The sun had reached its highest peak. It was time to sacrifice Arlo to the God Hades, on behalf of the Goddess Persephone the Queen of the Underworld, who the Ythyia tribe worshiped.
Maven was excited for her first sacrifice. This would truly establish her roll as a Creator in the tribe and with fellow Amazons.
“It is time Creator.”
“Arlo, the Ythyia tribe blesses you on your journey to the Underworld. You have been an asset to the Ythyia tribe and it’s been a pleasure to have you as a slave. Farewell.”
“Farewell Arlo.” Rahmi had never witnessed a sacrifice before and felt honoured for the second chance the Creator gave her, to view this ceremony and live the life of an Amazon again was truly a blessing.
Rahmi tended to the garden and cared for the animals. She also recruited Odin’s help more frequently now that he was the only slave.
Rahmi sometimes thought of her children and wondered how they were, if they thought of her, but she quickly tried to banish any thought’s because she left that life behind. Yearning for something to fill the hole in her heart.
Life continued on after the sacrifice, as if Arlo was never there.
But he did in the womb of the Creator.
Maven decided to make a bold choice and honour her slaves with a meager burial. Those that served her well deserved to be remembered, if not for their sacrifice, she would not be where she was. It would be nothing compared to the way Amazons would be remembered, but it was something.
A mausoleum would be built, a tribute to the members of the Ythyia tribe, that would be grand to celebrate the lives of the Amazon women. It would overshadow the slave graveyard.
Being the Creator, Maven needed to be strong to be respected and manage a tribe of Amazons. She would teach her daughter the way of the Amazons and what it meant to be Creator. The Ythyia tribe may be small but it would grow under her control.
The tribe continued to thrive and the Ythyia tribe was able to trade for two hens and two roosters.
“Quick Odin. Fetch Rahmi, it is time.”
Odin ran to collect Rahmi from the pond where she was fishing. It was time for the heiress to join the Ythyia tribe.
“I introduce you to your heiress, Prudence of the Ythyia tribe. Word must be sent out about this joyous occasion at once.”
“Right away Creator.” Rahmi left the main building to send off the message with the news of a new heiress. It was a bright day in the Ythyia tribe.
“Arlo! Is that really you?” Odin couldn’t believe what stood before him. He had heard of tales of slaves coming back because they had unfinished business, but what could Arlo’s be?
“Odin, could you please tell me about her?”
“Who? The Heiress?” Arlo nodded in agreement. “Well she resembles you a lot from what I have heard. She has emerald eyes and fiery red hair, and they named her Prudence.”
Odin blinked and where the ghost of Arlo stood, there was nothing. As if he had fantasized it all.
Since he was the only slave, that meant Odin could not stay at the pond all day. There were many chores to complete in a day.
Rahmi recruited his help with the animals and garden frequently. Despite his earlier feelings, he was okay spending his time with the Gatherer. There was something special about her. Different from the other Amazons.
One evening, Maven marvelled at the growth of the tribe. It was all because of her and the Goddesses blessing.
Five structures has been built with plans for more and under the supervision of Rahmi, the garden thrived and animals were healthy. It soon would be time to introduce a new Amazon.
“If I may speak freely Gatherer.”
“Yes you may slave.” Rahmi was feeling generous tonight and the Creator was in bed. No need to fear of punishment.
“You are exceptional. I truly admire your hard work and sacrifice, and all you accomplish.” Odin smiled at Rahmi. “I enjoy our talks, however small and insignificant they may be. I hear your pain and you are not alone.”
Rahmi sighed. It had been a long time since anyone listened to her, like really listened. She thought she hid her pain well but Odin saw her. It felt nice.
Prudence was growing and Maven could not of been more pleased with the little Heiress. She would make a fine Creator one day.
Odin stayed busy from sun up past sun down.
Being a slave, he could not speak to the Creator unless spoken to, which meant he could not request she purchase a second slave to help with the chores. Until she thought it best too, he would continue to struggle.
“A Scholar is on her way with a slave from the Jiyche tribe. A gift from the Creator on the birth of the Heiress. They should be here in a weeks time, once they pass through the Wastelands.”
“What blessed news Creator.”
“Yes, we must have an addition built on the main house with the arrival of the Amazon. I am told she has learned from the best and will honour the history of the Ythyia tribe.”
“Blow out your candles Heiress, it’s time.” A honey cake had been baked, using honey from the tribe bees, for this joyous occasion.
Prudence enjoyed exploring outdoors. She especially loved visiting the chickens and chasing them around their pen.
“Good day Gatherer! Is there anything that needs tending today?” How he wanted to drop the formalities with Rahmi but Amazon law forbid it.
His attraction towards her grew daily. Just seeing her smile while she tended the garden was a memory he would cherish.
“Almost complete for the day.” Rahmi continued to hum while she watered the remaining plants.
Odin thought back to when he first arrived, he detested his position and the Amazons but Rahmi was warming his cold heart. Clearly nothing would become of them because of the Amazon laws, and just being near her was enough. As long as he wanted to live.
The Scholar arrived a few day later then expected. There had been some difficulties and the slave had been wounded. They had been attacked by Wastelanders and Axel had protected the Scholar chivalrously.
The Wastelanders were a tribe mostly composed of runaway slaves and tribal sons who opposed the ways of the Amazon. Even some women had joined their ranks.
“I am glad no harm came to you Scholar. I know it was a long journey and there is a bed upstairs made up for you to rest. Please take your time settling in.”
“Thank you Creator, it is an honour to be here in your presence.” Calliope took her leave and made her way into the main house to rest.
“Welcome, to the Ythyia tribe. My name is Odin. There is lots to do today but I’ll show you to our quarters first and run over the rules.”
Axel was handsome and there was no way he would stay long. Odin believed that Axel would be the next sacrifice, leaving him alone again.
The History of the Ythyia Tribe 