Pheta gladly helped in whatever ways she could to take care of her loved ones. It was easy for her to get meat! When she brought it to them, she used her flame exploding from her nostrils to char the meat to cooked perfection.
Kahira refilled Tanka’s bowl with fresh cold water. She redressed his splint while Pheta hunted. Pheta made things easy with her hunting skill. Kahira moved the hut to the ground, turning its door away from the demolished village.
The mind connections the trio had with each other made them into a fine fighting squad. Practicing different battle strategies, they used certain thoughts or feelings for their different commands. Pheta learned different techniques and movements from the sky.
Kahira knew the more Pheta joined battles now, the sooner she would begin to move on her own volition, just as Tanka now did, without thinking. They forged a barrier around themselves as a group that was almost impregnable.
Chapter 31
When Tanka’s leg completely healed so he could hunt for himself again, Kahira knew it was time to move on. She packed up the hut after filling it and the drinking container with cold lake water. She had stocked the hut with meats.
She rode on Pheta, letting Tanka to get used to walking again without any extra weight to carry. Following the lake’s shoreline, the group entered the forest where Kahira had been taken by the warrior.
They moved through days, stopping in the evenings to rest, eat and sleep. There was no hurry. Kahira’s intuitions let her know her destiny lay to the west.
Arriving at the far edge of the forest, the trio continued their unhurried journey. By nightfall, they arrived at a plains lake, to the left of two mountains. After camping by the lake that night, again filling up with water, they discussed their next move.
Tanka wanted to know Kahira’s plans. “What do you want to do now, Kahira?” he asked.
She answered, “I want to go to the mountains. We can camp there to replenish our supplies before moving on.” She turned Tanka toward the mountains. Pheta flew ahead, searching for food, checking for safety.
Close the mountains, Kahira set up the hut. After eating, Pheta told her, “We will rest together while you bathe.” Kahira reappeared after her bath. She saw the other two had already fallen asleep. She decided to walk in the trees around the foot of the tall mountains.
Lost in thought, she never saw the black arm encircle her waist from behind a tree or the dark hand grip her mouth!
Kahira squirmed and wiggled, unable to break the strength of the arm holding her. Her back was pressed against a muscular chest with a hand clamped firmly over her mouth.
Lifted from the ground, she was carried into a cave opening in the mountain.
The warrior carried her through an obsidian tunnel. It was so dark that she could see nothing. Kahira struggled to pull free, to no avail. Her captor held her firmly, saying nothing. After a seemingly endless journey, the tunnel opened into a nice sized cavern with a blue glowing pond, making it all the more eerie and mysterious.
Abruptly, Kahira was dropped onto her feet. She turned to face her captor. She watched as a large black warrior tied her hands with rope, securing the other end through a belt loop at his waist. He stepped back, his gaze moving up and down her slender form. They were both curious, appraising one another for several moments.
Kahira noticed that although the man was definitely a cave dweller, he was of a lighter color than most. He had finely chiseled features with piercing dark brown eyes.
His body was in excellent physical condition. A powerful chest rode abdominal muscles showing a flat, hard stomach tapering into a slightly thinner waist. His loincloth enhanced a perfect build of muscular thighs on long legs. She could not help but appreciate his dark good looks. “Who are you? What do you want with me?” Kahira insisted.
The warrior stared at her blankly, wondering how she knew his language. He grunted, reaching for her face, but she jerked away. He roared with laughter that turned into a growl. He grabbed her chin roughly with his thumb and forefinger. Kahira could see his talon-like nails just within her vision.
“You are in no position to make demands, girl!” he spat out. “I am called Tenai (meaning strong one) by my tribe. Now tell me YOUR name!”
“I am Kahira.” Her demeanor shifted. She could not deny his behavior alarmed her. Her eyes pleaded to understand why this warrior tribe was so intent upon killing her.
Tenai repeated her name, drawing out the syllables. “Kah-hee-rah... yesss.” His teeth were white, sharp. His face inched close to hers, his eyes glowing. “What do I want with you?” Tenai’s lips drew back in contempt as he continued.
