggledto breathe. Peering up into the shaman’s blanched face, she softly pleaded,“Save us. Condemn him.”
Teyhasthrew his hands into the air, givingKolisa blackstare. “You dare enter this temple and take two lives.”
