Tarashana by Rachel Neumeier (little red riding hood ebook TXT) 📕

a craftsman or a herdsman?” Sometimes a man who is himself a respected warrior does not like a son who does not want to be a warrior. When that happens, he should leave it to other men to teach the boy, but sometimes a man does not want to acknowledge that he is not the right teacher for his son. I said, “My mother’s younger son has decided he will be a poet. He is your age, but he made that decision before he became a man. It is easier to make that decision young.”

Tano had dropped his gaze to the ground between us again. He said, not looking up, “I have never thought of being anything other than a warrior. But I do not know whether I can fight as the inGara expect a warrior to fight.”

That was a very careful answer. I said, “We will find that out.” He nodded, still not looking at me. I thought I might know something else about him now. I said nothing about that, only added, “You may have questions of your own. Suyet is easy-tempered. If you fear a question might cause offense, you should ask him. Tell him you want to learn darau.” I told him how to say that, pronouncing the words carefully, and made him repeat them twice. The second time was not bad. I said, “Ask him to explain anything you wish to know in taksu and darau.” Then I turned my hand palm up to show he had permission to stand.

He got to his feet and turned away. Then he turned back, dropped to his knees again, and bowed to the ground. Only then did he jump up and walk away.

It began to rain shortly after the Sun had stepped fully below the edge of the earth. Ordinarily Ugaro would not wish to sleep beneath canvas during the warm season, but tonight the wind gusted from every direction, carrying mist and rain. This presented a problem I had not thought of. I could hardly suggest Aras share his tent with anyone, but the tent I shared with Geras and Suyet would be uncomfortably crowded with four. Obviously it would not be right for me to ask the inGeiro warriors to take the young man into their tent. There were two reasons they would not want to do so. At least two.

While I hesitated, Geras came to me. “Got a question,” he said. “The boy can come in with Suyet and me, that’s no problem, and you can share with Lord Gaur. But what I’m wondering is, I’ve got this salve, it’s meant for burns, but it’d help those welts. Only, would it be an insult to offer it?”

I smiled. I should have expected Geras to solve the problem almost before I thought of it. “That is a kindness, not an insult,” I told him. “If Aras does not mind, that would be a good arrangement. Thank you.”

“Of course he won’t mind. I checked that first.”

Of course he had. I said again, “Thank you.”

“It’s no problem. I’m sure that boy won’t be any trouble. Suyet can talk to everybody, so that’s easy enough. I guess I better get a start on learning taksu.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “You should ask Suyet to tell you the words for boy and young man. That is not a mistake you should make in taksu. That would be an insult.”

“I’ll just learn the one for young man; that’ll probably be safer than trying to remember you youngsters shouldn’t be called boys.” It was starting to rain harder now, and he glanced disgustedly up at the sky and added, “Let’s all get out of this wet.” He beckoned to Tano.

Tano rose hesitantly to his feet, looking to me to be sure he understood.

“Yes,” I told him. “Go. Be polite. I do not want to hear complaints in the morning regarding your behavior.” I did not tell him he had no need to be afraid. That would slight his pride, and it was not necessary. Soon enough he would know that.

“Yes,” he said softly, bowing his head, and followed Geras.

I went to the small tent Aras had not intended to share with anyone and stooped to enter, kneeling as soon as I was inside. He had lit a candle—the Lau do not see as well in dim light, as Ugaro do not see as well in the full brilliance of the Sun—so I saw at once that he was smiling. “You do not mind?” I asked.

“Of course not, Ryo. There’s room enough, and besides, I’m glad to have a chance to speak with you. I’m pleased and flattered at the way you handled that young man. I didn’t actually see that coming.”

I smiled, but I answered seriously. “I was not certain I would do it that way until the moment came. I did not do it to please you, but I am glad you are pleased. I once accepted mercy from an enemy, so I decided it was right to show mercy myself. The gods despise ingratitude.” I paused. Then I said, “I regret that you had to witness the punishment. I know how difficult you find such things.”

“Well, yes. But everyone absolutely hated that, which is intensely unpleasant in a way, but not nearly as unpleasant as when someone enjoys it. I do appreciate Rakasa. I don’t believe just anyone would have been willing to help the young man.”

“He is a man of easy temper,” I agreed.

“Unlike your father. Just how angry is your father likely to be, Ryo? I have the impression everyone is sincerely concerned about that.” He gestured for me to lay out my blanket along the other side of the tent.

I unrolled my blanket and reclined on one elbow, facing him. The tent was small, but not too small. With the entry closed, the air within was too warm,