by Sky Croft
Zayla nodded approvingly. “I see I don’t need to ask how married life is going.”
“It’s wonderful,” Blake answered anyway. “Thank you for taking care of things here, so Shale and I could spend some time together.”
“You’re quite welcome, Blakaea.”
“To say thank you properly, Blake and I have brought you back a present.” Shale tipped her head down to Blake’s satchel.
“There was no need for you to...” Zayla gasped when Blake removed the dazzling bejeweled urn from her bag.
“Zephyra’s urn,” Zayla whispered reverently. “You found her.”
“We’ve brought her home.” Blake scooted her chair closer and wound an arm around Zayla as tears of joy ran down her mother’s cheeks. As Blake had done before her, Zayla raised the urn to her lips and kissed it.
“Thank Artemis for restoring Zephyra to her rightful place after all these years.” Zayla released a happy laugh. “You have redeemed Sappheire, restored her honor. Our ancestor will be smiling down on you, Blakaea, on all of you who helped to bring Zephyra home.” In obvious elation, Zayla kissed both Blake and Shale on their cheeks.
Blake savored the sight of seeing her mother so happy. She knew that such a sacred relic would mean a lot to everyone in the tribe, but to herself and her mother, the find was also a personal one, so it meant that much more. “It means that the Amazon we discovered, who died in her attempt to bring the map back home, didn’t die in vain. Her sacrifice did bring Zephyra back to us.”
Another tear fell from Zayla’s eyes. “She’ll be remembered both for her bravery, and for her sacrifice. We must look into choosing a name for her, so we can honor her properly.”
Blake nodded. “I’ll think on it.” Shale withdrew the second item from the satchel. “We also found Sappheire’s royal crest. And the rest of the stolen bounty. That map was all we’d hoped for and more.”
Zayla blinked in shock, clearly not expecting more revelations. “My goodness! You have been busy. This truly is a great day for the Amazon nation.” She handed the urn off to Blake, then took the royal crest from Shale. “It’s lighter than I thought it would be.”
“Not after carrying it around for days, it isn’t,” Blake said dryly.
Looking amused, Zayla reached out and gave Blake’s knee a squeeze. “I appreciate your efforts, Blakaea.”
Blake smiled and pointed to Shale. “I didn’t do all that much, it was mostly Shale and Kale who did all the heavy lifting. Amber was injured, so I wouldn’t let her—” She broke off as Zayla touched her arm.
“Why was Amber injured?”
“Because Tanis tried to kill her. Well, actually, it was Kale she was mainly after, since she killed Theron, but Tanis wanted revenge on Shale as well, so...” Blake felt Zayla press her arm once more, and she stopped mid-sentence.
“Who is this Tanis?”
“Theron’s sister.”
Zayla frowned in confusion. “I thought Theron was Shale’s brother?”
“He was,” Blake said.
Zayla’s eyes widened. “My goodness, Shale, your mother was a fertile woman!”
Shale creased up into laughter, as if finding the situation highly comical. “Tanis was Theron’s adopted sister. No relation to me or Kale.”
Blake suddenly realized that in her haste to fill her mother in on what had happened, she was missing key details, leaving poor Zayla looking quite perplexed. Blake giggled at her oversight. “Sorry, Mother.”
Zayla waved off her apology. “Start from the beginning. I want to hear all about it.”
SHALE FELT A lot lighter as she entered the healer’s lodge, having left the satchels of gold for safekeeping with Zayla. She closed the door behind Blake, then opened it again when she sensed Kale’s approach.
Appollonia glanced up from her desk, a broad smile forming on her face. “Blake. Amber. And my favorite twins. Welcome home.”
Kale snorted in amusement. “Do you even know any other twins?”
“No. But even if I did, you would still be my favorite, for you were kind enough to agree to let me study you.”
Kale scrunched up her nose. “I’d hoped you’d forgotten.”
Appollonia shook her pale blonde hair. “I haven’t.”
Blake chuckled. “They have come for an examination of sorts.”
