Shadow of the Horsemen (Kalie's Journey) by Sandra Saidak

Author:Sandra Saidak [Saidak, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9780984699124
Publisher: Uffington Horse Press
Published: 2012-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

The women returned at sunset, furious at Kalie for removing her veil. When it was once again in place, Kalie was led from the stifling tent to the hot, but breathable, air outside. She could see nothing through the veil, and had to depend on the chattering women who surrounded her to reach the ceremonial site.

As soon as they stopped, the women began singing. It was a long song, about the joys of marriage and the happy bride awaiting her groom. Kalie could hear, but not see, the crowd who joined in for the chorus, clapping their hands at intervals.

She couldn’t tell how many people were attending the wedding, but it sounded like most of the camp. Finally, there was the thunderous sound of hooves, and the women surrounding her scattered, shrieking in mock terror at the bride’s impending abduction. At least she hoped it was mock.

The noise grew louder, and she could smell the horses. Then a hand grabbed her and pulled her neatly up onto the horse.

Kalie hoped it was Riyik.

Other riders followed as they rode onto the steppes, slowly falling behind, and eventually “losing” their quarry, and the now married couple continued on alone.

Finally they stopped. Riyik helped Kalie slide from Thunder’s back, and carefully removed her veil. She saw he had brought them to the hillside where they had made their pact the day before. The deepening twilight and cool breezes made the place even more inviting now.

“So that was an Aahken wedding?” Kalie asked. She had seen a few, but had paid little attention.

Riyik nodded. “Now I am supposed to take you violently on the grass, with only the sky god for a witness.”

Kalie shook her head. “How did your people get this way?”

“This is a harsh land. What else could it breed but harsh people?” Riyik seemed lost in thought, as if intrigued by his own insight. Then he asked, “How is it done among your people? I know men and women mate as they choose, but surely some of them choose to spend their lives together. Is there not a ceremony marking that event?”

“Oh, yes. We have Joinings. When two people—well, it’s usually two people—announce their intention to form a union. A priestess blesses them in the name of the Mother, and the couple exchange vows, and recite poetry that they have composed themselves. And course there’s a feast.”

“That much our traditions have in common. The feast is already beginning. When we return, we will be expected to sit together for a time, while men drink to our health and future, and women bring us choice morsels of food.”

“How long will we have to be there?” Kalie stifled a yawn.

“Not long. For you anyway. The women who attended you will bear you to the tent, while I am expected to drink for most of the night.”

“Sounds about right,” Kalie sighed. After all, the man had already gotten what he wanted. And if he wanted more, after carousing with his friends all night, he had only to wake his sleeping wife and demand it.

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