"You named the wolf Ash? I have heard many of the legends of these lands. The totem of Reynar the Frey had such a name. It often took the form of a wolf."
"Ash named himself." Gray Brother's smile was much like his companion. "He is a very smart wolf." They left the hut and strode toward a cave entrance nearby. Gray Brother spoke over his shoulder.
"Why do you wed Shama Ayna, Rhanu? Is it because you love her, or do you simply not wish to disappoint her?"
Rhanu felt a stab of guilt. "A bit of both, I suppose. We have known each other but for a short time, yet I feel as though I have known her for years. There is a connection I cannot put into words. I know in my heart that she is the blessed gift of the Sun." He shook his head. "Yet my head calls my heart a fool to fall so quickly."
Grey Brother's strides were sure and swift. The sun gleamed in his eyes, turning them into pools of molten silver. "I have witnessed many weddings in my time. Some were for love, others for political gain or riches, still others to bind families, even nations together. I have come to find only one absolute in such unions."
"And what is that?"
Gray Brother's mouth hinted at a smile. "It only works when both people commit. If you are to do this thing, be sure you do it with all that you are."
The path downward was indeed a smooth walk, and much warmer as Gray Brother promised. It was silent as well, for the older man made no further attempt to speak, and Rhanu found his own thoughts whirling about too much for him to attempt a conversation. He was so distracted that the silence was only broken when they neared the bottom.
"The sky is dark with the coming of the storm," Gray Brother's voice whispered from all around him. "Be steadfast, Godslayer."
The man had vanished like morning mist.
THE NEXT MORNING RHANU awoke to a cluster of women in his tent. They beckoned and giggled at his bewilderment, beckoning to the large copper tub filled with hot water. He supposed they thought him embarrassed to appear nude in front of them. He smiled. In his homeland there were many public baths, so he felt no shame as he unclothed himself.
The women saw to his bath and washed his ropes of thin, twisted locks before toweling him dry and placing golden tips at the end of each strand. He was provided a tunic of clean white linen, matching trousers, and was helped into a long, wide-sleeved beige coat heavily embroidered with leaf and vine patterns of pearl beads and multihued stones at the collar, neck, shoulder, placket, and sleeves. After allowing the women to adorn him with heavy links of gold and copper medallions, he found a matching white headdress in his pack.
He felt Ayna when she made her entrance. The sensation was natural, as though he'd been able experienced it all his life. She entered quietly, but her bridal attire dazzled — gold and burgundy brocaded silk embroidered in floral designs of baby pearls and brightly colored beads. Her shell blouse stopped short of her waist, baring her toned midriff and the golden belly chain that encircled her waist. Rhanu found that arousing, oddly so considering he had seen her clad in nothing but sweat-beaded skin just recently.
The long skirt she wore was patterned the same as her blouse, and atop her head was a long shawl that draped her shoulders and fell down her back, also richly embroidered in lace and pearls. Lunestones sparkled from golden casings at her throat, ears, and the diadem across her brow, and her hands were inked in intricate swirls and patterns. Many bracelets of copper and gold glinted at her wrists.
She gazed at him in mock seriousness. "I find you alone with so many women. Should I be jealous?"
As the women giggled, Rhanu exhaled softly. "You look beautiful enough to make Halladen itself jealous, Ayna."
She smiled. "Thank you. Have you considered the name that you are to give to me?"
"I have. And you?"
She turned her chin up as she glided out of the tent. "I haven't decided yet."
He followed quickly. "You haven't decided? About the name, or about—?"
There was an air of excitement about the community. Men and women bobbed their heads with wide smiles on their faces. Many came forward with congratulations. Rhanu thanked them, breathing in the sweet air, the myriad flowered scents that fragranced their walk along the paths of the Guardians that towered above them.
Rhanu examined one of her hands closely. The decorative whorls and designs covered both the back and palms. "This work was skillfully done."
"It is called mendhikā." She lifted the hem of her skirt so he could admire the ceremonial art on her sandaled feet and ankles as well. "A dye made from the plant of the same name. My sisters of the Sha spent all night with the design. It is a tradition among many in the Steppes at weddings and other occasions."
"It is not permanent, is it?"
"No. Eventually it fades from the skin. But not for a long time, I hope."
"Why?"
The uncharacteristic shyness returned to her face again as she rotated her hands, examining the art. "The saying is the longer the mendhikā stays on the skin, the happier the marriage will be. If it fades quickly, the marriage will be unhappy."
Rhanu took her hands and kissed them. "Then may your fingers and toes stay ever stained." He smiled when she tilted her head to the sun and laughed.
They journeyed at an easy stride. Others joined them along the way, a stream of people who stepped gracefully as they made their way along the pathway. Wolves trotted through the crowds as natural as with their packs. A familiar form nudged Rhanu. It was Ash, the large grizzled wolf he had seen atop the mountain. Gray Brother padded alongside like a wolf himself. He gave Rhanu a roguish grin as he passed.
"Still with us, I see."
Toward the end of the day, they came upon a large cave entrance where a crowd had gathered. A rune-engraved archway was carved in the stone so masterfully Rhanu knew it had to be Aelon work.
"This is the Crystal Hall," Ayna said as they entered. "It will lead to the Chamber of Lights, where the Circle will witness our vows."
The crowd became abuzz when they passed. Many pressed forward to gaze at him. He chose to look at the tunnel to avoid the stares. The walls of the broad tunnel were lined with crystal. Long, rectangular mirrors were affixed just within the entrance. They swiveled on their stands, directing the sunlight into the tunnel. The light reflected upon the stones, which captured the rays and continued the advancement of light throughout the length of the passageway.
Ayna caught his wondering gaze. "You look at lunestone in its true form. What is made into jewelry and so highly valued is the crude form, discarded stones. True lunestone absorbs the sunlight and at night glows like the moon. That is what the name truly means."
Rhanu stared in wonder. "This a fortune beyond that of what any kingdom hoards in their treasure rooms."
She traced the glittering walls with her fingers. "Lunestone is the main source of income for Halladen. There are mines elsewhere, but all know that our lunestone is the purest. There are rumors of another tunnel that led to the great city that is now known as Aceldama. We cannot be sure because only death lies in that place now."
"How do you keep it safe from those who would plunder you for such riches?"
She smiled. "You mean besides being surrounded by roving bands of warrior Mandru castes who live for the thrill of battle?"
"I see your point."
In time they arrived in a large cavern, filled with natural structures of obsidian crystal that stretched toward the high domed roof like fingers. At the center of the roof was an open circle where the darkening sky was visible.
"This is the Chamber of Lights. We will rest until evening."