Break The Sky by David Luders

Author:David Luders [David Luders]
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Adventure
ISBN: 9781849610520
Publisher: TheEbookSale Publishing
Published: 2010-06-15T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

He walked with eyes unseeing until he found himself on the bank of the river Aie. Disconsolately, he wandered to its narrow mouth and sat looking out to sea. It had come to this. Deep in his mind, he had always known that his hidden hope was vain. Surely Matasso na Mata would release him and then he could make his life here. Yes, and take a wife and put all at Komam behind him. He would probably have to recompense Matasso na Mata and his own parents. Now that he had pigs of his own, it could all be done. Then he would be free of the past – though there was little joy in it, and much sadness.

When he told Kalterr’s parents their eyes showed pleasure, then sobered into sympathy. Kalterr’s lit up and hearing his father confirm that Vango would have to furnish the recompense, he at once began to scheme how to raise it. Severely, he told the girls to bestir themselves and weave mats for Vango and for days the household was full of laughter at his jesting.

Vango knew that Kalterr’s banter was his way of trying to keep his mind off the doubts. The recompense would be given to Roimuri who would settle with Matasso na Mata for the loss of his man, but it all depended on Matasso na Mata who might refuse. For Vango, the hardest thing was not that..It was the recompense to his own family. He would have to go to Komam to present them with the pigs and mats and yams and say a final, unhappy farewell.

On Roimuri’s return from Komam, Vango waited anxiously, doing his best not to think of Lei-manu, wife of Kopan. At last the summons came. It was a relief to be told that Matasso na Mata had, with great reluctance and much regret, conceded that it was best that Vango become Roimuri’s man. The recompense was mentioned and Alil, Roimuri said, wished only for Vango’s happiness but he and Vango’s mother would accept whatever gifts Vango cared to give. Roimuri observed that there was no reason to hurry, but Vango begged that it all be settled quickly. Could Roimuri’s canoe be used to take him to Komam as soon as all was ready? Roimuri assented.

When he swung himself into the canoe laden with the gifts for his family, it was to sail only with its crew. Firmly he had told Kalterr’s family that this was a thing he had to do alone. The wind was fair and Evate soon fell behind. Passing Matasso, he barely glanced at it, keeping his eyes and thoughts on Kuwae.

He could not keep his arrival quiet. By the time he came to his parents’ house, he was followed by a small crowd of men and boys and half of Komam had heard of his homecoming. The whole family had hurriedly assembled and his chest swelled to see them there, beaming their pleasure. In a moment he was surrounded, greetings flying back and forth amid laughter and slaps of affection.

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