by Sky Croft
Amazonia: An Impossible Choice
Copyright © 2014 by Sky Croft
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Other Titles from Sky Croft
Other Yello Rose Books
About the Author
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Amazonia: An Impossible Choice
by
Sky Croft
Yellow Rose Books
by Regal Crest
Texas
Copyright © 2014 by Sky Croft
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The characters, incidents and dialogue herein are fictional and any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Print ISBN 978–1-61929-180-5
eBook ISBN 978-1-61929-179-9
First Printing 2014
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover design by Acorn Graphics
Published by:
Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC
229 Sheridan Loop
Belton, TX 76513
Find us on the World Wide Web at http://www.regalcrest.biz
Published in the United States of America
Acknowledgments
The character of Tanis, was in part at least, inspired by my mother, who I’m fortunate to have as a sounding board for my creative ideas (both the good and bad). She is a constant source of strength in my life, and I thank her deeply for it.
A special thanks to my dad, who gives advice and support when needed. He is more than generous with his time, and is always willing to go that extra mile to help out. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years.
Dedication
For Mum, with much love.
Chapter One
A SUDDEN GUST of wind blew dirt into her eyes and Shale blinked repeatedly, trying to dislodge the grit. She was pleased she’d tied her long dark hair back for training practice, the leather cord keeping it bound and out of her way. Even with the wind’s assault.
The two adolescent warriors who were practicing in front of her came to an abrupt halt, one cursing as she rubbed at her own eyes, the other spitting as if she’d gotten a mouthful.
“Hades.” Calay spat again. “That’s the third time that’s happened.”
Shale tipped her head back, looking up at the mottled gray sky. The weather had been off for days, especially given the time of year— summer was barely at an end.
“Let’s hope the weather improves for the big day,” Leda said as she rubbed her hands together excitedly.
Reminded of the upcoming event, Shale grinned, a happy glow lighting up her face.
Calay, who was more confident than her friend, quickly spoke up. “Actually, Shale, Leda and I want to ask you something.”
“Oh?” Shale raised an expectant eyebrow. “What is it?”
“Zayla was telling us about marriage—that you should only marry if you’re sure you want to spend the rest of your life with that person.”
“She’s right,” Shale said. “Marriage is a serious commitment.”
“Zayla told me I would know when I found the right person, because they would share the other half of my soul.” Leda flushed red as she spoke, glancing around the training ground as if to make sure no one had heard her sentimental words.
Shale smiled at Leda, trying to alleviate her embarrassment. Warriors didn’t usually talk about such things so openly, and Shale was pleased that they felt able to discuss the topic with her. “That is true also, at least I believe it to be. Some people don’t.”
Calay looked up in curiosity. “Does Kale?”
“Is that your question?” Amusement colored Shale’s tone.
Calay shook her mousy brown hair. “No, I was just wondering.”
“You’d have to ask Kale.”
“You don’t know?” Calay’s voice rose in disbelief.
“Of course she knows.” Leda gave her friend a shove. “But she’s not going to tell you.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s personal. Just ask Kale.”
Calay’s eyes widened. “I’m not asking her. You ask her.”
Shale chuckled, knowing that her twin’s stoic demeanor tended to have this affect on youngsters. They were both awed and frightened by Kale at the same time. Shale stepped in as Leda opened her mouth to argue.
“I will tell you to watch Kale when she’s with Amber. That will give you your answer.” That seemed to appease them both. “Now, what was your original question? Then we can get back to training.”
“Well, we thought Kale shared your soul?” “She does. Half belongs to Kale, the other half to Blake.” Shale wasn’t sure she liked where this was going. “In that case, if their lives were in danger and you could only save one, who would you save? Your blood or your love?” Calay asked.
Shale frowned. If an adult had been so insensitive, she would’ve wanted to strike her, or at least question her motives, but in this case, Shale put it down to the indiscretion of youth. They were merely being inquisitive, and didn’t intend any ill harm. “If negotiation were involved, I would save one, and trade my life for the other.”
“Ooh, good answer,” Leda said.
Calay didn’t relent. “No negotiation. What if you were on a battlefield?”
Shale had already considered the event that Calay spoke so casually about, but only briefly. It was too distressing for her. Kale would be the obvious choice—her identical twin was connected to her almost physically, and any lengthy time of separation was painful to them both. However, even the thought of losing Blake was excruciating to Shale. Her partner of more than a year was as much a part of her as Kale was.
“I truly cannot answer that. Whether you gave me a few moments or a lifetime, it would make no difference. It’s an impossible choice, and I could never choose.”
Shale swallowed around the lump in her throat. “And I pray to the gods that I’m never put into that position.”
BLAKE ARCHED HER back as she stepped out of the council lodge and into the brisk fresh air. The meeting had been long, but it’d been necessary, and she was pleased with the outcome.
