Closed for Nordican

[Ohia_Lehua]

"Warlord!" I knew the voice before I saw the man, he rode upon a dusty brown horse. "Warlord." He bowed his head in respect, even thought as my second and longest friend he had no need for such. "I have news from the Heart."

The pair of scouts that I had been talking to held their horses and faded back into the crowd of moving warriors. I waited for him to speak but when a few moments passed and he said nothing I pulled the red cut of fabric from my belt and tied it to the mane of the red mare I was riding. "We have privacy. Would you also like the bells and my dagger?"

"No, no." Arnost fidgeted in the saddle and looked away.

"Arnost! Are you not my longest known friend?" I grunted with impatience.

"I am but that does not change the fact that you will not like the news. We have to turn back."

I laughed as if my second's words were a joke. "Did you forget your padded seat?" It was an insult saying this was unseasoned in the saddle and needed the cushion that only children start with.

"No. You've been called to the Heart and all of us with you." There was no smile on his sun beaten face, a face that seemed to age much more quickly even thought our moons were the same in count.

"But the season has just started." I wanted to complain but there was no one to talk to and I didn't want the Elders to send their riderless horses after me. Called so because you would rather not see them and therefor went unseen unless they came for you. "Alright." The reins fell from my hands and the mare under me pranced with excitement feeling the change in my seat. "Tell the other warleaders-"

"Word was spread along the march as I came to find you. We're just waiting for you."

I looked around and even though the red threads was a sign to all that the rider wanted privacy, and all faces were turned around, I would read in their bodies that what my second said was true.

"Hi-ga!" I cried turning my mouth quickly with my knees.

The cry was carried and echoed thru my army as every warrior turned on a dime and matched a gallop to the one that I took off on. Being in the back of the march talking with the scouts not put me in the front heading back the Heart.

We rode hard back the the Heart, not even stopping for a lunch day camp. Instead we ate as our horses covered ground. The hills rose before us and as we climb the slow slant and descended the first colors of the Heart jumped against the wheat and newly sprouted greens of the steppes. Vibrant reds, deeps blues and striking whites were the colors of home and my heart burned for lands other then these.

"Rest the horses and water them."

I saw the confused face of the rider besides me. We were just a handful of hours away why stop now when before we had rode so hard. But I was his Warlord and he didn't question my command, instead riding off the spread the word.

 

[Nordican]

Citus Valu blinked wearily in the dark space. His head still hurt from first the crash and then the events after. His lips were cracked and his short black hair was unruly and smelled of sea water. Pain still rested on his side and his leg felt broken or close to it but it had been wrapped up in some dry linens.

He wasn't sure where he was but it was better than where he'd been the last time he'd been awake. There had been a storm and then a crash and then a brilliant light from the sun looking down on him. Then riders had come and then there was a fight. When the rest of his crew died he had looked around and then dropped the small dagger he'd found knowing there was no way he could out fight the horsemen.

It shamed him still and now he found himself in a tent somewhere and the smell of horses all around him. He smelled the spices from various cooks and their fires as well. It seemed as if he was at a camp somewhere, but he was still alive and that was the important part.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

The tent city of the Heart was smaller now that most all the armies had left for their season's campaign. A warlord and his or her army would stay until all the Elders left then they too would be gone and the only people still here would be the herds and their keepers and protectors. As it was the number of tents were doubled what they should be with the addition of Warlord Volundr's army.

"I heard it was a man-child that they captured." Whispered a warrior who was still camped here with under the banner of Warlord Ranjeet and guarded the boundary of the Heart of the Plains.

"You mean Volundr didn't just slaughter them all? He must be getting as soft as his hands." Snickered a voice who rode up besides me.

"Svana." As my third she had the right to speak without formality but such words against another Warlord was an offence and could be fought over by death if he felt the offence called for it. "I don't know how you can be the kindest soul when it comes to the warrior's care and well being but beyond that you are as vile as a pit viper.

"Thank you Warlord." Svana smirked. It wasn't meant to be a complement and she knew it but she twisted it the way she wanted to hear it. Born of the Clan Sand Dune's Snake she was as cunning and venomous and the animal of her birth.

I shook my head trying not to laugh.

"Oh! Warlord Ranjeet is coming." Smiled Svana pulling back on her horse leaving me in the lead as I slowed my easy walk to a stop.

"Warlord Kahina." He nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Warlord Ranjeet." I held out my arm and he took it with a smile. His coffee colored skin make his teeth seemed whiter then they were. "Glad to see you too."

"Come on. I'll take you to the Heart and you can help me deal with a person of equal standing."

"Warlord Volundr..." Came the sing-song voice of Svana.