“Oh? Are you hurt?” Appollonia looked specifically at Shale as she spoke.
“Why do you assume it’s me?”
“Because it usually is,” Appollonia said directly.
Shale couldn’t hold back her smile. “Not this time. It’s Amber and Kale who need checking.”
“Actually, Shale.” Blake placed a hand on Shale’s back and lightly pushed her forward. “Let Appollonia check you too. That was a bad knock you took to the head.”
“There’s no need. I’m fine.”
“Head wounds can be tricky, Shale, let me take a look.”
As Shale moved to the nearest bed, Kale sat down on the middle bed, and Amber took the last.
Appollonia shook her head, though it appeared good-natured. “You’ve only just come back, and already you fill my beds. Now you see why I tease you?”
Shale tapped the travel bag that she carried. “I brought back those herbs you wanted. Call it payment for treating us.”
Appollonia laughed. “Did you manage to find many?”
“All that were on the list.”
Appollonia’s eyebrow rose in surprise. “That’s more than I expected. They’ll be of great use, Shale. I, and my future patients thank you.” At Shale’s humble nod, she added, “Now tell me what happened.”
Shale raised her hand to the back of her head, showing Appollonia where the bump was. “We were attacked. I was struck with a rock, though I didn’t get the full blow.”
Appollonia walked around the bed, clearly to take a better look. She felt the bump carefully, then peered into Shale’s eyes, as if checking for abnormalities. “Have you experienced any dizziness since? Nausea?”
“No, only at the time. The swelling has gone down some since it happened. It’s still a bit tender, but it doesn’t really bother me.”
“That’s fine, Shale.” Appollonia squeezed Shale’s arm, and briefly inspected the cut there. “You seem all right to me.” She moved on to Kale.
“Same thing happened to me.” Kale indicated the side of her head. “But I took the full force.”
Appollonia probed around the area. “I take it you lost consciousness?”
“She was out for a while,” Shale said.
“I had to rest for a day or so, but no other problems have arisen.” Kale pulled a face. “Except for drinking that vile painkiller, those herbs made me want to be sick.”
Appollonia waved her comment off. “Everyone says that. But no one complains that they’re ineffective.” “No,” Kale said. “They do help with the pain.”
“I can’t see any infection. Who stitched you up?”
“Blake did. Why?” Kale narrowed her eyes at Blake. “Has she scarred me for life?”
“No, not at all.” Appollonia looked impressed. “Blake has done a fine job.”
Blake smirked at Kale. Then she smiled at the healer. “I had a good teacher.”
Appollonia seemed pleased by the comment. “You should really have a bandage on it, Kale, to keep it covered.”
“We tried!” Amber threw up her hands in exasperation. “She wouldn’t keep it on.”
“It looks ridiculous. I’m not wearing one.”
“Well I can’t make you, but I do advise it.” Appollonia lifted Kale’s arm, as if to assess the burn there. “This is healing very nicely.”
Shale began to lay out all the plants they’d gathered on the table in the corner, taking great care not to damage any of the foliage. Blake assisted her for a moment, then turned to regard Appollonia.
“How are the new recruits coming along? Do you still have three willing to learn?”
Appollonia smiled amusedly. “I
haven’t scared any more away, if that’s what you’re asking. They’re coming on well, but I still have a lot to teach them. It’ll be a long process.” She paused briefly. “But it’ll be worthwhile in the end, so I can’t complain.”
As Appollonia moved on to the last bed, Amber dropped one shoulder of her top, revealing the wound on her collarbone.
“My, you have all been in the wars. Knife slice?”
Amber nodded. “Good guess. Though I suppose you see enough to recognize the signs.”
“I do, indeed. But I don’t see many people who’ve been bashed in the head with a rock.” Appollonia’s smile was droll. “I imagine most people duck.”
“It wasn’t our fault!” the twins protested in unison.
“And anyway, I tried,” Shale added.
“They just like to keep me busy,” Appollonia said to Amber, as if neither woman were present. She gave a nod, and Amber readjusted her top. “None of you need me. Perhaps I should be training up you four to be healers as well.”
