25, Ambitions

Ayya and Tenac talked about their assignments as they rode to the clan, and when she told Tenac about her eventful last days, he grumbled and looked at her. 

“Does you father know?” he asked.

“Of course he does. There is no way I could keep that a secret. I’m surprised Sinhera hasn’t told you by now,” she said.

“I have tried to talk to her since I got back, but she has dodged me,” he confessed. Ayya had to laugh.

“She is probably just waiting for me to tell you,” she said. “In all honesty, it wasn’t that bad. And we ended up helping the village, and we got two new prospects that seem to be good men.”

“I’ll have to take a look at them before I’ll agree on that,” Tenac said.

“Don’t be grumpy. We are almost at the clan and your grandfather will look forward to seeing you,” Ayya told him and nudged his foot with her own. He sighed.

“Fine.”

They entered the group of tents and were greeted by Tenac’s grandfather and uncle, as always. Ayya had made hard candies from lemon and honey and handed out the gifts. As Tenac and his grandfather walked over to his grandfather’s tent to talk, Ayya headed for his uncle’s tent to find Beruda and her daughters. They had decided to spend the night, giving Tenac more time with the clan. Ayya set out to help the women with their tasks and was enjoying the opportunity to speak Heulu. It was a nice change to work together with them and listening to the latest gossip of the clan. Beruda’s biggest concern at the moment was that Nontuf hadn’t found a wife. 

“I don’t know why he is being so stubborn. Sure, as the future chief he is a good match and he doesn’t lack interested parties. But he is too old to be sleeping in his father’s tent,” Beruda complained. Ayya felt she didn’t have a leg to stand on judging someone else that didn’t want to get married. 

“Maybe he is just waiting to find someone that will make him happy,” she suggested.

“Maybe he already found someone he is interested in, but she isn’t interested in him,” one of his sisters said, which caused the rest of them to giggle. Ayya looked at them. They obviously knew something she didn’t. 

“That is just futile daydreaming. He should know that by now,” Beruda sighed, apparently in on the secret. 

“Is it a bad pairing? Maybe something can be arranged if he is set on her?” Ayya asked.

“She hardly knows he exists,” the youngest sister laughed.

“Oh hush. The object of my son’s daydreams aren’t interested in him. That much is obvious. And she is better suited for someone else. They just haven’t figured out the details,” his mother told Ayya. Ayya didn’t know what the women was talking about, but they apparently knew enough to all be of the same conviction, so she nodded and accepted it.

The meals were always fun and interesting times when they visited the clan. Tenac’s grandfather insisted, as usual, that Ayya sit next to him and he asked her questions through the meal. Ayya then helped the women clear up, and Tenac’s grandfather took her and Tenac on a walk around the camp. After visiting the clan regularly for several years, Ayya recognised most of the clan members and knew most of their names by now. The clan members had always been kind and friendly towards her and they always let her know they appreciated her latest treat. Both Tenac and Nontuf got banished from Tenac’s uncle’s tent as the evening got late. But Tenac honoured the tradition and came by to take Ayya to see the herd at night.

The summer air was warm, even during the night. They had put down a blanket in the tall grass and were sitting and watching the herd. Addon and Estrela were gracing a little to the side of the rest of the horses. Ayya had been surprised, as it hadn’t been that long since Estrela had been a part of the herd. But she and Addon had formed their own little mini herd. Ayya had told Tenac about the talk she and his mother had. 

“I think you need to get used to the idea that you are one of the top candidates. As the time for mother’s decision gets closer, the attention you get will only become more intense. But I think you made the right decision in choosing to go down that path,” he told her. She sighed and nodded. She wasn’t comfortable with the attention, but she knew she needed to get used to it if she was serious about going all in.

“What about you?” she asked.

“Me?”

“Yes, what are your ambitions? I know you won’t be happy with staying where you are at the moment,” she said, shifting the focus to him.

“I’m happy with where I am at the moment. But I see myself moving up the ranks of the riders in the future,” he said, thinking out loud. 

“Still in my father’s unit? Or do you want to switch back?”

“No, I like it where I am. Kopa has high standards and doesn’t allow any excuses. But I like that. It gives you something to aim for and it gives you focus,” he told her. Ayya smiled. It still fascinated her that her father had such a stark contrast between who he was at work and home.

“Do you ever think about doing something completely different?”

“You men not being a rider?”

“Yeah. There are a lot of things out there, things to see and try. Do you ever think about leaving Salmis and do something else?” she asked.

“No. Even on the worst days, I don’t hesitate that I’m in the right place. The last couple of years I have been more certain than ever,” he told her. “What about you? Have you grown tired of Salmis?” he asked and she felt his scrutinising gaze. She turned to meet his eyes and smiled.

“I don’t think that is possible. It will take me over a lifetime to get through the library at the sanctum alone. Then there is the marketplace that is always changing, and my family and friends. I can never get tired of it all,” she told him. She felt as certain as he had sounded. 

“Good,” he said. That ended their conversation. They spent another hour on the plain, watching the horses and the stars and enjoying the silence. When they felt like they had pushed their luck far enough, thinking Beruda would come looking for them any moment, Tenac followed her back to the tent before heading to where he would sleep.

They didn’t have to rush home the next day. Tenac still had over a week left of his leave after his mission, and Ayya set her own work hours. She could just make sure to do some extra work the next day. It was nice to eat breakfast with the family in peace, and then they got ready to head home. 

“We will move the camp in a week or two. Time to head south. But we will let you know when we are planning to come back up again,” Tenac’s grandfather told them and gave Ayya a hug.

“Take care,” Ayya told him, and mounted Estrela. 

“Have you been able to get time off for Firlea’s and Jontak’s wedding?” Ayya asked Tenac as they made their way home. 

“Yes, both Sinhera and I could get time off. How about you?”

“Yes, it wasn’t an issue. I’ll make sure to get through some more letters the week before and after than I usually do,” Ayya said. “Hinat could get time off as well. I’m looking forward to see the farm and it will make it even more fun that we will all be there,” she added. 

“I don’t know. Jontak is trying to convince me to be in the wedding. He claims he needs me, as Sinhera won’t catch him if he faints from all the emotions. I don’t know why he thinks I will.” Ayya laughed at the image Tenac had created in her mind. 

“Firlea has asked Hinat and me to stand with her. We were worried she would think we all blended together too much, dressed in white. But we have made sure that Firlea will stand out on her day,” Ayya told him. 

“How did you do that?”

“I’m not telling you, it’s a secret,” Ayya said, with a big smile.

“Now I really need to know. I need to taunt Jontak that I know,” Tenac insisted.

“And that is precisely why I won’t tell you.”

“That is not fair. You know I wouldn’t tell him. There is no fun in telling him. So you know the secret will be safe with me.”

“That’s not why I’m not telling you. I’m not telling you because it’s cruel to taunt the groom. The poor thing will be stressed enough. Remember how nervous he was when he proposed? He doesn’t need you adding to that,” Ayya told him.

“You are no fun at all.” Ayya looked over at Tenac. He had the look of a pouting five-year-old. she couldn’t help but to laugh.