by Sky Croft
All of the furniture, the single bed, the writing table, and the dining table, were all tucked out of the way, each in its own corner. Even Zayla’s private chests sat neatly along one wall. This left a lot of free, empty space in the middle of the cabin, making it look deceptively bigger than it actually was.
Except for a small patch by the door, the entire floor was covered with a variety of animal skins and rugs. Blake had once explained the reason for this—Zayla hated the feel of cold, hard floorboards against the soles of her feet, so she’d simply overlaid her rugs to make a patchwork carpet.
Shale had to admit she rather favored the idea for their own cabin, but she knew that bare floorboards were a lot easier to keep clean than rugs. Zayla got around it by requesting that people remove their boots before entering, which was fine, but Shale presumed it would get somewhat tedious if she had to do it on a regular basis, as she would at her own cabin.
Shale recalled the first time she’d been inside Zayla’s cabin. She’d found it so enchanting that she’d begun to wonder if some shaman had cast a mystical spell. It still retained that quality even now, after many visits.
Her eyes suddenly darted to the map, focusing in with a sharp intensity that wasn’t there before. “I’m not certain, but when we first came here from our old tribe, I think Kale and I may have passed some of these landmarks. Odd stone pillars that I’ve never seen elsewhere.”
Shale found where her tribe had once settled, the home where she’d been raised, and with a finger, she traced the route she and Kale had taken. “Mind, I could be wrong, I wasn’t exactly in the best frame of mind to notice such things.” At the time, Shale’s entire tribe had just been butchered, so naturally she hadn’t paid much heed to the scenery around her.
Blake reached out as if to give Shale’s wrist a sympathetic squeeze. Instead, she grabbed her wrist to stop its motion across the map. “There. That’s it.”
Zayla brought the smaller map closer, and visibly compared the markings. “Blakaea’s right. The terrain features are the same. This is the place.”
Approvingly, she patted both Shale and Blake on the back. “The land the map depicts is not Amazon land, though at least it’s not restricted by another. We are free to pass.”
“Look how far she’d traveled,” Blake said, sounding sad for the woman whose body they’d found. “She was so close to making it home.”
“Her sacrifice may yet allow us to recover Zephyra’s urn. If we manage such a feat, our sister will not have died in vain.”
Shale smiled. Zayla was a wise woman, and always knew just what to say. Blake straightened at the rallying words, and gave a determined nod.
“I’ll send out our best scouts.”
Zayla regarded Blake with a confused expression. “Why send out scouts to an area you’re already passing? It’s on the way to Shale’s old home.”
“We’ve decided to postpone our trip, Mother.”
“Whatever for?”
“Just until things settle down. What with the storm and the fire, things are somewhat up in the air. Nephele’s cabin needs to be rebuilt. I need to oversee the clear up...” Blake broke off as Zayla waved a dismissive hand.
“Don’t worry about that. It will all be taken care of for when you return.”
“I’m not sure that’s very fair.”
“Well, I am,” Zayla said. “And you should always listen to your mother.”
At Blake’s hesitation, Zayla’s hands rose to her hips. “Honestly, Blakaea, you seem to forget that I was queen myself for many, many summers. I can manage perfectly fine.”
“That was never in question. I know the tribe would be in good hands.”
“Look at the location of the map, whoever goes will already be halfway to Shale’s old tribe,” Zayla said. “You have to admit, it makes sense to do two things at once.”
“It does.”
“And if that map leads to Zephyra’s urn,” Zayla’s eyes sparkled, “surely someone should supervise a mission of such high importance?”
Shale chuckled at Zayla’s persuasive methods. Blake laughed and nodded in consent.
Zayla smiled triumphantly. “Then it’s settled. You’ll go on your trip as planned.”
