28

Dynami leaned back in his chair after Kaji landed the final blow and released the breath he had been holding.

"That was some fight, I thought they were going to tear apart the stadium. I wager you will allow him to get some healing?" Dynami looked at the other chiefs as he asked the question. Taryu nodded his head in agreement.

"Yes, I believe we can give him an exception and allow his wounds to be treated. Another thirty minutes?" Taryu asked in a suggestive manner.

The other chiefs all nodded in agreement. Both Dynami and Taryu then got up to exit the chief's area.

******

At first, Taryu headed towards Lycurgus, wanting to speak to him once more. If Lycurgus requested to be reinstated Taryu would have to deny it, and a challenge would have to occur, and he didn't want to fight his son.

Taryu made his way down the hall but was stopped by an unsuspecting face.

"Joyle?" Taryu asked looking at her round brown face in surprise.

Joyle came forward from the entryway and hugged him best she could, her big round belly making the maneuver difficult. Taryu hugged her back then placed a hand on her belly and asked, "Are you feeling well?"

Joyle nodded, her sandy brown curls falling down the side of her soft round face. Her rather thin lips presented a sweet and gentle smile as she raised her hand toward Taryu's face. She gently stroked his beard with an affection that washed away his stress temporarily. Taryu placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and a smile played across his face,

"I'm glad you're fine."

Joyle's smile faded slightly at his words before saying, "Are you sure your concerns aren't solely for the baby? You seem to be having issues with your children."

Taryu's smile turned into a sardonic smirk as he turned away towards the direction heading to Lycurgus, "I'm guessing you heard from Loka?"

Joyle stepped forward and placed a hand on her husband's broad shoulder, "She was upset, she said you were going to let Lycurgus back into the village."

Taryu sighed and pushed his hair out of his face, "I see she got that from her mother in fullness." Joyle took a step forward before asking "What did she get?"

Taryu's smirk was now all but evaporated when he looked back at Joyle. He looked so tired, stretched thin, and full of worry. He let out another tired sigh before answering, "Her mother's knack for lying."

Taryu's eyes floated along Joyle's face enjoying her features. Her almond eyes and button nose gave her a cuteness that fit well with her round face and full cheeks. Her hazel eyes gave her a mesmerizing feature that accented nicely with her freckles and sandy brown hair. She was fairer than most women of the islands, many thought she was an offshoot of Dynami's bloodline but there was no substance to prove that theory correct. Regardless, her family was held as cousins of the Akai of Navia. Being that Soren was relatively close to Navia the theory did make enough sense to Taryu.

"I'm actually shocked that she is lying. I know you and the boys are very close. It's a shame all the politics involved in this situation." Joyle spoke gently, she placed a hand on her belly and a slight smile came on her lips.

Taryu raised an eyebrow and said, "This one seems livelier than the others." Joyle laughed in agreement. It was nice, the pregnancy got his mind off the troubles at hand but only for a moment. Slowly the words of Kyden crept into his heart and seized it in a firm grasp.

"Kyden threatened to attack the village if I allow Lycurgus to come back to the village," Taryu said dryly.

Joyle looked at Taryu in shock, but his eyes would leave her belly to meet hers, "Why would he say such a thing!? Kyden has always been a proponent of peace between the villages."

For the first time since she had known Taryu, he buckled. He leaned all his weight against the and slide down it slowly and sat on the floor. He placed his face into his hands and let out a shaky sigh. Joyle placed a hand on his shoulder and kept one hand on her belly. She stood there in silence and let Taryu compose himself.

"It's my fault. I let Lycurgus speak too much and Kyden overheard us discussing plans to conquer the other villages. He knows I have too many binding factors, but he knows Lycurgus has none. I feel lost Jo. I spent so much time trying to avoid mistakes and yet…" Taryu let out another sigh as he looked up at the ceiling.

"It feels as though I can never make a mistake. The punishment is so great, it's so taxing. I just don't know what to do anymore Jo. I love all my children, but I can't seem to make anything right with any of them."

Joyle remained in silence as she pondered Taryu's words. A moment passed before she spoke again, "I can see why you feel that way, but can I ask you a question?"

Taryu's eyes drifted to meet Joyle's eyes slowly before answering, "Yes" Joyle wasted no time asking the question in response,

"What can you do?"

Taryu blinked a bit confused, then thought about the question. It took him a moment but he finally answered,

"I can only do my best and move forward. Sitting here won't fix anything."

Joyle maintained eye contact as she rubbed her belly before asking,

"And what can't you do?"

Taryu took another moment to think about this question as well. He seemed to be flooded with so many things he knew he couldn't do.

"Taryu, can you be perfect?" Taryu shook his head no, at the question.

"Can you be the perfect father?"

Taryu paused before giving his answer,

"I think I can be. The perfect father is simply the best father for his children."

Joyle smiled at Taryu's answer and then said,

"Ahh, I know Taryu. Can you be the perfect chief?"

Taryu's face went somber. He thought about his people. The people who entrusted him with their safety and prosperity. The men whom he fished with and helped repair their boats. The various women to whom he sometimes delivered materials and food. The young men he trained in combat, and the young women he saw off in marriage, and the children who laughed and played with his own family. He closed his eyes and pictured the warm sun baking his body as he lay on the rolling green hills of Tiziano. He could hear the various birds that chirped and sang throughout the trees. The shade graciously shielded his eyes. It was his home that he had known forever. He let out a breath as the vision faded away, slowly opening his eyes before answering.

"Yes, I could be. I know this island as if it were my own body. The beauty is undeniable, but I also know this land is not suitable for farming. Though the sea has given us life and sustenance it is not enough for our growth. The Malunod comes down fiercer here than on any other island."

Joyle placed a hand on Taryu's cheek stopping his words. He looked into her eyes, so soft and kind. He saw her lips move, but the words that came out felt like they were a cry from inside his soul.

"No Taryu, you can't be perfect. It's okay to stumble or fall. I know you've been so strong for so long and so many depend on you, but at the end of the day, you lay your head down just like any other man. You eat just like any other man, and you will one day die just like every man does eventually. You love so hard, and want to achieve so much, but …"

Joyle withdrew her hand and made a slight wince before chuckling and rubbing her belly. Taryu leaned over and placed his face gently on her stomach. He could feel the myriad of kicks fluttering and it brought a smile to his face. Joyle rubbed his head before saying,

"Sometimes you overlook the small things Taryu. You overlook them because you are so focused on the big catch. "

Taryu stared longingly into Joyle's eyes, a wave of peace rippled through his body causing him to shudder. He placed his hands on her shoulders and brought her gently into his bosom giving her an embracing hug.

"I love you Joyle."

"I love you too Taryu."

As Taryu continued on his path toward Lycurgus he was stopped once more. This time it wasn't someone looking for him but simply a person catching his eye.

Sitting against the wall, was a young woman with her head between her knees. Something tugged at Taryu and forced him to stop.

He paused for a moment standing in front of the young lady before reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder.

"Are you ok ma'am?" he asked gently.

The face that looked up at him was all too familiar.