SinaguaSkies

"Your daughter may be of two spirits, Comna," the high priest commented as he watched the children at
play.

The young man looked towards her, wondering what the priest saw within his child. Parren was laughing,
tossing a leather ball to another child. He saw nothing unusual about her.

"Why do you say that High One?"

The man strolled around him until the father's view of the children was blocked. "I have watched her for
some time Comna. True, she has learned womanly ways with ease, but she is different. Have you not
seen her behavior amongst the male children? She is as one of them. She doesn't play with other girls,
but with the boys." The priest sighed and took Comna's arm, leading him away to speak more privately.
"She is nearing womanhood and must be tested before that happens. Bring her to the Ceremonial House
this evening, an hour before sunset. If she is indeed of two spirits, she must be initiated and accepted
into the Rangar."

Comna bowed in acknowledgement and headed for home to speak with his wife Sopan. She needed to
know what was happening within her family.

Although men were responsible for spiritual duties of the family, as well as the hunting and planting, it
was the women who ruled the family and home. All within the walls of their abode belonged to her. All the
men owned were their weapons. Although Comna was known for his bravery, he did not want to find his
weapons tossed into a heap outside their door and left homeless. He had to speak with her before word
of the ceremony reached her ears.

He climbed the series of ladders that led to the level of his home and followed the narrow ledge until he
found their roof. Sopan was grinding the grains into flour there as was her habit most afternoons. The
interior would be cooler of course, but their dwellings allowed little light to enter. Besides, one could not
gossip with the neighbors within the home.

She smiled at him in greeting as he bent forward to kiss her brow. He nodded a silent greeting to his
mother and sister in law.

"Wife, we need to speak privately," he whispered. She rose to her feet and climbed down the ladder
leading into their home. Once inside the cool interior, she lit a lamp and adjusted it. She watched as
Comna took a clay cup and filled it with cold water from the large keg. His hands shook as he raised the
cup, making Sopan realize he was shaken.

"What has happened my husband?"

He put the cup down carefully and faced her, nervously repeating the conversation he had with the High
One.

"So, it has begun. I had hoped it was so," she murmured, surprising her mate. Perhaps he shouldn't be
startled by her insights. She often saw what he didn't.

Comna too, had hopes his daughter would bring this honor to his family. It wasn't often that one of two
spirits was born. True, some were born akin to them, finding attraction for both sexes, but to be truly two
spirited, they had to find pleasure in only those of their own gender. Those dedicated to the role by the
priests became emissaries, judges, and traders. They trained for several years among the priests until
they chose a path to follow. Once trained, they took a vow that was more binding than that of the high
priests.

The word of a two spirit was sacred. Such a person was not permitted to lie, to commit violence, or to
serve any interest of any one person or people. They were above the petty hierarchies of their society.
They could reverse even the judgments handed down by the ruler, pardoning condemned criminals.

If their daughter were indeed of two spirits she would bring honor and respect to his wife's clan. Tonight
could very well change their lives forever.

Parren followed her father to the Ceremonial House, still puzzled as to why a girl child would be required
at a ritual. Usually, women and girls attended as a group, not singly. She had questioned her father but
he avoided answering, telling her she would learn soon enough. Bowing her head in acceptance, she
trailed after him in silence.

Once they reached the lowest level of their sky village, the High One and his acolyte, Jomna, met them.
Parren expected to be led into the large building, but instead, they were asked to follow them down the
ladder leading to the valley floor. Her curiosity peaked; she scrambled down the ladder to the ground.

Once there, she saw a simple hut had been constructed of branches and dried shrubbery. The High One
picked up a torch and spoke simply. "Go inside the hut Parren, and chose one object."

Nervously, she crawled through the tiny opening into the dimly lit structure. Inside, she found a boy's
bow and quiver and next to it, a set of basket making supplies, consisting of beautifully colored strands.
Curious of why she'd be asked to choose, she stared at her choices until she became aware of the strong
smell of smoke. Looking around frantically, she saw that the hut was burning.

She screamed for her father in fright, but it was the shaman who replied. "Chose an item and escape
young Parren!"

Reaching for the item of her choice, she scrambled back through the opening, choking on the thick
smoke. Seeing her father through watery eyes, she threw her arms around his sturdy waist and shook in
relief.

Jomna took the bow and quiver from her fist.

The shaman spoke solemnly. "She has chosen her path."

The next day, the high priest summoned the people to gather around shortly after the Morning Greeting
of the Father Sun. Parren finished her silent thanks to Obansa for the new day and rose to her feet.
Around her community, she saw others do the same on their rooftops. Each morning, facing the rising
sun, they gave their thanks to the Sky God for giving them a new day. As the sun lowered in the evening,
they would thank him again for allowing them to enjoy his bounty.

Sopan ruffled her long tresses and urged her down the ladder. She was eager to have her daughter
initiated into Rangar society and the status their family would gain. They would move from a small
unimportant clan to one of greatness this morning. Glancing at her own mother and sister and their
spouses, she grinned. Perhaps they could afford to build a larger home to house them all, for the house
they lived in was crowded. In the society of the sky dwellers, the female relatives and their mates lived
together communally. Although children were cherished, every new addition to the family caused further
crowding and the family could only add on to the home so much.

Larpen helped her sister guiding their mother to the lower levels. Soon, she would be too elderly to climb
and would be trapped within her own home until her death.

Parren waited for her family to catch up with her before heading for the lowest level. Grueling minutes
later, they reached the lowest levels and gathered together with the rest of the community in the large
courtyard.

The Holy One addressed the Gods, inviting them to attend the ceremony before announcing the purpose
of it to the people. Motioning to Parren to come closer, he rested his gnarled hand on her shoulder.

"We have reason to celebrate this day, for among us we found one who is special and will bring blessings
upon our village. Young Parren has been chosen by the Gods to walk the path of two spirits," he
announced, causing a ripple of excitement. He waited until the crowd settled down and motioned his
acolyte to bring the items needed. Jomna placed a skin bundle on the stone platform next to the Shaman
before drawing an obsidian knife from its sheath. He placed the black knife on top of the bundle.

He stepped behind the frightened girl and grasped her hair firmly. Parren suppressed the urge to
scream, not understanding what was happening.

The High One took the blade and held it just above her temple.

"From this day forward young Parren, you are of two spirits." His hand moved swiftly, shaving away her
long hair as Jomna held her steady. Parren was petrified, unable to even voice a protest. It was
forbidden for females to cut their hair. Only men kept their hair shorn, to prevent enemies from grasping
them in that manner. A woman's hair was only cut after death, to avoid being entangled in the thorns that
safeguarded the entrance to the bridge of light.

Was she to be sacrificed? Parren was too frightened to move but her eyes sought her family, but only
saw acceptance on their faces. Seeing no fright in their eyes, she forced back the terror clawing inside of
her.

Her hair now gone, the Shaman ordered her to undress. Parren was surprised but did as she was told,
unembarrassed by nudity for it was common among the children. The shaman opened the bundle and
handed her new clothing, woven from red fibers. Parren shook them out and was surprised to see that it
was a boy's loincloth and a shirt that would be worn in winter. She raised her dark eyes in astonishment.

The Holy One answered her unspoken question. "From this day forward, you are a boy."

Three years had passed. Sopan looked upon her child who had changed so much. The changes had been
gradual as she learned the secrets of the Shamans and began training as a trader. The traders had their
own secrets, known only to them. They went out of the confines of their safe community to deal with
others, a frightening concept for many of their people. But their courage brought forth wondrous goods
and ideas from others. They spread prosperity between groups of people, but it was also dangerous.
Somehow, with methods known only to them, they were never harmed. The people couldn't recall when
the last trader was lost to death or failed to return. And now Parren was training to follow their path.

The young woman was different from other females, in more than just her dress and manner. Her body
spread into womanly curves, yet she never began her flow of blood. Sopan didn't realize that the priests
gave her herbs to prevent them. After all, what good was an Emissary if she was forbidden to mingle with
men during menses? So, they eliminated the problem with their secret knowledge of plants and taught
her how to prepare them for herself when she was traveling.

