One Great Year by Tamara Veitch & Rene DeFazio

Author:Tamara Veitch & Rene DeFazio
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
Published: 2014-01-28T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

A PROMISE HONORED

Temujin had not come for Borte on his twelfth birthday as was agreed. Nor had he come in years following. Borte’s father became concerned that his beautiful, sweet daughter would be left to wilt like a field flower. He had learned that Temujin’s family had been cast out after Yesugei Khan’s death, but he had heard no more. The agreement was still in place, despite the fact that the suitor was no longer the strategic and valuable alliance he had once seemed; it would be dishonorable to act otherwise. Borte’s father could only hope and pray for news that Temujin had been killed. Then he would be free to make a better match for her. They waited, year after year, they waited, but no word came.

It was an evening in midautumn. Borte was in her seventeenth year and had grown muscular and strong, but she maintained the outward appearance of fragile loveliness. Her soft brown skin was red and toughened where it had been exposed to the elements. She had worked ceaselessly all day, using a thick bone needle to stitch seams through dense skins that would aid in the winter comfort and survival of her family. Her father, the chief, was alerted that a rider approached. As the unexpected stranger grew nearer, his red hair and green eyes were unmistakable. Like a spirit from another time, Temujin returned unannounced to claim his bride.

“It is Temujin, daughter, make haste to be ready,” the chief ordered. Borte was stunned and overcome with uncertainty and fear. She grew frantic as she realized the significance of the rider. She clutched her father’s arm like a small child.

“Tell him to go away!” she begged, her eyes wide and imploring, her belly churning. Her father’s heart raced at the vision of Temujin rising like sacred fire, red and blazing across the landscape. He snapped at his daughter, consumed by his own anxiety.

“Hush, daughter. You know nothing of the world!” he scolded, uncharacteristically harsh. He was unnerved by the image of Temujin rising on the plain, looking more spirit than man.

The chief returned to the calm, controlled voice to which she was accustomed. “He comes to us like a raven on the wind, daughter. Settle yourself; soon he will be here and we will see he is just a man. We must welcome him into our family as we have promised. We will hear his tale and pledge nothing else until he has had his say.”

He placed his hand on his opposite elbow where Borte gripped him uncertainly. Borte’s mother and grandmother had joined them outside and he steered his daughter toward them. “Take her inside and make ready, for tonight we share our home.”

Borte was led inside, her pulse and mind racing. Though she had waited many years for Temujin to come, she could not help but wish him away. He was a stranger, after all, and he was coming to them so suddenly. Borte felt a great charge in the air, and she knew that change was certainly upon them.

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