"Ah, warleader Svana." Ranjeet turned in his saddle and gave Savan a look that would have made other blush or burn with a different heat. "How very nice to see you again." He chuckled like a man with a gleam in his eyes that I heard brought a gasp from Svana's lips.

"Okay, okay. Lets go before I puke."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Still as popular as always." The way Volundr spoke was like dirty oil being rubbed on my skin. He stood at the open front of the Heart's tent as if he owned the place and stood above the Elders.

"Warlord Volundr." I dismounted but didn't offer him my arm. If I could I went out of my way to not touch him and he seemed to go out of his way to do the same.

"Yes. Well the party has started and like always we are waiting for you and your vanity."

It was a kick that I was a girl. I knew it was only because since I became a Warlord I bested him at everything and he was always second to my first when he was once always first.

"What a change for you to be first at something." I didn't wait to see how my words effected him and brushed past him to greet the Elder and see why they called me.

"That was bold of you." I brought only two people with me, my second Arnost who spoke and Svana my third who was quite for once but I know wore a face that taunted.

"I couldn't help it." I signed. It was shameful to stoop as low as Volundr but it was as we said 'it was the wind's voice that made me speak'.

"Kahina!" Before I was able to properly greet the Elders, Alytha Elder of the Future opened her arms and took the younger girl as if she were still the child she had raised.

"Elder Alytha." I hugged her back. Of all the Elders I held the greatest warmth for her. "I have missed you. You were late in the joining of the Heart beat."

"I know but a woman in the southland swamps was having a difficult birth and Elder Charon was busy here so I went."

"Why am I here? Why have I been called back?"

A smile spread on Alytha's face. "Volundr has brought you a gift."

"A gift?"

"A chance to learn."

My forehead winkled as I tried to find the answer to Alytha's riddle.

"Follow and you will see." Alytha walked back to the other Elders who filed out of the back of the tent to Nestor's tent, the Elder of the Histories. When I looked around I noticed that Nestor wasn't there.

"Where is-"

"Trying to learn and failing." Alytha softly laughed leading the way.

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"A man. The man-child?" Like most tents there was a division of rooms. The entry room was large and used for meetings with tables and chairs but it was in the largest middle room and was used as the bedroom that the wounded man was. "I don't understand."

"And neither do we. That's why you're here. Learn from him because we can not." And that was all I was left with as Alytha shooed everyone out of Nestor's tent including the man who owned this tent.

"Learn from you? What is there to learn?" I crouched near the man to get a closer look but was cautious to keep my space should he be more aware then he looked. He wore the fabrics of a working man, not one who lived in the saddle and by the blade. He was also unarmed. I dared to get closer and tried a look at his hands. They didn't look soft but they weren't calloused in the way I was used to seeing. Sitting back on my heels and putting space between us again I just watched the man waiting to see what would happen.

 

[Nordican]

Citus watched as people moved about and eventually left him alone with the woman wearing armor. He tried to remain steely eyed and strong but he was no soldier. He was a young sailor and new to it at that. His arms were strong a almost sluggish grey blue, the color of sea water.

He heard the barbarian woman speak but he didn't understand the words. Just as he hadn't understood the words earlier after the crash. But it appeared she was here to look at him or something else. It was strange that the others had left the tent. He rested with his knees near his head.

"Do you have anything to drink?" He asked simply enough in his own tongue though he was sure it wouldn't do much good but it felt good to at least make the attempt. He mimed drinking something with his hands as he sat there in the tent in front of woman. He was just glad she only seemed mildly annoyed at the moment and not full of rage or anger as some of the others had been.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I wanted to laugh. The man-child reminded me of snow wolf pups. I was sure that where he came from the look might have worked but I was a Warlord and was used to that and worse.

What got me were his words. It wasn't odd that I didn't understand the words that came out of his mouth but it was the sound of it. The accent was unfamiliar and while he didn't say much, with his motions I understood what he wanted and none of the words related in anyway to anything I have ever heard before.

"Nín yào hē diǎn shénme ma?" I tried in a different language. When I got no response I tired another. ""Mul?" And another. "Moloko?" There was no point in asking but I was determined to got thru every language I knew in hope that there was something with a relative root system. "Cafea?" I was starting to see why they brought me here. "Anata wa, shokuhin o go kibōdesu ka?" I mimicked eating food and rubbed my belly as if full. "Kyā tuma mānsa khātē haiṁ?" "Gemüse?"

Knowing that everyone was just sitting in the meeting area I raised my voice calling out for Arnost. "Will you bring me something to drink and something to eat?" On the other sides of the flaps I heard people shuffling around and then Sri my companion came in with a tray filled with warm bread, fruits, cheese and spiced meat in a thick sauce.