Parren became quiet, thoughtful, and to her family, rather mysterious. Even now, between the dancing
and singing people, she stood quietly, watching everyone enjoying the harvest day celebrations. The
young people mingled in dance, hinting to those they wished to share sexual pleasures with. The young
men didn't bother trying to tempt her, knowing it would be futile. The attractive Emissary wouldn't even
look at them and they knew it. Her fathomless dark eyes were only for the young women who danced
suggestively.

Several of the women were tempted, and though very beautiful, Parren was intimidating. They knew
instinctively that blanket play with her wouldn't be lighthearted, but intense. No, there were few who
would even attempt to lure her into their rooms. This night, Parren would have to indicate the one of her
choice.

The Emissary locked her eyes upon one dancer, whose lean body writhed to the music, her eyes closed.
Yes, she would do nicely. Parren walked towards the woman and placed her hand on her shoulder, halting
her dance. Her eyes opened in surprise. Knowing she had been chosen, she followed nervously after the
towering young woman.

They entered the communal building, hearing the sounds of others mating around them. Parren chose a
room that was unoccupied and closed the curtain behind them.

"Undress," she ordered softly.

Sorlen did as she was told, removing her short dress. Without preamble, Parren took possession of her
lips, kissing her roughly. The woman wanted to protest, but she found herself getting lost in the bruising
kiss. She moaned and pressed her breasts again Parren's, who was naked except for her loincloth and
foot coverings. Parren grunted in pleasure and broke the kiss, quickly lowering her mouth to one brown
nipple. The woman gasped as the hot tongue tormented it, bringing it to a stiff peak. She pushed forward,
seeking more delight. Parren took it roughly, drawing it deep within her mouth, scoring the breast with
her teeth. Sorlen moaned louder, excited and ready.

She was pushed onto the platform that served as a bed. Fingers sought her womanhood, swirling against
her wetness. Satisfied that the woman under her was ready, she slid several long fingers into her. Sorlen
lifted her hips and readily accepted her touch, even urging her for more silently. The Emissary moved to
take her other breast and pulled on the nipple with her teeth until she whimpered then suckled it roughly
as her fingers plunged faster. Her sex partner bucked wildly as her arousal neared the breaking point.
She used her thumb to worry her center and felt her stiffen a moment before she screamed out her
pleasure.

For the first time that evening, Parren smiled, enjoying how her evening's partner reacted. She gave her
several minutes to recover then shoved off her loincloth. She needed release of her own. She urged
Sorlen's lips to where she wanted her and moaned when her inexperienced lips found the proper place.

Encouraged by Parren's reaction, she eagerly began stroking the aroused Emissary with her tongue and
lips. It didn't take long before the young woman reached her pleasure and strangled out a gasping noise,
announcing her orgasm. As she tried to catch her breath, a priest opened the curtain and sprinkled
pollen upon them, then left, as was customary to indicate the hope of fertility. Parren laughed at the
custom and shook the pollen from her face.

"You are quite good. I may chose you again next harvest if you are unwed then," Parren told her as she
put on her loincloth.

Sorlen smiled and picked up her dress. "Then you will mark me?" she asked hopefully. Being marked
would mean her family would receive double the dowry her clan could ask for her. Parren nodded and led
her to the priests' private chambers. There, she took a sharp knife and nicked Sorlen's chin. Taking red
ochre paste, she rubbed the coloring into her cut. It would leave a permanent scar, giving her extra
status.

"Thank you," the young woman gushed happily.

"No, thank you," Parren grinned, leading her back to the dance.

Sinagua Skies, part 2
Parren wove the iridescent feathers into the single long length of hair she kept, just behind her left
temple. She had allowed it to grow, trimming around it each time. It was unusual, but some young men
were already copying her style, growing a patch of hair as she had done.

"Yes, you look nice, now lets go," Jopa urged, eager to begin their first trip.

"We aren't leaving until the sun it up, so why hurry? Besides, I was thinking about visiting that pretty-"

"No! We don't have time for one of your nightly prowls," her friend grumbled. "Why can't you keep
your greedy hands off the females for once?"

Parren laughed. Sex wasn't forbidden nor looked upon with disdain among those who have been initiated
into adulthood. Any eager man could sneak into another's home during the night to woo an unattached
and willing female. If the young woman accepted his bold advance, she would pull him to her mat and
they would make love. If she rejected him, she would merely face away from him and he would leave.

"You never seem to mind when you prowl with me," she teased. They had shared women on more than
one occasion. "In fact, you especially like it when the woman rides you and I fondle her from behind,"
she winked, causing her friend to feel the instant tightening of his loins.

He cursed, then urged her to make it fast, they didn't want to be late. Parren invited him along and they
headed towards one of the upper levels. Pointing to a ladder in the dim lighting, she followed him into the
tanner's home.

She tapped Shalen on the shoulder, awakening her. She grinned and held out her arms.

"You brought a friend," she whispered, delighted. Parren grinned. She and Shalen had met several times
already this season and had enjoyed their times together. The tanner's daughter was eager to please and
had an appetite to match her own.

Jopa and Parren moved into position, accustomed to one another. Parren took possession of Shalen's
lips while the young man began caressing her skin. The woman moaned, waking up her father. The man
glanced in their direction and rolled over, hoping they didn't get too loud.

Once the Emissary had her fill of her lips, she traveled across her chest until she found a
passion-stiffened nipple. Jopa grinned in the moonlight and sought the other breast. Together, they gave
the young woman pleasure, causing her to strain and writhe under them. Parren lowered her hand,
teasing Shalen's womanhood.

"Ride my friend Shalen, he is eager for your ripeness," Parren urged. Jopa rolled to his back and guided
the woman over him. She impaled herself on his male staff and moaned. "Yes, ride him well," Parren
moaned, straddling his legs behind her. Her hands began roaming over Shalen's abdomen and breasts,
squeezing the generous mounds as they bounced in rhythm to Jopa's thrusts. The speed set, Parren took
the woman's hand and pulled it behind her and to her own need.

Shalen didn't require any instructions, her fingers stroking her slick skin roughly. All three labored
silently in the dimness until their passions burst. Shalen fell across Jopa's prone body and gasped for air.

"Parren, if you only had a man root, you would be absolutely perfection," she panted. The Emissary
glanced at her muscled rump and thought the same thing, still craving more. The idea of taking her as a
man would only aroused her further. Too bad she wasn't built that way. A ray of sunlight peeked through
the open doorway.

"We need to go!" Jopa hissed. Parren chuckled and slapped Shalen's rump to make her move. The
woman pouted and moved off of Jopa. Grabbing their clothes, they climbed out of the house and headed
for the lower levels, dressing as they went.

Their mentors were already prepared to leave and gave them impatient looks. The apprentices
apologized for their tardiness and picked up the heavy packs, strapping them onto their backs. The
group headed southwards, towards the River People. There, they hoped to trade for shells and special
fish bones used for decorations. They also looked forward to fresh fish, something unavailable in their
mountainous homelands.

From there, they planned on continuing towards the Northeast, to the desert dwellers, the Shalopas. The
villages located there were near an ancient sea, where long ago salt was left behind. They learned to
gather and process it until it was greatly valued by others. The elder Traders had also planned to travel
to an unknown region, further north, to a place rumored to have mined precious metals. They kept the
secret of forging these metals, making objects of great beauty.

It was also said that they guarded their secrets so tightly that many feared visiting them. It would be
Parren's first trial to negotiate a trade between their peoples. The priests had given her permission to
share certain secrets in exchange, those known to herself but to no one else in the trading party.

As the day wore on, the woman was grateful for the long hours her mentor, Hanpa, forced her to carry
heavy burdens around their village. Now strong of body, the weight of the packs didn't seem so severe.
She shifted the pack a bit, finding a place it wouldn't rub against her as much.

"I'm glad we're traveling downhill," Jopa commented wearily. Parren agreed, wishing she could stop for
a drink of cool water. The day was overly warm for a spring day. She glanced up at the double suns,
noting their positions. Sister sun was almost sitting on her brother's shoulder.

"It's nearly high day. We'll probably stop soon and rest,' she said, giving Thrana a glance, silently
asking for his affirmation. He nodded slightly. Several minutes later, they came upon a small brook
weaving its way between a stand of trees. Grateful for the shade and water, they dropped their heavy
packs and sat down.

