Retrieve

by Sarah Addison-Fox

  Hadley turned and found him fumbling awkwardly with his belt buckle, his intention to rid himself of his wet clothing clear. His eyes caught hers and her cheeks pinked. “Don’t look so worried, I’ll manage this part.”

  She pulled her eyes away, staring at a knot in the wood on the door. After a lot of exasperated sighs and muttered curses, she saw his trousers sail across the room and land in front of the fire.

  He grunted as the blankets shifted as he pulled them over his exposed body. “Just give me a few hours,” he murmured.

  She eased off the bed, careful not to jar him, and opened the door to the cold outside, gagging at the sight of the dead man lying still and bloodied at the entrance.

  With a final look at Kade, she left his stockings hanging on a bush outside, before attending to the gruesome business, Kade wouldn’t be capable of.

  Her throat closed over, and bile rose as she hooked her hands under the man’s arms and dragged him.

  Her back aching, and muscles burning she hauled him until she could no longer see the cottage. With night closing in, she couldn’t go another step further without risking losing her bearings.

  She retraced her steps, using the various broken pots and boarded up shopfronts to find her way back. She grabbed Kade’s holey stockings, closed the door again and laid them on the mantle over the fire along with his trousers.

  Tiredness washing over her as she added more wood to the fire from the large stack in one corner of the room. She pulled off her own boots and hung her stockings to dry. With another quick look at Kade, she removed her vest and cut off trousers, and laid them flat.

  Maybe she could go looking for clothes tomorrow? If the village was in fact deserted, no one would begrudge her a few items of warm clothing.

  Her skin rising against the damp shirt she moved back so she could huddle closer to the fire. She stared into the flames, watching them dance, feeling the warmth resting like a warm blanket on her tired and aching body.

  Soon her body demanded rest, and she gave in and lay down in front of the fire, curling her knees to her chest, the sound of Kade’s gentle snoring, and the crackle and pop of the fire, soothing as she drifted into sleep.

  Kade stirred with reluctance. His dream pleasant but hazy, still fresh in his mind, panic rushed through him as his eyes opened to an unfamiliar lumpy bed beneath him. The flickering fire catching his eye, drawing his attention to a dozing Hadley, her head resting on her arm, knees pulled into her chest as she slept, dressed only in the shirt he’d wrecked.

  He frowned as he scanned the beaten-up cottage they’d be stuck in for a few weeks at least. His memory foggy as to exactly how long bones took to heal. Carl had busted his arm the summer prior, and if he was remembering correctly, it was a good month before he’d managed to climb again.

  If he pushed too soon, he’d make it worse, and he’d never get to the springs.

  He lay on his back and stared at the thatched roof above him. Drifting in and out of a fevered sleep, pain shooting through him every time he moved, robbing him of the proper rest he needed.

  Giving up, he turned to check on Hadley and the fire that was little more than charred embers. As if feeling him watching, Hadley’s hand came to her eyes as she rubbed at them. She uncurled herself and moved to stretch her hands over her head, freezing when she spotted him staring.

  He cleared his throat, and pulled his gaze away, all too aware of how much of her skin was now on display. His frown deepened as he stared at the opposite wall, finding a large crack in the rough-hewn plaster beside him to keep him from entertaining the frivolous thoughts crushing his chest.

  Two weeks inside a cottage would be torture if they didn’t lay some ground rules. Clothes for one thing. Always wearing clothes would be a good start. Hadn’t that been what had got him into this mess in the first place? As long as she stayed looking like a boy, they’d do just fine.

  The sounds of wood being placed on the fire came before she sunk onto the bed. Her voice low as she spoke. “It’s getting close to morning, I was thinking I might go and see what clothes I can find in the village.”

  He turned his head and found himself staring at her back as she sat perched on the edge of the bed near his feet. “See if you can find warmer clothes, and you better check to see if the horse is strong enough to carry us both.”

