They had taken everything, gone through every bag. My iron shooter, my bow, my knives, Taters wares. They had even found Winnie along the way and she was now being led along just like the rest of us. Finn is limping something fierce on the muddy trail…he had truly banged up his leg in his fall. I had pleaded with them to at least let the boy ride on the mule. He was in pain, I had said, let him ride the rest of the way. All that had gotten me was a hard slap across the face. Finn had cried out at this.
“I’m okay Tara,” he had said. “I don’t need to ride. Don’t worry about me.”
Brave kid. He was hiding his pain to keep me quiet. He don’t want to see me get hit again. So I watch him ahead of me limping and wincing but not saying a word, holding it all in. I can feel my hatred at these raiders growing inside of me with every painful step he takes.
I have no idea what direction we’re moving in. We’re way off the mountain pass we had been traveling through. Obviously their intention wasn’t to take us through the mountains but deeper into the mountains themselves. I had tried to ask Tater if he knew where we were heading but all that had gotten me was another painful whack between my shoulder blades, this time with the butt of an iron shooter. It had taken all my willpower not to spit right in the raiders face, it had been Finns look of concern for me that had stopped me. So I behave. But I keep watching. I need to know which way to go once we escape.
So far there ain’t been so sign of Cat, which was probably a good thing. As brave and strong as she was she didn’t stand a chance against so many powerful iron shooters. If she were to attack she could probably take out a couple of the raiders, maybe more if she wasn’t injured too badly from her tangle with the other devil cat, but they would take her down for sure. I know Finn is fearing the same as I’m thinking ‘cause I can see his head swinging back and forth, checking the hills and woods for any sign of her. No it was best she weren’t around right now, though sooner or later she would pick up on our scent. I’m hoping she’s as smart as Finn says she is and knows to stay away but when it came to protecting Finn she was like a mama and its cub. I pity the raider who might raise a hand to Finn if she was anywhere near us.
The trail we’re walking on now snakes around the edge of a steep slope and we come out on a rise atop of a rocky valley. My heart drops at the sight lying before us and the three of us stumble to a stop. It’s the Raiders camp. There’s canvas covered shelters and lean-to’s scattered everywhere. The valley floor is dotted with campfires and more Raiders. They’re everywhere. So many of ‘em. There must be about a hundred or more! Finn looks back at me, his eyes wide with fear. I feel the same fear but I don’t let it show. I just nod at him like it’s going to be okay. The leader of our captors lets out a loud echoing whoop and there’s an answering call from the valley floor.
“Move,” we are ordered, and we do as told. Our arrival is starting to draw attention so by the time we reach the camp the Raiders are lined up to get a good look at us. I’m shocked to see women amongst them, but they’re gawking and laughing at us just like their men folk. We get prodded and poked as we are herded through the camp. One of them, I cain’t see who, snatches my hat from my head and I can hear her pleased squawking at her new prize.
We’re finally stopped in front of a canvas shelter, but it ain’t like the others we have seen. This is a full out canvas shanty with a flap for a door and all. It ain’t all open like the rest of them. We’re lined up side by side in front of the flap and the crowd falls silent, all at once like somebody had given them a signal. My heart is thumping in my chest and without all the hollering and whooping now I can actually hear it! We stand there, silent, waiting….I ain’t sure for what and I don’t know what to expect. Suddenly the flap is thrown back and a man emerges. No… giant would be a more apt word. He stands about two heads over me with massive muscled bare arms and a chest so wide he could probably crush a soul to death from just a hug! His hair is not decorated like the rest of the raiders but hangs round his dark face in long odd ropes. On his head he wears a hat unlike anything I have ever seen. It looks to be some sort of black shiny metal and there’s a tiny spike sticking straight up out of the top. A settler’s relic to be sure, I think. His presence is so overwhelming I can feel my innards clench. Finn unconsciously moves closer to me so our arms are touching, looking for some form of reassurance. The man silently regards us for a bit with hooded eyes. I cain’t read any emotion from him at all. Finally, he speaks.
