The Ugly One by Leanne Statland Ellis

Author:Leanne Statland Ellis
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

15

Taskikaru

Journey

ARE you certain you have enough blankets to keep you warm?” Mama questioned as I put the last of my things into a wrap to carry on my back. The nights would be cold, though we would have the protective walls of the tampus, the guesthouses set along the trail for travelers.

“Yes, Mama,” I said. “I packed the warmest ones you made for me.” I hoped my calm voice would reassure her. I knew it wasn’t easy for her to watch me go. I remembered back almost three years ago when Hatun left to work for the Sapa Inca, guarding and repairing the many roads that wove their way to the four corners of the empire. Hatun had been eager to serve his time, as all boys did when they became young men. He had been impatient with Mama as she fussed over him in the moments before he left. I vowed not to snap at her as he had done.

Mama’s face creased with lines of worry. She asked, “You will be careful?”

“Yes, Mama.”

“You will mind the Paqo? Listen to what he says?”

“Yes, Mama.”

“Do not leave his side.”

“I won’t, Mama.”

“And you will come back to us?” I could tell that this last question was the one that truly mattered. Mama didn’t want to lose her youngest child. I knew she was being brave, trying to say goodbye with grace, but it was difficult for her.

I placed my hands on her shoulders as I answered. “Of course, Mama. I will come back to you.”

“Wife, let the child be,” said Father. “She is under the protection of the mighty Paqo. She will be fine.” Father’s faith in the shaman was complete. As far as he was concerned, Mama’s distress was bothersome. He would rather spend his time worrying about more important things, such as the number of owl hoots he’d heard in the night or how many spiders he’d sighted scurrying across his path.

Chasca pulled Mama toward her. “Micay will be fine. Don’t be scared,” she said, and Mama let Chasca hug her tightly in reassurance.

As I left our wasi and walked to the Paqo’s home with Sumac perched proudly on my shoulder, I thought about how Mama hadn’t leaned in to kiss me goodbye. I would have turned away as I always did to save her from having to kiss such an ugly daughter, but I was sad that she hadn’t even tried.

***

I had heard much of the great Incan trails that crisscrossed our mighty empire. I knew my brother and other young men devoted years to maintaining the roads and their little sisters, the bridges. But I had never journeyed along these paths before. I hadn’t shown my fear to Mama, but of course I was nervous to leave my home.

The Gathering was to take place at Wiñay Wayna, a holy place several days away that was known for its beautiful orchids and many flowing fountains. Wiñay Wayna was not far from Sacred Sun City at Machu Picchu. I would

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