Nena by Ann Boelter (digital book reader txt) 📕

“Give her my apologies, but I will not. I must take my turn at the cliff gates. Tell her I will be sure to bring her my welcome gift.”

They came to a fork in the path and paused.

“Nena,” he said.

“Yes?” She turned to look at him.

“I professed my willingness to be chosen by you before, when it was the gods’ choice. I want you to know for your next choosing, that willingness still stands.”

Nena remembered his earlier declaration well. The entire tribe had whispered about it for a long time—not because Gentok had professed his willingness to her; he was a very qualified and suitable candidate. Everyone had whispered, because he had professed his willingness only to her and no other. Many feared that his attempt to force the gods into only one choice would anger them. She wondered if he had professed to any others in her absence. “Gratitude, Gentok. But I am not yet ready to choose.”

“I understand. I just wanted you to know, when you are ready, I will be waiting.”

“I, NENA, HEREBY declare you, Exanthia, as my ward. From this day forward you shall be known as Exanthia of the Teclan, Ward of Nena, Daughter of Meln, Chief of the Teclan tribe. Your previous life is forgotten. Your blood is now as true Teclan as any born to the mountain. You are one of the Teclan people, deserving and entitled to all rights, equal in every way.

“To welcome you, I give you this set of combat poles carved from the black oak of the Teclan mountain. They were my training sticks, and I hope they teach you as much skill as they taught me.”

Nena stepped back and watched as her father approached next. “I, Chief Meln, welcome Exanthia of the Teclan with this gift.” He held up a leather cord necklace with a single long lion’s fang dangling from the center. “This is a tooth from the Great Lion. It is mate to the one I also wear.” He lifted his own up from his neck, and held them close together for a moment, before placing hers over her head . Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Even Nena was impressed by the thoughtfulness and symbolism of his gift. He had worn the two large teeth around his neck since he had killed the lion as a youth, long before she was born.

Lothor and his very pregnant wife were next. Nena held her breath, praying that her brother’s bile would not ruin this moment. “I, Lothor, welcome Exanthia of the Teclan with this dagger. The blade is knapped from the black stone that is found only on the Teclan mountain. May it keep you safe and service you well.” Lothor handed her the dagger and stepped to the side. “And I, Belda, wife of Lothor, welcome you with this cape made from the pelt of the high goat, also found only on the Teclan mountain. May it keep you warm and bring you comfort wherever you find yourself.” Baldor’s sister handed Exanthia the fur.

One by one, people from the tribe stepped forward to present Exanthia with a gift and to welcome her.

“There is so much,” Exanthia murmured, when it was over, overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the gifts. “This is more than my whole family ever had.”

“There will be more,” Jalla said. “Those who could not attend the ceremony today will come later with their gifts.”

“They accept you, Exanthia. You are one of the people now. Never doubt that and never doubt yourself. You have much to learn, but plenty of time to learn it, and plenty who will help to teach you. I could not be more proud of you if you were my own daughter.” Nena hugged her. “Though where we’re going to put all your things, I’m not sure. There will be no room left for Jalla and I.”

Jalla called them to eat as Nena picked up an armful of gifts and followed Exanthia inside the tent.

“If you choose Gentok, will we all live together in the same tent?” Exanthia asked as she took another bite of smoked fish. She had changed into a new beaded dress and had the mountain goat cape draped around her shoulders, even though it was quite warm. She had barely stopped chattering during the whole meal.

“When Nena chooses—whoever she chooses—you will remain here with me,” Jalla said quickly, saving Nena from having to answer. “A man and woman in a new union will not want the company of a child. There is a reason it takes nine moons for a baby to be born, so the new couple can have privacy—to get to know one another.”

A baby? And time to get to know one another. Nena lost her appetite. As she had gotten to know Jarl? The thought was like a knife twisting in her heart. What was wrong with her? She was free. So why did she not feel free? Why did she feel more trapped than ever? More trapped than when she’d first been chained in Jarl’s tent. Was her father right? Were the vines of her memories with Jarl already strangling her spirit? Was the answer really to choose? If so—why did it feel so horribly wrong?

“Well, I would choose Gentok,” Exanthia continued. “He is strong and brave and very handsome.”

“What do you know about handsome?” Jalla chided her. “You are still a girl.”

“I’m not a blind girl,” she quipped, full of sass. “So, will I join them after nine months, then?” Exanthia asked, cheerfully oblivious to Nena’s distress.

“Perhaps,” Jalla agreed, though her concerned eyes remained on Nena.

“You have changed,” Jalla said when the meal was over and Exanthia had been sent to wash their plates in the stream.

Could everyone see it then? Could everyone see her inner turmoil?

“It is for the better,” Jalla continued. “You are more sensitive and compassionate. Exanthia has softened you. You will make a great mother one day. I was