She Goes with Her Father Chapters Thirty-one and Thirty-two

When Rampa returned from his traveling with Ren and Lazeik, he was surprised to learn that his daughter was also with child. It should not have surprised him but it did. He still thought of her as his child even though she was a married woman now. He thought both Denar and Aruna were growing bellies that for told large babies. That was good for the babies but not always good for the mothers. He had seen husbands grieve for wives lost because their bodies could not pass too large a baby. He did not understand all of these things but the girth of these women so early in their bearing made him fear for them both. His travels had exposed him to these things more than most men had known. Sometimes this was good, other times he wished he did not know what he knew.

When he left for his next trip he was very articulate in his parting instructions. He told them both that they were not to exert themselves that Peta and the younger children would help them. He said it loud enough for everyone present to hear him. He was making a point to the children too. He did not want to return to bad news, that memory was still raw . . .

Lazeik was going home, he felt that he had found his bride and was awaiting her answer. The answer would arrive at his home so being on the trail with Rampa and Ren would not do. Rampa had acted as agent for his parents, offering the bride's price that was offered to Aruna, a hansom package for any young couple. Rampa had presented other youngsters for marriage before; he knew how to present them to their advantage. He had sincere hopes for Lazeik's success.

In the morning that Rampa left, Lazeik left too.

The days past and Denar and Aruna became even closer. They took their meals together and spent their days sharing chores. This allowed them both an element of ease as two pairs of hands made many of their heavier tasks easier. Peta had pretty much taken over the children with Pastid try to and sort of helping, while Aruna and Denar took care of the cooking and the cleaning. It was a practical solution as Denar and Aruna did not want to lift the youngsters any more than was necessary. The days past easily and the two women became ever heavier with their growing burdens.

Part thirty-two

By the time Rampa returned the wives were huge, it had only been five moons for Denar and four for Aruna but they looked to be near the end of their pregnancies. He commented to Ozo who had no answer for him except to say that the women were complaining of being tired and often sitting to catch their breath when their exertion had been only light. He too was worried but there was nothing that could be done except to wait and let the women take their rest. Rampa's concern deepened. He asked Ozo if his mother might be able to help when the time came.

Ozo thought, "If I go for her now I should be back in time for Denar's birthing time. If she will stay for Aruna it would be a blessing. I will go now. May I take Ren, he knows the stars almost as well as you do and will help me get there faster."

"Of course, of course, take Ren to guide your way. Anything to get her here faster."

Ozo ran to Rampa's house to find Ren. He was involved with helping Peta, carring water for her and helping to get the evening meal ready.

"Ren," he began "we must go now to get my mother, I need you help, to guide me by the stars." "Rampa and I fear for Denar and Aruna, they are having such a hard time. We fear for them and their babies."

Ren's head snapped up at this. He thought; Fear for them? Why would we fear for them, women have been having babies down through the ages. What was wrong? A chill ran down his spine. Why was Peta doing all the household work and caring for the children? There was something wrong. "I will go pack quickly." "Ask father to water the camels well, we must travel fast."

Ozo nodded, he was reminded; he needed to pack a few things to.

The two were off on their mission in a fingers width of the suns movement across the sky. They took two animals. Although they could have shared one beast they did not want to stress the animals as that would slow their return down.

Aruna was distressed that Ozo had run off so suddenly with Ren. Rampa made light of his going to fetch his mother saying that with two women pregnant neither could be counted upon to help the other if they labored at the same time. Aruna nodded at this. She supposed it made sense but thought it was unnecessary. She admitted to herself that it would be good to have another pair women's hands to help with he work. Neither she nor Denar seemed to be able to get much done of recent.