3
A R Y A
➳
I closed the door behind me as I stepped into my father's large wooden house, in which I had lived a full eighteen solar revolutions. I gently touched the large picture hanging on the wall while my chest burned. She had been so beautiful. “What would you like to discuss with me?”
He sat down at the table and poured a dark liquid into his goblet. “Come sit down.”
I did as I was told, turning away from the image of our once family of three and crossing my hands on the tabletop as I sat down. He handed me another full goblet and I took a sip. “It's about the attacks, isn't it?”
Father looked at me puzzled. “No of course not. Nzuak will take care of it.”
“What?” the sweet wine burned my throat. I was the first arrow, not Nzuak . “But it concerns our tribe!”
“Not only. This monster also attacked the Akars, as well as other tribes in Anifeira.” His face twisted with anger. “These wolves will find out what we think when they attack us.”
'Father, we don't know if it's a werewolf. And if it is, then the Packs can't help what Rogue is doing under their rabies.”
The very moment I said the words, I saw them bounce off my father, hosting the opposite of what I intended. His eyes sparkled angrily. 'Of course you side with the mutts. What else could I have expected but for you to disappoint me again.”
My hands clenched in fists were shaking and I clenched my teeth. He still hadn't forgiven my assistance in the war against Serdas. “No father, you're not really listening to me.”
“Shut up. Be quiet!” he thundered, raising his hand before I could reply. “That's not why I wanted to see you today.”
I glared at him with my arms crossed.
He cleared his throat. “Well, you are now 22 solar orbits. Old enough to bring up the subject of marriage. Of course I thought about it and came to a conclusion. As I'm sure you've seen for yourself, Nzuak is an attractive young man, an excellent warrior and chief.”
My blood froze and I froze, unable to move let alone say anything.
“The Akars have a great army that no one has yet been able to defeat. By marrying Nzuak we would be able to make a pact that would give us more than any other tribe.”
I shook my head slowly. “You can not be serious.”
He looked at me in silence.
“And who will then be your successor?”
Dad shrugged, making his ample belly shake, and took another sip of wine. “Takar.”
I laughed in shock. “Takar? How can you name Takar as chief? He's nowhere near as good at warfare as Rowtag or Cha'tima.” He's not the first arrow. I leaned over the table and looked him straight in the eye. “ Seetohu , give me a chance. I'll prove to you that I'm worthy of your place. Just one chance.”
He touched my hand gently, but his eyes shone with determination. “ Ahivi , Takar will be chief, that's a done deal.”
I pulled my hand away from him, my pulse racing. “I will certainly not be sold like a horse.”
“That was not a question. You will marry Nzuak whether you like it or not.”
“Anything else?” I hissed.
“Either you do your duty, or you are no longer of the Retani tribe.”
I gasped and my heart stopped. “You ban me?”
“Not if you behaved as the chief's daughter should.” he stated angrily.
I jumped up. “How can you ask that of me? Mother would never have allowed that!”
“Keep your mother out of this!” he thundered, his red head glowing with anger. 'Once again you fail to understand the importance of this matter! When are you going to act like an honorable warrior should? This is about our tribe. It is your duty as my daughter to enter into this marriage, whether you like it or not. For Gaia's sake, behave as you should for once.”
I looked at him in horror and waited for him to start laughing. That he told me that it was all just a stupid prank. That he loved me and would never give me up. I blinked away the tears and straightened up. Icy cold crept up my limbs. I bowed my head honorably, no longer showing emotion, as I said, “If that's what you want, then I'll do my duty, Chief .”
With that I turned and walked out of the house with my head held high. My gaze briefly touched the picture again.
How I wish you were still here, mother.