"The first few days are always the most difficult," Hanpa grumbled good-naturedly. After living 33
seasons, he was getting on in years and would likely not travel again after this year. He would retire and
help his children with their crops until he was too old for even that. But he was a good master and his
children adored him. His final years would be comfortable. Parren took out the map he had drawn for her
and studied it, wanting to make mental pictures inside her mind.

Hanpa had assured her that after the second year, she would have little need for the map. She was sure
he was correct, but intended to learn every inch of the country surrounding her. It might save her life one
day.

"Always so serious," Hanpa teased, tapping her forehead with his rough fingertip.

"Except when it comes to pretty girls," Jopa teased and nudged Parren in the ribs. Parren gave a
lopsided grin which disappeared as fast as it arrived.

"No, I think one day she will meet someone who will make her serious in that area one day," Thrana
predicted. "Our Parren is like the deep waters of the sunken lakes-still and dark, until someone tosses a
pebble into it, disturbing its serenity."

"Hmm, so I will meet my defeat at the hands of a pebble. Interesting. Well, at least he didn't compare
me to a sleeping groth," Parren said darkly, then laughed.

"Parren," Hanpa said, his voice serious, "An avalanche starts with nothing but a tiny pebble rolling
down the rocky hill. Don't be so quick to dismiss the possibilities so quickly," he warned.

The Emissary looked into his amber colored eyes, seeing no humor there. She nodded and took a bite of
her travel bar to break the tight spell around her. She chewed the tough strip, hoping they found more
easily found bounty along the way since the travel bars were like leather. They were nothing more than
rendered oils from plants, dried berries, grains, and smoked meat of the lohft deer. They filled the belly
but did little for the palate.

As though Ganthren heard her wish and fulfilled it, she spotted some freshly sprouted fiddleheads.
Taking out her knife, she cut them from the fronds and collected them. She took them back to the others
and passed them around. They were a welcomed treat, not found at their village's elevation. They were
only eaten on special occasions, when groups of women left the safety of their dwellings and hunted for
them.

She chewed the crisp plant, savoring its sharp taste. Once done, Hanpa reminded them to refill their
water bladders, it was time to continue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two days later, they could see from a distance the rooftops of the River People near dusk. The sight was
wondrous for Parren, who had never been anywhere but her own village before. She spotted a watching
villager perched high in a tree, who whistled when he saw them approaching. Several men jogged
towards them. They carried weapons but didn't hold them in a threatening manner once they spotted
their red and black Trader markings.

Those who wished to advertise their peaceful intentions chose the colors long ago. Both red and black
were unnatural colors, rarely seen and quickly spotted even from a distance among the pale landscapes
of their area. No enemy would choose such colors for those very reasons. Among the peoples of the
region, their clothing said, 'I am a friend'.

"Greetings my old friends," one of the men said to the elder Traders. Parren understood his speech
even though his accent was odd. "Come into the shade and rest. I'm sure all of you are tired and could
use some food and drink."

Thrana thanked the man and introduced their apprentices to Shantack. The man's dark eyes settled on
Parren and realized she was female, her small breasts bare. "What is this you old scoundrel? Have the
young men of your village become so frail that you disguise women to replace them?" he teased.

"No Shantack, Parren is one who follows two paths," he explained. The leader of the River People
looked at her in surprise then in awe. "Do pardon me honored one, I did not mean any disrespect," he
apologized sincerely.

Parren waved off his apology, not taking offense. "If I had been offended Shantack, I would have said
so. I am not known for holding my tongue when angered," she smiled. In fact, she had been encouraged
to express her feelings honestly since those who follow the two spirit paths were expected to be honest
at all times. Once she took her final vows, if she were to be caught in a lie, she would be buried alive, the
punishment for deceit for her kind. The closest she would be allowed to a lie would be to not speak at all,
and only if her silence didn't cause harm to another.

Her family thought she had become serious and introspective, but that was not the case. Parren had
merely learned to curb her tongue, which could be quick to speak, and was not always kind. It was better
to not say much than to cause hurt feelings.

Shantack smiled in relief, happy he hadn't angered her. He showed them to place they could sit down and
asked his wives to bring them refreshments. Although they came to trade, customs must be met first.
They would rest first then perhaps tomorrow they would dicker over the goods brought.

The Emissary looked around, studying the structures they lived in. Unlike their stone and mud homes,
the River people lived in huts built on top of stumps of large trees. Curious, she asked why they sat so
high above the ground.

"Because of flood waters young trader. Every so often, heavy rains pour down and swell the river. If the
huts sat on the ground, all would be ruined by water," he answered. Reaching up to accept a platter from
his head wife, he told them to help themselves. The women brought out several more wooden bowls of
food along with morsels of steamed fish wrapped in thick leaves. Parren smiled at the young woman who
handed her a plate. She blushed, causing Parren to grin wider. She adored bashful females. Her manner
charmed the young Emissary and she was attractive as well, with dark eyes and reddish brown hair.

"She pleases you?" Shantack asked. Parren nodded then was surprised when he offered her the use of
his wife. Startled, she glanced at Hanpa, who nodded slightly. The River People had different customs
than their own. Parren only wished she had learned more before they left their own village.

Even though the leader offered, she was reluctant to accept his generosity. After all, the young woman
may not be willing and Parren could not imagine herself forcing someone outright. That would be
repugnant. She preferred her blanket mates to be willing and as eager as she was.

"Would it please you, wife of Shantack?" Parren asked, not knowing her name. The woman blushed
again but smiled bashfully. Satisfied she was willing, Parren rose to her feet. "Is there a place for guests
to sleep?"

Shantack pointed to the far hut. Parren picked up her pack and followed the woman towards the guest
hut. Once inside, she allowed her eyes to adjust to the dim interior and placed her pack in one corner.
The woman introduced herself then urged Parren to sit. Carlanta knelt and began untying her footwear,
which was swollen from crossing many small streams. Once free of the cold, wet leather, she placed each
sole upon her belly, warming them. Parren smiled, grateful for the warmth. Once they were warm to the
touch, the woman lowered her feet and climbed up onto the sleeping platform and sat next to her.

Parren touched her cheek, stroking the soft skin.

"Have you ever been with a female?" Parren asked.

The blushing woman shook her head.

"Well, it's much like with men, just a little different is all," Parren reassured her. A look of
disappointment crossed Carlanta's face.

"What is it?"

"Nothing. I had just hoped it would be much different. All Shantack does is pats my bottom and tells me
to spread my legs. His skills as a lover are lacking," she sighed. Parren chuckled.

"Well, I think I can do better than that. Do you enjoy penetration at all?" she asked, curious.

Her blanket mate shrugged. Parren decided it was time to introduce her to the pleasures of the flesh.
Leaning her back onto the hard platform, she sought her lips, kissing her softly. At first, the river woman
was stiff, unused to the experience of slow love play, but she gradually relaxed once she realized Parren
wasn't going to rush. Parren ran her fingertips lazily across her belly until she felt the muscles loose all
tension.

Satisfied that she was at ease with her, she broke the kiss and began nibbling along her neck and
shoulder. Carlanta hummed in pleasure, enjoying the soft forays her lips performed. Parren brought her
wandering hand higher and lightly traced the woman's ribs, causing her skin to shudder and her nipples
to tighten in response.

"That is a pretty sight," the Emissary said in appreciation, then kissed each tight bud. Carlanta shifted
beneath her, her body rising to meet her lips. Taking the cue, Parren teased one nipple with her tongue,
tracing around it. Becoming lost in how her blanket mate reacted, she began enjoying the twin feasts,
moving back and forth between them. Carlanta's fingers settled on her short hair, pulling her tighter
against her breasts. Parren groaned and stepped up the pace, suckling hard on the peak inside her
mouth. The leader's wife moaned loudly and arched in rapture.

Unable to resist any longer, Parren sought her nest of damp curls and cupped Carlanta's womanhood,
squeezing and caressing until the woman grew wild. Using her fingers, she delved deeper into her, finding
her slick nub and rubbed it firmly. It wasn't long before the woman's gasps became frantic. Wanting to
enter her and bring her to her final pleasure in that manner, Parren quickly thrust into her until her own
knuckles prevented her from going deeper. Her blanket mate whimpered as her hips rose in response,
her words nothing more than groans and squeals. Pistoning her hand quickly, she brought the woman to
the brink of pleasure and cried out with her as she discovered the fields of light for the first time.