“And what have you found here Toole?” His booming question is directed to the leader of our captors but fans out over the crowd with its sheer forcefulness. I can feel Finn trembling beside me. The man named Toole steps forward.
“We found them in the mountains Busher. The dwarf says they are traders but they was carrying this.”
He hands the huge man my iron shooter. It looks tiny in his massive hand, like he could crush it no problem. He studies it.
“H’m. This is army issue,” he says. He turns his attention to us, his dark eyes studying our faces.
“A girl, a boy, and a dwarf. I can see your need to keep them bound Toole. They are a dangerous bunch indeed.”
This is met with much snickering and laughing from the other Raiders. Toole reddens at the giants words but he don’t say nuthin.
“Untie them for the god’s sake. That is no way to treat our guests.”
Immediately his bidding is done and our ropes are removed. Finn’s skinny wrists are chafed and bleeding and he rubs them to ease his pain. Mine are about the same but I refuse to show them any weakness. The giant smiles at us, his teeth a startling white in his dark face.
“There, isn’t that so much better?”
“Yes, thank you kind sir,” Tater says gratefully and I glare daggers at him. He shrugs his shoulders at me but falls silent.
“Excellent! Now about this?” he waves the iron shooter. “Would any of you mind telling me the story of how you came about this? For I am sure it is an interesting one indeed.”
None of us speak. The giant waits for a moment, looking at us expectantly, then sighs.
“Please, do not be like that. I promise no harm will come to you from us. I am just asking for a simple explanation,” he says, in a most pleasant manner.
I make a decision. I don’t know if he can be trusted but I see no harm in telling him the truth.
“It was left behind by the Prezedants Army. They attacked our villages…mine and the boys. Killed our kin,” I say. My voice breaks a little at those words but I go on. “They came from the sand lands in big metal machines…veacals… I know them to be now.”
I reckon this interests him ‘cause he takes a step closer to me. I back up a pace…I cain’t help myself. He bends over and stares me straight in the eye.
“You saw the Prezedants tanks? In the sand lands?”
“Aye…if that’s what they’re called,” I say, looking back at him, eye to eye. “They’re real….as real as you or me.”
“And when did this occur?”
I shrug.
“I cain’t rightly say. I’ve been traveling for weeks now I think….just walking the sand lands ‘til I come across Finn and Tater. We’re just travelers like Tater told your men.”
He’s staring at me but his words are directed more to himself I think.
“I had heard stories of his tanks traveling the sand lands but I hadn’t thought it possible….”
He brings his attention back to me.
“And where would such an unlikely trio as you be traveling to?”
“Littlepass Sir,” Tater pipes up. “I have business there you see. It is a very profitable city for a lowly trader such as myself. The two young folk….well you have just heard of the misfortune that has befallen them. I have merely taken them under my wing since they have no other kin to look out for them.”
The giant laughs. It’s so loud it hurts my ears and I wince.
“Well aren’t you the magnanimous one,” he says to Tater. Tater nods, smil
ing himself now.
“Indeed. As my dear mother used to say, small in stature…big in heart.”
The giant nods. “A nice sentiment to be sure.” He waves the iron shooter again. “So you came by this by pure misfortune then? You have no associations to the Prezedant or his army?”
Tater by now has taken to talking to the giant like they are long lost friends.
“Oh dear me no. No, no, no, we are in no way affiliated with that group of barbarians.”
“Ah….good.” He studies the three of us standing in front of him and gives us that brilliant white smile again. Then he nods.
“Throw them in the cage with the other prisoner,” he says to Toole and turns his back to us dismissively.
“Yes sir.”
Shocked, I watch as our original captors start to advance on us. What the hell just happened here? We had answered all his questons…why would he want to lock us up?