“Oh, no, I’m not getting roped into that.” Kale quickly got to her feet.
“It was a joke, Kale. I don’t think you have the right temperament for such a role.”
Kale frowned as everyone chuckled. After a moment, her frown cleared, as if she’d realized Appollonia was right. “I’d tell the patients to stop complaining and to toughen up.”
“That’s what I figured.” Appollonia patted Kale’s shoulder as she started for the door. “I’ll see you and Shale later.” Her lips quirked. “To study.”
Kale stopped in her tracks. “You know, I never actually agreed to that.”
Appollonia didn’t falter, and the pat to Kale’s arm turned commiserative. “The blow to your head has affected your memory. I will see you soon.”
Shale laughingly pushed Kale toward the door. “You will. Even if I have to drag Kale here.”
Kale’s brow rose in challenge. “I’d like to see you try.”
KALE FLOPPED BONELESSLY onto the bed, pleased to be back in their cabin at last. She chuckled when Amber bounced onto the bed beside her. Kale purposely spread her arms out wide and covered Amber’s face with her arm.
“Oi.” Amber swatted the arm aside.
“I wonder if I can convince someone to polish my weapons? A hero shouldn’t have to do such a menial task.” Kale glanced down to her shoes, which were filthy from the long trip. She kicked them off her feet. “They can clean my boots while they’re at it.”
“If by someone, Kale, you mean me, then no, you can do it yourself.”
Kale snickered. “I didn’t mean you. I was thinking of one of the young warriors, they’re always eager to please.”
“That’s terrible, Kale. You’ll do no such thing.”
Kale sighed heavily. “Fine. I’ll do it myself.” She grinned. “I really am a hero.”
Amber’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Yes, Kale, you’re a hero for cleaning your own boots. And you weren’t the only one who found Zephyra’s urn, you know.”
“Yes, a beautiful flame-haired warrior was beside me.”
Amber gave her a flattered smile. “Beautiful, huh?”
Kale nodded sincerely, holding brown eyes captive. “The most beautiful in the tribe.” She lovingly played with a curl of red hair. “Which is fortunate, as now that I’m a hero, I’m going to have to fight to keep the women off me.”
Amber squealed, and flipped herself so she was on top of Kale. “You are so egotistical.”
Kale didn’t even try to refute it. She nodded knowingly, completely unrepentant. “You would be too if you were dating the most beautiful woman in the tribe.”
Amber beamed. “Nice recovery.”
Kale raised her head and stole a kiss. “I’m glad to be back in our own private cabin.” Her lips twitched. “And in our own private bed.”
Amber ran a teasing hand up Kale’s leg. “We should really unpack.” Kale nodded, seeing Amber’s surprised look. “All right. I’ll do it. You stay here.”
Kale rolled them both, then got off Amber. She picked up their two travel bags and took them across to the table. Kale hastily tipped out one satchel, then the other. As clothes, hairbrushes, bedrolls, and other supplies tumbled out, they skittered on the table’s surface.
Leaving them in a messy, piled up jumble, Kale tossed the now empty bags beneath the table, and crossed back to the bed. “There,” she said with a flourish of her hand. “We’re unpacked.”
Amber giggled. “May I say what a great job you’ve done.” She pulled Kale on top of her, kissing her in earnest.
Between kisses, Kale gave a scintillating smile. “Just wait until you see my next trick.”
BLAKE RELEASED A happy sigh as she closed the cabin door behind her. She took a long look at her and Shale’s personal chambers, reacquainting herself. Everything was exactly as they’d left it. She felt instantly comfortable, the space was a reflection of them. It was their sanctuary. “It’s good to be home.”
“It is.” Shale removed her travel bag and hung it over the back of the closest chair. Then she did the same with Blake’s. She removed her boots and went to the bed, perching on its edge. “Blake, I’ve been thinking on what you asked, about me joining the council.”
Blake looked up from undoing the fastenings on her boots. “Hold on.” She hurriedly yanked off her footwear. She was interested in what Shale had to say, and wanted to give her full, undivided attention. She crossed the floor and joined Shale on the bed, sitting beside her. “Go on.”
