Recruits (Keeper of the Water Book 2) by Kevin George Page A
Authors: Kevin George
vial on a string around her neck. She begins to chant softly. I try to hear what she’s saying but can’t make out the words. Still, I feel a static in the air around me and the water glows so brightly that the Keeper appears to become lost in the light. The spring water swirls and I worry that the old woman might be in danger. I want to run in and save her but none of the other Amazons budge so I don’t either.
The glowing finally fades enough for me to see the Keeper dip the vial into the water. Only a few drops enter the vial before she pulls it out and puts the lid back on. No sooner does she return the rope around her neck when it’s like a burning candle is blown out. The forest is plunged into darkness and it takes my eyes a moment to adjust. The only remaining bluish glow emanates from the vial around the Keeper’s neck, though she quickly tucks it under her clothing.
The Amazons rush forward and surround her even closer. A few women that clearly dislike me nudge me out of the way. The Keeper begins to walk away and the others mimic her movement, remaining close as she heads through the forest.
“Sacajawea!” Anne calls out. “Come with me!”
I rush to the front, where Anne is among the Amazons leading the group. She holds her long spear at the ready, as if looking for any excuse to use it. She’s always been so kind and nurturing to me so I find it strange to see her ready for action.
“Normally, new recruits aren’t given weapons until they’re fully accepted into the tribe. But you’re the first recruit I can remember who’s been with us during such a lengthy trek through dangerous lands. Even though there are a few women that don’t trust you yet – pay them no mind, by the way – the Keeper believes in you enough to want you well-armed,” Anne explains. “Most Amazons select their weapon of choice upon initiation but I took the liberty of choosing for you.”
She hands me a weapon and I smile. I’m already proficient with a bow and arrow; with the youth and strength and speed I now possess, I’m certain my skill level will only improve. Suddenly Anne isn’t the only one looking forward to action. But it’s dark and our path avoids most signs of civilization. Unlike my run to the Amazon’s camp, this trip is slow going, none of the women moving faster than the Keeper. I try to remain focused on the world in front of us, looking for any sign of danger, but all is quiet so my mind wanders.
Everything about my new life is perfect so far except for the few women that don’t trust me. As the hours of silent travel pass, I’m nagged by the words of the lone woman who spoke out against me, nagged by the way she distrusted me. She was right about one thing: I did turn down the Amazons once before. I have an awful feeling like that will be something I regret for years to come. When I mention this to Anne, she tries to stress the importance of ignoring those women. I can already sense a fundamental division between some of the women. Still, I don’t want to be the cause of any further rifts.
“I want to speak with her,” I whisper to Anne. “Maybe she’ll trust me more if she talks to me and understands how much I want to be part of the group.”
“I admire the thought, foolish as it may be,” Anne says. “Our pasts are left behind us once we become Amazons; we are all equal in the sisterhood of the water. But that doesn’t mean the Queen Clan will ever trust any of us common folk.”
“The Queen Clan?” I ask.
“Royalty sticks together, you’ll see. They think they’re better than us, especially their outspoken leader. But by all means, go talk to them and learn for yourself,” Anne tells me.
Now I feel like Anne is challenging me. Being the newest woman to the group, I feel the need to prove myself. Besides, I’m figuring out more and more how gruff Anne can be so it’s not surprising she might clash with those women once a part of the higher class. As far as I can
The glowing finally fades enough for me to see the Keeper dip the vial into the water. Only a few drops enter the vial before she pulls it out and puts the lid back on. No sooner does she return the rope around her neck when it’s like a burning candle is blown out. The forest is plunged into darkness and it takes my eyes a moment to adjust. The only remaining bluish glow emanates from the vial around the Keeper’s neck, though she quickly tucks it under her clothing.
The Amazons rush forward and surround her even closer. A few women that clearly dislike me nudge me out of the way. The Keeper begins to walk away and the others mimic her movement, remaining close as she heads through the forest.
“Sacajawea!” Anne calls out. “Come with me!”
I rush to the front, where Anne is among the Amazons leading the group. She holds her long spear at the ready, as if looking for any excuse to use it. She’s always been so kind and nurturing to me so I find it strange to see her ready for action.
“Normally, new recruits aren’t given weapons until they’re fully accepted into the tribe. But you’re the first recruit I can remember who’s been with us during such a lengthy trek through dangerous lands. Even though there are a few women that don’t trust you yet – pay them no mind, by the way – the Keeper believes in you enough to want you well-armed,” Anne explains. “Most Amazons select their weapon of choice upon initiation but I took the liberty of choosing for you.”
She hands me a weapon and I smile. I’m already proficient with a bow and arrow; with the youth and strength and speed I now possess, I’m certain my skill level will only improve. Suddenly Anne isn’t the only one looking forward to action. But it’s dark and our path avoids most signs of civilization. Unlike my run to the Amazon’s camp, this trip is slow going, none of the women moving faster than the Keeper. I try to remain focused on the world in front of us, looking for any sign of danger, but all is quiet so my mind wanders.
Everything about my new life is perfect so far except for the few women that don’t trust me. As the hours of silent travel pass, I’m nagged by the words of the lone woman who spoke out against me, nagged by the way she distrusted me. She was right about one thing: I did turn down the Amazons once before. I have an awful feeling like that will be something I regret for years to come. When I mention this to Anne, she tries to stress the importance of ignoring those women. I can already sense a fundamental division between some of the women. Still, I don’t want to be the cause of any further rifts.
“I want to speak with her,” I whisper to Anne. “Maybe she’ll trust me more if she talks to me and understands how much I want to be part of the group.”
“I admire the thought, foolish as it may be,” Anne says. “Our pasts are left behind us once we become Amazons; we are all equal in the sisterhood of the water. But that doesn’t mean the Queen Clan will ever trust any of us common folk.”
“The Queen Clan?” I ask.
“Royalty sticks together, you’ll see. They think they’re better than us, especially their outspoken leader. But by all means, go talk to them and learn for yourself,” Anne tells me.
Now I feel like Anne is challenging me. Being the newest woman to the group, I feel the need to prove myself. Besides, I’m figuring out more and more how gruff Anne can be so it’s not surprising she might clash with those women once a part of the higher class. As far as I can