“Does this have sentimental value?” he kicked the heavy steel with his foot.
“It was all I could afford after the sword. They came as a set,” she admitted.
“You bought your own sword?” he asked in surprise.
“I didn’t have a chance to plunder any towns recently and I certainly don’t have a father generous enough to gift a sword like Mercy,” she growled. “All of these things I earned myself. And the yellow dress, most of all,” she added, just in case he’d forgotten.
He felt his anger rising again but realised the flush in her face was embarrassment after all. She could not afford many things; she was a lower caste Alphaline, was she not?
“I’m keeping them,” she muttered. Maybe she had over-packed somewhat but that was not the point. Fuk him. That was the point. After a few breaths, she left a few bright shirts, one pair of shoes, and a heavy piece of armour behind. As irritably as she could she strapped the sword down her back and felt much better moving. This annoyed her even more. Not just for his suggestion but for her own stupidity. She was better than this. She had always excelled out in the wastes in training. The city had softened her. She would do better, if only to get the better of him.
“Come on Lea,” he said sighing.
After a few more hours walking the path, he slowed and gestured her to follow him as he stepped through the treeline. They walked deep into the forest silently. He seemed to know where he was going which was fine for her. She watched the ground for sign of track or footstep but saw little, so she listened instead. Within the deep forest, there was an aching silence and despite herself, she thought it beautiful but after a time, she heard something else. It was something delicate, graceful, and indicative of hunting.
“Something is out there,” she whispered suddenly, peering into the deep green. The sun was fading but there was still enough eerie light to spot movement.
“I hear nothing Lea, we’re on safe ground here anyway,” he said shrugging.
“How do you know?” she asked aloud.
“We’re miles from the nearest path and few people would travel this far in,” he offered, ducking under some branches and holding them for her as she passed.
“Well, we’ve travelled this far in,” she retorted and removed a blade from her back and felt a lot better about herself. She’d handled a sword many times; her technique was quite accomplished but she’d never struck out in anger. That will change, a voice in her head whispered.
Erroh just stood and watched. If he had jumped every time he sensed watching eyes, he’d never have walked many miles in the road. “What are you doing?” he asked, looking around and again, still seeing nothing.
“I think you should take out your weapon?” she suggested warily. He resisted the crass joke that formed in his mind. It was too obvious and they weren’t ready for his childish jests just yet.
“Come on Lea, it’s not far,” he whispered, touching her shoulder and gently tugging her on to move.
“Can we run?” she asked hopefully.
“There is no need,” he said.
Silly Alpha girl, there is nothing to worry about.
Then he heard the twig snap. He grabbed her in close and stepped forward unsheathing both his blades. His speed took her off guard. She stood behind with her own sword ready. Watching him turn from docile wanderer to deadly threat in less than a breath was admittedly impressive.
“Is that you, Mea?” he roared but there was no answer. He spun his blades absently, gripping them tightly as he did.
“Tye?” he roared louder. The forest took little notice. It could have been any manner of beast that broke the twig. “Let’s go,” he whispered after a few moments. Better to get to safer ground and let it come to them. If it was her infectious paranoia affecting him, that was all right. There was nothing wrong with paranoia in the woods.
Whatever it was, they left it far behind. Moving quicker through the deep forest was difficult with his injuries but he led the charge and finally relaxed when his feet touched a familiar path. He had promised to return and his word was good.
They followed the path until they met the wooden perimeter fence of the homestead. He called out over the farm and waited until a very excited Mea exited the door. Her hair was dishevelled for once, but she was glowing. A few seconds later an almost equally happy Jeroen followed Mea through the doorway. He was buttoning up his shirt.
“Couldn’t show up an hour from now?” he bellowed with a smile across his face.
One for the Road
She accepted the hug from Mea because she had little choice in the matter.
“You took your time,” said Jeroen looking Lea up and down. From his stare, he considered her a fine catch.
“Mea and Jeroen, this is Lea my mate,” Erroh said. Lea nodded apprehensively until Mea took her warmly by the arm and declared there were “female discussions to be had,” before whisking her away from the awkwardness. Erroh couldn’t help but notice the look of gratitude in his young mate’s eyes. Anything was better than spending another moment with him, apparently.
Jeroen lit the torches on the patio outside their home and stoked the burning pit from where a few strips of meat were slowly cooking. He poured some rich wine and toasted to young love. The breeze brushed against Erroh’s face and his hair waved gently in the wind. It was nearing the end of the warm season but the night was clear and refreshing. He sipped the wine and remembered what relaxation felt like.
“You were so loud crashing through the forest, you were an easy kill,” Tye declared from behind them. He dropped his crossbow at his feet loudly and sat down with a hopeful look upon his young face.
“So it was you, hunting us?” Erroh said, and the smaller Alpha nodded enthusiastically. “You move well,” Erroh admitted, making father and son’s day in the process. A third glass appeared and a small measure was poured. Just enough to tell him he had done a good job. Just enough that when he swiftly finished, he would disappear so the male folk could talk of manly things like females and secretive events of the city.