Outside, Shantack's eyebrows lifted nearly into his hairline, surprised at the sounds from inside the
guest hut, competing with the rise of his own arousal. Excusing himself from the visiting Traders, he went
to his own home to seek out his youngest wife.

Sinagua Skies, part 3

"Hanpa, earlier, when he offered me his wife, I sensed something like a warning from you."

"I was wondering if you understood Emissary. It was important that you didn't turn down his offer even if
their culture was different from ours. If you had been polite and said no, he would have been very
offended."

"Why?" Parren asked, trying to understand the dynamics of these people.

"It is considered polite to offer a woman to travelers. If you had refused, it would mean you considered
his offer trivial, his woman unworthy of admiration. You would have been saying to him that he had poor
taste in women."

Parren chuckled. "Then it was a good thing I took him up on his offer. I almost didn't. But I think I
ruined her for him Master. She was less than�impressed with his skills in the blanket," she smirked.
Hanpa shook his head in good-natured exasperation.

"Parren, remember, you are not to go around collecting conquests. We don't have the room for them. Be
nice but don't be greedy. But I must warn you, when we reach the Hannocks, you had better keep your
hands off the women there. There's no sex between people unless they are wed. If they catch you with a
woman, you'll both be executed." The older man said seriously. Parren nodded sagely. Keeping track of
all the different customs was getting difficult.

Hanpa could read her face and reassured her it would come easily in time, patting her leg before rising.

She decided to join her friend over by the river. Jopa was bent over some task but she couldn't see.
Nearing him, she saw that he was whittling something. "What are you making?"

He jumped, tried to hide it, but seemed to change his mind. He held up a piece of wood that he had been
carving. Glancing at it, she thought it looked like a fetish.

"What are you carving Jopa?"

"Oh, just a small image of a jeogga. I figure I need all the help I can get since you're grabbing all the
pretty women before I have time to. I'm going to have their shaman bless it for me," he said with a grin,
not really mad or jealous over her success.

Peeking at the fetish, she noticed its extremely large phallus. "Whew, if you aren't careful, you'll
frighten them away, not draw them closer!"

Jopa laughed. "No, but if you had one to impress the women with, you'd never get any sleep. I, for one,
am very happy you are a woman and most women still prefer men over your sweet words."

Parren poked him in the ribs. "Sometimes I wish I were a man. Just sometimes," she teased, but Jopa
could hear the more serious tone beneath her words. They both knew Parren wanted children. Hating to
see the sadness in her eyes, his mouth worded a jest without thinking about it.

"Well, I could always carve you a man root and have the Shaman bless it."

"What? Jopa, you're crazy. Will it let me piss on bushes too?"

Suddenly the idea seemed not so crazy. "No, listen, I could make you a man root out of wood, then you
could use it on Shalen when we get back," he grinned, nudging her ribs.

"She wants to be taken like a man would, how could a piece of wood do that?"

The young man thought about it. "Hmm, if it was attached to you somehow�I got it. Leave it to me!"
He took off into the woods to search for the right type of wood. Parren just shook her head, wondering if
the suns had stolen his wits.

The bartering came to an end with every one pleased with the trade. Thrana packed their new goods into
the packs. They would leave after midday, when the day wasn't so hot. Some of the items gained through
the River People would be kept for their village and the rest bartered for other goods.

As Parren struggled to position her pack, Carlanta rushed up to her, kissing the Emissary goodbye.
Chuckling at the young woman's blushing cheeks, the Traders left in good humor, heading for the
Shalopa territory.

"Another conquest for our young Parren," Hanpa teased, making the other men laugh. Turning to his
apprentice, he ruffled her short hair. "Do not fret Parren, you will no doubt find another woman or two
with the Shalopas. Just remember to save some for the rest of us."

"Yes Parren, please do. After all, there has to be some benefit to our grueling lifestyle and the women is
one of them," Jopa said with a serious tone although his eyes twinkled. The other men nodded in
agreement. It was true. Their long dangerous treks actually did little to make them wealthy men. It was
just a living, but the life of Traders gave them new experiences and ideas for their villages.

New techniques, inventions, and products would benefit all, but for the Traders, it was the thrill of
meeting new people and finding excitement around every bend. Traders needed to be excited or
boredom and fatigue quickly sent them home to live quiet lives as farmers or weavers.

"Master Thrana, tell us more of the Shalopas," Parren asked.

"Well, they are much like ourselves except they live near the Great Ocean." Anticipating her next
question, he continued. "The ocean is a wondrous thing. Water for as far as the eyes can see, with
roaring waves of water crashing upon the shores of red sand that sparkles like the stars in the night sky.
Once you see this place, you will understand how vast our world is and how small we are under Obansa's
gaze."

Hanpa added his own knowledge, seeing his brethren's thoughts were lost in memories. "The Shalopa
worship Shalnar-pa, the God of Seas. Each time they take their boats into the Great Ocean, they give
him tribute and thanks for the bounty of the waters. They toss grains into the ocean and beckon to the
creatures who live there, asking them to sacrifice their lives so they might eat."

"Then they, too, thank the spirits of the animals that give their lives. It is good," Jopa commented. He
understood some villages had different beliefs, merely killing and taking the bounty of their lands for
granted. Those who didn't acknowledge that everything had a spirit, even the stones and soil. To take a
life or use an item without thanking the spirit was horrifying to the young man. How long could the
bounty last if the spirits were offended?

"Yes, unlike their former neighbors, the Pisa-tinocks, the Shalopas give thanks. The Pisa-tinocks lived
all around them long ago, taking from the land without thought. Ganthren became offended that her
children had become so unfeeling for the spirits of her other creations and cursed them, and the spirits
left the lands. Now, it is all wasteland, with little growing there. The Pisa-tinocks died in great numbers
until they left, shunned by all who knew of their punishment by the Goddess. No one knows where they
went to. It is said in the tales that they went far to the North, beyond even the land of greens, to the
frozen wastelands," Hanpa told them gravely. It never hurt to remind the youngsters of their village the
tales of the Old Ones so they didn't forget the lessons they taught.

Many days later, the Master Traders stopped and removed their packs. Jopa and Parren were told to
fill their water bags and collect as much food as they could. Realizing that they had reached the edges of
the desert, they quickly obeyed. Until they reached the ocean, there would be no place to find food or
water.

By midday, the lands became nearly barren, with nothing but hills of sand and dust devils. When the wind
picked up, Hanpa pulled out a length of cloth and his eye shield. Everyone else in the group followed
suit. The eye shields were nothing more than the sap of the pata tree that had been collected, molded,
and dried into crude goggles. Only the Traders held the secret of the molding and no others knew how to
harden the sticky sap. Items made of the pata sap were highly prized, even more valuable than even salt
or numon, the soft metal they used for making their jewelry.

Tying the strips of cloth around their heads secured the goggles over the eyes and covered their faces.
Now protected against the sting of flying sand, they continued on. It would take several more days to
reach the Shalopas. By evening, Jopa spotted a place they could camp for the night. It was nothing more
than a small indent inside of an eroded hill but it would do.

Thrana told the apprentices to gather whatever they could to burn for a fire. He doubted they would find
much and knew he'd have to burn some of his precious coal to even start one. The group had collected
bits of wood and such earlier but couldn't carry much, not with all else they were burdened with. The fire
would be quite small and he hoped it would be enough.

Heat wasn't his main concern, for even the evenings were of a tolerable range for the mountain dwellers.
It was the few creatures that still roamed the area he wanted kept away. Flesh biting insects, lizards, and
spine rocks were all prone to gather around anything living. He had already warned the apprentices of
the poisonous creature that looked like rough stones. They crawled so slowly that eyes couldn't detect
the movement, but step on one or even brush against it with bare feet, and you'd die. The poisons in their
spines were powerful, paralyzing their victims immediately. The toxins were not lethal, but unable to
move, the victim was unable to prevent the spine rocks from crawling onto him and eating his flesh, inch
by inch. Other spine rocks would gather around him and join in the feast.

