“I know the story of a Tilak who came here once,” Maia’el says softly.
I brace myself for what comes next. Whatever it is, I deserve it. If the tea was poisoned, I hope it acts quickly, and that they will take mercy on Bri. They must know she had nothing to do with me back then.
“Maia’el, when I landed here six years ago, I was desperate and angry. I’ll never forgive myself for what I did.” I’m not trying to defend my actions, but she must know how truly remorseful I am.
She rests her long, thin-fingered hand on mine. “It was a tragedy, but not a tragic ending.”
“What do you mean? Sabaaki were hurt, probably killed, because of my selfishness.” Why doesn’t she understand how abhorrent I was?
“It was not the end, for the Sabaaki nor you. No one was killed. A village was destroyed, yes, but no lives were lost,” she says with a kindness I don’t deserve.
“I still shouldn’t have run.”
“Tsk.” She clicks her tongue at me. “Do not worry yourself with ‘shoulds’. Embrace the path that Sabaak sent you on. After all, it led you toher.” Maia’el doesn’t say Bri’s name, but there is no one else she could have meant.
I let her words sink in. What would it mean to truly embrace the path my life is taking?
THIRTY-NINE
Tai
“Thank you for everything,” I say to the group of Sabaaki who gathered to see us off this morning. They’re quiet, but I detect smiles now in place of blank expressions.
“May the Goddess bless your journey,” Eio'sh says.
Bri’s eyes widen, and she belts out a laugh.
I’m completely lost. No clue why she’s laughing so hard.
“I knew I should never have told you that story. Get over here!” She steps towards Eio'sh and wraps him in a tight hug. His long gangly arms hang loosely, unsure of what to do. She holds on long enough for him to catch on and return the hug. My jaw drops at the affectionate exchange. Only Bri could manage to pull this off in less than two days.
“Do you remember which way to go?” Maia’el asks.
“That way.” I point straight ahead. “Until the ground hardens, past the river, and keeping close to the shadows so they don’t find us first.”
“Good. You remembered every word. I trust you will find yourway home.” Maia’el pushes a woven bag into my hands. Inside are berries wrapped in soft material and a tall stack of flatbread.
“You can always return and find your place here with us,” Eio'sh says.
“That’s a kind offer, but the blue guy doesn’t like sand,” Bri says, saving me from having to respond.
I lift her up easily, and she settles onto Daisy’s back. I double-check the straps and harnesses and tap her on the leg.
“Scooch over.”
“Wait, what? Where’s Brutus?” she asks and looks around for my missing h’axom.
“I traded him,” I say, hoisting myself up behind her. Her back stiffens and she twists around to look me in the eye.
“Why would you do that?” She doesn’t sound happy.
“How else was I going to get you new clothes? Plus, half of their herd has gone missing. They need him more than we do.” My eyes wander down to the pretty dress perfectly catching the wind. The orange fabric swirls around her feet. I’m glad it’s long enough, so she won’t get a sunburn on her legs while we ride.
She narrows her eyes and turns forward without a word. Her body relaxes. Daisy throws her head back, forcing Bri to lean even closer.
Her back finds my chest, and she melts into me. I get more comfortable in the saddle as well. My warm metal arm lands gently on her hip.
FORTY
