37. Annani
37
ANNANI
A s the last of her guests departed, Annani sank into her favorite armchair and let out a relieved sigh. The day had been long, filled with questioning session after questioning session that she had tried to make as friendly and lighthearted as possible to put her people at ease.
No one liked to be interrogated, even though she had informed every group that it was just procedural and that clan members were not really suspected.
Her Odus had worked through the previous night to bake the quantities needed and package them into nice little boxes with ribbons tied around them. Today, they had served drinks and more cookies as her guests were called in.
Good thing that the Odus did not get tired and did not need rest. One hour of recharging was enough to keep them going.
Ogidu walked over and bowed. "Can I pour you a fresh cup of tea, Clan Mother?"
"No, thank you. This one is still almost full. I also want to thank you for all the work you and Oridu have put into making this day the success it was."
The Odu beamed at the praise. "It is our pleasure to serve you, Clan Mother."
When he left, Annani took a sip of the cold tea and leaned back in her armchair with a satisfied smile. None of the clan members she had interviewed had anything to do with the recent thefts and acts of sabotage plaguing the village nor did they know who the culprit might be. There were suspicions, of course, but no one knew anything for sure.
The only one who had seemed a little uneasy was Parker, but that was understandable. He was still a kid and facing her must have been intimidating. Also, as a compeller himself, Parker must have been unsettled by being on the receiving end of her much more powerful compulsion.
Still, the boy's courage and strength of character impressed her. He was only thirteen when he volunteered to undergo induction and earn his family a place in the village so his mother could take her time.
It had been a selfless and gutsy move.
"Such a nice boy," Annani murmured to herself.
Parker's inner strength and good character reminded her of Ell-rom.
Amanda had taken over the task of preparing the welcome party for him and Morelle, and the announcement had been posted on the clan's bulletin board, but Annani still had not done the one task she had not delegated to anyone else, which was to call Sari and convince her to come to the party.
Reaching into the hidden pocket in her gown, she pulled out her phone and checked the time, doing a quick mental calculation.
It was a little after five in the morning in Scotland, which was still a little early to call, but her daughter was an early riser.
"Mother?" Sari's voice came through a little groggy. "Is everything alright?"
Annani felt a wave of affection wash over her at the sound of her daughter's voice. "Everything's fine, my darling. Did I wake you?"
"I just haven't had my morning coffee yet."
Annani smiled. Sari needed a couple of cups to get going in the morning, which was such a human thing that it must be all in her mind. Gods and immortals did not need stimulants to function.
"Then I will let you get your caffeine fix and call you in a few minutes."
"I'm brewing it as we speak. Just tell me why you are calling at five in the morning. I know that you did not miscalculate the time difference, which means that you were eager to talk to me. Is one of my sisters pregnant again? And just so there is no misunderstanding, I count Syssi as my sister, too."
Annani laughed. "I wish, but no, that is not what I am calling about. Ell-rom and Morelle are moving to the village this Friday afternoon, and I want you and David to be here. I want Ell-rom to meet all of my children."
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "It's not easy for me to leave on such short notice," Sari said. "David and I can come some other time."
Annani expected that response and was unfazed by it. "It is important to me for all of my children to be here when I welcome my newfound brother and sister into the village. I want us to feel like a family from the very start. Besides, I miss you. I have not seen you in a long time."
Sari chuckled. "The cruise wasn't that long ago, Mother, and we saw each other a lot then."
"It is never enough for a mother," Annani said. "It would mean so much to me. Even if you can only stay for the weekend, it would be wonderful to see you and David."
When there was a sigh, Annani smiled, knowing that she had won. Not that she had expected anything else. If Sari continued to refuse, she would have commanded her to come.
After all, Annani was still the head of the clan and the head of the family, and she expected to be obeyed.
"Alright," Sari said. "We'll be there for the party on Friday and stay over the weekend."
"Thank you, my darling. You have made your mother very happy."
She wanted Sari and David to stay at her house, but since Ell-rom and Jasmine would be staying with her as well, her Odus would have to give up their room, which was not a problem. They did not really need a private space or a bed. They could recharge while standing in the pantry.
"Mother? Are you still there?" Sari's voice cut through Annani's planning.
"Yes, sorry, darling. I was just thinking about all the arrangements."
"I'm sure it will be wonderful, Mother," Sari said. "You always throw the best parties."
"Actually, I was thinking about hosting you and David along with Ell-rom and Jasmine and having my Odus prepare the rooms."
"That's…that might be a little too much."
"Nonsense. Jasmine and Ell-rom are delightful people, and I have no doubt that you and David will enjoy their company."
After they said their goodbyes and ended the call, Annani rose from her chair and walked over to the front door. The shutters were all closed for the night, but she could sit on the front porch and relax, looking at the sky.
The night was clear, the village was quiet, and most of its residents were already tucked away in their homes. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature without having the glaring sun in her eyes.
Ogidu rushed outside with her shawl. "It is chilly out here at night, Clan Mother."
It was fine, but she accepted it. "Thank you." She draped it over her shoulders. When he did not budge from his spot by the railing, she smiled. "There are Guardians stationed around my house, Ogidu. I do not require your protection out here."
He bowed low. "I would still like to remain here if that is not too much bother. Master Kian assigned more Guardians to patrol at night because of what has been happening lately."
It was both reassuring and unsettling that the Odu had not obeyed her without question as he once would have. The growing sentience of the Odus manifested itself in many ways, some small, some more significant.
"Very well, Ogidu. You may stay."
"Thank you, Clan Mother." He bowed again. "I will be motionless and silent and will not disturb you."
She nodded.
It was sad that someone in this perfect community they had built was working to undermine everyone's happiness and tranquility.
Chuckling softly at the absurdity of the statement she had just made, Annani tightened the shawl against her bare shoulders. There had never been tranquility in the village. Something was always happening, and as unsettling as it was, it served a purpose.
A society that grew too comfortable and complacent was a society in decline. Perhaps she should thank the saboteur for stirring things up.