Shuddering, the Trader began making a circle of protective rocks and clumps of earth around their
camp. Perhaps that would be enough to keep them out. The spine rocks weren't very good climbers. The
youngsters returned with their pitiful finds. Some dried dung, a few small sticks, and some dead plants.

Grunting, Thrana took the tinder and placed it within the fire pit he had dug out. He removed a few coals
from the waterproof bag and added them to the pile. The coals he carries were sealed in tree pitch to
ignite better. Perhaps with the small amount of kindling and some luck, they'd have a fire tonight.

Taking out his fire making tools, the Trader strung his miniature bow. With it, along with a rock carved
into a small bowl, he twirled a stick against a small piece of wood. Within moments, smoke misted from
the tinder. A few light puffs of breath and the smoke ignited into a flame. Satisfied, he added bits of
larger pieces and added the coals. Once the coals were hot, he'd add damp leaves to create smoke to
keep away insects.

"I wish we had some fresh meat to cook," Jopa said wistfully.

"Yeah, and pappas to roast too," Parren added, her mouth watering at the thought. Nothing tasted better
than the fire roasted vegetables that had been soaked in brine.

Hanpa grinned and handed them each a travel bar.

"You are a cruel man, Master Hanpa," Parren groused.

"We are getting close to the ocean," Thrana said aloud, picking up the faint scent of the salt water in the
air.

"What do you note that could confirm what Master Thrana has said?" Hanpa asked. Every Trader
needed to see the clues others did not. Once they learned to see, they would notice more each trip until it
became instinctive to watch for the smallest of clues. When they were first taken as apprentices, they
were isolated within a small building. There, wax was pressed into their ears so they were almost deaf,
and then blindfolded and left naked.

It wasn't done as a punishment or even to make them stronger. It was done to teach them to gather
knowledge with more than with eyes or ears. It was important to use every sense. Instructed not to
wander from their cushions, they only ate if they found food by scent left nearby. Only drank if they
smelled the wet crockery, only slept if sensing the night. If they fell asleep during daylight, they were
struck with thin branches. Their teachers would toss stones at them randomly until with time, the
apprentices could feel the tiniest of air changes and slap away the stones mid-air. Many hopefuls failed
these tests of perception and were rejected, but these two easily learned what they needed for survival.

"I see more vegetation," Jopa offered.

"I hear the cry of birds far off," Parren added.

"Anything else?"

"The air smells different, damper Master Hanpa," Jopa commented, "and the soil seems softer."

"It's slowly changing color as well," said Parren.

"Very good. But also notice the sky. It reflects light differently near water. Which way do you think
would be the shortest route to the ocean?"

Both apprentices stood quietly, and in tandem, pointed in the same direction. Pleased, Hanpa and
Thrana followed the younger members towards the Great Ocean.

Sinagua Skies, part 4

Parren looked in wonder at the vast ocean before her. As far as she could see was water, rolling and
crashing in thunderous waves on the shore. Never had she imagined such a view. Birds screeched above
her, angry at their intrusion. Jopa stood next to her, equally enraptured by the ocean. Their mentors
smiled indulgently, secretly just as thrilled at the view as they were, even after all these years.

Hanpa patted them on the shoulders and urged them to travel up the coast towards the Shalopa villages.
A startled sand creature scuttled across their path, making Parren squeal in surprise.

"It's harmless young Parren. There's no creatures to fear on the land here, but be careful in the water,"
he advised. Like most of their village, they never learned to swim. The only water in their territory was
brooks and streams, certainly nothing deep enough to swim in.

The elderly Trader took off most of his protect clothing as he walked, enjoying the cool breeze coming
across the Great Ocean. He took in a deep breath and smiled, eager to reach the Shalopas. Perhaps, if
the fates were kind, the woman he sought would still be unwed. If so, he planned on arranging for her to
join them and become his second wife to warm his later years.

Mid-morning, their group spotted the first village in the distance. They had hopes of visiting all three of
the communities along the coast. As they drew closer, an eerie horn bellowed, echoing against the cliffs
and announcing their arrival. The deep tone of the horn would carry for miles. The villages had long ago
developed a language with the instruments. The long steady tone merely announced visitors that posed
no immediate threat.

Had the guard issued a warning, the men fishing at sea would have paddled furiously to return home. As
it was, women, children, and the elderly mostly occupied the village. The children hung back shyly as the
adults watched their approach. Several of the elders recognized the experienced Traders and shouted
greetings. The other people of the community relaxed and began pouring out to welcome the Sinagua
Traders.

Surrounded by excited people, the Traders attempted to greet one and all. One child, a boy of about four
seasons old, reached up to Parren, wanting to be lifted up. Accustomed to youngsters, the young woman
lifted him up and grinned as she tickled his plump tummy. Jopa, on the other hand, managed to find
himself taken by each arm by husband-eager girls. He winked at Parren and walked off with his new
friends. The Emissary chuckled, well aware of her friend's good looks and winning ways. Their
competitive relationship was good-natured, neither actually jealous of the other's successes. Parren had
to admit that had she been born differently, she would have been attracted to the warm-hearted young
man.

An idea tickled the back of her mind. One that surprised her. Perhaps, since they were good friends, he'd
consider being a co-mate with her with another woman or two. He'd be a good father and she'd happily
help support his children as her own. She wondered why she hadn't thought of it before. Having settled it
in her mind, she shelved the idea until later. She greeted several pretty girls herself, getting a feel for
the possibilities.

It was just after sunset and Parren was pleasantly settled against the plump breasts of a young woman.
The quiet feast for the Traders had trickled down and most people were wandering off to their homes.
Parren half listened to snapping fire and drifted between sleep and dreams as the steady rise and fall of
the woman's chest left her perfectly content to stay exactly where she was after drinking their strong
brewed beer.

The woman smiled indulgently and allowed the young trader to remain. She snagged a woven cloth and
pulled it over them to ward off the cool breeze and closed her own eyes.

Several hours before sunrise, the woman became aware of something, perhaps a dream, tickling at her
consciousness. She didn't want to awaken. Her body felt languid and heavy as she became aware of ever
so slight sensations along her skin. Humming in her sleep, she enjoyed the warm touches along her body.
She felt a warm palm travel the length of her, from shoulder to knee, its heat welcoming on her skin.
Shifting a bit in her sleep, she felt engulfed by warmth as the hand began exploring her back and
buttocks.

Now half awake, she snuggled closer as a soft voice asked her a question. Not yet awake, she made a
sound and snuggled yet closer. The warm puffs of a chuckle heated her temple. Burying her face deeper
into her pillow, she found a half-erect nipple against her lips. Feeling the prick of awareness tap her
further awake, she brushed the skin with her lips and felt it rise up. Still feeling a bit lazy, she took it
softly into her mouth and worried it gently. A hum of pleasure came from the Trader and her hands
began moving faster against her skin.

Tauss didn't need to be told her actions were welcomed. She shifted until she could prop herself up onto
one arm and took control of the dark nipple, pulling it deeper into her mouth. Parren said something in
her own dialect but it didn't sound like a plea to stop. The villager rasped the skin of small breast with
her teeth until Parren gasped loudly and grabbed her hair between strong fingers, holding her tightly
against her.

Pleased, Tauss tugged on the stiff peak with her lips until it escaped with a snap and rushed to claim the
neglected breast. Both women were breathing heavily as their excitement grew. The villager no longer
felt the chill of the night air, only the need to take possession of the tall stranger until she begged for
mercy.

Her mouth continued the torment on her breast, leaving several bruises on the tanned flesh as her
fingers slid along her belly and found the treasure below. She slipped her finger between damp thighs
and found what she sought, the eager nub that stood stiffly and wet. Grinning against Parren's breast,
she began teasing the node softly, causing the Trader to jump with each flick. Her hips rose, silently
begging for more pressure.

Feeling devilish, she began tickling the spot quickly, causing Parren to breath fitfully as her hips and
thighs shook. Somehow, Parren managed to remember to speak Shapolan and begged for release.

"Spread your legs more dear traveler," Tauss commanded, and pleased when Parren's strong thighs
parted. Her slick fingers found her entrance and gathered in a point before slipping partially inside.
There, she stopped and watched the Emissary's face. Parren struggled but her need was too much. She
begged Tauss to take her.

