She was silent for a short time and then her voice became remarkably calm. “My mistake; I’m sorry for the misinterpretation, Alex. It seems like you were innocent and I’m to blame.” Then he felt her hand touch his shoulder and there was an electric sensation coming from her touch again.
With a gritted jaw Alex managed to forcibly stand up. He grasped his staff and started walking away from camp without looking at her or anyone else. It took a few yards of walking to finally walk straight enough. It wasn’t long until the clearing fell far behind. He walked several hundred paces until there wasn’t anyone to annoy him and his mind could settle.
An old fallen tree lay nearby and it was comfortable to sit on. It felt cool, comfortable and most of all, it was quiet. He planted the staff between his legs and rested his head on the shaft. It was still difficult to breathe because she struck his diaphragm; painfully and precisely. The surrounding area became even more quiet. That meant he had company. He was only alone for a few minutes until Shade found him.
He was standing between two saplings and the wind started moving his ebony coat in multiple directions. His sabers seemed longer than usual and they shone brilliantly in the early morning light. “What is going on? You’ve never left camp like that before. Alex, what…”
“Shade, I need some time alone. Go back and have some breakfast. I’m not hungry. Once things are packed, come back and find me and we’ll get going.”
His golden eyes said he understood Alex’s need for solitude. He looked towards camp and went back without another word.
In his head he kept calling Lily a friend, but his heart wanted her to be so much more than that. How could I tell her these feeling without making matters more complicated? She is constantly surprising and beautiful, but ruthlessly coarse in her methods. Could I survive falling for her? She is strong and smart, but I can see that she has never been in love nor has she ever experienced any form of it. When we are close I can feel that I can lower my guard around her, but I’ve already been struck twice for my naivety. Would there be a third time? Probably.
From then on his silent thoughts ran rampant.
I’m still new to having friends, but it shouldn’t always end with me being hurt. My strength is still growing slowly and it would help defend my heart, I hope. Now it’s up to Lily to figure out what being a friend truly means.
An hour later the sun was completely up and the day was going to be cloudy. His attention shifted to the left as Shade reappeared with Alex’s pack in his teeth.
He stood and took the straps from his mouth. “Are you feeling better?” Shade could easily see that his body language was calmer, but he needed verbal confirmation to be sure. He didn’t get any. He was curious about what happed between Alex and Lily, but she hadn’t explained anything either. “They are waiting for us.” Shade turned and they walked back together in silence.
“About time!” Lily stated and she had both water skins strapped over her shoulders. She was wearing her new foot coverings and they seemed to already work out well. “What was your problem anyway? Shade wouldn’t allow anyone to see why you left so suddenly.”
“Follow me everyone.” Alex turned and headed west.
“I asked you a question.” Lily stated coolly and Alex’s heart pounded in prideful anger, but it wasn’t a seething kind of anger or rage. It was more like a silent and personal struggle that was difficult to suppress. His thoughts still continued to swirl around her, but not knowing which direction to take.
Jaw set, Alex turned to her. Once their eyes met, she stepped back in fear as did everyone else except for Shade. Lily had never seen such a dangerous look from a person before and could see how thin his patience was. It was the most fear and danger she’s ever felt from a man. It was like he could shatter her very soul from such a look. Some sadistic part found it mystifying.
Alex’s voice became cold and distant. “Lily, there are some things in life that cannot be told. Sometimes you have to just figure it out for yourself.”
She managed to close her eyes and clear her throat. Opening them, She looked at him, but avoided direct eye contact for fear of being frightened again. “Does this have to do with my actions this morning? If it will make you feel better I’ll apologize for…”
Alex closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh which stopped her talking. “You wanted to walk with me today right?”
“You’re not going to explain?”
There wasn’t any point remaining on this subject so he turned and walked westward in silence.
Soon it was Shade at his brother’s side and he bumped his head against Alex’s shoulder. He knew him well enough to know what Alex was feeling. In fact he knew him better than anyone. They walked for a few minutes until the others could be heard following close behind.
