"Only someone with a name would say something like that."
"You're right," I said. "I dishonor my own name by saying such a thing." I took her hand. "But I don't believe you will never have a name. Names can be earned, as well as given."
Sparrow smiled her teasing smile. "You're so old-fashioned. That only happens in stories. No one earns a name by her deeds anymore. Anyway, I don't mind. Once I've won my shield, the lack of a name won't matter."
That afternoon a spring shower had cooled the air. The earth we sat on was damp and cold. I shivered a little, and Sparrow put her arm around my shoulders.
I thought about how Sparrow must feel. Namet was Eramet's mother, and Sparrow had been Eramet's beloved. There should have been a bond between them, but it almost seemed as if Namet had given Sparrow's place to Maara.
"Was Namet disappointed when Eramet chose you?" I asked her.
I felt her stiffen. "She wasn't overjoyed."
"Namet didn't know you. She should have trusted Eramet's judgment, but no mother ever thinks her child has chosen someone worthy of her, no matter how great a name she bears."
Sparrow laughed. "I suppose you're right."
"Namet is a good woman. She's someone well worth knowing for her own sake, and for Eramet's sake you might try to love her a little."
Sparrow sighed. "You would put the whole world around one hearth."
I think she meant that I would sooner see people at peace with one another than at odds. I thought to myself, Wouldn't anyone? Then I remembered Bec, who at the first hint of an argument hastened to encourage the underdog, not for the sake of justice, but only to prolong the altercation.
I yawned. Sparrow stood up and helped me to my feet.
"Come on," she said. "It's past your bedtime."
We went back to the bower. Sparrow spread an oxhide on the ground against the damp, then covered it with a soft blanket. I sat down and pulled off my boots and trousers. Then I lay back, and through the wickerwork of the roof, I gazed up at the stars. Sparrow lay down beside me and drew a light blanket over us. I could feel her watching me. After a moment she put her hand shyly on my shoulder.
I found her nearness comforting, and I snuggled against her, but I couldn't sleep. I was thinking of Maara, who was at that moment with Namet in the place where she had held my sleeping body through the night while I flew with the beings in the air. I wondered what would pass between them as they knit the bonds of kinship that would last for as long as they both lived.
"Why can't you sleep?" Sparrow whispered. "You must be exhausted."
"The world changes too much," I whispered back. "I'm trying to keep up."
Sparrow brushed my cheek with her fingertips.
"You can catch up tomorrow," she said. "Close your eyes."
I felt her soft hand against my cheek, turning my face to hers. Her kiss didn't surprise me. Her lips were warm and soft. They stopped my thoughts. They awakened in me, not desire, but a longing to be comforted. I turned toward her and put my arms around her.
The touch of her body easily awakened mine. My body remembered her and trusted her. I felt echo within me the memory of what we'd shared, but this time I felt, not the spark of passion, but the comfort of a deep, familiar pleasure.
Sparrow began to caress me. I had not forgotten the sleeping girls who shared the bower with us, and I tried to be quiet. I hid my face in the hollow of Sparrow's shoulder. Her touch was soft and patient. She gave me a gentle pleasure, and as the pounding of my heart slowed, I floated just under the surface of sleep. I had to struggle to stay awake. When I would have reached for her, she stopped me.
"Not now," she whispered. "Go to sleep."
I slipped into the dark.
The entire household gathered for the midday meal. It was unusual for everyone to be there all at once except on holidays, but they knew what was going to happen, and no one wanted to miss such an important event.
Everyone remained standing. Even the Lady and the elders stood by their places at the high table. Usually on these occasions the warriors were impatient. Coughing and mumbling and shuffling of feet would signal their desire to have the formalities over with so that they could eat their dinner. Today they waited in silence, and an air of anticipation filled the hall.
Namet appeared with Maara in the doorway. They stood in the place where my mother and I had waited for the Lady to summon us on the first day I set foot in Merin's house. Namet's face glowed with happiness and pride. I saw Maara glance at her and smile.
All eyes were on them. The Lady beckoned to Namet, who took Maara's hand and led her to the Lady's table, just as my mother had done with me.
"My daughter," said Namet.
I half expected to see resentment or displeasure in the Lady's eyes, but she surprised me. She bowed her head to Maara in acknowledgement. When she looked up again, I saw in her face acceptance and respect, as she welcomed one who had been a stranger in her house and who now would be a stranger no longer.
With the same words, Namet presented Maara to each of the elders. One by one they acknowledged her. Then Namet went to each table in turn. She presented Maara to every warrior present, and my warrior became Maara, Namet's daughter.
End Book I
The adventure continues in:
When Women Were Warriors Book II
A Journey of the Heart
&
When Women Were Warriors Book III
A Hero's Tale
For more information about the trilogy,
When Women Were Warriors,
including ordering information:
www.whenwomenwerewarriors.com
Catherine M. Wilson, The Warrior's Path
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