“Nobody said anything about robbing,” Merrick growled. “I’ll pay my respects and honor their customs.”
“But you don’t know what that might entail,” Shuura protested. “You may be tested. They may even demand a sacrifice of pain. What will you do about that?”
Merrick rubbed his jaw wearily. “I’ll do whatever I have to do. I’ll take their test and give them what they want. I know it’s dangerous, Shuura, but I have to do it.”
The brother of his father shook his head. “Very well. Then Tongs and I will do our best to help you.”
“Thanks.” Merrick nodded gratefully. He was glad his kin hadn’t asked why he needed the sacred plant—that would have been a bit too awkward to explain. He fixed his eyes on Elise again, swaying gracefully as she rode on Tongs’ shoulder, and tried not to think about what the next step of their adventure might bring.
* * * * *
Elise was charmed by the small jungle town and she had a bird’s eye view of it, riding as she was on Merrick’s uncle’s shoulder. Tongs was an excellent guide, pointing out local landmarks and giving her tidbits of town gossip until she forgot to feel awkward about her precarious perch and just enjoyed the ride.
She was glad she’d changed clothes as Merrick had suggested. The air was warm and muggy and the pale blue sunshine was hot on her bare shoulders. Everything seemed to have a bluish cast to it, from the quaint thatched houses—some with trees growing out of their roofs—to the jungle itself, which surrounded the town like a loosely cupped hand.
Here and there, Elise saw the other inhabitants—all with the same black hair and golden eyes as Merrick’s uncles. There seemed to be more males than females, which she supposed was usual in any Kindred settlement. Their clothing was simple, yet beautiful—a loose, open weave which appeared to be made from some kind of plant fiber.
The garments reminded Elise of macramé and most were the same blue-gray as the rest of the jungle though some had been dyed other, more brilliant colors. She wondered what they thought of her own red sundress and matching sandals. Most of them seemed to be wearing some kind of tough leather boots, maybe for tramping in the jungle.
“Well, here we are.” Tongs came to a stop in front of a tall house with not one but two trees growing through the roof—one coming out of each end of the long structure. The thick blue-gray trunks poked through the thatch, reaching for the sky. Their branches were covered in jewel-like greenish blue leaves so large Elise could easily have used one for a blanket.
“Wow,” she said, honestly impressed. “This is amazing.”
“Our house has been doubly blessed by the Goddess.” Tongs smiled up at her, his white teeth glinting in his dark face. “And now that you’re here, my lady fair, we can count ourselves triply blessed.”
“Very nice, Tongs,” Merrick growled behind them. “But the tour’s over—you can put Elise down.”
“Not until we cross the threshold. Duck,” Tongs said, glancing up at Elise as he opened the rustic wooden door.
She did, but she didn’t have to duck very far. The doorway was high—built on a Kindred scale, just like the ship they’d traveled in to Rageron.
Inside, the house was nothing like what she’d expected. Elise had been sure the interior would be rough and unfinished—like a grass hut or a log cabin. Instead, the house had a natural grace and charm that surprised and pleased her.
On the floor was what looked like a soft blue-green carpet. But when she looked closer, Elise saw it was actually a blanket of tiny flowers and closely clipped grass. The blue-gray trunk of one of the trees that pierced the roof was situated in the middle of the living area and she noted that its branches had been clipped short, probably to keep them from filling the entire room.
The walls were smooth and pale blue and the furniture appeared to have been made from the horns and hides of animals. There were no pictures on the wall although she did see a ferocious looking animal head that looked like a cross between a bear and a bobcat with two-foot long fangs. It was mounted over the archway that appeared to lead to the kitchen and dining area. From where she was, Elise could see the trunk of the second tree was located there. It looked like a circular table had been built around it, making it a focal part of the dining room. It looks like a hunting lodge, she thought. Or some kind of bachelor pad. Indeed, there was a distinctly masculine feel to the space. For the first time, she wondered if Merrick’s uncles lived alone. And if so, why?
After allowing her a long look around, Tongs set her down gently and knelt before her. “Be at ease, my lady fair,” he murmured, looking up at her. “May I remove your shoes?”