Amazonia: An Impossible Choice

by Sky Croft

  Kale looked intrigued. “It’s in a compromising position, I take it? Hold on.” She waggled a finger at Amber. “If it’s so compromising, how come you’ve seen it?”

  “I was there when it happened.” Amber paused, as if thinking back to the incident. “We were barely into adulthood at the time.”

  Blake frowned. “I think Amber must’ve struck her head on something in the river.” She gave her friend a cautionary look.

  Kale sniggered. “That bad, huh? Oh, come on, Blake. Now you have to tell us.” She glanced at Shale. “Do you know about this?”

  “I’ve seen the scar,” Shale said. “But I don’t know the cause.”

  Kale’s voice lifted in disbelief. “You’ve never asked?”

  “Of course I have. But Blake’s always been too embarrassed to tell me, so I respected that.”

  Kale made a tutting noise. “Now, Blake, you’re joined to Shale. Doesn’t that mean you share everything with one another?”

  Blake narrowed her eyes at Kale, not liking the emotional blackmail. “You’re right.” She nodded once. “I’ll tell Shale.”

  “You don’t have...mpfh.” Shale’s sentence was cut off as Kale leaned in and clapped a hasty hand over her mouth.

  “Hush.” Kale’s eager gaze fixed on Blake in anticipation.

  “In private,” Blake added, not bothering to restrain her smirk as Kale’s face fell.

  “It can’t possibly be worse than Senna’s?” Kale asked. “A boar tusk in the behind would take a lot to beat.”

  “No, it isn’t as bad as that.”

  “Well then,” Kale said. “Since we’ve already heard worse, yours won’t seem so bad. And you know if you tell Shale, I’ll get to know about it anyway.”

  Shale shook her head. “Not if Blake asks me to keep it to myself, you won’t.”

  “Amber, my love, you’ll tell me, won’t you?”

  Amber laughed, clearly seeing through the blatant attempt to manipulate her. “Nice try, Kale. The term of endearment was a good touch...but no, I won’t tell you.”

  “Aw, this isn’t fair.” Kale sulkily crossed her arms. “Then everyone will know but me.”

  “All right, I’ll tell you.” Blake relented with a sigh. “But only if you swear on your honor that it goes no further.”

  Kale nodded seriously. “I swear.”

  Blake tipped her head in acceptance, knowing Kale’s oath could be trusted. “And you’re not to tease me about it.”

  “But that’s half the fun,” Kale said.

  Blake shrugged. “Take it or leave it.”

  “Fine, I won’t tease you.” Kale grinned cheekily. “At least, not about this.”

  Blake sighed again. “The scar isn’t very big, and it’s on the underside of my breast.”

  Kale sounded impatient to learn the cause. “How’d you get it?”

  “Amber and I had gone out to the woods. I’d asked her to teach me how to shoot a bow. Being the princess, I often felt an added pressure to succeed, and was always under scrutiny, so I wanted to get a feel of the bow in private.” Blake rubbed her face self-consciously. “To learn to shoot at some targets, and hopefully improve my aim.”

  “Makes sense.” Shale rested a supportive hand on Blake’s knee, as if able to see her discomfort.

  “Amber had brought along her fancy metal shield, which in those days, went everywhere with her.”

  Amber chuckled. “I thought I looked so tough carrying that shield.” She pointed at Kale with amusement. “I’m going to use your excuse—I was young. I grew out of it.”

  Kale pointed right back at her. “You still have it displayed in our cabin.”

  Amber’s tone grew defensive. “It’s sentimental.”

  “Anyway,” Blake said. “We piled all our things at the base of a tree. Amber marked a cross into the trunk a lot farther up so I had something to aim at. With my very first arrow,” Blake paused to keep them in suspense. “I shot way too low, and it deflected off the metal shield. Before I knew what was happening, the arrow was flying back at me, and it struck me in the chest.”

  Kale erupted into laughter. “You shot yourself?”

  “I nearly died in fright.” Amber laughed with her. “I thought I’d got my best friend, the princess no less, killed!”