SHALE WAS BUSY packing for the trip ahead. Her broad grin could barely contain her excitement. Though her old home had been burnt to the ground, the village reduced to rubble and ash, the area around still held many memories. Some bad, most good, and she wanted to share them all with Blake. She couldn’t wait to show Blake where she’d grown up, to show her where she and Kale had played as children. And, as adolescents, where they’d had their first success on a hunt—they’d only caught a rabbit, but at the time it was a great prize. Shale still remembered the elation she’d felt. And finally, as adults, the hidden places and secret lairs that she and Kale had discovered while out roaming the countryside. Their old haunts and favorite spots—she wanted Blake to see it all.
Though Shale was happy in her new home, the happiest she’d ever been in fact, she sometimes missed her old village, the tribe she’d been born into, and the people she’d known since childhood. Whenever that happened, Shale simply reminded herself of the life she had now, how much better it was. Though there were many reasons for this, the main and most important was Blake, her beautiful wife. As long as Blake and Kale were at her side, she was complete. Wherever they were, that was Shale’s true home.
Shale felt arms encircle her waist from behind, and an instant later a kiss was placed at the nape of her neck.
“You do realize,” Blake whispered in her ear. “I’m going to insist on a separate campsite for us.”
Shale chuckled as she turned in her hold. “I’m sure I can go along with that.” She soundly kissed Blake’s lips. “Kale and Amber will want the same privacy we do, so it won’t be an issue.”
“Good, because the thought of not being able to touch you drives me to despair.”
Shale’s chuckle became laughter. “You flatter me.”
“It’s the simple truth.” Blake cupped Shale’s face in her hands and kissed her again. “I love you.”
Shale smiled, and it was laced with affection. “I love you.” She drew Blake’s head to her chest and hugged her warmly. They stayed in the embrace for some time, then Blake withdrew.
“Appollonia’s given Amber the go ahead to travel. Says she’s as fit as a horse.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. She must’ve been touched by the gods to escape that landslide unscathed.”
Blake nodded emphatically. “I agree. We’re going to leave the day after next, so we have a chance to prepare.” She plucked at her own muddied top, then Shale’s. “Our clothes need cleaning for a start.”
“Why don’t you strip out of them?”
“All right. You go and wash our clothes, and I’ll begin to pack.”
Shale pointed to the two travel bags on the dining table, one was half full with supplies. “I already have.”
Blake smiled. “Someone’s eager. Well, you wash, and I’ll continue to pack.”
“Who said anything about washing?”
“Shale, you just said to strip out of my clothes.”
“I know.” Shale raised a suggestive eyebrow. “But I just wanted you naked.”
“Oh.” Blake giggled as she scratched at her mud-coated clothes. “They are starting to itch.”
“That’s another good reason to remove them.” Shale smiled seductively. “Here, let me help.”
Blake playfully swatted her probing hands away. “I can manage, thank you.” She dodged another attack, laughing as she darted out of Shale’s reach. “I thought you were packing?”
“I was. But you distracted me.” Shale lunged for her, and again Blake evaded capture.
“I merely entered the cabin!” A shrug. “That’s all you have to do.” Shale was unrepentant. “I can’t resist your charms.”
“Now, you flatter me.”
Shale grinned. “It’s the simple truth
.”
Blake laughed again, holding out a hand as if to forestall Shale’s approach. “We do have tomorrow to pack.”
Shale tried to give a serious nod, but wasn’t quite sure she pulled it off. “And we might as well enjoy the bed while we have it.”
The teasing banter stopped as they came together, their bodies meeting in a passionate embrace.
Chapter Seven
THE WEATHER WAS gloriously sunny, perfect for traveling. It was hot, too, though you wouldn’t know it to look at Amber, who, as always during the day, was wearing trousers and a long-sleeved top. Blake knew it was actually because of the fine weather that Amber wore such clothes. Her pale, delicate skin burned easily, and needed constant protection from the sun.