“I accept your offer. I’d like to become a member of the council.”
“That’s marvelous, Shale. I’m so pleased.” Blake rested her hand on Shale’s thigh. “You’ll make a fine addition.”
Shale smiled. “But before you inform the council, I want to catch up on past meetings, learn what I can so I at least know what people are talking about.”
Blake nodded favorably. “I’ll fill you in on what you need to know. I have some documents also, that you could look at.”
“That would be helpful.” Shale wrapped an arm around Blake’s waist and tugged her onto her lap. “I already have a notion that I’d like to put forward.”
“Somebody’s keen. What is it?”
“I’d like to request that the queen gets one day a week off.”
Blake chuckled. “An entire day?” At Shale’s nod, she said, “And what exactly would the purpose be, for this day off?”
Blue eyes twinkled. “So she can spend it in bed with her wife.”
“Hmm. I think the queen might be on board with such an idea, but I can’t vouch for the rest of the council.”
“You think the queen might be on board?” Shale pouted, as if knowing Blake couldn’t resist that look. “I’d hoped for a bit more than that.”
Blake draped her arms around Shale’s neck. “I’m definitely on board. But I don’t see it happening anytime soon.”
“Me neither.” Shale shrugged. “Shame though.”
“Of course,” Blake cupped Shale’s cheek in her palm, “I’m off the rest of today...”
They shared a smile, their lips drawing closer to meet. The kiss was a perfect reflection of their relationship—half passion, half tenderness, and all love.
Chapter Epilogue
BLAKE ROSE FROM her chair, waiting patiently for the Amazons’ numerous conversations to cease. One table fell quiet, then another, causing a wave effect as all turned to respectfully regard the queen.
A great feast was awaiting their consumption, but Blake wanted to say a few words beforehand. When silence reigned, and she had everyone’s attention, Blake spoke up. “By now you’ll have all heard the rumors, and I would just like to clarify that they are indeed correct.”
She held up a forestalling hand when excited murmurs arose. “When myself, Shale, Kale, and Amber were recently away, we did discover Zephyra’s long lost urn.” More gasps from the crowd came forth. “We brought our honored Mother back with us, back home, to her beloved nati
on.” She looked to her right. “Kale.”
Knowing of Kale’s fondness for applause, Blake had decided to give her the task of revealing the urn in all its glory. Kale looked surprised for an instant, but then a wide grin crossed her face, and she nodded to Blake, as if in appreciation of the gesture.
Blake had positioned the satchel so it was ready and waiting on the table in front of Kale, and as Kale stood and began to open it, many Amazons got to their feet, clearly eager to get a glimpse of the sacred relic.
The urn was revealed to gasps of awe and wonder, and murmurs of acclaim. The urn was placed down on the table, and as the entire tribe of women gathered closer for a better look, cheers and applause rang out, growing louder in intensity as the excitement grew. Several of the warriors gave salutes of commendation. It was true that all of the Amazons appeared amazed by the urn standing before them, but Blake recognized that the praise was equally for them—the four women who’d found and brought back the urn.
Kale clapped a hand on Shale’s back, and the other on Amber’s, drawing them up out of their seats. “I told you we’d be heroes.”
Shale draped an arm across Blake’s shoulders. “You do realize we’re never going to hear the end of this now?”
Blake wound an arm around Shale’s waist, giving her an affectionate squeeze. “Savor the praise, Shale. You’ve earned it.”
“I didn’t mean from them. From Kale.”
Blake chuckled and looked across to Kale, who was obviously happy to be basking in the exuberant admiration. “You could be right.”
“Oh, she is,” Kale said with a grin. She took hold of Shale’s and Amber’s hands and raised them overhead, pumping them skyward.
The cheering Amazons applauded harder, and Blake laughed. Shale gripped Blake’s hand and did the same, connecting all four of them together.
They stood united, as the ovation grew louder still, and merry laughter filled the air.