"I thought you were setting up the tents." I jumped up to grab the tray from Sri. We have no thought of mothers or fathers as we are taken at birth from our mothers and raised away from them in child groups but Sri was a near image to Charon the Elder of the Elements just female to his male.

"I got it." Sri snapped smacking my hands away and shoving me back to the ground. Then using her feet she pushed over a chair and set the tray on it and left. I wondered what the man-child thought of the whole display.

"Shuǐ?" I spoke in my mother tongue and held out the cup of water him, repeating the word and then motioning with my free hand for him to say it in his tongue.

Languages were always a fun game for me and Alytha was right, Volundr did bring me a gift.

 

[Nordican]

I looked at her for a moment after the other female brought in the food. I heard a bunch of different tongues but all of them were strange and foreign to me, even one that sounded somewhat close still sounded far past comprehension.

But I recognized food easily enough even though it had a strange enough delivery. The female who had brought the food had essentially knocked down the one talking to me. It was strange and I was not sure what to make of it. The woman in front of me looked important enough in her armor and how she carried herself but a servant bringing food had just knocked her down over holding a tray for me. When she started speaking the one word over and over I nodded slowly trying to sound it out in my head before speaking it aloud.

"Sui, Shui. Shui?" I asked hoping I got the gist of it right. The water looked good enough to guzzle down in a rush and the scent of the meat and sauce while strange was quite appetizing.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I started to shake my head no but then stopped. It wasn't that he was wrong, he just wasn't doing what I wanted him to. I pointed to him then the cup and waited. I wanted to learn his words. I wanted more and I wanted it right now and as a Warlord I was accustomed to getting it but as I watched the person in front of me I understood that now wasn't the time to pester him for a language lesson.

"Eat. Drink." I took a piece of brown bread and stood up. "I'll be back." I turned to leave then thought of something and turned back. "Kahina." I placed my hand over my heart and said it again. "Kahina." And without waiting for him respond I left Elder Nestor's bedroom.

"A gift, yes?" Smiled Alytha as she picked at the food in front of her. It seemed that everyone was hungry and had made an early meal.

"I would say so. But even I can't find a similarity in his words. Not that he has said much." I tore at the bread and ate the little pieces watching the crumbs fall.

"Just hurry with the man-child and learn his words quickly." Elder Pallas of Arms was always gruff but there was an undercurrent of excitement that I didn't understand.

"What is it about this person that excites you so?" It was bad manors of me to ask a question of a Elder so informally and directly but I wanted to know the real purpose of me being here. While I was excited to about the opportunity to learn, anyone could be doing this in my place and why did I need my army to do it?

"He comes with boats." Tohil Elder of the Trades rushed to tell me. Much to the annoyance of Pallas. I had a feeling they weren't ready to tell me yet.

"Boats? What is so important about boats? We have the knowledge of boats."

"Not like these. Larger then a whole tree and just as tall with capes that hang from their branches. Able to carry two squads or more with room for cargo."

The thing that Elder Tohil described sounded like a beast of a thing. And impossible. But if he was right... The strategist in me awoke with a roar. Boats could travel fast sometime then swift riders. They could also hold more then a pack horse and not tire from it. And if the size of what I am thinking it true a fleet of boats that size could not only carry a warrior's gear but maybe his horse, food and more. My brain raced with new ideas and how we could use this knowledge to our advantage. And then it struck me. "The other men that were with him, the ones that Volundr killed were they warriors?"

"No." Pallas nodded knowing where I was going with this. "And there was none to be found. Not even a bent blade of grass."

"So something of that worth was left with a gaggle of man-children?" I asked without needing an answer. "Do you suppose that the people of his homeland is like that too?"

"That would be my guess." Snickered Pallas drinking deep from his cup.

Word spread faster then we rode and in most instances when we rode towards a kingdom with the intent to capture it treaties were quickly signed before the first drop of blood was spilled. But if this man knew nothing of our many languages then he knew nothing of us and that meant a real battle and the joining of the armies under the ruling of a Warking if need be. "We are going to need a lot of these boats."

"That's why my dear you came with your army." Charon pointed out in a monotone voice.

I didn't even wait for myself and my hunger before I went back into the bedroom with a new determination to learn what I could from this man-child.

 

[Nordican]

I just watched her for a moment. I wasn't sure what to make of the look she gave me and I realized I was supposed to probably say that what she had was a drink. When she left I watched her for a moment and heard her say something as she put her hand over her heart.

Kahina. Kahina. I played the name over in my mind and hoped that Kahina wasn't the type to immediately go to hot irons or some other horrible tool to get answers when she didn't like them. I had no idea what to do in the situation and instead I found myself wishing she had stayed. She was the only person I knew at the moment in this land full of horsemen, vicious fighting horsemen at that.

