Tavaar - 61st Edition

Tavaar tried to ignore her worries, but she wasn’t having much success. She had thought five or ten short turns would suffice, but Sampka was taking a full turn with each warrior he questioned. He was definitely probing. The roughhousing which happened earlier probably hadn’t helped. She excused herself from the others and walked to her hut. She lay alone in the dark, not bothering to light a lamp. She wished she could sleep, but her thoughts were too active. The flap opened, letting in the sun's final rays. She expected to see Sashwa or Wheylin. It was Khaiu. She sat up with a start, her heart leaping with expectation.

“May I come in?” he asked.

She hesitated. He had asked the question she hoped he would ask. Insane thoughts of passion filled her head. It could happen. Right now.

“I will come out,” she said.

He held the flap open while she crawled out. A quick look around showed two warriors had seen Khaiu arrive. They were trying to look nonchalant, but it was obvious they were watching to see if she would bring him inside.

“Let’s walk,” she said.

“As you wish. Lead the way.”

They walked along the camp’s main pathways, never straying to a place of seclusion. Occasionally, they came upon couples engaged in play. For the most part, Tavaar said nothing. The singles were with singles and the marrieds were with their own spouses. Tavaar did send one married couple, who’s play was increasing in fervor, to their hut. One pair of singles she pulled out of some shrubs, informing them that whatever play they chose to engage in would be done in full view of the path. She felt like a hypocrite. Her feelings toward Khaiu were not exactly pure.

“You will make a fine captain,” said Khaiu, when they had resumed their walk.

“Sometimes I feel like a village walker, passing through the camp on the alert for wrongdoing.”

Khaiu laughed. “It can be that way sometimes.”

“Especially in this company. You’ve heard the rumors, Khaiu. I don’t need to explain.”

“No, you don’t. I think everyone’s heard them.”

She suddenly stopped and they faced each other. This made her uncomfortable because she had a strong desire to take him in her arms. But she wanted to tell him this to his face.

“Khaiu, a lot of the rumors are true. Probably not the worst. I can imagine what those are. But things were bad here, and most of the company was involved to some degree.”

“I surmised as much. The tales which spread through the family were too incredible to not have some truth associated with them. Beyond that, there is the sudden departure of Kelenbah and his officers. My instincts tell me you played some part in arranging that. But probably the most telling clue is you.”