The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Thirty-Five: Adreanna

As soon as Thepa had delivered the finishing blow, chaos erupted around the clearing. On Zelphina's side of the battlefield Matrons laid down their weapons. The Sisters of Skirret converged on the surrendering satyrs, forcing them into a smaller circle. Thepa staggered, grasping at the dagger still lodged in her shoulder while blood oozed from its opening. At first, she tried to remove its steely blade, but stopped as Wilran and Onna ran to her side.

"Captain, you're hurt," Wilran said, studying the dagger in Thepa's shoulder. 

Thepa smiled wearily. "I'll manage," she lied. "Think we can heal it here? We need to get to the outpost quickly."

"May I, Matriarch?" Sister Onna asked, gesturing towards the dagger.

With a nod of her head, Thepa closed her eyes and braced herself for the pain. Sister Onna's steady hand worked swiftly as she removed the dagger, a small cry of discomfort escaping Thepa's lips. Wilran quickly moved in, expertly closing the wound. As relief washed over Thepa, she opened her eyes, studying the it. Despite the absence of the blade, a small discomfort lingered in her shoulder. Determined to alleviate it, she rolled her shoulder until she heard a small pop. Glad that her arm still functioned properly, she retrieved her quiver and bow from Sister Onna, slung them over her back, and raised her voice to address the crowd.

"Sisters of Skirret! First of all, I want to thank you for your support. You have shown true loyalty to the Beachwick, Sister Vivian, and my mother. For that, I am eternally grateful." Thepa paused a bit to catch her breath. "Continue to secure Zelphina's followers and place them somewhere safe. We will deal with them when I return later today. Do not abuse or disrespect them in any way. They are still Matrons of the Beachwick. Second, take care of my mother and Sister Vivian. Make sure they get the best care possible."

The Sisterhood bowed with outstretched hands and replied as one, eliciting the Call of the Beachwick.

"Our loving mother, the Matriarch of all.

We, the Sisterhood, serve your call."

When they finished, Thepa bowed back, echoing, "I will serve my duty. I will give my sacrifice...Wilran, Zuna? Find Tash, Yenry, and Julius. We need to get back to the outpost."

"Wait!" a voice called out from the crowd.

Around her, the Matrons parted. Two satyrs had propped up her mother, who struggled under the weight of her frailness. At first, Thepa hesitated, her lip quivering and hand flexing tentatively towards the woman who had given her life. But as her mother started to bow with outstretched hands, Thepa did not wait any longer. With a sudden burst of emotion, she closed the distance between them and warmly embraced the woman she had desired to know for a lifetime. As Thepa realized the extent of her mother's injuries, she tenderly rubbed her nose into hers.

"I'm so sorry I hadn't come—" she tried to say, but her mother cut her off, not allowing her to speak.

"I'm proud of you, Bean," her mother said, trembling as she spoke. "You have found your hooves. You have answered the Call. You will make a fine Matriarch. I know the Matrons will be in good hands with you as their mother. Now go and do what you must, but come back quickly. Your people need you...I need you."

Thepa nodded, gave one last hug, and took off in the direction of the outpost, too afraid to look back. The moment was one she desperately craved, but as much as she desired its comfort and longing, the rest of her heart was pulling her to Rory.

It wasn't long before they were out of the jungle and into the clearing where the outpost soldiers were putting out fires. Smoke and fire trailed into the jungle, leading away from the front gate, now in shambles. Pandemonium surrounded the large outpost, but what caught Thepa's eyes was a medic attempting to revive a pink-headed figure on the ground.