Blake felt somewhat sorry for Amber as they ambled along the well-worn, uneven trail. She knew Amber had to be sweltering inside such garments. Blake herself was sweating, and her clothes, her usual skirt and bodice, allowed her skin to breathe. She glanced toward Shale, who didn’t seem to be the least bit perturbed by the heat. If anything, she seemed to be enjoying it, soaking up the sun like a lizard. Blake had to admire her stamina, and she would’ve made a note to praise Aris for training her warriors to such a high fitness level, if she hadn’t already known that Shale and Kale were superior athletes to everyone in the tribe. No one else could come close. Blake envied their natural ability, but she realized it was only through sheer determination and training on their part that had allowed them to excel.
The extra weight of the travel bag Blake was carrying didn’t help, but as they each carried one, she could hardly complain. It was best that they be well-prepared, it wouldn’t do to run out of supplies in the middle of nowhere. Especially in unfamiliar territory.
Despite the heat, and the weight of her bag, Blake was enjoying herself. She felt somewhat liberated, being free of the responsibility of taking care of an entire tribe. Though she loved being queen, and wouldn’t change it by choice, it was nice to have a break now and then, to be able to focus purely on her relationship with Shale, and indulge in the love they shared.
“Shall we stop for a break?” Shale slowed her pace, and looked at Blake. “We’ve been walking all morning.”
Blake smiled at her consideration. Though Blake was far from being unfit, in fact, she’d shown up a few warriors in her time, she wasn’t as fit as Shale and Kale, who seemed to have a never-ending supply of endurance.
Shale glanced up at the sky, clearly checking the position of the sun, which was high and bright overhead. “It’s around noon, so we could stop and have something to eat.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Amber called out to Kale, who was slightly ahead. “Kale, we’re stopping for food.”
Retracing her steps, Kale came back to join them. “I’m starved.” Blake regarded her humorously. “You always are.”
“I know. It’s a constant torture.”
Shale scoffed. “You’re just greedy.”
“If you were as toned as I am,” Kale teased. “You would know why I need the energy.”
“Ha! We all know you and Shale are equal in that regard. It’s been proven enough times.”
“Blake’s right,” Amber said. “And actually if you think about it, since Shale doesn’t eat as much, so has less energy to burn, the fact that she manages to keep pace with you--”
Blake started to laugh, easily seeing where this was going.
“Surely means that Shale is fitter than you,” Amber finished.
Kale frowned, looking annoyed that her statement had backfired on her. “What? That makes absolutely no sense, Amber. None at all.”
Blake was still laughing. “I disagree.”
“You would,” Kale muttered.
Blake rubbed it in further. “It makes perfect sense.”
“I think Amber may be onto something there.” Shale ducked under Kale’s swipe, and she came up grinning. “See? Without food, you’re slowing already.”
Kale’s blue eyes narrowed, and she leapt at Shale with an indignant growl. Shale couldn’t dodge her this time, and was tackled to the ground. As they wrestled with one another, Kale, who had Shale pinned beneath her, received a kick to her behind.
“Stop roughhousing,” Blake said. “If someone gets hurt, we’ll have to return to the village.”
Kale stayed where she was for an instant longer. “Think yourself lucky that your wife saved you.”
Chuckling, Shale accepted Kale’s hand and was hauled to her feet. Kale leaned close as if to whisper a secret, but she spoke loud enough for the others to hear. “Your new wife is certainly bossy. However do you cope being joined to her?”
Blake pointedly cleared her throat, then scoffed when neither twin paid her any attention.
“I wouldn’t have her any other way,” Shale said.
Kale rolled her eyes. “You would say that. She’s practically standing right next to you.” She nudged Shale conspiratorially. “I’ll ask you in private later.”
“The answer will still be the same.”
“We’ll see.”
“It will,” Shale said. “Now stop trying to stir the pot. Blake and I are perfectly happy, right Blake?”
“I couldn’t be happier.” Blake smiled, and Shale instantly returned it.
“Eros certainly shot his arrows into you two, didn’t he?” Kale placed a hand on her stomach, as if feeling queasy. “But please stop with the sweet talk, or you’re going to put me off my food.”
