Amazon Chief by Robin Roseau Read Free Book Online Page B

me how to take care of my morning needs, and then she took me in search of breakfast.
    "In the future," she said, "once you know what you were doing, you would bring breakfast to me. This morning we'll do things together."
    We ate, a simple meal of biscuits and eggs, but there was plenty of food for everyone, and Omie encouraged me to eat as much as I needed, but don't over fill. Afterwards, she showed me how to clean the dishes. Then I turned to her.
    "Now what, Omie?"
    "Well," she said, "have you decided?" She looked at me hopefully.
    "Do I have to decide today?" I thought about it. "You're leaving today, aren't you?"
    "We have other villages to visit," she said. "It's a big decision to make on short notice, but we have so many villages to visit."
    "What if-" I thought about it. "What if I hate the fighting part, like Maya does? She didn't have a choice, but I do, don't I?"
    "Yes," Omie said. "You have a choice. Beria, if you think you're going to turn me down, I would rather you told me."
    "So you have time to find someone else?"
    She nodded.
    "You could stay here," she said, "and think about it. I think we're coming back this way. You could go with us then, if you want to go."
    "But you're going to try to find someone else, aren't you?"
    "Yes. Beria, I don't want to pressure you. I really want you to come with us. I need you. But if you aren't going to come, then I need to find someone who will."
    "If I don't decide now, then if I decide to go later, what happens?"
    "If I don't find someone else at one of the other villages, then I'd be happy to have you. I'd rather you said 'yes', but I understand your caution."
    "What if you find someone?"
    "There are other warriors who need companions."
    "Like Nori?" I must have grimaced, as she saw my expression.
    "Nori is a good woman," Omie said, "and a good warrior. She would treat you very well."
    " You know how I feel about her. Besides, she's old," I said. "Compared to me, you're kind of old, too, but you're younger than my sister." I paused. "You live in the same village as my sister, don't you?"
    "Yes."
    "I don't want to go to another village. If I have to go to another village, I won't go," I said firmly. "That means you or Vorine, and she already picked Careen."
    "There are other warriors from Queen's Town who need companions."
    "They're all old though," I said. "You're like a big sister. Even if you're shorter than I am."
    Her lips curled at that.
    "What if I stayed here with you for a few days?" Omie offered. "Do you think you could decide? We could get to know each other a little more."
    "Would we stay here? " I said, pointing. "In the tent?"
    "I would," she said. "I don't think your mother would let me stay there, do you?"
    I laughed. "No, probably not."
    "Let's go talk to Queen Malora and see if she'll let me stay," Omie said. She took my hand, but I moved her arm around my shoulders. She glanced at me and smiled. "I think you've decided."
    "I think I'm not sure," I said. "Maybe."
    Maya and Queen Malora were at their tent. Maya was supervising the packing. Omie walked straight to the queen.
    "Good morning, Omie," Queen Malora said. "Good morning, Beria."
    "Good morning, Queen Malora," I said. "Am I supposed to bow or something?"
    She smiled. "No. Did you sleep well, Beria?"
    "I did," I said. "And Omie even let me sleep in." I grinned at her.
    "Queen Malora," Omie said, "Beria is considering becoming an Amazon."
    "Only considering?" the queen asked, studying me.
    "Strongly considering?" I said, making it a question.
    "I see."
    "It is a big decision," Omie explained. Omie explained our conversation. "And so, I was wondering if I could stay here for a few days."
    "You could come with us," Queen Malora suggested to me.
    "I-" I paused. "If I'm leaving, I want to spend a little more time with my family, too."
    "Understandable," the queen said. "I wish we could stay longer. Maya would like to spend more time with them as well." She turned to Omie. "Will you help Maya with the