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."So? I don't want to be courted by anyone.And we'releaving in the morning anyway, so the point is moot.""The challenge is to be decided tonight, Surial.Then tomorrow, we will leave." Heplaced the food between them, throwing some dried leaves into the kettle."You're going to fight with someone with a rahat tonight, with someone that the Elderthinks you're going to have a hard time defeating, over the right to court me? Don't I get asay in this? Doesn't anyone care that I don't want some barbaric display of strengthperformed over me? All the man has to do is ask me and I'll turn him down and that'll bethe end of it." Surial was standing across from him, arms over his chest, eyebrows pulledtogether."Come sit with me, please." Kade sighed."This is not about you, my One.After tonight,if I lose, you are free to refuse him, to love who you wish.This is to prove to the tribewhether or not I am the strongest Guardian, whether I am deserving in the winds to callyou ki'ita.""Whether you are deserving.Alusius' memory! Where was this tribe when Erulial wasintent on killing me? Where was this Cho'ota when I was accused of rape and about to bewhipped to death? Where was he when I was being chased for my power? You aredeserving in the winds to call me ki'ita -- you have done nothing but prove your love andyour ability to protect and take care of me over and over again.And I choose you to bemy guardian, my lover, my life, Kadras -- you are my life."Surial took a deep breath and sat with him, taking his hands, squeezing them."Whywould anyone think that the way to prove their ability to protect, love, court a healerwould be by hurting each other?""I am yours." Kade squeezed back, heart full of honor with his One's words."It is ourway.I have never seen a challenge over ki'ita, but I must answer it.There is no choice."He pulled Surial into a warm hug that felt uncomfortably desperate."I love you, myOne.""Then you will refuse to do this."Kade pulled back and looked into Surial's eyes."You would have me branded a coward?Let them take my braids and drive me out in disgrace? That is a high price, my One.Iwill pay it, if you ask me to, but it is a high price.""Why can't we just leave?" Surial stood again and began pacing."What if I refuse thisinstead of you? Go to this Cho'ota and tell him that I won't have people fighting over me,that to do so would hurt me."Guardians of the Wind - 143"I told you, my One, this is not about you.This is between Cho'ota and me.He is notfighting for you, but against me, my right to claim you as ki'ita." Kade poured himself acup of tea and tried to relax.He would win, the winds had brought him into Surial's arms;they would allow him to remain."I will not lose this fight, my One."Surial's hands slid away and his One stood, face closed, unhappy."I won't make yourefuse, Kade, but I don't like it.I have put up with the hunting celebrations, watchedpeople dance and drink the blood of the beast they murdered and remained quiet.I havewatched the warriors fight each other, blooding their rahat on their brethren and remainedquiet.But know this.If you kill this man in this.this.sport, I will leave tonight, on myown.Please, Kadras, I beg of you, don't make me do that."His One's eyes were wet, swimming with unshed tears."I love you." The words were wetas well.Surial turned on his heel and walked from the camp, heading for the trees on the westernedge of the camp.Kade watched Surial go, stomach sinking as he finished his tea.When the cup was emptyhe put their belongings in order, packing both bags well and striking the tent so thatSurial could load Mon'keur easily.His own things he set to the side, Surial's wordsringing within him.No matter the outcome now, Kade would be facing the winds alone.No Guardian had ever asked for mercy.Guardians of the Wind - 144Chapter EighteenThe fires were blazing, the sun kissing the tops of the trees when Kade stepped into thecrowded circle of men, wearing nothing but a brief loincloth and his braids, rahatgleaming at his side.Cho'ota nodded to him, a hunger and ferocity in the dark eyesgleaming above the marked cheeks that Kade could not find answer to in his own heart.The air reeked of anticipation and Kade closed his eyes, taking a long moment toremember the feel of Surial's hands within his own, the taste of Surial's lips.The Elder Guardian stepped between the men."Cho'ota has challenged a lower rankedGuardian for courting rights.Do you accept the challenge, Kadras?"Kade opened his eyes and nodded."I will be judged by the winds.""And by your ki'ita." Surial's voice rang out and the air became charged [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]