The Rare Pearl (Broken Water Series Book 1) Page 11

  “Not named to honor our lord of the sea?” Nakoma smirked, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m not named for his pleasure either. Nakoma means great warrior. Catori means spirit. Is the lord of the sea really flattered by babies named after the water he resides in? Foolishness!” Her attendant began to brush her chief’s coffee-colored hair.

  “Why do you want me to stay here, without my friends?” Harmony probed.

  Nakoma raised her dark, arched brows at Harmony’s candidness. “I want you here because you are different. I want to get to know you. Tell me why Calder chose you to travel with the others. What value do you bring them?”

  Amadahy finished brushing Nakoma’s hair and unhooked the weapon-heavy belt at her waist, lifting it off over one shoulder.

  “Oh, well, Calder sent me along as another Diver, like Kodiak.”

  Amadahy next bent to unlatch the fur-covered boots on Nakoma’s feet. After she stepped out of them, Amadahy carried them into the other room.

  “A Diver. Hmm.” Nakoma considered it but clearly wasn’t convinced.

  “What about your hair? It’s an unusual color.” Nakoma studied her features: the rounder eyes, pinker skin, and bow-like, full lips that deepening the philtrum above her lip.

  Harmony looked her square in the eyes and did not falter when she answered, “Surely a gift from Suijin, our lord of the sea.”

  Nakoma’s laugh was throaty. She gathered a handful of Harmony’s hair, curling around her palm, appearing mesmerized by it. She lifted the hair to her nose and inhaled, her fathomless eyes never leaving Harmony’s. Again searching her face, Nakoma could almost be fooled by Harmony’s amber-colored eyes, which were similar to the Aquapopulo, except not nearly as bright.

  Releasing her hair, she said, “You are just in time to join me in the mineral springs. I will have Amadahy assist you and wash your hair.” The girl who removed Nakoma’s headdress, belt, and boots gathered a basket of items and headed toward a staircase within the chamber. “Catori, you may join us as well.” She bestowed an honor upon her trusted confidant.

  “Thank you, Nakoma.” Catori sounded delighted.

  They descended several flights of stairs, no exits along the way. The sound of the falls quieted as they moved deeper underground. Finally the sound returned as they neared the bottom level, below the cliff.

  Nakoma headed to a balcony supported by decorative arches. Gazing beyond the falls, she loved the way the pounding vibrations felt throughout her body. This was the best view, close to the falling water. She beckoned Harmony to come closer.

  She stood beside the chieftain. Craning her neck to look up at the towering falls, she then gingerly leaned over the rail to look down into the mist. “Wow. It’s extraordinary!” Harmony said loudly, sweeping her eyes around in wonder.

  Nakoma placed a hand on Harmony’s shoulder, breaking the spell of admiration for nature and causing her body to tense. Sliding her hand down the length of Harmony’s sleeve, she clasped her bare hand, smiling when she felt heat. Nakoma’s assumption of where Harmony was from made more sense now and she had ways of testing her theory.

  “The water is warm. You will enjoy it.” Nakoma led her from the balcony, past the stairs, over to a large, softly bubbling in-ground pool. Nakoma let go of her hand and removed her own wrist guards and heavily beaded necklace, handing them to Amadahy. She stripped out of her halter top and loincloth, walking nude down the shallow steps into the pool. The pool leveled just below her breasts. Nakoma walked across its length and then sank to her shoulders on a sunken bench.

  Harmony attempted to avert her gaze from the naked woman, but her sculpted body adorned from head to toe with tattoos was fascinating.

  Catori nudged her and Harmony’s cheeks turned red. “Disrobe and join our chieftain. It is an honor to share her private bath.” Catori removed her clothing and entered the water.

  The idea of nudists added to Harmony’s discomfort. Her insecurities about her own body rose. As if this realm isn’t weird enough!

  She took her time unbuckling her sandals and kicking them away. Amadahy approached and held out her arm for Harmony’s clothes. She slipped her tunic over her head, handing it over. Then her pants. Reluctantly, she removed her undergarments and scooted into the water, sinking to her shoulder. The water was warm—so warm she felt beads of sweat form on her brow.