I drank some of the water quickly after grabbing the tray and sitting in the chair. I'd seen a bed somewhere in the room but didn't know what I could do with that. I quickly tried out the fruit as well not caring about the fact that it might have been poisoned. If they wanted me dead they had a hundred times to do it. I drank more of the water and ate some of the bread and tried the meat. None of it was bad and the meat actually tasted very good. I set the tray down and then held it. I realized if I got the drop on someone it would make a good blunt instrument. But then again they were all fighters and I was a sailor, I knew some things about fighting but not like these. They were warriors, most in their prime and some were woman. I just couldn't imagine striking a woman, it just wasn't something I'd ever considered.

Soon enough however I heard foosteps approaching and then just let the tray down as I turned towards the sound. I put on a face of just a cool but slightly nervous prisoner not knowing what to expect.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I tried to smile at the man-child but my mind was still racing with things that could be. There was so much that I needed to know from him now and I wasn't going to do it here. "Lái." I beckoned waving my hand to follow. Again I was reminded of pups and I tried not to let it show on my face that I was picturing him as a small fluffy animal and finding it amusing. "Lái, lái." I noticed the tray and was glad that he had eaten.

"Kahina?" Elder Nestor came into the room a question in the sound of my name and the look on his face.

I looked away from the nameless man to the Elder. "May I ask who is charged with this person?"

Elder Nestor's brows crinkled. "Oh yes I guess we forgot that part in all the excitement." He waved his hand in front of his face and his brow smoothed. "As the Elder of the Histories, backed by the council of the Elders, this person is charged to you and any act done by him will be punished upon you. Pray to the earth and the sky that fate with grant you wisdom and steer you away from follies."

I blinked slowly. Well that wasn't the answer I was expecting. It was also perhaps the shortest ruling of the Elders I had ever been to or heard of. "Then I will continue on my way with this person."

"Learn well and teach true." Elder Nestor patted my shoulder and left the room again.

I had never been given a charge and I wasn't quite sure what the protocol was so I felt back on what I felt was right. If I was in his position I wouldn't want to be tied or bound and seeing as I didn't see him as a threat I didn't see the need to. "Lái." I smiled back at the man-child opening the flap to the meeting room, surprised to find it empty of everyone including my second and third.

I let the flap separating the two rooms fall and walked thru the main entryway and again saw nobody. Puckering my lips I whistled a three note call and waited. If I was right on where my camp was it was too far to walk with a charge to care for.

With the flap open to Nestor's tent I was able to see the man-child and with no way of communicating with him I was forced to act everything out. I felt foolish but I tried to make the motions of riding a horse. A few warriors dared to look but when I turned towards then they looked away. I was in the middle of acting it out in a different fashion when my black stallion came up followed by the red mare. Perfect. The fact that the yellow mare didn't show wasn't a worry, she was with foal and under the care of Sri and watched carefully by Elder of the Beat Pales.

I pointed to the horse and nodded my head yes with a smile, paused, then shook my head no with a frown and wait for his answer.

 

[Nordican]

I watched Kahina curiously and wondered what was going on. Apparently I wasn't going to stick around here and I followed her slowly moving through the tents over to her when she was doing the motions of riding something. I had to figure we were going to leave by horses and I felt a bit uneasy over it. My side still hurts slightly and then I watched her nod and smile and then shake her head and frown and I realized she was asking me perhaps if I could ride.

I wished I knew the phrase 'not well' in her language. And I had no idea how to mime out a ship. I shook my head and then debated for a moment and then held my hand over my heart.

"Citus."I said and repeated it just as she had. Then I pointed to her and the horse and back to me and shook my head. Then I pointed towards her again,

"Kahina." I pointed towards myself again. "Citus." and then to the horse. "Tior Pelu?" Ride together. I hoped she wouldn't mistake my gestures for anything.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

No, he couldn't ride. I don't know why I thought he did. Many of the people who grew to be part of the Heart of the Plains didn't ride as we did. But still, I felt a kind of sadness and what this person didn't seem to know. Of course I assumed that meant he knew many things I did not and there would be lots to teach me.

I watched him place his hand over his heart as I had earlier and say a word, which I took to be his name. It was strange but I nodded showing him I understood. I guessed that he was telling again in a different way that he didn't ride. I nodded slowly and kept watching. I was lost. Me: Kahina. Him:Citus. Then to the horse. "Zhì?" Offered the word for stallion.

I smile misunderstanding what he meant. "Kahina." I pointed to myself. "Citus." I pointed to the black stallion. "Zhì." I then waved my hand back and forth between the stallion and myself. The I pointed lastly at the red mare. "Mǔ mǎ." I told him meaning mare and I waved my hand between the two of them. Showing that they would ride together if it was a problem. It was bizarre but maybe where he's from a place they don't ride a horse of the same sex. I had heard of stranger things.