“Eons ago, legends foretold of a young woman who would bring about the downfall of the cave dwellers. That woman is YOU. We have killed you throughout time, but you defy us by continuously rising again from the depths of the dead!”
“Reborn time and again, you persevere, moving forward to our ruination! You MUST be stopped! Or you will destroy what we cave dwellers have become! Our only hope is for your life force to die a final death without a chance to begin again!”
Tenai ran his thumb along the side of her face, the nail grazing her skin. His crimson eyes flashed angry sparks into Kahira’s dark purple ones. Remembering her vision, she realized what he was talking about.
His hands went to her throat. Before he could get a tight grip, Kahira pushed him roughly away with her arms. She wrapped both hands together in a heavy fist, striking him in the stomach as hard as she could!
Tenai stumbled back a few steps. For an instant, Kahira saw a look of astonishment on his face, then of awe. In that moment, Tenai’s features took on completely different characteristics. He did not look evil or angry; just surprised! But Kahira did not take time to think. She flattened her palms out with intent, straightening her arms towards him!
Kahira felt power begin to unleash within her body, swirling and spasming her as it gathered into her palms. But for some reason, she held back. Something screamed at her to stop. Something in the depths of her heart pulled at the strings of her soul.
As electricity gathered in her palms, light blinded Tenai who covered his eyes defensively. Kahira glanced down, seeing the necklace her mother made her. Time seemed to stand still; everything froze except for Kahira’s consciousness, which centered her mind and energy on this gift her mother had given her.
She felt strangely detached from what was transpiring around her. Torn between her inborn instinct (from her father) to act quickly to protect herself and the inborn instinct (from her mother) to stay calm and think, Kahira focused on the familiar feel of the necklace; the weight of it against her skin.
She could envision her mother’s patience in making the necklace. The care and love Amatola put into making something beautiful from something evil. Then it struck her!
As electricity began to reverberate through every pore of her body, Kahira lowered her arms to her sides, clenching her hands into rigid fists. She could not kill Tenai!
Chapter 32
Tightening her muscles in an attempt to calm her emotions, Kahira struggled with the mounting electrical force. Its power slowly began to dissipate. Kahira realized she had figured out how to control her strange power! Her eyes closed involuntarily and Kahira fell unconscious to the ground.
Right before she hit the ground, Tenai caught her in his strong arms. He looked at the unconscious young woman he held. He was puzzled about what exactly had just happened.
Tenai gently laid Kahira down. Striding to the lake, he removed his thick, soft floor-length cape, spreading it there. He went back to where Kahira lay unconscious. Picking her up, he carried her to his cape, wrapping her in its soft warmth.
*****
When Kahira’s eyes opened, it took them a moment to adjust. She studied her surroundings. Where was she? She had never been here before. It was not so much a place but more an ethereal feeling.
Kahira found herself floating in air with no ground anywhere to be seen! Glancing
around, she realized she was moving upward. The two moons were just to her right! All around her, the night sky was the most beautiful lavenders and dark purples.
The stars far, far away twinkled brightly in the sky. The closer stars, although still millions of miles away, became tiny comets and planets. Kahira was floating through the night sky in space!
She saw no one but herself - but she felt hundreds of others; thousands of beings; billions of them all around her! Who were they? Why were they here? What was going on? Why was SHE here?
As Kahira curiously continued to explore, she noticed two of the twinkling stars moving toward her! From far away, they honed in on her and flew through space separating them. It took a millisecond!
The closer they got, the brighter they appeared until it was hard for Kahira to look at the glowing orbs! The brilliant light eased to a stop directly in front of her. She had covered her eyes to keep from being blinded. Kahira felt the intensity of the light diminishing. She removed her arms from her eyes, opening them.
Standing in front of her were Amatola and Ahoti! They were luminous and shimmering but she knew who they were. Tears began to run from her eyes as she floated up to Amatola in awe.