Jeroen pushed gently and Erroh revealed the past few days of his life. For most of it, he listened without comment, merely laughing and shaking his head in bewilderment, and the more the tale was told, the better Erroh felt.
“Don’t tell Mea you had to fight three times,” Jeroen warned when Erroh told him of the trials.
“It’s a small matter now,” Erroh replied.
“It only takes a small matter to get her riled up if the city messes with any of her family,” he warned.
Family.
Kind words and he was humbled. This refuge reminded him of what a strong coupling could become. Of what a strong family was. It reaffirmed his decision to return.
“I know why you are here, little cub,” offered Jeroen thoughtfully.
“For the drink,” Erroh laughed, sipping the wine.
Jeroen smiled. “It’s easier sitting among friends drinking in this sanctuary than spending an awkward first night attempting and failing to mount her,” he said.
“I am in no mood to mount her,” replied Erroh and Jeroen laughed.
“Of course not, and why would you want to bed that girl anyway, she’s positively repulsive,” Jeroen mocked.
“I told you what happened, I told you of her cruelty,” Erroh hissed, letting his anger surface.
“I’m sure many men would find that a reasonable trade. Besides, you were no respectful gentleman to her. You embarrassed her terribly. It will take a fine while to walk that one off,” Jeroen said grinning.
“She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,” admitted Erroh suddenly. He went to say more but stopped. He caught a glimpse of the two female forms on the far side of the farm talking. Plotting, no doubt. They walked side by side. She had a fine walk, she was beautiful, and he was terrified of what was to be.
“Was there another girl you wanted?” Jer asked.
“They were all horrible,” Erroh said shaking his
head.
“But Lea was a little less horrible to you?” asked Jeroen hopefully.
“No, she hated me the most,” replied Erroh.
“So why did she choose you?”
“I think she liked it, when I cursed at her. I think she’s that type of female,” Erroh said, smiling half-heartedly.
“You need to talk to her about it down the road. For now, leave things as they are,” Jeroen whispered, lest his voice carry in the evening breeze.
Erroh shrugged and sipped some more wine. There were no real answers found in conversation. In time, he and the stunning Lea would have to find their own way. Maybe they would, and maybe they would do it hand in hand, but in truth, he had his doubts.
Mated for life. The thought kept returning to him. He looked over at the girl again. The girl he was stuck with until he took his last breath. He looked over at her and drank his wine a little faster. He wished it was something stronger.
“Mea and I had our own problems Erroh. We still struggle to this day but we find a way and you will too,” Jeroen said patting the younger man’s shoulder.
“Aye,” was all Erroh could manage before the two females finished their circuit and appeared at the patio. Mea leaned down and kissed her man before hugging him tightly. It didn’t matter to her how uncomfortable the newly mated couple were. What mattered was that love was in the air. Erroh watched Lea stare into the sky in wonder. She’d probably never counted the stars in the city’s glow. Her eyes were weary and the paint was running a little. He’d seen his mother cry enough through the years to recognise clever and quick concealment. She normally cried for weeks after a visit to the city. Sometimes Erroh questioned the purpose of the city. He knew his father certainly did. Maybe he could ask Lea about it someday. Maybe she cried because she missed the place. Maybe she cried for her choice.
“To the happy couple,” toasted their hosts. Lea raised her glass and looked nervously towards him.
To the happy us?
“To us,” announced Erroh indifferently and clinked glasses with the younger girl. They both sipped. Mea and Jeroen followed suit. Their eyes met conspiratorially. The young couple had been through a rough Cull.
The tougher the Cull, the weaker the choosing.
“Our first night was not quite as comfortable,” said Jeroen smiling at his beloved. She laughed and played with a sliver of meat on her plate. The hounds at her feet sat patiently.
“What happened?” asked Lea, leaning one arm across the table and resting her head against it. The events of the day were knocking her out, yet the night was young.
“We were quite far from the city, it was raining and Jeroen hadn’t even mastered the art of fire,” Mea sliced the piece into two and flicked them under the table. There was a slight commotion but at the end, both hounds were sated.
“We were so in love we didn’t need a fire,” joked Jeroen.
“It was very cold, there was no food, so he tried his finest moves on me,” she laughed.
“I was smooth. You loved my advances,” he argued and poured some wine into their glasses. Lea tried to decline the top-up but he would not be denied. She’d never been the greatest drinker but tonight called for a certain amount of numbness.
“Oh yes darling, you won my heart that night in the freezing rain,” mocked Mea. “It’s a terrible shame I caught a chill and had a headache for at least a year,” she laughed and kissed him. “We’ve made up for lost time since,” she whispered. In that moment, she was a newly mated Alpha with her prize male and all guests were forgotten. Her eyes were only for him, and Lea sighed delicately. Erroh shrugged and sipped his drink.
After a time Lea excused herself and when she was out of earshot, Mea leaned in towards Erroh.
“She made a good choice Erroh,” whispered Mea.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“I won’t betray her trust Erroh,” she smiled that disarming smile and patted his cheek gently.
“I’m sure she has spun you a fine tale. In truth, I made an error on the first day but I said I was sorry,” he muttered petulantly, though not enough that his mate would hear him. “I don’t understand females,” he added.
