Amazon Chief (32 page)

A moment later, Jasmine appeared. She saw Ralla and began running, throwing herself into Ralla's arms. Omie and Aura stepped out of Nori's hut, and a moment later, Rora and Narsana.

"Rora?" Malora said. "Is that Rora from Howard's Den?"

I grinned. "Queen Malora, I took a few liberties. I found us a carpenter."

Aura and Omie hurried forward, Rora and Narsana rushing after them. Then Narsana ran by them all and to me, and I caught her up, swinging her about. "May we go swimming now, Beria?"

"Perhaps, but first you must greet your queen."

"Her queen?" Malora asked, an eyebrow raised.

"As I said, I have taken liberties. Queen Malora, this is Narsana, daughter of Rora. They have asked for the status of honorary Amazons during their stay, and I granted this request, subject to your approval."

"Liberties, indeed," she said, but she smiled at me. "I am pleased to meet you, Narsana."

The girl curtsied. It was poorly done but cute nevertheless. "I am pleased to meet you, Your Majesty," she said.

"Beria!" Malora said with a frown. "You have taught her poorly." She knelt in front of the girl. "You will call me Queen Malora," she said. "And we do not curtsey here."

"I'm sorry, Queen Malora," the girl said. "Did I get Beria into trouble?"

"Not yet," Malora said, grinning up at me. "But I believe she has more story yet untold. There is time."

Then she stood and greeted Rora warmly. "Queen Malora," Rora said. "I hope we are welcome."

"Of course you are," Queen Malora said. "I understand Beria has granted you the status of Honorary Amazons."

"She has, but she said it was subject to your approval."

"They have been training with us," I said, "and taking duties. In fact, I believe Narsana is due in the kitchens in another minute or three."

"Well," said Malora, "it would not do to second guess the companion-" and she stressed that word "-we appear to have left in charge of the village. She has declared you Honorary Amazons, and Honorary Amazons you shall be, complete with all rights and responsibilities that title entails."

"I would like to hear more of this story," Nori said. "It did not escape me which hut they appear to be using."

"Aura, Jasmine, can you see to the horses?"

Jasmine unpeeled herself from Ralla's arms. "Yes, Beria," they agreed.

Aura and Jasmine collected the horses, and I said, "Perhaps we should complete the introductions." I introduced Maya first, then Ralla. Then I said, "Rora, this is Nori. She is, after my sister, perhaps, Queen Malora's right hand. She is lacking a companion, I am afraid. She is a fierce warrior, the training leader to whom Vorine and Omie report. She can appear quite forbidding, but underneath, she is kind and caring." I sort of pushed the two of them together. "Nori, this is Rora, a carpenter from Howard's Den. She is a widow with two grown children and one not so grown. She is strong and friendly. She offered first her home to Omie and me, and then her hands and her tools to assist us here in Queen's Town. She has had many questions about the life of an Amazon and has even been training with us, but now that you are here, perhaps you will be able to answer her questions better than I have been able."

The two women clasped hands and stared at each other. I caught Maya's incredulous grin.

And no one else even noticed my matchmaking. I thought it was incredibly obvious.

But then I saw Malora looking at the two women with speculation, and when she turned to me, she nodded fractionally, just once, and she made sure I was looking at her when she did it.

"All right," Malora said a moment later. "Is there even more story to tell?"

"Perhaps," I said. "Before we travel further into Queen's Town, I want to say that everything we have done can be undone."

"Oh, this should be good," Malora said. "Lead the way, Companion." She stressed the word again, but she grinned.

"Audacious companion, if you ask me," Maya muttered, but she reached out and clasped my hand.

I grabbed Omie's hand and led the way to the first building site. I sent Narsana to the kitchens for her duty then gestured to the building site. "The location of the first hut, with your approval, Queen Malora," I said. "Rora can explain further."

And so Rora did. Maya and Malora studied the building site. But when I saw Nori studying Rora instead, my heart soared.

Rora finished her explanation, and then Malora asked questions. "It's a little close to the stables."

"Bea said she didn't mind," I said. "She feels the screen of these bushes on either side gives the hut ample privacy and more than most, and she would be proud to live in this location. If you approve, Queen Malora."

"I do," she said. "We did not expect to find this, Beria."

"It was my suggestion to begin immediately, Queen Malora," said Rora. "I assured Beria I
could reverse everything I have done."

"No," Malora replied. "This is perfect." She looked at me. "You said the first hut."

"I believe this second location may be somewhat more controversial," I said. "Maya said two huts, and so we picked a location for the second one. If you do not care for our choice, there are other locations."

"Well then, lead the way, Companion."

I thought Queen Malora would be pleased, but I was growing nervous. I had overstepped my bounds, and she was pointedly reminding me of my place. Still, I led the way to the second location.

"There was a natural break here," I said, "between your hut and Lidi's. As you can see, we did not commit to this location quite as assuredly as the first, but I felt you would want Bea's hut completed first, anyway."

Malora crossed her arms and studied the site we'd partially prepared. "Where would the walls be?" she asked.

"I have marked the outer edges with the stakes," Rora said. "That supposed the same size as the other huts. If the materials you have brought are significantly different, I may need to make adjustments."

Malora moved into the space then turned around. "The door would be here?"

"Yes."

"Windows?"

"Along the back only," Rora explained.

Malora moved towards where the rear wall would be. "This wall?"

"Yes," said Rora. Malora turned around, her view only of the forest. She turned to face us.

"Maya?"