About an hour later Lily and Marlin began whispering so that Alex wouldn’t be able to overhear. The five of them were walking over an expansive plain so it made their words clearer. “Marlin, did I do something wrong?”
He sighed and spoke in the same hushed tone. “It’s not my place nor is it right for me to tell you this, but you need to understand something you’re clearly blind about. Alex has put his life in greater dangers than you’ll ever comprehend. You’re heartless if you cannot even see that he is completely worried for you and your safety, and every time you two get close he is the one who always ends up in pain. Your actions this morning are proof of my words. He is driven to protect everyone, but who can humanly protect him.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked innocently.
“Have you ever had anyone care for you?” She went silent and that confirmed Marlin’s suspicions. “It seems like you have much that you still need to learn. This is all the advice that I can give. Try to understand both his feelings and him and stop punishing him when he only has your best interests in mind. He is doing his best so that we have the best chance at a proper life.”
About an hour later Lily finally made her way to walk at Alex’s side. She admitted that her new leather shoes fit well, to break the awkward silence that lasted between them. He only offered her a smile. Lily accepted the smile as an improvement in their strained relationship. They all walked normally and didn’t once stumble upon anyone throughout their travels.
That night Alex cut the leather and made himself a new pack. He took his bowl and soap bag before giving it over to Lily. She enjoyed the old bag and used it as a pillow once she went to sleep, resting on the opposite side of the fire from him this night. They wouldn’t rest together for some time to come.
After everyone had fallen fast asleep Alex laid on his back to gaze up at the thousands of twinkling stars. He laced his fingers together and rested them behind his head. His legs were both straight and felt content for the moment. The sounds of the insects filled the night air and a pleasant breeze kept the camp cool.
“Alex?” Lily whispered softly and he sat up to look at her.
The firelight gave her a striking look on her ethereal beauty. She was sitting up on her elbows while looking at him. “Having a hard time getting to sleep?” Alex guessed.
She nodded. “Actually there was something I wanted to know.” He waited patiently for her to continue. “Are you still sore in the abdomen?”
It did hurt, but only just. He thought aloud. “Don’t worry too much. Go back to sleep?”
She slowly sat completely straight. “That really wasn’t my question.” Her eyes studied him, hoping for something to be easily understood about them. Lily was only more confused than ever, but she made her choice. “I was really wondering if you could tell me how I could join Freelan? Is it easy?”
“Have you made up your mind?”
“I’ve been thinking about what you said. Maybe Freelan might give me a new start, a second chance, but I’ll only go where you do, if that is alright. There are still things that I need to learn about friendship. Maybe they could use the talents that I have been given? An experienced killer might be
an aid they need.”
Ever since Takka gave Alex a ring he’s kept it in his pocket along with the three remaining Xeal seeds. It suddenly felt heavy in his pants pocket as he became aware of it. Alex reached into the pocket and pulled the newly crafted ring out. She watched him intently as the silver ring reflected in the firelight. He tucked his thumb under the metal and flicked it at her, seeing what would happen.
Lily’s great reflexes caught the ring and she slid it on the finger that he told her to put it on. She looked at it in wonder. A faint smile appeared on her lovely lips, making her beauty come to light once again.
They spoke quietly for a little while longer before she fell back asleep.
The five of them spent the next four weeks walking on their journey westward towards the land of Alluan. Shade was pleasantly surprised that Lily had finally chosen to join the unorthodox pack. Alex and Lily slowly became closer friends over the weeks. She seemed to slowly find her place amongst the group. Marlin was pleased as well.
With each passing day she became physically better. Her bruises had finally healed and her beauty became even more amazing than Alex first remembered back home. Her body quickly put on some healthy weight and the travels toned her muscles. They weren’t as large as they were on the island, but they were getting there again. Even her figure became more womanly, with her health restoring. Her thighs and hips swayed, and sometimes he’d have to look away or else find himself in trouble when she’d glance in his direction and catch him staring at her. Lily’s breasts and hips had also slightly grown thanks to all the meat she’s been craving. Each of her hands were still calloused, but they remained highly skilled.
