When the World Was Young by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781948743341
Publisher: HYBRID Ink, LLC
Published: 2022-12-01T08:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Absolutely not!” Tahir shouted, lapis necklace rattling.

There was only the faint red light from the stones glowing in the brass bowl in the center of the circular room. Akachi’s white markings stood out from his nearly invisible markings of orange and black. He hoped no one could see his ears pinned back.

“I would like to hear him speak,” Awiti said calmly.

Awiti was one of the newest members of the council but, as a spearmaster, she had considerable influence among many of the younger jackals. In addition, she was also one of the few in the village who could commune with spirits as Chima did.

A general rumble of agreement rose from the other elders. No one else supported the eldest jackal’s objection.

“Continue,” Awiti prompted.

Akachi laid out his plan to find a suitable jackal in the tribe who was willing to take the risk. He downplayed the possible consequences of a failed summoning. The floods would prevent a second harvest this season. Everyone should be safe enough in their homes for the few hours he needed. The risk was manageable for the possible benefit of hiding the valley from would-be invaders.

The arguments continued deep into the night. In the end, Tahir was outvoted by the other elders and Akachi breathed a sigh of relief. But when he left the council chamber, Awiti came out to stand beside him.

“Would you walk with me?” she asked. “I would like to see where the flooding will be worst.”

With the moonless, overcast sky, it was far too dark to see much in the valley. The painted wolf agreed and followed her down the steps and onto the stone-paved road. When no one else could overhear them, the jackal clasped her paws behind her back.

“You haven’t been fully honest with us.”

Akachi didn’t reply.

“And furthermore, not everyone will approve of you taking a man as a consort,” Awiti said evenly.

“Oh?”

“Everyone knows of your dalliances with the younger men,” Awiti snorted. “It is inappropriate. Boys fucking boys is a thing puppies do when they are still exploring the world and themselves. Not a proper thing for a man to do when he grows up and knows who he is.”

“Then why hasn’t anyone objected?” Akachi asked.

“You’re a warrior and a priest, which is rare in these lands.” Awiti turned towards him. “And I have seen the spirits that surround you. You wield great magics. For that alone, even Tahir is willing to forgive many of the flaws you might have.”

“I see.”

“I don’t think you do,” she said reasonably. “People are swayed by power. Your power is such that people ignore that you murder lions and attract men to yourself. And tonight, you used your influence to ends that we don’t fully understand, for promises we trust are not empty. I see this but I fear the others don’t.”

Akachi rested a paw on the jackal’s shoulder and looked into her eyes. His voice was barely above a whisper. “If you don’t approve of me, why did you back me

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