The council was made up of honored elders, her mother Zayla, the former queen, being one of them. Along with the elders, each faction of Amazon society was represented by the leader of their group. Aris spoke for the warriors, Chrysanthe for the carpenters, Alke for the hunters, and so on. As queen, Blake spoke for them all, and it was her duty to be present at every meeting, no matter the subject. Today’s topic had been vital to all, as it concerned Appollonia, their chief healer. Actually, Appollonia was their only healer, and that was the problem. Appollonia herself had requested the meeting, expressing her worries about what might happen if she were to become ill or worse—the tribe would be left without a healer.
It was apparent that Appollonia was more than hap
py to pass on her skills and to train another, but that person had yet to be found. She’d helpfully provided Blake with a list of Amazons who she thought would suit such a role—women who were kind and caring, but wouldn’t fall apart in a stressful situation.
Blake had agreed with her choices, and seeing the importance of such an issue, she’d sent for the listed women. After filling them in on the details, Blake dismissed them so they could think about the proposition, not wanting to pressure anyone into doing something they didn’t want to.
Of the chosen twelve, four had seemed particularly keen. As Blake walked through the village, she spotted the quartet waiting for Appollonia outside the healer’s lodge—no doubt wanting to barrage her with questions.
Blake felt a smile emerge, and it only grew as she neared the warrior’s training ground. Her sweeping gaze easily found her betrothed. Tall, dark-haired, and toned to perfection, Shale’s beauty always took Blake’s breath away. And when those piercing ice blue eyes fixed on her, Blake swore her heart actually skipped a beat.
Blake simply watched for a few moments, noticing the improvements in both Calay and Leda’s technique. Under Shale’s tutelage, they had progressed well. As had many others, thanks in part to Aris, who’d seen Shale’s skill for teaching and encouraged it. Blake felt a surge of pride in her chest—Shale was a natural, and it was clear she enjoyed her new role.
The flat expanse of land that made up the training ground was open, cleared of trees and any other obstacle, so the warriors could spar unhindered. Unfortunately, that openness also meant they were unprotected from the elements, and the unusually strong wind was making training difficult, throwing some of the smaller warriors off balance. The village itself was protectively nestled by the surrounding forest, which helped to shelter them from the worst weather.
Shale suddenly bolted into motion as Calay threw a punch, and the wind whipped Leda’s hair around her face, obstructing her view. Calay’s reflexes weren’t honed enough to pull the strike, not at such a close distance, so Shale shoved Leda aside and caught Calay’s fist in her palm.
Blake heard the solid impact and felt herself wince at what had almost happened. It would’ve been a nasty accident. She noticed Shale discreetly flexing her hand behind her back, out of Calay’s view to spare her feelings, and that action in itself told her of the force behind the strike.
Blake began to walk toward them.
Calay blinked, then looked to Shale in shock. “I’m sorry. The wind...”
“Don’t worry.” Shale gave her shoulder a pat. “No harm done.” She turned to Leda and offered her hand, hauling her up off the cold ground and back onto her feet. “Right, Leda?”
Leda nodded. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.” Her expression was one of awe. “How did you move so fast?”
Shale shrugged modestly. “Practice. One day you’ll both move like that. If you work at it.”
“Really?” Leda sounded doubtful.
“Brilliant.” Calay simply accepted Shale’s words, clearly confident in her own abilities.
Shale nodded to Leda, giving her the extra encouragement she needed. “Absolutely.”
Blake drew to a halt alongside them. She was wearing her usual rust bodice, skirt, and calf-length boots. Her long blonde hair was windswept.
“My Queen.” Leda dipped her head respectfully, as did Calay.
When Blake had been a princess, she’d always requested that people call her by her name, not by her title. At least when it came to social situations. But now, as queen, the title remained as a sign of respect, and Blake had little choice but to put up with it. Though she, of course, understood the reason for the title, she still insisted that her closest friends address her by her birth name.
When they first met, Blake knew that Shale had struggled somewhat to call Blake by her birth name, for in Shale’s old tribe, before they’d been slaughtered, royalty had always been addressed in a formal manner.
“My Queen.” Shale winked playfully at her.
Blake couldn’t stop her smile from emerging—though she was averse to the title, she’d actually grown rather fond of Shale’s possessive take on it. The queen belonged to her, which of course, Blake did. They belonged to one another.
“Nice save, warrior.” Blake spoke to Shale, but indicated Leda, letting her know she’d seen what happened.
“Isn’t she great?” Leda all but gushed. “She probably saved me from a broken jaw!”
Blake’s smile turned into a grin. “She certainly is.”
Shale met Blake’s warm gaze, and held it for a long moment. The smile she returned was reserved for Blake alone.
