I N T R O D U C T I O N x S O L O
The Vanishing Mother
The Vanishing Mother
"You aren't coming with me?" The small girl's voice was practically drowned out by the rustle of trees ahead of her and the lap of the water against the shore at her back. She clutched her doll against her chest, tiny fingers digging into the fabric and threatening to tear it.
A hand landed on the top of her head, gingerly smoothing down stray dreads and pulling them over the young Alkidike's shoulder. "I'm sorry," Erriayna whispered as she crouched down to her daughter's eye level. "I have to stay. I have to help our sisters take care of our home. I have to defend you, my daughter."
The girl's arms slipped around her mother's neck. When Ayna picked her daughter up, Lanwezi whispered, "Please come with me. They don't need you. I do. If I never see you again..."
Ayna snorted, tossing her head dismissively as she moved to place the young Alkidike in a tiny boat, manned by a much older woman. "I didn't say I wouldn't come back. You'll see me again, and that's a promise. Until then, you'll be safe on the island with our other sisters. Mind your manners, and help out when you can." The girl sniffled sadly as she was plopped onto the wood. "Wezi, I'll miss you so much..."
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That was three days ago. Even now, Lanwezi's face burned in shame. If she was a little older, a little more experienced... Could she have joined them? Under normal circumstances, she would've loved to explore these islands. If she was here of her own free will, it would be wonderful, exciting even. By now, they were inhabited almost solely by those who couldn't or wouldn't join in the fight; children her age and younger, some a few years older; elders who were too old to successfully engage in combat, but were able enough to care for youngsters; the injured, who would be little more than a liability at this point. Perhaps they'd already done their service in this battle. They'd earned a break.
Wezi scrubbed at her eyes. She had plenty of sisters here, but she was still alone. No one from home had come with her. They'd all went with her mother. From what the young girl had gathered, they'd gone to Tale. She hadn't be allowed to listen to many of their discussions. She was far too young and reckless (as Ayna had said), but she knew they were in Tale.
Tale.
Tale.
She had to go there. The few remaining sisters that were still on the islands would be departing soon. She could stow away with them. They wouldn't even know she was there. It wasn't as if she took up much space. Perhaps the elders wouldn't even notice she was gone, and if she stayed hidden for just a few days on the journey, they'd be too far in to take her back...
It was necessary. Lanwezi didn't want to be disobedient, but she had to be. She couldn't sit idly by. Even if she was useless in battle, at least she'd be able to see her sisters, her mother, and know when they were safe or if they weren't. If she stayed here, she'd learn nothing, know nothing. She'd go crazy with stress and her mother would return to a sad, broken child. It was for Ayna. Wezi would leave for Ayna.
Her gaze flickered to her sisters around her. All she needed to do was find someone who would be on her side...
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Results: Lanwezi resolves to follow her mother to Tale, despite the danger that lurks.
Word Count: 586