Assuming that all the confusion was over with I waved him over and patted the neck of the mare. She was tall with long legs made for running. I liked her for her sooth gaits and speed but knew that with a sore body her height could be troublesome to mount so I stood at her side ready to assist if Citus needed it. I also want to help adjust things if he wished.

 

[Nordican]

I listened to Kahina's words and wasn't sure that she understood that Ihad wished to ride with her only because I'd never ridden before. Hell even mounting a horse seemed like a strange thought. They had horses back home but it was mainly for the army or for the nobles. Still I had to make the effort at least, not appear like a total waste of a man and utterly useless.

"Mu ma." I repeated and then biting his lip for a moment he put his right leg into the stirrup and put his hands on the saddle an gave it a tug with his hands as he steeled himself. you can do this.

I pulled up and swung my leg over the horse as I had seen others. It was strange and I felt a slight pull in my groin and my eyes closed for a bit. Then I was up on the horse, the female one at leas from what I had gathered. Looking down I extended my arm out towards Kahina to pull her up in front of me and just hoped that the horse wouldn't move.

"Kahina." I said hoping she would understand as I looked at my pretty caretaker.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I saw the tension in his body and knew that it had nothing to do with riding a horse of the same it. It was just riding the horse period. I thought about get a litter for him or my a chariot but before I could offer he was pulling himself up into the saddle and making a sight of it. I didn't want to offend and looked away hiding my chuckling smiles. That was the first thing we were going to have to teach but it was a lesson for another day.

When I looked back because Citus spoke my name his arm was held out and the way he looked at me caused me to worry. My brow pulled together and I studies him for a moment. In the back of my mind something tickled with recognition but it hadn't stuck yet. My head tilted to the side as the puzzled look on my face grew.

The mare tired of waiting and annoyed with the novice shifted and stomped and added pinned ears and a snort to show her impatience. I didn't have to say anything, just gave the horse a hard look. Then it hit me. He wanted me to ride with him and the horse realized it before me and the attitude had nothing to do with her rider but with me. I blush lightly and nodded up at Citus. "Wǒmen jiāng yīqǐ qí."

And brushing aside his hand I took a fist full of the mare's mane and easily swung up, twisting my body at the last moment landing behind Citus quietly. I didn't bother with the stirrups or reins instead reaching around to hand the worn soft leather straps to him. "Chí yǒu." I spoke softly as I showed him how to hold the reins. "Zhèyàng." Like this. I took his hand and pressed the leather into his hand and patted it closed.

It was strange to ride with another and I realized who I rode with. I hadn't noticed his side before but even with my height, Citrus was taller then me and had a body build that spoke of strength. I pressed close to his body and brushed my knees against the mare's sides. Tired of waiting she took off with a jolt then smoothed into a comfortable canter.

 

[Nordican]

I felt Kahina brush away my hand but I was just glad when she realized my intention. Of course than she swung up behind me with poise and elegance almost and I was thrown off. I didn't even know how to ride a horse and she trusted me to steer. Slowly I turned back my head to her for a moment and looked at her and felt emboldened by her faith in my but perhaps the horses were just well trained enough not to make it too hard.

Feeling her hands on mine felt oddly comforting as well. Here I was in a strange land with some strange woman guiding me off somewhere but I couldn't help miss the little blush and the nice feel of her hands as she pressed the reins into my own. I felt a slight stiffness but of course the horn of the saddle was right there and I quickly thought about other things less we go riding along...

The horse seemed to want to move and suddenly we were off and the horse moved about and I just held onto the reins hoping not to fall off. I knew the stirrups kept me locked in but I was terrified. "Bali kar. Bali Kar!" Good horse.

I felt her body press against mine as we rode together and noticed her arms holding on as well. My eyes closed for a moment as I felt the bobbing and the clash of my shaft against hardened leather.

The horse moved along and I just prayed it knew where to go. I didn't even feel comfortable to point my hand in any direction to try to figure out where to go as the horse cantered along. "Whon vie kelo?" I asked out of habit as we moved through the congregation of colorful tents.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I held on to Citus' hips to help keep him in the saddle better as my laughter fell freely at his panicked-like sounds. I had no idea what bali kar meant but by the tone of his voice I wouldn't be surprised find that it was a god of some kind, one of protection even. I patted his shoulder in hoped that he would be comforted by it and slowed the horse to make it a easier ride for Citus.

The mare had been with the army when I left her and I trust her to lead me to our camp. Behind us the black stallion raced ahead tossing his head up on the air to find that his companion did not follow but slowed. The mare tensed and I felt her want to follow, the herd mentality in her telling her to stay together but her training and loyalty to me kept her where I wanted and the stallion slowed to join the three of us.