"This is where I had in mind," Maya said. "But if you do not like this location, then we would need to put the second hut outside the current borders of the village, perhaps putting a path through here and begin a second small circle of huts."

"A circle of one?"

"For now," Maya said with a grin.

"You would grow Queen's Town further?"

"Not this year," Maya replied.

"It would be inappropriate to continue to grow Queen's Town before the other villages are at full strength," Malora said.

"Which is why it will be another year or two," Maya replied with a grin.

Malora frowned again. "If we build this hut in this location, where would you put this path in the future?"

"On the other side of our hut," Malora replied. "There is room between us and Chalena, but not enough for a hut."

"Nori?" Malora asked.

"It matters not to me,"
Nori replied. "Beria, why did you pick this place instead of Maya's other choice?"

"Maya did not share her ideas before she left," I said. "My opinion?"

"Yes," Nori said. "That is why I asked."

"If we are sure there will be more huts, then we should plan accordingly and perhaps abandon both prepared sites, putting both the new huts in the new ring. Otherwise there will be one lonely hut in back, isolating whoever lives there." I paused. "I might be concerned we would end with two villages, in a way."

Malora nodded. "Maya, if we were to grow by another hut or two, how would you respond to Beria's concern?"

"There is room on this side as we pass the stable. Bea's new hut would be the last one on that side."

"All right," said Malora. "Maya, unless you want to move it, I believe this site is fine."

Maya smiled. "Very good."

"Queen Malora," I said, "I know I overstepped my bounds. Are you upset with me?"

She turned to face me. "Do you have more oversteps you care to confess?"

"Um. We've been training the honorary Amazons somewhat more lightly than we might otherwise, and without you or Nori here, there have been no demons chasing the two new companions. But I do not take responsibility for that part."

"What?" ask Rora. "You would have demons chase new companions?"

"Nori and I play the part of the demons," Malora said. "We urge them to greater speed and stamina when running."

"Oh," said Rora. "My apologies, Queen Malora."

"Quite all right." She turned back to me. "Anything else, Beria?"

"Um. I've kept the companion duty roster."

"Of course. You've done that for nearly two years."

"I may have suggested our swimming instructor might offer swimming lessons," I admitted.

"What else?" Malora asked.

"I can't think of anything else."

"I can," Nori said.

"Oh, that. We had to put them somewhere," I said. "Um. I promised Narsana a slumber party in our hut tonight. And Bea and Halla are in your hut, Queen Malora, but that's what Maya told us to do before you left."

Malora flashed me a fleeting smile. I hadn't promised Narsana any such thing, but I wanted to get her out of the way.

I wasn't done matchmaking, after all.

"It is your hut my daughter and I occupy, isn't it, Nori? We will vacate immediately. I've always wanted to sleep in a tent."

"Nonsense," Nori said. "You are our guests, and I am sure I will be going on patrol soon enough. I can join the party in Malora's hut, perhaps."

"I don't know," I said, frowning. "It's kind of crowded there. If Omie and I have Narsana tonight, maybe you and Rora can work something out."

Maya stepped to my side and whispered, "Don't oversell it."

"I hate to put you out," Rora said.

"Well, we shall work something out," Nori said.

"Omie and I have patrol tomorrow," I pointed out. "Of course, now that Maya is back, I am sure she'll orchestrate everything." I turned back to Queen Malora, biting my lip.

She laughed and pulled me into a hug. "Well done, Beria," she said. Then she whispered into my ear, "Let them work it out now. Stay out of it." I nodded understanding, and she released me.

* * * *

Four days later,
with Omie and I freshly back from patrol, there was a bonfire. Malora thanked Rora for all her help with the huts. There had been good progress, and it looked like it would be useable in another week or so. There were a few other minor announcements, then Malora asked if anyone had anything requiring the queen's attention.

She didn't ask that very often, so I thought she already expected what was to happen.

Nori stood up. "Queen Malora," she said. Then she glanced at Rora, sitting with her daughter near the fire. "I have served the Amazons well."

"You have, Nori."

"I cannot recall the last time I asked for a favor."

"I believe the last favor you asked of me came while you were still my companion and was along the lines of, 'Will you please stop hitting me so hard on the training field?' "

There were chuckles.

"I come with a favor to ask, Queen Malora," Nori said.

"You have only to ask, my old friend. If it is within my power to grant, you know I shall."

"I wish you to remove the 'honorary' title of our guests," Nori said. "They wish to remain here. In Queen's Town. With me."

Everyone grew quiet, but I began grinning wildly. I couldn't help myself. I stood up and said loudly, "Yes!"

Malora turned to me and frowned. "I do not believe it is your decision to make, Beria."

"Sorry, Queen Malora. I just. Um."

"Sit down, little matchmaker."

Nori turned to look at me, then she grinned at me. "She wasn't even subtle, and I didn't notice."

"You were too busy noticing Rora,"
said Maya.

Malora turned to face Rora. "Is this your wish?"

"It is, Queen Malora," Rora said.

Malora turned back to Nori. "This strikes me as a small request, easily granted. Is there more to ask?"

"There is," Nori said. "We have not in my memory had children in our villages. Narsana is too young to take from her mother. I would train her as a companion, and she would assume her share of duties about the village. But she would not be assigned to a warrior until she is older, and at that time, we would ask her to remain in the same village as her mother."

"You are both aware that warriors sometimes move."

"Yes, Queen Malora," Rora said. "And she would likely become a companion in another three years, anyway, leaving home at that time."