Watching her face carefully, the villager plunged her fingers into her roughly. Seeing no pain on her
lover's features, she withdrew them slowly and repeated her movements, entering slow at first then
thrusting inside. Her rhythm kept Parren on the edge, never allowing her to find her release. After
several moments of the torment, Parren lowered her own hand between her thighs and found the relief
she wanted, crying out as her body spasmed. As she recovered, Tauss chuckled and tweaked Parren's
hard nipples.

"I thought Emissaries had infinite patience," she teased.

Parren rolled her eyes. "I have yet to undergo the final ceremony. But even then, I doubt I'll have the
patience to withstand your torture." Parren suddenly rose and pinned Tauss to the blanket. "But for
now," her deep voice whispered, "it's time for retribution."

People began stumbling from their huts late in the morning, still groggy from the celebration of the
evening before. Jopa shielded his eyes against the sun and wobbly made his way to Parren, who was now
alone on the woken blanket. He nudged her with a toe and ordered her to move over. Collapsing next to
her, he used her shoulder for a pillow and groaned.

"Never, ever again," he said cryptically.

"What?" Parren croaked.

"Never, ever, let two pretty women convince me to let their sisters join in the fun. I feel like someone
rolled a boulder over me," he whined.

Parren managed to chuckle, then choked as the breeze shifted. "Ugh, we need a bath. Now, without
delay," she grimaced as the odor of stale sex assailed her. She pushed Jopa from her shoulder and
struggled to her feet.

Heading for the ocean, she waded into the salty water and began rinsing off her body, wincing as the salt
stung the scratch marks on her back. Her friend laughed behind her and swatted her bottom.

"You have teeth marks on your butt. Did your lady friend take a bite of you?" he teased. Her reply was
to spin around and push him backwards, chuckling as he splashed heavily into the water. Jopa reached
out and grabbed her by the shin and yanked her off her feet. It took but a moment for a wrestling match
to begin.

Although smaller, the Emissary was agile and fought dirty. Jopa only laughed harder as he found himself
at a disadvantage. He managed to utter a surrender. Both were out of breath. Settling down at the edge
of the water, they watched the ocean waves in silence until Parren spoke without thinking, the moment
carrying along her tongue.

"You know, I was thinking earlier," she said seriously, causing Jopa to curb the teasing reply on the tip
of his tongue. "I was wondering if one day you'd consider being a co-mate with me. If I met someone�"
Parren's eyes met his, hoping he didn't laugh.

His eyes returned her look, all teasing gone from his own. "May I ask why?"

Parren looked away, not able to look at him as she spoke. "Because someday I want children. You know
me well my friend. If I found someone special, it would be hard for me to share her, even for that. But
you are a brother to me. I feel closer to you than to my own family," she confessed. Her eyes remained
on the great waters, afraid to look at the young man. A hand came to rest on her shoulder.

"I would be honored to raise a family with you Parren," his soft voice answered. The Emissary felt tears
brim her eyes. Unable to speak, she nodded her head in acceptance, feeling a weight lift from her soul.

In spite of the overly warm reception the Traders received from the first Shalopa village, they managed
to finish their business. They bid their farewells and headed north, towards the next village. As they
departed, the village guard sounded the horn, telling the distant settlement they were on their way.

Hanpa was eager to get there because the woman he sought lived at that village. He sent a silent prayer
to the gods, hoping she was still unattached. The image of her beauty and spirit still haunted him,
recalling her wonderful eyes and bell-like laughter. The Trader sighed happily and hurried his pace. The
other master Trader chuckled, knowing why Hanpa was in such a hurry.

Jopa walked faster until he was abreast of Thrana. "What's the hurry Master? Hanpa is walking like
the evil spirits were after him," he observed.

The older man chuckled. "He has a personal reason to reach the next village young man, but it is his
business to speak of if he wishes." Thrana wasn't going to reveal his old friend's secret. To speak of it
aloud may cause the fickle Gods to play havoc with fate. His apprentice gave him an odd look but didn't
say anything more.

As they traveled along the soft beach, the younger Traders spoke softly to pass the time. Because they
were distracted, it took a moment to realize a strange noise came from the sea. Stopping in their tracks,
they looked towards the vast waters, trying to see what made such a sound. Thrana walked up behind
them and spoke softly into their ears.

"It is the great fish called a h'le. The Shalopa's tale keepers say the h'le were brought to this new world
with the People by the Gods when they brought us here. Shalnar-pa forbade hunting them, telling the
People that the great beasts were our brothers. The h'le sing their prayers to Shalnar-pa and that is what
you hear.

"I thought only the People were brought here," Jopa whispered in shock.

"No, several other species were also chosen to travel here with us. The aguila of the skies, the rocas of
the mountains, the h'le of the seas, the kan of the land above, and the dilla of the earth below. The Gods
knew we would be lonely without them in this new place so they placed them here as well. I have told this
to you for a reason, but Jopa, do not repeat this knowledge to others."

Parren had learned this during her time training with the Rangar. They kept certain knowledge to
themselves and she was surprised that Thrana revealed this information to Jopa. She hadn't realized the
old man had heard their conversation on the beach. The Trader, she remembered, had once belonged to
the Rangar but chose a different path among the Traders.

The former spiritual apprentice believed if Jopa indeed became co-mate to the Emissary, it was
necessary that he understood her world a little better. She would need a strong man that would support
her when her spirit was weary and to be able to hear her words that were forbidden to others. Jopa had
also been considered for the Rangar and Thrana knew the priests would accept him having forbidden
knowledge. Over time, before he retired, he would pass on more secrets to the young man as needed. It
wouldn't be wise to overwhelm him now.

Thrana looked forward and past Parren's tall form. His eyes searched for Hanpa but he wasn't in sight.
Worried, he called out to his old friend, who didn't return his call. Now worried, he rushed forward, the
apprentices close on his heels. Something had to be wrong.

To be continued...

Sderkins61@yahoo.com

They followed Hanpa's footprints to the edge of a cliff. Without looking, the older Trader knew that this
very spot overlooked the distant village. The freshly broken rocks and soil told him that the edge must
have crumbled below the Master Trader's weight. How could his old friend be so careless?

"Hanpa!" he shouted as he cautiously peered down. Trees and brush grew from the side of the cliff that
led to the rocky shore below. Fearing his friend had fallen to his death Thrana scanned the ocean waves
for signs of his body. He was only dimly aware of Jopa leaning next to him.

"There! In the tree below, Master!" Thrana followed the apprentice's pointing finger and spotted what
the young man had seen. A glimmer of red was shown between two giant limbs. Ganthren's Grace must
have caught Hanpa. But how did they bring him to safety? Thinking furiously for several heartbeats he
concluded that the only possibility was to send one of the youngsters down on a rope. Parren was the
best choice, being the lightest. He ordered them to tie every rope together; hoping it would be long
enough. He took one end and tied it to a nearby tree for support.

"Parren, I want you to tie this end around you. Jopa and I will lower you down to Hanpa. Please be
careful. Think about each step, do not lose focus." The Master Trader didn't need to say aloud that any
misstep could be the last one she made on the treacherous precipice. Even with the thin rope bound to
her, it wouldn't save her life. It would merely snap from the weight. Parren did as she was instructed as
the two men took hold of the fiber cord. She nodded to their master and stepped to the crumbling edge.

The first step was the most frightening but her faith in her companions and fear for Hanpa prevented her
from faltering. Heights didn't intimidate her, not after growing up in a village carved into solid stone
hundreds of feet above the valley floor. It was the fear of dying and not having her body brought home to
her family that caused her unease. The ocean would greedily keep her remains for all eternity if she fell.

Inch by painful inch, she was lowered along the rocky incline. Parren kept her eyes on her path,
sidestepping around possible jutting stones that could cut her rope or brush that could snag her. Sweat
poured out as her body trembled with the effort. She needed to stop and catch her breath. No doubt the
men needed to pause as well. She spotted a small ledge to her right and worked her way towards it.
Testing its stability, she allowed her weight to rest on it.