Citus' voice asked a question and I guessed at it's meaning and pointed towards the far off mountains capped in white. I knew by the path of the mare took the we were camped in the same area as before. I liked space and favored the small hill that lead to the lake and the army would camp around me even if they didn't stay in their tents. But with all the tents my camp couldn't be seen so I just pointed in the direction we were going hoping that he wouldn't mistake my pointing for the mountains themselves.

When we broke from the sea of tents it was easy to see the other camp made up of less tents build equally the distance between the Heart tent city and the lake. I pointed again telling Citus in case he was worried about the far travel to the mountains that the second group of tents were where we were heading.

 

[Nordican]

I did my best to hold as the horse continued along. I gave off pleading with it to be gentle and just tried to ignore the pain in my crotch and butt. I felt the comforting pat from Kahina and pressed on all the same. The massive tent concentration was errie. So many warriors all around it made me feel uneasy but so far Kahina had been warm and friendly enough.

I only hoped it would continue as I remained in the care of the raven haired warrior woman.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I slowed up down even further as we crossed the short distance the Heart city to the camp made up of my warriors. It was smaller but just as colorful and on the rise of the hill set against the backdrop of the glittering blue of the lake stood the largest tent in the second city in a bronze color with the high flying eagle banner of Kahina's rank and clan.

Sri was the first to greet us as we neared the tent and she didn't look too pleased with who I brought. I moved closer to Citus and it left no space between our bodies as I leaned around to get a better look and the woman who ran my life regardless of who I was.

"Pray that he is an easier keeper then you." She clucked giving me a hard look.

I shrugged. "And if her's not do we halter him and set him out with the herd?" I teased with a half smile.

"I should have done that to you seasons ago." She shouted as we passed her and I earned myself a sharp punch in the leg.

"Ow!" I wailed my cry with laughter as we made our way into the the more spaced pathways of the army's tents.

"Hi-ha!" The first soldier screamed throwing his fist in the air. The call, like always, was repeated by every soldier and I smiled at the loyalty of my warriors.

The mare headed straight to my tent and when we arrived I was surprised to find that no one was there. I would have expected to see Arnost or Svana's horse. All the better I suppose.

"Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ." I slid from the horse. I didn't want to insult Citus by helping off the horse like a child so I waited for a moment then slowly walked to the front tent flaps.

My tent was set up much like all the others, a double skinned weather proofed tent with many rooms. There was a front room with chairs and tables for eating and meeting and was large enough to for all the warleaders. If you were to walk thru the next set of flaps it would lead you to a very large room lightly furnished. The floors were thick soft leather hides except where a large flat stone laid the base for a ornate stove for warmth. In the middle of the room was a large bed piled with rich furs and pillows. The only other things in the room was a large chest at the foot of the bed and an empty rank that help my armor. There were two other flaps, one that lead to the farthest room, Sri's room and the last was to a privy room.

 

[Nordican]

It appeared that they had arrived and I looked over the assemblage of tents that was smaller than where we had left from but nonetheless was still full of soldiers and the smell of horses and the meats that I had already had a sampling of.

I managed to dismount a lot better than I had mounted. I gave the horse a nice pat and then turned to follow Kahina as she strode into the tent that must have been hers. I wondered back to the other woman who had seemed to greet Kahina. I recalled my keeper's laughter and hoped that everything was alright.

Moving from the horse I followed Kahina into her tent. Inside the first room there were chairs and tables and another set of flaps. It felt nice and warm inside of the tent given I had felt a bit cold with just my dark black pants, a simple short sleeve light tan shirt with strings to close up the shower and a pair of boots that had been given to me. They seemed to be from one of my dead comrades given my had not been on me when I first came but they suited me well enough. I looked at Kahina as I followed her.

"Kahina's Vaus?" Home. I asked as I looked around the area becoming accustomed to the new tent. I still had no exact idea what to do. So far I had been treated fairly enough but I was unsure what the purpose was for my being here. Yes Kahina had tried to learn some of my words but that would be done no matter what. They hadn't tried to torture me, not yet anyhow and my mind went to one last thing. What if she brought me here for something else. I hadn't seen anyone who appeared to be Kahina's husband or paramour. I wondered if perhaps I had been given to her as part of the spoils from my ship. Somehow the thought was definitely not the worst in comparison to torture and I kind of liked strong willed women back home. But Kahina was from a land far different than his own. It was all a bit disconcerting.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

"Varus?" I thought about the word and what it might mean. "Zhàngpéng?" Tent I traded in question. If I was correct then I nodded yes. "Wǒ de." Mine I placed my hand over my chest then waved it around the first room. I went thru the second flaps and motioned to the large room with the bed. I felt it was obvious what this room was so I provided no word for it and moved to the privy room. Inside there was a brass tub large enough to sit in an another wood stove, this one with a larger mouth it could easily hold the metal pitchers that warmed the water for a bath or shower. And against the other wall a toilet. I went back out and pointed to the back flaps and shook my head no. "Sri's." With that being the conclusion of my tour I went back into the meeting room.

