Chaart Acrat 1 - The Flying Bride

Chapter 4

Soon after Raakshe's declaration the whole village was in chaos. There were several wild rumours circulating among the villagers, concerning either the bride of the chief's son or the soothsayer's abrupt fainting. Raakshe had been carried to the healers right after she had collapsed, but no one seemed to know anything about her condition.

Owata couldn't stay at the market, for people kept staring at her curiously. She fled as soon as she got a chance and headed to the clearing of the shia-ags. She sat down behind the storage hut empty-minded and leaned her back against the splintery wall.

She sat there for a long time and listened to the crickets. There was no one else in the clearing, fortunately. The hunters were at work - only the youngest and oldest ones of the shia-ags were lounging on the tree branches. Owata closed her eyes and hoped she was somewhere far away.

She heard some heavy steps coming closer through the grass and prepared herself to stand up quickly and come up with an excuse for being in the clearing. The steps were oddly peaceful and steady. As they drew near, Owata realized that the comer was no human.

She opened her eyes and found herself looking in the eyes of a large silver-blue shia-ag. Tricame stood right in front of her, lowered her head and pushed Owata gently with her beak.

Owata could have sworn Tricame's gaze was inquiring.

She raised her hand and laid it slowly on the shia-ag's beak. "I suppose you would keep a secret?"

She felt immediately stupid for talking to a big lizard, but she didn't care. She continued, whispering: "I don't want to marry anyone. It all can only end up badly."

Tricame closed her eyes, opened them again and gave a low rattling voice.

"If it was up to me, I'd become a hunter! I could live freely, without marriage or big family, I would ride a shia-ag through the forests and see the Large Cave Mountain, and fly over the sea farther than anyone... Perhaps I would leave Chaart Acrat, some night I would just disappear, fly over the sea to another island and - "

"Quite a cliché, don't you think."

Owata had to grit her teeth to prevent herself from screaming. She tried to get a neutral expression on her face and stood up turning around.

Siarme's face was smirking above her.

"Your shia-ag becomes untrained if you don't ride it," Owata muttered.

"Why do you think I'm here?"

"Maybe to arrange a tour for your friends?"

"What are you doing here anyway?"

Owata looked at her feet. "I'm working."

"I happen to know that you're not."

"You happen to go wrong."

Owata tried to leave, but Siarme blocked her way. "Listen up, Fiaan. Now that you're here, I have something to tell you. I have no idea what your intentions are, but you won't profit by making Raakshe become crazy. My mother wasn't pleased to hear what you did today. She has the power to do whatever she likes to those who keep causing problems... If you get on her list, your life will become hell."

"But I didn't - "

"Even if you did nothing. Avoid drawing attention from now on."

Owata was stunned at the way Siarme said it. No scorn, no threatening, just a sincere warning.

Tricame was lifting her legs impatiently and pushing Owata with her head. Owata patted her neck. "Since when have you been interested in what my life is like?" she asked quietly.

Siarme raised his chin. "I'm trying to do a favor here, and all I get is sourness? You are one ungrateful little creature!"

"Creature! You beanpole! You should be at home with your mom taking care of the village's businesses!"

"Maybe I should. You're not the only one who doesn't always feel like obeying."

Siarme climbed on Tricame's back and the lizard rose into the air. "But unlike you, I can fly away when I want!"

Owata looked after him, annoyed. Wrong. I will fly too, she swore to herself.