  Kade’s cheeks warmed as she pulled the blanket over his exposed toes. Unwelcome thoughts intruding again, he tried to keep his voice as light as possible. “I’ll be on my feet soon, and we’ll figure this all out.”

  Hadley turned slightly, so her face was in profile, highlighting once again just how delicate her features really were. Her voice was soft as she spoke. “I’m sorry I pushed you to help me. You don’t owe me anything. I’ll find a way. With or without you.”

  Pressure built in his chest as she turned and held his gaze, firelight catching the moisture brewing in her eyes. His thoughts scattered to the wind, as he found himself remembering far too much of what he was trying to forget. Damn it. Do NOT promise her.

  Kade swallowed thickly, the pain in his chest burning along with his desire to do something foolish. His fingers twitched at his side, his voice raw as he murmured. “I’ll help when I can.”

  Hadley’s smile grew slightly before she pulled her shoulders back and drew her gaze away from him. “What do we do for the next few weeks then?”

  Kade cocked an eyebrow, dismissing all of the wild options that sprang foremost to his mind. He knew what Carl would do alone with a pretty girl for a few weeks. Hell, this would be Carl’s ultimate fantasy, but he wasn’t Carl.

  “We just need to stay vigilant while I heal. Arrowford was breathing its last breath when we came through a week ago, but we’ll manage on our own if we’re smart.”

  Hadley nodded, her face setting grim again as she moved from the bed to pick up her clothes. His stomach flipped as the shirt slid up a little too high, sending him back to staring at the crack in the wall.

  A crack he had a feeling he’d be staring at a whole lot more over the coming weeks.

  Hadley pulled herself through the window, grazing her bare shins on the frame as she dropped to her feet. Boots still as damp and uncomfortable as the rest of her filthy clothes.

  She waited as her eyes adjusted to the grey light inside the cottage. Her nerves lessening with each house she checked. The current cottage was stripped bare just like the others had all been. She’d managed to find a woollen coat that would fit Kade, and in another forlorn looking cabinet, she’d found another few items she hoped he could use. But so far, she’d not located anything resembling warm clothing for herself.

  Everything she’d found was either too big or smelled so horrid, she’d been loath to touch it. Her eyes roved around the current small cottage, long abandoned to the elements, and creatures that scurried away with her entrance.

  The cottage was no worse than the others. Nothing more than a collection of broken memories in the form of furniture that had seen better days, beds stripped of blankets, trinkets missing from dust-covered spaces, kitchens barren, with nothing but rodent droppings remaining in the empty cupboards. Too much like my home.

  Her despondent sigh resounded around the empty house, bouncing off walls covered in water stains where leaks had gone unchecked. Out of habit more than need Hadley kept her footsteps light as she checked the only other room. A large wardrobe stood in the corner, and a glimmer of hope sparked there would be warm clothing inside.

  Dust caught the light creeping through grey clouds, the sun sending a speck of brightness into the mournful home that had once housed a family. Hadley pulled on the wardrobe door, the wood sticking from disuse as the door swung towards her and revealed clothing on heavy wooden hangers.

  She checked them over, her delight in finding dresses, quenched when she discovered most either worn through or moth-eaten. She shook her head as the last hanger slid with a screech over the metal rod, and her eyes popped as she found herself looking at
a long-sleeved green dress.

  With trembling fingers, she ran her fingers over the fabric, the deep green reminding her of the leaves of the trees she loved so much. The dress was clearly winter weight, its neckline was modest, and the full skirt would keep her warm. It was simple, and, unlike the extravagant wedding dress, it was purely practical.

  Her gaze lingered on the dress and the desire to wear it grew. What did it matter now? Kade knew she was a girl, and it would cover her more than her current clothing.

  Her hands grabbed the dress, greedily, and she examined it closer, checking for evidence of damage or any unpleasant infestations.

  When she found only a few tears, one that she reasoned she could probably stitch, she held it to her body, and couldn’t contain the smile blooming on her face.