  “Harmony, this is Amadahy, my room attendant. She will assist you while you stay with me.” The girl nodded as she placed Harmony’s clothing into a basket.

  Amadahy’s nose was pierced with a tiny black stone stud and beads were woven into her hair. She knelt poolside, awaiting further instruction.

  “Come closer, Harmony.” Nakoma soft voice held a commanding authority.

  Harmony closed the gap between them, floating in the buoyant water until firm hands grabbed her ankle, vise-like, lifting her foot to the surface. She let out a surprised cry and bobbed on the other foot, keeping her head above the surface. She couldn’t pull it free.

  Nakoma, holding Harmony’s foot, slid her long finger between Harmony’s toes. “Funny thing about the clans, they didn’t evolve like the Forest Tribe. They still have webbed toes—but you do not.”

  “There are mutations in evolution.” Harmony’s voice quaked.

  “And they are known for their diving skills. You said you are a Diver… How long can you hold your breath?” Nakoma lifted Harmony’s leg forcing her head under the water. After several moments, Nakoma loosened her grip. Violently, Harmony splashed to the surface, coughing and sputtering.

  “Where are you from?” Nakoma demanded, but Harmony shook her head. She wasn’t going to tell.

  Nakoma yanked her foot again, forcing Harmony back underwater. No matter how hard she kicked she couldn’t dislodge the chieftain’s grip. She was trapped and might drown—it seemed inevitable.

  Nakoma again released the pressure.

  Resurfacing she cried, “I can’t hold my breath! I’m not a Diver.” She glanced desperately at Catori, who reclined with her arms draped over the edge, a smirk on her mouth. Then she sent a pleading gaze to Amadahy, who watched the exchange with interest. She coughed into her elbow before she confessed, “I’m not from the coast. I’ll tell you, but you probably won’t believe me.”

  When Nakoma released her, Harmony swam away, putting a safe distance between them. Reluctantly she continued. “Over a week ago I came to your realm by mistake. I am human.”

  “Who brought you here? Calder?” Nakoma apparently believed her. In fact, she didn’t seem surprised.

  “No, it was a mistake. I came over on my own. I found some herbs and…” She coughed and choked again.

  Harmony flinched at Nakoma’s sharp laughter. “You are a unique treasure indeed. What has Calder asked of you? I must know. Do the clans plan to use you for a special purpose? Is that why you are really here?”

  “No. We just came to gather herbs—that’s all.” Although admitting she was human, she hadn’t revealed her mixed blood as Calder’s descendant. “Look, I’m no one special. We are not here to cause trouble. Please, just let us go.”

  “Is it your desire to return to the human realm?” Nakoma pressed.

  “Yes, as soon as I return to the coast, I’ll go home.”

  “Would you to consider remaining in this realm? Stay with us and we will send the others back to the coast where they belong. I can see there is potential in you to make a fine tribeswoman.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible.”

  “Anything is possible. Once you see how wonderful our city is, you will not want to go back with them. There is more for you here in this city, this realm, and I will take very good care of you.” Nakoma called over her shoulder to Amadahy. “Harmony is ready for your assistance.” As the chieftain left the pool, she slipped into a robe. Catori did the same. Then the tribeswomen ascended the steps, discussing the day’s hunt.

  17

  In the dining hall, Harmony arched her neck to take in the impressiv
e vaulted roof. Electric chandeliers and sconces illuminated the gigantic room. Extensive trestle tables stretched the length of the room and several hundred people were seated. The wall of arched windows faced west. The sinking sun, now below the tree line, cast the sky in hues of pink and purple. Nakoma walked behind seated guests, bidding them good evening and good health. Harmony and Catori followed Nakoma until they reached the center dais, where a circular table was raised above the others. There sat Binda, Rio, and Kodiak, all seeming relieved to see Harmony.

  Nakoma swung her arm up toward the center platform. “Please have a seat at my table. I will join you shortly.”

  Earlier, Harmony was allowed to choose a dress. She selected the one with the most fabric. The soft cloth hitched over one shoulder and clung to her form before it reached her thighs. Amadahy wrapped a beaded belt adorned with small animal tails around her slim waist. A headband with delicate feathers pushed the hair off her forehead. Harmony was surprised her friends wore plain, comfortable tunics. She didn’t like this game Nakoma was playing with her.