Jeroen laughed.
“We are a rare breed,” she agreed.
“You both made mistakes Erroh, but does it matter now?” she asked.
“I suppose not,” he lied.
“One more thing little cub,” Mea said in a tone which suggested she had an insightful point to make. “She’s going to look extremely appealing some night out on the road,” her voice dropped to an almost inaudible murmur.
“That’s possible, she does have a nice walk,” he whispered.
“Ignore your urge to tear every stitching of clothing off her. Wait until you’re both ready,” she urged.
He was more than happy to wait. He could think of nothing more awkward than lying atop her, looking into her cruel eyes as they moved with each other. What if she was critical?
“You were able to alleviate such urges out on the road alone. Let nothing change,” Mea whispered, winking mischievously. “There is love to be found from the Cull,” she added and squeezed Erroh’s hand as Lea returned to the table.
It was Jeroen alone who attempted to silence Mea’s fury, once she heard Dia’s insistence they journey to the Southern Faction.
“Her word is law,” Jeroen argued playing the voice of reason to her venom.
“Fuk her laws,” hissed Mea, and Lea shuffled in her seat uncomfortably.
“This is not the moment to pick another fight with her,” Jeroen said, and the sleeping hounds bravely got up and disappeared indoors. There was a storm brewing even though the night was clear.
“I’ll pick any fight that I can win,” Mea shouted. Her eyes were locked on the faint glow beyond the horizon.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,” Erroh said timidly.
“Not at all,” Jeroen promised. He scratched his beard “Besides, Mea is right. She’s normally right, but this is no time to speak of revolution,” he said, taking Mea’s hand gently. He was a man skilled in taming tempests.
“Aye, not the time,” agreed Mea bitterly after a few moments. She took a breath as though she’d been counting and pulled her eyes from the city.
The table fell to uncomfortable silence and Lea broke it.
“This is still better than sitting in the rain somewhere, fighting off the advances of an excited little cub,” she said, and dared a smile. Mea began to laugh under her breath, as did Jeroen. It was just enough for the tension to lift. Well played, Lea.
When conversations returned to less precarious topics, the night passed on far too quickly. There were jests, there were even laughs and in delicate moments, he even noticed Lea smile, though not at him. As a group of friends, they wasted the night away wonderfully, finding comfort in each other’s company, as if it were the last night they could ignore the awful feeling that a terrible storm was forming just beyond the horizon.
They sat on opposite sides in the loft drinking water spitefully at each other. Both were too exhausted to endure awkward conversations or anything beyond, so they enjoyed the silence. Eventually she lay back in her own bed of straw and when sleep took hold, her goblet of water slipped to the floor. Erroh leaned back in the straw and enjoyed a little time all to himself. He sipped his own water in preparation for the morning’s hangover. He looked at the little river from his mate’s fallen glass. She would regret that come the dawn. It wasn’t his problem. It was easier staying angry. The die had been cast, and she was his prize. He had walked for two years to claim her and she had waited for him. He felt the weariness overcoming him and he let it take him. He shifted himself in the straw to ease the strain on his ribs. Draining the last of the water and placing the goblet down, Erroh stretched out in the softness. He took one last look at the girl he thought most beautiful in the world and he muttered a curse before falling into a deep sleep.
I call him Dad
She moved gracefully around the room, she moved everywhere gracefully. The first rays of the dawn were shining through the cracks in the walls. Little spots of light lit up the floor, just enough light to prepare her belongings, which could be packed up efficiently into one small rucksack. She thought of her room and her bed in the city. Erroh stirred and stretched out in the straw. His eyes fluttered in deep sleep. One of his hands had strayed from the warmth of the bed. It was hanging down the side, his fingernails were black from rubbing against the dirty ground. She sighed and thought about the city again. She drank more water, freshly drawn from the well; she knew it would help with the headache.
The farm was peaceful. She liked peaceful. Peaceful was safe. The silence also afforded her a few precious moments all to herself. He stirred again and she knew he’d wake soon and the terrible, uncomfortable conversations would continue. She began brushing her hair and applied a little paint to her lips while stealing glances at her beautiful mate. She still hurt deeply from his words and his actions but still he took her breath away. He always had. Ever since she had first seen him, staring like an idiot at the city sights, enthralled with the world. He had shone brightly like the city. He hadn’t noticed her then. He still didn’t now.
They ate a fine breakfast and after some persuasion, Lea tasted some cofe and hated it. Erroh finished her cup for her. He considered it a kindness on his part. Conversation was light as the long walk was on all their minds. For Mea, Jeroen, and Tye it was the sadness of departure. For the young couple it was the terror of walking alone for a time.
“Your line will always be welcome here,” Mea whispered in his ear, hugging him tightly. She turned to Lea and kissed her on the cheek. “Protect her,” she warned Erroh. It was a fine warning and it stuck in his mind.
Jeroen handed Erroh the gifts and embraced the younger Alpha. “Make use of them Erroh. Safe travels to both of you,” he said and Erroh felt the sadness of their kindness overcome him. Instead of dwelling on it, he led his mate from the sanctuary into the deep unending green of the wastes.
Spark City Page 18