Her mother surrounded her with a hug, holding Kahira in her arms, cheek-to-cheek. She kissed her forehead. Releasing her, Amatola eased back to look at her daughter.
Kahira turned to Ahoti, looking wondrously into his gentle eyes. He glided to her and pulled her against his chest in a loving embrace. Her arms wrapped around his waist as if she were a child again, never wanting to let go!
Her father stroked her hair like he used to when she was a little girl. Finally, Ahoti released Kahira. He moved to Amatola’s side once again, taking her hand. “We need to speak with you, Kahira.”
Ahoti’s expression grew serious. “Like me, you have always acted with a hunter’s instinct, to protect yourself and the ones you love. But you also have your mother’s heart; her natural instinct of calmness and healing.”
“That is true, daughter.” Amatola spoke out. “Now, we need to speak with you of this cave dweller, Tenai.”
“What of him, mother?”
“We know who Tenai is and what he can be. He has a good heart, even though he is a dark warrior. This may be his chance to change, to decide his own fate. You must help him choose the right path.”
“I do not understand,” Kahira said with a look of confusion on her face.
“Your father and I chose the right path for us,” Amatola continued. “Neither felt that death was an option in the choices we made. We chose instead to live, together.”
“We did not allow the old law of tribal segregation to rule our lives. We did not allow ourselves to perish because of it, either, because it was unjust and wrong. Our story will pave a way of hope for others who feel the same as we did.”
“I understand that, mother,” Kahira replied. “I know the love you had for one another. I felt the love you each had for me. You made the right choice. Because that, I am who I am.
I am grateful for the chances in life I now have because of the sacrifices both of you made.”
Ahoti spoke now, addressing his daughter. “You must not try to change Tenai, Kahira. This is a decision he must make for himself. But by your actions, you can help him choose the right path to take. He is a significant factor in your future, either way he chooses.”
Kahira absorbed her parents’ words, but shook her head in dismay. “I have so many questions! What is he to me? I do not know if he is a friend or an enemy. HOW is he significant to my future?”
Amatola moved forward, taking Kahira’s hands in her own. “These are things we cannot tell you. It is in the stars. Everyone has choices to make in life. The choices you make affect others; the choices they make affect more.”
“I hope you decide to be calm and think, rather than to act quickly without consideration.” Ahoti moved up, pulling Amatola to his side. His face softened as he looked at Kahira. “We must go now, my daughter.”
Tears sprang to Kahira’s eyes. “I never got to say goodbye to you! I was so alone, so lost after you were gone! I do not want to live without you! You have given me a gift, I know. I miss and love you! I want to stay here with you! Do not send me back to live without you again! Please?”
Amatola’s eyes were also bright with tears. “Daughter, you cannot stay here at this time. Your destiny has not been fulfilled. Your life is not over; it has just begun. Know that we watch over you. We love you!”
“We are with you always, in spirit! You are never alone! When the time is right, we will all be together for eternity. Time is nothing here; to us, we will be together soon. But you MUST live your life and follow your destiny. Be happy! Life passes so quickly!”
Kahira cried her heart out as she watched her parents fade into bright lights and speed through the sky away from her. She did not think she could stand the pain.
*****
While Kahira was in her sleep-like trance, Tenai was trying to plan his next move. A coward would have taken this opportunity to kill her while she could not fight back. He knew that some of his tribesmen would have snatched Kahira up at this moment of helplessness and sliced her throat, simply to have the reward of completing the task.
Chapter 33
Tenai was no coward. He enjoyed earning his title. He enjoyed a challenge. He was curious to know what just happened when the young woman seemed to fill with energy and power, yet did not attack him! It truly bewildered him.
He looked at her, feeling a strange attraction to the unconscious girl. Kahira”s scent lingered on him. He could smell it deep in her hair. “What am I doing?” Tenai asked himself, startled by the sudden surge of uncontrollable thoughts in his mind.