“Wait! No!” I push away from the raider trying to capture my arms and yell at the giants retreating back.
“You lying bastard! You said no harm would come to us!”
I can hear Tater hissing at me through the corner of his mouth “Shut up girl!” but I’m simmering mad and I don’t pay no heed.
The giant stops at my words, turns on his heel and walks back to me. He looms over me with his sheer size but I stare back at him defiantly. He looks me up and down for a bit and when he speaks his voice is soft.
“Oh but I did not lie girl. No harm will come to you…not while in my possession. You are more valuable to me unscathed.” He runs a finger down my cheek and it takes all my willpower not to shrink from his touch.
“You, I think, will fetch a very high price indeed. I know of a buyer who would be willing to pay a kings treasure in iron for a chance to break that spirit of yours. Oh no, I will not harm any of you…but what happens to you all after you have been sold…well for that I can make no promises.”
Tater unexpectedly escapes from his captors grip and falls on his knees in front of the giant.
“Sir! Kind Sir! I am but an old man …I am of no value in the flesh trade. These young folk, yes they will fetch you a good price indeed but me, I will gain you nothing! Please kind sir, just set me free and I will be forever in your debt!”
I ain’t certain who I hate most at this exact moment, the giant for threatening to sell me or Tater for trying to save his own miserable skin! He looks down at Tater kneeling in the dirt at his feet and regards him like he was no more than a pile of mule droppings.
“You are quite right dwarf,” he says, and Tater sags in relief. “You are of no value. Tool, kill the dwarf.”
Toole yanks Tater to his feet and I’m shocked to see the half man is smiling! He has truly gone mad!
“On the other hand good sir, I am quite the impressive storyteller, musician and court jester if you like. I’m sure your band of merry men…and women, would enjoy nothing more after a hard days raiding then an evening of pure entertainment. What do you say good sir? Keeping me alive can be very beneficial to your well being and that of your entourage.”
The raider leader looks confused at this turn of events. He studies Tater like he cain’t believe what he is hearing. Then, unexpectedly, he laughs at Taters attempt to save his skin.
“You are truly entertaining dwarf,” he says between his bouts of laughter. He looks out over the group and calls to someone.
“Meela, come here.”
A tall, striking girl about my age joins the giant at his side. She is dressed like the others but wears no paint on her golden skin. Her hair is covered with feathers and beads and hangs straight down her back. I ain’t ever seen a more perfect face…or a colder one. The giant takes her hand.
“I will let you decide the dwarf’s fate my daughter.”
She regards us with her cold flat eyes, then shrugs, apparently not the least bit concerned that a life hangs on her decision. What kind of people are they to treat a life so casually, I think.
“I do not care either way father. But if he speaks the truth then maybe I shall let him live to hear his stories and his music. If he can keep me entertained for a while then he shall live…for a while.”
“So be it then!” the giant announces, beaming out at the crowd and they respond with a roar of approval. “You are truly fortunate dwarf. My compassionate daughter has spared your life. It would be wise not to disappoint her.”
“Thank you! Oh thank you kind lady!” Tater says falling at her feet now, but his groveling is making me stomach sick and I don’t want to look at him anymore. Instead I stare at the girl with all the hostility and defiance I can muster at the unfairness of the situation. She stares back, her dark eyes like chips of flint. Then, half smiling, she steps toward me and starts untying my neck wrapper. Slowly she removes my gift from gra’da and wraps it about her own neck, staring at me, daring me the whole time to do something about it. I can feel my cheeks heating up with my anger and I so desperately want to push her away but I don’t do nuthin. I let her have it. Then her eyes travel down my chest and fall on the leather thong. She pulls my flower, my born day gift from Ben, out of my tunic and holds it on the palm of her hand. There ain’t no way in hell I’m going to let her take that! I grab her wrist and stare into her face with a heated “No!”
