by W. G. Sweet (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
In the ancient past a cro magnon girl child was born and promised in marriage to a distant related tribe. She has come of age, sixteen and will now be escorted across several hundred miles of wilderness to her soon to be mate in the distant tribe.. Hunters and a medicine woman will accompany her. Once there she will begin her new life and face whatever lies ahead for them…
The early morning hours were a symphony of tearful goodbyes. Her father, Torvin, pressed a sharpened flint knife into her hand, his rough touch a silent vow of protection, a final extension of his guardianship. Her mother clung to her, her body trembling, whispering prayers to the spirits of the sky and the earth, her voice a fragile thread against the encroaching dawn. And then there was Anya, her younger sister, who pressed the small, intricately woven charm into Elara’s palm, a tangible symbol of their unbreakable sisterhood, a silent plea for remembrance and for safety. These moments of profound, genuine affection and heart-wrenching sorrow served as a bittersweet counterpoint to the cold, political necessity of her journey. They were stark reminders of the deep, personal cost of the alliance being forged, not through love or shared desire, but through the life of one young woman.
Before the small caravan began its solemn march, Lyra drew Elara aside, her ancient eyes holding a universe of understanding. She presented Elara with a worn leather pouch, its surface softened by years of use. Inside, nestled amongst dried leaves and carefully tied bundles, were an assortment of herbs, each meticulously labeled by scent and touch, a testament to Lyra’s profound knowledge. “Remember, child,” Lyra’s voice rasped, ancient and steady as the mountains themselves, “the greatest strength lies not in the sharpness of the spear, nor the swiftness of the chase, but in the resilience of the spirit. Observe, learn, and always, always trust your instincts. The earth speaks to those who listen, and its wisdom will guide you through the darkest of times.” This final exchange, a precious legacy of wisdom, emphasized the profound importance of inner resources, the enduring power of knowledge passed down through generations of women, a silent promise of guidance even in the face of overwhelming external pressures.
Accompanying Elara on this arduous journey were two of her clan’s most seasoned hunters. Kael, a man whose silence was as vast and deep as the plains they would traverse, his presence a constant, imposing sentinel. And Roric, younger, quicker, with a scar etched across his brow that spoke of past dangers faced and survived. Kael’s role was paramount; he was to be Elara’s primary guide, her unwavering protector, a guardian whose vigilance was said to be unmatched. He rarely spoke, his focus entirely on the intricate tapestry of the terrain, on the unseen threats that lurked in the shadows. His quiet intensity, the unwavering focus in his steely gaze, was a constant reminder of the wildness that lay before them, a stark testament to the seriousness and inherent dangers of the undertaking.
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