  Kodiak straightened in his chair at the sight of her.

  Harmony climbed the few steps onto the platform. Rio saved her a seat between Kodiak and himself. Seated, she noticed Catori slip into the chair on the other side of Kodiak, playfully bumping his shoulder in greeting. Harmony tore her gaze away, not wanting to watch Kodiak charm the tribeswoman. Instead, she observed Nakoma, who continue to stroll past each table, greeting everyone and stopping briefly to talk to those who flagged her down, her popularity among the crowd evident.

  Harmony wrapped her arms around her stomach and leaned back against her chair. Her belly knotted in anticipation of what she needed to tell her friends. It was confess or drown—would they understand?

  “Are you okay?” Rio leaned over, speaking quietly.

  Harmony noted Kodiak kept Catori busy with conversation so she quickly whispered in Rio’s ear, “She knows I’m from the other realm. She wasn’t surprised and she even asked me to consider staying here in this city. I’m sorry I told her, Rio, but she held me under the water… She is manipulative and dangerous.”

  Rio clasped her hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. He leaned over to repeat Harmony’s words to Binda. Binda crossed her arms, scowling at her.

  On the surface this tribal community seemed hospitable, but Harmony wasn’t blind to the underlying pulse that made them more like humans. For now, the four of them had to play the role of polite guests. As Nakoma approached, Harmony took a deep breath, adjusting her expressions to reflect that role.

  Nakoma took her place on the dais, which signaled the servers to place platters of roasted meats and vegetables on the table, offering their chieftain the first serving.

  Harmony’s mouth watered. She lived off fish and vegetables for the last week and this smelled heavenly. She dug in before noticing her vegetarian cousins, who sat back, unmoving, staring at her. As the meat melted in her mouth, she allowed herself this small reprieve, this simple pleasure. Spying Kodiak heaping vegetables on his plate, she grimaced apologetically as she licked the grease from her lips. He then placed the platter so Rio might serve himself some vegetables. Rio lifted a spoonful and held it over Binda’s plate.

  “Savages,” Binda muttered under her breath.

  Harmony heard her insult and shot a look at Nakoma, but the chieftain’s attention was on the council member beside her.

  To Harmony, Nakoma’s seemed distracted; her gaze swept the room and entrance continually as though she looked for someone. Within the hum of voices and passing of platters, Nakoma asked questions about Calder. Binda answered as vaguely as she could.

  Harmony could tell Binda was irritated by Nakoma’s inquiries. Binda looked directly at Nakoma, a false smile on her lips. She said, “I’d like to meet your Linker. Would that be possible?”

  When Nakoma’s black, shrewd eyes bore into Binda’s face, Harmony felt afraid for her cousin. Binda’s seemingly innocent request sent flutters of distress jumping in her gut. Something is amiss.

  “Our Linker was charged with an unethical deed and banished fifteen years ago when I was a newly appointed chieftain. It seems there are temptations in the human realm.”

  The last comment had Harmony thinking of Calder’s indiscretions. And it was obvious by Binda’s smirk that she already knew what happened to their Linker.

  Just then there was a commotion at the entrance as a group of men arrived. The chieftain’s scowl was instantly gone. As the dozen men walked through the door the crowd roared in applause. The finely chiseled men dispersed to the lower tables. They were greeted with slaps on their backs by comrades and passionate kisses from women who clearly missed them. They tossed children in the air, who squealed with delight, before taking their seats.

  One man made his way straight to the dais. “He has finally arrived.” Nakoma’s smile was genuine.

  Catori jumped into his arms and gave him a possessive kiss. His brief acknowledgment sent Catori quickly back to her seat. Queen-like, Nakoma rose, and clasped wrists firmly with the newcomer.

  “Welcome home, Finn. Visitors have arrived in your absence. I’ve been most eager to present them to you.” She released him and introduced each of them.

  Finn nodded at the group of coastal neighbors. Harmony smiled politely when his gaze lingered on her. She thought Finn stood out among the tribesmen. He was ruggedly handsome, and the wavy, brown hair that curled at his collar was sun-kissed with highlights. He took the seat next to Nakoma. The three other council members shifted down the table.