I sat one of the tables that had papers and charcoal sticks and started drawing the small junk ship that they knew how to build. It was a very rough sketch, drawing wasn't my skill, languages are but I made a fair enough picture of what I was trying to show him. When I was done I stood up and showed it to him.

There was no need for me to lie to him and now that he was my responsibly I figured I could tell him what I wanted and when. I pointed to the picture and made a same circle with my hand. Then I pointed to him and made a bid circle trying to tell him that our boats were small but that his were large and it was that which I wished to learn. It didn't have to right now but I wanted him to know that's what I wanted, what I expected him to teach us.

I nodded my head slowly asking if he understood. If not at least I had in my own way showed him so down the line when I knew his words better he wouldn't be surprised with my request.

 

[Nordican]

I watched as she gave me the tour. The tent seemed to be well stalked and seemed to denote just how powerful her standings were in the army. Then I looked as she settled in at a table and drew a picture. It was obviously a ship that much was certain. When she put the hand over her heart I figured it a sign of ownership. These were her ships, her people's ships.

Then I saw her point to me and make a bigger circle. My eyebrows furrowed for a moment as I realized her intention. She wanted me to draw out my ships. Well bad drawing skills aside I had no exact knowledge how to build the ships. I was an apprentice navigator I didn't know that much about actually building a ship.

I gave her a simple nod all the same and did a rough sketch as best I could of one of our Galleons. I did as best as I could and curved out the prow and the four sails and masts and everything I could and just hoped it would be enough to show I understood. I slowly looked to her and gazed at her intense dark eyes.

I held my hand over to my heart. "Citus Vleiben Si vit Kahina?" I asked wondering if I was to stay with her while I worked to help design the ships or whatever they had in mind.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I didn't mean to but I was hovering over Citus as he drew out the shape of his boats. The Elders were right in wanting this knowledge by the measurements of his drawing the boats of his people were very large. My heart started to race again as Citus caught my eye. He was born of the sea, his eyes even told me so as I looked deep into them. Somewhere I had stopped breathing as my heart raced and it caught me off guard. I tore my eyes away from the sea child and stepped back.

He was trying to tell me something and I listened to his world repeating them in my head and breaking them down against the other words he had used. It was distantly related in structure to the spoken words of the dune people. I nodded my head. If what I understood to mean he was staying here with me then my answer was yes.

Just then a bell sounded at my tent flap and one of my warleaders walked in. It was Bellona who was in charge of all our supplies. She was lean in body with cored muscles and sun tanned skin. Her hair was pulled back and bound with many colored threads until it looked like a colorful club at the base of her neck. Bellona was tall like many of us with startling eyes of honey.

"Sri said you would need me."

I wasn't aware that I would but then Sri came out from the bedroom flaps carrying a tray of teas. I looked at her a question about to fall from my lips when she darted her eyes in Citus' direction and I understood. I was still early in the seasons and while the sun was warm while it was with us the winds that came from the still melting mountains could be bitter and at night one might say that it even got chilly.

"This person Citus will require clothing, armor and any other gear he might need, save weapons."

Bellona slowly looked over Citus with a sharp eye taking measurements of him that would be spot on perfect. "I will bring you a selection with in a single sun's dance."

Sri had offered the warleader tea but she shook her head no and quickly left the tent.

"Thank you Sri-" My arm was reached out to take a tea cup when another of my warleades walked thru the falling flaps that Bellona had just exited thru.

"I have word sent from Sri that my assistance is needed." This warleader was sandy in coloring. Light golden hair worn loose, sand brown eyes and fair tan skin. She too was tall and slim but with a softer nature then the last warleader that was here.

I looked back at Sri wondering how many of my warleaders she had called without my knowledge. "I need a horse." As warleader in charge of the horse herd Aello would know the best horse to pair with Citus.

"Can he ride?" She asked bluntly.

"No."

"Does he fear horses."

"I believe not."

"Can he be at my tent within the end of the day?"

"I don't see why not."

Aello nodded, said nothing more and left.

I took my tea cup then and slipped slowly from the hot drink. Sri then offered Citus a cup. When she did she placed her hand over chest and said her name. "Sri." She smiled kindly, her eyes softening as she said her name to him again before putting the tray down in front of him and leaving.

