Amazon Challenge-Tribe Wahine 3/5

Abra calms her daughter down and tells her they are leaving soon.

On her way out, she meets a woman who she knew growing up. Her name is Kei from Tribe Pakala. Abra gives her a hearty hug.



"I'm so surprised you're here, Kei!" Abra says with glee. "It is most special to see you!"

Kei smiles. "I hoped to find you here, Abra. I'd heard you were taking your daughters to Hanalani and wanted to catch up and to give you a warning."



Abra's eyes grow serious. "A warning. Kei, let's sit near the water so we can talk privately."

"No, Abra, I'm thirsty," She lowers her voice, "I brought the Grim Reaper with me. This is urgent."



Abra's stomach flinches. She hopes there isn't a coming war. Since the overthrow of Elue's mother, there has been unrest. " Abra grasps Kei's arm and led her to the bar. "This way, my old friend."

At the bar, Kei and the Grim Reaper inform Abra there is word of her two runaways, Adda and Hanale.

Grim chortles like his voice is made of gravel, "The two stupidly thought they could hide in the Magic Wood, but I could see them there. It's like a window to me. They had the mark of Tribe Wahine." Abra's hair stands up when Grim brushes a hand near her. Even though he is helping, she doesn't like having dealings with him.



Taking a sip in thought, Abra asks, "So what are we to do? Travel into the Magic Wood? Aren't all who enter cursed?"

Kei tries to calm her old friend. "You should not enter there. Grim will scare them out of the wood. You will be there to catch them as they arrive."




Grabbing Abra's hand, Kei squeezes it. "Armed with magic from Grim."

Abra glances behind her at the Grim Reaper. She shudders.



Grim speaks, "Meet me at the Amazon Temple tonight and I will give you my plan to bring in these rebels." He rubs his bony hands together. "I would like to add their souls to my collection."

Abra agrees.

Once outside, Kei pulls Abra over to her. "Wait, dear friend."

Abra turns around. "What's wrong, Kei?"

Kei's face falls. "They say being in the Grim Reaper's presence at the temple will take many moons from your life." She hands Abra a potion. "I am Shaman in my tribe. Drink this and it will be as if you are immortal."



"Immortal?" Abra laughs. "No Shaman can create such a potion."

"True, dear friend," Kei answers, "but this potion will give you twenty years longer. Please! Drink."



"But if I don't age, my daughters will never inherit. No. I cannot do this."

"I will need a friend in my old age. You could help me in my tribe, leaving yours and your daughter will inherit."

Abra consents, sipping the smooth mixture that tastes like honey mixed with tropical fruits. "Mmm..." Suddenly, her bones straighten and she feels invincible. Perfect for a tribe Creator.



That night, Abra sends her daughters home while she dances with her best friend, taking her mind off the meeting with Grim later and the dark business ahead.