  Nakoma praised the man who loaded his plate. “Finn is our lead hunter, as Catori is our lead huntress. Finn covers the northern territory. His specialty is bear trapping and he has brought us back outstanding specimens.”

  Harmony noted the large teeth, probably bear teeth, woven into Nakoma’s braided top. The open-weave top did little to hide the skin underneath.

  As if on cue, four brawny hunters rolled in a cart heaped with bearskins. “It was a successful trip.” Finn’s chin lifted at the admiring murmurs in the room and then he fixed his gaze on Harmony. “I’m glad I have returned.”

  Locking eyes briefly, Harmony quickly forced her gaze toward Catori, who’d watched their exchange as she noshed at her food.

  Loud enough for the stranger’s to hear, Nakoma said to Finn, “I’d like you to spend some time with Harmony while her friends are escorted north. They’ve come seeking herbs on our lands. I’ve asked Harmony to stay as our honored guest until their return. I’m sure you’d like to get to know this lovely stranger. She’s traveled a great distance.”

  Harmony caught the knowing exchange between Nakoma and Finn at the last statements. She didn’t dare defy a chieftain in a roomful of her subjects, her jumbo prehistoric lion lurking in the next chamber, but she was not planning to be abandoned here with these people. They were dangerous. Nakoma was scary. Harmony feared for her life.

  18

  Harmony woke with a start, panicked Kodiak and her cousins left without her. She rose on her elbow and paused. Standing at the end of her bed was Nakoma, watching her. “Have my friends gone?”

  “Not yet. They’ve been brought breakfast and are probably being escorted to the courtyard.”

  Harmony sat forward and sagged with relief. “Please, please let me go with them.”

  “I think there is more to know about you, Harmony. Humans are full of surprises, are they not?”

  “What do you want from me, Nakoma?”

  The chieftain ignored her question. “I’ll be occupied with Finn this morning, so Catori will be at your disposal.” Turning to leave, she mentioned, “Your friends are about to embark on their journey. You’d like to say good-bye, wouldn’t you?”

  “Of course.” Harmony scrambled to get ready and left her room to find the courtyard. Trotting down the broad outdoor staircase, she was relieved she found them. Elks were led in and the saddles checked. She quickened her pace and rushed to Kod
iak, who loaded supplies into a saddlebag.

  “Kodi, thank goodness you haven’t left yet!”

  He grinned. “I know you’re worried, but you’ll be all right. Rio told me Nakoma knows you’re human. I don’t see why you being human is important to the chieftain, other than it makes you a novelty.”

  “I don’t care! I want to go with you.”

  “We still think it’s best for you to remain her guest. Calder said these tribespeople were a threat. That threat is removed when they escort us. We will be successful and return as fast as we can.”

  “Kodi, please don’t leave me.” She knew she sounded desperate, vulnerable.

  He dropped his gaze to her lips and stepped closer. He spoke in hushed tones. “I will come back for you no matter what.”

  Her mouth opened to protest his departure again, but his declaration stalled her words. They sounded sincere, but what she wanted him to say was, “I won’t leave here without you!”

  He cleared his throat, took a step back, and restated, “I’ll come back for the ring. I won’t fail my mission.”

  “Oh. Oh, right, the ring.” Why are my feelings hurt? She turned away with a heavy heart.

  “Take care of yourself, cousin,” Rio said.

  Harmony reached for her kin and hugged him tightly, tears welled in her eyes. Rio had accepted her right away. He was kind and thoughtful toward her. She hadn’t realized how much his presence made coping possible. Now he was leaving. What if I never see him again? What if they don’t come back? What if Nakoma is tricking them? The woman used scare tactics to get Harmony to admit who she was. Nakoma scared her and there was no way she’d ever trust her. With a deep inhale and one last squeeze, she reluctantly released Rio.

  “Be careful, and hurry back,” she whispered.

  Binda, Rio, and Kodi mounted the elk along with two male scouts. Catori walked up with her lion, which sniffed at the other animals, and she called a sweet good-bye to Kodiak, but to Harmony’s surprise he looked only at her as they crossed the bridge and disappeared into the forest. Everyone left the courtyard except Harmony and Catori.