Work Text:
Every Amavikkan child is taught hard truths. They must face the realities of chains, of what it means that they are seen as property. Mothers are (usually) guaranteed four years with their child. Not always, but usually. So, when rumors or whispers start to hint at the beloved child of a beloved mother, they are taught this song. For every child must Walk the Night.
Eka remembers sitting beside her amu- my amu's face creased with fear. I was young- young enough to be kept with her. Something had changed however, and Amu was serious.
"Akki, I need you to listen to me closely. I have heard that you may soon be sold from me. You are aware that means you will need some knowledge- you need to know how to make the Rahsuberim tzai- and how to adopt people- and how to survive. But those stories and foods come later. Tonight, I will teach you a very important song. I need you to know it well- do you understand? This song- it is for you to keep in your heart."\
"Yes, Amu, I understand. I need to know this song. Can we sing now?"
Amu's laugh is rough- by kind. "Yes, Eka, we can sing now."
That night, Amu's voice was magical. She opened her mouth and a smooth voice rang around our home.
"Close your eyes, little bird,
The desert whispers to who you are.
The sands will sing, the skies will glow,
And through the night, the stars will show
A path to carry you afar.
Oh, follow the stars, where the soft winds play,
They’ll guide your steps till the break of day.
Through dragon’s roar and the storm’s refrain,
The stars will sing of freedom’s gain.
Oh, walk the night, they’ll light your way."
--
Today I am 24 years older than the first night I learned that song. I am pretty sure I understand what she was teaching me for the first time. I am clutching my own child, looking at my older son- she looks just like my amu, and my son looks like my anu- and I am not going to teach them this song to walk alone. I will take them, and we will sing as we walk. I am fortunate- as we venture to the singer, I am singing of Walking the Night,
"Look above to the River of Stars,
Its flowing light will heal your scars.
Let Amakunna's heart shine bright,
Its center keeps the course in sight,
And holds your dreams, no matter how far.
Oh, follow the stars, where the soft winds play,
They’ll guide your steps till the break of day.
Through dragon’s roar and the storm’s refrain,
The stars will sing of freedom’s gain.
Oh, walk the night, they’ll light your way."
My darling daughter, and my stubborn son- they sing along with me. They know very little- but I have sung this song as a lullabye since they were born. Khepa and Kelapu are unknowing of the reason we must leave.
I am not. I saw the unease in Depur's eyes when the tax collectors came. I see the hunger in the eyes of those horrible men who rent rooms. My children will not suffer my fate. We will walk the night until we find dukkra ba dukkra. We take our steps into the desert, and I watch the full, red moon rise directly ahead of us. The wind blows towards the desert- like it is telling us it is time to run.
A good omen.
"Step by step, let your heart stay strong,
The stars will guide as you move along.
Their steady light, a lullaby,
Will lift your gaze toward the sky,
And carry you where you belong.
Oh, follow the stars, where the soft winds play,
They’ll guide your steps till the break of day.
Through dragon’s roar and the storm’s refrain,
The stars will sing of freedom’s gain.
Oh, walk the night, they’ll light your way."
My poor children- Khepa and Kelapu both are exhausted, They cry as we continue to walk. I wish I could carry them- but I have our food, and our water. I must make them walk a little longer. I know the desert has the place we are searching for. Freed settlements pepper the desert. The challenge is getting there in the night- because day is when the hounds are released. I will not subject my children to that. I would grant them dukkra first.
"Hush now, child, let the shadows rest,
The stars are near, their path is blessed.
Look to the River where light streams wide,
And Amakunna’s heart will guide.
Its glow will cradle your weary quest.
Oh, follow the stars, where the soft winds play,
They’ll guide your steps till the break of day.
Through dragon’s roar and the storm’s refrain,
The stars will sing of freedom’s gain.
Oh, walk the night, they’ll light your way."
I can see the settlement. Dawn is breaking behind me- all I need to do is find the Red Bird. That's where safety lies. They can shelter us. But... If I look behind me, I see a sandstorm brewing.
My lips curve into a smirk. Levi had come through. Lukka swallowed our tracks. No one could follow. Khepa, and Kelapu were safe. I scoop my children into my arms, and stride out of the desert into the dawn. I know the red bird, and I know the desert. I sing the last few words as we enter, and my children finally sleep.
"Close your eyes, little birds,
The desert knows just who you are."