The legend of the soul of Kahira sparked ill feelings among everyone in his tribe, and here he was, allowing himself to fill with desire for her! Tenai’s own father was one who would give his life to see her dead.
Tenai felt strongly that it was HIS destiny to kill Kahira and rid his clan of the danger. The ancient lore kept them from pouring out and overtaking all other lands of Edla to this day.
He had envisioned many times, how it would feel to go to his father with news of his success. Maybe Tenai would finally see a look of pride and triumph in the old man’s eyes.
Not once in his entire life had Tenai witnessed a positive emotion come from his father. His father had never even shown a spark of pride when he, the only son of the Chief, continuously proved to outshine others in his rank.
Tenai had made a name for himself among the cave warriors and had brought honor to his family. They all envied the Chief for the skills his son showed in battle and other activities.
And yet Tenai was plagued by his father’s constant look of displeasure. Their lives were void of the normal bond and encouragement between father and son. Underneath his cold exterior, this greatly bothered Tenai.
He sat down on the cape, watching Kahira’s flawless face. She was the epitome of beauty. The cave females were gorgeously obsidian, but Kahira was an exact opposite of that. She was made of cream and lavender. Her hair was a purple rainbow that never stopped moving or changing colors. It was soft as silk, scented with a tortuously haunting scent.
Tenai had an urge to touch her. He did not fight it. He ran his hand up Kahira’s arm, feeling the smooth skin. His fingers moved like a breeze over her throat. How delicate she seemed! It would be so easy to choke the life from her with his strong grip!
Chapter 34
On impulse, Tenai sought to explore more. One finger touched the middle of Kahira’s lips, softly tracing her mouth. He allowed his fingers to gently trace the outline of the tattoo on her forehead. Putting his nose to the inside of her wrist, he inhaled her scent.
Tenai’s pulse began to flutter as he lowered his head and kissed the skin. He closed his eyes, enjoying all that his senses were collecting. Something urged him to touch his lips to hers. Tenai’s craving baffled him! But he gave into it.
Softly, and without reserve, he kissed Kahira full on the mouth.
Opening her heavy-lidded eyes, Kahira felt a shiver of pleasure course through her body. Beside her, she saw Tenai. He looked deep into her eyes. Kahira could see her reflection in his dark gaze. The kiss tingled on her mouth. Something passed between the two, whispering a promise of a magical experience.
But Tenai’s lifelong desire to gain his father’s respect was more powerful than his passion for a possible romance. In an instant, Tenai’s demeanor changed dramatically. Kahira saw the moment when his eyes took on a shadowy black redness and he pulled out of the daze he had been in.
He looked upon her now with fierce contempt. “What did you do?” Tenai hissed, regaining his stance to hover over her. Kahira faltered but couldn’t seem to form any words. She did not know how to react, given the strange vision and circumstance she had awakened to.
“I saw your sorceress power! Are you trying to bewitch me?” Tenai’s words were angry accusations but Kahira did not have the energy to argue. She attempted to move but her limbs felt weighted down. Her mouth suddenly became dry.
“I...I need water.” She stammered.
Tenai stopped pacing and noticed how weak Kahira seemed. He knelt down to peer into her face again, but the sensation he felt before was no longer present. He took her arm forcefully and cocked his head. “I will not be toyed with, girl!” He spat, “I will take you to the water but do not think to betray me. And once you are fit, I demand to know what is happening here!”
Tenai’s expression remained intense as he swiftly lifted her up, swinging her petite form over his shoulder. Cursing to himself, he lumbered over to the water’s edge and set Kahira down so hard that her feet splashed in the pond.
Kahira regained a little movement through the course of Tenai’s tantrum and she swept up the cool liquid to drink. It was wonderfully fresh, so she hastily drank more. Tenai watched.
Kahira was hunched over with her back to him now. When she finished, she stared down into the reflective pool. How was she going to handle this? She was already growing tired of Tenai’s ruthless manner. Kahira was afraid she did not possess the patience needed for her task.