About two weeks ago she requested to spar with the men. They were reluctant to push her just yet, but both Marlin and Alex found out that she was even more skilled than they ever knew. Even when they fought her two on one she beat them, without using her swords abilities. They didn’t even land a glancing blow to her. She has had more battle experience than she could ever tell them. They ended up bruised, even as she held back.
Lily and Alex remained at arms length, but she seemed to be interested in something because she’d sometimes get a look in her eyes and he couldn’t explain it. She also hasn’t physically struck Alex out of the practice sessions since the morning she awoke with him at her side.
Shade and Clift also became closer. Clift wanted to learn to speak to Marlin without Alex always interpreting for them. So Shade took it upon himself to teach Clift to read and write. Shade was an amazing teacher and Clift sometimes struggled with words longer than four letters, but Shade was patient with his first student. Since Shade’s species was smarter, he had to sometimes repeat lessons for Clift, but there wasn’t any bad blood between them.
Four days ago Clift surprised Marlin by writing with his hoof “I want my chin scratched.” and Marlin laughed and gave his partner a good service.
The terrain remained mostly sparse forests, but with several rain storms everything was clean and the rivers were higher. Lily also suggested that they head northwest and take Point Lake and travel through Quad Stream to hasten their trip. They knew it would be quicker to sail by boat so they took her advice.
Now they were heading through sparse woodlands, still approaching Point Lake, that was still days away, enjoying the afternoon breeze. It was coming in from the west. Lily was getting into the habit of humming softly when she’d ride on Shade. Her melodies were beautiful and all of them enjoyed it. Alex especially looked forward to it. She was looking proud and strong as her hips swayed with Shade. Her hands patted his sides with the rhythm of her musical humming. Her whole demeanor had calmed and became harmonious during their trek.
Marlin was riding Clift and they were both walking beside Shade. Alex was leading The Pack, as Shade now called the group, northwest. Throughout the morning both Shade and Clift were talking about an odd scent that neither of them recognized what it belonged to.
Suddenly Shade yelped in surprise and pain and Lily screamed in fright.
Alex wheeled around to see a fiend lord smashing into Shade and Lily.
It was a Grizon.
Chapter 14
The Grizon lord was larger, stronger and heavier than Shade.
A Grizon is a fiend that was once part of the bear species, but now has an extra pair of clawed arms that come out of the front shoulders. Other than the new arms the average Grizon hasn’t changed too much. The Grizon lord that attacked Shade has grizzled brown fur, long and sharp claws on each paw, a massive body weighing close to three thousand pounds, round ears, a long muzzle with powerful jaws, a powerful sense of smell and a nasty disposition. At this moment they were overwhelmed by a single fiend, larger and stronger than any of them.
Before Alex could react to the unprovoked assault the Grizon had crashed into both Shade and Lily again. Lily was violently thrown off her mount and slammed to the ground with a dizzying force and Shade was easily thrown when the Grizon slammed Shade’s back legs, with its extra arms. He yelped in sudden pain. Shade was then rammed again into a large tree and fell unconsciously to the ground. It was the first time Shade has been truly harmed and beaten in any situation that chanced upon him.
Clift, spooked from the surprise, reared back in terror. Unfortunately Marlin was thrown off into bushes and Alex lost sight of them both in a single second.
Then the Grizon charged Lily once she stood up, her disorganized movements caught its attention. She swayed, dazed and confused from being thrown.
It was going for the easy kill.
Alex charged the Grizon while removing the weight of his pack. The full pack of dried fish fell behind him. Just before the Grizon made it to Lily, Alex smashed the knot of his staff into his enormous face. It didn’t do anything, but direct his vision to Alex. He waited and prayed for his heart to start pounding to become stronger and faster like before, but it didn’t arrive to his aid. Alex’s strange ability failed to come to his call. He felt absolutely useless against such a terrifying monster without the sensation supporting him.