“As if anything could.” Shale tossed Kale a juicy red apple, looking surprised when Kale passed it on to Amber. “Don’t you want one?”
“Of course I do. But Amber prefers the red apples, so I’ll take the green.”
“Aw, Kale, how sweet of you.”
Kale’s nose scrunched up in response to Blake’s accusation. “No, it isn’t. I just don’t want any to go to waste, that’s all.”
Blake wasn’t convinced in the least. “Uh-huh.”
“She can be quite sweet when she wants to be,” Amber said, patting Kale’s knee when she glared in outrage. “Well you can.”
Shale smiled knowingly and threw Kale another apple, this one green in color.
“Not a word, Shale,” Kale said in a warning tone. “Not one word.”
KALE SAT ON a tree stump, impatiently waiting as Amber finished applying salve to her burnt forearm. Appollonia insisted it be used twice daily to keep infection from taking hold.
They had traveled a good distance that day, and were now settling down for the evening. Though she and Amber would later retire to their own campsite, for now they stayed put, the intention being to eat as a group.
“Ow!”
Amber grimaced in response. “I’m sorry. I’m being as gentle as I can.”
“Kale, that’s not nice,” Shale said from beside the campfire, where she was adding more wood to the flames.
Kale couldn’t hide her amusement, and Amber smacked her shoulder in punishment.
“That’s not funny, Kale. I thought I’d hurt you.”
Kale rubbed her shoulder. “You just did.”
“Well, that you deserved.”
The corner of Kale’s mouth curled upward. “Fair enough. Are you almost done?”
“Do you want it to become infected? Then sit still and let me spread the salve on.”
Blake came and peered down at the wound. “Seems to be healing all right. Is it causing you much pain?”
“Only when people touch it,” Kale said, with a pointed look to Amber.
“Oh, hush, it’s for your own good.” Amber carefully ensured that the entirety of the burn was covered by the salve, then she wound a fresh bandage around Kale’s forearm. “There, finished.”
Despite her grumblings, Kale rose from the tree stump and kissed Amber, full on the lips. “You know, Shale,” Kale said as she joined her by the warm, glowing fire. “I’ve been thinking about that fine new dagger of yours, and it seems rather unfair that you have to carry around th
e extra weight. Why don’t I take it for a while?”
Shale sniggered. “Nice try.” She tapped her hip, where the ornate dagger was safely tucked in its sheath. “But it doesn’t weigh a thing. Though since you like it so much, I’ll make a deal with you.”
As Kale eagerly leaned toward her, Shale’s smile turned smug. “When you get yourself joined, I’ll give you a dagger exactly like this one.”
“I may get joined, for a dagger like that.”
Amber shook her red hair despairingly. “How romantic of you.”
“A girl has to have her priorities in order.” Kale winked at Amber to show she was joking.
“And that girl will be sleeping alone tonight if she’s not careful,” Amber said.
Kale held up a surrendering hand. “Let’s not be drastic. I apologize.” She noticed Shale’s taunting smirk. “What? She had me on my back.”
Shale nodded emphatically. “On your back, with legs splayed wide, I would say.”
Kale blinked at the image. “That sounds interesting.”
Shale appeared to ponder on it for a moment. “It sounds damned uncomfortable.”
They both burst into a fit of giggles, and were soon laughing so hard tears streamed from their eyes. They leaned against one another for support, a happy tableau of sisterly affection.
“DID YOU SEE that?” Flat on her back, Blake pointed up at the night sky, where specks of light shone out from the darkness. One of those specks had just streaked across the sky, leaving a white trail in its wake.
Shale nodded from her bedroll. She was stretched out beside Blake, an arm folded beneath her head to raise it slightly. “I did. A god is coming down to visit a mortal. Probably Zeus, searching for another beautiful maiden to bed.”
Blake chuckled. “He does have quite the reputation for it.” She paused briefly. “I don’t know how Hera puts up with it.”