  Shale was laughing also, though Blake noticed she at least was trying to control her humor. “Were you all right?”

  Blake nodded. “Fortunately, the strike to the shield took away most of the arrow’s speed. Though clearly it was still deep enough to scar.”

  “That’s much worse than Senna’s, Blake.” Kale smacked the ground with a hand as she howled with laughter. “At least a boar attacked her. You attacked yourself!”

  Blake felt Shale squeeze her knee in silent support. “Well, excuse me for not being born a natural warrior like you three.”

  “I can certainly see why you chose to fire the bow in private,” Kale teased. “Did you ever learn to use it after that?”

  Amber nodded. “She did. I eventually convinced Blake to give it another shot. No pun intended.” She giggled. “Blake’s actually a very good archer now.” Amber gave Blake a jovial, yet affectionate look. “It just took some practice.”

  Kale grinned. “Sounds like it.”

  Shale patted Blake’s knee. “You did well to stick with it. An accident like that could’ve easily put you off.”

  “It did for a while,” Blake said, letting go of her embarrassment. “But Amber pestered me into submission.” She smiled as she joined in with the banter. “And this time, the shield stayed at home.”

  BLAKE ADDED ANOTHER log to the fire. She warmed her hands over it, enjoying the heat. She sat down next to Shale, who was staring into the fire as if hypnotized by the flickering orange flames. She noticed Shale was fiddling with her little finger, though the cut had healed itself and needed no further attention.

  “Is it bothering you?” When she got no response, Blake rested her head on Shale’s shoulder to get her attention. “Shale?”

  Shale blinked as she looked at her. “Hmm?”

  “Your finger. Is it bothering you?”

  Shale peered down at her hands, seemingly unaware of her motions. She stopped fiddling. “No, it’s fine. It’s not even that deep.”

  “Tell me what’s on your mind,” Blake said softly. Shale had been quiet since Kale and Amber had left to make their own camp for the night, and Blake could tell something was niggling at her.

  “I was just thinking about Tanis and Theron.”

  Blake stayed quiet, knowing Shale would continue of her own accord.

  “I was thinking about how awful their lives must’ve been, to end up so...” Shale hesitated, as if searching for the right word. “Pitiless.”

  Blake tenderly tucked a strand of dark hair behind an ear. “Shale,” Her tone was gentle. “Only you could find sympathy for people who tried to kill you.”

  Shale gave her a look. “Is that a nice way of saying I’m crazy?”

  “Not at all. I’m saying your compassion amazes me.”

  Blake reached out and took hold of Shale’s hand, bringing it to her lips. She brushed each knuckle in turn, then lightly kissed her injured finger. “But please don’t upset yourself.” Blake had been mulling something over herself, and she paused briefly, wondering whether now was the right time to broach the subject. She decided that it was. “Shale, I want to ask you something.”

  Shale gave a sultry smile. “Don’t worry, the rest of my fingers work fine.” She wiggled them in demonstration.

  “Tch.” Blake elbowed her in the ribs, despite the pleasant tingle that her words invoked. “That’s not what I was going to say.”

  Shale looked unabashed. “You were just kissing me. My mind automatically went there.”

  “I’m trying to be serious.”

  “Sorry.” Shale straightened her face. “Go on.”

  “I want you to consider joining the council.”

  Shale barked a la
ugh. “I thought you were being serious?”

  “I am.” Blake wasn’t the least bit fazed by her response. “I think you would make a fine addition.”

  “But I’m a warrior, Blake. I don’t know that I’m suitable for such a role.”

  “Why not?” When no answer was forthcoming, Blake said, “Aris is on the council. She’s a warrior.”

  “She’s the chief warrior.”

  “As were you in your previous tribe. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think you were right for the council, Shale. It’s an honored position.”

  “I know that. And please don’t think I’m not flattered, because I am, but people are bound to think I only got the position because I’m joined to the queen, and I wouldn’t want that.”