  Hadley stepped towards the window, balling the dress under her arm. The smile was still etched on her face as she climbed out and snatched up the pile of clothing she’d dropped outside the cottage.

  What harm would come from seeing if it fit?

  Propped up on the creaky bed, Kade shifted as Hadley stirred the stew she’d laboured over. Her head near in the fireplace as she leaned over the blackened pot as it hung in the hearth. By using a block of wood, and one of his daggers she’d managed well enough, surprising him at her continued resourcefulness.

  Pain screaming through his chest with every movement, he kept as still as possible, eyes on Hadley as she gingerly perched on the bed, a bowl of steaming food in her hands.

  Her forehead creased in the gentle light of the fire, and despite his reluctance to accept help, he found himself allowing her to assist him as he drank the salty broth.

  He spoke without thinking as she waited patiently for him to find a way to hold the wooden bowl and spoon. “You’ve done this before?”

  Hadley’s eyes flicked to him, her body stiffened, and he realised his mistake. Of course, she’d cared for someone before. Most likely her parents.

  If he could have slapped himself, he’d have done it. Instead, he tried for a reproachful smile. “Dumb question.”

  Hadley gave him the slightest of shrugs as if it was of no consequence. But it was. He knew it. He knew what it was like to watch someone fade away, to watch them suffer, then disappear, leaving you alone with nothing but grief and fading memories to cling to.

  She sat beside him in silence, helping him until his eyes grew heavy and her face was blurring. The pain, the unanswered questions and exhaustion wearing heavy on him, his eyelids began to droop.

  He hardly felt the bed move as Hadley eased away, leaving him to the rest he so desperately needed.

  His dreams were fevered, flashes of incoherent images, crowding in on one another until he dragged himself from the muddle of sleep, struggling to make sense of the blur of green on Hadley’s lap as she sat crossed legged beside the hearth.

  Kade raised an arm to rub at his gritty eyes, before remembering not to aggravate his injuries. Instead, he cocked his head as he stared at her as she pulled a needle through forest green fabric.

  His yawn was stifled as pain shrieked across his ribs. Hadley’s eyes were on him in an instant, a concerned frown etched on her face. “What did you find to wear?” he asked.

  Hadley’s eyes dropped to her lap. “I found a few things you can wear, but this dress was the only thing that looks like it might fit.”

  She raised the dress a little higher, her eyebrows raised as though waiting for him to challenge her. Fantastic. Another dress.

  He lifted his head off the thin pillow, his eyes on the other clothes she’d piled on the floor. “You need something sensible.”

  Hadley’s smile dissipated as he moved too abruptly and was rewarded by another sharp pain searing through his chest. Her brow knotted in concern, she abandoned her sewing and sat beside him, running her hand across his forehead, reminding him of the way his mother used to do.

  Her eyes narrowed as she removed her hand. “I think you have a temperature. I’ll go and check the horse has enough fodder. Will you be alright?”

  Kade’s throat grew tight, his skin tingling from where she’d touched him. “Keep your eyes open. Last thing we need is more trouble.”

  Hadley eased off the bed, and with a last backwards look at him, she closed the door to the chill snaking in the cottage.

  A groan slipped from his lips at the lie. He was not going to be alright. Not now. Not in two weeks. I’m never going to be bloody alright again.

  The horse secured in a surprisingly comfortable shed, Hadley made her way back to Kade. Questions burbling in her mind as she opened the door to pleasant smells of the broth she’d yet to eat, too focused on mending the dress she was eager to wear.

  On the bed, Kade was staring at her again, and she was relieved to see he was awake even if he was sending her strange looks she’d couldn’t decipher. She needed to talk out her questions and see if he thought she was mad for thinking such things.

  She took a seat on the end of the bed, the only seat in the tiny cottage. “The horse is strong enough for us both. I was thinking about some things while I fed him though.”

  Kade lifted his chin a little. “About Thomas?”