Parren shouted for them to stop for a moment. She felt the tension on the rope ease and could almost
hear their labored breathing from above. She hugged the stones in front of her, grateful for the coolness.
When her heart rate slowed the Emissary dared a slight twist of her body to look towards Hanpa. He
hadn't moved an inch. He was either dead or severely injured. Unable to remain still any longer, Parren
shouted to the men above, asking if they were prepared to continue. Feeling the rope tighten once again,
she left her small haven and stepped down.

Within moments, she reached a large limb of the tree that held Hanpa. Unable to see how to reach him
while still attached to the rope, she untied herself from it. Parren could almost hear the startled response
of the men but ignored it. She needed to reach her mentor. She crawled towards him, praying to the Gods
that the branches held. One limb swayed as she put her weight on it but she heard no threatening crack.
She kneeled on it until she could grasp the gnarled branch. Parren was just a few steps away from the
older man. She lowered herself to the larger limb and gingerly sidestepped closer.

She now had a clear view of his prone body, wedged between two limbs in a fetal position.

"Master!" the Emissary cried out. Her fingers sought his pulse under his jaw. She gave silent thanks
when she found it, strong and steady. His eyes fluttered open.

"Parren?" he whispered.

"Yes Hanpa. We need to get you out of this tree. Can you move at all?"

The Trader looked confused momentarily then shifted unsuccessfully. Parren was relieved that his legs
and arms still worked. He could have easily broken his back in the fall. She reached down to him and
grasped his hand. Her placement on the branch was awkward and afforded her little leverage. Parren
slid one foot down the branch until she could brace herself better. Grabbing a stout limb she pulled his
hand. Hanpa gasped in pain but she refused to stop. The Trader gritted his teeth and forced his free
hand beneath him, pushing upward. His pack snagged for a moment then sprang free. He released her
hand and rolled to his stomach, draped over the limb that had caught him.

"Thank you ancient one, for stopping my fall," he grunted to the tree. Parren chuckled.

Once Thrana was sure both were safe he made a decision. He would travel to the next village and fetch
several men and better ropes. Parren was sure that Hanpa had cracked several ribs. Someone had to
guide the older man along the path up the cliff.

"Jopa, build a stretcher while I am gone. I won't allow that old fool to walk to the village on his own feet,
even if I have to tie him to it," he growled. The young man resisted the urge to laugh. He knew well the
bond of friendship between the older men. Thrana took only his water skin, not wanting to be slowed
down by his heavy pack. Promising to return as quickly as possible the Trader jogged down the path
towards the Shalopa village.

Jopa watched the sun and worried that his Master might not return early enough to bring Hanpa up the
steep cliff. His friend and Hanpa were safe for now but a night in the tree would be dangerous. They
would be exhausted by morning after a night of clinging to the tree. Jopa sent prayers to the Gods and
gathered firewood just in case.

To his relief, he spotted the Shalopas and Thrana returning a short time later. They still had several
hours of daylight left. He had brought two handfuls of men with him, along with ropes and woven netting.
He learned that this was not their first experience with someone who had fallen off a ledge.

The Shalopas quickly assembled and set up their ropes for the rescue. The two lightest men lowered
themselves skillfully, leaving the mountain dwellers opened-mouthed in awe at their courage. With easy
grace they reached the ancient tree below. They gently wrapped Hanpa into the strong net they had
carried. Parren fussed a bit when they told her to let them raise him. She had wanted to be the one who
guided her mentor to safety but common sense prevailed. They knew what they were doing and she had
to trust the strangers.

Once the Trader was safely to the top they pulled her up next. She arrived at the top to hear her mentor
complaining loudly that he was quite capable of walking, thank you very much. A lopsided grin curved
her full lips at his stubbornness. If he could protest this strongly then he couldn't be that badly injured.
Hanpa would recover quickly.

Thrana's temper got to him. "Old man, shut up and allow them to take you to the village. We're wasting
daylight," He glared at his fellow Trader. "Unless you'd rather spend the night on this cliff rather than
see�friends tonight," he grinned. He knew Hanpa was eager to see Kalen and he wasn't above a little
manipulation to make his old friend behave. He watched Hanpa deflate like a poked griddle bread and
nod. He climbed onto the stretcher without further protests.

Parren sidled up to Thrana and leaned close. "Who is this person he is eager to see?" she whispered.

"Oh, just someone Hanpa knows," the Trader answered with a bored tone, then winking saucily. Parren
grinned back.

"Think I should introduce myself to her?" she teased.

"Well, only if you want that old man to take a switch to your behind. I just hope she hasn't taken a mate.
He has hopes you see. She threatened to take another offer if Hanpa wasn't going to make up his mind.
He asked her to wait until this visit before acting but she didn't answer him. Just grunted and walked
away."

"I hope she waited Master."

"If she didn't it was his own fault. She has waited many years already and may have lost patience."
Thrana turned his gaze forward letting Parren know the subject was now closed. The Emissary wondered
if she would ever meet someone that would need her in that way.

The Shalopas waited at the edge of their village eagerly for their return. Now curious of who the mystery
woman was Parren watched they faces of every woman for a clue. One pretty woman caught her eye.
She looked worried rather than cheerful like the others. Her arms were folded around herself as she
watched the rescuers return. Some years younger than Hanpa but not so young that she couldn't yet
bear children. She was attractive and had a regal bearing. Yes, she could imagine her master being
caught in her allure. Parren wondered what her name was. She didn't need to wait long for her answer.

The woman rushed forward to Hanpa's side. The older man smiled and took hold of her hand.

"Kalen," he said reverently. Neither spoke. She merely kept hold of his hand as the men continued on
to the healer's hut. Thrana and the two apprentices turned to the crowd and smiled their thanks for their
help and caring. They were led to an area set aside for a communal gathering. Parren thanked the
women who handed her bowls of food and drink. One young man sent her a flirtatious smile but she
merely nodded. He couldn't be very bright if he thought one of two spirits would be interested in him.

The young man approached her but the village leader, a woman with white hair sent him a glare. He
looked at Parren and the leader in confusion then backed away.

The leader sat next to her. "He is harmless but I'm sure you didn't want to deal with him after your long
ordeal. I am Tapak."

"Parren, Emissary and Apprentice Trader. I am pleased to meet you."

They chatted about many things including the route they would be traveling during the season.

"I'd caution you about visiting the Pi-Setis Emissary. They are not a friendly people, wary of strangers."

"You know of them then?"

"Yes. I have a cousin who married into their people. Even after these many years she is still treated like
an outsider. My nephew traveled to visit her last season. He found the Pi-Seti confusing."

"Could you give me any advice on how to deal with them, Tapak? Our people would like to trade for
their metal and the knowledge to forge it."

"Then you go there to seek failure young Emissary. Only a handful know the secrets and aren't willing
to share knowledge. They would rather die. They know once it became common knowledge that the
power and wealth would end."

"Then tell me of what you do understand of them. Perhaps that would help me," Parren asked.

The woman blew out her breath and looked to the sunset, gathering her thoughts.

"Well, the Pi-Seti are very ritualistic. How they greet one another, how food is served and so on. For
example; when they meet one another the inferior or lowest ranking person can't speak first. They must
be acknowledged by the other or they can't speak to them unless to deliver a message. Then the lower
ranked person must beg their forgiveness first, speak briefly then walk away."

"How is rank determined, Tapak?"

"By birth. They tattoo their cheeks. Even I have little clue on their markings. My cousin said it is by
color and numbers. The ruling family members use blue marks; nobles bear orange. Commoners use
black and slaves, of course, have no tattoos. As outsiders you will have a difficult time of it young
Parren. They view you less than slaves, even if your wealth is immense. Traders are just an
unpleasantness they must deal with."

Parren sighed. This was going to be difficult indeed. She feared her first experience, as an Emissary
would end in failure.

They left the area of the Shalopas a few days later and headed North even though Parren had repeated
Tapak's warnings. They had agreed to attempt the trade and couldn't give up without trying. Hanpa
shrugged. It mattered little to him. This would be his last journey. He would return to Kalen on the way
home. She had agreed to take him as a mate and live with the mountain dwellers.

It took several weeks to reach the border of the Pi-Seti since they stopped occasionally to trade with
small groups along the way. Most of them advised them not to bother although none gave warnings of
danger. Jopa asked why there little danger from the forgers and the man laughed.