  “Some may well believe that to start with, at least those who don’t know you well, but I have faith that you’ll prove them wrong.” A sudden thought struck Blake. “Shale, you don’t believe that yourself, do you?” Shale firmly shook her head. “I know that you take your role of queen seriously, and wouldn’t offer such a high position to someone you thought was undeserving.”

  Blake turned Shale’s head toward her so she could back up her statement with eye contact. “That’s very true. And you are deserving, Shale. You would be a great council member.” She lightly caressed her cheek. “Trust me.”

  “I do.” Shale ducked down and captured Blake’s lips. “It means everything, Blake, your belief in me.”

  Blake’s smile was adoration itself. “So you’ll think about it?”

  Shale returned the smile. “Only if you kiss me again.”

  KALE SAT BACK against a tree stump, making herself comfortable. “Do you think you’ll be able to manage the rope down the shaft? It’s quite a way down to the cave.”

  Amber picked up a stick and began to stoke the fire. “I’m not going to miss out on the find of a lifetime. If we do recover Zephyra’s urn, we’ll be telling the story for decades. I don’t want my part to be— ‘Amber stood idly by while everyone else had all the excitement.’”

  Kale smiled, knowing she would feel the same way herself if the roles were reversed. “You should be all right when you’re down, it’s just that main shaft. The climb will pull on your stitches.”

  “You managed with your arm,” Amber said.

  “True. But now my arm’s had a good time to heal. Your wound is fresh.”

  “I still have a few days before we get there. The gods willing, the worst pain will have passed by then.”

  Kale nodded. “Shale and I can easily lower you down if you need it.”

  Amber raised a challenging brow. “And what about back up?”

  “Sure. But you’ll have to cut back on your food. We barely managed to reel you in from the river today.”

  Amber giggled. “I think that may have had something to do with the water’s current.”

  “If you say so.”

  Amber narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know how you dare. You’re the one who’s always eating.”

  Having no comeback for that, Kale grinned. “You’ve got me there.”

  Amber left the fire and joined Kale by the tree stump, sitting alongside her. “I’d rather climb up the rope myself anyway. There’s no rush, and I can stop and rest if I have to.”

  “Fair enough.” Kale knew that Amber, like most warriors, preferred to do things herself, only asking for help as a last resort. Though she understood this, she didn’t want Amber to push herself unnecessarily. She met Amber’s brown eyes directly. “But Shale and I can assist if needed.”

  Amber smiled at the offer. “I’ll see how things go.”

  Kale leaned closer to Amber, serious now. “Amber, when you jumped in front of Tanis to protect me—”

  Amber held out a forestalling hand. “I know what you’re going to say, Kale, that you didn’t need any help. But I wasn’t about to stand by and take that chance, I did what—”

  Kale interrupted her. “Thank you.”

  “W...What?” Amber looked shocked, as if the words were completely unexpected.

  “Whether you saved my life or not is irrelevant. You put your own on the line to save me. So, thank you.”

  Amber’s smile was warm. “You’re welcome. I know you would’ve done the same.”

  “In a heartbeat.” Kale affectionately ran a hand through Amber’s hair. “But if there’s a next time, will you do me a favor?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Stay away from waterfalls.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  THE NEXT FEW days passed quickly, and without any further mishaps. When the four Amazons reached the entrance to the cave, they began to plan their descent.

  Any supplies that might be useful down in the cave were put into one satchel. All of the other supplies, bed rolls and such, were to be left up top on the surface.

  They now had six ropes. They’d had two on their first trip down, and the rest they’d got at the blacksmith’s. However, they were only able to take four with them, as the women soon found that no one could manage to carry two bulky ropes and still be able to climb comfortably. The fifth rope was to be used in the main shaft, so that left one remaining. In the end, they decided to leave it up top with their other supplies.

  As well as lugging the ropes, Kale, Shale, and Blake carried an empty satchel, so if they were to find the hidden loot, they had something to transport the items back in. It was decided that Amber was only to carry a rope and a water skin, given her injury, and she wasn’t to carry anything further.

