“It’s just a question,” I say. “Rather a good one.”
Aina raises a curious brow.
I smile, folding up the parchment. “He asks for his son’s name.”
“He doesn’t have a name yet,” Aina replies.
I cross the room to her, handing her the parchment. She takes it, our fingers brushing as she looks up at me. Suddenly, her gaze softens, and she smiles wide.
“I think there’s a reason none of the names I pick seem to fit him,” she says.
“Oh, yes?” I reply.
“Yes, I don’t think I’m supposed to be the one to name him.” She looks to the raven. “It will be Siiri who teaches him how to return to you. She’ll help our son grow in his powers. She will protect him and love him as a second mother, equal to me in the raising of him. Siiri will name our child.”
I stiffen as I feel all the eyes in the room look my way. I haven’t bothered to tell Aina that I already named the boy in my heart. I first met Väinämöinen in the form of the bear. He was all quiet strength and serenity. I first loved him in that form. I will love him forever. Thanks to his curse, which may yet be my blessing, we will never be parted. I wear him inked into my very skin.
Vaka vanha Väinämöinen.
I close my eyes and smile, letting all the stories and songs of the ages wash over me, filling me with hope and promise. The road before us will be long and treacherous. But I have my family to ground me and guide me. Aina, who is as much a wife to me as a wife ever could be. And now we have our son, who will restore the balance of life and death. He’ll help me bring Finland back to its former glory.
The shaman’s magic flows through me as I open my eyes, gazing down at my dark-haired, beautiful son. “His name is Kalev,” I say. “We’ll call him ‘Kal’ for short.”
“Kalev,” Aina whispers, testing the name. “Is that your name, my little Kal?” The green-eyed baby coos at the raven perched on her mother’s knee. “It suits him,” she says with a smile.
Kalev, son of Aina, a mortal queen. Kalev, son of Siiri, the new Väinämöinen, shaman of the ages. Kalev, only son of Tuoni, god of death. Kalev, Prince of Tuonela.
The End