  Hadley adjusted herself carefully on the bed, her eyes shifting to the dress she would soon wear. One more patch and the holes would be fixed. Her sewing was clumsy, but it would do. Mum would have despaired of me.

  Her chest constricted as she tried not to allow grief to bubble up again. Kade’s toe prodded her, an expectant look on his face.

  She cleared her throat and hoped he wouldn’t make fun of her idea. “What that man said, about the king and missing boys. Do you think that’s really happening?”

  Her eyes locked on his bruised and dirty face, and she waited as he processed the information.

  He exhaled, and his face twisted in pain before he replied. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”

  He took another pained breath. “If Thomas went missing in Kingsport along with others, someone there might know.”

  Hadley leaned closer, excitement bubbling at the hope and confirmation his words sparked. “That’s what I thought too.”

  Kade raised his hand, flinching as he scratched his chin. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m saying there might be someone who saw something, but if the king is desperate enough to take boys, looking for them will be dangerous.”

  Hadley kept her smile hidden, fresh hope alive despite his caution. “More dangerous than going to Amaria?”

  Kade’s face turned dark. “I’d take on the Numachi Prince rather than face our corrupt king.”

  Hadley gave him a distracted nod, her thoughts already filling with visions of searching.

  For the first time, a twinkling of hope broke through. Replacing the grief, the sorrow, and the aching hole left in her battered heart.

  All because Kade Dawson cared enough to help.

  Three weeks later

  Wrapped in a coat, his hands swathed in leather gloves, breath frosting into the morning, Kade kept his eyes on the mount, checking the straps for the third time, all in a fruitless attempt to avoid looking at Hadley.

  He muttered under his breath as a pleasant perfumed aroma wafted past him as she placed the last of their supplies in the saddlebags. Even her hair now looked distinctly feminine, sunlight catching the subtle shades of yellow, that reminded him of the wheat stalks that once grew in abundance in his home village.

  He should have protested more vehemently, but he’d been too exhausted, in too much pain, to think too much about how her change might cause them problems.

  She’d returned from checking on the horse one morning wearing the dress, which had been bad enough, but the next day she’d taken it upon herself to locate soap to scrub herself clean, effectively removing all the barriers he’d worked so hard to erect.

  He’d held his tongue with every new idea, reasoning it didn’t matter while they were here, refusing to believe it was for any other reason. But now that they were departi
ng, his ribs healed enough to risk the trip to the Retreat, he was riddled with doubt.

  He was still operating under full strength, if they met trouble, he would rather potential threats be directed at Hadley, the boy. Not Hadley, the very, very alluring girl who’d spent three weeks taking extremely diligent care of him.

  He stepped back, running his hand over the stubble that had grown over his chin, and forced himself to consider her argument. The clothes she’d worn previously, were now rendered useless by the changing weather. She’d found nothing suitable, and a week ago, when he suspected she was lying, and he’d needed to dispose of the man he’d killed, he’d found the village emptied just as she had said.

  He stood next to the horse, a tawny beast, sturdy, but a little too long in the tooth to be considered for anything else but cartage; and assessed her as she plodded back and forth to the cottage, retrieving anything else she deemed necessary.

  She caught him gawking at her, and gave him the same look, she’d been giving him each time she found him considering her. “I know what you are going to say, and we’ve been over this already, we don’t have enough clothes for us both. It makes sense this way.”

  Kade raised an eyebrow at the weary look on her face. Had he become that predictable she knew what he was going to say?

  He shifted his weight, irked she was getting to know his way of thinking. Trying to find a way to show she didn’t know everything going on inside his head. “Not what I was thinking.”

  Hadley paused, her hands filled with kindling. “Then what were you going to say?”

  Kade scratched his chin, stalling and growing more irritated by the smug expression on her face. “I was going to say that your boots don’t match the dress.”

  Hadley’s lips twitched, and he expected her to snap at him, but her nostrils flared, and a half-choked laugh escaped instead.