Why didn’t my body become affected like it has before? He wondered.
The right clawed arm swept for Alex’s face, but missed by less than a hair breath. He opened his massive mouth and it was larger as Shade’s. It roared and tried catching this foolish prey between its two free claws. Alex jumped back to avoid them and began running away, hoping a sudden thought would work. The Grizon had sense enough to chase after the human that hit with a stick gained undivided attention. Alex swerved and dodged through the thick trees to avoid a direct charge and to keep out of its reach. It brought back memories of home when Shade and he would dodge and weave through the trees together, trying to best the other. In speed and strength, the Grizon was far superior, but in agility Alex still reigned supreme.
It was livid in shouting “Get Back Here Human! I rule this territory.”
Then Alex gained a wild idea that might just work.
It wasn’t long until he found exactly what he was looking for. Before the ambush, there were two thick trees The Pack passed that a human could fit through, but neither Shade nor Clift could make it without becoming stuck. It would be close, but there wasn’t another option of survival at this point.
He ran directly for the space in front of the trees and stopped to turn around, his body was able to block the actual size of the cavity, but not by much. The Grizon lord saw that he’d stopped and halted to savor the moment. It was rare for any creature to stand their ground against him, foolish but rare. Alex’s throat tickled as he began speaking. “So, a lord like yourself ambushes unsuspecting travelers. What kind of example are you setting for those who serve below you?”
Its lips pulled back to show all of his large teeth. His voice was deep and proud. “How dare my prey speak such insolence!?” He then spread out its two extra clawed arms into a trapping stance, making it impossible to get past him.
Dropping his front two paws and pushing with powerful back legs, on the firm
and grassy ground, he charged. He opened his mouth and sent out a hungry roar for all to hear of his impending victory. Brown fur bristled and his claws were prepared to strip the flesh from his prey’s very bones, and would if he gets his way. Just as he made it to his full speed, Alex waited in a crouched position. Its large mass of momentum would result in Alex’s victory. Only when he was fully committed to the kill, and within the plan, did it begin and end.
Alex leaned back and pushed with his legs. Just as his body jumped between and through the trees, did the Grizon trap himself. Before the lord of this territory even thought about avoiding the situation he managed to trap almost half of his bulky body between the large and solid trees. His extra side arms were pinned against his sides and he was completely immobilized of his own making. He tried thrashing his head, but all he managed to do was give himself a headache and become even more trapped. He roared in anger and distress, but could do no more.
Stern grey eyes locked onto his and he stopped thrashing. That’s right, you lost. Alex thought. He stepped up to him, uninhibited and stopped. He snapped at the strange human and teeth missed by mere inches, but it wasn’t unexpected for either of them. Alex brought his staff around and crashed it into the side his jaw. The Grizon finally roared in pain and Alex shoved the shaft into his mouth. “ENOUGH!” Alex commanded and he tried biting down, but found out quickly that the staff was much harder than his teeth. He tried thrashing it out of the human’s hands, but it was pushed further down into his throat. “Make another move and I’ll shove this deeper down your gullet. I wonder if you ever considered that you would die in this way, suffocation and choking is a nasty way to die.” His eyes widened in the fact that his life was no longer in his claws. “Now you are going to answer a few questions for me. You will shake your head side to side for nay and up and down for aye. Do you understand?” He lifted his head up and down slowly. “Very good,” Alex’s tone became cold and calm, which seemed to terrify the Grizon that much more. “You are the lord of this territory.” He nodded. “Did you attack us because you thought we were food…? Nay? How about if you thought we were encroaching on your territory?” He finally nodded. “We weren’t, but as of right now I’m the new lord of your lands.” He began to snarl. “Don’t test my patience. You knew that the moment you trapped yourself, that your life is now mine to do as I see fit.” The shame of defeat slowly began creeping into his eyes. “One last question. Do you have a mate and cubs?” He nodded once, proudly.
Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy) Page 29