"Should I expect anyone else?" I called after Sri and like I expected didn't get an answer. I looked to Citus and again wondered what he thought of all that. With no way to talk to him I once again tried to mime out what would be happening. I pointed to myself and made a gesture of hanging him something and then tugged on his shirt. I repeated the motion again for his pants and boots. I nodded yes and waited for is answer. We had just eaten and I wasn't hungry and assumed he wasn't either. But was he tired. I knew he was hurt but he how badly. I then shook my head no and clasped my hands together and rested my head on them and closed my eyes pretending to sleep. It was still around midday but if he was tired I wasn't going to force him to stay up.

 

[Nordican]

When the two other women came in I tried to pick up names or familiar words but it was hard. Everything happened so fast and I saw the first one with colorful threads woven through her hair look me up and down.

Is she planning to share me? I thought and glanced back to Kahina slightly puzzled before another one had come and passed. I saw Kahina kept looking back to the old woman and then I accepted one of the cups of teat and learned her name was Sri. It appeared she lived in the tent with Kahina and she appeared quite older than my keeper. I wondered if the two were nay relation or if Sri served as an adviser and helper.

It was strange after when Kahina made a show of offering me something and then tugging on my shirt and pants. I swallowed for a moment and then nodded figuring it had something to do with clothes.

"Vleidung." Clothes.I stated with a small smile. Then I saw her motion as if she was sleeping. I shook my head slowly. Slowly I reached out a hand and touched her clothes and then pulled back my hand not wanting to appear as if I meant her harm. "Citus. Vleidung." I said slowly and then moved my hand back to rest on her clothing. "Kahina.." I paused hoping she would see the pattern.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I didn't consider what I wore to be clothing, it was armor. "Vledidung." I touched the sleeve of his shirt. "Jiǎ?" I said touching the thick leather and metal armor on my chest. "Citus jiǎ?" I asked. I wasn't understanding the pattern he was making for me but I hoped that I was close. I planned on getting him some already but if he wanted it now then it worked for me seeing as we needed to go to Bellona's tent here in some time anyways. And if we walked we should arrive perfectly.

As I started thinking about it there was a lot that he would need and as every man was different and their needs blowing from many winds I didn't know where to start with him and without anyone to hand him off to it would be up to me to try and communicate with him what he needed. And the more I thought about it the more my list grew. I sighed and tried to keep my patience with this whole situation.

This wasn't like learning another language, this was having the weight and exceptions of the Elder on me. In battle the solution was easy. Give them your terms and if they don't agree to it they you fight until there is a winner or one of you forfeits. I suddenly felt overwhelmed and took a deep breath. All the lands around us knew of us and who w were so by the time we marched upon them it fight was easy as must gave in with our first terms. But this person didn't seem to know who we were, didn't speak with a tongue that sounded at all familiar to me and was completely strange in every manor that I had witnessed. I am a Warlord and did not know how to care for a persons that was not a warrior.

I shook my head getting a grip on my thoughts and doubts. I was stronger then this and would not fail all those who looked to me to learn and teach alike. I would do as I was called to do and I would teach Citus our ways and tongue.

 

[Nordican]

I nodded with a simple smile hearing the phrase in Kahina's tongue. It seemed that Jia meant armor given she tapped at the heavy padded leather covering her chest. It wasn't exactly what I'd meant given I meant more of trade off of back and forth. My word would come after my name. She seemed to be a bit fluster by the situation and it wasn't hard to see why.

It seemed she was much better suited to other things but had been dealt a cruel hand with me. But then everyone suffers in life in some shape or form but it was still hard to just stand there.

Slowly I moved over to her and held her arm as I stood slightly to her right and behind her. I gave it a little comforting squeeze understanding her frustration. "Kahina." I said simply thought I wasn't sure why as I just tried to do something, anything that might help her out. I had no idea what I would do in terms of doing what they wanted me to do but for the moment that wasn't important. Kahina had been kind to me, and I would hate to be sent somewhere else or to someone else who would look to change how they were getting the information. So I needed to do my best to learn, and figure things out and work at keeping the situation from being more complex than it was already.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

I turned at the touch unsure of the reason why. Was it to comfort me? Was I so weak that I needed his touch? I looked at the hand that held me and admitted that at the moment I did. "Xièxiè." I whispered the word softly and took one last deep breath in. I patted his hand and smiled at him then moved away from the touch. I was grateful for his thought and care but I was a Warlord and such weakness would be used against me.

"Wǒ yǒu zhème duō de wèntí, dàn nǐ néng lǐjiě wǒ, wǒ zhīdào nǐ." I knew there was no use but I wasn't going to give up. I help up the tea cup that I had abandoned and pointed to it wanting his word for it. I was going to have to do this the hard way and learn from the beginning. I was going to point to everything in this room and learn the word. Then as we walked to Bellona's tent I was going to learn the words for everything from here to there.