She looks surprised, like she ain’t used to not getting her own way. I push her hand away but I’m totally unprepared for what happens next. She throws a punch to my face! I can feel my lip split at the contact. Then before I can react she punches me in the ribs. I bend over in pain, the breath knocked out of me. I can hear the raiders round me all jeering, laughing now, they’re enjoying the show. She grabs my hair and jerks my head up hard, stares into my face.
“You dare touch me sandlander!”
She’s yanking on my hair so hard its bringing tears to my eyes. I can hear Finn calling my name, but I cain’t answer him to let him know I’m okay. She yanks the flower from my neck, snapping the leather. She lets go of my hair and pushes me back now that she has her prize. I stumble a bit, spit the blood out of my mouth. She holds her prize above her head, victorious, laughing, reveling in the cheers of her people. I see it in her hands, my one last link to Ben, to Rivercross, to everybody I ever loved, and a red hot pulsing starts in my blood. It feels like my blood is set aflame and there’s a buzzing in my ears, and I know there ain’t no way I’m going to let her have it. Before I even think of what I’m about to do I straighten up and go at her with a flying kick to the stomach. She is thrown backwards and lands on the ground in a heap and I’m on top of her before she can get a breath. My fist bashes her in the face and her blood sprays out over my hand but I don’t stop. It’s like the sight of it sends me into a frenzy. I bash her again and again, then I get her by the throat, both my hands wrapping around her neck. She’s grabbing my arms, trying to get me off of her neck but she cain’t budge me. I start squeezing, my hands possessing strength such as I ain’t ever known before. Her eyes are bulging now, and I can smell her fear, but I don’t stop. I cain’t stop. I’m aware of other hands grabbing at me, voices yelling but I focus on the face in front of me. My hatred is so overwhelming it’s all I can feel, all that I know. My one and only thought to snap her damn neck!
I don’t know what it is that hits me but the hard whack on the back of the head stuns me enough for me to loosen my grip. The second whack sends me into oblivion.
Raiders Camp
“Tara! Can you hear me?” I know the voice to be Finns but he’s yelling so loud! Why’s he yelling? His words are echoing round in my head adding to the drums already beating inside of there. I want to tell him to stop yelling but I don’t say nuthin ‘cause it hurts to even think right now.
Shizen! ...what happened? But then I remember the Raiders.
“She ain’t answering Tater! I think they’ve gone and killed her!”
“She’s not dead boy.....she’s too thick skulled to be taken out by a blow to the head. She’ll be fine.” Th
is is from Tater. He don’t sound the least bit worried, not like Finn. Good to know he’s so concerned about me.
“Ain’t they killed you yet?” It comes out as a croak but his answering snort assures me he understood. “You sniveling coward,” is what I want to add but I don’t.
“See Finn, I told you she was fine.”
I open my eyes to Finn’s worried face looming above me. He’s so white every freckle is standing out against his pale skin. I can tell he’s been crying but now he smiles at me in relief.
“Tara! Thank gods...you’re okay.”
I cain’t help but smile back at his obvious joy to see me alive but it makes my split lip crack again and that reminds me of the girl...and my reaction.
“I’m fine,” I say. “Help me up will you.”
He pulls me up to a sitting position and right away I get dizzy. I gotta stop getting hit in the head I think, as I reach around to feel the damage this time. The back of my head is real tender but there’s no lump...no blood. I probe a bit more with my fingers but there’s nuthin!
“I already checked....you have no injury,” Tater says but his tone is real strange. I look at him. He’s regarding me with a real odd expression, if I had to guess I would say he looks...pleased?
I ain’t hurt. How is that possible? I don’t get a chance to ask though ‘cause Finn, happy that I’m okay, is now jumping around like some crazy rabbit.
“Tara you were amazing! You took out that raider...gave her a real whoopin’! None of the others could get you offa her...it was like you had the strength of ten of ‘em! Took the Raider leader two hits with his big iron shooter to knock you out. You showed her real good!”
Awaken Page 10
