The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Twenty-Three: Adreanna

As soon as Thepa had delivered the finishing blow, chaos erupted all around them. Matrons on Zelphina's side of the battlefield begun to lay down their weapons and put their hands up in the air. Zuna and some of the Sisters of Skirret ran to untie the Matriarch and Sister Vivian. The rest of the Skirret had converged on the surrendering Matrons, forcing them into a smaller circle, collecting weapons in the process. She herself 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 herself, but stopped as Wilran and Onna ran to her side.

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

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, causing only a small cry of discomfort to escape from Thepa's lips. Wilran, standing close by, quickly jumped into action and expertly closed the wound. As relief washed over her, Thepa opened her eyes and focused on her surroundings. 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; eliciting a satisfying sigh from her lips. Glad that her arm still functioned properly, Thepa 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 my mother and for that I am eternally grateful." Thepa paused a bit to catch her breath. "Continue to secure Zelphina's followers and place them in the Meeting Hall. We will deal with them when I return later today. Do not abuse or disrespect them in anyway. 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 and repeated the call.

"I will serve my duty; I will give my sacrifice...Elite Team One? Quickly back to the outpost."

"Wait!"

As the Matrons parted, a familiar voice called out to them from the crowd, causing Thepa to turn and look. She saw two satyrs who had propped up her mother, who struggled under the weight of her wounds. 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 her mother, whom she had sorely missed. It was a bittersweet moment, filling her soul with both joy and sadness. As Thepa realized the extent of her mother's injuries, she tenderly rubbed her nose into hers.

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

"I'm proud of you, Bean," said the Matriarch trembling as she spoke. "You have shown such bravery and strength in the face of danger. You have answered the Call when it mattered most. You will make a fine Matriarch. I know the Matrons will be in good hands with you as their mother. Now go, 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.