  Since Shale offered to carry the supply satchel, Kale insisted on taking her own—though this was filled with food for the trip. It also contained Senna’s greave. Though they were in the middle of nowhere, and it was very unlikely anyone would come along, Kale didn’t want to chance that Senna’s greave could be stolen. The item was irreplaceable, and since it was personal to her and Shale both, Kale felt better knowing she had it with her.

  When they were finally ready to descend into the cave, Kale offered to lower Amber down the shaft, and was pleased when she accepted, saying she wanted to conserve her stamina for below.

  The group followed Amber down, and Kale came last, the rope securely tied above, around the same large pillar that they’d used before.

  As Kale landed, she was surprised by how must brighter the cave was, now that they were using lanterns. Blake and Amber were looking around in wonder, clearly awed by the immense vastness of the cavern.

  “I didn’t expect it to be so large.” Blake held her lantern high, as if to shine its light farther afield.

  “It closes up from here,” Kale said. “Some parts of the tunnels are quite narrow.”

  She led the way forward, leaving the cavern behind as she strode to the tunnel. She waited a moment for the others to catch up, then followed its winding path, heading ever deeper into the rock. The rumble of water couldn’t yet be heard, and Kale took that as a good sign.

  “Last time we could hear the water by this point.” Shale spoke up from the rear, saying Kale’s own thoughts aloud. “Hopefully the lack of noise means that the level and force of the river has dropped.”

  “Let’s hope,” Amber said. “I’ve had enough of water lately.”

  AFTER ROUNDING A bend in the tunnel, Blake glimpsed the skeletal remains of a body. A wicked-looking axe protruded from the side of the ribcage. A torn bag of gold was beside the remains, but it went untouched as they continued on, the tunnel’s descent downward ever-increasing, the once gradual slope now steepening to a treacherous gradient.

  “We’re going to have to use a rope if it gets much steeper.” Blake was finding it difficult with only one hand, and she knew the others had to be in a similar predicament—the lanterns, though necessary to light their way, were hindering them on this stretch.

  “It’s not much farther,” Shale said, the warmth of her tone a stark contrast to the cold stone surrounding them on all sides. “Just take it slow.”

  Carefully watching her st
ep, Blake pressed on. She was relieved when the ground leveled out. That relief faded as she realized the ground in front simply ended, and they were suspended on a high ledge.

  Amber held up a cautionary hand as Blake neared the edge.

  “The next tunnel is directly below us. We have to climb down.” Kale set down her lantern. “Blake, I need the short rope.”

  Blake was carrying the lightest rope, since she wasn’t as strong as the warriors. She unshouldered the coils, pleased to be unburdened by its cumbersome bulk. Now that she wasn’t carrying anything, she took the supply bag away from Shale, and draped its carry strap around herself. She wanted to take her fair share of the weight.

  Kale secured the rope around an outcrop of rock.

  “We’re clearly not the first people down here.” Blake crouched to examine the other, much older rope that was already around the outcrop.

  “It was likely used by the marauders.” Shale paused and tilted her head, as if listening. “I still can’t hear the water.”

  Kale swung over the edge, though she held in position for a moment. “I’ll go down, then you’ll have to lower the lanterns to me.” She glanced to Shale. “We can’t drop them like we did with the torches, they’d break and be rendered useless.”

  They all waited for Kale to descend, then Shale pulled the rope back up. She threaded the rope through the metal handle on top of the lantern, fastening it in place with a secure knot. Once it’d been lowered to Kale and unhooked, Blake saw the tug on the line, letting Shale know to reel the rope back up. The procedure was repeated twice more.

  “Amber, you go now. Blake will come next. I’ll attach the remaining lantern before I,” Shale hesitated. “It might be wise to leave a lantern here, or whoever climbs up first won’t be able to see. It’s not so bad going down a rope, but coming up, especially onto a ledge...”

  “You’re right. Leave it here.” Blake moved the remaining lantern aside so it wouldn’t be in the way of someone climbing back up. “We’ll still have three lanterns to see by.”