Azaria by J.H. Hayes Page A

Although born with little status, he’d won over his mate, Dtioniyah - who, as a stunningly beautiful, unmated young girl, was the object of every man's affection - with a series of rare and exquisite gifts and her parents with a dowry that left them little choice but to consent.
    "I'm going to have to visit him. Do you know if he has any left?" Zephia said.
    "I'm sure he does," Daneel replied. "Father always keeps a secret reserve. He always says a thing loses value if too much of it is spread around. Why don't I talk to him for you? I'm sure you and I can strike a more amicable bargain, Zephia."
    Azaria's mother saw past the innocent smile. It appears Asek's daughter is becoming quite the little trader herself. "I'm sure we can, Daneel," she replied back with a smile as equally smooth.
    Zephia assisted the girls with their facial dyes and the three women helped Quzo and Azerban don their own special outfits.
    "Well, you girls can run off now, I think we have everything under control here," Zephia offered as they finished up.
    "If you don't mind, I think I'd like to go with you tonight," Azaria said. "Daneel, if you want to go ahead without me, I'll understand."
    So she's looking to us to shield her from some of this attention. Azerban and Zephia were thinking just about the same thing. Perhaps I don't need to punish her too harshly, Azerban decided. It sounds like she's not enjoying all the attention very much. And Zephia must have already spoken to her.
    "No, I'll go with you," Daneel smiled. It wasn't exactly what she’d planned, but she hoped as the night matured Azaria would settle down and they could go off together. What would it hurt to eat with her parents? "Perhaps we can talk about a fair trade for the onyx, Zephia," Daneel said with a mischievous smile.
    As they exited the shelter, Azaria was pleased to see no one waiting outside. I guess they all have to get ready too. Maybe the afternoon was the worst of it.
    She wasn't completely out of the woods, however. Many eyes turned to her as they entered the feasting grounds and made their way to the food tables. Various exclamations accompanied the heavy stares. "Here she comes!" said one onlooker. "She looks beautiful!" said another. "There's the Bird-Runner!" more than one child said. Everyone seemed to want to get a look and some of the children weren't shy about approaching.
    "Bird-Runner, can you teach me to fly?" one particularly brazen little boy came right up to her. Many of those around him laughed, but some Azaria felt were old enough to know better were waiting intently for an answer.
    How many of these people really think I can fly? Azaria was at a loss. She wanted to tell them they were all being fools, but didn't think it would go well. The crowds frightened her, like a beast she’d never before encountered. She was scared of provoking it.
    She kneeled down in front of the brash boy, and repeated what she'd been telling people all sun. She spoke loud enough so those nearby would understand, or at least she hoped. "Nobody can fly, little one. I only jumped and fell."
    "But everyone says you were flying above Vulture Rock, circling like a falcon!" another slightly older boy objected.
    “She was!” Quzo yelled, earning a sharp pinch from his mother.
    Her father had heard enough, anger building inside of him. "Who says they saw Azaria circling like a falcon, besides foolish children?" he asked, stepping in front of his daughter and addressing the crowd with his booming voice. "Whoever claims that, come here and describe it to me. I was there and saw no such thing."
    He looked out over the throng of people, surveying back and forth, allowing a moment for his point to sink in. When no one responded, he looked down to the boy and addressed him sternly and loud enough for all to hear, "You see, my boy? No one is willing to take credit for that lie, because it’s not true. Do not believe everything you hear!" He then addressed the crowd again, "Make way for