“Would you like to see what we’ve learned, my Queen?” Calay sounded eager to show off her new skills.
“Later, Calay, no more sparring today. Not with this wind.” Shale looked again to the heavens. “Just practice the moves by yourselves. I know it’s repetitive, but your balance and speed will improve.”
“Practice makes perfect,” Leda said.
“Precisely.” Shale turned to her other student. “You have a lot of strength, Calay, but unleashing it isn’t enough. You need to be able to control it. Try and work on that.”
Calay nodded. “I will.”
After dipping their heads to Blake, both Calay and Leda moved away, each getting into a space of their own to practice.
Now alone, Shale confided in Blake. “They’ll both be good warriors. And Calay could be great, if she manages to get a handle on that strength.” Shale flexed her hand. “Sixteen summers old, and she already has more power than some adults I know. Her sturdy build is perfect for a warrior.”
“How can she not be great, with you as her teacher?”
Shale released a snort. “You’re just trying to soften me up for our next lesson.”
“I am not. It’s the simple truth.” Blake was also being taught by Shale, in an attempt to improve her own fighting skills. Her green eyes twinkled in mischief. “Besides, I can think of a better way to soften you up.”
“Oh?” Shale raised a slender eyebrow. “Do tell.”
“I would rather show you.” Blake stepped closer, raised herself up on her tiptoes, and soundly kissed Shale on the lips. Though Blake wasn’t small, she was compared to Shale, who was taller than most women.
When the kiss ended, Shale released a small sigh. “Do with me as you will.”
Blake laughed. “Don’t tempt me.” She lifted Shale’s hand, the one that had caught Calay’s fist, and kissed that also.
Shale answered her unspoken question. “It’s fine.” As if to prove her point, she ran her fingers through Blake’s blonde hair. “Are your meetings done for the day? Were you wanting a lesson?”
“No, I just missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” Shale smiled.
Aris’s voice suddenly rang across the training ground, loud and clear. “That’s enough for today.”
Blake linked her arm through Shale’s and led her forward, eager to get back to their cabin so they could continue that kiss. They headed for the large fire, which was in the center of the village. The village itself was in a clearing of forest, though trees still dotted themselves here and there, amidst the numerous wood cabins. The majority of the cabins were in two rows on either side of the fire, opposite one another. Both rows faced the village center. The warriors training ground and the jail were on the outskirts, as was the other expanse of cleared land, which the Amazons used to grow their crops. Their main water source came from a stream close by.
The healer’s lodge, the council lodge, and the dining lodge were all located side by side in the village center. Directly opposite sat the queen’s chambers. Those closest to her were housed in the surrounding cabins. Aris, the leader of the warriors, was also housed nearby, to defend the queen should she need it.
Blake and Shale passed many Amazons as they walked through the village. Most were bustling hurriedly about, their arms overflowing with various supplies, from food and drink, to han
d-crafted decorations, all of which were for the upcoming event.
Blake glanced around. “There are certainly a lot of preparations being made.”
“It’s not every day their queen gets married.”
“I know, but I’m usually involved in organizing these things.”
“Blake, I realize it must be difficult for you to let go of the reins, to let others take charge.” Shale lightly touched her shoulder. “But Zayla is taking care of it. It is her gift to us both. Your mother doesn’t want you to worry about such matters.”
“I know. It’s extremely kind of her and everyone else. I need to take a step back.” Blake playfully bumped Shale with her hip. “I now understand how hard it must’ve been for you and Kale when you first arrived. To have to take orders from Aris when you were used to leading yourself.”
Shale chuckled at the comparison. “The gods help anyone who tries to order you around.”
Blake laughed, giving Shale a sheepish look. “I would’ve probably been flogged in that same situation.”
“Exiled more like.”
Blake made an indignant noise as she slapped Shale’s arm. Then, she said, “It’s a possibility.”
Shale led the way up their cabin steps and opened the door for Blake to precede her, but Blake stopped in the doorway, her green eyes sparkling in merriment. “Do you still want to marry me?”
Shale captured her lips, kissing Blake devotedly. “You’ll get your answer inside.”
KALE WAS PLEASED to get inside, out of the wind. She quickly closed the cabin door to contain the warmth. The cabin she shared with Amber was cozy, yet plenty big enough for their needs. A double bed sat in the center of the room, its carved headboard against the wall. At the foot of the bed were two wooden chests, each holding clothes and boots, both for the summer and winter seasons. The only other furniture in the room was a table and two chairs. A single glance at the far wall revealed that its occupants were warriors, for a variety of weapons were hung on display, pride of place, all gleaming and polished. A bearskin rug adorned the floor, and the large stag skin that Kale had once given to Amber as a thank you gift, now hung on the wall behind their bed.
