Unknown Warrior

Chapter 4

Raven got up and looked out the tent. It was already night and everyone was sleeping even the dragons. Then Raven noticed that Aukanai’i’s dragon was not there. He ran to his dragon and asked, “Did you see where they went?” The dragon nodded its head. Raven jumped on the dragons back and they flew off. Then five minutes later they landed close to a river. Raven jumped off into the bushes. He saw Aukanai’i’s dragon but no Aukanai’i. Then all of a sudden he heard humming coming from the river. He peered through the bushes and saw Aukanai’i’s clothes all over the floor close to the river bed but he saw a woman in the water. He said without knowing, “You are a woman! Now that explains everything!”

Aukanai’i, startled, jumped out the river and hid behind a tree. Raven stepped out of the bushes and said, “Do not hide. Please, I promise I will not tell anyone.” Aukanai’i whispered “Can you please pass me my silk clothes?” Raven blushed and said, “Umm sure.” He gathered up Aukanai’i’s silk clothes and gave it to her. After she put on her clothes she stepped out from behind the tree. Aukanai’i and Raven stood next to the river looking at each other. Raven broke the silence, “Why did I not notice this? Does anyone know you are a woman? Does your father know? Why do you have the mark of a warrior?” Aukanai’i laughed suddenly. “So much questions. My father does not know I am a woman. My mom has hid it from him ever since I was a baby. When my mom was pregnant the oracle told her that she would have a great warrior. My mom thought I would be a boy, but when I was born she realized I was a girl and that I had the mark of a warrior. She told my dad that I was a boy and when I grew up she told me to never speak or someone will find out. She dressed me up as a boy and sent me to train with my father. He never noticed that my hands were lighter and smaller than any other boy in the tribe. Neither did he notice that I moved more graceful than a young man” Raven said dazed, “I should have noticed it. You never stepped as hard as any of us. You hunted so quietly and always caught your prey. You moved with grace and were never as clumsy as boys. When you first spoke to me it was whispery. I thought to myself ‘Why would a man be afraid to talk?’ Now I know why.” Aukanai’i nodded her head and said, “You must promise to tell no one.” Raven stayed quiet for a couple minutes then spoke, “Ok, but you must promise me that you will...”

Aukanai’i looked confused and questioned, “I will?” Raven hesitated then looked Aukanai’i in the eyes. “Leree” He spoke her soul name. “Tam” She spoke his. They looked at each other like lovers. They were destined to be together. Raven spoke quietly, “You will stay

with me forever?” Aukanai’i walked up to Raven and whispered in his ear, “Forever and ever my love.” Raven without thinking hugged Aukanai’i tightly and whispered, “I love you.” Aukanai’i giggled and pushed Raven in the river. “Oh, so you wanna play huh?” Raven laughed. Aukanai’i ran behind a tree. They played hide and seek for a while and laid down the ground tired. “We must get back before they get worried.” Aukanai’i whispered. “Awe! Do we have to?” Raven whined. “Yes!” Aukanai’i said getting up. Raven stood up too and they walked to their dragons. Nightrunner and Raven’s dragon Strongclaw looked at Aukanai’i and Raven’s hands entwined. Aukanai’i laughed and jumped on Nightrunner’s back. Raven did the same and laughed, “They are so silly!” They flew back to camp and when they arrived the others were already awake waiting for them. Aukanai’i then realized something very important.