"If they killed an outsider then the body would have to be touched for burial young Trader. Not even a
slave would be willing to do so. Your body would scar their soul, so they believe. They would be cursed.
So, either be condemned in the afterlife or leave the body to rot and stink up the place. No, they don't
kill people. They just treat you like dirt and hope you'll go away as soon as possible."

Thrana shook his head in disbelief. The Pi-Setis were a strange people.

They reached the settlement, named Acha, early in the morning. They looked around in wonder at the
size of the community. There had to be thousands living in the area! At a loss for where to begin the
Traders watched the bustle of the people. Jopa noticed many were heading in one direction. He
suggested following them. The other men agreed and strolled along with the flow of people. Several
minutes later they entered a large open area surrounded by buildings, carts, and venders. Spotting the
Trader markings of the Hannock at one cart they approached him.

"Greetings Master Trader. Do you have a moment to speak with us?" Thrana asked politely.

The man smiled. "Of course. You are Sinagua. I haven't traveled your way although my father often did.
How may I be of assistance?"

Thrana explained the purpose of their journey. The Trader shook his head sadly.

"It would do you little good. Why don't you examine the goods found here and take advantage of the
variety instead? You could still leave with a few small treasures to go home with," the man suggested.

Parren leaned closer to the man, making him look at her closely. He realized she was female.

"Young lady, I suggest you put on some sort of covering over your chest. The Pi-Seti are quite prudish
and would be shocked at your nakedness."

"Oh?" Parren thought for a moment. "Well, we have nothing to lose and perhaps a good shock would
leave them more open to dialogue," she grinned.

"More likely you will be banished from the city!" he warned. He could see the naughty sparkle in her
eyes. He sighed heavily. "Well, if you must be a rebel I suggest to do as I said before. Do some trading
first. Then if you are shoved out the gates you'll at least have something for your trouble."

Hanpa asked whom to speak to first in their quest. The Hannock gave directions to the home of the
noble who owned the forges. His name was Ramor. They thanked him once again. They glanced at the
wares as they headed for Ramor's home but saw little they wanted. Parren noted several people pointing
at her and whispering. She hoped they reached the noble's home before they were tossed out the gates.

They found the stone pathway that led the way up a slight incline. His residence would be just over the
hill. They reached an entry door but it was closed, unlike their own homes, which were only closed after
dark. Jopa suggested tapping the door. Parren, as the Emissary tapped loudly with a fingertip. The door
opened and a woman without a tattoo opened it. She had to be a servant. Parren felt she would act as
though she herself had a marking and spoke first.

"I wish to speak with Ramor, if he is available," she stated politely. The woman looked flustered at her
request, her eyes darting between the men and the half-clad woman. The Traders stood patiently until
the servant woman made a decision. She stepped back and requested they wait just inside of the
doorway. She hurried away. Their wait was not long, however a young woman, not Ramor approached
them.

She was almost as tall as Parren, her walk confidant and clipped. She didn't appear pleased at their
presence. She wore a flowing gown of pure white fibers and what must be thin strips of the metal forged
in Acha. Her long hair was loosely braided and tied with ribbons. Parren noted her dark hair gleamed
with highlights and her skin was as flawless as a cloudless sky. The Emissary felt her stomach tighten
with pleasure at the woman's form, both soft and strong. The woman almost sizzled the very air around
her. Here was a woman that would add spice to anyone's blanket.

A smile curled Parren's mouth as the woman neared them, then slid quickly away as the woman spoke.

"You were not summoned or invited here. My father wishes for you to leave,' she commanded rudely
and turned away from them. Parren felt hot anger rise up inside of her. She reached out and grasped the
woman's arm.

The woman gasped in shock and spun around. How dare this shameless woman touch her as an equal!
She was about to give the strangers a seething lecture when the bare-breasted woman spoke to her first.

"That was most rude of you. Without so much as an introduction or asking for an explanation as why we
are here, you dismissed us as though we were peasants! I am Parren, Emissary to my people, the
Sinagua. Our race were the first to colonize this new world, long before the likes of your kind stepped
forth from the Sky Boats. We are NOT to be treated in such a manner again. Now, what is your name?"
Parren commanded.

The woman's lips parted but she made no sound. Never had she met anyone who commanded such
spiritual strength before. This was no ordinary outsider, to be sure. She managed to speak her name.

"Hyenta"

"Well, Hyenta, we wish to speak to your father about trade for your metal and its forging. Please inform
him of our wishes." The young woman nodded and left the room.

Jopa whistled softly. "I thought you ruined everything, Parren."

"Yes," said Thrana, "I thought you had gone mad. Everyone kept telling us to be especially polite to
these people and here you are snarling at one of them." The old Trader grinned. "Perhaps they do need
a bit of shaking up after all."

"Perhaps Parren needs the boldness of the Gods themselves to push past all their rituals and
arrogance," Jopa guessed. The others nodded.

"Show no weakness Parren," Hanpa told her.

Ramor entered the room nervously, eyeing the young woman his daughter told him about. She indeed
held great inner strength, her power almost glowing from within. He would have to be careful how he
refused her request.

"Please come with me. You must be tired from your journey." He led them to a small open room with
huge openings overlooking a garden. A cool breeze stirred the air and trees planted outside kept the
room in shade. It felt wonderful to the mountain dwellers. Servants entered the room with refreshments,
placing them on a low table. The Traders took seats that formed a small circle inside the room, glad to
get off their feet. A male slave placed a small cloth on each of their knees then handed everyone seated
a bowl of cool water and a bowl of wedged fruit and bread.

Parren already knew that the highest ranked person waited last to take a bite or sip. In her mind, it was
a symbol of pride and stubbornness. She would die of thirst before she touched her small meal before
Ramor. Jopa, also knowing the custom, took the first sip and spoke his name. The elder Traders took a
sip together and spoke their names almost at the same time. Parren glanced at the man across from her
and refused to break eye contact.

He watched her nervously, his eyes wavering, unable to withstand her steady gaze. Everyone waited
silently as the battle between Noble and Emissary took place. Long minutes passed. Parren saw the man
tremble and sweat trickle down his cheek. It was a matter of time. She held firmly, refusing to blink or
look away. This was a battle she planned to win. Finally, the man could take it no longer. His eyes
dropped and he took a sip of water. Parren resisted the urge to smile smugly. They ate silently although
she knew Ramor wanted nothing more than to question them. Custom demanded that Parren be the one
who spoke first of the matter. She ignored his impatient expression and looked serenely out the window
watching the birds jump from limb to limb while eating slowly. Make him wait.

The Emissary took her final bite of food and still ignored the Noble for several minutes. She had made a
decision. Act as though the last thing they wanted was to trade. She was asked to come here against her
better judgement. It wasn't a lie exactly, just a stretching of the truth. Perhaps being a contrary child
would work.

"Let us get this over with Ramor," Parren sighed as though aggravated. "Our leaders asked us to take
this side trip from our long journey and meet with those who forged your metal. They would consider a
trade of information if your techniques were worth the bother of learning. I see little use of this new
metal other than to make better butcher knives for the women of our community. Do be kind enough to
reassure me this process is neither tedious or time consuming," Parren asked in a manner that
suggested if she thought it a nuisance that she and her party would get up and leave.

"Emissary, a few steps could be considered difficult but that is why we use slaves for those details. I
assure you that our metal forging is the best and purest found anywhere!" Ramor beamed proudly.

Parren hummed as though not convinced. "Regardless, I am authorized to negotiate for this exchange.
Do we speak with you alone or to a counsel of forgers?"

He seemed eager to please her at this point. "There is no need to bother with such details. I can take
your offer to the other members and bring back their answer. May I ask what you offer in exchange?"

Parren bit back the excitement in her voice. "Our Rangar Society is willing to reveal a few of their
protected secrets, but then it really depends on what your actual needs are, true? We know of things
passed down from the ancient ones, magical things that men have died trying to steal. Would you desire
the knowledge to produce light without fire? Or to have a medicine that cures any festering wound? Or
do your scholars covet copies of the original texts that our priests possess? Speak to your people,
Ramor. Decide on what you desire and bring me your answer," she whispered seductively.

His eyes were glazed as he pondered the possibilities. "You will be my guests until then, Emissary?"
She inclined her head regally.

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