Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 32
When dawn came, the four had been traveling for two hours. Mabuhi quickened her stride so that Uther and Finyat lagged far behind. Sekali knew she did this purposefully.
At midday she broke into a run, dropping any pack and gear that she carried. Sekali stopped, retrieved them, then pursued her as quickly as he could. She burst into a full run, calling out things he could not understand. Increasing his speed, Sekali attempted to overtake her, but his armor weighed him down. Soon Mabuhi disappeared completely into the forest. Sekali looked back the way they had come. The other two were not in sight, nor would they be for some time.
He studied the trees. Never had he seen anything like this forest. These were living things, towering high above him. The thought came to him, as sweat streaked his face, blinding him in his left eye: Like the sea, I wonder what things my Elders did not tell me about forests? Sekali looked at the leaves covering the ground. He took a handful and studied them. He did not see Mabuhi suddenly come from behind, calm, and wearing an almost serene look.
She watched him curiously for a while, seeing how he took such careful notice of things. She smiled and moved closer as he knelt beside a small plant, studying it. The Druid watched him take his gauntlets off so that he might touch it. After a few minutes, she spoke to him.
"Sekali."
He started, and jumped up, dropping the provisional packs.
"Mabuhi, bright one, peacemaker, wolf maiden, lady of the wood, I will always remember you." Sekali bowed low, then gathered up their belongings with trembling hands. His sudden words surprised her. She was amused at the titles he so flattered her with.
"What has brought such kind words to your lips, Sekali of the Wastelands?" Sekali unbuckled his sword and tossed it to the ground behind himself, the Sardakk token of peace. He stood before her, his thoughts slowly shifting from jumbled to orderly as she patiently waited for him to speak first.
"All my life there has been death and bloodshed. I am proud to have been a part of that. It has shown me now that I must one day bring my people to a place like this. Mabuhi, I do not wish to leave." He looked back toward the way they had come and sighed heavily.
"But Uther and Finyat, they will come. I will go and lead them away." He looked at her in all seriousness.
"You will not have to bear them again. You will have your peace." Sekali stated soberly, humbly.
Mabuhi nodded. "You are welcome here, Sekali. When you come into this place, call my name. I will find you."
Sekali nodded.
"And if ever you need my services, small or great, I lend myself freely, gladly."
Mabuhi looked down at her hands for a while and then nodded. She reached up with her fingers and pulled her hair behind her ears with both hands.
"Come back alone. Come back and I will show you the hospitality you deserve."
"Mabuhi, may I call upon you?" He waited, motionless as Mabuhi intensely studied him.
"Yes." She smiled at him warmly, almost affectionately.
Sekali?"
"Yes?"
"I would enjoy your company. We will talk later – look."
He looked where she pointed. Finyat and Uther were trudging up a small incline searching, unaware of the two. They were yet still some distance away. He rose and bowed to her. Retrieving his sword, he began the descent down the forested slope, picturing the forest floor swallowing Finyat and Uther whole in a whirlpool of soil, root and stone.
His oath was complete.