Ruth Langan by Diamond

Author:Diamond [Diamond]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“This is Pa’s grave.” Diamond led the way to the top of the windswept hill.

Jade, holding a small earthen jar in her hand, stood very still, studying the mound of earth topped with stones. It seemed a primitive burial, compared with the colorful rituals of her people. There had been no ancient ones to pray and chant, no incense, no dragons dancing. And there were no ashes to mingle with the earth and wind, to scatter over the ocean, to carry the spirit home to the bosom from which it sprang. But she did not wish to offend her father’s other daughters, who obviously approved of this stark burial.

Though she said not a word, the bleak look on her face spoke volumes.

Pearl, whose own first glimpse of this mound of earth had left her shaken, said softly, “According to Diamond, this was Daddy’s favorite place.”

“Ah. Then this final resting place was chosen to honor our father in a special way?”

Diamond swallowed, then nodded. “I figure Pa is happy here, with a view of the land he loved.” She was uncomfortable sharing her grief with these two, and seeing the grave brought a fresh round of pain. “Would you like to be alone, Jade?”

“Oh, no. I think Father would be pleased to see us together.” Jade removed the stopper from the earthen jar and began to sprinkle ashes over the grave.

“What are you doing?” Pearl asked in alarm.

“These are my mother’s ashes. I have kept them on a small altar to honor her memory. When I heard of Father’s death, I knew that it would please her to have some of her ashes mingled with those of the only man she ever loved. I only wish that I had some of Father’s ashes, so that I could place them on the altar with Mother’s.”

Pearl shivered, and it was obvious that she thought the custom barbaric. But for some strange reason, the thought pleased Diamond, who could not remember her own mother. Jade’s exotic customs touched some romantic place in her heart that she hadn’t even known existed.

“I think Pa would like that,” she said.

For the first time, Jade smiled. “Then, if you do not mind, I will take some of the earth from Father’s grave, and mix it with the ashes in this urn.”

“I’ll help you.” Grateful for something to do, Diamond knelt and began to scoop a small portion of sand from the mound of earth. While Jade held out the urn, she allowed it to sift through her fingers to mingle with the ashes.

Pearl knelt and began to pray. Jade stood, clutching the earthen jar to her chest and chanting in an ancient tongue. Diamond dropped to one knee and touched a hand to the pile of rocks while staring out across the land. Pa’s land. My land, she thought fiercely. And then, even as that thought came, another nudged it aside. Was it truly her land now? Or did a part of it belong to these two strangers,

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